Paladin Level Guide: A Comprehensive Guide to Mastering Your Holy Warrior

In the realm of fantasy RPGs, Paladins stand as beacons of virtue, wielding both divine power and martial prowess. As you embark on your journey as a Paladin, navigating the intricate path of leveling up is crucial for unlocking your character's true potential. This comprehensive guide offers a detailed roadmap from level 1 to the max level, providing essential knowledge to optimize your character's abilities and prepare for the challenges ahead.

Level 1-10: The Foundation of Piety

Your initial levels lay the groundwork for your Paladin's journey. At level 1, choose between two archetypes: Oath of Devotion, emphasizing righteousness and protection, or Oath of Vengeance, focusing on retribution and justice.

Essential Abilities:

• Lay on Hands: A versatile healing spell that mends wounds or cures diseases.
• Divine Smite: Infuse your weapon with holy energy, dealing additional radiant damage to undead and fiends.
• Protection from Evil and Good: Ward off attacks from outsiders, providing valuable protection in early encounters.

Level 11-20: Embracing Divine Power

As you progress, your Paladin's divine abilities blossom. At level 11, you gain the Aura of Devotion or Aura of Vengeance, boosting the saving throws of allies or granting temporary hit points to yourself.

Key Skills:

• Channel Divinity: Use your divine power for special abilities, such as Sacred Weapon to enhance your attacks or Turn the Unholy to force undead creatures to flee.
• Divine Sense: Detect the presence of celestials, fiends, and undead, providing valuable insight into the supernatural realm.

Level 21-30: Mastering Martial Prowess

Your Paladin's martial prowess comes to the forefront in these levels. At level 21, you gain Improved Divine Smite, increasing the damage bonus from your Divine Smite.

Combat Techniques:

• Fighting Style: Choose a fighting style at level 2, such as Great Weapon Fighting for increased damage or Defense for enhanced armor class.
• Extra Attack: At level 5, you can make two attacks per action, allowing you to deliver devastating blows in combat.

Level 31-40: Embodying the Oath

Your Paladin's oath becomes increasingly central to your character's identity. At level 31, you gain your Sacred Oath Spells, providing access to powerful spells that align with your chosen oath.

Special Abilities:

• Aura of Protection: At level 6, your Aura of Devotion grants resistance to damage to all allies within range.
• Relentless Avenger: At level 15, your Oath of Vengeance grants advantage on Dexterity saving throws and increases your speed.

Level 41-50: Reaching Divinity

The pinnacle of your Paladin's journey culminates in the final levels. At level 41, you gain Rejuvenate Divine Smite, allowing you to use your Divine Smite more frequently.

Epic Abilities:

• Improved Divine Smite II: At level 47, your Divine Smite damage bonus reaches its maximum potency.
• Aura of Courage: At level 7, your Aura of Devotion grants immunity to fear to all allies within range.

Tips and Tricks

• Optimize Your Ability Scores: Prioritize Strength and Charisma for melee Paladins or Dexterity and Charisma for ranged Paladins.
• Choose the Right Equipment: Obtain the best plate armor available to maximize your AC and protect yourself from harm.
• Use Your Lay on Hands Wisely: Conserve your healing spells for critical moments or to revive fallen allies.
• Position Yourself Strategically: Stand near allies to protect them with your Aura of Devotion or charge into combat to engage the enemy.
• Don't Neglect Your Roleplay: Embody the ideals of your chosen oath and make decisions that align with your Paladin's values.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overextending: Paladins are tanky, but they're not invincible. Avoid engaging too many enemies at once or taking unnecessary risks.
• Hoarding Divine Smite: Don't save your Divine Smite charges for special occasions. Use them frequently to maximize your damage output.
• Neglecting Your Support Abilities: Paladins have excellent support abilities. Don't hesitate to use spells like Lay on Hands or Aura of Protection to assist your party.
• Ignoring Your Oath: Your oath is the core of your character. Make sure your actions and decisions align with its tenets.
• Rushing to Max Level: Take your time leveling up and enjoy the journey. The experiences and challenges you encounter along the way will shape your Paladin's character.

Conclusion

As you ascend the levels of Paladinhood, you will grow in both power and devotion. Embrace the principles of your oath, wield your divine powers wisely, and become an unwavering force for righteousness in the world of fantasy roleplaying. May your journey be filled with epic battles, unforgettable quests, and the unwavering support of your fellow adventurers.