Aasimar Paladin Guide [D&D 5e]

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, the celestial realm is a place of unparalleled beauty and boundless good. Aasimars, with their divine heritage, are the mortal link to this celestial paradise. They are the chosen ones, blessed with the radiant touch of Mount Celestia and the lineage of celestial beings. Aasimar paladins are the embodiment of divine justice and champions of righteousness. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into creating and playing an Aasimar Paladin, exploring their celestial origins, abilities, and the various paths they can choose.

Unveiling the Aasimar Race

Aasimars are a unique race found in Volo’s Guide to Monsters, a sourcebook that adds depth to your D&D world. These celestial beings bear the unmistakable mark of their celestial ancestry, and their existence is both a testament to the divine and a symbol of hope in a world filled with darkness. While Aasimars typically embody goodness and light, there are exceptions. Some may stray from the path of righteousness and embrace neutrality or even darkness.

Aasimar Appearance: Aasimars appear outwardly human, but they are extraordinarily beautiful, exuding an otherworldly charm. Their celestial bloodline leaves distinctive traits that set them apart. Common features include pupilless eyes (shades of white, gray, or gold), silver hair (a sure sign you’re destined to be an anime protagonist), and light feathers on their shoulders, where wings would sprout (though they don’t naturally have wings).

Heritage Matters: Aasimars’ specific features can vary based on their celestial lineage. Let’s explore these celestial bloodlines:

Planetar

• Order of Angels in the Celestial Planes, defenders of truth and avengers, second to the Paragons
• ADF: Emerald skin

Avoral

• Humanoid with wings instead of arms, golden eagle eyes, bird-like legs, and feathers on their heads
• ADF: Feathers in hair

Ghaeles

• Knight-errands and advisers of the Eladrin. They appear similar to athletic high elves but possess radiant auras.
• ADF: Pearly opalescent eyes

Solar

• Similar to Planetars, these transcendent beings have radiant white or coppery gold wings.
• ADF: Silvery/Golden skin, brilliant topaz eyes

Couatl & Lillend

• Couatls resemble large, winged serpentine creatures, while Lillends are beautiful, winged creatures with scales and feathers.
• ADF: Small iridescent scales

Choosing Your Aasimar Path

Now that you understand the Aasimar race, it’s time to choose your path. Aasimar paladins have three distinct options, each with its own set of abilities and characteristics:

Protector Aasimar

• Guardian Angels that stand against Evil.
• Wisdom increase +1
• Radiant Soul: Unleash radiant energy, gain wings, and deal radiant damage.

Fallen Aasimar

• Edgy goths who’ve embraced the shadows.
• Strength increase +1
• Necrotic Shroud: Release dark energy, gain skeletal ghostly wings, and terrify nearby foes.

Scourge Aasimar

• Divinely charged, burning with a desire to vanquish evil.
• Constitution increase +1
• Radiant Consumption: Emit radiant energy, dealing damage to yourself and nearby enemies.

Path of the Paladin: Oaths and Devotion

As an Aasimar paladin, you swear unwavering oaths to uphold justice and righteousness. The Player’s Handbook limits paladins to a good alignment, except for the rare Oathbreaker. However, this guide encourages you to explore a variety of oaths. You can still serve a deity with your oath but don’t need to be bound by strict moral choices.

Here are some paladin oaths to consider:

Oath of Devotion

• Tenets of Devotion: Honesty, Courage, Compassion, Honor, Duty
• Characteristics: Aura of Devotion, Purity of Spirit, Holy Nimbus

Oath of the Ancients

• Tenets of Devotion: Kindle the Light, Shelter the Light, Preserve Your Light, Be the Light
• Characteristics: Aura of Warding, Undying Sentinel, Elder Champion

Oath of Vengeance

• Tenets of Devotion: Fight the Greater Evil, No Mercy for the Wicked, By Any Means Necessary, Restitution
• Characteristics: Relentless Avenger, Soul of Vengeance, Avenging Angel

Oathbreaker (Optional)

• This unconventional path allows you to break your original oath, but it requires DM approval.
• Characteristics: Aura of Hate, Supernatural Resistance, Dread Lord

Building Your Aasimar Paladin

Before delving into the world of D&D, you need to build your Aasimar paladin character. Your choice of abilities, skills, and stats will shape your character’s role in the game. Here are some key considerations:

Stat Prioritization: Your choice of stats is crucial for your character’s effectiveness. The primary stat to prioritize will depend on your preferred playstyle:

• Strength Build: Prioritize strength to excel in close combat, followed by Charisma, Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Dexterity.
• Charisma Build: Emphasize Charisma, as some paladin abilities rely on it. Then prioritize strength, Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Dexterity.
• Dexterity Build: If you choose this build, prioritize Dexterity, followed by Charisma, Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Strength. This build might be unconventional, but it can be a fun choice.

Additional Advantages: As an Aasimar, you enjoy inherent advantages, such as dark vision and resistance to various types of damage, including necrotic, radiant, acidic, extreme cold, and electricity. Your radiant looks grant you a +2 to Charisma, enhancing your social interactions and charisma-based skills.

Understanding Paladin Abilities

As an Aasimar paladin, you possess a set of unique abilities that empower you to be a formidable force for good in the D&D universe. Here’s a glimpse into some of these abilities:

• Divine Sense: This ability allows you to sense and detect evil or magical entities within a 60-foot radius. You can pinpoint the location and type of celestial, fiend, or undead creatures in the vicinity. Additionally, you can detect consecrated or desecrated places or objects, uncovering hidden secrets and threats.
• Lay on Hands: As a paladin, you have the power to heal others with a touch. You can restore a number of hit points equal to your paladin level multiplied by five. It’s a vital ability to support your allies during challenging battles.
• Fighting Style: At 2nd level, you’ll choose a fighting style that suits your combat style. Options include Defense, Dueling, Greater Weapon Fighting, and Protection, allowing you to specialize in different aspects of combat.
• Divine Smite: When you make a melee attack, you can call upon your radiant divine power to deal additional damage. This ability packs a punch, making your strikes even more potent.
• Divine Health: Congratulations! You’re immune to diseases, giving you a significant advantage over most characters in the D&D world. It’s like having a constant supply of health care.
• Sacred Oaths: At 3rd level, you’ll select a sacred oath that aligns with your character’s values and goals. Each oath grants unique spells and abilities. Your choice will shape your character’s path and abilities throughout the game.

Roleplaying Your Aasimar Paladin

Playing an Aasimar paladin is more than just choosing abilities and rolling dice. It’s about immersing yourself in your character’s personality and story. Here’s some guidance on how to roleplay your Aasimar paladin effectively:

• Personality Traits: Aasimars typically display good-natured and cautious tendencies. This behavior stems from their celestial heritage, but keep in mind that not all Aasimars are paragons of virtue. Some may have a neutral or even evil disposition, so consider how your character’s alignment impacts their personality.
• Prejudices and Alliances: Aasimars often hold strong prejudices against those with fiendish blood and individuals who commit evil acts. However, they tend to get along well with other half-bloods, such as half-orcs and half-elves, as long as they don’t have fiendish lineage. Aasimars have a reputation for holding grudges, so it’s wise to tread carefully around them.
• Evolution with Age: As Aasimars grow older, they become more insightful, wise, alluring, and perceptive of others. They can develop into excellent counselors and diplomats, with the ability to read, write, and speak Common and Celestial.

Crafting Your Backstory

Before you venture into the world of D&D, it’s crucial to develop a rich backstory for your Aasimar paladin. This backstory will not only deepen your connection to the character but also provide your Dungeon Master with opportunities to weave your story into the larger campaign narrative. Here are some elements to consider while crafting your character’s past:

• Celestial Heritage: Start by delving into the specifics of your celestial lineage. Did your ancestors serve a particular deity or celestial being? What deeds or actions led to your bloodline being blessed with celestial powers? Understanding your heritage will help you shape your character’s values and beliefs.
• Oath and Calling: Why did your Aasimar choose the path of a paladin? What oath did they swear to uphold, and what drove them to make that solemn commitment? Whether it was a divine calling, a personal mission, or a desire to combat a specific evil, your character’s motivation is a key aspect of their backstory.
• Childhood and Upbringing: Consider your character’s early life experiences. Did they grow up in a celestial-attuned community or amidst mortals who were aware of their unique nature? How did they receive training in the ways of the paladin, and who served as their mentors or guides?
• Turning Points: Every character has moments that define their journey. Think about significant events or turning points that influenced your character’s beliefs and values. These experiences could include encounters with celestial beings, battles against evil forces, or personal trials that tested their commitment to their oath.
• Companions and Allies: Who are the individuals that have supported and shaped your character’s path? Allies, friends, or fellow adventurers may have played pivotal roles in your character’s life. Consider how these relationships have influenced your paladin’s personality and actions.

Integrating Into the Campaign

As you step into the campaign, it’s essential to collaborate with your Dungeon Master and fellow players to ensure a seamless fit for your Aasimar paladin. Here are some tips for integrating your character into the larger story:

• Discuss with Your Dungeon Master: Share your character’s backstory and goals with your DM. This allows them to incorporate elements of your story into the campaign and provide opportunities for personal growth and development.
• Cooperate with Other Players: Collaborate with your fellow adventurers to establish connections between your characters. Whether it’s shared backgrounds, common goals, or personal ties, these connections can enhance the role-playing experience and foster group cohesion.
• Adapt to the Campaign Setting: Ensure that your character’s values and motivations align with the campaign setting. If the campaign revolves around a specific theme or conflict, make sure your character has a reason to be invested in the overarching plot.
• Evolve and Grow: Throughout the campaign, your character should undergo personal growth and development. Embrace opportunities for your Aasimar paladin to confront their inner demons, strengthen their bond with celestial beings, and make choices that align with their oath.

Your journey as an Aasimar paladin in D&D 5e is a testament to the power of celestial bloodline and unwavering devotion. Your character’s celestial heritage, oath, and backstory will shape their path, while their actions in the campaign will define their legacy. Embrace the role-playing aspect of the game, immerse yourself in the celestial world, and let your Aasimar paladin become a shining beacon of hope, leading the charge against the forces of darkness. May your divine light guide you on your heroic adventures and righteous quests!

Conclusion

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, Aasimar paladins are beacons of hope, champions of good, and defenders of righteousness. As a player, you have the opportunity to mold a unique character with celestial lineage and unwavering dedication to a sacred oath. Whether you choose the path of Devotion, the Ancients, Vengeance, or even dare to become an Oathbreaker, your Aasimar paladin will leave an indelible mark on the world of D&D.

Now, it’s time for you to embark on your celestial journey, radiating light in the darkest corners of your campaign setting. Whether you’re a protector, a fallen hero, or a scourge against evil, your Aasimar paladin awaits their destiny, ready to make the world a better place, one smite at a time.