D&D 5E Finesse Paladin - Opinions Wanted

[Tony Vargas]

Is a finesse paladin viable in 5E?

Yes, I know that "anything is playable," but is it advisable?

Yes! anything is playable in 5e!

Y'know, assuming your DM is good with it.

How far behind a traditional Strength paladin would a Dex one be?

DEX is das uberstat, so not behind, per se, just different. One overdue refinement 5e finally came through with that the game had been timorously nudging itself towards since 3.0 was to make DEX ('finesse') vs STR as your primary weapon-attack stat a fairly seamless decision.

DEX is even arguably the superior choice, if you're planning on maximizing your attack stat quickly.

 

[77IM]

Remember that if you ever want to multiclass, Strength 13 is a multiclassing ability prerequisite for paladins.

This is probably a good thing, as it prevents Paladin/Warlocks from going full Dex and being even sicker than they currently are (which is, moderately sick).

 

[Xeviat]

I'm planning to play a Rogue 3/Paladin X some time. This way I don't get Heavy Armor that I won't use, and studded leather is fine for AC (-1 AC over heavy).


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[Hathorym]

My current character is a Dex based Ancients paladin and she is an absolute blast. I took the Dueling fighting style, the Defensive Duelist feat, and possess a scimitar of speed. The combination of the scimitar and Divine Strike allows me to absolutely shred. And since I use an adamantine breastplate, I have no penalties to stealth, when it is absolutely necessary not to be seen.

I greatly enjoy playing the character both in role-play and mechanically. I never imagined it would be as viable as it has turned out to be.

 

[Shiroiken]

I created a Halfling Paladin NPC that used TWF with twin short swords, and it worked amazingly well. Without Heavy Armor, his party was able to Stealth extremely well. The extra attack allowed for more opportunities to Smite, especially since it increased the possibility of getting a Critical Hit (Pole Arm Mastery provides this same benefit for Str Paladins as well). The Sentinel Feat was considered, since Halfling Nimbleness could get him into great lock-down positions, but I decided on Dex increase instead (only level 6).

 

[TarionzCousin]

Thanks, all. I just found out yesterday that someone else is playing a paladin in the campaign beginning tomorrow. So I'll keep this potential character build on the back burner.

I appreciate the helpful responses.

 

[Ahrimon]

Thanks, all. I just found out yesterday that someone else is playing a paladin in the campaign beginning tomorrow. So I'll keep this potential character build on the back burner.

I appreciate the helpful responses.

I wouldn't worry about this too much. It's doubtful that s/he is going to build a Dex paladin so the the two of you will be playing different enough characters that you won't step on each others toes. Especially if you go the swashbuckling 3 musketeer type. Oath of the Ancients is pretty thematic too.

 

[MarkB]

With a Dex-based Vengeance paladin and a background that boosts Dex skills, you can basically be Batman.

 

[Satyrn]

I don't think I've really thought about playing a dexterity paladin since I don't much think of paladins or build options of them. After reading this I went and rolled up a 3rd level High Elf dual wielding paladin of the ancients. The thought of a nimble, lightly armoured paladin is quite cool.

A TPK last session has me making up a new 3rd level character. It's gonna be a forest gnome swashbuckler, I just haven't figured out what class to use (the rogue swashbuckler isn't an option), although I have now statted him up as a berserker, an eagle totem barbarian, a battlemaster, an arcane trickster, and a beast master ranger. The only reason I haven't tried paladin is because another player's making one.

What I'm finding is that any class looks fine Dex Based and dual wielding shortswords. I'm just looking for the combo that provides the right flavour, and I'm thinking that's the battlemaster because of the goading attack maneuver providing a hook for the character's personality (along with riposte and parry for a sense of swordsmanship).

 

[Dausuul]

Is a finesse paladin viable in 5E?

Yes, I know that "anything is playable," but is it advisable? How far behind a traditional Strength paladin would a Dex one be?

Don't see any reason it wouldn't work. Just take Duelist style and fight with rapier and shield (think of it as rapier and buckler if you like). As a bonus, you'll also be highly effective with a longbow.