There was a cute one-pager in Dragon Magazine #329 called "Daydream Believers" that outlines an archetype for a gnome paladin. I've wanted to create a subclass to fit this archetype ever since I read it, I'm just having a hard time putting the pieces together. My idea is a paladin that steps a little on the toes of the bard, but specializes in social encounters, trickery, and whimsical inspiration. Thing is, I've had awful brewers' block since. Assuming we don't just relegate this idea to being a multiclass paladin/bard, what core mechanics would you include in this subclass?

These were a few ideas I had:

• A channel divinity that shifts NPC attitudes in your favor
• A bonus on downtime activity to craft an item or train a new language or tool proficiency
• An ability that makes the help action available as a bonus action from time to time
• Combat pranks (??) that trigger on a divine smite
• A channel divinity that reduces exhaustion and grants temp hp when you perform during a short rest
• An aura of imagination that grants a bonus on ability checks and/or rewards player creativity somehow... maybe when they make ability checks during combat?
• A channel divinity that produces random whimsical effects inspired by Alice.

I'm also generally a fan of subclasses that introduce a core feature early on, then build on it over time.

So, like, an Oath of Trickery? "I solemnly swear I am up to no good" and all that? Saying "gnome subclass" is a bit vague.

I don't know how to be much more specific without copying the whole article... hmm. I suppose it'd be alright if I exerpted:

Gnome paladins chuckle at the stereotype of paladins as self-righteous. honor-bound, humorless sticks-in-the-mud, especially when someone thinks it applies to them.

Racial Influence: The gnome mindset blends creativity and whimsy with practicality. Many gnomes become philosophers, artists. inventors, or alchemists. Their fun-loving natures and knack for illusion also make them natural tricksters and pranksters. Gnomes dream big and patiently work toward their ambitions in small, concrete steps.
 
Ethos: The fun-loving nature of gnomes often manifests in their paladins as a desire to bring joy and hope to others. Like all paladins, they oppose evil and strive to eliminate it. However, they place more importance on bringing good into the world. A gnome paladin’s racial inclination toward illusion and trickery often conflicts with her need to act with honor. Many gnome paladins resolve this conflict by speaking the truth at all times and only use their spell-like abilities to entertain or to play harmless tricks. Some have mastered the art of allowing an enemy to reach an incorrect conclusion without telling a single lie.

Roleplaying Tips: Gnome paladins maintain a positive and optimistic outlook, even when the forces of evil seem overwhelmingly strong. They believe evil triumphs whenever someone gives in to depression and despair. Thus, a gnome paladin looks for practical ways to brighten the day of everyone she meets. She might tell a joke to someone who looks sad, share her lunch with a hungry beggar, or climb a tree to rescue a child’s kitten. In addition, every gnome paladin dreams of making some significant, positive contribution to the world, such as setting up an orphanage, a hospital for the poor, or even a workshop to make toys for impoverished children. Some jokingly refer to their ambitions as their "Life Quests.” A gnome paladin sees her Life Quest as more of a hobby than an obsession. She easily sets it aside when more important matters demand her attention.

I imagine a subclass with abilities that focus on social interaction and support out of combat, while allowing the paladin to use tricks in combat that bewilder enemies and spark joy in their companions. I mentioned some downtime abilities that further the gnome's inclination to focus deeply on tasks at hand, even if they're based on absurd whimsy.

There's not much else I can do to be less vague because it's a concept I'm still working to put together. It's also possible that there's not much space for a new subclass, and that these ideas are best roleplayed.

Well, first off, I wouldn't call it a gnome subclass. The concept of a race-bound subclass is definitely not in line with 5e's standards, and harkens a bit too much back to old-school where entire classes were race restricted. Maybe call it something along the lines of Oath of Trickery, Oath of Lightheartedness, or (if you wanna get a bit meta with the irreverence) Oath of Smiles.

For your initial ideas, I like combat pranks, the whimsical Channel Divinity, and (to a somewhat lesser extent) the Mastermind-esque bonus action Help. The others don't seem as good to me. For the other Channel Divinity, maybe Abjure the Dreary/Unpleasant, to affect creatures that can cause frightened, or some other anti-fright effect for the party. Not sure on what a good aura would be.

I'd also note that, though I'm unsure how, supporting a Dexterity build a bit more would make sense. I'd also of course put in some illusion spells in the oath spell list, and maybe a couple features to support a bit more of an Arcane Trickster playstyle.

If you like a core concept that's built on throughout the class (which I like too), then I see the most potential in prank smites. Maybe build them up to be something akin to maneuvers.

Quote from Quar1on >>

Well, first off, I wouldn't call it a gnome subclass. The concept of a race-bound subclass is definitely not in line with 5e's standards, and harkens a bit too much back to old-school where entire classes were race restricted. Maybe call it something along the lines of Oath of Trickery, Oath of Lightheartedness, or (if you wanna get a bit meta with the irreverence) Oath of Smiles.

Yeah, I wouldn't restrict it to gnomes alone, although there is precedent in 5e for that. I think the original bladesinger had that restriction, but it must have been removed.

I also prefer subclasses that build on a core mechanic. I'll work on developing these pranks. Thanks!

4e had a gnome paladin paragon path called the Nightcloak, you might get some inspiration out of that if you can find it. IIRC it involved invisibility and stealth, making it very tricksy.

Quote from scatterbraind >>

4e had a gnome paladin paragon path called the Nightcloak, you might get some inspiration out of that if you can find it. IIRC it involved invisibility and stealth, making it very tricksy.

 
No kidding! I thought I knew 4e like the back of my hand. Do you remember where it can be found?

It was a "Winning Races: Gnomes" article in Dragon magazine I think