Paladin (class)
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Paladins are renowned across the world for their exceptional valour and unwavering dedication to defending their faith and duty. Their heroic feats have inspired countless tales, often retold by bards during evening gatherings. The stories of legendary paladins like William, Roland, Gormond and Isembart are the stuff of young men's dreams, motivating them to excel in their training, hoping to be recognized for their martial prowess and unwavering faith.
To join their esteemed ranks, aspiring paladins undergo rigorous and demanding training shaping them into pious warriors with a moral duty to serve their religion. Whether acting independently or authorized by their kingdom, paladins are highly respected by law-abiding citizens and deeply reviled by those who thrive on chaos.
It's a misconception that paladins must adhere strictly to notions of goodness or law. Some paladins defend the religious principles of evil cults or serve beliefs that are indifferent to concepts of justice and truth, casting them as formidable antagonists. The path a paladin follows is a matter of personal conviction; the rules do not impose rigid guidelines dictating a paladin's beliefs. Each paladin defines their own code of honor and allegiance.
To Become a Paladin
The primary attribute of the paladin is strength. Paladins may be human.
To become a paladin, a character must have these minimum ability stats:
- 12 strength
- 9 intelligence
- 13 wisdom
- 9 constitution
- 7 dexterity
- 17 charisma
Experience Table
| Level | Max. X.P. | HD | Level Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 0 | 1 | gallant |
| 2nd | 2,751 | 2 | keeper |
| 3rd | 5,501 | 3 | protector |
| 4th | 12,001 | 4 | defender |
| 5th | 24,001 | 5 | warder |
| 6th | 45,001 | 6 | guardian |
| 7th | 95,001 | 7 | chevalier |
| 8th | 175,001 | 8 | justiciar |
| 9th | 350,001 | 9 | paladin |
| 10th | 700,001 | 9+3 | knight paladin |
| 11th | 1,050,001 | 9+6 | paladin of the blossom |
| 12th | 1,400,001 | 9+9 | paladin of the holy order |
Multi-classed paladins must have a minimum strength of 16. To gain a +10% experience bonus, the paladin must have both a minimum strength and wisdom of 16. The table shown describes the necessary experience to claim each level of the paladin, gaining hit dice and further abilities. Each level above 12th requires 350,000 additional experience. Paladins gain 3 hit points per level above 9th, but as this is not an increase in hit dice, further constitution bonuses are not accrued. Paladins cannot progress beyond 26th level.
Advantages
Paladins receive several benefits that no other class enjoys: ability to detect malevolence on a continuous basis; benefit of +2 adjustment when making saving throws; immunity from disease, and to cure disease in others, once a week to start (1st to 5th level), then twice a week (6th to 10th level), progressing at that rate until their maximum level.
Paladins also have the power to lay on hands, on others or upon their own person, granting 2 hit points per level of experience, one time per day. A continuous holy protection surrounds the paladin, extending outwards for two combat hexes, that any ally of the paladin can enjoy if within that radius.
At 3rd level, paladins gain the ability to turn undead, though they lack knowledge in dweomercraft. At 4th level, the paladin may call for a paladin's warhorse, which will behave like a loyal henchman towards the paladin.
Paladins begin to receive spellcasting abilities at 9th level. They also possess unique combat abilities and Paladin Sage Abilities. Players wishing to become a paladin should familiarize themselves with these characteristics.
See also,
Character Background Generator
Character Creation
Holy Weapon
Multiple Attacks
Player Characters
THAC0
