Paladin Subclass Defender Advanced

Oath of the Ancients Paladin Guide

Oath of the Ancients paladins are defenders of nature and the balance of the world, channeling the primal power of wilderness and ancient magic.

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Best Races for Oath of the Ancients Paladin

All 10 races ranked by synergy with the Oath of the Ancients. Click any to see the full build.

Oath of the Ancients Features

Nature's Wrath

Level 3

When a creature within 10 feet of you that you can see hits a target with an attack roll, you can use your Reaction to add your Charisma modifier to the attack roll or saving throw DC. In addition, when you cast a spell that deals damage, you can spend 1 spell slot to increase the damage by 1d6 per spell slot spent.

Oath of the Ancients Spells

Level 3

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed in the Oath of the Ancients Spells table. [Oath of the Ancients Spells: 1st - Entangle, Goodberry; 2nd - Barkskin, Spike Growth; 3rd - Call Lightning, Plant Growth; 4th - Grasping Vine, Guardian of Nature; 5th - Maelstrom, Wrath of Nature]

Aura of Warding

Level 7

Ancient magic still lingers in your aura, shielding you and your allies from fey and undead creatures. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you have Resistance to damage from spells. In addition, creatures within 10 feet of you have Advantage on saving throws against being Charmed or Frightened.

Undying Sentinel

Level 15

You gain the ability to sense the presence of undead within 1 mile of you. If you sense undead this way, you know their general direction. When you sense undead this way, you can use your Reaction to gain Advantage on attack rolls against that creature until the end of your next turn.

Elder Champion

Level 20

When you reach 20th level, you can use your action to gain temporary hit points equal to your Paladin level + your Charisma modifier. Additionally, for 1 minute, whenever a friendly creature within 30 feet of you takes damage, you can use your Reaction to reduce that damage by half.

Is Oath of the Ancients Right for You?

Pick the Oath of the Ancients if you want a Paladin focused on protecting the party and soaking damage on the front line. Compare it with the other Paladin subclasses to make sure it fits your party, then build the Aasimar version for the strongest start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best race for a Oath of the Ancients Paladin?
Aasimar rates highest (10/10) for the Oath of the Ancients Paladin. Built-in damage resistance reduces incoming damage, keeping your Paladin alive longer in combat. Dragonborn (10/10) and Dwarf (8/10) are also strong picks.
What does the Oath of the Ancients specialize in?
The Oath of the Ancients fills the Defender role — protecting the party and soaking damage on the front line. Its features unlock at levels 3, 7, 15, 20.

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