You can not change the past, but you can atone for it. InDungeons & Dragons, characters and creatures are prone to growth and change. No class knows that more than the oath of redemption paladin. An oath of redemption paladin believes that very few creatures are truly evil and that those who border the edge can be brought back into the light.

Related:Dungeons & Dragons: How To Build An Oath Of Devotion Paladin

A paladin sits on a pillar, overlooking a valley

The oath of redemption paladin utilizes their holy nature to redeem fallen creatures and lost souls. They are peaceful and patient, only using violence as a last resort. Still, they are not naive and if they need to, will strike down those who deserve it.

Oath Of Redemption Paladin Features

As an oath of redemption paladin, you have access to certain abilities and features which set you apart from other paladins.The oath of redemption paladin offers more versatility compared to other subclasses.You are not necessarily focused on demolishing foes, and insteadtake a more control-oriented approach to combat and encounters.

Your oath grants you a selection of spells normally not allowed to paladins.The oath spells offered by this subclass are some of the best.

A potion of healing being poured into a mouth

Key features

13th

A large dragonborn spirit in front of a landscape

17th

Hold Monster, Wall of Force

Your channel divinity optionsgiven by your oath areEmissary of Peace and Rebuke the Violent.Emissary of Peace gives a+5 bonus to persuasionchecks, while Rebuke the Violent causes enemies totake the damage they just dealt.

The oath of redemption’s 7th and 15th level features synergize well. At level 7, you gain the Aura of Protection, whichallows you to take allies hits for them.At 15th level, you get protective spirit, meaningyou will regain hit points equal to 1d6+paladin level, per roundif under half health. While if you are using your Aura, you will lose more hit points than you gain, it does make it more sustainable.

A ghostly horse in front of a village

Your 20th level feature, Emissary of Redemption, discourages and punishes enemies from attacking you. You choose between havingresistance to all damage from attacksorharming those that hit you.

Best Ability Scores For An Oath Of Redemption Paladin

You will want to focus on the ability scores that enhance your oath of redemption features. This meansyou will want a high Strength, high Constitution, and a high Charisma.You do not need to prioritize your other stats and can throw them to the wayside.Neither Dexterity, Intelligence, nor Wisdom will do much for you.

Consult the table below on how to distribute your ability scores if you are using point buy:

A glowing mace

15

10

14

8

Having at least a 13 in Strength is important, so you’re able to start with chain mail armor.

Related:Dungeons & Dragons: How To Build An Oath Of Vengeance Paladin

Best Species For An Oath Of Redemption Paladin

When playing an oath of redemption paladin, there are many thematic species options you’re able to choose from. This is especially the case if you are playing with the customized origin rules. If not, search for those whichboostStrength, Constitution,or Charisma. The following species all have something to enhance your oath of redemption paladin.

Aasimar

Aasimar’s are quintessential paladins, they’re angelic and holy, seeming to emanate everything someone who took an oath of redemption would be like.They have a bonus to Charismaand have three forms of divine energy you can choose from. Radiant Soul works well with an oath of redemption paladin, allowing you totake flight and deal more damage when you need to.

Dragonborn

Dragonborn are often chivalrous and mighty. They often have abonus to Strength and Charisma, and their breath weapon proves useful in hard situations. If you are using the Fizban’s Treasure of Dragons version of the Dragonborn, the Metallic Dragonborn’s second breath feature is a good option to halt and weaken enemies.

Dwarf

Both options for the dwarfs are excellent, giving a+2 to Constitution and either a bonus to hit points or Strength.Choose between the Hill or Mountain Dwarf depending on if you want to have more health or deal more damage.

Firbolg

A gentle giant, the Firbolg fits the peaceful ways of an oath of redemption paladin well. Still, they typically have abonus to Strength and access to helpful spells.

Kobold

The kobold might be an unconventional choice for a paladin, but the species can work quite well. Using the Monsters of the Multiverse version, you cangive your party advantage on demandand choose tohave a cantrip from the sorcerer spell list.

Best Spells For An Oath Of Redemption Paladin

Thougha paladin will always want some spell slots reserved for smites,your oath demands violence to be used as a last resort. As such,you have more space for utility spells.

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Best Starting Equipment For An Oath Of Redemption Paladin

You have a rather straightforward path for choosing your starting equipment. You will want tochoose a martial weapon and a shieldin order to have a higher armor class.Javelinswork well as a ranged weapon for a class who doesn’t have many options, choose them. And, anexplorer’s packhas more functionality than a priest’s pack. To round things out, you will havechain mail armor and a holy Symbol.

When selecting your main weapon, a one-handed martial weapon is your best option. Something like alongsword, warhammer, or morningstar works well.