Oath of Annihilation 5e

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, few concepts carry the same dark allure as the Oath of Annihilation. This homebrew or custom paladin subclass is not for the faint of heart. It calls to characters who have fully embraced destruction as their sacred duty. Unlike traditional oaths based on honor, justice, or protection, the Oath of Annihilation 5e focuses on eradication of evil, of corruption, or perhaps of all existence, depending on the paladin’s interpretation. For players and Dungeon Masters alike, it opens up storytelling opportunities that challenge moral boundaries and bring intensity to campaigns.

The Philosophy Behind the Oath of Annihilation

A Paladin’s Purpose Turned Inward

The Oath of Annihilation represents a profound shift from the usual paladin motivations. Rather than seeking peace, justice, or redemption, a paladin of this oath views destruction as the ultimate form of salvation. Whether driven by a divine mandate or personal trauma, they see annihilation as a sacred end in itself. This could mean destroying undead, scouring the land of demons, or wiping civilizations off the map to prevent future evil.

Paladins who swear this oath often see themselves as agents of divine wrath. They do not protect they purge. They do not negotiate they obliterate. Yet despite their brutal goals, many still consider themselves righteous. In their eyes, annihilation is not cruelty, but cleansing. Their devotion is as unwavering as any other paladin’s, but their methods are far more terrifying.

Alignment and Morality

Due to the destructive nature of their beliefs, Oath of Annihilation paladins often lean toward neutral or evil alignments. However, some could be lawful or even neutral good, if their cause targets objectively evil forces. For instance, a paladin whose mission is to obliterate all fiends could still act with discipline and protect the innocent. It’s the extremity of their devotion not their target that defines them.

Tenets of Annihilation

The Core Beliefs

As with all oaths, the Oath of Annihilation includes guiding tenets that shape the paladin’s conduct and perspective. These beliefs are rarely gentle, but they are deeply committed. Some possible tenets include:

• Eradicate Without Mercy: Evil must be removed, not reasoned with. Show no leniency to the wicked.
• Purge the Tainted: Corruption spreads like rot. If a thing is infected by evil, it must be destroyed in full.
• No Half-Measures: Half victories are not victories. Total destruction is the only acceptable outcome.
• End Before Rebirth: From the ashes of annihilation, new order may rise. But first, all must fall.

Each paladin may interpret these tenets differently. For one, it could mean burning every necromancer’s lair to the ground. For another, it could justify genocidal campaigns in the name of divine cleansing. It’s a dangerous path but undeniably compelling for the right character.

Oath of Annihilation Features in 5e

Channel Divinity Options

At 3rd level, paladins gain access to Channel Divinity, and the Oath of Annihilation grants two unique and terrifying options:

• Ruinous Smite: As a bonus action, the paladin can cause their weapon to pulse with annihilating energy. The next melee weapon attack deals bonus necrotic or force damage and weakens the enemy’s defenses.
• Mark of Erasure: The paladin marks a creature for annihilation. For 1 minute, they gain advantage on attacks against the marked target, and the creature has disadvantage on saving throws against the paladin’s smite effects.

These features are focused, aggressive, and aimed at overwhelming single enemies or quickly reducing threats. They align perfectly with the oath’s philosophy of swift and merciless destruction.

Aura of Obliteration

At higher levels typically around level 7 paladins of this oath gain an aura that emanates a sense of dread. Enemies within 10 feet (increasing at level 18) take disadvantage on death saving throws or may take damage when healing. This feature is subtle but powerful, ensuring that enemies stay down once struck. It adds psychological pressure on the battlefield and makes the paladin’s presence fearsome.

Annihilator’s Resolve

At mid to high levels, these paladins become immune to effects that would turn or frighten them. In addition, whenever they reduce an enemy to 0 hit points, they may gain temporary hit points or additional movement. This turns the momentum of battle in their favor, encouraging aggressive tactics and risky advances.

Ultimate Feature: Avatar of Destruction

At 20th level, the Oath of Annihilation grants its final blessing a transformation into a near-unstoppable force of ruin. For 1 minute, the paladin gains:

• Resistance to all damage types except psychic
• Double damage against creatures under half health
• Enemies slain by the paladin disintegrate or explode, damaging others around them

This feature is a game-changing moment, especially in boss fights. It embodies the idea that destruction is not just a mission it’s their nature. Once invoked, there is no turning back.

Roleplaying a Paladin of Annihilation

Creating a Compelling Character

One of the greatest challenges and rewards of choosing this oath is the roleplay. How does your character justify such extreme measures? Do they believe they’re saving the world or punishing it? Are they cold and logical, or filled with burning fury? These questions fuel amazing storytelling and party dynamics.

A paladin of annihilation doesn’t have to be loud or chaotic. Many are calm, methodical, and eerily serene. They do not act out of hatred but purpose. Others may be fiery zealots, shouting divine proclamations as they bring ruin to the battlefield. Either approach adds incredible tension and drama to a campaign.

Party and Campaign Considerations

Due to their dark nature, these paladins may clash with more idealistic characters. However, strong party chemistry and clear boundaries with other players and the Dungeon Master can make this oath shine. It’s important to remember that even the darkest paladins have a code they may be brutal, but not random. With thoughtful play, the Oath of Annihilation adds richness to any game.

Multiclass Synergy and Mechanics

Pairing with Other Classes

The Oath of Annihilation can be enhanced through multiclassing. Some powerful combinations include:

• Paladin / Warlock: A pact with a destructive entity (like a Great Old One or Fiend) complements the paladin’s obsession with ruin.
• Paladin / Sorcerer: Sorcery points boost smite output, and spells like Fireball reflect their scorched-earth philosophy.
• Paladin / Fighter: Adding Action Surge allows for overwhelming attacks in a single turn, useful for wiping out marked targets.

With the right build, this paladin becomes a wrecking ball burst damage, battlefield control, and relentless pursuit of destruction all wrapped into one.

The Oath of Annihilation 5e offers a unique path for players seeking to explore the darker side of paladinhood. Rooted in the divine but driven by destruction, these characters are both terrifying and compelling. They challenge conventional ideas of heroism and present a moral complexity that can deeply enrich a campaign. With powerful mechanics, evocative themes, and unforgettable presence on the battlefield, the Oath of Annihilation is a bold choice one that leaves nothing but ashes in its wake.