The Paladin, as vile a creature as it is, is endowed with great strength in this age, the Fifth Era... Ahem...
At base, the Paladin retains its ability to fight on the front lines, with its d10 hit die, Heavy Armor proficiency, and proficiency in Martial Weapons. Even though a Paladin will not be able to attack with the same ferocity as a Fighter at early levels, or with the same endurance as a Barbarian, the Paladin has a great kit of level 1-3 abilities that make it stand out from the rest of 5E's classes.
Lay On Hands is a mid-range healing ability that has consistent use, and can be used to offer a quick shot of Adrenaline to a comrade or the Paladin. Although the healing offered by Lay On Hands is not immense, it is nevertheless healing, which, in 5E, can mean the difference between a loss and a victory. Just one more round of damage can lead to the downfall of the PC's enemies.
In addition to a midrange healing ability, the Paladin is given access to a repertoire of potent spells, which, although they may be sacrificed (in the form of slots) for Divine Smite, can be used to cast essential spells such as Detect Magic and Cure Wounds. Able, already, to fight on the front lines and act as a mid-range (in terms of power) healer, the Paladins gains yet another potent class ability.
This ability is the Divine Smite, which can be used to deal additional radiant damage to the target of an attack in exchange for the expenditure of spell slots. With its ability to self-sustain, sustain team mates, and make itself immune to debilitating diseases and poisons, a 3rd-level Paladin is a thing to be feared. One mighty blow from the Paladin (Searing Smite spell + 1 spell slot expended for Divine Smite) can knock a foe into oblivion. Yet, even though much of the Paladin's damage is "Nova" rather than sustained, a Paladin armed with a greatsword, even devoid of Spell Slots, can still be a mighty warrior, healing him or herself for 15 (level 3) hit points using Lay On Hands, and diving back into battle to deal a forceful blow with a powerful martial weapon.
No other class is able to function across so many domains (front lines, healer, assassin) so effectively, and the oath of a Paladin is little constraint at most tables.
So, do you agree with me? If not, why? And, what would you consider the most powerful class if not the vile Paladin?
Edit: @NotAYakk brought up the excellent point that the 6-8 encounter per adventuring day seems to be rare among players and DMs, and adds to the Paladin's strength.
At base, the Paladin retains its ability to fight on the front lines, with its d10 hit die, Heavy Armor proficiency, and proficiency in Martial Weapons. Even though a Paladin will not be able to attack with the same ferocity as a Fighter at early levels, or with the same endurance as a Barbarian, the Paladin has a great kit of level 1-3 abilities that make it stand out from the rest of 5E's classes.
Lay On Hands is a mid-range healing ability that has consistent use, and can be used to offer a quick shot of Adrenaline to a comrade or the Paladin. Although the healing offered by Lay On Hands is not immense, it is nevertheless healing, which, in 5E, can mean the difference between a loss and a victory. Just one more round of damage can lead to the downfall of the PC's enemies.
In addition to a midrange healing ability, the Paladin is given access to a repertoire of potent spells, which, although they may be sacrificed (in the form of slots) for Divine Smite, can be used to cast essential spells such as Detect Magic and Cure Wounds. Able, already, to fight on the front lines and act as a mid-range (in terms of power) healer, the Paladins gains yet another potent class ability.
This ability is the Divine Smite, which can be used to deal additional radiant damage to the target of an attack in exchange for the expenditure of spell slots. With its ability to self-sustain, sustain team mates, and make itself immune to debilitating diseases and poisons, a 3rd-level Paladin is a thing to be feared. One mighty blow from the Paladin (Searing Smite spell + 1 spell slot expended for Divine Smite) can knock a foe into oblivion. Yet, even though much of the Paladin's damage is "Nova" rather than sustained, a Paladin armed with a greatsword, even devoid of Spell Slots, can still be a mighty warrior, healing him or herself for 15 (level 3) hit points using Lay On Hands, and diving back into battle to deal a forceful blow with a powerful martial weapon.
No other class is able to function across so many domains (front lines, healer, assassin) so effectively, and the oath of a Paladin is little constraint at most tables.
So, do you agree with me? If not, why? And, what would you consider the most powerful class if not the vile Paladin?
Edit: @NotAYakk brought up the excellent point that the 6-8 encounter per adventuring day seems to be rare among players and DMs, and adds to the Paladin's strength.
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