Wizards of the Coast has given Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) enthusiasts a sneak peek at the redesigned Paladin class for the upcoming 2024 Player’s Handbook, set to release in September. This overhaul introduces significant changes to core abilities, aiming to enhance the class’s versatility & balance.
Major Overhaul to Paladin’s Smite Ability
One of the most striking changes is the rework of the Paladin’s iconic Smite ability. Previously, in the 2014 ruleset, Paladins could activate Divine Smite multiple times per turn, allowing for substantial burst damage. The new rules limit this ability to once per turn, transforming it into a set spell called Divine Smite that requires a Bonus Action to activate. This adjustment means that Paladins can no longer stack multiple Smites in a single turn, even with the Extra Attack feature or during attacks of opportunity.
Enhanced Abilities & Early Spellcasting
To balance the reduced frequency of Smite, several other abilities have been improved. Paladins now gain access to spellcasting at Level 1 instead of Level 2, effectively granting them smiting capabilities from the start. Additionally, the core Lay on Hands ability has been streamlined, requiring only a Bonus Action to activate. This change allows Paladins to heal & attack in the same turn, enhancing their role as versatile combatants & healers.
New & Improved Class Features
The redesign introduces several new abilities that expand the Paladin’s toolkit:
- Faithful Steed (Level 5): This ability grants the Find Steed spell as a permanently prepared option with one free use per day. The spell itself has been upgraded, making the summoned steed more suitable for healing & other supportive roles.
- Abjure Foes (Level 9): This new ability forces enemies to make a Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened of the Paladin. Frightened foes are limited to taking only a movement action, an action, or a bonus action, significantly hampering their combat effectiveness.
- Restoring Touch (Level 14): This ability allows Paladins to use Lay on Hands to clear certain conditions, further enhancing their support capabilities.
- Epic Boon (Level 19): Similar to the Fighter class, Paladins now gain access to the Epic Boon ability at Level 19, offering powerful late-game options.
Subclass Enhancements
All four Paladin subclasses have received notable updates, enhancing their unique features & abilities:
- Oath of Devotion: Gains a new feature called Smite of Protection, which grants cover to the Paladin & nearby allies.
- Oath of Glory: Boasts a stronger Aura of Alacrity & gains access to a new Oath spell called Yolande’s Regal Presence.
- Oath of the Ancients: Sees improvements to its Undying Sentinel ability, providing more HP when activated, & a buff to Nature’s Wrath with a longer range.
- Oath of Vengeance: Receives an increased range for Vow of Enmity, which no longer requires an Action to activate & can transfer to a new target if the current one is reduced to 0 Hit Points. Relentless Avenger & Avenging Angel have also been buffed.
Community Reactions & Future Implications
The redesign of the Paladin class has sparked mixed reactions within the D&D community. While some fans are disappointed by the limitation on the Smite ability, others appreciate the increased versatility & expanded options. The changes reflect a shift away from the Paladin’s reputation as a “nova” class, focusing instead on consistent power & utility across various encounters.
As the release date for the new Player’s Handbook approaches, players eagerly await the opportunity to explore the full scope of the redesigned Paladin class. The September 17th release will undoubtedly ignite discussions & debates as the community adapts to these new mechanics & reimagined features.
Check out our previous coverage of the 2024 Player Handbook Below
Wizards of the Coast’s overhaul of the Paladin class for the 2024 D&D Player’s Handbook represents a significant step in the ongoing evolution of the game. By balancing powerful abilities with increased versatility, the redesign aims to create a more dynamic & engaging experience for players. As Dungeons & Dragons continues to grow & change, these updates highlight the company’s commitment to refining & enhancing the beloved tabletop RPG.
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