Oath of Desperation

Oath of Desperation paladins often serve under tyrannical or malevolent forces, wielding their powers for a cause they neither believe in nor wish to support. Their lives are a constant struggle, balancing their moral compass with the demands of their masters. This inner turmoil manifests in their abilities, which are tinged with a raw, desperate energy that comes from their need to survive and protect. The magic they wield is potent and effective yet carries with it the weight of their sacrifice and the knowledge that each action they take may further entrench them in the service of those they despise.

Though bound by their oath, Oath of Desperation paladins are not entirely without hope. Many harbor a deep-seated desire to one day break free from their servitude, to turn the tables on their oppressors, and reclaim their autonomy. This drive for liberation is often kept hidden, masked by a façade of obedience, but it fuels their every action. These paladins are masters of subterfuge and resilience, learning to navigate the treacherous waters of their forced allegiance while keeping their true intentions close to their chest. They hold onto the hope that one day, they might find a way to save those they love without sacrificing their soul to the darkness that seeks to consume them.

Oath Spells

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed in the Oath of Conquest Spells table. See the Sacred Oath class feature for how oath spells work.

Oath of Conquest Spells

Channel Divinity

When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. See the Sacred Oath class feature for how Channel Divinity works.

Bound by Desperation. You can use your Channel Divinity to create a bond between you and one creature. As an action, you force the creature of your choice that you can see within 30 feet of you to make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, whenever you take damage, the bonded creature takes an equal amount of psychic damage for 10 minutes. The bonded creature can repeat this saving throw at the end of each of your turns, ending the effect on itself on a success or if either you or the creature drop to 0 hit points. "I chain my fate to yours, binding us in this shared desperation."

Desperate Defense. As a reaction, when you or an ally within 10 feet of you is hit by an attack, you can use your Channel Divinity to impose disadvantage on the attack roll. If the attack still hits, you can reduce the damage taken by an amount equal to your paladin level + your Charisma modifier. "In my darkest hour, I find the strength to shield myself and others."

Aura of Reluctant Resolve

Starting at 7th level, your determination to protect those you care about strengthens the resolve of your allies.You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you gain a bonus to saving throws against being charmed, frightened, or paralyzed. The bonus equals your Charisma modifier (with a minimum bonus of +1). 

At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.

Desperation's Rebuke

Starting at 15th level, your will to survive and protect others allows you to draw strength from your dire circumstances. When you are reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. When you use this feature, you can immediately make an attack as a reaction against the creature that reduced you to 0 hit points, dealing additional radiant damage equal to your paladin level. 

You can use this feature once per long rest.

Avatar of Endurance

At 20th level, you can assume the form of an unstoppable force, embodying the sheer willpower to survive and protect at all costs. As an action, you can transform into an Avatar of Endurance for 1 minute, gaining the following benefits

• You gain resistance to all damage.
• You and friendly creatures within 30 feet of you cannot be frightened, charmed, or paralyzed.
• When an ally within 30 feet is reduced to 0 hit points but not killed outright, they drop to 1 hit point instead. Once an ally is saved by this feature, they can not be saved again until 7 days pass.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.