Oath of the Guardian

Tenets of Protection

Shield the Weak: The protection of the innocent is paramount. Defend those who cannot protect themselves, offering your strength to those in need.

Stand Against Harm: No evil shall pass unchallenged. Confront threats before they can harm the defenseless, and stand firm against those who would bring violence and suffering.

Serve with Honour: Your duty is to protect, not to dominate. Use your power with restraint, and honor the trust placed in you by those you protect. You are a guardian, not a tyrant.

Endure the Burden: To protect is to carry a heavy burden. Sacrifice your comfort, your peace, and at times, your safety for the sake of those who cannot defend themselves. Your duty is unyielding.

Justice Over Retribution: Protect the law and bring peace, but never seek revenge. Punishment should be just, not driven by anger, and mercy should always be considered in the face of wrongdoing.

Keep Watch: Always be vigilant. Protecting others is not a one-time act but a lifelong responsibility. Stand guard against the unseen dangers that threaten the world and those you love.

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Oath of the Protector

Paladin’s that take this oath stand as stalwart defenders of life, justice, and safety. Rather than seeking to impose their will on others or destroy their foes in a reckless quest for vengeance, they dedicate themselves to shielding those who cannot defend themselves. These Paladins draw power from a divine oath to protect and preserve, seeing themselves as guardians of the helpless and champions of peace.

The Oath of the Protector emphasises vigilance, restraint, and honour. They are driven by an unshakable commitment to defend the innocent, often going to great lengths to stand between them and harm. Whether standing at the front lines of a battle or offering a comforting word to a frightened soul, a Protector Paladin’s presence is a symbol of unwavering security and hope.

In combat, they wield their divine power not to destroy, but to shield their allies and repel foes. They are often the first to throw themselves into harm's way, taking hits that would otherwise land on weaker companions, and their powers are often focused on healing, buffing, and protecting rather than dealing damage.

Despite their often physically imposing nature, Protector Paladins are frequently paragons of humility and compassion. They are not motivated by personal glory or honor, but by a deep sense of duty and a desire to ensure that the light of life and justice never fades, no matter how dark the world may become.

Level 3: Oath of the Guardian Spells

The magic of your oath ensures you always have certain spells ready; when you reach a Paladin level specified in the Oath of the Guardian Spells table, you thereafter always have the listed spells prepared.

Oath of the Guardian Spells

Paladin Level	Spells
3	Shield of Faith, Shield
5	Aid, Mirror Image
9	Counterspell, Magic Circle
13	Freedom of Movement, Fire Shield
17	Circle of Power, Yolande’s Regal Presence

Level 3: Taunting Strike

When you take the Attack action, you can expend one use of your Channel Divinity to imbue one Melee weapon that you are holding with protective energy. For 10 minutes or until you use this feature again, you may use your Charisma modifier, instead of Strength or Dexterity, for attack rolls you make with that weapon, and each time you hit with it, you cause the target to have disadvantage on attacks against creatures other than you until the start of your next turn.

You can end this effect early (no action required).

Level 7: Aura of Toughness

Damage dealt to your allies is reduced by an amount equal to your Charisma Modifier while they are in your Aura of Protection.

Level 15: Veteran’s Defence

You are experienced at drawing the attention of battle. You have resistance to Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing damage from creatures affected by your Taunting Strike.

Level 20: Watchful Protection

As a Bonus Action, you can extend your protective gaze, granting the benefits below for 10 minutes or until you end them (no action required). Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest. You can also restore your use of it by expending a level 5 spell slot (no action required).

Guardian’s Ward. You gain resistance to all damage that is not elemental in nature. (Resistance to Radiant, Necrotic, Psychic, Force, Poison, Bludgeoning, Piercing and Slashing)

Protective Blows. Creatures hit by your Taunting Strike can only take one Action, Bonus action or Reaction per round against each creature other than you. (If the Attack Action is used, they may not use multiple attacks against the same creature).

Gaze of the Protector. When a creature you can see is hit by an attack, you may use your reaction to move, up to your movement speed, to the target creature, imposing yourself between the two and redirecting the attack to yourself.