Oath of the Ancients

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The Oath of the Ancients is as old as the first elves and the rituals of Druids. Paladins who swear this oath cherish the light; they love the beautiful and life-giving things of the world more than any principles of honor, courage, and justice. They adorn their armor and clothing with images of growing things—leaves, antlers, or flowers—to reflect their commitment to preserving life and light in the world.

#### TENETS OF THE ANCIENTS

Though the exact words and strictures of the Oath of Ancients vary, Paladins of this oath share these tenets.

* **Kindle the Light.** Through your acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, kindle the light of hope in the world, beating back despair.
* **Shelter the Light.** Where life flourishes, stand against the forces that would render it barren.
* **Preserve Your Own Light.** Delight in song, laughter, and art. If you allow the light to die in your own heart, you can’t preserve it in the world.
* **Be the Light.** Be a glorious beacon for all who live in despair. Let the light of your joy and courage shine forth in all your deeds.

### 3RD LEVEL: OATH SPELLS

The magic of your oath ensures you always have certain spells ready; when you reach a Paladin level specified in the Oath of the Ancients Spells table, you thereafter always have the listed spells prepared.

OATH OF THE ANCIENTS SPELLS
 5th
 9th
 13th
 17th

### 3RD LEVEL: NATURE’S WRATH

As an action, you can expend one use of your Channel Divinity to conjure grasping spectral vines around nearby creatures. Each creature of your choice that you can see within 15 feet of you must succeed on a Strength saving throw or have the Restrained condition for 1 minute. A Restrained creature repeats the saving throw at the end of each of its turns, ending the effect on itself on a success.

### 7TH LEVEL: AURA OF WARDING

Ancient magic lies so heavily upon you that it forms an eldritch ward, blunting energy from beyond the Material Plane; you and your allies have resistance to Necrotic, Psychic, and Radiant damage while in your Aura of Protection.

### 15TH LEVEL: UNDYING SENTINEL

When you are reduced to 0 Hit Points and not killed outright, you can choose to drop to 1 Hit Point instead, and you regain a number of Hit Points equal to three times your Paladin level. Once you use this feature, you can’t do so again until you finish a Long Rest. Additionally, you suffer none of the drawbacks of old age, and you can’t be aged magically.

### 20TH LEVEL: ELDER CHAMPION

As a Bonus Action, you can imbue your Aura of Protection with primal power, granting the following benefits for 1 minute or until you end them as a Bonus Action:

* **Diminish Defiance.** Enemies in the aura have Disadvantage on saving throws against your spells and Channel Divinity options.
* **Regeneration.** At the start of each of your turns, you regain 10 Hit Points.
* **Swift Spells.** Whenever you cast a spell that has a casting time of 1 action, you can cast it using a Bonus Action instead.

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a Long Rest. You can also restore your use of it by expending a 5th-level spell slot (no action required).