D&D 5E (2014) An Argument for Why Paladins are the Strongest Class in 5E D&D

[FrogReaver]

For simplicity's sake, I'll just model the Paladin's hit rate at 60%, and the spellcaster's DC results in an enemy failing the save 60% of the time ...

Fireball (3rd-level slot):
.6*28 + .4*14 = 22.4

Single Divine Smite (3rd-level slot)
(Paladin level is 9, has longsword w/ Dueling FS and 18 STR):
(1-(1-.6)^2) * 18) + (2 * .6 * (4.5+6)) = 27.72

So in this very simple scenario, the single Divine Smite turn is outdamaging the Fireball vs. single target by about 24%.

(Of course, the Paladin also keeps his spell slot if he misses both attacks, but I don't know how to model that part mathemetically.)

A caster will have 5th level slot by the time the paladin has 3rd level slots.

 

[Gladius Legis]

A caster will have 5th level slot by the time the paladin has 3rd level slots.

An upcast Fireball, same conditions, deals avg. 28 damage. So slightly more than the 3rd-level single-smite turn.

 

[Garthanos]

An upcast Fireball, same conditions, deals avg. 28 damage. So slightly more than the 3rd-level single-smite turn.

Won't the paladin be doing an extra attack? or other things alongside his smite though?

 

[FrogReaver]

An upcast Fireball, same conditions, deals avg. 28 damage. So slightly more than the 3rd-level single-smite turn.

Sounds good so far. Now The Paladin can miss his 2 attacks which will mean he doesn't use a spell slot 16% of the time in your example. To offset that he will need to smite twice 16% of the time. Since he only has an opportunity to smite twice 36% of the time. This means 16% of the time he will double smite (when both attacks hit) and 20% (he will hit with both attacks but single smite)

 

[FrogReaver]

I'm getting for a level 9 paladin that uses 1 spell slot on average a turn will deal 32.4 DPR (using his level 3 slots first and a 60% chance to hit). This can be further increased with hunters mark (at the cost of more spells per fight)

I'm getting a fireball upcast to 5th level will do 25.2 damage (assuming 60% chance for failed save).

Paladin in this example is doing 29% more damage than the fireball.

 

[FrogReaver]

Won't the paladin be doing an extra attack? or other things alongside his smite though?

Fairly certain he factored that in. I know I did.

 

[Garthanos]

29 percent more... now question how many people use a fireball against a single target?

 

[FrogReaver]

30 percent more... now question how many people use a fireball against a single target?

Right, but this is also at level 9. I'm betting 5th to 8th level it's a lot closer of a comparison.

 

[Gladius Legis]

I'm getting a fireball upcast to 5th level will do 25.2 damage (assuming 60% chance for failed save).

How are you getting that number? A 5th-level Fireball does 35 full damage, 17.8 half. So 60% failed save would be .6*35 + .4*17.5 = 28.

 

[FrogReaver]

How are you getting that number? A 5th-level Fireball does 35 full damage, 17.8 half. So 60% failed save would be .6*35 + .4*17.5 = 28.

Looking at the wrong column in my chart. DOH! That was the 4th level slot.