The Eldritch Paladin of Candlekeep, also known as the Circle of the Order, is a unique and intriguing concept in the realm of Dungeons & Dragons. This subclass combines the sacred sovereignty of the paladin with the dark, eldritch power of the arcane, creating a character that is both guardian and mystic. Let's delve into the fascinating world of the Eldritch Paladin of Candlekeep, exploring its origins, mechanics, and how to play one in your own campaigns.
The Eldritch Paladin of Candlekeep finds its roots in the prestigious library fortress of Candlekeep, a place of knowledge and power. Here, paladins study ancient tomes and arcane secrets, ultimately harnessing both divine and eldritch energies.
Understanding the Eldritch Paladin
The Eldritch Paladin of Candlekeep is a versatile subclass that marries the martial prowess of the paladin with the spellcasting abilities of a sorcerer. This new breed of paladin draws power from the arcane, utilizing spells and eldritch features to protect and serve.
At 3rd level, an Eldritch Paladin gains access to the Eldritch Invocations feature, allowing them to choose from options typically available to warlocks. This feature encapsulates the subclass's focus on eldritch power, providing unique benefits like turning undead or gaining access to spells like hypnos.
Eldritch Kin
Starting at 6th level, the Eldritch Paladin gains an eldritch invocation that lets them use their Charisma modifier for spell attack rolls and spell save DCs. This reflects the innate power and control an Eldritch Paladin has over their eldritch abilities.
For instance, if a high Charisma Eldritch Paladin casts the Eldritch Smite spell, they'd add their Charisma modifier to the damage, demonstrating their proficiency in channeling and wielding eldritch energies.
Eldritch Channel Divinity
Also at 6th level, the Eldritch Paladin gains the Eldritch Channel Divinity feature, which allows them to expend Channel Divinity options to fuel their eldritch powers. This includes abilities like
Arcane Purity, which lets them ignore resistance or immunity to their paladin spells.
The Eldritch Channel Divinity feature is a powerful addition, amplifying the Eldritch Paladin's spellcasting abilities and effectively breaking through resistance or immunity that their enemies might possess.
Exploring Eldritch Invocations
Eldritch Invocations are the heart of the Eldritch Paladin, providing unique and powerful abilities inspired by the ancient secrets of Candlekeep's arcane vaults. Let's explore two interesting Eldritch Invocations.
Banish
The Banish invocation allows the Eldritch Paladin to sent a creature they hit with a melee attack to another plane until their next turn. This is particularly useful against powerful or persistent foes, providing a momentary respite from combat or allowing allies to set up an ambush.
For example, a seasoned Eldritch Paladin might use Banish to temporarily dispatch a troublesome demon, giving their party time to set up a strategically advantageous position before the demon returns.
Sacred Oath Rituals
Sacred Oath Rituals is an invocation that allows the Eldritch Paladin to cast a number of rituals equal to their Wisdom modifier, using their paladin level as their spellcasting ability score. This opens up new strategic options, like casting beneficial rituals to aid the party or detrimental ones to hinder foes.
An Eldritch Paladin could use this invocation to cast rituals like aider or immedius writ to provide temporary hit points or grant advantage on attacks, respectively, or even cast worse like crown of shadows to obscure foes' sight and magical sight.
Roleplaying an Eldritch Paladin
Roleplaying an Eldritch Paladin of Candlekeep can be a rewarding experience, as their unique combination of powers opens up a wealth of character opportunities. Here are some tips to help you bring your Eldritch Paladin to life.
Backstory and Personality
An Eldritch Paladin's backstory often involves a journey of discovery, where they initially struggle with the duality of their divine and eldritch powers. Perhaps they were a gifted scholar who discovered ancient tomes of power, or a warrior who underwent a transformative experience while exploring Candlekeep's vaults.
Personality-wise, an Eldritch Paladin could be a curious and introspective character, constantly seeking to understand the nature of their powers and the arcane. They might also be conflicted, grappling with the potential dark side of their eldritch abilities and the fear of losing their way.
comportment and Goals
An Eldritch Paladin's comportment might be a mix of pious solemnity and cautious curiosity. They should display a strong sense of duty and honor, as well as a keen interest in unraveling the mysteries of the arcane and the divine.
In terms of goals, an Eldritch Paladin might seek to protect Candlekeep and its knowledge from threats, pursue ancient tomes and artifacts, or strive to master their eldritch powers without succumbing to their darker influences.
The Eldritch Paladin of Candlekeep is a captivating subclass that blends the sacred and the forbidden, creating a character that is both revered and enigmatic. Whether you're a player looking to create a new character or a Dungeon Master eager to include these extraordinary guardians in your campaigns, the Eldritch Paladin offers a wealth of roleplaying and tactical possibilities.
As you step into the role of an Eldritch Paladin, remember that every arcane tomes you decipher, every dark ritual you master, and every foe you defeat will contribute to the unfolding tapestry of your character's journey. The path of the Eldritch Paladin is not an easy one, but it is a rewarding one, filled with discovery, challenge, and triumph.