Thanks for looking at my Oath of Observation subclass for Paladins. I always strive to improve upon my creations, so I would love to hear your thoughts and constructive criticism in the comments below -- TexasDevin

There are those who believe that the answers to the mysteries of the universe are all around us if we train our senses to notice them. Paladins who take the Oath of Observation dedicate themselves to honing their awareness through rigorous practice, focus, and magic. 

Those who follow this path enhance their abilities and spells toward observing hidden details in the world that surrounds them. They also study advanced detection magic to turn the tables on enemies who would use stealth and subterfuge to get the drop on them and their allies. They master spells that allow them to locate people, creatures, and objects--even those that may be far away and well out of sight. After all, one cannot attain complete enlightenment unless one trains to perceive all that exists. This is the goal that paladins of the Oath of Observation pledge their lives to the pursuit of.

Many royal courts keep such paladins on retainer and build temples dedicated to the All-Seeing Eye. They are not only fearsome holy warriors with an uncanny knack for sensing and directing the outcomes of conflict, but they also possess practical peacetime skills in areas of negotiation, commerce and the location of people and objects.

TENETS OF THE OATH OF OBSERVATION

The tenets of the Oath of Observation concern seeking awareness of everything around you to make an informed and accurate decision and act upon it while avoiding those things that try to mislead you on your path.

• Observe: Hone your perception and insight. Deliberate and intentional observation is critical to picking up details and noticing patterns in the world around you. Whether in combat, in trade, or in social situations, the ability to pay close attention and make use of that which you observe will lead you to success.
• Detect: Concealment and deception are your enemies and you will defeat them. Even that which obscures itself from you can be seen when you know what to look for. Through practical skills as well as divine and arcane magic, you train your detection abilities until nothing escapes your notice.
• Locate: Anyone and anything that exists on this plane or elsewhere can be found if you search carefully. The lost child, the stolen trinket, the misplaced key, the outlaw on the run. Once you master the techniques to locate them, you will be able to perform great feats of assistance to people and reap wonderful rewards for your efforts.

 

Channel Divinity

At 3rd level, when you take the Oath of Observation, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options.

Awakened Awareness. As an action, you invoke the power of your deity using your Channel Divinity. A glowing mystical third eye appears in your forehead and vastly expands your consciousness. For 1 minute, your perception and investigation checks are made at advantage. Furthermore, deception checks against you are made at disadvantage.

Light of Truth. Just as our true nature is hidden the way a cloud-covered moon is hidden, when the clouds disperse, everything is illuminated, and the truth is laid bare. As an action, you present your holy symbol and speak a prayer of detection using your Channel Divinity. An aura extends 10 feet from you in all directions for 1 minute. Anyone and anything invisible or hidden within this aura is magically revealed to all. At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.

Oath Spells

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Oath of Observation Spells

PALADIN LEVEL	SPELLS
3rd	comprehend languages, identify
5th	darkvision, see invisibility
9th	clairvoyance, tongues
13th	arcane eye, locate creature
17th	legend lore, scrying

Aura of Readiness

Starting at 7th level, you have begun to attain harmony between your mind, body, and soul. As such, your awareness of things around you is heightened. You and friendly creatures within 10 feet of you get advantage on initiative rolls.

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

The Third Eye

At 15th level, your awareness has expanded to the point where you perceive far more than most mortals ever will. You have truesight to 60 feet.

Avatar of Enlightenment

At level 20, you have mastered the skills of aligning your metaphysical energy with your mind and your body. As a paragon of your order, your deity looks favorably upon you and has chosen you as an avatar of enlightenment, granting you the following aspects:

• Your expanded consciousness gives you expertise in insight and perception and you have advantage on wisdom saving throws.
• Once per long rest as an action, you may open your third eye to observe in supernatural detail an enemy you can see. This reveals all immunities, resistances, and vulnerabilities your enemy has. The DM may tell you publicly or privately as the situation warrants.
• As an action, you probe deep into your enemy’s mind and detect its worst fears. You may attempt intimidation against your enemy with advantage. If successful, they become frightened of you for 1 minute. Otherwise, they become immune to your intimidation.
• You sometimes glimpse the location of an incoming attack even before it happens, and you can attempt to parry it. You may use your reaction to add your perception to your armor class against one melee attack that would hit you. To do this, you must see the attacker and you must be wielding a melee weapon.

 Original art used with permission of the creator, David Baldridge (Username: dbaldri12)