Oath of Vengeance Vigilante: A Guide to Playing an Unlawful Paladin

In the realm of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the paladin is a symbol of justice and righteousness. Their oaths bind them to codes of conduct that demand unwavering adherence to the tenets of good. However, there are times when the lines between good and evil blur, and the paladin's oath can lead them down a treacherous path.

Oath of Vengeance (Vigilante Book 2)

by Terry Mixon

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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For those who walk this perilous road, there is the Oath of Vengeance Vigilante. This archetype allows players to create paladins who have strayed from the traditional path of righteousness, embracing a more chaotic and potentially unlawful approach to their mission.

Mechanics of the Oath of Vengeance Vigilante

The Oath of Vengeance Vigilante grants paladins a unique set of abilities that empower them in their pursuit of justice, regardless of the means necessary:

• Vow of Enmity: At the start of each day, the paladin can choose a single target as their sworn enemy. While that target is active, the paladin gains a +4 bonus to attack rolls and saving throws against it.
• Hunter's Mark: The paladin can cast the spell hunter's mark as a bonus action, without expending a spell slot.
• Relentless Avenger: At 7th level, the paladin gains advantage on attack rolls against creatures that are below half their maximum hit points.
• Abyssal Vengeance: At 15th level, the paladin can cast the spell banishment, targeting a single creature. If the target is a fiend or an undead creature, the paladin can instead banish it to its home plane.
• Soul of Vengeance: At 20th level, the paladin's aura of protection now also grants resistance to necrotic damage and advantage on saving throws against being frightened or charmed.

Roleplaying the Oath of Vengeance Vigilante

Playing an Oath of Vengeance Vigilante is not simply a matter of mechanics. It requires a nuanced understanding of the character's motivations, conflicts, and moral compass.

Motivations: The path of the Oath of Vengeance Vigilante is often driven by a profound sense of injustice. Perhaps the paladin witnessed the horrors of war firsthand, or suffered a tragic loss that shattered their faith in traditional authority. Their oath becomes a means of righting the wrongs they have endured.

Conflicts: The Oath of Vengeance Vigilante's commitment to justice can often conflict with the lawful authority or societal norms. Their methods may be seen as extreme or even unlawful, leading to tensions with other characters, factions, or even their own companions.

Moral Compass: Despite their unorthodox approach, Oath of Vengeance Vigilantes are not necessarily evil. They still believe in justice, but they recognize that sometimes the ends justify the means. This moral ambiguity creates a complex and intriguing character arc, as the paladin grapples with the consequences of their actions.

Narrative Possibilities

The Oath of Vengeance Vigilante archetype opens up a wide range of narrative possibilities for your D&D campaign:

• Fallen Paladin: The paladin's oath can be shattered by catastrophic events, leading them to seek redemption or pursue a darker path.
• Lone Vigilante: A paladin cast out or exiled from their organization becomes a solitary figure, seeking justice on their own terms.
• Dark Knight: The paladin's unwavering commitment to justice turns them into a feared and respected authority figure, even among the lawless.
• Internal Struggle: The paladin grapples with their own moral code, questioning the validity of their methods and the consequences of their actions.
• Redemption Arc: Through acts of heroism or sacrifice, the paladin may find a way to reconcile their past and return to the path of righteousness.

The Oath of Vengeance Vigilante is an archetype for those who seek to explore the darker side of the paladin's oath. It is a complex and nuanced character concept that offers players the opportunity to create captivating and morally ambiguous characters. Whether they fight for justice through lawful means or embrace a more chaotic path, Oath of Vengeance Vigilantes are sure to leave a lasting impact on your D&D campaign.

Oath of Vengeance (Vigilante Book 2)

by Terry Mixon

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1225 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	244 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE