> [!info] Subclass Overview > **Class:** Paladin | **Subclass Type:** Sacred Oath > **Deity:** [[Rao]] — The Mediator, God of Peace, Reason, and Serenity > **Alignment Requirement:** Lawful Good > **Region:** [[Veluna]] > > Paladins sworn to Rao are the gentle shepherds of Oerth — calm voices in the storm of conflict, dedicated to resolving strife through reason before resort to force. They are diplomats, counselors, and protectors who believe that violence is always a failure of wisdom. Found primarily in the peaceful nation of Veluna, these knights of serenity wield the power of Rao's boundless tranquility as both sword and shield. --- ## Tenets of Rao The Oath of Rao demands discipline of the mind and spirit above all else. - **Peace Through Reason.** Seek to resolve all conflict through dialogue and understanding before raising a weapon. - **Compassion Before Violence.** Show mercy to your enemies; the redeemable soul is worth more than a won battle. - **Be a Shepherd to the Flock.** Protect the innocent and the weak, guiding them away from harm rather than merely avenging it. - **A Wild Heart Leads to Folly.** Master your own emotions before you may hope to still the chaos of others. > [!warning] Divine Disapproval > Striking down a surrendered foe, refusing a reasonable offer of peace, or abandoning an innocent to save yourself each count as a **strike**. Three strikes strips all paladin features until atonement before a priest of Rao. --- ## Oath Spells > [!spell] Oath of Rao Spells > You gain the following spells at the listed paladin levels. They do not count against your prepared spells. > > | Paladin Level | Spells | > |---|---| > | 3rd | *Sanctuary*, *Sleep* | > | 5th | *Calm Emotions*, *Warding Bond* | > | 9th | *Beacon of Hope*, *Counterspell* | > | 13th | *Aura of Purity*, *Charm Monster* | > | 17th | *Hallow*, *Hold Monster* | --- ## Channel Divinity At 3rd level you gain the following two Channel Divinity options. > [!tip] Unsettling Calm > As an action, you project an eerie, oppressive serenity. Each enemy within **15 feet** of you must succeed on a **Charisma saving throw** (DC = your paladin spell save DC) or suffer **disadvantage on attack rolls** until the end of your next turn. This effect lasts for a number of rounds equal to your **Charisma modifier** (minimum 1). Undead and constructs are immune to this effect. > [!tip] Wavering Resolve > As an action, the soothing yet terrible will of Rao washes over your foes. Each enemy within **15 feet** must succeed on a **Charisma saving throw** or immediately **drop any held weapons or items** and become **frightened** of you for a number of rounds equal to your **Charisma modifier** (minimum 1). A frightened creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on a success. Undead and constructs are immune to this effect. --- ## Aura of Enduring Courage *7th-level Oath of Rao feature* > [!tip] Aura of Enduring Courage > Rao's mercy sustains your allies at the threshold of death. While you are conscious, any friendly creature within **10 feet** of you that would be reduced to 0 hit points is instead reduced to **1 hit point**. > > This feature can affect each creature only once per turn. It has no effect on undead or constructs. --- ## Swords to Plowshares *15th-level Oath of Rao feature* > [!tip] Swords to Plowshares > When a creature hits you with a melee attack, you may use your **reaction** to channel Rao's peaceful command. The attacker must succeed on a **Charisma saving throw** or immediately **drop all held weapons** and fall **prone, groveling** until the end of their next turn. If the groveling creature is attacked by any other creature, the effect ends immediately. > > You may use this reaction a number of times equal to your **Charisma modifier** per long rest. Undead and constructs are immune to this effect. --- ## The Perfect Calm *20th-level Oath of Rao feature* > [!tip] The Perfect Calm > You have achieved a serenity so profound that the enchantments and compulsions of others cannot reach you. When you fail a saving throw against an **enchantment spell or effect**, 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:** [[Rao]] > - **Region:** [[Veluna]] > - **Paladin Class Hub:** [[Paladin]] > - **Other Sacred Oaths:** [[Oath of Heironeous]] | [[Oath of Pelor]] | [[Oath of St. Cuthbert]]