> [!info] Subclass Overview > **Class:** Paladin | **Subclass Type:** Sacred Oath > **Deity:** [[Pholtus]] — The Blinding Light, God of Light, Resolution, Law, and Order > **Alignment Requirement:** Lawful Good > **Region:** [[Theocracy of the Pale]], [[Shield Lands]], borderlands of [[Iuz]] > > Paladins sworn to Pholtus are the most doctrinaire of all divine champions — absolutists who believe that law and the blazing light of divine truth are the only bulwarks against the chaos that would devour civilization. They do not negotiate with darkness; they illuminate it, burn it, and render it powerless before Pholtus's blinding radiance. Their zeal can make them difficult allies but extraordinarily dangerous enemies, particularly to evil and chaotic creatures that wither under the Blinding Light. > > **Prestige Path:** The most devoted servants of Pholtus who reach 10th level may ascend to the [[Zealot of Pholtus]] prestige class — the god's most uncompromising instruments on Oerth. --- ## Tenets of Pholtus The Oath of Pholtus admits no gray areas. - **The Light Is Absolute.** Darkness, chaos, and evil are not merely opposing forces — they are abominations to be purged, not debated. - **The Law Is Divine.** Pholtus's law is not the law of kings or councils; it is the immutable law of cosmic order. It takes precedence over all mortal authority. - **Doubt Is Weakness.** Once you have discerned the correct path, walk it without hesitation. Wavering opens the door to corruption. - **Illuminate the Darkness.** Wherever you go, bring the light. Wherever evil conceals itself, expose it. Let nothing remain hidden from Pholtus's gaze. > [!warning] Divine Disapproval > Showing tolerance for chaotic or evil behavior out of political convenience, obeying a mortal law that contradicts Pholtus's doctrine, or willingly traveling into profound darkness (underground lairs, evil planes) without actively working to purge what dwells there each count as a **strike**. Three strikes strips all paladin features until atonement through a formal inquisition and public act of devotion. --- ## Oath Spells > [!spell] Oath of Pholtus Spells > You gain the following spells at the listed paladin levels. They do not count against your prepared spells. > > | Paladin Level | Spells | > |---|---| > | 3rd | *Burning Hands*, *Faerie Fire* | > | 5th | *Continual Flame*, *Flame Blade* | > | 9th | *Blinding Smite*, *Daylight* | > | 13th | *Fire Shield*, *Locate Creature* | > | 17th | *Dawn*, *Flame Strike* | --- ## Channel Divinity At 3rd level you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. > [!tip] Radiant Warrior > As a bonus action, you blaze with the Blinding Light. A 15-foot radius of golden radiance surrounds you until the end of your next turn. While active, evil-aligned creatures that enter or start their turn in the aura must succeed on a **Dexterity saving throw** (DC = your paladin spell save DC) or take **1d6 radiant damage**. Chaotic evil creatures take **2d6 radiant damage** instead. > [!tip] Word of Law > As an action, the unyielding authority of Pholtus speaks through you. Each creature of your choice within **30 feet** must succeed on a **Charisma saving throw** or be **charmed** by you until the end of their next turn. Chaotic and evil creatures make this saving throw at **disadvantage**. A charmed creature takes no hostile action and moves according to your verbal commands. --- ## Chaos Breaker *7th-level Oath of Pholtus feature* > [!tip] Chaos Breaker > As a bonus action, you target a single creature you can see within 60 feet. If the creature is chaotic or evil aligned, it must succeed on a **Charisma saving throw** (DC = your paladin spell save DC) or have **disadvantage on attack rolls against you** until the end of your next turn. You may use this feature as a bonus action on each of your turns. --- ## Sun's Avenger *15th-level Oath of Pholtus feature* > [!tip] Sun's Avenger > Pholtus pours his divine fire into your spellwork. Whenever you cast a spell that deals **radiant or fire damage**, add your **Charisma modifier** to the total damage dealt (this applies once per spell, not per target). --- ## Favored of Pholtus *20th-level Oath of Pholtus feature* > [!tip] Favored of Pholtus > The Blinding Light shields you from the corruptions of evil and chaos. When you would fail a **saving throw** caused by an evil or chaotic creature or source, you may use your **reaction** to automatically succeed instead. > > You may use this feature a number of times equal to your **Charisma modifier** per long rest. --- > [!abstract] Related Content > - **Deity:** [[Pholtus]] > - **Prestige Path:** [[Zealot of Pholtus]] *(available at 10th level)* > - **Region:** [[Theocracy of the Pale]] | [[Shield Lands]] > - **Paladin Class Hub:** [[Paladin]] > - **Other Sacred Oaths:** [[Oath of Heironeous]] | [[Oath of St. Cuthbert]] | [[Oath of Hextor]]