Triton Paladin 5e D&D Guide

A Triton Paladin is the epitome of grace and strength beneath the waves. With a trident in hand, they command the power of the ocean’s depths, channeling its might through their very being.

These noble warriors are bound by a sacred oath, a divine calling that infuses their every action with purpose. United in their devotion to righteousness, Triton Paladins are defenders of the deep, guardians of hidden treasures, and champions of the oppressed.

Ever watchful, a Triton Paladin’s eyes are sharp, not just for the elusive sea creatures that dart in the shadows but also for any injustice that may taint their watery domain. 

When they encounter evil, these warriors unleash their radiant might, their trident guiding them through battle as they strike with swift precision.

Triton Paladins make the best lawful peacekeepers, knowing how to handle every situation, may it be fortunate or otherwise.

Creating a Triton Paladin

Tritons

Tritons are the ones who guard the depths of the ocean, building small settlements beside elemental planes, deep trenches, and other dangerous spots far from land-bound races.

These aquatic guardians have long been established as the guardians of the depths, but they have gradually become more active in the world above.

Triton Subraces

Tritons are a close-knit race, bound by their guardianship and loyalty to the depths. No evidence regarding subraces has been acquired, leading many to believe there aren’t any subraces.

Even if there were subraces of Tritons, the differences wouldn’t be noticeable to anyone other than the Tritons themselves.

Note: You can always ask your DM if they can create a custom subclass or listen to your subclass suggestion if you want to add something interesting to your character (just don’t make your character broken).

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 Triton

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 Triton Subrace

Since Tritons are so reclusive, it’s no wonder not much is known about them and that, in most cases, they don’t have any subraces.

You start with a Bonus to Strength (1), Constitution (1), and Charisma (1), which complements your class quite well, as the Constitution gives more HP while the Charisma is used for the spellcasting modifier.

The Strength score is a bit useless, but luckily you’ll have larger muscles!

Your Triton Paladin Background

Your Triton 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 Triton 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

Triton Paladins use their aquatic guardianship coupled with religion to become stalwart religious zealots, protecting the weak and spreading the word of their god.

Triton Paladin Examples:

• I worship a particular hero of my faith and constantly refer to that person’s actions and example.

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

Ideals, Bonds, and Flaws

Ideal – Express one ideal that is a driving force in a Triton 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 Triton 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 will someday get revenge on that corrupt temple hierarchy who falsely branded me a heretic.

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

I previously put too much trust in those who wield power within my temple’s hierarchy.

Inspiration

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

I cannot immediately trust those of faith, so I am outwardly hostile and aggressive to make them show their true selves. Only have they reveal their true nature can I trust them.

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 Triton 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

Triton Paladins aren’t unheard of, as there are many in the deep depths who need to take responsibility for protecting their holy land.

You’ll basically be playing a traditional Paladin, but in this case, you’ll be half-fish and capable of living longer than any normal Human.

In my opinion, Tritons are already an extraordinary race, but when they take the Paladin class, they become a walking guardian. It’s always a good idea to bring a Triton Paladin along for the journey.

You might also be interested in the following:

• Warforged Barbarian
• Warforged Fighter
• Warforged Ranger