I'm running Out of the Abyss and my Vengeance Paladin is getting his Oath. I want give him an epic personalized moment where he receives it and was wondering if anyone has any tips or ideas?
We don't really have enough information other than what adventure you're running and what Oath your Paladin player wants to take. Why does the player want to go on this path, or rather, how have the events of their character's journey lead them down this route?
To give an example, a Paladin in my Lost Mine of Phandelver game had two levels of gameplay to ultimately decide what they were sworn to: the tenets of Moradin (honour, duty, goodness), or the tenets of Abbathor (selfishness, greed, evil). He had been challenged by his temperament and environment. It's not so much that he chose his Oath, but rather that his Oath chose him. Having broken down in an inn weighing up the morality and societal implications of his decisions, he took some time to meditate. He swore that he wouldn't commit the fantasy equivalent of war crimes again and would try and meet his opponents with a sense of fair play before resorting to violence, ergo he went with the Oath of Devotion.
The actions leading up to the Oath are just as important as the ones taken to maintain it. What has the Paladin with the following intentions in mind:
Fight the Greater Evil. Faced with a choice of fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil.
No Mercy for the Wicked. Ordinary foes might win my mercy, but my sworn enemies do not.
By Any Means Necessary. My qualms can’t get in the way of exterminating my foes.
Restitution. If my foes wreak ruin on the world, it is because I failed to stop them. I must help those harmed by their misdeeds.
One final thing to note is how is the Paladin getting their source of power? Is it from their fervent belief? If so, see above about the path they've taken. If it's from a god, you might have their original god spurn them but another take their place to guide the Paladin onto this path of Vengeance. One idea I like is how the Warhammer universe does this: the Ruinous Powers tend to teach people frequently about the road to Hell being paved in good intentions, corrupting pure-hearted champions by showing them a future they will unknowingly create (see Archaon the Everchosen, Prince Yuri Barkov, Warmaster Horus).
I hope that gives some inspiration, but if you could provide us more details on this Paladin that would really help myself and other posters here. Good luck with whatever happens!
Zero is the most important number in D&D: Session Zero sets the boundaries and the tone; Rule Zero dictates the Dungeon Master (DM) is the final arbiter; and Zero D&D is better than Bad D&D.
"Let us speak plainly now, and in earnest, for words mean little without the weight of conviction."
I see paladins not as receiving an oath as much as taking one. It’s not bestowed upon them by an outside force, it’s a thing they choose to do, and then do it themselves. Maybe put it on the player and tell them they can do something with it if they like. Like come up with some kind of vow they write for their character.
I had the impression the Oath is something the Paladin "makes" an active choice on their behalf not something that is bestowed upon them,
I saw it like this levels 1-3 is a Paladins Oath Journey were by they gain the experience that allow them to make the Oath but also forms what oath they want to take... so I ended up fretting about making "Redemption" themed encounters for my players sub level 3 Paladin as I know the player wanted to play a "Oath of Redemption Paladin" The Taking of the Oath itself (my players Paladin has just gotten enough exp to level 3) I think I'll let the player Role Play it ask him how he imagines taking the Oath would be and basically improvise something off his imagination.
expanding on that - As taking the Oath is an individual choice I think it's important to emphasis the players imagination of it if that turns out to be to difficult for them then I'd improve a scene something like this
"You've spent the last 48 hours in contemplation you are in a meditative almost trance like state looking back a your journey thus far weighing action and consequence over and over again in your mind till you arrive... The floor is covered in a fine white crystalline sand unblemished undisturbed some way off you see floating in mid air a papyrus roll you can't quite make out if there is writing on it but you know you have come to the point where there is only a way forward and so you step forward and grasp the papyrus roll and recall The Tenets of Redemption and as you do they appear on the papyrus roll... "
TENETS OF REDEMPTION
Peace.
Innocence.
Patience.
Wisdom.
wishing you all the best and would love to hear what you decide on and how it turns out KerowynElendel
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Well, presumably there is a past event where evil was done that demands vengeance. I imagine the scene would be a declaration of resolve to "make them pay," preferably stated in front of those who were wronged or some outside authority like a god or ruler.
If there's a church or temple to his/her God, you could have a ceremony, where the senior priests or Paladins were present while your PC took their oath. The PC could make a brief statement as to why they have chosen the path and solemnly vow to follow it. The senior clergy would likely then bestow a blessing on them, maybe even a single-person Bless effect that might last 24 hours, as a visible, tangible thing to commemorate the event?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Talk to your Players.Talk to your DM. If more people used this advice, there would be 24.74% fewer threads on Tactics, Rules and DM discussions.
I see paladins not as receiving an oath as much as taking one. It’s not bestowed upon them by an outside force, it’s a thing they choose to do, and then do it themselves. Maybe put it on the player and tell them they can do something with it if they like. Like come up with some kind of vow they write for their character.
We don't really have enough information other than what adventure you're running and what Oath your Paladin player wants to take. Why does the player want to go on this path, or rather, how have the events of their character's journey lead them down this route?
My bad. I must confess, I feel I'm a terrible dm. I had not even thought of most of your questions until you posed them. Thank you very much for your assistance.
My player's paladin is a fallen aasimar vengeance Paladin who follows Hoar. He was dropped off in a church in Baulders Gate after shortly after he was born and has no knowledge of who his parents were or why he was abandoned. He is a bounty hunter who while on a mission got captured and woke up in Velkynvelve. He is extremely gentle to the innocent (collects all the strays we meet); however, is absolutely without mercy against his foes. His angelic guide is Simikiel, Angel of Vengeance. His source of power is directly from the god Hoar and he does not know why he was chosen.
These are his Characteristics:
Personality Traits
I am always calm, no matter what the situation. I never raise my voice or let my emotions control me.
Ideals
Freedom. Chains are meant to be broken, as are those who would forge them. (Chaotic)
Bonds
Someone I loved died because of a mistake I made. That will never happen again.
Flaws
When I see something valuable, I can’t think about anything but how to steal it.
I am technically writing the rest of his background since his character doesn't know. He is about to find out that his mother was also an aasimar paladin who followed Hoar but, died in battle. As for his father, it is a mystery which causes Hoar to smile sardonically.
Btw, greetings from America. One of my players (and one of my best friends) is from Hull. Needless to say, much hilarity occurs due to language and culture. Two others in the group are from Manchester adding more hilarity.
I had the impression the Oath is something the Paladin "makes" an active choice on their behalf not something that is bestowed upon them,
I saw it like this levels 1-3 is a Paladins Oath Journey were by they gain the experience that allow them to make the Oath but also forms what oath they want to take... so I ended up fretting about making "Redemption" themed encounters for my players sub level 3 Paladin as I know the player wanted to play a "Oath of Redemption Paladin" The Taking of the Oath itself (my players Paladin has just gotten enough exp to level 3) I think I'll let the player Role Play it ask him how he imagines taking the Oath would be and basically improvise something off his imagination.
expanding on that - As taking the Oath is an individual choice I think it's important to emphasis the players imagination of it if that turns out to be to difficult for them then I'd improve a scene something like this
"You've spent the last 48 hours in contemplation you are in a meditative almost trance like state looking back a your journey thus far weighing action and consequence over and over again in your mind till you arrive... The floor is covered in a fine white crystalline sand unblemished undisturbed some way off you see floating in mid air a papyrus roll you can't quite make out if there is writing on it but you know you have come to the point where there is only a way forward and so you step forward and grasp the papyrus roll and recall The Tenets of Redemption and as you do they appear on the papyrus roll... "
TENETS OF REDEMPTION
Peace.
Innocence.
Patience.
Wisdom.
wishing you all the best and would love to hear what you decide on and how it turns out KerowynElendel
Very nice! My player had specifically asked that I come up with something. I'm the artist in a group of DMs (every member of my party is a DM) and they like how I think outside the box. As for the Oath being a personal choice, normally I would agree. However, this particular paladin has been more or less led to take this path. Yes, he agreed to it; but, it wasn't his idea more than divine meddling and circumstances.
I really like your scenario and will use it to help frame my own. Thank you for your input!
I had the impression the Oath is something the Paladin "makes" an active choice on their behalf not something that is bestowed upon them,
I saw it like this levels 1-3 is a Paladins Oath Journey were by they gain the experience that allow them to make the Oath but also forms what oath they want to take... so I ended up fretting about making "Redemption" themed encounters for my players sub level 3 Paladin as I know the player wanted to play a "Oath of Redemption Paladin" The Taking of the Oath itself (my players Paladin has just gotten enough exp to level 3) I think I'll let the player Role Play it ask him how he imagines taking the Oath would be and basically improvise something off his imagination.
expanding on that - As taking the Oath is an individual choice I think it's important to emphasis the players imagination of it if that turns out to be to difficult for them then I'd improve a scene something like this
"You've spent the last 48 hours in contemplation you are in a meditative almost trance like state looking back a your journey thus far weighing action and consequence over and over again in your mind till you arrive... The floor is covered in a fine white crystalline sand unblemished undisturbed some way off you see floating in mid air a papyrus roll you can't quite make out if there is writing on it but you know you have come to the point where there is only a way forward and so you step forward and grasp the papyrus roll and recall The Tenets of Redemption and as you do they appear on the papyrus roll... "
TENETS OF REDEMPTION
Peace.
Innocence.
Patience.
Wisdom.
wishing you all the best and would love to hear what you decide on and how it turns out KerowynElendel
Very nice! My player had specifically asked that I come up with something. I'm the artist in a group of DMs (every member of my party is a DM) and they like how I think outside the box. As for the Oath being a personal choice, normally I would agree. However, this particular paladin has been more or less led to take this path. Yes, he agreed to it; but, it wasn't his idea more than divine meddling and circumstances.
I really like your scenario and will use it to help frame my own. Thank you for your input!
Oh :D Thanks KerowynElendel super happy you found that useful made my evening... noting some more of the details you gave ie fallen aasimar follows Hoar and the Oath of Vengeance being more a thing of "divine meddling and circumstances"
Not so familiar with the Aasimar or a fallen Aasimar for that matter but doesn't that almost imply some previous Oath or allegiance has already been broken to become "fallen"?
SIMIKIEL, ANGEL OF VENGEANCE - wow that's so epic... cool link thx Call his name and he shall come Speak your words of betrayal and he will be at your side Pierce the sword into the hearts of thine enemies Gain retribution but be warned, for vengeance carries a double edged sword Do harm upon the undeserving he shall bring his wrath upon you three fold
It definitely sounds like your Players Paladin is far far more intertwined with particular Deities, Beings (Hoar and Smikiel) then your RAW bog standard Paladin so incorporating those aspects in any Oath taking scene would make a lot of sense and be very fitting I think
Now I'm even more coriouse on what you decide on and how it goes... do consider giving us a update when you have the time and inclination
wishing you all the best
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“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
My thanks to everyone who responded to this thread. I must confess, I lost it until just now which is why I did not give y'all an update sooner. I used JustinDarkness's idea of Simikiel as his angelic guide and had the vision come to my paladin as he was walking with his friends. All his friends saw was the paladin go down on one knee and begin to glow. He however, saw Simikiel before him:
Elijah everything around you vanishes from sight as a vision you have not seen since your childhood appears before you. Bloody armor clads a dreadful silver figure with a hole all the way through his head where a face should be. His wings look ragged and ill used. Suddenly memories long forgotten flood your brain. You remember now. This is your angelic guide, Simikiel, Angel of Vengeance. HE was your only companion when you were a child. It was HIS guidance which lead you down this path.
Simikiel told his young protege that Hoar himself would hear his oath. Anyway, long story short, Elijah provided all the correct answers and gave his Oath to Hoar. Then Hoar in response gave Elijah some information about who he really is and hinted that his father was someone who had not abandoned him; but, had kept a close eye on him his entire life. He just was unable to reveal himself to Elijah yet.
The player was exceedingly happy with the rp so again, I thank you all for your help!
I usually have a paladin take their oath at level one, as part of their backstory, and just not be bound magically to the oath until level three. Alternately, if the paladin is already at level 3 without swearing their oath, I usually make it a moment of realization that this is truly what the character wants to do with its life.
Story time! One time I played a paladin in a short, low-level campaign. He was the type of paladin who is obnoxiously righteous and lawful good that he actually hurts everyone around him. He had already sworn the Oath of Devotion in his temple at level one and was vigorously training himself to reach level 3 and become a warrior of that oath. One out-of-character realization that I was hurting the group with my bad roleplay and one in-character heart-to-heart with the Chaotic Good druid later, my paladin swore the Oath of the Ancients. It was by far the most defining moment for my character, and I believe the swearing of any paladin's oath should feel like that. That's also the reason why I believe that a paladin should be able to change their oath whenever they gain a level to represent this shift in philosophy.
However, remember that not every player actually wants this level of roleplay. Be sure not to force deep, dramatic moments like what I described down his throat if he doesn't enjoy the roleplay aspect of the game too much. It can make some players to feel bored, or worse, uncomfortable. If your player likes roleplay, though, then enjoy!
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Panda-wat (I hate my username) is somehow convinced that he is objectively right about everything D&D related even though he obviously is not. Considering that, he'd probably make a great D&D youtuber.
"If I die, I can live with that." ~Luke Hart, the DM lair
All my players are DMs and absolutely love intense RP so the whole group was really into the experience, thank goodness. And I agree that the Oath should be a monumental experience. I do like the idea of the Oath at lvl 1 and then magical binding at lvl 3 though.
I love the idea of the Paladin being able to change their oath. I have a couple of Paladins who that would have been awesome for.
Ah Thank you so much for the update KerowynElendel am so glad it went off so well, not that I had much doubt it would you showed such passion and attention to detail in what you wrote ie (writing your players background) I had no doubt your players would be enthralled with it.
I must confess I pinched from that wonderful page you linked for my Redemption Paladin's Oath scene - after his Oath Vision he found himself in a circle of fine dust and for the briefest moments he was able to read the name - CHAZAQIEL - before it was all blown away with the wind. My players were fated to ravenloft for the CoS campaign ;)
Thanks again for the update wishing you all the best
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Paladins in my campaign are up to roleplay it themselves when they swear an Oath. Sacred Oath says it has been in a preparatory stage until this moment, committed to the path but not yet sworn to it, so the final way it is sworn would be up to the player character. I'd be willing to work something with the player but so far it never happen. They just naturally take it when leveling up.
Some things are better left off-stage... I'm thinking of a story like John Wick... We never see the origin story because it wouldn't add anything. Alternatively, best practice to my mind would be to ask the player to describe what the moment is like.
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I'm running Out of the Abyss and my Vengeance Paladin is getting his Oath. I want give him an epic personalized moment where he receives it and was wondering if anyone has any tips or ideas?
We don't really have enough information other than what adventure you're running and what Oath your Paladin player wants to take. Why does the player want to go on this path, or rather, how have the events of their character's journey lead them down this route?
To give an example, a Paladin in my Lost Mine of Phandelver game had two levels of gameplay to ultimately decide what they were sworn to: the tenets of Moradin (honour, duty, goodness), or the tenets of Abbathor (selfishness, greed, evil). He had been challenged by his temperament and environment. It's not so much that he chose his Oath, but rather that his Oath chose him. Having broken down in an inn weighing up the morality and societal implications of his decisions, he took some time to meditate. He swore that he wouldn't commit the fantasy equivalent of war crimes again and would try and meet his opponents with a sense of fair play before resorting to violence, ergo he went with the Oath of Devotion.
The actions leading up to the Oath are just as important as the ones taken to maintain it. What has the Paladin with the following intentions in mind:
Fight the Greater Evil. Faced with a choice of fighting my sworn foes or combating a lesser evil, I choose the greater evil.
No Mercy for the Wicked. Ordinary foes might win my mercy, but my sworn enemies do not.
By Any Means Necessary. My qualms can’t get in the way of exterminating my foes.
Restitution. If my foes wreak ruin on the world, it is because I failed to stop them. I must help those harmed by their misdeeds.
One final thing to note is how is the Paladin getting their source of power? Is it from their fervent belief? If so, see above about the path they've taken. If it's from a god, you might have their original god spurn them but another take their place to guide the Paladin onto this path of Vengeance. One idea I like is how the Warhammer universe does this: the Ruinous Powers tend to teach people frequently about the road to Hell being paved in good intentions, corrupting pure-hearted champions by showing them a future they will unknowingly create (see Archaon the Everchosen, Prince Yuri Barkov, Warmaster Horus).
I hope that gives some inspiration, but if you could provide us more details on this Paladin that would really help myself and other posters here. Good luck with whatever happens!
Zero is the most important number in D&D: Session Zero sets the boundaries and the tone; Rule Zero dictates the Dungeon Master (DM) is the final arbiter; and Zero D&D is better than Bad D&D.
"Let us speak plainly now, and in earnest, for words mean little without the weight of conviction."
- The Assemblage of Houses, World of Warcraft
I see paladins not as receiving an oath as much as taking one. It’s not bestowed upon them by an outside force, it’s a thing they choose to do, and then do it themselves. Maybe put it on the player and tell them they can do something with it if they like. Like come up with some kind of vow they write for their character.
I recently posted a somewhat similar question - -paladin-oath-of-redemption-themed-mini-encounters
I had the impression the Oath is something the Paladin "makes" an active choice on their behalf not something that is bestowed upon them,
I saw it like this levels 1-3 is a Paladins Oath Journey were by they gain the experience that allow them to make the Oath but also forms what oath they want to take... so I ended up fretting about making "Redemption" themed encounters for my players sub level 3 Paladin as I know the player wanted to play a "Oath of Redemption Paladin"
The Taking of the Oath itself (my players Paladin has just gotten enough exp to level 3) I think I'll let the player Role Play it ask him how he imagines taking the Oath would be and basically improvise something off his imagination.
expanding on that - As taking the Oath is an individual choice I think it's important to emphasis the players imagination of it if that turns out to be to difficult for them then I'd improve a scene something like this
"You've spent the last 48 hours in contemplation you are in a meditative almost trance like state looking back a your journey thus far weighing action and consequence over and over again in your mind till you arrive...
The floor is covered in a fine white crystalline sand unblemished undisturbed some way off you see floating in mid air a papyrus roll you can't quite make out if there is writing on it but you know you have come to the point where there is only a way forward and so you step forward and grasp the papyrus roll and recall The Tenets of Redemption and as you do they appear on the papyrus roll... "
TENETS OF REDEMPTION
Peace.
Innocence.
Patience.
Wisdom.
wishing you all the best and would love to hear what you decide on and how it turns out KerowynElendel
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Well, presumably there is a past event where evil was done that demands vengeance. I imagine the scene would be a declaration of resolve to "make them pay," preferably stated in front of those who were wronged or some outside authority like a god or ruler.
My homebrew subclasses (full list here)
(Artificer) Swordmage | Glasswright | (Barbarian) Path of the Savage Embrace
(Bard) College of Dance | (Fighter) Warlord | Cannoneer
(Monk) Way of the Elements | (Ranger) Blade Dancer
(Rogue) DaggerMaster | Inquisitor | (Sorcerer) Riftwalker | Spellfist
(Warlock) The Swarm
If there's a church or temple to his/her God, you could have a ceremony, where the senior priests or Paladins were present while your PC took their oath. The PC could make a brief statement as to why they have chosen the path and solemnly vow to follow it. The senior clergy would likely then bestow a blessing on them, maybe even a single-person Bless effect that might last 24 hours, as a visible, tangible thing to commemorate the event?
Talk to your Players. Talk to your DM. If more people used this advice, there would be 24.74% fewer threads on Tactics, Rules and DM discussions.
Thank you for your input!
My bad. I must confess, I feel I'm a terrible dm. I had not even thought of most of your questions until you posed them. Thank you very much for your assistance.
My player's paladin is a fallen aasimar vengeance Paladin who follows Hoar. He was dropped off in a church in Baulders Gate after shortly after he was born and has no knowledge of who his parents were or why he was abandoned. He is a bounty hunter who while on a mission got captured and woke up in Velkynvelve. He is extremely gentle to the innocent (collects all the strays we meet); however, is absolutely without mercy against his foes. His angelic guide is Simikiel, Angel of Vengeance. His source of power is directly from the god Hoar and he does not know why he was chosen.
These are his Characteristics:
I am technically writing the rest of his background since his character doesn't know. He is about to find out that his mother was also an aasimar paladin who followed Hoar but, died in battle. As for his father, it is a mystery which causes Hoar to smile sardonically.
Btw, greetings from America. One of my players (and one of my best friends) is from Hull. Needless to say, much hilarity occurs due to language and culture. Two others in the group are from Manchester adding more hilarity.
Very nice! My player had specifically asked that I come up with something. I'm the artist in a group of DMs (every member of my party is a DM) and they like how I think outside the box. As for the Oath being a personal choice, normally I would agree. However, this particular paladin has been more or less led to take this path. Yes, he agreed to it; but, it wasn't his idea more than divine meddling and circumstances.
I really like your scenario and will use it to help frame my own. Thank you for your input!
Oh :D Thanks KerowynElendel super happy you found that useful made my evening...
noting some more of the details you gave ie fallen aasimar follows Hoar and the Oath of Vengeance being more a thing of "divine meddling and circumstances"
Not so familiar with the Aasimar or a fallen Aasimar for that matter but doesn't that almost imply some previous Oath or allegiance has already been broken to become "fallen"?
SIMIKIEL, ANGEL OF VENGEANCE - wow that's so epic... cool link thx
Call his name and he shall come
Speak your words of betrayal and he will be at your side
Pierce the sword into the hearts of thine enemies
Gain retribution but be warned,
for vengeance carries a double edged sword
Do harm upon the undeserving
he shall bring his wrath upon you three fold
It definitely sounds like your Players Paladin is far far more intertwined with particular Deities, Beings (Hoar and Smikiel) then your RAW bog standard Paladin so incorporating those aspects in any Oath taking scene would make a lot of sense and be very fitting I think
Now I'm even more coriouse on what you decide on and how it goes... do consider giving us a update when you have the time and inclination
wishing you all the best
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
My thanks to everyone who responded to this thread. I must confess, I lost it until just now which is why I did not give y'all an update sooner. I used JustinDarkness's idea of Simikiel as his angelic guide and had the vision come to my paladin as he was walking with his friends. All his friends saw was the paladin go down on one knee and begin to glow. He however, saw Simikiel before him:
Simikiel told his young protege that Hoar himself would hear his oath. Anyway, long story short, Elijah provided all the correct answers and gave his Oath to Hoar. Then Hoar in response gave Elijah some information about who he really is and hinted that his father was someone who had not abandoned him; but, had kept a close eye on him his entire life. He just was unable to reveal himself to Elijah yet.
The player was exceedingly happy with the rp so again, I thank you all for your help!
I usually have a paladin take their oath at level one, as part of their backstory, and just not be bound magically to the oath until level three. Alternately, if the paladin is already at level 3 without swearing their oath, I usually make it a moment of realization that this is truly what the character wants to do with its life.
Story time! One time I played a paladin in a short, low-level campaign. He was the type of paladin who is obnoxiously righteous and lawful good that he actually hurts everyone around him. He had already sworn the Oath of Devotion in his temple at level one and was vigorously training himself to reach level 3 and become a warrior of that oath. One out-of-character realization that I was hurting the group with my bad roleplay and one in-character heart-to-heart with the Chaotic Good druid later, my paladin swore the Oath of the Ancients. It was by far the most defining moment for my character, and I believe the swearing of any paladin's oath should feel like that. That's also the reason why I believe that a paladin should be able to change their oath whenever they gain a level to represent this shift in philosophy.
However, remember that not every player actually wants this level of roleplay. Be sure not to force deep, dramatic moments like what I described down his throat if he doesn't enjoy the roleplay aspect of the game too much. It can make some players to feel bored, or worse, uncomfortable. If your player likes roleplay, though, then enjoy!
Panda-wat (I hate my username) is somehow convinced that he is objectively right about everything D&D related even though he obviously is not. Considering that, he'd probably make a great D&D youtuber.
"If I die, I can live with that." ~Luke Hart, the DM lair
All my players are DMs and absolutely love intense RP so the whole group was really into the experience, thank goodness. And I agree that the Oath should be a monumental experience. I do like the idea of the Oath at lvl 1 and then magical binding at lvl 3 though.
I love the idea of the Paladin being able to change their oath. I have a couple of Paladins who that would have been awesome for.
Ah Thank you so much for the update KerowynElendel am so glad it went off so well, not that I had much doubt it would you showed such passion and attention to detail in what you wrote ie (writing your players background) I had no doubt your players would be enthralled with it.
I must confess I pinched from that wonderful page you linked for my Redemption Paladin's Oath scene - after his Oath Vision he found himself in a circle of fine dust and for the briefest moments he was able to read the name - CHAZAQIEL - before it was all blown away with the wind.
My players were fated to ravenloft for the CoS campaign ;)
Thanks again for the update wishing you all the best
“It cannot be seen, cannot be felt, Cannot be heard, cannot be smelt, It lies behind stars and under hills, And empty holes it fills, It comes first and follows after, Ends life, kills laughter.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
Paladins in my campaign are up to roleplay it themselves when they swear an Oath. Sacred Oath says it has been in a preparatory stage until this moment, committed to the path but not yet sworn to it, so the final way it is sworn would be up to the player character. I'd be willing to work something with the player but so far it never happen. They just naturally take it when leveling up.
Some things are better left off-stage... I'm thinking of a story like John Wick... We never see the origin story because it wouldn't add anything. Alternatively, best practice to my mind would be to ask the player to describe what the moment is like.