Paladin

System for Multi-Classing into Paladin

1. Must Have a Patron

A Paladin's strength comes from their divine patron, be it a god, an archangel, or a celestial force. This first milestone represents the player's dedication to a higher power, through which they will receive the divine blessings to carry out their holy mission.

How to Complete:

• The player must establish a bond with a divine patron, which could be part of a quest to receive a vision, a divine mark, or even a personal meeting with a celestial being. The patron could be any deity or celestial figure, including gods of justice, light, vengeance, or protection.
• The player could undertake a quest of service to earn the patron’s favor, such as retrieving a sacred relic, protecting a temple, or performing a great deed in their name. The deity will test the player’s worthiness and commitment to their cause.
• This relationship might begin with a mentor figure, a cleric, or a high-ranking paladin who introduces the player to the divine path.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must formally choose a Patron (a god, celestial being, or celestial entity) and undergo a ceremonial bonding or oath-taking process, marking the beginning of their Paladin path. This may also involve gaining divine guidance and protection, such as the ability to cast Divine Sense.

2. Religion Training

Paladins are deeply religious figures, trained in the tenets of their faith, often through rigorous education and practice. This milestone ensures the player has a strong understanding of their patron’s teachings and divine laws.

How to Complete:

• The player must attend religious training under a skilled instructor, possibly in a temple, monastery, or sacred site. This training will teach the player about the core tenets of their patron’s faith, divine history, and the moral code they must uphold.
• This could involve studying religious texts, learning about the mythology of their faith, and understanding the specific duties and responsibilities that come with serving a divine patron.
• The player could be tested by the local religious leaders or priests to prove their devotion and knowledge of the faith, through examinations or service-oriented tasks.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must complete X number of sessions (could be in the form of quests, readings, or tests) where they learn about the divine laws, tenets, and history of their faith. Once completed, the player gains proficiency in Religion and understands the moral and ethical code of their patron.

3. Weapon Training

A Paladin’s strength also comes from their combat prowess. This milestone focuses on ensuring the player has the necessary combat training to serve as an agent of their patron’s will, wielding weapons with grace and precision.

How to Complete:

• The player must train under a seasoned warrior, weapons master, or paladin who teaches them the art of combat. They will need to master weapons traditionally favored by paladins, such as swords, maces, or polearms, and become proficient in their use.
• The training should include basic combat techniques, weapon handling, and defensive maneuvers. It might also involve sparring or simulated battles to hone the player’s skills.
• The player could be asked to participate in a combat trial or tournament, where they must demonstrate their martial prowess, perhaps fighting against foes who challenge their faith or divine mission.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must gain proficiency with Martial Weapons, including weapons traditionally favored by paladins, such as longswords, warhammers, and shields. They also learn combat skills specific to Paladins, such as using divine smites in battle.

4. Praying (2,000 Hours)

A Paladin’s connection to their divine patron is strengthened through prayer and devotion. This milestone represents the spiritual work necessary to maintain this bond, allowing the player to channel divine power into their combat and healing.

How to Complete:

• The player must spend a large amount of time praying, meditating, and performing sacred rituals. This could be structured as daily devotions or specific acts of prayer during important moments or in times of need.
• The player may visit sacred locations, such as temples or shrines, where they can offer prayers, light candles, or conduct ceremonies in honor of their patron. The player can use this time to reflect on their mission and ask for guidance or strength.
• This milestone could also involve acts of service, where the player prays by helping those in need, performing charity work, or engaging in missions that align with the Paladin’s code.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must complete 2,000 hours of prayer, which could be broken down into periods of meditation, prayer sessions, and holy activities. After this, the player gains divine favor and insight, allowing them to use Divine Smite or similar abilities tied to their faith.

5. Demon/Angel Slayer

A Paladin is often called upon to combat supernatural threats such as fiends or celestial beings. This milestone signifies the player’s readiness to face the darker (or lighter) side of divine conflict, proving their commitment by slaying a powerful demon, angel, or other divine antagonist.

How to Complete:

• The player must undertake a special quest where they face off against a celestial or fiendish entity. This could be a demon, an angel who has fallen from grace, or any powerful supernatural creature that threatens the balance between good and evil.
• This quest might take the form of hunting down an evil entity causing havoc in the world, protecting a sacred site from a divine attack, or even being called upon to confront a celestial being who has gone rogue.
• The encounter could be a one-on-one battle or involve a larger-scale conflict, with the player leading a group of allies against a divine force.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must successfully slay or defeat a demon, angel, or powerful celestial being. The act of slaying a divine being marks them as worthy of their divine power and earns them the blessings of their patron. This could grant them powers like Divine Smite, Aura of Protection, or Lay on Hands.

Finalizing the Multi-Classing

Once the player has completed all five milestones, they are ready to officially multi-class into Paladin. The player’s transformation into a Paladin is not just about physical and spiritual prowess, but also about taking the sacred oath to uphold justice and fight for their divine patron.

Completion Criteria:

• The player must take an Oath (Oath of Devotion, Oath of Vengeance, etc.) depending on their chosen path, reaffirming their commitment to their patron and divine cause.
• The player gains the Paladin class and all associated abilities, such as Divine Sense, Lay on Hands, and Aura of Protection.

Bonus System for Extra Depth

To enrich this system, consider offering Skill Development Rewards for each milestone:

• Patron Bond: Gain proficiency in Charisma saving throws or Insight to better understand divine will.
• Religion Training: Gain proficiency in Religion and additional divine knowledge.
• Weapon Training: Unlock proficiency with Martial Weapons and improve combat abilities.
• Prayer: Gain Divine Favor, granting bonuses to saving throws, ability checks, or specific divine spells.
• Demon/Angel Slayer: Unlock access to unique abilities like Divine Smite and increased damage against fiends and celestials.