Oaths of the Fallen

PALADIN SUBCLASSES FOR THOSE WHO FORSAKE THEIR SACRED DUTIES

 Optional Class Features Fallen Oaths
The following options are available when making that choice:
You gain class features in the Player's Handbook when you
reach certain levels in your class. This section offers Oath of Despair, Oath of Hubris, Oath of Ruin, Oath of
additional features that you can gain as a paladin. Unlike the Treachery, Oath of the Usurpers and Oath of Wrath
features in the Player's Handbook, you don't gain the features
here automatically. Consulting with your DM, you decide Oath of Despair
whether to gain a feature in this section if you meet the level The Oath of Despair represents the paladin who, once
requirement noted in the feature's description. These features committed to the path of Redemption, has lost faith in the
can be selected separately from one another you can use possibility of saving others. These paladins have come to
some, all or none of them. believe that goodness is fleeting and that redemption is an
Profane Smite illusion. Instead of seeking to redeem, they are compelled to
enforce a grim understanding of the futility of hope, often
2nd-level Paladin feature, which replaces the Divine Smite driven by sorrow or loss. Through their powers, they spread
feature anguish, burdening their enemies with the weight of their own
despair.
Starting at 2nd level, when you hit a creature with a melee
weapon attack, you can expend one spell slot to deal necrotic Tenets of Despair
damage to the target, in addition to the weapon's damage.
The Oath of Despair seeks to strip away illusions and reveal
The extra damage is 2d8 for a 1st-level spell slot, plus 1d8 for
the grim truths of existence.
each spell level higher than 1st, to a maximum of 5d8. The
damage increases by 1d8 if the target is a celestial, to a
Embrace Suffering. Pain and sorrow are constants; do not
shy from them. Embrace your own suffering as a reminder of
maximum of 6d8.
reality’s harsh nature.
Fallen Oath Forsake Redemption. Redemption is futile, a hollow
promise. The world is bound to corruption, and there is no
3rd-level Paladin feature, which replaces the Sacred oath
true path to salvation.
feature
Spread Anguish. Let others feel the hopelessness that you
At 3rd level, a paladin can choose to take up a Fallen Oath, a have come to know. Despair is a teacher, and in its lesson lies
dedication to a code which is in direct opposition to a truth.
particular Sacred Oath. Offer No Salvation. When others seek mercy, do not give it.
Leave those who would ask for aid to confront their own
Aura of Torment weakness.
10th-level Paladin feature, which replaces the Aura of Courage
feature
Oath Spells
Oath Spells
3rd-level Oath of Despair feature
At 10th level, whenever you use your Channel Divinity feature
or expend a Paladin spell of 1st level or higher, you can You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.
choose to also deal necrotic damage equal to your Charisma Oath of Despair Spells
modifier (minimum 1) to all creatures of your choice within 10
Paladin Level Spells
feet of you.
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. 3rd bane, inflict wounds
Improved Profane Smite 5th blindness/deafness, shadow blade
11th-level Paladin feature, which replaces the Improved 9th bestow curse, fear
Divine Smite feature 13th blight, phantasmal killer
By 11th level, you are suffuse your strikes with a grim power. 17th create undead, negative energy flood
Whenever you hit a creature with a melee weapon, the
creature takes an extra 1d8 necrotic damage. Channel
Channel Divinity
Divinity
Corrupting Touch 3rd-level Oath of Despair feature
14th-level Paladin feature, which replaces the Cleansing When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
Touch feature two Channel Divinity options.
Crushing Dread. As an action, you unleash a wave of dread
Beginning at 14th level, you can use your action to attempt to
in a 15-foot radius. All creatures of your choice in this area
drain a creature's life force. When you do so, you force a
must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have their
creature within reach to make a Constitution saving throw
movement speed reduced to 5 feet until the end of your next
against your Spell Save DC. On a failure, the target's Strength
turn.
score is reduced by 2d4 (to a minimum of 1) for 1 minute.
Melancholic Grasp. As an action, you can touch a creature
You can use this feature a number of times equal to your
and channel overwhelming despair into it. The creature must
Charisma modifier (a minimum of once). You regain expended
make a Wisdom saving throw. On a failed save, it becomes
uses when you finish a long rest.
overwhelmed by sorrow for 1 minute, during which it has

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 Oath of Hubris
The Oath of Hubris represents paladins who once sought glory
Fallen Paladins and righteousness but have become consumed by their own
With you DM's permission, a paladin player who has ambitions. These fallen champions believe themselves to be
already chosen a Sacred Oath may forsake their oath and above the consequences of their actions, viewing their power
take up one a Fallen Oath. It is recommended that they as a means to assert control over the world. Their arrogance
choose the associated oath as shown in the table below, blinds them to the suffering they cause, and they wield their
but it is not required.
abilities to dominate and subjugate, seeing themselves as the
You may notice that the Oath of Conquest has been rightful arbiters of fate. In their pursuit of greatness, they
assigned as the Fallen Oath for the Oath of the Crown. The leave destruction in their wake, convinced that they are
Oath of Conquest in itself feels fitting for a Fallen Oath, destined to rule.
and having fallen from someone who swore to uphold the
ideals of a monarch to trying to instill themselves as a Tenets of Hubris
tyrant felt fitting.
The Oath of Hubris seeks to elevate oneself above all others,
often leading to their downfall.
Sacred Oath Fallen Oath

Ancients Ruin
Crown Conquest Defy Fate. You are not bound by the rules that govern
Devotion Treachery others. Shape your destiny as you see fit, even if it means
Glory Hubris trampling on those who stand in your way.
Redemption Despair Diminish the Weak. Those who cannot rise to your level are
Vengeance Wrath unworthy and should be cast aside. Show no mercy to the
Watchers Usurpers feeble-minded or the weak.
Embrace Consequences. You are prepared to face the
repercussions of your actions. Your ambition is your shield,
and your resolve is unshakeable.
disadvantage on all attack rolls and saving throws. The effect
ends early if the creature takes any damage. Oath Spells
Oath Spells
3rd-level Oath of Hubris feature
Aura of
Aura of Sorrow
Sorrow
7th-level Oath of Despair feature You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Starting at 7th level, you radiate an aura that saps the hope Oath of Hubris Spells
and strength of those around you. Creatures of your choice Paladin Level Spells

within 10 feet of you have disadvantage on saving throws

3rd compelled duel, divine favor
against being frightened, and whenever they make an attack
roll, they must roll a d4 and subtract the number rolled from 5th enhance ability, suggestion
the attack roll.
9th fear, haste
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.
13th death ward, find greater steed
Grim
Grim Presence
Presence 17th dominate person, hold monster
15th-level Oath of Despair feature

At 15th level, your sorrow catches creatures in their moment Channel Divinity
Channel Divinity
of failure, overwhelming them. When a creature of your choice 3rd-level Oath of Hubris feature
within 30 feet of you fails an ability check or saving throw, or
misses an attack roll, they take psychic damage equal to your When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
Charisma modifier (minimum 1). two Channel Divinity options.
Overbearing Presence. As an action, you can use your
Soul
Soul of
of Despair
Despair Channel Divinity to exude an aura of command. Choose a
20th-level Oath of Despair feature number of creatures equal to your Charisma modifier
(minimum of one) within 30 feet of you. Those creatures must
At 20th level, empowering you presence of sorrow. Creatures succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become charmed by
affected by your Aura of Sorrow also have disadvantage on you for 1 minute. While charmed in this way, they cannot
saving throws to resist being charmed, stunned, or paralyzed. attack you. A creature can repeat the saving throw at the end
Additionally, when a creature within 30 feet of you is reduced of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success.
to 0 hit points or killed outright, you can use your reaction to Righteous Indignation. As a bonus action, you can use your
force one creature who could see the creature die to make a Channel Divinity to bolster your own resolve. For the next
Charisma saving throw or be stunned until the end of your its minute, you gain advantage on attack rolls, but you must
turn. make a DC 15 Constitution saving throw at the end of each of
your turns. On a failure, you take psychic damage equal to
your Charisma modifier.

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 Aura of
Aura of Superiority
Superiority Oath of Ruin Spells Continued
7th-level Oath of Hubris feature Paladin Level Spells

9th animate dead, stinking cloud

At 7th level, your sense of superiority can overwhelm others.
Creatures of your choice within 10 feet of you have 13th blight, vitriolic sphere
disadvantage on saving throws against being charmed or
17th circle of death, cloudkill
frightened, and when a creature within this aura takes
damage from an attack or spell, they have disadvantage on
their next saving throw before the end of their next turn. Channel Divinity
Channel Divinity
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet. 3rd-level Oath of Ruin feature

Unyielding
Unyielding Confidence
Confidence When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
15th-level Oath of Hubris feature two Channel Divinity options.
Channel the Wasteland. As an action, you can turn the
Starting at 15th level, your sense of superiority shields you ground around you into a wasteland. The ground within 30
from doubt and despair. Once per turn, when you succeed on feet of where you currently stand becomes difficult terrain for
an attack roll or saving throw, you regain a number of hit 1 minute as plants within and die, and when a creature ends
points equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1). You their turn touching the ground within this area, they must
don't gain this benefit while incapacitated. succeed on a Constitution saving throw or take 1d6 necrotic
damage. You are unaffected by this feature while it is active.
Prideful Resurgence
Prideful Resurgence Destructive Touch. As an action, you touch a non-magical
20th-level Oath of Hubris feature object no larger than 5 feet in any dimension, causing the
object to be destroyed. If the object is being worn or carried
At 20th level, you embrace your inflated sense of self- by a creature, you must make an unarmed attack against the
importance, allowing your boundless pride to fuel your creature. If this attack hits, the object is destroyed.
resolve in the face of adversity. When you take damage, you
can use your reaction to halve the damage dealt. After doing Aura of
Aura of Desolation
Desolation
so, the next time you hit a creature with a melee attack before 7th-level Oath of Ruin feature
the end of your next turn, you deal an additional 3d8 psychic
damage. Starting at 7th level, you emit an aura of decay in a 10-foot
radius. While within this aura, enemies cannot regain hit
Oath of Ruin points and have disadvantage on Constitution saving throws.
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.
The Oath of Ruin is almost as old as the Oath of the Ancients,
but where the Oath of the Ancients celebrates life and growth,
the Oath of Ruin revels in entropy and decay. These paladins
view the world as a temporary structure destined for collapse.
To them, life is just a passing phase in the grand cycle of
decay. Through this oath, they seek to strip away all pretense
of immortality and permanence, serving as agents of
destruction and heralds of the inevitable end.

Tenets of Ruin
The Oath of Ruin seeks
Corrupt the Pure. Nothing pure or whole should remain
unspoiled. Spread decay wherever you go.
Embrace Entropy. Chaos and destruction are the natural
state of all things. Resist order, structure, and life’s resilience.
Revel in Devastation. Delight in the downfall of
civilizations, the crumbling of forests, and the decay of life
itself.
Unleash Havoc. Wield your power to bring ruin to your
enemies. Leave nothing but ash and ruin in your wake.

Oath Spells
Oath Spells
3rd-level Oath of Ruin feature

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Oath of Ruin Spells

Paladin Level Spells

3rd inflict wounds, ray of sickness

5th crown of madness, shatter

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Creeping Ruin
Creeping Ruin Oath of Treachery Spells
15th-level Oath of Ruin feature Paladin Level Spells

At 15th level, nearby creatures are overtaken by the 3rd charm person, disguise self
inevitability of decay. When a creature affected by your Aura
of Desolation is reduced to or below a number of hit points 5th crown of madness, suggestion
equal to your Paladin level, you may use your reaction to force 9th enemies abound, major image
them to make a Constitution saving throw against your Spell
Save DC. On a failure, the creature is reduced to 0 hit points.
13th confusion, greater invisibility
You may use this feature a number of times equal to your 17th mislead, modify memory
Charisma modifier (minimum once), and regain all expended
uses when you finish a long rest.
Channel Divinity
Channel Divinity
Avatar of
Avatar of Decay
Decay 3rd-level Oath of Treachery feature
20th-level Oath of Ruin feature When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
two Channel Divinity options.
Once you reach 20th level, you can fully embody the essence
of decay, transforming into a being of pure corruption and
Friendly Face. As an action, you present a guise of
trustworthiness, shrouding yourself in an aura of deceptive
entropy. As an action, you can assume this form for 1 minute,
charm. Choose one creature you can see within 30 feet of you.
gaining the following benefits:
For the next 10 minutes, this creature perceives you as one of
Necrotic damage you deal ignores resistances and treats its allies (you do not choose who). During this time, the
immunity as resistance. creature has disadvantage on attack rolls made against you.
You can use your Channel Divinity: Destructive Touch This effect ends early if you attack the creature or take any
without expending uses of your Channel Divinity. When harmful action towards it.
you do so, the size limit increases to 10 feet in any Twist the Knife. When you hit a creature you've charmed or
dimension. who considers you an ally, you deal additional psychic
When you hit a creature with a melee attack, they take an damage equal to 1d10 + your Paladin level. This damage
additional 1d8 necrotic damage. ignores resistance and treats immunity as resistance.

Once you this feature, you may not do so again until you finish Aura
Aura of
of Deception
Deception
a long rest. 7th-level Oath of Treachery feature

Oath of Treachery Starting at 7th level, you emanate an aura that twists
perception, making it harder for enemies to coordinate
The Oath of Treachery stands as a dark inversion of the Oath
attacks effectively. You gain advantage on Charisma
of Devotion. Once sworn to ideals of honor, loyalty, and virtue,
(Deception) checks. Additionally, hostile creatures within 10
these fallen paladins have twisted their purpose, forsaking
feet of you have disadvantage on attack rolls against any
their noble path for one of manipulation and deceit. To them,
creature in the aura if they have already missed one attack
the world is a stage of illusions, with purity and order mere
against it this turn.
facades masking inevitable ruin. Where the Oath of Devotion
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.
seeks to protect and uphold, the Oath of Treachery delights in
subverting and destroying, using guile and duplicity as tools
to unravel what others hold sacred.
Survivor
Survivor''ss Knack
Knack
15th-level Oath of Treachery feature
Tenets of Treachery At 15th level, you can slip away from danger at a moment’s
The Oath of Treachery delights in the undoing of trust and the notice, teleporting to evade harm when severely injured.
unraveling of bonds. When you take damage that would reduce you below half you
Betrayal. Loyalty is a fleeting illusion. Use the trust of maximum hit points, you can use your reaction to teleport up
others as a weapon, turning allies against one another. Your to 30 feet away. When you do so, you take no damage from the
word is a blade, to be wielded against those who believe in it. triggering effect. Once you do so, you may not do so again
Deception. Reality is a canvas for your lies. Embrace until you finish a short or long rest.
falsehoods and illusions as your allies. Mislead others to
achieve your goals, and relish the chaos that ensues. Master
Master of
of Lies
Lies
Self Preservation. our survival is paramount. In a world 20th-level Oath of Treachery feature
filled with treachery, ensure you are always one step ahead.
Protect yourself above all else, even if it means sacrificing At 20th level, you become the embodiment of deception, your
others or your former ideals. form cloaked in shadows and illusions. As an action, create a
veil of shadows around yourself, granting you the effects of
Oath Spells
Oath Spells the mirror image spell for 1 minute. While you are under the
3rd-level Oath of Treachery feature effects of this spell, you gain the following benefits:

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed. You gain a bonus to attack and damage rolls equal to your
current amount of duplicates from mirror image.

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 The duplicates' armor class is equal to your own. Oath Spells
Oath Spells
You only roll to see if an attack targets a duplicate if the
triggering attack would hit you.
3rd-level Oath of Usurpers feature

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Once you use this feature, you may not do so again until you
finish a long rest. Oath of Usurpers Spells
Oath of Usurpers
Paladin Level Spells

3rd arms of hadar, find familiar

The Oath of Usurpers is sworn by those who were once
defenders of their realms, guardians of ancient secrets, or 5th crown of madness, mind spike
protectors against extraplanar threats. However, their desire 9th counterspell, hunger of hadar
for power and control has twisted their duty into a hunger for
dominion. They believe it is their right to rule over those they 13th banishment, summon aberration
once protected, often using forbidden knowledge and dark 17th dominate person, legend lore
magic to achieve their goals.

Tenets of Usurpation Channel Divinity

Channel Divinity
The Oath of Usurpers embodies a betrayal of guardianship for 3rd-level Oath of Usurpers feature
ambition.
When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
Claim Authority. You believe it is your destiny to control two Channel Divinity options.
others and their fates.
Command: Expose. As an action, you can force each
Fear the Unknown. Use the fear of the unknown to creature of your choice within 15 feet of you to make a
manipulate and control others.
Wisdom saving throw. On a failure, the next attack roll made
Subvert Defenders. Undermine those who once stood against each creature gains a bonus to attack and damage
against you, turning them into tools of your ambition.
rolls equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum 1).
Wield Knowledge. Harness forbidden knowledge to gain Hidden Truths. As an action, you whisper dark secrets of
power over others and bend them to your will.
the world to overwhelm a creature's mind. One creature who
can hear you within 10 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw.
On a failure, they take 1d10 + your Paladin level psychic
damage and on its next turn, it must choose whether it gets a
move, an action, or a bonus action; it gets only one of the
three. On a success its takes half damage and suffers no
additional effect.

Aura of
Aura of Oppression
Oppression
7th-level Oath of Usurpers feature

Starting at 7th level, you radiate an aura which instills fear in

those who oppose you. Enemies who start your turn within 10
feet of you or who move within 10 feet of you for the first time
on their turn must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against
your Spell Save DC or have disadvantage on the next attack
roll they make before the start of their next turn.
At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.

Dominant
Dominant Will
Will
15th-level Oath of Usurpers feature

At 15th level, your presence becomes a beacon of authority

and strength. When you are hit by an attack, you can use your
reaction to force the attacker to succeed on a Wisdom saving
throw against your spell save DC or be frightened of you until
the end of its next turn. While a creature is frightened in this
way, it has disadvantage on saving throws against your spells
and Channel Divinity effects. Once you use this feature, you
cannot use it again until you finish a short or long rest.

Enduring Tyrant
Enduring Tyrant
20th-level Oath of Usurpers feature

Upon reaching 20th level, you can use your action to assume a
powerful, commanding form for 1 minute. While in this form,
you gain the following benefits:

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 You gain resistance to all damage. Aura
Aura of
of Retribution
Retribution
Your melee weapon attacks deal an additional 1d10 7th-level Oath of Treachery feature
damage.
As a bonus action on each of your turns, you can force one Starting at 7th level, your presence demands a painful price
creature within 30 feet to succeed on a Wisdom saving for attacking. When a creature in the aura attacks you or an
throw against your Spell Save DC or become frightened of ally within the aura, they must make a Constitution saving
you until the end of your next turn. throw against your Spell Save DC or take radiant damage
equal to your Proficiency bonus.
Once you use this feature, you cannot use it again until you At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.
finish a long rest.
Relentless Retaliation
Relentless Retaliation
Oath of Wrath 15th-level Oath of Treachery feature
The Oath of Wrath embodies the dark evolution of the Oath of
At 15th level, you strike back with divine fury when harmed.
Vengeance, pushing a paladin’s drive for justice to merciless
When a creature hits you with an attack, you can use your
extremes. These paladins have twisted their purpose,
reaction to force them to make a Constitution saving throw.
forsaking honor for a relentless pursuit of retribution and
On a failure, they take radiant damage equal to your Paladin
destruction. They wield their fury as a weapon, unleashing
level, or half as much on a success. You can use this feature a
devastation upon all who oppose them, with little regard for
number of times equal to your Proficiency bonus and regain
the collateral damage left in their wake. Unlike the Oath of
all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Vengeance’s focused justice, the Oath of Wrath revels in
unrestrained fury and utter destruction. Channel
Channel Wrath
Wrath
Tenets of Wrath 20th-level Oath of Treachery feature
The Oath of Wrath seeks to punish without mercy, leaving At 20th level, you can channel an intense, focused fury as a
nothing but pain in its wake. bonus action. Until the start of your next turn, you gain one of
Bring Destruction. Nothing pure or whole should remain the following benefits:
unspoiled. Spread decay wherever you go.
Seek Retribution. Wield your power to bring ruin to your Your attacks deal an additional 1d8 damage to creatures
enemies. Leave nothing but ash and ruin in your wake. below their maximum hit points.
Unleash Fury. Chaos and destruction are the natural state You gain resistance to bludgeoning, piercing and slashing
of all things. Resist order, structure, and life’s resilience. damage.
When you hit a creature with a melee attack, it must
Oath Spells
Oath Spells succeed on a Wisdom saving throw against your Spell Save
3rd-level Oath of Wrath feature DC or be frightened of you until the start of your next turn.

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Oath of Wrath Spells

Paladin Level Spells

3rd bane, wrathful smite

5th branding smite, hold person
9th bestow curse, fireball
13th blight, wall of fire
17th destructive wave, flame strike

Channel Divinity
Channel Divinity
3rd-level Oath of Wrath feature

When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following
two Channel Divinity options.
Righteous Fury. As a bonus action, you fill yourself with a
burning fury. Until the end of your next turn, you gain
advantage on attack rolls and any melee weapon attack you
make deals extra damage equal to your Charisma modifier
(minimum 1).
Unyielding Assault. When you hit a creature with a melee
weapon attack, you can unleash an overwhelming wave of
force. On a hit, the attack deals its normal damage plus an
additional 1d8 damage, and the creature must succeed on a
Strength saving throw or be knocked prone. If the creature it
already prone, it takes an additional 1d8 damage.

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Art Credits
Revisited Pathfinder Characters, by Eric Belisle
Kogo, The Dragonborn Paladin of Vengence, by
Talheyyman
Knight of the Dying Sun, by Infeshth
Blackguard, from the 3.5 Dungeon Master's Guide