Dragonborn Paladin 5e D&D Guide

The Dragonborn Paladin emerges, bearing the ethereal mark of both draconic might and unwavering devotion. 

With scales that shimmer like molten gold and a heart ablaze with divine fire, this formidable warrior strides forth, destined to balance the scales between mortal realms and the celestial heavens, as a herald of justice and a beacon of draconic grace. 

As the clash of steel echoes in the dungeons of forgotten lore, the Dragonborn Paladin stands as a testament to the convergence of two mighty bloodlines, wielding a sword forged in the fires of destiny.

Creating a Dragonborn Paladin

Dragonborn

The Dragonborns were born of dragons, feared by many because of their frightening appearance. Long ago, Dragonborns hatched from dragon eggs, creating a unique race and combining the best attributes of dragons and humanoids.

Even with their powerful past, Dragonborns are a divided race; many serve true dragons, others fight in wars, and some merely drift through the world without a cause.

Note: These features can be slightly changed or modified if some variations don’t fit your character.

Dragonborn Subraces

Dragonborns have 6 subraces, each relating to their dragon kin or influence through decades of relations with other races. 

You’ll also get to choose a type of dragon you relate to, determining your damage and the area of your breath weapon, as well as the resistance you gain.

Note: Choosing Chromatic, Gem, or Metallic dragon ancestry only changes your damage type.

Standard Dragonborn – These are the most common Dragonborns, having increased Strength and Charisma.

Draconblood – Draconblood Dragonborns are socially manipulative and very intelligent, even remembering the days when they were fearsome conquerors.

Ravenite – Ravenite Dragonborns have no tails but possess a sturdy physique, having increased Strength and Charisma.

Many Ravenites remember the days they were enslaved to Draconbloods, retelling the time they overthrew their overlords.

Chromatic Dragonborn – Chromatic Dragonborns trace their ancestry back to beautiful chromatic dragons.

Choose your damage type from the table below:

Gem Dragonborn – Gem Dragonborns trace their ancestry back to breathtaking gem dragons.

Choose your damage type from the table below:

Metallic Dragonborn – Metallic Dragonborns trace their ancestry back to impenetrable metallic dragons.

Choose your damage type from the table below:

Paladin Class Features

Hit Points

Proficiencies

Paladin Sacred Oaths

Once you reach your 3rd level, you may swear an oath, binding you as a Paladin forever. Each oath has a different focus and brings you closer to the path of righteousness.

Ancients – The Oath of the Ancients is one of the oldest Sacred Oaths a Paladin can take. 

Those who take this oath cast the light and darkness aside, all because of their love for nature and all things that grow. You can identify these Paladins by the images of plants their armor portrays.

Conquest – The Oath of Conquest calls for Paladins who seek glory on the battlefield and the destruction of their enemies.

They must crush the forces of chaos, serving gods and philosophies of war. Some Paladins even go so far as to reach out to powers of the Nine Hells, like the archdevil Bel, the warlord of Avernus.

Crown – The Oath of the Crown calls upon Paladins who value civilization above all else, the spirit of their nation, and their sovereignty.

In many cases, these Paladins become the watchful guardians atop palisades, protecting their civilization against the world’s evils.

Devotion – The Oath of Devotion contains Paladins who fight for justice, order, and virtue. They hold everyone to the highest standard of conduct, devoted entirely to their gods of good and law.

You can identify these Paladins by the angelic symbols and craftsmanship present on their equipment.

Glory – The Oath of Glory Paladins believe that they and their allies are destined for glory, achieved only through deeds of heroism.

Redemption – The Oath of Redemption Paladins believe in absolute vindication, seeing violence as a last resort. They face evil, hoping to turn them to the light, but are often reminded that their ideals are only that – ideals.

Vengeance – Oath of Vengeance Paladins seek retribution on those who committed the most horrific crimes.

Watchers – Oath of the Watchers Paladins are the protectors of the mortal realms, fighting against extraplanar intruders.

Oathbreaker – Oathbreaker Paladins broke their sacred oaths to pursue a dark ambition or serve some evil power. 

Whatever light once burned in the hearts of these Paladins has long been extinguished; only darkness now remains.

Combining Paladin With Dragonborn

Determining Your Paladin Subclass

You’ll be making your own subjective choice when choosing your subclass, so before choosing, try to understand what your character wants to do and how well the chosen subclass fits with your subrace.

Optimal Dragonborn Subrace

Dragonborns have various subraces to choose from. Because of this, Dragonborns don’t have a clearcut subrace to choose from. They have three.

You can choose between the Chromatic Dragonborn, Gem Dragonborn, and Metallic Dragonborn subrace. 

When you choose one of these subraces, you can allocate your ability score bonuses, so you can allocate them to fit what a Paladin needs (Strength, Charisma, and Constitution).

Your Dragonborn Paladin Background

Your Dragonborn Paladin needs a unique background that will affect its choices, as well as the way it sees the world and what it wants to achieve.

Start by asking yourself some basic questions: Where were they born, and where did they come from? Do they have any goals, bonds, or ideals, and what are their flaws? Where do they belong in social circles and society as a whole? What inspires them?

Place of Birth

Think of the environment a Dragonborn Paladin grew up in and how it affected them physically and emotionally and eventually shaped their view of the world.

Try to make their place of birth and upbringing correspond with their personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws – this will truly bring your character alive.

Note: The birthplaces of races are usually mentioned in the Player’s Handbook or some of its expansion books.

Characteristics and Personality Traits

Dragonborn Paladins are exceedingly proud, powerful creatures, greeted by fearful incomprehension but made anew through their spiritual link to the divine.

Dragonborn Paladin Examples:

• When I’ve got my mind set on something, I follow through no matter what tries to get in my way.

• No matter my situation, I always stay calm. I never let my emotions control me or raise my voice.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal – Express one ideal that is a driving force in a Dragonborn Paladin’s life – their conviction, ethical principle, and moral standing (probably something about nature).

I trust my deity and that he will guide my actions. I have faith that if I put in the work, things will go well.

Bonds – Think of a single bond that your Dragonborn Paladin has to an event, person, or place. Bonds will tie them to their background and can inspire bravery or stimulate memories driving them against their ideals.

I would die in order to recover an ancient artifact of my faith that was lost a long time ago.

Flaws – Choose a single flaw for a Dragonborn Paladin – their unhealthy compulsion, greatest fear/weakness, or most vile vice.

I am inflexible in my thinking.

Inspiration

Inspiration is used by the DM to reward you for playing according to your bond, personality traits, ideals, and flaws.

My pride is almost as important to me as my faith. I cannot sit idly while my people are taken advantage of as they once were.

Note: If you’re struggling to create your background or just don’t want to think, the Player’s Handbook has well-thought-through backgrounds that you can use for your character or use as a mold.

Supplies and Gear For Dragonborn Paladins

Paladins start with the following equipment, together with the equipment from their background. Choosing equipment based on your situation and your character’s proficiencies is the easiest way to go about things.

• (a) Martial weapon and shield or (b) Two martial weapons
• (a) Five javelins or (b) Any simple melee weapon
• (a) Priest’s pack or (b) Explorer’s pack
• A holy symbol and chain mail

You can decide how your character came about these goods – whether they stole, inherited, or purchased them some time back – adding to your character’s background.

Note: By using your starting wealth, you can buy your own equipment (5d4 x 10 GP for Paladins).

Final Thoughts

Dragonborn Paladins are quite common, as their brute strength and courage, combined with the divine power granted to them by their vicious faith, make them excellent candidates.

It might seem difficult to believe, but these draconic spiritual warriors are some of the best party members to have on your party, especially if you are looking for faith and strength!