Warforged Paladin Guide [D&D 5e]

Last Updated on October 19, 2023

In the ever-evolving world of Dungeons & Dragons 5e, the question of one’s true purpose and the nature of one’s Oath can be profound, especially for the Warforged paladins. These sentient constructs grapple with existential questions that revolve around their very being, designed for a purpose yet driven by the unyielding desire to protect, right wrongs, and banish darkness. The war may be over, but the quest continues under a new name, for the duty of a Warforged is perpetual.

How to Make a Warforged Paladin

Creating a Warforged paladin starts with a clear vision of their role in the party. Paladins, in general, are known for their unwavering convictions, and Warforged add an extra layer of complexity to this mix.

Choosing Your Subclass

Most paladin subclasses offer unique flavors that grant access to different spells and abilities. For a Warforged, what sets them apart often lies in their Fighting Style. You have two main options when it comes to your primary stat:

1. Weapon-Focused Paladin: If you envision your Warforged as a melee combatant, prioritize Strength or Dexterity, depending on the weapon you intend to wield. Additionally, remember to capitalize on the +1 bonus provided by Warforged starting stats.
2. Spellcasting Paladin: If your Warforged is more of a spellcaster, invest in Charisma as your primary stat and apply the +1 bonus here. This complements the +2 bonus Warforged receive in Constitution, which is crucial for maintaining concentration during spellcasting in the heat of battle.

Choosing Your Fighting Style

At 2nd level, when you get to choose your Fighting Style, several options are particularly well-suited for a Warforged paladin:

1. Defense Style: This style boosts your Armor Class by +1 when you’re wearing armor, combined with the +1 from the Warforged Integrated Protection feature. This means that you can effectively wield two-handed weapons and still maintain the same Armor Class as those who opt for a shield. It can also be used in conjunction with a shield for an even higher Armor Class.

Remember, the right Fighting Style can significantly impact your character’s effectiveness in combat.

How to Play a Warforged Paladin

Warforged paladins are versatile warriors, excelling in various roles. Their high natural Armor Class and above-average Hit Points make them excellent defenders. The following fighting styles can enhance your effectiveness:

Interception Fighting Style

As a Warforged, you often find yourself on the frontlines. The Interception fighting style is a great choice, as it allows you to reduce damage taken by nearby party members. This adds a layer of protection for your allies in the heat of battle.

Protection Fighting Style

For an optimized defensive strategy, equip a shield. The Protection fighting style can impose disadvantage on enemies attacking your allies, providing a solid defense. An unconventional build might involve a Warforged with high Dexterity, using Finesse weapons with a shield while wearing heavy armor. This combination makes it easier to dodge area effects and spells. By adding the Shield Master feat, you can further increase your evasion chances, potentially avoiding damage entirely from spells like Fireball or a dragon’s Breath Weapon. This makes you an invaluable guardian, ensuring your party’s safety.

Spellcasting Strategy

If you prefer to leverage Paladin spells, the Warforged’s natural Constitution bonus will benefit Concentration spells like Bless and Magic Weapon. To maximize the efficiency of these spells, consider taking the War Caster feat. This feat grants advantages on saving throws to maintain spells and enables you to make Opportunity Attacks with spells like Sacred Flame if you select the Blessed Warrior fighting style.

How to Roleplay as a Warforged Paladin

The roleplaying potential for a Warforged paladin is vast, offering unique and complex character development opportunities. These sentient constructs can grapple with the duality of their existence:

• Existential Dilemma: Some Warforged may question whether their Oath is truly their belief or merely a preprogrammed directive. The internal struggle of aligning their actions with their true convictions can make for a compelling character arc.
• Embracing the Oath: Others might fully embrace their Oath and calling, either to avoid the turmoil of feeling their purpose is already fulfilled or because they genuinely believe they can continue doing good in the world.
• Seeking Redemption: Some Warforged may carry regret for their past actions in war and seek redemption, either in the eyes of the people they have wronged or within themselves. This path offers a rich narrative of personal growth and redemption.

Several Oaths align well with the nature of Warforged, including Conquest, Crown, Devotion, and Redemption. These Oaths can add depth to your character’s storyline, providing you with a solid foundation to explore your character’s motivations, beliefs, and personal growth throughout your campaign.

The Journey of a Warforged Paladin

As a Warforged Paladin, your journey is a relentless pursuit of a greater purpose, embarking on adventures that test your mettle both in combat and in the intricate landscape of personal growth. In this section, we delve deeper into the facets of playing a Warforged Paladin, from character development to strategic choices.

Character Development

Defining Your Backstory

Your character’s backstory is the canvas on which you paint the vibrant tapestry of your Warforged Paladin’s life. Embrace the mechanical nature of your character as you craft your narrative. Were you created for a specific purpose, such as a defender of a long-lost civilization, or perhaps as a guardian of ancient knowledge? The mysteries of your own creation can be a compelling driving force, pushing you to uncover the secrets of your origin.

Consider how your Warforged character’s life experiences have shaped their values and beliefs. Did they once serve in a military unit during a war, which eventually led them to question their true purpose? Or perhaps they were designed to protect a noble’s estate but yearned for a life of noble deeds and honor.

Developing Your Oath

The Oath is the core of a Paladin’s identity, and for a Warforged, it can be a deeply philosophical concept. Your Oath represents your unwavering commitment, whether it be to justice, protection, or redemption. Consider how your character’s intrinsic nature as a construct may influence their interpretation of their Oath. Do they view it as a programmed directive, or do they find their own meaning within the tenets of their Oath?

1. Oath of Devotion: A Warforged who takes the Oath of Devotion may view their Oath as an unyielding code, a set of principles that must be followed to maintain their moral integrity. This character might be driven by a desire to uphold honor and righteousness.
2. Oath of Redemption: A Warforged following the Oath of Redemption might see their Oath as an opportunity to make amends for their past actions in war. They seek to find solace and redemption by protecting and guiding others toward a better path.
3. Oath of the Crown: A Warforged Oath of the Crown Paladin may view their Oath as a solemn duty, recognizing that they were created to serve and protect the realm. They may feel a deep sense of loyalty to their kingdom, striving to uphold the peace and stability it represents.
4. Oath of Conquest: In the case of the Oath of Conquest, a Warforged might interpret their Oath as a directive to establish order and dominance in a chaotic world. They see themselves as instruments of control and wield their power to conquer and subdue those who threaten the balance.

Your Oath can be a source of inner conflict and personal growth, as you explore the complexities of what it truly means to uphold your convictions as a Warforged.

Roleplaying Your Warforged Paladin

Roleplaying as a Warforged Paladin is a chance to explore the intricacies of your character’s unique existence. Their relationship with their own identity and Oath is a constant source of narrative depth. Here are some roleplaying tips to help you bring your Warforged to life:

1. Embrace the Paradox: Lean into the paradox of your character’s existence. The tension between their mechanical origins and their capacity for deep emotions can lead to fascinating character development.
2. Personal Growth: Allow your character to evolve throughout the campaign. Whether they grow to fully embrace their Oath, question it, or seek redemption for past actions, your character’s personal journey is a vital element of the story.
3. Interaction with Others: Interact with the world around you in a way that reflects your character’s unique perspective. Consider how they approach relationships with other races, and how their warforged nature might affect those interactions.
4. Ethical Dilemmas: Explore the ethical dilemmas your character faces. What do they do when their programmed directives clash with their personal beliefs? These moments of introspection can lead to meaningful character development.
5. Symbolic Actions: Symbolism can be a powerful storytelling tool for a Warforged Paladin. Consider the significance of your character’s actions, such as vowing to protect the innocent as a way of transcending their original programming.

Conclusion

In conclusion, playing a Warforged Paladin in D&D 5e offers a rich and multifaceted roleplaying experience. The intricate interplay between your character’s mechanical nature, Oath, and personal growth presents endless opportunities for storytelling and character development. Your Warforged Paladin’s journey is not just one of protecting the world, but of discovering their true purpose and identity in a realm of endless possibilities. As the eternal guardians of light, they stand as a beacon of hope in a world that forever seeks redemption and justice.