The Paladin Who Worships No One
Character Type: Player Build
Build Type: Min-maxed
Build Role: Off-tank / Support
By Margann’s Crusty Beard, He Swore an Oath to Himself?!
Paladins usually come struttin’ in preachin’ about some divine jellyfish or moon maiden or sword-bearin’ lightbringer who whispered to ’em in a dream. Not this lad.
Name’s Kael Veyne. And his faith? Himself.
Ain’t never knelt before a statue. Never prayed to no sky thing. Said his code was built on blood, dirt, and watching too many oaths be broken by folk who claimed they were “chosen.” Said if the world needed saving, it wouldn’t be by some blasted scroll in the clouds — it’d be by a man who meant what he said.
And curse me apron, he meant every word. Kael never faltered. Shield up, sword drawn, charging straight into danger — not for favor, not for prophecy — but because he chose to.
And the funny part? The divine powers still answered.
Some folk find their strength in gods. This one forged it himself.
👉 Got a streak of stubborn and a code made o’ steel? The Player Builds & NPCs page has more wild builds for hard-headed legends in the makin’.
How to Build a Paladin Without a Deity (and Still Hit Like Righteous Thunder)
This is a smite-happy paladin with divine power and zero faith. Mechanically, most systems (like 5E) allow you to flavor your Oath as not being tied to a deity — so you’re golden. Just explain it in roleplay: your power comes from your own unshakable code.
Race
Half-Orc or Variant Human
Half-Orc gives ya survivability and fearsome presence. Human gets ya a free feat — perfect for fast-tracking your build.
Subclass: Oath of Vengeance
Perfect for a justice-driven code. Lets you hunt down oathbreakers and protect the innocent with a laser focus. Smite-heavy. Very little fluff.
Fighting Style
Defense for higher AC, or Dueling if yer going sword-and-board with attitude.
Starting Feat (if Variant Human)
Polearm Master for reach and opportunity strikes
orInspiring Leader if yer leaning more support and want to flavor the pep talk as cold, practical speeches like “Don’t die. We still need ya.”
Level-Up Guide (No Tables, Just Straight Talk)
Levels 1–5:
Start as a paladin from the get-go. Focus STR and CHA.
Pick up Bless, Shield of Faith, and Wrathful Smite.
Divine Smite comes online early — use it to punish oathbreakers, not just to flex.
Levels 6–8:
Take Oath of Vengeance at 3.
Get Vow of Enmity — pick one target and absolutely ruin their day.
First ASI (Ability Score Increase) goes to Strength or Charisma, depending on your role (damage vs. presence).
Or take Sentinel if ya want to keep enemies glued to ya.
Levels 9–12:
Your aura’s comin’ in strong. Flavor it as inspiration, not magic.
“You don’t die while I’m breathin’. That’s the deal.”
Second ASI — raise your stats or grab Tough to double down on stubborn survivability.
Levels 13–20:
Max Strength and Charisma.
Add Resilient (Con) or Warcaster if you want to dabble in concentration spells.
Use Hold Person and Banishment like a no-nonsense sheriff cleaning house.
Your Capstone (20) makes you a literal angel of vengeance. Just flavor it as an unstoppable will forged in battle, not divine glow.
Ideal Loadout
Weapon: The Sword That Remembers Every Kill It Makes — perfect for a character whose justice lives in memory, not prayer.
Shield: Ironhowl Bastion — no-nonsense defense for the unblessed.
If you want to see how this kind of defiant build plays alongside oddballs, check out The Goblin Cleric Who Hates Healing. Not every class needs to fit its mold.
Some paladins kneel to gods. This one stands taller without ‘em.
👉 Whether yer honor-bound or just bloody stubborn, there’s always a seat at Mike’s Tavern. And if yer cookin’ up your own divine-less disaster, reach out — we’ll help shape it.
⚠️ Just don’t go preachin’ to him about your moon goddess or thunder king. He’s heard it. He ain’t impressed.
FAQ
Q: Can a paladin really have powers without a deity?
A: Aye. The oath fuels the magic, not the divine hand. It’s yer commitment, not who ya worship.
Q: Isn’t that heresy in most worlds?
A: Maybe. But this lad ain’t lookin’ to fit in. He’s lookin’ to make things right.
