Paladins are the stalwart defenders of justice and champions of righteousness in Dungeons & Dragons. These noble warriors draw their power from a deep-seated faith and unwavering commitment to their cause. While many species have paladins, some racial traits may not align with their divine callings and staunch beliefs. This article explores the ten worst species for a paladin, shedding light on why these species might not be the best choice when embracing the path of the holy warrior.
1 Kobold
Kobolds are known for their small stature and timidity, which clashes with paladins’ bold and resolute nature. Their physical limitations and general lack of combat proficiency make them an ill-suited choice for a class that thrives on martial prowess and courage.
2 Minotaur
Minotaurs are often depicted as brutal and warlike creatures, which diverges from the moral and ethical code paladins uphold. Their alignment tendencies and focus on physical power over divine convictions make them less compatible with the paladin class.
3 Hobgoblin
Hobgoblins are militaristic and value discipline, but their alignment towards lawful evil and war-oriented culture may not sit well with the honorable and virtuous paladin’s path. Their ambitions often lead them down a darker road than a paladin treads.
4 Kenku
Kenku’s knack for mimicry and their alignment towards chaotic tendencies can create challenges when striving for the moral and ethical consistency that defines paladins. Their flighty and unpredictable natures are at odds with the paladin’s steadfast devotion to a code of conduct.
5 Goblin
Goblins‘ chaotic and often mischievous tendencies don’t align with most paladins’ lawful and honorable nature. Their small size and lack of physical strength also present challenges when embodying the image of a formidable and noble warrior.
6 Trickster Gnome
Trickster Gnomes are known for their affinity for pranks and illusion, which doesn’t harmonize with the solemnity of the paladin class. Their whimsical nature may clash with the gravitas of a paladin’s commitment to a higher cause.
7 Yuan-Ti Pureblood
Yuan-Ti Purebloods’ association with serpentine traits and sinister tendencies doesn’t align with the righteous path of a paladin. Their affinity for manipulation and subtlety often contradicts the paladin’s direct and virtuous approach.
8 Aarakocra
Aarakocra’s avian nature and flight abilities may clash with the heavy armor and grounded combat style many paladins prefer. Their nomadic and carefree lifestyles may not suit a paladin’s unwavering devotion and structure.
9 Locathah
Locathah, aquatic beings from the deep seas, may struggle to embrace the paladin class’s tenets fully. Their natural habitat and the challenges of terrestrial adventuring can hinder their alignment with the path of the holy warrior. The paladin’s code may also clash with the locathah’s more fluid sense of morality.
10 Firbolg
While Firbolgs‘ durability and physical resilience are admirable, their neutral alignment and lack of distinct moral or ethical convictions can be at odds with the unwavering devotion and principles that define the paladin class.
While paladins draw their strength from their unwavering commitment to justice and honor, not all species are equally well-suited to exemplify these ideals. The compatibility between a species and the paladin class does not rely exclusively on physical attributes and moral and ethical alignment. Players who wish to optimize their paladin characters and fully embrace the tenets of their faith should consider species that naturally align with these values and allow them to champion their divine cause more effectively and consistently.
