Paladin Oaths in Baldur's Gate 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Paladins are a revered class in Baldur's Gate 3, known for their unwavering devotion to their ideals and their mastery of holy magic. Central to their identity are their Oaths, sacred vows that shape their actions and guide their path. Each Oath grants unique abilities, proficiencies, and benefits that enhance the paladin's combat prowess and role within the party.

The 5 Paladin Oaths

Baldur's Gate 3 offers a total of 5 Paladin Oaths, each with its own distinct flavor and playstyle:

1. Oath of Devotion: The Oath of Devotion embodies the classic paladin archetype, dedicated to justice, righteousness, and the protection of others.
2. Oath of the Ancients: Paladins of the Ancients draw their power from nature itself, defending the world from threats that harm the environment or its creatures.
3. Oath of Vengeance: The Oath of Vengeance empowers paladins to seek retribution against those who have wronged them or caused suffering to others.
4. Oath of Conquest: Paladins of Conquest are driven by a desire to control and dominate, using their martial prowess to impose order and achieve victory.
5. Oath of Redemption: The Oath of Redemption focuses on forgiveness and the power of redemption, seeking to guide sinners back to the path of righteousness.

Oaths' Mechanics and Abilities

Each Paladin Oath grants a set of abilities and proficiencies that enhance the paladin's capabilities:

• Oath Tenets: A code of conduct that guides the paladin's actions and beliefs.
• Channel Divinity: Special abilities that the paladin can use to perform miraculous feats, such as healing allies or damaging enemies.
• Divine Smite: A powerful attack that adds extra radiant damage to a weapon attack.
• Improved Divine Smite: An upgraded version of Divine Smite that scales with paladin level.
• Aura of Protection: An aura that grants bonuses to the paladin and their allies' saving throws.
• Aura of Courage: An aura that grants bonuses to the paladin and their allies' ability checks.
• Holy Weapon: A feature that empowers the paladin's weapon with radiant damage.

Choosing the Right Oath

The choice of Oath depends on the player's desired playstyle and character concept. Some key considerations include:

• Role in the Party: Paladins can fulfill various roles in the party, such as damage dealers, tanks, or support characters. Certain Oaths are better suited to specific roles.
• Personal Values: The Oaths embody different ethical and moral codes. Players should choose an Oath that aligns with their character's beliefs and motivations.
• Campaign Setting: The campaign setting can influence the choice of Oath. For example, the Oath of the Ancients may be more suitable in a nature-themed campaign.

The Strength of Oaths

Paladins who adhere strictly to their Oaths gain significant benefits:

• Sacred Vow: Paladins who follow their Oath earn a Sacred Vow, which grants additional abilities and enhancements.
• Oath Spells: Paladins can learn and cast spells that are specific to their Oath, providing access to unique and powerful abilities.
• Expanded Divine Smite: The Expanded Divine Smite feature increases the damage of Divine Smite by half a paladin's level.

Oaths in Action

Paladin Oaths come to life during gameplay, shaping the player's choices and interactions:

• Roleplaying Opportunities: Oaths provide opportunities for roleplaying, as players navigate moral dilemmas and interact with NPCs based on their Oath principles.
• Tactical Advantage: Certain Oaths grant abilities that provide tactical advantages in combat, such as the Oath of Redemption's ability to heal enemies or the Oath of Conquest's ability to control the battlefield.
• Story Development: Oaths can drive character development and plot progression, as players face challenges and make choices that test their adherence to their beliefs.

Conclusion

Paladin Oaths in Baldur's Gate 3 are a defining aspect of the class, offering a wide range of options to customize the character and enhance its capabilities. By understanding the mechanics, benefits, and roleplay opportunities associated with each Oath, players can create a paladin that aligns perfectly with their playstyle and character concept. Whether seeking justice as an Oath of Devotion paladin or embracing the power of redemption as an Oath of Redemption paladin, the Oaths empower paladins to play a pivotal role in the vibrant world of Baldur's Gate 3.