How to oathbreaker paladin bg3

What is an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3?

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, and by extension, Baldur's Gate 3, a Paladin is a holy warrior bound by a sacred oath. This oath dictates their moral compass, their actions, and the very source of their divine power. However, not all Paladins remain true to their vows. An Oathbreaker Paladin is a Paladin who has fallen from grace, deliberately or accidentally breaking the tenets of their chosen oath. Instead of losing their powers entirely, they can channel their broken vows into a darker, more potent form of divine magic. In Baldur's Gate 3, this translates into a unique subclass that offers a different playstyle and narrative experience.

How to Become an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3

The path to becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 involves a two-step process: breaking your oath and then officially embracing the Oathbreaker subclass.

Step 1: Breaking Your Oath

This is the most crucial step and requires conscious effort. Paladins in Baldur's Gate 3 swear specific oaths, such as the Oath of Devotion, Oath of the Ancients, or Oath of Vengeance. Each oath has a set of tenets that, if violated, will cause the Paladin to break their oath. The game provides numerous opportunities for players to make choices that directly contradict their oath's principles. These choices often appear in dialogue options or specific actions within quests.

Examples of Oath-Breaking Actions:

• For Oath of Devotion: Showing mercy to a goblin who has committed atrocities, lying to an authority figure, or stealing.
• For Oath of the Ancients: Allowing or committing acts of cruelty, betraying allies, or despairing in the face of darkness.
• For Oath of Vengeance: Failing to punish a wrongdoer, showing undue mercy, or allowing evil to prosper.

The game will usually notify you when you have taken an action that breaks your oath. A message will appear on your screen, informing you that your Paladin has strayed from their sacred vow. It is important to note that some oath breaks are more obvious than others. Sometimes, a seemingly minor choice can have significant consequences for your oath's integrity.

If you are unsure about how to break your oath, or if you accidentally broke it and wish to restore it, you can seek out specific guides for each oath. However, for the purpose of becoming an Oathbreaker, intentionally seeking out these oath-breaking opportunities is key.

Step 2: Embracing the Oathbreaker Subclass with Withers

Once you have successfully broken your oath, the next step is to formalize your transition into an Oathbreaker Paladin. This is accomplished through the help of Withers, a powerful and enigmatic undead character who resides in your camp. Withers offers various services, including character resurrection and respecification.

To become an Oathbreaker, you need to speak with Withers and select the option to change your class or appearance. When you choose to respec your Paladin, you will be presented with the option to choose the Oathbreaker subclass. This choice is only available if you have already broken your oath.

Upon selecting the Oathbreaker subclass, Withers will inform you of a gold cost. This fee is essentially for his services in helping you transition and channel your broken vows. The exact amount can vary slightly, but it's a significant investment that reflects the gravity of your choice.

After paying the gold, your Paladin will be officially recognized as an Oathbreaker. Your appearance might change subtly, and your class abilities will be updated to reflect the Oathbreaker's unique skillset. This transition also opens up new dialogue options and narrative possibilities, as characters in the game may react differently to an Oathbreaker compared to a Paladin upholding their vows.

Oathbreaker Abilities and Playstyle

The Oathbreaker subclass in Baldur's Gate 3 offers a distinct playstyle that diverges from the traditional Paladin. Instead of drawing power from divine ideals and righteousness, Oathbreakers channel the dark energy that stems from their broken vows. This often manifests as abilities that are more aggressive, focused on control, or even involve necromancy.

Key abilities often include:

• Spiteful Suffering: An aura that damages nearby enemies and prevents them from being healed.
• Dreadful Aspect: An aura that causes nearby enemies to become Frightened.
• Oathbreaker's Bond: A powerful spell that can bind an enemy, dealing damage and potentially incapacitating them.

The Oathbreaker's spell list also tends to feature more debuffs and control spells, making them a formidable force on the battlefield. Their narrative arc often involves grappling with their past vows, the consequences of their choices, and potentially finding a new form of purpose or power in their fallen state.

Can You Restore Your Oath?

Yes, it is possible to restore your oath in Baldur's Gate 3. If you break your oath accidentally or decide you want to return to your original vows, you can speak with Withers. He will offer you the chance to atone for your transgressions and restore your oath, but this also comes with a significant gold cost. Restoring your oath will revert your subclass to your original chosen oath and remove the Oathbreaker abilities.

Conclusion

Becoming an Oathbreaker Paladin in Baldur's Gate 3 is a significant choice that offers a unique gameplay experience and narrative. It requires a deliberate act of breaking your Paladin's oath, followed by a visit to Withers to embrace the Oathbreaker subclass and pay the associated gold fee. This path allows players to explore a darker side of the Paladin class, with distinct abilities and story implications.