The Oath of Pain is regarded as one of, if not the most, challenging paths a paladin can choose as suffering befalls all who take it. These knights are sworn to attempt the impossible should it bring about the greater good, taking on quests no sane person would ever consider. Often paladins of this oath are short lived garnering the titles of lunatics and fools but, for those who succeed, they earn the moniker “Miracle Knight”. Their crests are reflective of the pain they come to endure in their lives, represented by thorns, cultural symbols or animals of sacrifice, and the rose.
Tenets of Pain
As stated earlier paladins who choose this oath choose to suffer, and these tenets “direct” this suffering to serve a greater purpose.
- A Small Price to Pay. As long as the innocent are safe and happy, any suffering, no matter how severe, even unto death, is worth it.
- Carry Your Cross. Your life is no longer your own, and you must be willing to give any and everything in the service of others.
- Take On the Impossible. Face any trial given to you, no matter how difficult, and see it through to the end.
- You Signed Up For This. Ask not for a lighter load, but instead ask for broader shoulders.
| Oath of Pain Spells | |
|---|---|
| Paladin Level | Spells |
| 3rd | Shield of Faith, False Life |
| 5th | Warding Bond, Aid |
| 9th | Beacon of Hope, Mass Healing Word |
| 13th | Stoneskin, Fire Shield |
| 17th | Hollow, Mass Cure Wounds |
Channel Divinity
When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options.
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Power in Pain. As an action, you may Channel Divinity to focus the damage you have received into empowering your attacks. For 1 minute, your attacks deal an additional 1d4 radiant damage for every 10 points of damage you have taken. This ability can only be used once per long rest.
-
Fruits of Your Labor. As an action, you Channel Divinity presenting your holy symbol to your allies, granting temporary hit points equal to one quarter of the damage you have taken rounded down to all friendly creatures within 30 feet of you for 1 hour.
Aura of Pain
Starting at 7th level you become acutely aware of the suffering of those around you within a 10 foot radius. As a reaction, when an ally within this radius is damaged you may magically receive half of it. This damage cannot be reduced in any way. In addition, when using either of your channel divinities you factor in the damage of friendly creatures within the same radius.
At 18th level, the range increases to 30 feet.
Penance
Starting at 15th level, if an enemy you can see has dealt damage to you or an ally, you may use your action to force it to make a wisdom saving throw. If failed the target takes radiant damage equal to your paladin level and is stunned until its next turn. On a success it will only receive half the damage. This damage cannot be reduced in any way. If an enemy is attempting to flee this ability becomes a reaction. You may use this ability a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier per short rest.
Ultimate Sacrifice
Starting at 20th level, you may use your action to put your entire being into protecting your allies. Any enemy within 60 feet of you must make a constitution saving throw, taking your maximum HP as radiant damage and are knocked prone on a failed save. If successful they receive half the damage and remain upright. Your allies are healed by the same amount and gain temporary hit points if their maximum is reached. After using this ability your health falls to 0 and you become unconscious but are stable, and gain a level of exhaustion. This action cannot be taken on the first turn of combat.
Once you use this ability, you cannot use it again until you finish a long rest.