The Path to Becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3

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In the realm of Baldur’s Gate 3, Paladins are celebrated for their nobility and uprightness. They are committed to their respective oaths, serving as pillars of righteousness. However, there’s a dark side to this commitment, a path where the holy protectors willingly forsake their vows and turn to a life of darkness. These are the Oathbreaker Paladins, individuals who choose the path of defiance against their solemn pledges, seeking a different kind of power. This guide delves into the journey of becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Breaking the Paladin’s Oath

Paladins in Baldur’s Gate 3 are bound to their oaths, and any actions contrary to their sworn vows could lead to the revocation of their holy blessings. The severity of oath-breaking varies depending on the specific oath a Paladin has taken. Each oath has unique tenets that guide the Paladin’s actions, and certain acts may be more unforgivable for one oath than another. Let’s explore these nuances further.

Meeting the Oathbreaker Knight

When a Paladin chooses or inadvertently stumbles upon the path of oath-breaking, a new character, the Oathbreaker Knight, appears. This character visits the player at the camp to formally initiate the transformation into an Oathbreaker Paladin. This change is not merely a title shift; it brings with it a host of changes in the Paladin’s abilities and combat style.

The Powers of an Oathbreaker

Once a Paladin becomes an Oathbreaker, they lose their holy spells and instead gain unholy ones. Their role in the game shifts from a blend of support and frontline fighting to a focus on damage dealing, offensive magic, and undead control. Interestingly, Oathbreakers still retain access to the potent Divine Smite ability.

The Oath of Devotion

Devotion Paladins are bound by a strong sense of courage, compassion, and duty. They serve as the game’s knights in shining armor, aiding the weak, abiding by just laws, and charging fearlessly into battle. For a Devotion Paladin, any act of harming an innocent person, regardless of the circumstances, can lead to the breaking of their oath. The Oath of the Ancients

Ancients Paladins, on the other hand, are bound by their commitment to love and kindness. They are the game’s benevolent protectors, safeguarding the weak and the innocent with fierce determination. Any act of malice from an Ancients Paladin, such as causing harm to the Owlbear cub or leading to the death of Arabella in the Emerald Grove, leads to the breaking of their oath.

The Oath of Vengeance

Vengeance Paladins have the most flexibility in their oaths. They are sworn to ruthlessly strike down the wicked and deliver justice to the wrongdoers. Acts of mercy, such as sparing Auntie Ethel’s life or freeing the goblin Sazza, are considered oath-breaking for a Vengeance Paladin.

Spells and Abilities of an Oathbreaker

Oathbreakers have a unique set of spells and abilities that set them apart from other Paladins. They can inflict Necrotic damage, have advantage in attacks, control lower-level undead, react to attacks with Fire damage, create undead minions from nearby corpses, and even passively increase the melee damage of their allies based on their Charisma modifier.

A New Playstyle

The change to an Oathbreaker Paladin results in a notable shift in the playstyle. Oathbreakers play similarly to Warlocks, combining melee attacks with Necrotic magic for a balanced offense. They are excellent at dealing damage and controlling the battlefield, making them a formidable force in any combat scenario.

The Divine Smite

Despite their oath-breaking status, Oathbreaker Paladins still retain access to the powerful Divine Smite ability. This ability allows them to channel divine energy through their weapon, dealing significant damage to their enemies. This makes Oathbreakers a continued force to be reckoned with, even after forsaking their original oaths.

The Oathbreaker and Warlock Comparison

The playstyle of an Oathbreaker Paladin closely resembles that of a Warlock, blending swordplay with sorcery. Oathbreakers weave melee attacks with Necrotic magic to inflict damage or debilitate their enemies. This dual-threat capability makes them a versatile and dangerous adversary on the battlefield.

The Role of Necrotic Magic

Necrotic magic plays a significant role in the abilities of an Oathbreaker. Necrotic spells can inflict damage, debilitate enemies, and even control the dead. This dark magic, coupled with their melee prowess, makes Oathbreakers formidable opponents in combat.

The Oathbreaker Paladin: A Final Overview

The journey to becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of intrigue and transformation. While it means forsaking the holy for the unholy, it also opens up a new realm of power and combat style. Whether you choose to stay faithful to your oath or embrace the power of the Oathbreaker, Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a rich and immersive role-playing experience.