The Paladin

Overview of Pathfinder 1E Paladin

The Paladin in Pathfinder 1E shines as a versatile and formidable force, offering distinctive traits and abilities. The guide explores various Paladin builds, highlighting their resilience, combat prowess, and thematic depth.

Paladin’s Narrative Role and Unique Features

Delve into the essential background and lore of the Paladin class, emphasizing its unwavering dedication, righteous might, and its boundless potential for customization in Pathfinder 1E.

Optimizing Paladin’s Use and Addressing Weaknesses

The guide offers key strategies and tips for optimizing the use of Paladins, focusing on their strengths while addressing potential weaknesses, allowing players to harness the full potential of this iconic class.

Encouraging Player Creativity and Adaptation

Aspiring adventurers are encouraged to explore the diverse Paladin types and embrace character customization, fostering imaginative and tailored creations that align with individual preferences in Pathfinder 1E.

In the realm of Pathfinder 1E, the Paladin stands as a beacon of unwavering dedication and righteous might. With a rich tapestry of character options and boundless potential for customization, the Paladin class has garnered both reverence and contention among players and enthusiasts. Embarking on a journey to illuminate the path to ideal Paladin builds, this guide draws from the wealth of knowledge primarily found in the Glass Walker’s PATHFINDER’S PALADIN Guide. Prepare to delve into the nuances of creating formidable, noble warriors driven by unyielding valor and integrity.

The Base Paladin

This holistic analysis culminates in a formidable paladin build that defies stereotypes and establishes the paladin as a well-rounded character adept at combat, diplomacy, and healing. By maximizing the Strength attribute and incorporating strategic traits, skills, and feats, this build redefines the traditional paladin archetype.

Building an Effective Oradin

The Oradin is capable of offering exceptional healing while remaining effective in combat. Their combination of Paladin and Oracle classes enables reaching the pinnacle of healing capabilities while also maintaining combat prowess. By effectively utilizing Lay on Hands and building the Oracle’s Revelations to synergize with the healing power of the Paladin, your Oradin can be a significant asset to any adventuring party.

To build an effective Oradin: Combine the Paladin’s Hospitalier Archetype and the Oracle’s Pei Zin Practitioner. We recommend leveling as Paladin 2/Oracle 4/Paladin +14 and choosing the Angel-Blooded Aasimar race for the optimal synergy between Strength and Charisma.

The Oradin is equipped with fantastic healing capabilities, leveraging the Life Mystery’s Healer’s Way and Life Link Revelations to channel immense healing power. This allows the Oradin to transfer damage from allies to themselves and efficiently heal as a swift action. A combination of feats such as Selective Channeling and Extra Lay on Hands further amplifies their healing potential.

Becoming a Formidable Shadowbane Knight

The Shadowbane Knight possesses unusual combat tactics and a blend of shadow mastery and stone-like resilience. For players who are keen on a non-traditional approach to a paladin, combining the Stonelord Archetype with the Shadowdancer Prestige Class provides unique combat abilities and mobility.

Leverage the Stonelord’s Natural Armor bonus and DR of up to 5/Adamantine to enhance your resilience. Combine that with the Shadowdancer’s mobility, stealth tactics, and tactical maneuvers to gain the upper hand in combat. Crafting a balanced mix of mobility and defense is the key to becoming a formidable Shadowbane Knight.

Adopting the Ways of the Blackguard

The Blackguard exemplifies the embodiment of malevolence and fear-induced power. Through the combination of the Tyrant Antipaladin Archetype and the Sanguine Angel Prestige Class, one can set forth a path to becoming a master of fear and devastation.

The Blackguard’s combat prowess revolves around the implementation of abilities that shroud foes in fear. By skillfully using powers such as Conduction, Aura of Cowardice, and the Sanguine Angel’s special abilities, you can instill fear and panic among enemies, making it an enthralling and formidable option for those drawn to the darkness.

Forging the Path of the Crusader

The Crusader is an iconic force against darkness, showcasing relentless dedication to eradicating evil. By melding the Tortured Crusader Archetype with levels of a Vigilante and the Heritor Knight Prestige Class, one can craft a compelling narrative reflecting the sacrifice and zeal that shapes their journey.

The Crusader fortifies their stance against evil and gains a blend of combat prowess, special abilities, and a unique array of offensive and defensive techniques to combat various adversaries. With access to features such as Instant Killing for good undead and other defining abilities, the Crusader becomes an exemplar of valor and abnegation.

Key Takeaways

With a variety of unique traits and abilities that make them invaluable in a variety of scenarios, paladins in Pathfinder 1E are a formidable and versatile force. The Crusader’s unshakable devotion, the Shadowbane Knight’s enigmatic strength, or the Blackguard’s formidable presence—all embody the powerful fusion of fortitude, fighting ability, and thematic nuance that Paladins bring to the table.
Exploring the various Paladin types allows for a rich and diverse gameplay experience, catering to different playstyles and character concepts. Each build brings its own unique power and intrigue, showcasing the adaptability and dynamic nature of the Paladin class.

Personalized Adventure

With a myriad of build options and character customization paths available, aspiring adventurers are encouraged to delve into the world of Paladins, fostering imaginative and tailored creations that align with their individual preferences. Pathfinder 1E offers a vast canvas for players to craft their narrative and realize the full potential of the Paladin’s abilities in their own unique and captivating ways.

FAQ

What are the key features of the base Paladin build?

The base Paladin build is a showcase of the sheer coolness of Paladins. With a focus on Strength as the primary attribute, the build emphasizes a high AC, good saves, divine abilities, and useful skills such as Diplomacy and Sense Motive. It also delves into important feats, mercies, and equipment choices, making the Paladin a versatile and resilient character.

How does the Oradin build make Paladins the best healers in the game?

The Oradin, a Paladin/Oracle multiclass, excels in healing. By combining the Paladin’s Hospitalier Archetype and the Oracle’s Pei Zin Practitioner, this build maximizes the healing potential. With Life Link, Lay on Hands, Channel Energy, and other unique abilities, the Oradin becomes an unparalleled healer, ensuring sustained combat effectiveness while providing significant support to the party.

What makes the Shadowbane Knight build stand out in combat?

The Shadowbane Knight build offers a perfect blend of mobility and combat prowess. By incorporating the Stonelord Archetype and the Shadowdancer Prestige Class, the Paladin becomes a formidable force both in mobile skirmishes and as an immovable object. Noteworthy features include increased mobility, defensive stance, shadow companions, and excellent damage potential, making it a versatile and powerful combatant.

How does the Blackguard build excel in instilling fear in enemies?

The Blackguard, an Antipaladin/Sanguine Angel, specializes in fear-based combat and versatility. With a focus on strength and dexterity, this build thrives in both melee and ranged combat. By leveraging abilities such as Touch of Corruption, Aura of Cowardice, and specific feats, the Blackguard emanates fear, inflicting debilitating conditions on foes, and effectively controlling the battlefield while dealing massive damage.

What unique qualities does the Crusader build bring to the Paladin class?

The Crusader build, featuring the Tortured Crusader Archetype, Vigilante, and Heritor Knight Prestige Class, elevates the Paladin to an unparalleled status. A powerful mounted combatant with diverse defensive and offensive capabilities, the Crusader stands against darkness while embodying the righteous ideal. It possesses remarkable feats, special abilities, and skills, ensuring unparalleled prowess in hunting evildoers and safeguarding allies from various threats.