Dragonborn Paladin Guide [D&D 5e]

Last Updated on October 18, 2023

Welcome to the Dragonborn Paladin Guide for Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, brought to you by Winsgeeks.com. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into the intriguing world of Dragonborn Paladins, a unique class-race combination that offers a rich role-playing experience. While playing a Dragonborn Paladin might seem like an odd choice, it presents a fantastic opportunity for a character with a strong sense of justice, unwavering determination, and a hint of draconic power.

Unraveling the Dragonborn Mystery

Dragonborn, contrary to common misconception, are not half-dragons or the result of unconventional affairs with dragons. They are humanoid dragons originating from the dimension known as Abeir. Notably, Dragonborn lack tails, are hatched from eggs, and exhibit no humanoid facial features.

Though Dragonborn might lack tails, they possess a unique and powerful ability – elemental breath. Each Dragonborn is associated with a specific damage type based on their ancestry, making them formidable in battle. Here’s a quick reference to the elemental breath damage types associated with different Dragonborn:

• Black: Acid
• Blue: Lightning
• Brass: Fire
• Copper: Acid
• Gold: Fire
• Green: Poison
• Red: Fire
• Silver: Cold
• White: Cold
• Bronze: Lightning

Paladins in Dungeons & Dragons are often aligned with the lawful path, adhering to a code of moral principles. However, if you’d like to explore a more flexible approach to your character, remember that you don’t always have to strictly follow the rules. D&D is all about creativity and individuality.

The Oath of the Paladin

One of the most critical choices you’ll make as a Dragonborn Paladin is selecting your oath. Your oath will define your character’s path and motivations. Here are the primary oaths available to you:

1. Oath of Devotion

• Tenets of Devotion:
  • Honesty
  • Courage
  • Compassion
  • Honor
  • Duty
• Notable Abilities:
  • Aura of Devotion
  • Purity of Spirit
  • Holy Nimbus

2. Oath of the Ancients

• Tenets of Devotion:
  • Kindle the Light
  • Shelter the Light
  • Preserve Your Own Light
  • Be the Light
• Notable Abilities:
  • Aura of Warding
  • Undying Sentinel
  • Elder Champion

3. Oath of Vengeance

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

4. Oathbreaker

• As an Oathbreaker, you can intentionally break your initial oath.
• Notable Abilities:
  • Aura of Hate
  • Supernatural Resistance
  • Dread Lord

The Best Builds for Dragonborn Paladins

Dragonborn Paladins can be tailored to various playstyles based on your choice of abilities and attributes. Here are three recommended builds to consider:

Strength Build

• Prioritize Strength, as you receive a +2 racial bonus.
• Follow with Charisma (which gains a +1 bonus), Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and finally Dexterity.

Charisma Build

• Start with Charisma, benefiting from the +1 racial bonus.
• Next, focus on Strength (with a +2 bonus due to heavy armor), followed by Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Dexterity.

Dexterity Build

• Ideal for those who seek a sneakier approach.
• Prioritize Dexterity, then Charisma, Constitution, Wisdom, Intelligence, and Strength.

Unveiling the Paladin Features

Dragonborn Paladins come with a plethora of unique features that set them apart from other characters in the D&D universe. Some of the most notable ones include:

• Skill Proficiencies: Select two skills from a range that includes Athletics, Insight, Intimidation, Medicine, Persuasion, and Religion.
• Divine Sense: Detect evil or magical entities within 60 feet and objects that have been consecrated or desecrated.
• Lay on Hands: You can heal others, restoring hit points equal to your Paladin level multiplied by five.
• Fighting Style: Unlocked at level 2, you can choose from various combat styles like Defense, Dueling, Greater Weapon Fighting, or Protection.
• Divine Smite: Infuse your melee attacks with radiant divine power.
• Divine Health: Gain immunity to diseases, like having your very own health care and vaccine shots.

Sacred Oaths and Channel Divinity

Upon reaching level 3, you’ll have the opportunity to select your sacred oath, each with its unique set of spells and channeling abilities. Here’s an overview of the options available to you:

Oath of Devotion:

• Oath Spells: Protection from Evil and Good, Sanctuary, Lesser Restoration, Zone of Truth, Beacon of Hope, Dispel Magic, Freedom of Movement, Guardian of Faith, Commune, Flame Strike.
• Channel Divinity: Sacred Weapon, Turn the Unholy.

Oath of Ancients:

• Oath Spells: Ensnaring Strike, Speak with Animals, Moonbeam, Misty Step, Plant Growth, Protection from Energy, Ice Storm, Stoneskin, Commune with Nature, Tree Stride.
• Channel Divinity: Nature’s Wrath, Turn the Faithless.

Oath of Vengeance:

• Oath Spells: Bane, Hunter’s Mark, Hold Person, Misty Step, Haste, Protection from Energy, Banishment, Dimension Door, Hold Monster, Scrying.
• Channel Divinity: Abjure Enemy, Vow of Enmity.

Oathbreaker:

• Oath Spells: Hellish Rebuke, Inflict Wounds, Crown of Madness, Darkness, Animate Dead, Bestow Curse, Blight, Confusion, Contagion, Dominate Person.
• Channel Divinity: Control Undead, Dreadful Aspect.

Navigating the Dragonborn’s Place in the World

In the world of D&D, Dragonborn often face discrimination due to their rarity and unique appearance. They are an extraordinary sight in Toril, having existed in this realm for only a few hundred years. Dragonborn respect skill and excellence, feeling neutral towards other races. When seeking assistance or guidance, they usually turn to fellow Dragonborn or rely on their inner strength rather than seeking external aid.

Despite their tough exterior, Dragonborn are emotional beings. Their bonus to charisma reflects their empathy and charm. However, their independent nature means they rarely ask for help and prefer to be the ones looked up to rather than relying on others. Their stubbornness is a defining trait, making them formidable and resolute in keeping their oaths.

Roleplaying Your Dragonborn Paladin

Roleplaying as a Dragonborn Paladin allows you to explore a unique backstory and character development. Dragonborn’s origins as former slaves to dragons make them tight-knit and value clan and honor above all else. Unlike the real world, where religion is celebrated, practicing religion as a Dragonborn is considered scandalous and could lead to disownment.

Dragonborn Paladins can be driven by various motivations, including rebellion, the desire to have something to believe in, or desperate circumstances. Your character’s reasons for becoming a Paladin can be as diverse as your imagination allows.

As a Dragonborn, you have the advantage of understanding both Common and Draconic, the oldest language in existence. While Draconic may sound harsh and intimidating to others, it is a language often used in the study of magic.

In conclusion, playing a Dragonborn Paladin in D&D 5e offers a unique and rich role-playing experience. Your character’s backstory, oath, and attributes will shape a compelling narrative and make you a formidable force on your quest for justice. So, channel your inner dragon and embark on your heroic journey in the world of Dungeons & Dragons.

For more information and inspiration, you can also visit the Dragonborn Paladin Female or Paladin Level Up resources.

Now, go forth and let the flames of justice burn brightly in your Dragonborn Paladin’s heart!