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Paladins are one of the playable classes in Pillars of Eternity and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.

Description[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

Paladins are martial zealots, devoted to a god, a ruler, or even a way of life. They can be found in any culture where a fanatical group of like-minded individuals have formed a warrior society dedicated to advancing their cause. Among those aligned to their worldview, paladins are viewed with respect and admiration, if a bit of fear. Many paladins hold leadership positions in armies and mercenary companies, but in the heat of battle their fanaticism often overrules the chain of command - and common sense.

Background[ | ]

Paladins are extremely devoted, often fanatical, soldiers who have pledged themselves to a chosen cause, combining the zeal of a priest with the ascetic discipline of a monk. They have founded many elite fighting forces, from the original Darcozzi Paladini, a two thousand year-old order of palace guards, to the fledgling Fellows of St. Waidwen Martyr, zealous defenders of the Godhammer pilgrim trail.

Often found at the vanguard of many conflicts, paladins are natural leaders and have the ability to quickly assist their allies with targeted commands. A paladin's commands can stave off impending death, overcome fatigue, or hasten the charge to close breached defenses. And though they are not always pledged to the service of a god or gods, paladins are so singularly focused on their chosen cause that their souls are continually creating a wellspring of spiritual energy from which they can blast groups of foes in their immediate vicinity. Despite their often stoic presence and explosive combat style, paladins work best alongside allies. When isolated, they can be vulnerable, especially against singular powerful foes.[1]

Statistics[ | ]

Game Resources Endurance Health Accuracy Defenses Skill bonuses
DEF Deflection FOR Fortitude REF Reflex WIL Will
Pillars of Eternity - 42 + 14 per level 5x Endurance 25 20 20 20 20
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire Zeal - 42 + 12 per level 20 20 25 15 25

Abilities[ | ]

Paladins powers are fueled by their wellspring of spiritual energy, brought through their strength and devotion to their chosen cause (not necessarily religiously-affiliated). They can enhance these abilities with modal auras, abilities which they can switch at will, such as single-target "commands" (buffs), passive buffs they grant to allies [2] and limited healing ability.[3]

List of abilities[ | ]

Zeal[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

Paladin abilities require and consume Zeal on use. Outside of combat, a paladin's Zeal is restored, ready to be used in the next encounter.

Zeal is an additional "power pool" resource added in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Paladins begin combat with full Zeal (the amount of which is relative to their current level) and spend points to cast certain abilities, with more powerful abilities costing more points. After an encounter, Zeal is replenished.

Talents[ | ]

The following talents are available only to members of specific Paladin orders:

Progression[ | ]

In Pillars of Eternity[ | ]

  • At character creation, paladins must select one order, and automatically learn the passive ability Faith and Conviction (the effects of which scale with their order's favoured disposition - or with their level in the case of NPCs).
  • A paladin's selected order grants them two unique talents that can be learned at any time (see below).
  • Paladins are able to select one ability at every odd level (1, 3, 5, etc.).
  • At every odd level (1, 3, 5, etc.), the next tier of abilities are unlocked.
  • As with other classes, paladins learn one talent at every even level (2, 4, 6, etc.).
  • Paladin abilities specify their own max uses and restoration type, independent of the paladin's level.

In Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire[ | ]

  • At character creation, paladins must pick an order (as their subclass), select one 1st level ability (active only), and automatically learn the passive ability Faith and Conviction. This does not change for multiclass characters. Most paladin subclasses grant the character a unique ability.
  • As with other classes, paladins pick 2 abilities at every level where a new power level is unlocked excluding the first (3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 19), and one ability at all other levels (1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20). Ability points may be spent on active or passive abilities, and on any currently-unlocked power levels.
    • Multiclass characters pick 1 ability from either the paladin ability tree or the other class tree at all levels where a new power level isn't unlocked, and 1 ability for both classes at all levels where a new power level is unlocked (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19).
  • Paladins use Zeal (a power pool resource) to cast abilities. As with other power pool resources, the paladin starts with a pool of 3 Zeal, which is increased by 1 at every power level, capping out at 11.
  • As with other classes, new ability power levels are learned every second level from level 1 (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13), then every third level from level 13 (16, 19). Multiclass characters may only learn up to (and including) power level 7 abilities, and unlock a new power level every third level from level 1 (1, 4, 7, 10, 13, 16, 19).
Ability points at each level
Level Power level learned Points available
Single Multi Single Multi
1 1 (I) 1 (I) 1 1+1
2 1 1
3 2 (II) 2 1
4 2 (II) 1 1+1
5 3 (III) 2 1
6 1 1
7 4 (IV) 3 (III) 2 1+1
8 1 1
9 5 (V) 2 1
10 4 (IV) 1 1+1
11 6 (VI) 2 1
12 1 1
13 7 (VII) 5 (V) 2 1+1
14 1 1
15 1 1
16 8 (VIII) 6 (VI) 2 1+1
17 1 1
18 1 1
19 9 (IX) 7 (VII) 2 1+1
20 1 1
Power pool capacity
Power
level
Character level Power
pool
Single Multi
1 (I) 1 1 3
2 (II) 3 4 4
3 (III) 5 7 5
4 (IV) 7 10 6
5 (V) 9 13 7
6 (VI) 11 16 8
7 (VII) 13 19 9
8 (VIII) 16 22 10
9 (IX) 19 25 11
10 (X) 22 28 11
11 (XI) 25 - 11
12 (XI) 28 - 11

Orders[ | ]

The power of the Faith and Conviction ability can be modified by a paladin's dispositions gained by their behavior and the reputations they develop from the choices they make.

When players make a paladin, they select an order. Each choice highlights two types of behavior that are celebrated and two types of behavior that are condemned by the given order. Acting in accordance to their order's preferred behavior will gradually increase the power of Faith and Conviction, while acting in a disfavored manner will cause the power of Faith and Conviction to diminish.

These changes are not dramatic, but reflect a measure of dissonance between the character's stated order and how they choose to conduct themselves.[4] As of 1.05, this only affects Paladins created as the main character.

Faith and Conviction gains a bonus of +1 Deflection, +2 Fortitude, +2 Reflex and +2 Will per rank in any favored disposition. Conversely, they receive -1 Deflection, -2 Fortitude, -2 Reflex and -2 Will per rank in any disfavored disposition.

Either way, a Paladin is only affected by ranks up to rank 3; further ranks do not contribute, meaning that the maximum attainable bonus to Faith and Conviction from dispositions alone is +6 Deflection, +12 Fortitude, +12 Reflex, and +12 Will. Having the Untroubled Faith talent removes penalties from disfavored dispositions.

Playable Paladin Orders:

Order Favored behavior Disfavored behavior
1st disposition 2nd disposition 1st disposition 2nd disposition
The Shieldbearers of St. Elcga Diplomatic Honest Aggressive Cruel
Bleak Walkers Aggressive Cruel[5] Diplomatic Benevolent
Kind Wayfarers Benevolent Passionate Deceptive Cruel
Goldpact Knights[6] Rational Stoic Passionate Aggressive
Darcozzi Paladini Clever Passionate Cruel Stoic
The Steel Garrote Rational Cruel Diplomatic Benevolent

Subclasses[ | ]

Paladins in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire must select one of six subclasses as their order: Bleak Walkers, Darcozzi Paladini, Goldpact Knights, Kind Wayfarers, The Shieldbearers of St. Elcga, and The Steel Garrote. A seventh subclass Frermàs mes Canc Suolias is exclusive to the companion Pallegina.

Unlike other classes, but similar to priests, paladins do not suffer from penalties or drawbacks that usually come from picking a subclass.

Bleak Walkers[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

Dreaded for their mercilessness and cruelty, paladins of the Bleak Walkers believe that extreme brutality in warfare brings conflict to a swift close. To maintain their reputation for unrelenting savagery, the Bleak Walkers never give quarter and never abdandon the field, even if their employers command them to.

Bonus
  • Gain Flames of Devotion.
  • Flames of Devotion deals additional Corrode damage (Black Flames) and applies the Sickened Affliction to targets.

Darcozzi Paladini[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

The oldest known paladin order in the world, the Darcozzi Paladini were founded as the guards of the Darcozzi Palace in Grand Vailia over 2000 years ago. Since the shattering of Grand Vailia, the Darcozzi Paladini have transformed into the protectors and ambassadors of the immense Darcozzi family as well as Old Vailian culture. The Darcozzi Paladini are widespread and occasionally even come into conflict with each other due to the machinations of the Darcozzi family. Paladins of the order are renowned for their wit and love of life.

Bonus
  • Gain Lay on Hands.
  • Lay on Hands grants a minor Flame Shield to the target.

Goldpact Knights[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

Mercenaries with a solemn reverence for the sanctity of contracts, Goldpact Knights fulfill their obligations with unemotional, unswerving commitment and without moral judgment.

Bonus
  • Gain Sworn Enemy.
  • Sworn Enemy gains the upgrade "Gilded Enmity" which causes the paladin to be imbued with a blessing of gold when they declare a Sworn Enemy. The paladin receives bonus Armor Rating until struck enough times for the gold to break.

Kind Wayfarers[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

A charitable order of knights-errant who assist troubled travelers and celebrate kindness, condemning deception and malice even when dealing with their enemies. The ranks of the Kind Wayfarers are filled with kith of all races and from all cultures. They can be found in any part of the Old Empires, Eastern Reach, and even the Deadfire.

Bonus

The Shieldbearers of St. Elcga[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

A paladin order of Aedyran warriors who emphasize honesty and diplomacy over cruelty and aggression. The Shieldbearers were founded in honor of an elven noble who helped unite the Aedyr and Kulklin kingdoms after a long war.

Bonus
  • Gain Lay on Hands.
  • Lay on Hands prevents the target from being killed for a short time.
  • While equipped with a shield, +1 Engagement.

The Steel Garrote[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

The Steel Garrote is a feared paladin order dedicated to Woedica. They work with powerful individuals and business interest to hunt down those who violate contracts, especially if said contracts were endorsed by a priestess of the Exiled Queen. They were founded in the Aedyr Empire and are active throughout the region - branching out as far as the Dyrwood and the Vailian Republics.

Bonus
  • Heal for a portion of the damage dealt to afflicted targets.
  • Gain Garrote ability.

Frermàs mes Canc Suolias[ | ]

Items in italics are quoted directly from the game.

The Frermàs mes Canc Suolias, or the Brotherhood of the Five Suns, is a paladin order of the Vailian Republics. The "Five Suns" refer to the five Vailian ducs bels, or "great dukes". The Brotherhood is loyal to the collective will of the ducal congress, rather than to any particular duc or ducess, and members are forbidden from active intervention in the congress's debates.

Note: Pallegina only
Bonus

Suggestions[ | ]

Paladins can provide huge defensive bonuses to themselves if you follow their code of conduct. For role playing reasons, this might seem interesting to you, and many opportunities will surface for practicing that code of your chosen Order. If that fails to appeal to you, then choosing a Fighter comes as your next best option. If you play a Bleak Walker or Steel Garrote for experiencing the darker side of things, then keep in mind that the Intimidate skill will benefit you much more over Diplomacy, and it opens conversation options you would not have other wise. For all the other Order types, Diplomacy comes preferable. This especially holds true if you choose a Paladin as your Watcher character. If you play with any Rogue characters in your group, then you may find playing this class an odd balancing act. Just remember to lead with your Paladin; not your Rogue. For Deadfire, it's very preferable to have what ever free Expansions downloaded that you can to complement what ever you purchased. Bug fixes take care of a few things.

A Paladin ranks probably among the lowest for the amount of damage it inflicts to your opponents in battle. However, you get abilities that quickly fire off when you need them and relatively free damage as you heal others on the front line. A poorly built Cipher consists as the lowest of all. A Paladin resembles a tankier version of a Chanter. While a Chanter should preferably hang back a bit, a Paladin can go right up against the enemy's front line to face incoming melee. Armor Rating comes as a very critical statistic for this class. Other classes will reach levels of Deflection way above a Paladin's maximum, meaning you will simply get hit more often. For this reason, you seriously need to consider some decent heavy armor.

The Paladin's aura functions much better at the front line, since you have an obvious place for the character to stop. In the back line, a Paladin's aura may not properly touch your group allies, since different spells and Weapons have varying ranges. The "front line" usually consists of a concentrated area, where your enemies rush into. The "back line" might consist of a half circle behind that where you first engage, and random battles can happen behind the "front" as certain opponents rush behind to meet character's in the back that draw too much aggression. In other words, the front line presents an easier place to distribute your aura's benefits, but if you find some thing that works for you in the back, then you have achieved some measure of excellence.

For a Multi Class, Wizard actually pairs very well with this class if you focus on its defensive and Weapon spells. How ever, that puts you into the position of wanting to rely on a tankier type more to fall behind. Chanter might mean you should wield a shield with what ever Weapon you choose, unless you prefer either One-Handed Style with a Rapier or Two Weapon Style with Sabres or Daggers. You should absolutely never use Swords or Estocs, because you will be critically hit hard. As a Paladin, you should favor keeping your Accuracy instead of losing it, including from your Weapon Modal of choice. Great Swords are fine, but their Weapon Modal causes you to lose Accuracy. If you choose Chanter as a Multi Class, then Pike and Quarterstaffs might not suit you well, since your opposition might easily fall beyond the reach of your Phrases. Pollaxes and Morning Stars provide superior options for Two-Handed Style if you feel your Paladin's Accuracy satisfies their Weapon attacks, and those two Weapon types match Paladin best. Barbarian provides an excellent Multi Class option for you if your character reliably hits often enough with a Pollaxe, Morning Star, Pike, or Quarterstaff at your immediate disposal.

Related items[ | ]

Icon Name Item type Enchantments
Boots zealous command icon Boots of Zealous Command Boots


Cloak backer erijs radiance icon Erij's Radiance Cloak


Shield small outworn buckler icon Outworn Buckler Small shield
  • Herald: Friendly Aura (3m): +5 All Defenses


Great sword st ydwens redeemer icon St. Ydwen's Redeemer Great sword


Px4 club war club of the mataru icon War Club of the Mataru Club


Breastplate ryonas breastplate icon Ryona's Breastplate Breastplate

Notable characters[ | ]

Pillars of Eternity
Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire

Gallery[ | ]

References


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