Oath of The Hoard

Oath of the hoard

Most paladins swear themselves to ideals such as justice, devotion, or conquest. Paladins of the Oath of the Hoard swear loyalty to something far older and more primal: wealth itself. To them, treasure is more than coin and jewels - it is power made tangible, the accumulation of victory, legacy, and dominion.

These paladins believe that wealth represents the triumph of will over the world. Every relic claimed, every chest filled, and every vault secured is proof of strength and destiny. Like dragons brooding over their treasure, they guard their riches fiercely and expand their hoard relentlessly.

Some are ruthless treasure-lords, conquering dungeons and kingdoms alike in pursuit of ever-greater riches. Others see themselves as divine custodians of wealth, protecting sacred treasures or maintaining vast vaults that fund temples, armies, or civilizations.

Regardless of motive, a Paladin of the Hoard measures their legacy not by the songs sung about them - but by the weight of their treasure.

Tenets of the Hoard

Though different paladins interpret the oath differently, the following principles are widely shared.

- Acquire Without End

Treasure is the proof of victory and the fuel of power. Seek wealth wherever it lies hidden or guarded.

- Guard What Is Yours

A hoard is sacred. Protect your riches with vigilance and wrath against thieves.

- Wealth Is Power

Gold buys loyalty, armies, and influence. Use your riches to bend the world toward your will.

- Claim the Greatest Treasures

Petty coin is nothing compared to artifacts, relics, and legendary riches. Seek the prizes worthy of legends.

- Let None Plunder You

Those who steal from your hoard have declared themselves your enemy.

Philosophy

Paladins of the Hoard often adopt a mindset similar to that of great wyrms—especially those like Smaug or Fafnir—who guard vast mountains of treasure as symbols of their supremacy.

However, not all followers of this oath are greedy villains. Some may:

- Protect sacred relic vaults for powerful churches

- Safeguard royal treasuries

- Hunt down stolen artifacts

- Fund kingdoms or rebellions with their accumulated wealth

- Gather piles of gold pieces within their homes

To these paladins, treasure is a sacred responsibility. Gold is not merely currency—it is history, magic, and influence crystallized into metal and gems.

Symbols and Appearance

Paladins of the Hoard often adorn themselves with visible displays of wealth:

- Armor inlaid with gold or gemstones

- Rings, chains, and amulets taken from defeated foes

- Cloaks stitched with coin-shaped embroidery

- Shields bearing sigils of vaults, dragons, or treasure chests

Their equipment is rarely plain; every piece often tells the story of where it was claimed and why it was worth taking.

Features:

 

Additional spells:

3rd: Command, identify

5th: heat metal, locate object

9th: glyph of warding, leomund's tiny hut

13th: fabricate, stone shape

17th: legend lore, Creation

3rd level: Claim the Spoils

When a creature within 30 ft drops to 0 HP, you can use your reaction to sanctify the kill as profit.

You gain temporary HP equal to your Paladin level + CHA mod.

A small magical effect causes coins, gems, or valuables worth ~1d10 × your level gp to appear among the creature’s belongings (DM permitting).

You can use this feature 2/lr

7th Level: Aura of Acquisition

You and allies within 10 ft gain supernatural efficiency when claiming rewards.

Allies add your CHA modifier to Investigation checks to search bodies, treasure rooms, or hidden compartments.

When your party gains treasure after defeating enemies, increase the value by 10% (coins overlooked, gems found in armor seams, etc.).

At 18th level, the range becomes 30 ft.

15th level: Arcane Inflation

You gain the ability to increase or decrease the percieved value of any item by 1d10 gp. this ability cannot be used on the same item twice.

At 18th level, this increases to 2d10.

20th level: Avatar of the hoard

As an action, you gain the ability to transform into an embodiment of greed for 1 minute.

 When you take this action:

- golden wings form, giving you 30ft flight speed.

- you gain a glowing light around you that gives allies within 30ft Darkvision, and advantage on skill checks related to money.

- Enemies of your choice within 30 ft must make a wisdom saving throw or become charmed by you until the end of your next turn, compelled to admire your wealth and unable to attack.

Claim the Spoils

When a creature within 30 ft drops to 0 HP, you can use your reaction to sanctify the kill as profit.

You gain temporary HP equal to your Paladin level + CHA mod.

A small magical effect causes coins, gems, or valuables worth 1d10 × your level gp to appear among the creature’s belongings.

You can use this feature 2/lr

Aura of acquisition

You and allies  gain supernatural efficiency when claiming rewards. Allies add your CHA modifier to Investigation checks to search bodies, treasure rooms, or hidden compartments. When your party gains treasure after defeating enemies, increase the value by 1d20 gp (coins overlooked, gems found in armor seams, etc.).

*note, the value increase ability does not work in dnd beyond, so remind your DM of this feature.

Arcane Inflation

You gain the ability to increase or decrease the percieved value of any item by 1d10 gp. this ability cannot be used on the same item twice.

At 18th level, this increases to 2d10.

*this feature does not work on dnd beyond.

Avatar of the Hoard

As an action, you gain the ability to transform into an embodiment of wealth for 1 minute.

 When you take this action:

- you form golden wings, giving you 30ft flight speed.

- you gain a glowing light around you that gives allies within 30ft Darkvision, and advantage on skill checks related to money.

- Enemies of your choice within 30 ft must make a wisdom saving throw or become charmed by you until the end of your next turn, compelled to admire your wealth and unable to attack.