Oath of the Masses

Paladins who take the Oath of the Masses understand that problems far greater than any one person or group can solve. Though gods and fiends may influence the outcome of many decisions, these are small compared to the overall state of society that grinds the toiling masses further and further into the ground. These paladins perhaps have tasted the bitterness of ousting one ruler just to have the next be unable to change society in the way they promised. Even good-aligned nobles still live off the wealth that is produced by the people they claim to speak for. Only the organization of the people and for the people can truly change society into one that meets the basic needs of everyone.

Those who take this Oath place their trust in the masses of people who shelter them from enemy eyes; they work to help make the commoners' lives better after smiting their foes. Their beliefs may put them at odds with those who want temporary and easy solutions such as capitulating to the nobility or seizing power without the trust or authority of the people. These paladins have deep roots among the masses and trust them with their lives. The masses and the masses alone make history, for without their support, could these heroes have survived?

TENETS OF THE MASSES

The tenets of the Oath of the Masses hold a paladin to a high standard of service and justice.

People's War for People's Peace. Those in power will never give it up voluntarily, violence is a weapon that is used against the wicked to bring about true change. However, this weapon must only be used with the backing of the people you serve. You must never use violence against the toiling masses.

Discipline. You must treat the masses with the utmost respect as they are your true source of power. You must be tireless and vigilant in your fight against oppression and exploitation. 

Patience. Change takes time. No one in any society has escaped the influence of the oppressing powers, so many people still cling to the idea that change will happen peacefully. Be patient with the masses and yourself; you must work day after day to allow the seed of hope and justice to survive and flourish.

Wisdom. While every creature has the ability to change, some will not and you have no choice but to end their lives for the survival of the people. Any such action must be carefully weighed and the consequences fully understood, but once you have made the decision, follow through with it knowing your path is just.

Collectivity: Though you have agency as a creature, your actions affect others, therefore, any decision you make should be discussed thoroughly before proceeding with it. Try to unite with your comrades and with the masses before taking any consequential action. 

Channel Divinity

When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options.

Friend of the People. You can use your Channel Divinity to persuade the people you serve or intimidate their enemies. As a bonus action, you can have advantage on any intimidation and persuasion checks. If you succeed on a persuasion check with a commoner, they become friendly to you if they were indifferent to you, and they become indifferent to you if they were hostile. 

Punish the Powerful.  You can use your Channel Divinity to punish those who are more powerful than you, forcing them to reckon with the choices they have made. As a bonus action, you present your holy symbol and for one minute, any creatures you choose within 30 feet have disadvantage on saving throws against your spells (including smite spells). Additionally, when you attack with a melee weapon, any monsters that have a CR that is greater than your level or any Noble takes additional radiant damage equal to your level.

 

Oath Spells

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Oath of the Masses Spells

Paladin Level	Spells
3rd	Sanctuary, Guiding Bolt
5th	Calm Emotions, Hold Person
9th	Plant Growth, Spirit Guardians
13th	Resilient sphere, Private Sanctum
17th	Hallow, Hold Monster

Aura of Liberation

Beginning at 7th level, you can express the will of the people to be free from their shackles, both mental and physical. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you have advantage on saving throws against being charmed, frightened, possessed, grappled, or restrained. 

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

Trust of the People

Starting at 15th level, when you or any creature within 30 feet of you are reduced to 0 hit points and are not killed outright, all creatures within 30 feet of you can use their reaction to give that creature some of their Hit Points. These HP are doubled when they reach that creature. For example, if you drop to 0 hit points and someone gives you 15 HP, they will lose 15 HP but you will gain 30. Once you use this ability, you can’t use it again until you finish a short rest.

Additionally, magic cannot put you to sleep, blind, nor deafen you or anyone in your aura.  

Champion of the Masses

At 20th level, you have gained the trust of the masses so deeply that they are able to help you even when they are not present. As a bonus action, you gain the following benefits for 1 minute:

You are able to use your lay on hands feature as a bonus action and at a range of 30 ft 
You and your allies within 30 ft gain advantage on wisdom and charisma saving throws
Once you use this bonus action, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest, unless you expend a 5th-level spell slot to use it again

The love of the masses also strengthens your Aura of Liberation, any creatures within 30 feet of you gain immunity to being charmed, frightened, restrained, grappled, or possessed.