The Paladin Oath of Ancients: 20 Things Every Devotee Must Know

Introduction

Paladins of the Oath of Ancients are fierce defenders of the natural world, sworn to protect the innocent and preserve the balance of nature. Guided by the powers of the ancient gods, these paladins embody the virtues of courage, compassion, and unwavering resolve.

10 Core Principles of the Oath

1. Reverence for Nature: Respect the natural world and protect its creatures.
2. Preservation of Life: Cherish and preserve the sanctity of all living beings.
3. Courage in the Face of Darkness: Confront evil with unwavering determination.
4. Compassion for the Weak: Offer aid and solace to those in need.
5. Humility before the Divine: Recognize the power of the ancient gods and seek their guidance.
6. Protection of the Forests: Safeguard the ancient forests and their inhabitants.
7. Respect for the Hunt: Hunt only for sustenance and avoid excessive bloodshed.
8. Love for the Fey: Foster harmony with the creatures of the feywild.
9. Opposition to Undead: Purge the world of undead creatures and prevent their spread.
10. Guardianship of the Elements: Preserve the balance of the elements and protect against their corruption.

5 Key Tenants of the Oath

1. Protect the Natural World: Stand as a guardian of the forests, meadows, and rivers.
2. Defend the Innocent: Shield the weak, the defenseless, and the creatures of nature.
3. Fight Evil: Confront and defeat the forces of darkness that threaten the world.
4. Honor the Ancient Gods: Pray to the ancient gods and seek their blessings.
5. Uphold the Balance: Maintain harmony between civilization and the natural world.

4 Sacred Vows

1. Vow of Purity: Renounce all that is corrupt and evil.
2. Vow of Vigilance: Remain vigilant against the threats to the world.
3. Vow of Compassion: Treat all creatures with kindness and respect.
4. Vow of Unity: Stand together with other paladins and allies of the natural world.

6 Tenets of the Oath

1. Strength of the Forest: Draw on the ancient powers of the forest for strength and resolve.
2. Whispers of the Wind: Listen to the whispers of the wind and receive guidance from the spirits of nature.
3. Song of the Lark: Sing songs to the creatures of the forest and inspire them with your spirit.
4. Dance of the Stag: Move with the grace and swiftness of a stag, dodging attacks and striking with precision.
5. Blessing of the Sun: Call upon the sun's power to heal and protect your allies.
6. Fury of the Boar: Unleash the primal rage of a boar against your enemies.

10 Powers and Abilities

1. Channel Nature's Wrath: Summon the powers of nature to deal damage to your enemies.
2. Speak with Animals: Communicate with animals and gain their trust.
3. Protection from Nature: Gain resistance to nature-based attacks.
4. Enhance Ability: Strength: Enhance your physical strength for a short duration.
5. Aura of Vitality: Heal yourself and your allies with your aura.
6. Divine Sense: Detect the presence of undead and fiends.
7. Lay on Hands: Heal wounds and cure diseases.
8. Sacred Weapon: Enhance your weapon with the power of the ancient gods.
9. Revivify: Restore life to a fallen ally.
10. Ward of Nature: Protect yourself and your allies from nature-based attacks.

4 Useful Tables

| Table 1: Paladin Oaths |
|---|---|
| Oath | Core Principle |
| Oath of Ancients | Reverence for Nature |
| Oath of Conquest | Discipline and Order |
| Oath of Devotion | Love and Mercy |
| Oath of Redemption | Atonement and Redemption |

| Table 2: Sacred Vows of the Oath of Ancients |
|---|---|
| Vow | Significance |
| Purity | Renounce evil and corruption |
| Vigilance | Remain watchful against threats |
| Compassion | Treat all creatures with kindness |
| Unity | Stand with allies of nature |

| Table 3: Tenets of the Oath of Ancients |
|---|---|
| Tenet | Description |
| Strength of the Forest | Draw on the power of the forest |
| Whispers of the Wind | Seek guidance from spirits |
| Song of the Lark | Inspire creatures with your spirit |
| Dance of the Stag | Move with grace and swiftness |
| Blessing of the Sun | Heal and protect with the sun's power |
| Fury of the Boar | Unleash primal rage |

| Table 4: Powers and Abilities of Paladins of the Oath of Ancients |
|---|---|
| Ability | Effect |
| Channel Nature's Wrath | Damage enemies with nature's power |
| Speak with Animals | Communicate with animals |
| Protection from Nature | Gain resistance to nature attacks |
| Enhance Ability: Strength | Enhance physical strength |
| Aura of Vitality | Heal yourself and allies |
| Divine Sense | Detect undead and fiends |
| Lay on Hands | Heal wounds and cure diseases |
| Sacred Weapon | Enhance weapon with ancient power |
| Revivify | Restore life to a fallen ally |
| Ward of Nature | Protect from nature attacks |

6 Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Ignoring the Natural World: Focus too much on fighting evil and neglect the protection of nature.
2. Treating All Creatures as Equal: Fail to recognize the dangers posed by some creatures, such as undead and fiends.
3. Lacking Humility: Forget the teachings of the ancient gods and become arrogant and overbearing.
4. Breaking Vows: Violate your sacred vows, weakening your connection to the natural world.
5. Neglecting Self-Discipline: Fall into complacency and fail to maintain your physical and mental strength.
6. Fighting Alone: Refuse to cooperate with other paladins and allies, hindering your effectiveness.

8 Step-by-Step Approach to Embracing the Oath

1. Connect with Nature: Spend time in the wilderness, observe its creatures, and listen to its whispers.
2. Study the Ancient Texts: Read books and scriptures about the ancient gods and their teachings.
3. Take the Oath: Formally pledge yourself to the Oath of Ancients before a representative of nature.
4. Earn Powers and Abilities: Unlock new powers and abilities as you progress through your paladinic training.
5. Stand up for the Weak: Defend the innocent and protect the creatures of nature.
6. Fight Evil: Confront the forces of darkness and purge the world of their wickedness.
7. Respect the Ancient Gods: Pray to the ancient gods and seek their guidance.
8. Live by the Vows: Uphold your vows and maintain your integrity.

6 FAQs

1. Can Paladins of the Oath of Ancients summon animals?
   - Yes, they can cast the Find Steed and Find Greater Steed spells to summon mounts.

2. Do Paladins of the Oath of Ancients get proficiency in animal handling?
   - Yes, they gain proficiency in animal handling as part of their class features.

3. What is the difference between the Oath of Ancients and the Oath of Nature?
   - The Oath of Nature is an alternative paladin subclass that focuses on the elemental powers of nature, while the Oath of Ancients emphasizes the protection and preservation of the natural world.

4. Can Paladins of the Oath of Ancients cast druid spells?
   - No, they cannot cast druid spells, but they can gain access to certain druid cantrips and spells through the Magic Initiate feat.

   

5. What is the best race for a Paladin of the Oath of Ancients?
   - Races with bonuses to Strength or Wisdom, such as humans, elves, and dwarves, are good choices.

6. How should a Paladin of the Oath of Ancients interact with civilization?
   - They should strive to balance their obligations to protect nature with their responsibilities to society.