I’m a returning player to D&D. I played years ago in edition 3.5 and haven’t really played since. A group of friends and family wanted to get back into it, so I agreed and here I am. I think I might have gone older school in creation based on older knowledge. I took human, paladin, standard array which came out to (str 16 (+3), dex 9 (-1), con 14 (+2), int 11 (+0), wis 13 (+1), cha 15 (+2)). Skills I grabbed are Athletics (+5), Insight (+3), Intimidation (+4), Persuasion (+4). With the background option I took faction agent. I aligned myself as lawful neutral with intent to go Oath of Vengeance at level 3.
My DM started us with the Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus adventure. In my group are, Gnome Rogue, Half-Elf Wizard, Half-Elf Ranger, Elf Monk, Elf Paladin, and Elf Druid. We just completed the Elfsong Tavern section and everyone in the group leveled to level 2.
I took Dueling fighting style to get the +2 bonus on damage rolls. I am carrying a scimitar and shield with chain mail. Divine Smite I have some questions. Do I need to choose and have prepared spells or leave these blank and expect to use the open spell slots for Divine Smite more often? If spells I am thinking Thunderous Smite and Wrathful Smite?
Language I have common of course as human. I took Celestial as a Paladin so I can speak with them as it seemed to fit, then took goblin and orc as I figured maybe to communicate with opposing monsters. Are there better choices that suit the Paladin overall?
I want to make a fitting background story as I have yet to write it. What ideas for a faction (if any) would tie into this story? Something along the lines of Knights of the Templar, the Round Table, that fit into Baldur’s Gate ideals? I figure since we are technically already working for Zodge that would not fit. Is there any way to take advantage of the safe house in Baldur’s Gate? My faction will need to be focused on Vengeance of course as I myself grow into my Oath.
Always prepare your spells each day. Spell slots you have can be used to cast those spells OR for divine smite. As for the faction, you should work that out with your DM. Order of the Gauntlet, Lord's Alliance, or Flaming Fist would easily work. Depending on how much the DM wants to include the faction in the adventure they might have a better suggestion.
That makes sense, just wanted to make sure. Thank you for the reply and information. I am working with the DM on all aspects of my character to make sure it fits. I came up with this as my backstory. How does this sound?
Kyner does not remember much of his early childhood, nor any information of his parents. His memories start at a monastery being raised by monks. He has no recollection of how he ended up at the monastery.
As Kyner was training with other children he often found himself being scolded for not getting it quite right. During time of meditation he found his mind wondering and not being able to stay focused. At times he swore he could see a celestial being during his time of meditation. Sometimes he was made fun of for this when he tried to explain it. He never could figure out exactly what the being wanted of him, as they never spoke, only made gestures or signals to him. As he grew into a young man, he began hearing he may not be suited for the role of a monk. Other monks laughed at his attempts to learn unarmed combat. Kyner was a larger man, built of dense muscle, and was not as agile as the others training as monks. When Kyner was alone he found himself drawn to a sword and began learning to wield it. One day at the monastery a group of men came in seeking refuge from a recent battle. The monks gave them aid, and Kyner seemed extremely interested in these knights. Most carried a sword and shield, others just a sword, or a polearm, and all were wearing heavy armor that glistened in the light. A monk saw Kyner lurking and asked that he fetch a pale of water to help clean one of the men’s wounds. As Kyner obeyed and returned with the water the knight began asking him questions. After a brief conversation, the knight asked Kyner to show him his sword wielding ability and offered his sword to Kyner. Kyner had never practiced with an actual sword, only a carved wooden model of one. He instinctively reached for the sword, in his hand it felt light, yet firm, and as he flicked his wrist a few times, balanced as if it belonged there. He stepped back, took his stance, and began to show off what he thought was his sword skills. Many of his monk friends laughed as they watched, but the knight seemed to pay close attention. It was as if Kyner was performing a dance with the sword as his movements seemed more fluid than any of the monk training he had. The knight looked at the monk tending to his wounds, shook his head as if to say yes, and then turned to Kyner and asked, “young man, would you like to come with us when we leave tomorrow morning? When we return to our fort we can train you to become one of us, as it seems you have been blessed with talent best used as a paladin, then a monk.” Kyner had never met a paladin but he looked around at the men, their arms, their armor, and he knew he must go.
Kyner trained with the Knights of Holy Judgement from then on. He quickly was able to pick up sword fighting skills and became talented in combat. As he grew, he began taking part in adventures with the Knights that lead him to track down criminals and monsters alike and bring them to justice for some wrongdoing. He became close friends with the men he often went on adventure with. They became very skilled as a group and often were honored after coming back having rendered justice on someone or something. His name grew more common as his combat prowess grew. One day his group was asked to hunt down a specific devil that had been ransacking and killing people from a nearby village. They found the devil and the fight ensued. It was a tremendous battle that raged on for some time. Kyner began getting frustrated they could not best this devil, and he pushed closer to attempt to get the final blow. The devil reacted and Kyner was thrown down unconscious. The battle continued around him, until the last of his group had succumb to the devil. The devil was severely wounded but was able to slink away from the battle having bested the group that day. Kyner awoke hours later… Dried blood laid everywhere within visual distance. His fellow paladins laid on the ground cold and dead. He wondered around but could find no sign of the devil in the area. Weak, tired, and injured himself, he picked up what he could and got ready to head back to the Knights of Holy Judgement and inform them of what happened. The celestial body he had seen during his mediation time in the monastery reappeared in the middle of the battleground. This time it spoke to him. “Kyner, you were destined to be here. Destined to survive this battle. I could not tell you before, as I could only watch over you. Now you need to see that this is your destiny. You are meant to hunt down and destroy this devil and avenge your fallen companions.” Kyner looked around as if to see if anyone else could see or hear the being speaking to him. Kyner responded, “I was bested today, who is to say I would not be bested again by this devil if I were to find him?” The being in front of him said, we have guided you this far, have provided you with everything you need to become strong enough to defeat him. However, you lack that burning desire to ignite you. The death of your friends should provide that now. You must take up arms, vow vengeance on this devil and seek to bring justice for those around you that fell today.” Kyner again looked around, picked up his backpack and belongings and began walking. The being stated, “I can already see in your heart the flame I speak of that will push you to this conclusion. Hoar is watching you and will provide you with what you need to defeat the devil when the time is right.” And with that the being was gone. Kyner continued walking but looked over his shoulder to confirm that the being was no longer there. At the edge of the battlefield, he stopped, took a knee, bowed his head, and made the vow to Hoar, that this devil would be cleansed, and his friends avenged with the devil’s death.
Kyner returned to the Knights of Holy Judgement, alone. As he entered the gates nothing but silence as everyone starred. He spoke in front of everyone and explained he was the only survivor and the devil yet lived. He did not mention anything of the celestial being that spoke to him. He did however speak of his vow of vengeance to seek out and battle the devil once more. Everyone tried to empathize with Kyner and make him feel better. He recovered from his minor wounds, packed his belongings, and said goodbye to fellow knights. They said he was always welcome and they would aid him if their paths crossed again. He then sought out on his quest.
I’m a returning player to D&D. I played years ago in edition 3.5 and haven’t really played since. A group of friends and family wanted to get back into it, so I agreed and here I am. I think I might have gone older school in creation based on older knowledge. I took human, paladin, standard array which came out to (str 16 (+3), dex 9 (-1), con 14 (+2), int 11 (+0), wis 13 (+1), cha 15 (+2)). Skills I grabbed are Athletics (+5), Insight (+3), Intimidation (+4), Persuasion (+4). With the background option I took faction agent. I aligned myself as lawful neutral with intent to go Oath of Vengeance at level 3.
My DM started us with the Baldur’s Gate: Descent Into Avernus adventure. In my group are, Gnome Rogue, Half-Elf Wizard, Half-Elf Ranger, Elf Monk, Elf Paladin, and Elf Druid. We just completed the Elfsong Tavern section and everyone in the group leveled to level 2.
I took Dueling fighting style to get the +2 bonus on damage rolls. I am carrying a scimitar and shield with chain mail. Divine Smite I have some questions. Do I need to choose and have prepared spells or leave these blank and expect to use the open spell slots for Divine Smite more often? If spells I am thinking Thunderous Smite and Wrathful Smite?
Language I have common of course as human. I took Celestial as a Paladin so I can speak with them as it seemed to fit, then took goblin and orc as I figured maybe to communicate with opposing monsters. Are there better choices that suit the Paladin overall?
I want to make a fitting background story as I have yet to write it. What ideas for a faction (if any) would tie into this story? Something along the lines of Knights of the Templar, the Round Table, that fit into Baldur’s Gate ideals? I figure since we are technically already working for Zodge that would not fit. Is there any way to take advantage of the safe house in Baldur’s Gate? My faction will need to be focused on Vengeance of course as I myself grow into my Oath.
Thoughts and feedback welcome and appreciated.
Always prepare your spells each day. Spell slots you have can be used to cast those spells OR for divine smite. As for the faction, you should work that out with your DM. Order of the Gauntlet, Lord's Alliance, or Flaming Fist would easily work. Depending on how much the DM wants to include the faction in the adventure they might have a better suggestion.
That makes sense, just wanted to make sure. Thank you for the reply and information. I am working with the DM on all aspects of my character to make sure it fits. I came up with this as my backstory. How does this sound?
Kyner does not remember much of his early childhood, nor any information of his parents. His memories start at a monastery being raised by monks. He has no recollection of how he ended up at the monastery.
As Kyner was training with other children he often found himself being scolded for not getting it quite right. During time of meditation he found his mind wondering and not being able to stay focused. At times he swore he could see a celestial being during his time of meditation. Sometimes he was made fun of for this when he tried to explain it. He never could figure out exactly what the being wanted of him, as they never spoke, only made gestures or signals to him. As he grew into a young man, he began hearing he may not be suited for the role of a monk. Other monks laughed at his attempts to learn unarmed combat. Kyner was a larger man, built of dense muscle, and was not as agile as the others training as monks. When Kyner was alone he found himself drawn to a sword and began learning to wield it. One day at the monastery a group of men came in seeking refuge from a recent battle. The monks gave them aid, and Kyner seemed extremely interested in these knights. Most carried a sword and shield, others just a sword, or a polearm, and all were wearing heavy armor that glistened in the light. A monk saw Kyner lurking and asked that he fetch a pale of water to help clean one of the men’s wounds. As Kyner obeyed and returned with the water the knight began asking him questions. After a brief conversation, the knight asked Kyner to show him his sword wielding ability and offered his sword to Kyner. Kyner had never practiced with an actual sword, only a carved wooden model of one. He instinctively reached for the sword, in his hand it felt light, yet firm, and as he flicked his wrist a few times, balanced as if it belonged there. He stepped back, took his stance, and began to show off what he thought was his sword skills. Many of his monk friends laughed as they watched, but the knight seemed to pay close attention. It was as if Kyner was performing a dance with the sword as his movements seemed more fluid than any of the monk training he had. The knight looked at the monk tending to his wounds, shook his head as if to say yes, and then turned to Kyner and asked, “young man, would you like to come with us when we leave tomorrow morning? When we return to our fort we can train you to become one of us, as it seems you have been blessed with talent best used as a paladin, then a monk.” Kyner had never met a paladin but he looked around at the men, their arms, their armor, and he knew he must go.
Kyner trained with the Knights of Holy Judgement from then on. He quickly was able to pick up sword fighting skills and became talented in combat. As he grew, he began taking part in adventures with the Knights that lead him to track down criminals and monsters alike and bring them to justice for some wrongdoing. He became close friends with the men he often went on adventure with. They became very skilled as a group and often were honored after coming back having rendered justice on someone or something. His name grew more common as his combat prowess grew. One day his group was asked to hunt down a specific devil that had been ransacking and killing people from a nearby village. They found the devil and the fight ensued. It was a tremendous battle that raged on for some time. Kyner began getting frustrated they could not best this devil, and he pushed closer to attempt to get the final blow. The devil reacted and Kyner was thrown down unconscious. The battle continued around him, until the last of his group had succumb to the devil. The devil was severely wounded but was able to slink away from the battle having bested the group that day. Kyner awoke hours later… Dried blood laid everywhere within visual distance. His fellow paladins laid on the ground cold and dead. He wondered around but could find no sign of the devil in the area. Weak, tired, and injured himself, he picked up what he could and got ready to head back to the Knights of Holy Judgement and inform them of what happened. The celestial body he had seen during his mediation time in the monastery reappeared in the middle of the battleground. This time it spoke to him. “Kyner, you were destined to be here. Destined to survive this battle. I could not tell you before, as I could only watch over you. Now you need to see that this is your destiny. You are meant to hunt down and destroy this devil and avenge your fallen companions.” Kyner looked around as if to see if anyone else could see or hear the being speaking to him. Kyner responded, “I was bested today, who is to say I would not be bested again by this devil if I were to find him?” The being in front of him said, we have guided you this far, have provided you with everything you need to become strong enough to defeat him. However, you lack that burning desire to ignite you. The death of your friends should provide that now. You must take up arms, vow vengeance on this devil and seek to bring justice for those around you that fell today.” Kyner again looked around, picked up his backpack and belongings and began walking. The being stated, “I can already see in your heart the flame I speak of that will push you to this conclusion. Hoar is watching you and will provide you with what you need to defeat the devil when the time is right.” And with that the being was gone. Kyner continued walking but looked over his shoulder to confirm that the being was no longer there. At the edge of the battlefield, he stopped, took a knee, bowed his head, and made the vow to Hoar, that this devil would be cleansed, and his friends avenged with the devil’s death.
Kyner returned to the Knights of Holy Judgement, alone. As he entered the gates nothing but silence as everyone starred. He spoke in front of everyone and explained he was the only survivor and the devil yet lived. He did not mention anything of the celestial being that spoke to him. He did however speak of his vow of vengeance to seek out and battle the devil once more. Everyone tried to empathize with Kyner and make him feel better. He recovered from his minor wounds, packed his belongings, and said goodbye to fellow knights. They said he was always welcome and they would aid him if their paths crossed again. He then sought out on his quest.
You might want to swap int and DEX. Having a penalty to int won’t really matter at all, but the DEX penalty will hurt your AC and initiative.