Matt Mercer's Oath of the Open Sea (Paladin)

Hey Thinkers!

Famed Dungeon Master Matthew Mercer released a new subclass called the Oath of the Open Sea Paladin.

Here's my initial thoughts:

OATH SPELLS 

All oath spell lists provide spells from outside the Paladin spell list, since Paladins can prepare any spell. Keep in mind that spells from outside the Paladin spell list tend to scale differently.  

There's some bombs here and some great utility. Good blend.

Every oath spell selection exudes flavor.   You could argue this theme steps on the Druid's toes. Personally, I don't mind freely blending class identities.

Another risk with a strong theme is redundancy. Tidal Wave, Control Water, and Maelstrom feel samey. They're progressions of similar effects. But, when picking a spell list, you have to work within the framework of spells that exist, and you want to commit to the options that suit your identity best. If you want to tweak this spell list, check out that they did for the Pact of the Genie (Marid) or my Draconic Bloodline Expanded Spells.

CHANNEL DIVINITY  

I love everything about this:  

• A bonus action Channel Divinity and an action Channel Divinity
• The "narrative" Channel Divinity is an awesome combat tool 
• Forced movement encourages tactical combat 
• Persistent Channel Divinity effect (not one-off)

AURA OF LIBERATION  

Auras are standard fare for Paladins at 7th level.  I was expecting something like an Aura of Steadiness that helped on athletics checks and vs. prone effects. This hits *pretty close* to that. 

The underwater benefits are critical.

STORMY WATERS  

I like how this is simultaneously offensive and defensive.  In terms of action economy, reactions (rebukes) are a classic part of the Paladin subclass kits. 

It's nice to see some alternative options to PAM/Sentinel in the opportunity attack space. I imagine this will play somewhat like a soft Sentinel, which is great because it's hard to afford a feat on a MAD class like Paladin.

MYTHIC SWASHBUCKLER  

I don't place much stock in balancing capstones (especially for Paladins who get some really stronk ones). 

This definitely exudes flavor. I find it a little funny that it's a handful of cherry-picked (and somewhat massaged) options from the eponymous subclass.

CONCLUSIONS  

• Fun features. 
• Executes on flavor. 
• Good balance of offense/defense/social. 
• Balanced consideration of action economy.
• While it's definitely something that's going to play better in a certain type of campaign (seafaring), it will be an awesome option when it fits. 

I think this is my favorite homebrew from Matt.  I'll definitely be allowing the Oath of the Open Sea in my games.

Happy sailing!