Oath of the Verdant Bloom

Paladins who swear the Oath of Verdant Bloom are chosen in visions, dreamwalks, or spirit rituals deep in the Ayanigbo wilds. These Justicars of Life are raised among the Twa tribes, protectors of ancient greenplaces where nature is alive and sacred. They are not clerics of Aya—they are her oathbound thorns, defenders of harmony, decay's opposers, and warriors who plant new life even in ash.

Some walk with wild familiars. Others glow with bioluminescent veins and wear vine-woven armor. All know this truth: life does not beg for mercy. It grows, it guards, it survives.

The Oath That Binds (Verdant Bloom)

When you swear this Oath beneath Aya’s eye, you vow:

• Life Is Sacred – All living things deserve respect and protection until they do harm.
• Wild Spaces Are Holy – The wilderness must not be tamed, only walked with.
• Decay Must Be Answered – Undead, withering magics, and mindless destruction are your sworn enemies.

Unmaking Act:

If you destroy a sacred or natural place willingly, or aid those who exploit, raze, or enslave the land or beasts, you are Excommunicated.

Oath Spells (Roll to Cast)

Celestial Weapon: Thorn of Renewal

A living weapon blessed by Aya. This spear-like weapon (or vine-wrapped blade) is fused with blooming growth, carrying Aya’s will.

• Can be summoned/dismissed as a bonus action.
• Considered magical for overcoming resistance.

Level 3 (Weapon +1)

• Bloomstrike: When you hit a creature, it must succeed a Strength save or its movement is halved until your next turn (vines grasp its limbs).
• Nature’s Edge: Deals an extra 1d4 radiant or poison damage (your choice) and sheds soft green light.

Level 9 (Weapon +2)

• Warden’s Pulse: When you hit a creature affected by a condition (grappled, prone, restrained, blinded, etc.), allies who strike it gain +1d4 damage until your next turn.
• Verdant Vow: Once per turn, when you hit, you can choose to regrow life: an ally within 10 ft gains temp HP = Cha mod.

Level 15 (Weapon +3)

• Thorn Surge: Once per long rest, you can release Aya’s wrath through the weapon:
• All enemies within 15 ft must make a Dex save or take 6d8 radiant + 6d8 poison damage and are restrained in massive vines (1 min, repeat save at end of turn).
• Allies in the zone are healed for 4d8 HP and gain advantage on death saves for 1 minute.

(3rd Level)

Channel Divinity

You gain the following Channel Divinity options:

Root the Wicked

As an action, vines burst from the earth. Choose a point within 30 ft:

• All creatures of your choice within 10 ft must make a Strength save or be restrained for 1 minute.
• Enemies restrained this way are vulnerable to smite damage the first time they’re hit.

Blessing of the Wild Bloom

As a bonus action, you call on Aya’s life force:

• All allies within 30 ft regain HP = your Paladin level + Cha mod.
• Any creature cured this way is also cleansed of one disease, poison, or fear effect.

(5th Level)

Aura of Renewal

While you are conscious, all allies (including you) within 10 ft:

• Regain 2 + Cha mod HP at the start of their turn if they are below half HP.
• Have advantage on saves against poison, disease, and exhaustion.

If you cast Aura of Vitality, its healing becomes 1d8 + Cha mod instead.

(15th Level)

Avatar of the Living Wild

You embody Aya’s living force:

• You are always under the effects of Barkskin and speak with animals and plants.
• Your movement is unimpeded by difficult terrain (magical or natural).
• Once per long rest, you may enter Verdant Ascension for 1 minute:
• You glow with plantlight, your Thorn weapon blossoms
• You may cast Tree Stride as a bonus action each round
• Creatures you slay leave behind sprouting blooms that heal allies 1d10 HP when stepped on

Excommunication and Redemption

Excommunication

If you abandon the natural balance, desecrate sacred ground, or knowingly allow rampant destruction in your presence without attempting to stop it, you are excommunicated by the will of Aya. You immediately lose:

• Oath Spells
• Channel Divinity
• Your Aura
• The blessings of your Celestial Weapon (it wilts and becomes non-magical)
• All subclass features of Thorns and Bloom

Redemption

You have 7 in-game days to restore your bond with Aya by completing one of these sacred acts of renewal (roll d4 or choose):

1. Rewild a Ruin: Breathe life into a blighted or desecrated land using ritual magic and acts of sacrifice. The land must begin to bloom.
2. Protect the Innocent from Greed: Thwart a deforestation, mine, or invasive force, even if it means losing allies or breaking local law.
3. Offer a Second Chance: Spare an enemy whose defeat is certain, and instead guide them to reparation.
4. Sacrifice for the Cycle: Allow a part of yourself, your magic, weapon, or pride, to be lost in exchange for another’s renewal or survival.

Upon Completion:

Your Celestial Weapon blooms anew, bearing fragrant blossoms and radiant thorns. You regain all subclass features and are marked with the Green Sigil, a glowing vine-like tattoo that coils around your forearms or heart, pulsing faintly with Aya’s blessing.