The Oath of Freedom Paladin Subclass
Added 2025-03-26 20:46:46 +0000 UTCI only ask if you come with me, that you match my breath and walk in my footsteps. We will not be seeking the ideal outcome, simply one in which they are free.
We are so proud to present the Oath of Freedom Paladin subclass!
[download attachment is at the bottom of the post]
The Oath of Freedom is a lifelong commitment to liberty and the ideals it depends on—equality, empathy, and solidarity. Often called lordless knights, freedom fighters, and revolutionaries, these paladins swear an oath to oppose the constricting forces of tyranny and bondage wherever they take root. Their wild spirits and outsized passions reflect the promise of living freely, and they bear no standards and wear no uniform—though their manner of dress often involves lighter armor, flowing garments, and symbols of emancipation such as feathers or broken chains.
As you play along, we'd love to hear your feedback for this Paladin subclass in our playtest survey!
Playtest feedback is most useful when it identifies specific issues, pain points, and areas of confusion—or things that are working well. If you think something is bad/not fun/unbalanced/not as good as the previous version, please be specific and tell us why! And finally, please don't backseat design—it's most helpful to know what you think of the existing design, not what you think it should be, so we can best identify the core issues to address.
We hope you enjoy this subclass as much as we did making it for you!
In case you missed it, you can find the revised Witch class here, and the Wizard of the Citadel subclass here.
Credits:
Concept Design: Mazey Veselak
Design: Dan Dillon, Brennan Lee Mulligan, Hannah Rose, Brandes Stoddard, Mazey Veselak
Playtester in Chief: Lou Wilson
Layout: Ruby Lavin
Illustrators: Corey Brickley, Lorena Lammer, The Griffon's Saddlebag
Worlds Beyond Number Cast: Aabria Iyengar, Erika Ishii,
Brennan Lee Mulligan, Lou Wilson
Lead Producer and Sound Designer: Taylor Moore
Lorekeeper: Jack Morgan E.F. Lavandowska
Special thanks to Tazer Army, Amanda Freberg, Shannon, Rebecca Slater, the Editor Council, and all our incredible patrons by the Fireside!
Comments
Is anyone else having a hard time finding where to buy the full PDF?
Alex Fisher
2025-10-28 13:45:17 +0000 UTCOne phrasing tweak perhaps: "The target may then Immediatly move up to 10 ft*" Might explain that the movement is happening instantaneously on the paladins turn, rather then giving the target extra speed.
Emongaru
2025-07-13 09:07:32 +0000 UTCReading this Oath was a full body, mind, and spirit experience that I am still processing. Thank you.
CharisCay
2025-06-08 14:22:01 +0000 UTCHad a Jet from ATLA flashback at ‘freedom fighters’
Witch of the Wilting Blooms
2025-05-23 22:34:15 +0000 UTCHold. The. Fk. Up. Are we sure this Oath's tenets don't be starting with "Laws are threats made by the dominant, socio-economic, ethnic group in a given nation..."?
Sil
2025-04-17 06:05:07 +0000 UTCCan't wait til Eursulon summons a full second spectral Ame w this in book 6
Nathaniel Levy
2025-04-15 17:54:28 +0000 UTCForce Cage eat your fucking heart out
Isaac Bryce
2025-04-15 01:36:00 +0000 UTCre: "Bring down the barriers" — I don't think it'd be too much to give the paladin double damage to objects in general, and it'd save a lot of debating "but isn't every wall designed to impede passage?" (otoh: imagine a paladin locating which walls are structural / load bearing by banging on walls) - - line break - - As cool as the utility against wall spells is, the bonus damage vs. mundane restraints feels kinda underwhelming at 15th level (casters get actual Disintegrate is at 13th level!) but would matter a lot for a level 3 character, maybe as a smite/channel-type power? Cutting through steel bars/manacles at level 3 is cool and surprising, at level 15 it's expected.
Eribu
2025-04-13 23:50:46 +0000 UTCre: the power level (flavor is 10/10), I think this class is probably stronger than it looks — the spell list is *great*, like a player went through and picked all their favorite utility spells. I think the only other spell I might want as a paladin is Haste, and that's kinda the signature of the Oath of Glory; I can appreciate the symmetry of access to Haste vs. Freedom of Movement.
Eribu
2025-04-13 23:42:08 +0000 UTCI think it would be really cool if break the chains was a signature smite that broke all the bonds created by the target if they fail a save, perhaps increasing the power level of the bonds based on the level of slot used to cast the smite
Vi
2025-04-11 15:47:41 +0000 UTCHey does anyone know if there is official art of Eursulon's shield?
War Criminal Ross
2025-04-11 11:43:43 +0000 UTCI love the oath and the flavor. My issues with it are that it feels a little weak. Most paladin oaths have 2 options when using their channel divinity, this subclass only has 1. Maybe an ability like the "Oath of glory's" inspiring smite might help this subclass. I also feel the aura of free passage could be improved by maybe increase allies movement speed by 5-10 feet when starting in the aura.
Joshua Arft
2025-04-09 04:07:56 +0000 UTCNow that Suvi's confrontation with Steel is imminent, I can't help but wonder what the PR spin is gonna be back at the Citadel. Cause the timeline for anyone keeping track is absolutely wild. Sky, "princess" of the Citadel, went on a top secret mission to the North Pole and took a detour in lieu of coming straight back. In doing so, she became a war hero and her feat was so great that she was personally thanked by the Crown Prince of the Empire. And then not even a day later, she defected from the Citadel. She's presumed dead right now but that can't last long now that she's on a battlefield that has the focus of the Sword of the Citadel
Amaya
2025-04-08 21:17:24 +0000 UTCI think the main problem with this subclass for a show like this is that I’m not sure they use a battle map and most of these abilities focus on movement speed.
Quincy Hotchkiss
2025-04-08 19:46:08 +0000 UTCI’ve had a concept like this for a while. My partner’s first dnd character is a paladin who’s been in a series of oaths where they have been taken advantage of, including a pact with Loki and Hel. This subclass was going to be reward for reaching freedom. Here it is if anyone cares. I meant to post it here as a suggestion but I guess I was too late. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ptSEd05mYG6PDv9uvofUwMtVH0ymKnrNnEwx0Yg70YI/edit?usp=drivesdk
Quincy Hotchkiss
2025-04-08 18:49:16 +0000 UTCi was close with the naming, i had been thinkin "oath of liberty" which wouldve been weird 😂
yimyams
2025-04-02 21:43:26 +0000 UTCHe could, RAW. By the time they get to Level 20, Eursulon's Spirit Guardians will be something to behold.
Carrie Mook Bridgman
2025-04-02 13:29:59 +0000 UTCI'd say it's really powerful. A paladin doesn't need more damage or flashy spells, but the ability to be within 5ft of there target and with this subclass nothing can hinder they're path.
Moony
2025-04-02 12:52:20 +0000 UTCHe's a Warlock Patron, my guy. Both mechanically and literally. Unless or until the team drops something for us, I have been using the Undead Patron for my players, except I swap in the Shadow Sorcerer Level 6 Hound of Ill Omen ability, it's once per long rest but you can spend your Magical Cunning to recover it as well. Otherwise the Undead works great for a Chalice type.
Sean Boyce
2025-04-01 21:58:31 +0000 UTCthe flavor for it is good though
Theodore Siegel
2025-04-01 14:33:31 +0000 UTCdamn this kinda sucks
Theodore Siegel
2025-04-01 14:33:07 +0000 UTCJust wanna join the chorus to say that---although I agree with some of the notes about the mechanics maybe being a bit niche/underpowered---the vibes/themes/flavor of this is absolutely 100% on point and I love it!
Adarsh Nednur
2025-04-01 04:02:05 +0000 UTCI think the glory paladin already increases a players range. It would be sick to incorporate a teleporting mechanic for the aura though. That you can swap places with anyone in your aura and if they resist they must make a saving through against it.
George Hoyle
2025-04-01 00:40:44 +0000 UTCI love it! Solidarity forever 💪🗿💪
Isiah Neidigh
2025-03-31 17:55:20 +0000 UTCParticularly when held in the light of how incredible all of the other Paladin capstones are, where they become demigods for a minute- IIRC the oathbreaker also has passive damage, and it's 4d10
TheloniousPunkyBrewster
2025-03-31 12:24:50 +0000 UTCI also feel like 3rd is low for the capstone feature
Spore Zealot
2025-03-29 20:08:21 +0000 UTCNo concentration and a 30' range on Spirit Guardians is cool, but it sounds like it's cast at 3rd level... Does that feel underpowered to anyone else? I feel like it should be upcast to 5th level for a capstone feature... It's that just me?
Spore Zealot
2025-03-29 20:07:35 +0000 UTCI love the core of this encouraging movement and releasing the bound 🙌
Warlock
2025-03-29 06:40:01 +0000 UTCWe absolutely cannot stop winning
Claude
2025-03-29 04:04:34 +0000 UTCYes yes yes. It’s a great guide for praxis and finding ways to connect and build community that’s relevant and encouraging for current events and how many many people are actively thriving under Empire. Whew. I’ve highlighted about every other line so far and I’ve only finished the introduction. BANGERS. EVERY LINE. It’s also not a huge book, and is about like this pod tbh in terms of balancing good vocab and nuance with straightforwardness 👏🏼 Unlike this wordy comment lol
M Dorsey
2025-03-29 02:06:49 +0000 UTCLevel one Spirit Guardians on L20 is pretty weak though. But it's a little funny that Paladin of Freedom gets a spell that halves the movement of enemies :D
AL2VAR .
2025-03-28 22:16:17 +0000 UTCMy willshaper heart is so happy rn!
Austin Birds Gay Cousin
2025-03-28 21:38:41 +0000 UTCI needed something like this for the campaign I'm currently putting together. This couldn't have come at a more perfect time.
Timothy Mair
2025-03-28 20:27:27 +0000 UTCI've got fantastic news for you ;)
Kiera Faye
2025-03-28 20:06:22 +0000 UTCUgh, I wanna be this class in real life 😭
MimeticGoblin
2025-03-28 16:00:20 +0000 UTCIts crazy to me that none of the core Paladin subclasses have this vibe. They really thought that more people would want to play a character devoted to their own personal glory than a cool insurgent freedom fighter. I dunno, that's not been my experience, but maybe I've just got rad friends.
Josh Rodell
2025-03-28 08:26:10 +0000 UTCI missed the last line that on a hit the spell ends. Yeah, trade off, I guess. It will probably be useful tl in the WBN campaign if they have to go up against lots of Citadel wizards. I think in most campaigns it will seldom come up. In my D&D experience, it's the players who are usually throwing up the magical barriers.
Jason G. Rheins
2025-03-28 07:18:05 +0000 UTC"Unfortunately, the feature doesn't tell you how much HP the spell wall gets. Also the AC is way too high. " This feels like a choice and meant to balance one another. The spell doesn't HAVE hp. If you hit it, you dispel it. Which is crazy strong, so it has an AC requirement linked to the spell level.
Brandon Carbaugh
2025-03-28 06:46:30 +0000 UTCThis is the "Break Your DM's Cool Setpiece Bossfight with Carefully Designed Mechanical Choices" subclass. Ohhhhh, your little bad guy has a legendary action that grapples on hit, a lair effect that slows movement, and the maguffin we came here for is behind a magic wall? GET DUNKED ON, NERD.
Brandon Carbaugh
2025-03-28 06:42:43 +0000 UTCAwesome! All the features will create guaranteed epic story beats. On a side note can someone lock all the people involved to brainstorm what a Stranger oath would be like? 👉👈
João Padinha
2025-03-28 01:11:11 +0000 UTCyeah it would be way better if it was a reaction
irisilmaril
2025-03-27 23:50:27 +0000 UTCThank you for taking the time for your comments, please be sure to add this feedback to our playtest survey linked above so we can have all this info consolidated in one place!
Shannon
2025-03-27 19:43:10 +0000 UTC@thiswayjose I think the actual effect is very, very good, but I do agree it's usage is somewhat limited. I don't balk at it being touch, since it fits with the idea that you're getting between your ally and an enemy, and I believe most Paladin Channel Divinities are actions. But it being an instantaneous effect, not lingering, on a single ally only once per rest would feel tough. The 2024 Paladin would be able to use it 2-3 times per rest, which helps, but i think players might have some mixed feelings about it in 5E vs something like the Watchers CD that a full minute of advantage on saves.
Drew P
2025-03-27 17:47:42 +0000 UTCI think this subclass is very underpowered compared to the 2024 Paladin subclasses and even the 2014 ones. (I had the opposite reaction to Citadel subclass and witch class.) I will say, the spell list is very good. Jump, Pass Without Trace, Dimension Door, Awaken are stand outs. Dispel Magic and Longstrider are good to have too. Even if it breaks the pattern of 2 extra spells to the list per spell level, they should get misty step in addition to PWT and Knck. Or just give them a feature of casting Knock for free once per short rest or Proficiency or CHA mod. # of times per Long Rest. That will let them cast it with a spell slot if they need it (they won't), thus putting it on their lists without marring the spell table. (Seriously, how many Paladins want to use one of their precious 2nd level slots for a Knock spell, especially when, at level 15, they become the world's best door breakers?) Better yet, keep Knock on the spells list and give them some free castings of misty step. One could (and probably should) add a lot to this subclass to balance it better. For example, removing the disadvantage to stealth from heavy armor, or allowing full dex modifier to add to AC in medium armor, and/or added movement speed at key levels all seem thematic and not too much. If the Aura of Free Passage gave immunity to or even advantage on all saves against being grappled, restrained, or paralyzed it would be *much less niche*. A lot of Paladin Channel Divinities are pretty meh, but Break the Chains is still underwhelming. Given that restoring touch only comes on line at level 14 now, it does have functionality, but a lesser restoration gets rid of paralysis, and why would you use a channel divinity to get out of grappled when you can usually just use your action? If these conditions are from a spell that's been cast, it probably makes more sense to hit the caster with a big smite to break their concentration. I could maybe see using it once in a while to remove the charmed or paralyzed conditions without a 2nd or 3rd level spell slot, but consider that, in comaparison, a Devotion Paladin's aura (L. 7+) makes allies immune to being charmed in the first place. Not having a distinctive smite feels like a missed opportunity. Maybe something that releases anyone 'held'/'charmed', etc. by the target, or that releases a summons from the control of its summoner and perhaps leaves it disposed to be friendly to the Paladin or hostile to the summoner, etc. IDK, something. The Level 15 feature is a ribbon. The one good thing about it is you could potentually use it against a wall of force (not that that comes up all that often). Unfortunately, the feature doesn't tell you how much HP the spell wall gets. Also the AC is way too high. (Why is a big, stationary wall or dome that's just standing in front of you as hard or harder to hit than an ancient red dragon?!? How much help is that double damage going to do if half the time you can't hit the damn thing?) But more disappointing to me than its lack of power is the subclass's lack of originality. Don't get me wrong, an Oath of Freedom or Liberation or Liberty, etc. makes great sense for the character of Ursulon. And they are great ideals around which to build a Paladin's Oath. But there have been lots of homebrews of Freedom Paladins (some quite popular) that this is very similar to in terms of spells and features. In other words, the theme is cool and classic, but I wish the mechanical implementation/expression of the theme were more unique and innovative. And if it isn't going to be fresh, then at least don't make it less good, e.g. a lot of those homebrews get misty step on their lists or some other kind of short teleport. TLDR: underpowered. Needs some TLC.
Jason G. Rheins
2025-03-27 17:11:39 +0000 UTCSpells cast without a spell slot are pretty much always cast at their lowest level. However, this is a concentration-less 30' radius Spirit Guardians and it adds the request for aid. I think it's not that bad.
Jason G. Rheins
2025-03-27 16:32:01 +0000 UTCThis is so sick. One thing - what level is Spirit Guardians cast at? It's unclear. I hope not 3rd because that seems a bit weak for a 20th level ability.
Dumbledalf the Wizard
2025-03-27 15:52:14 +0000 UTCI'm fully blanking on what that means if I even do have the knowledge of what it is. 😅
Dream Wizard Kyle Arca
2025-03-27 15:39:06 +0000 UTCwatchoutWATCHOUTWATCHOUT [Losario Racamanti and Lohan leap off the top rope]
Mac
2025-03-27 14:43:43 +0000 UTCTHIS RULES
Lee
2025-03-27 13:56:58 +0000 UTCI'll have to look that book up. Thank you.
Christopher Chamberlain
2025-03-27 13:01:18 +0000 UTCSee, I was thinking it was one of the weaker channel divinities because it requires an action AND touch AND it only affects a single target.
thiswayjose
2025-03-27 12:22:59 +0000 UTCThis is based on 2024 rules, exhaustion in that version doesn’t affect speed.
thiswayjose
2025-03-27 12:21:34 +0000 UTCAlso, I love love love how the lvl 7 feature is literally "match my breath and walk in my footsteps"!
Just a Fox
2025-03-27 12:20:58 +0000 UTCImportant! Cause I assumed it was base level since nothing mentions upcasting, but paladins at that point can cast level 5 spells
thiswayjose
2025-03-27 12:20:02 +0000 UTCYUP, this kicks major ass. This is bringing the true revolutionary vibes to Umora and WWW. I want to take this oath in real life
Just a Fox
2025-03-27 12:16:21 +0000 UTCGOING FERAL!!!
Zander Zamboni
2025-03-27 11:45:37 +0000 UTCreading this almost made me cry???
Lauren
2025-03-27 11:24:49 +0000 UTCNo, bc this Paladin actually acts in real life and doesn’t spend most of their time fighting on the notice boards at the edge of town 😂 (Recovering SJW here who finally broke out of that rigid radicalism, thank fuck. Highly recommend the book “Joyful Militancy” and Clementine Morrigan’s writing btw 😭)
M Dorsey
2025-03-27 11:04:48 +0000 UTCI can feel that— our prison system is WILDLY inhumane as legal slavery. I lean a bit to the ancient extreme lol: either rehab or removal. In my gut… if you us your privilege of life to harm others, you either serve recompense and learn to change, or you lose that privilege to live among others safely 😅 Like… we see it time and again. Some refuse to change. And when something only lives and grows to rot the things around them, it’s cancerous and needs to be removed. They won’t stop unless put down. 🤷🏻♀️
M Dorsey
2025-03-27 11:00:56 +0000 UTCBrain immediately went, “Wait. Did I miss a feature that gives him a Lil Guy?” No, brain. Different kinda Pal.
Aviva
2025-03-27 10:48:12 +0000 UTCWelcome to the Fireside. 🔥
Aviva
2025-03-27 10:47:05 +0000 UTC♥️
Aviva
2025-03-27 10:44:43 +0000 UTCSeems like if this Paladin joins the army she loses his powers.
Joshua rassier
2025-03-27 09:34:07 +0000 UTCI think about this a lot because my best friend's daughter is a defense lawyer who believes that ANY incarceration of anyone should be overturned, as the prison system is too flawed to be considered in the justice system. And yes, that means not incarcerating rapists and people who have proven themselves to be deliberately violent.
Doug Oglesby
2025-03-27 09:23:44 +0000 UTCNot allowing chains, even on your enemies, is a bold stance. That almost guarantees that any enemy too powerful to let go will need to be put down. It also puts some of the blame on you if releasing an enemy causes further harm. To some extent, their actions are on them, but if you are the one standing between those enemies and innocent people, it could be considered an abdication of that responsibility to give them freedom.
Doug Oglesby
2025-03-27 09:20:15 +0000 UTCThis fucking rocks
King Rob
2025-03-27 08:42:23 +0000 UTCIt would be great to get this cleared up. The level 9 dispel magic makes it seem like Spirit guardians is cast at level 9, but that's 9d8 damage and ½speed in a 30ft radius! 😮 (On a failed Wis save)
Marcus Beirne
2025-03-27 07:30:51 +0000 UTCKind of like "yo fam, I need help" or calling in a favor that spirit you saved from an underwater trap. And of course they get to stick around after for food.
Marcus Beirne
2025-03-27 07:22:47 +0000 UTCMy interpretation is it's like Planar Ally, but for a creature you previously helped rather than a god/devil etc. They instantly teleport to within 30ft of you to help in whatever way they can (but not compelled to) and leave when you end concentration on Spirit Guardians.
Marcus Beirne
2025-03-27 07:20:41 +0000 UTCLiterally a perfect fit for a character I’m playing who I’d kind of awkwardly made oath of redemption. I’m so excited to try it out!
Erin
2025-03-27 05:23:48 +0000 UTCDoes anyone understand what the second part of the Level 20: And None Stand Alone feature is supposed to do?
Mehmet
2025-03-27 05:20:38 +0000 UTCMight be interesting to have the aura increase the speed of an ally by 5ft and allow them to use that 5ft to move (teleport/blink) past a barrier? Like if a wall is 6 ft no dice but otherwise you can cross it if the paladin has LOS with you?
Chris Taylor
2025-03-27 05:12:36 +0000 UTCYesss thats exactly where my head was at
dain saint
2025-03-27 02:40:52 +0000 UTCI think it crystallizes at Hallicker, but has been present throughout the story. The first spirit that Eursulon frees is himself. He then immediately risks his freedom to save Naram.
The Wizard Sound
2025-03-27 02:34:07 +0000 UTCRaW I'd say it shouldn't but if used to help a exhausted captive make that last push to safety I'd allow it as a DM for say 10 min just for the flavor win.
Shadarous
2025-03-27 01:59:15 +0000 UTCPerhaps since Hallicker Forest?
Fxd Gear Queer
2025-03-27 01:22:51 +0000 UTCExtremely cool! Idk if I'm missing it but for the level 20 ability, what level spell is the Spirit Guardians cast at (i.e., how much damage are they dealing)? Super cool subclass and really excited to hear the oath come up in the episodes!
Daniel Soto
2025-03-27 01:12:14 +0000 UTCThis subclass is SICK
ChimiChangle
2025-03-27 01:11:26 +0000 UTCThis made me all happy sniffly
Elizabeth Boskey
2025-03-27 01:08:37 +0000 UTCLove that! Thank you, Hannah!
Taylor Vanderheyden-Portela
2025-03-27 00:54:55 +0000 UTCit was posted March 13 i think its called Spider Book Cave
irisilmaril
2025-03-27 00:39:08 +0000 UTCI'm excited for the paladin subclass, but as a wizard player my reaction was the same as Aabria's when the word "spellbooks" was uttered. There was a throwaway comment about the spells and Glass Coronet lore drop being some Fireside bone cone, but did I fail my Investigation check or is it not posted yet?
Brenden Sparks
2025-03-27 00:29:27 +0000 UTCJust the nicest Kaiju rolling up... "Hey buddy, heard you were talk'n some shit. That's not nice at all."
Christopher Chamberlain
2025-03-27 00:15:24 +0000 UTCGood enough for me! 🥰
Dream Wizard Kyle Arca
2025-03-27 00:15:00 +0000 UTCInteresting. Not that they happen constantly, but I feel like I run into grappled and restrained fairly regularly. I guess my worry would be ending a grapple but somehow still being restrained, RAW, as they often come together. That could be such a waste and very disappointing. The 5.5e rules give the grapplee disadvantage on all attacks except against the grappler. I haven’t played with that rule, but it has major implications for battlefield control. Freeing up your squishy so they can rain down damage or control of their own could be huge. Even a ranged fighter could be taken off the board by a minion, though they’re probably more likely to make the Str/Dex save to escape. The Aura of Free Passage is interesting because it doesn’t require an ally to stay in the aura to benefit. They can be next to you or walk near you then ignore difficult terrain for the rest of the current turn as well as their next one. Re: Bring Down the Barriers Arguably any constructed wall is intended to bar passage. Sure, it’s situational, but it could be pretty fun. Oh, the only way out is full of baddies or booby trapped? Baiii, boyyy. Or the BBEG has a head start escaping through a building? Good thing there’s a wall here. *cronch* Party member or NPC chained up? Not for long. *yoink* Don’t some objects have a minimum damage threshold? Like, anything under X damage is effectively none? Doubling your total damage including PB and ability mods (not just the rolls like a crit) sure makes a difference there. If you have a magical weapon that deals double damage to objects, you would quadruple it. Hahaaa, that sounds fun! Fuck your walls! Who needs to pick a lock when I can just demolish the door?! Arcane door? No thanks, I’ll take the wall instead. Plus, being able to brute force your way through a spell is wild. Definitely not likely to come up often like you said, but the flavor is great and it could be very clutch.
Aviva
2025-03-27 00:14:29 +0000 UTCUm, is this literally The Social Justice Warrior? (Well, OK, Social Justice Paladin) Because I'm here for it.
Christopher Chamberlain
2025-03-27 00:11:43 +0000 UTCfreedom of movement is a little too similar to the channel divinity ability. i think this paladin deserves Haste. longstrider plus Haste makes this Paladin the fastest paladin alive which i think is appropriate
irisilmaril
2025-03-26 23:50:59 +0000 UTCNeed to playtest this post-haste, this fucks so hard. Quick Q: Break the Chains “ends an effect that reduces your targets speed” -> does that include second level of exhaustion?? Wild if true…
dain saint
2025-03-26 23:47:09 +0000 UTCThis is incredible. Like many have said—the vibes are immaculate. Very Eursulon-coded and I can’t wait to try it out. I did actually tear up when reading the Oaths. We need more of these guys irl. Liberation for everyone.
Deborah Kate
2025-03-26 23:40:57 +0000 UTCHell yeah
Ais McGrath
2025-03-26 23:37:42 +0000 UTC*Sees new subclass from WBN drop- downloads immediately - turns off tv - yellow curry in the microwave, forgotten - reads intently - proceeds to imagine his 18th lvl Paladin from a five year campaign taking this oath that fits his style/backstory/world-view perfectly* The way this subclass just derailed my afternoon is absolutely priceless! My heart-filled thanks for all the love & hard work!
Ted Meredith
2025-03-26 23:26:20 +0000 UTCNot at the moment, but we have plenty of other cool things cooking! ;)
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 23:19:32 +0000 UTCHeck yeah! I hope you get to play it, and let us know how it goes!
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 23:18:45 +0000 UTCThis is sick as hell
Peydon Bush
2025-03-26 22:55:38 +0000 UTCI did a whole big monologue earlier, but I wanna specifically say that I ADORE the Channel Divinity. DnD has a really annoying lack of true defensive support/tanking abilities. The main tank class, Barbarians, usually don't do a great job of protecting their allies since enemies can just run past them to attack the squishies. This ability PERFECTLY fills that niche. The removal of conditions is really powerful, but I'm particularly excited about the Eject Button nature of the insta-disengage for an ally, especially since you can immediately take their place in melee range of their foe. Very "Get Down Mr. President!" I can't wait to see Eursulon use it for the first time to get squishy wizard Suvi away from some big boy with a big sword
Drew P
2025-03-26 22:50:59 +0000 UTCthis is such a sick class and also I aspire to be an Oath of Freedom paladin everyday\
Moira Goree
2025-03-26 22:49:50 +0000 UTCcannot wait to take this for a spin
j
2025-03-26 22:46:52 +0000 UTCThis reminds me of the Pathfinder Chaotic Good version of the paladin, the Liberator, I remember a criticism of that that subclass mechanics was it didn't live up to their hopes because mechanically it just was good at just PHYSICAL freedom, granting speed and ways to free people from being restrained, but maybe was lacking it stuff beyond the physical aspect
Verdigree
2025-03-26 22:41:27 +0000 UTCThis absolutely fucks. Reminiscient of the "oath of the common man" paladin homebrew that I found a while back, but this is way more refined. 10/10
Erika Lee
2025-03-26 22:29:55 +0000 UTCGrandma WBN keeps us so well fed. Thank you Grandma WBN!
Beanedict Cumbfurbatch
2025-03-26 22:25:28 +0000 UTCTalk about having the definition of “Unchained” 100/10
AGENTAPPLES
2025-03-26 22:23:59 +0000 UTCwe simply love bringing the cookies
Shannon
2025-03-26 22:21:07 +0000 UTCYou! You’re (one of) the one(s) responsible for this! Look at what you’ve done! (What you’ve done is wonderful and we all thank you!)
Beanedict Cumbfurbatch
2025-03-26 22:15:03 +0000 UTCLiterally everything I’ve ever wanted in a class. Thrilling!
Sarah Hoppe-Savage
2025-03-26 22:14:40 +0000 UTCNo uh, new Paladin Spells or items? 🥹👉👈
Dream Wizard Kyle Arca
2025-03-26 22:12:01 +0000 UTC"And None Stand Alone" OH MY GOD, IT'S SANTA CLAUS WITH THE STEEL CHAIR!
Dream Wizard Kyle Arca
2025-03-26 22:10:30 +0000 UTCFeels like a ranger coded paladin subclass
Nicculus
2025-03-26 22:06:27 +0000 UTCOh my god And None Stand Alone is so cool. Real Avengers Assemble energy.
Tyler Chapman
2025-03-26 22:04:50 +0000 UTCinsert: unending scream of delight
Ted Meredith
2025-03-26 22:02:52 +0000 UTCI LOVE THIS!! So much flavor!!!!!
Max
2025-03-26 21:55:42 +0000 UTCDoing that right now! I put it here first (and was skilled enough to make the first post about it on the subreddit lol) bc I love chatting with folks about DnD, especially when it's Worlds Beyond Number related
Drew P
2025-03-26 21:54:20 +0000 UTCRemember the feedback doc if you haven’t put anything in it yet! I had some pretty similar observations, and I’m sure it’s nice to have a consolidated place for all the feeback.
Dungeon Master
2025-03-26 21:49:21 +0000 UTCAAAAAAAHHHH
Sleepymarm
2025-03-26 21:42:34 +0000 UTCWhen he uses that ability and NARAM shows up? That'll be intense!
Nickolas Mertens
2025-03-26 21:41:42 +0000 UTC😭🧡
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 21:41:02 +0000 UTCLove the vibes! I'll submit feedback in the survey after I have a chance to playtest it but my initial thought is it feels very back loaded in its power budget, when looking for a subclass to play I'd be worried the level 3, 7, and even to an extent the level 15 ability wouldn't see a lot of use unless my DM specifically designed things around them.
DarthDrew
2025-03-26 21:37:52 +0000 UTC😭🧡
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 21:36:56 +0000 UTCAs (currently—feel free to submit playtest feedback!) written, Aura of Free Passage doesn't affect climbing and swimming. Those both cost extra feet of movement ("While you’re swimming, each foot of movement costs 1 extra foot") BUT they aren't magical effects, and Aura of Free Passage only applies to Difficult Terrain and *magical* effects that slow movement, like the Plant Growth spell. It does apply to non-magical Difficult Terrain, though. Scrambling over rocky ground to reach some trapped creatures? No problem.
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 21:36:01 +0000 UTCThis is a VERY cool subclass, I'm definitely a fan. Most of the abilities are pretty unique among existing subclasses (and extremely unique among Paladin subclasses) which is always what you want. At first glance with my medium Paladin and DMing experience, it seems pretty on par with the power of existing Paladin subclasses, definitely a step below the top tier of Ancients and Watchers. Potentially a bit underpowered. That's definitely not an issue, as base Paladin is a really, really good class, but a little unexpected as Wizard of the Citadel was VERY strong, almost certainly the best Wizard subclass. If I had to nitpick, the Level 7 and Level 15 abilities caught my eye as back-to-back situational abilities. Difficult terrain comes up on occasion, but not particularly often, and the main advantage of Bring Down the Barriers is targeted at two specific spells (Wall of Force and Forcecage). I think both of these abilities really fit from a flavor standpoint, but the Aura in particular is very underpowered especially compared to other Paladin Auras, and you'll get through long stretches of a campaign without using either. The Aura feels like it would definitely benefit from a buff. First thought is to either give it a power boost with some benefit against not-quite-difficult terrain magic like Web or Rime's Binding Ice (maybe advantage on saves against restraint?) or to give it a universality boost by including a boon for movement in non-difficult terrain (like +5 or 10 feet of movement when moving through normal terrain). Obvi it's very new and I'm certainly not an expert, so take all that with a grain of salt. Overall I really like the subclass, especially the flavor. The spells fit great, the Channel Divinity is awesome, and the Level 20 ability seems absolutely fantastic. Edit: I just realized I missed the note about not backseat designing, sorry! Just love brainstorming homebrew so much
Drew P
2025-03-26 21:35:06 +0000 UTCFirst of all: 😮 Second: 😲
Tommy Deibel
2025-03-26 21:33:42 +0000 UTCWow, this fucking rules
Alexander
2025-03-26 21:30:56 +0000 UTCThis is great & I just sent it to my DM because appropriately enough, we were already trying to do some homebrew around the concept of a paladin whose powers dissolved unfair, coerced, or broken-in-spirit-if-not-in-letter deals & agreements, including dispelling Charmed effects & compulsions. Which I think just goes to show that this Oath fills a gap in the Paladin class a lot of people have been longing for.
amBarthes
2025-03-26 21:30:07 +0000 UTCThanks for the thoughts! Please include them in the survey (linked above) when you have a chance!
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 21:29:59 +0000 UTCThe most Brennan-core ability ever, tbh.
Hannah Rose @ Wildmage Press
2025-03-26 21:29:09 +0000 UTCI LOVE THIS CONCEPT SO MUCH!! Incredibly beautiful, and so fitting for eursulon, who made his way into the world and placed his breath in honor itself to craft his own oath to such an ideal as freedom itself - what he seeks for himself and others 💖 amazing work
Jay
2025-03-26 21:28:24 +0000 UTCOh that's so cool! Even if it's not that exactly, the feature definitely needs something that works as reliably and often as that would. It's just too specific right now
KamasiFitzgerald
2025-03-26 21:27:34 +0000 UTCHell yeah. Congrats! 🥳 I hope it’s a sign of more good things to come for you.
Aviva
2025-03-26 21:26:51 +0000 UTCHey, I love this so much. Especially the idea of the capstone ability being tied to the character's actions in service of their oath. What a lovely way to turn back to your player and be able to say 'look at what you made happen - how you managed to change the world'
Operafloozy
2025-03-26 21:24:09 +0000 UTC💯
Aviva
2025-03-26 21:23:48 +0000 UTC🤚
Aviva
2025-03-26 21:20:38 +0000 UTCI second this question
Christopher [CW] Williams
2025-03-26 21:20:31 +0000 UTCI am going to SOB when we finally hear the official oath. (Who am I kidding, I sob almost every episode.)
Andrea
2025-03-26 21:19:46 +0000 UTCguys, you made me cry IN THE REAL ACTUAL WORLD with a freakin SUBCLASS ;_; not okay. Eursalon is the hero we need. Bless Lou and everyone involved in this for making him and his absolutely bitchin subclass real.
Ciaran C
2025-03-26 21:17:53 +0000 UTCOathbreaker wizard lol.
CJ
2025-03-26 21:16:17 +0000 UTCAlternately (though this is almost certainly a little busted) if we wanted to moreso explore the community aspect of this subclass, it might a cool to allow a creature within your aura to use the highest modifier for a specific saving throw of all the allied creatures currently within your aura. Like, say your rogue, fighter and paladin are all within the aura and targeted with a fireball, instead of using their own modifiers, the fighter and paladin could opt to use their rogue’s dex save mod. Everybody’s literally stronger if you “stick together”
Dungeon Master
2025-03-26 21:15:57 +0000 UTCVery excited for the day when Taylor’s score plays as Lou has Eursulon use that lvl 20 feature for the first time, and I get to be wracked with big, heartfelt, grateful sobs.
Peter Stoll
2025-03-26 21:14:36 +0000 UTCI am so excited for this, y'all have no idea!!!!!
Christopher [CW] Williams
2025-03-26 21:14:14 +0000 UTCThis is such a lovely subclass. Definitely an angle that's missing from the canon.
CJ
2025-03-26 21:14:10 +0000 UTCYes!!!!
Billy Smith
2025-03-26 21:13:15 +0000 UTCYesssss
Emily C
2025-03-26 21:11:25 +0000 UTCThis is so cool! Feels very poignant to develop a subclass like this in current times 💛
Charlotte
2025-03-26 21:11:12 +0000 UTCOkay, but imagine a gutterpunk Oath of Freedom Paladin... I'm so in love.
kat martin
2025-03-26 21:11:11 +0000 UTCthese vibes are SICK
Haley Weatherford
2025-03-26 21:11:08 +0000 UTCCompletely agree, though I fear it’d still be a bit specific, I think it could be fun if creatures in your aura could add your charisma modifier to attack rolls or damage against chains, rope, manacles, etc. that are currently binding a creature.
Dungeon Master
2025-03-26 21:10:46 +0000 UTCLove it thematically, even if parts of it are a tad niche. The Channel Divinity interacts with Exhaustion like: "I can't make you feel less tired, but I can make you fit enough for cardio."
Tom Flynn
2025-03-26 21:09:43 +0000 UTCTHIS RULES
Megan
2025-03-26 21:09:27 +0000 UTCEursulon, please summon Fifi with that capstone so we can rest assured once and for all that he's fine.
bluebluebutton
2025-03-26 21:09:13 +0000 UTCHoly Hell that is so cool
Dan Estabrook
2025-03-26 21:08:26 +0000 UTCSo who's looking to run some games and playtest? 👀
Benny Bee
2025-03-26 21:07:42 +0000 UTCTHIS IS FUCKING SIIIIICK
Jinx Leonard
2025-03-26 21:05:13 +0000 UTCThat level 20 feature.... THE IMPLICATION!!!!!!
Jeremiah Pennell
2025-03-26 21:05:00 +0000 UTCAlso, I think it’d be worth specifying that only a 9th level counterspell would work on the And None Stand Alone ability. You’re still technically casting a spell, so I believe it would be able to trigger a counterspell, and I don’t currently believe the intention was to make it difficult to dispel with an action, but easy to dispel with a reaction.
Dungeon Master
2025-03-26 21:04:41 +0000 UTCI personally interpreted the scene of him finding his breath in the forest as a potential oath scene, but given the direction of the last few episodes I think we might get one very soon if that wasn't it.
- Indra -
2025-03-26 21:03:10 +0000 UTCYeahh something like advantage on saving throws to avoid or end the grappled/restrained etc conditions 🤷
KamasiFitzgerald
2025-03-26 21:01:51 +0000 UTCI wonder if attacking a prismatic wall with Bring Down The Barriers triggers every layer at the same time. And there’s a strange question about some layers being dismantled by amounts of a specific damage type making the whole spell ineligible for the 20+lvl ac thing. Obviously every subclass, even when they’re core, will require some interpretation, but this feels like the most apt question for high-level use. As the rules currently stand, if I were a DM for a player using this subclass, I’d rule it as a big risk-reward. You’d just need to hit that AC 29 once, but every attack you make will subject you to all of the layers at once, so you better hope it’s worth it, *and* that you don’t miss.
Dungeon Master
2025-03-26 21:01:51 +0000 UTCMaybe a bonus or advantage to dex saves? Would fit the paladin aura vibe. Pretty sure they get save bonuses from core class but this can be an extra thing
- Indra -
2025-03-26 21:01:02 +0000 UTCOooh strong theme with the spell list I like it
David Paterson
2025-03-26 21:00:53 +0000 UTCImmediately encouraging the Paladin in my party to switch to thissssss. Immediate rules clarification: Aura of Free Passage doesn't have any effect on Climbing and Swimming - neither of which are difficult terrain, but both of which have the same sort of effect. Correct? Thanks!
Taylor Vanderheyden-Portela
2025-03-26 21:00:51 +0000 UTCGAGGGGGGGGGGG
g0dfath4
2025-03-26 20:59:55 +0000 UTCDare I say immaculate vibes in fact
Jasmine A Golphin
2025-03-26 20:59:54 +0000 UTCThis is fantastic! So well suited for Eursulon too
- Indra -
2025-03-26 20:59:41 +0000 UTCI’m running a homebrew campaign that involves fighting a religious empire that has cordoned off all radiant magics (clerics and paladins). They’ve already met an ancient witch of the world’s heart, but now they can finally have a paladin to fight alongside them as well
TimeBarista
2025-03-26 20:59:35 +0000 UTCExtremely sick! Aura of Free Passage is very thematic but on first glance feels a little undertuned and hyperspecific? If my enemy's casting Spirit Guardians I'm gonna love it, in forests I'm gonna love it, almost everywhere else though it does next to nothing. I wouldn't want what's there removed - I just feel like it needs an "also here's something else"
KamasiFitzgerald
2025-03-26 20:58:35 +0000 UTCIncredibly dope
Leith H.
2025-03-26 20:57:50 +0000 UTCYES haven’t read it yet but HELL YES
Peder W
2025-03-26 20:57:20 +0000 UTCSimply amazing ! It couldnt be more perfect
Cole
2025-03-26 20:56:38 +0000 UTCNo mechanical insights yet, obviously, but I do have some vibes feedback: perfect.
Beanedict Cumbfurbatch
2025-03-26 20:56:11 +0000 UTCLevel 20 Feature: Summon Naram lolol
BeautifulBusinessBoi
2025-03-26 20:56:08 +0000 UTCEursulon hasn’t made a grand proclamation or anything. But they’ve talked about Eursulon being a creature of action and not words. His actions have been pointed towards freedom/liberation for a minute
The Wizard Sound
2025-03-26 20:55:58 +0000 UTCThis is honestly beautiful. May your passage be unbarred and peaceful, and may none impose on your freedom.
Nat_is_a_GM
2025-03-26 20:55:07 +0000 UTCAmazing!! I've been wondering what his oath would end up being, and this looks perfect for him and his journey 😍
xatlern
2025-03-26 20:54:59 +0000 UTCAHHH SO COOL !! very pumped to see these features come into play more and more
Jaron Williams
2025-03-26 20:54:41 +0000 UTCIt's absolutely on brand for everything Eursulon believes in, great work!
Vincent
2025-03-26 20:54:24 +0000 UTCLFG!!!!!!! Playing my first campaign at the moment and was inspired to be a Paladin, partly in Eursulon’s honour. So excited to try out this subclass at some point x
Francesca Harpham
2025-03-26 20:54:01 +0000 UTC„More cages are made of words than of steel, and as many are broken by truth as by strength.“ There is no world I don‘t play this subclass in my next game.
jerry stokvis
2025-03-26 20:53:58 +0000 UTCHELL YEAH LET'S GOOOOO
Amber Cekander
2025-03-26 20:53:43 +0000 UTCThis is the subclass flavor I always missed with paladins!!! This is so wonderful to behold
Bor
2025-03-26 20:53:40 +0000 UTCFantastic!
Jeremy Petravicz
2025-03-26 20:53:39 +0000 UTCI knew it!!!
Osiris Nightwood
2025-03-26 20:53:16 +0000 UTCYay! I've been waiting for something like this for a long time. I might even send this to my DM
Blake Draut
2025-03-26 20:53:13 +0000 UTCIncredible. Love this!
dain saint
2025-03-26 20:52:53 +0000 UTCI cannot get enough of Eurselon’s quote 😫😫 This subclass is gonna slap!
oToastTv
2025-03-26 20:52:19 +0000 UTCMan it’s so cool to have a Paladin work around for spells like wall of force. Great job!
PuppetAnalingus
2025-03-26 20:52:13 +0000 UTCDid we know this was coming or is this just another instance of WBN going “Patrons, I’m hooome, and I brought cookies!”
Beanedict Cumbfurbatch
2025-03-26 20:52:03 +0000 UTCbut--this is so dope and totally what i expected and freedom is the meaning of life and eursulon is my actual hero
Caleb Jinright
2025-03-26 20:52:02 +0000 UTCLet’s fucking go this slaps
Rover Bernhard
2025-03-26 20:51:53 +0000 UTCTHE SPIRITS HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE BUT THEIR CHAINS
Keith Prescott
2025-03-26 20:51:45 +0000 UTCThis rocks
Taka Kauri
2025-03-26 20:51:42 +0000 UTCTHE OATH!!! Eursulon hasnt taken an oath yet right?? Or did I somehow miss something huge??
Ricky Conrad
2025-03-26 20:51:40 +0000 UTCAaaaaaaa its happening everybody stay caaaalm
Just a Fox
2025-03-26 20:51:34 +0000 UTCNow that every cast member has a custom homebrewed class or subclass, how funny would it be if Aabria changed to a normal Wizard subclass, since she’s no longer a wizard of the citadel? It’d be so funny for all the hoembrewing of secrets to just lead to her being an evoker with sculpt spell
CommodoreBlue
2025-03-26 20:51:31 +0000 UTCDoes this mean Eursulon made his oath?
Archon of Commoragh
2025-03-26 20:51:16 +0000 UTChas eursulon made his oath yet? kinda surprised to learn the name of the subclass like this instead of in the podcast itself but i may have missed something
Caleb Jinright
2025-03-26 20:51:11 +0000 UTCAnd... Yoink! I love Pals, this oughta be fun
James Marx
2025-03-26 20:51:11 +0000 UTCoh wow! cannot wait to hear the subclass play out on the pod and to see people play it at home!! looks gorg!
Elana Kadish
2025-03-26 20:50:42 +0000 UTC*Oh my GAWD* YES.
Mad Jax
2025-03-26 20:50:13 +0000 UTCThis whips
Xaj
2025-03-26 20:50:07 +0000 UTCLETS GO. So excited to playtest this!!
Benny Bee
2025-03-26 20:50:06 +0000 UTCCan’t believe I get ANOTHER subclass for my fav class!
Harry King
2025-03-26 20:50:02 +0000 UTCI'm crying
Zakarie Wayman
2025-03-26 20:49:51 +0000 UTCOh fuck the hell yes! Can’t wait to dig into this!
Tristan
2025-03-26 20:49:51 +0000 UTCYOOOO! This is awesome, I'd love to hear some talk about the design of the subclass in future firesides!
Nathan Asher
2025-03-26 20:49:26 +0000 UTCSORRY??? HAS THIS HAPPENED IN CANON YET WOW
Lax
2025-03-26 20:49:24 +0000 UTCIncredible day. Just got a job offer after a long period of unemployment and now I get this. Incredible.
Alec Mason Van Dyke
2025-03-26 20:49:23 +0000 UTCHave been looking forward to this !!
Fabian Martinez
2025-03-26 20:49:15 +0000 UTCAYOOOOOO SO HYPED RNNN
jerry stokvis
2025-03-26 20:49:03 +0000 UTC
