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Sat May 26, 2012 6:23 pm Unearthed Arcana: Paladins as subclass

In Unearthed Arcana, paladins were established as a subclass of the Cavalier class. Do Paladins actually gain a d12 hitdie as a subclass of the Cavalier?

Edit: I think the d12 must be a misprint on Cavaliers Table 1; I think I've answered my own question! Embarassed

Sat May 26, 2012 9:39 pm

As a subclass of the cavalier, paladins gain 1d12 each level after the first. From -2 to 1st level, the paladin starts as a 1d4+1 and finishes at 1st level at 3d4+1 and progresses normally thereafter. However, if you skipped the whole -2 to 1 ordeal, you start with 1d10+3 hit points and then progress with d12 additional hit points per level after reaching level 2.

Why? Good question.

Sun May 27, 2012 6:35 am

We never played it that way. The description basically says to use the PHB version of the Paladin, but with the following tweaks:

"In addition, the paladin gains the abilities and powers of the cavalier class, including weapons of choice, parrying ability, horsemanship, saving throw bonuses, and immunity to fear. The paladin may also increase his or her charisma score in the same way that he or she (as a cavalier) can increase strength, dexterity, and constitution."

That is a pretty specific list of what is added, and "Cavalier hit points" or "d12 hit dice" are not mentioned. Basically, the Paladin gives up access to the high key stat = +10% XP bonus in exchange for a slew of rather useful abilities, plus a not so limiting (for a Paladin) code of conduct.
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Mon Jun 04, 2012 7:00 am

Cavaliers (and paladins) do not use 12-sided hit dice. This was a misprint on the cavalier level progression table that was clarified in the official UA errata (DRAGON #100, I believe). A comparison with the classes table a couple of pages prior will show that cavaliers and paladins use 10-sided hit dice (with d10+3 or 3d4+1 at 1st level, depending on initial social class).

Sat Jun 09, 2012 8:57 pm

The Unearthed Arcana update in Dragon magazine was issue 103. It's labelled Part 1, but I couldn't find Part 2. Cavaliers do get d10 hit dice.

Fri Jun 15, 2012 6:22 pm

Thanks for all the replies. I had assumed it was a misprint after I posted because I found other references to the progression as a "d10."

Fri Jun 15, 2012 9:01 pm

Also, see Dragon Magazine #117, as that issue's Sage Advice column is dedicated solely to further Q&A on Unearthed Arcana 1E.
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