Are you a fan of Captain America’s unwavering principles? Do you also want to play a character that is also as dedicated and noble as he is? If so, creating a Paladin is the right move for you. 

Do you want to play it vanilla? Or does your DM’s world encompass mostly humans and elves, anyway? Then go with the Human variant, which we’ll discuss in more detail below.

Buckle up and prepare your shields. Here’s a quick guide to creating and playing as a Human Paladin. 

The Human race AND the Paladin class can be found in the Player’s Handbook. Click here to pick up your own copy of The Player’s Handbook!

How to Make a Human Paladin

The first thing you want to do is to roll your die. Take the highest roll and put it under your Strength score. Make the second-highest roll your Charisma ability score.

Next, choose a fighting style. If you want to emulate Captain America, the Protection fighting style is good for you. However, keep in mind that you’d still have to use a weapon and not only your shield. As a Human, you can pick the variant human option. This lets you choose a feat. Considering the various feats and which one will best suit your character in the game.

Don’t forget to pick a Paladin subclass or Sacred Oath. Your Sacred Oath is your life commitment. The different Oaths to pick from are:

• Oath of Devotion
• Oath of the Ancients
• Oath of Vengeance

Each Oath offers unique possibilities for your character. Be careful in picking, since you’ll have to live by the Tenets of the Oath you choose. Also, pick a deity to follow and fight for.

How to Play a Human Paladin

Paladins shine best when in combat because they can play a lot of different roles. You can act as a tank, healer, bruiser, or spellcaster. You can stay by your glass cannon spell casters or stick to the forefront of the group. As a tip, you’ll perform better at the frontlines.

When in battle, weave between using your spells and martial skills. Paladins that are committed to the Oath of Vengeance make some of the best combat fighters. Don’t forget to use your Divine Smite to deal damaging blows, Lay on Hands to heal, and Channel Divinity to gain an upper hand in combat. 

Here are some Paladin spells you ought to take:

• Bless
• Lesser Restoration
• Dispel Magic
• Aura of Vitality
• Revivify
• Command

How to Roleplay as a Human Paladin

While they make great allies in combat situations, the Paladin in the group can be a killjoy out of combat. Thus, if you decide on a Human Paladin character, you must learn to balance your devotion and fun.

One of the most interesting things about Paladins is they don’t necessarily have to have high Intelligence or Wisdom. Instead, they’ve got high Charisma. You can roleplay a high-charisma character in a lot of fun ways. 

Your Paladin can be intimidating, inspiring, or both. Your character’s charm may come in the form of having raw sensuality, animal magnetism, or in his/her mere presence.

Finally, Don’t forget to have fun!