Leonin Paladin 5e D&D Guide

These noble warriors are not your ordinary feline friends. They possess a deep connection to the divine forces that shape the cosmos.

A Leonin Paladin embodies the epitome of bravery and honor. Their golden manes are said to radiate an aura that bolsters the spirits of allies and strikes an unrivaled fear into the hearts of their enemies.

Blessed with divine magic, a Leonin Paladin can heal the wounded, smite evil with searing light, and shield their comrades from harm. Their mastery of both martial prowess and spiritual might makes them formidable opponents.

If you encounter a Leonin Paladin, know that you are in the presence of a true guardian of righteousness.

Creating a Leonin Paladin

Leonin

Leonin are the guardians of the Oreskos, a shining, almost golden-like plain where even gods rarely trespass. The prides of the nomadic Leonin seldom interact with other races, as their homeland provides them with everything they need.

The Leonin are also very suspicious of others, as they remember how they were once betrayed, vowing to keep away from the treachery of strangers. 

However, there are some Leonin who wonder what lies beyond the borders of Oreskos, wishing to one day traverse the mountains and test themselves in an alien world.

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

Leonin Subraces

The lands of Oreskos consist of many prides of Leonin, but there aren’t any subraces, mainly due to their isolationist nature.

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 both 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.

Their duty is to 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 evils of the world.

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 in the hopes of turning 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 are those who 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 Leonin

Determining Your Paladin Subclass

Choosing your ideal subclass is subjective, but if your objective is optimization, try understanding what your character wants to do and what stats fit best with their subclass.

Optimal Leonin Subrace

Leonin have no subraces, which means you don’t have to break your back about making a choice.

You start with a bonus to Constitution (2) and Strength (1), which is decent for a Paladin, as the Constitution does give you extra HP. 

You’ll have to focus on getting more Charisma for your spellcasting modifier, though.

Your Leonin Paladin Background

Your Leonin 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 Leonin 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 their 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

Leonin Paladins are extremely prideful, loving their motherland and worshiping the deities who protect their kin. They are protectors of their faith.

Leonin Paladin Examples:

• I see omens in every action and event. If the gods try to speak to us, we just need to listen.

• I like finding common ground between the fiercest enemies, empathizing with their situation, and always trying to work toward peace.

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

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

I know that my deity will always guide my actions. I believe that if I start working hard, things will go well.

Bonds – Think of a single bond that your Leonin 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 owe everything I have to the priest who took me in when my parents perished.

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

At times my piety leads me to blindly trust those who profess faith in my god.

Inspiration

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

I have a soft spot in my heart for those who are without a home, and I cannot help but give out money to those who truly look like they need it.

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 Leonin Paladin

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

Leonin are prideful creatures even without becoming a Paladin, but as one, they become a being of righteousness.

These beings have no alternative to light and make exceptional Defenders or Controllers as they command strong magic with a high AC.

If you need someone to watch your back without faltering, you should consider bringing a Leonin Paladin into your party.

You might also be interested in:

• Bugbear Fighter
• Bugbear Monk
• Leonin Barbarian