Banneret (Purple Dragon Knight) Fighter Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Banneret in D&D 5e

The Banneret Fighter (also known as the Purple Dragon Knight in Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide) is a warrior who leads by example, inspiring and supporting allies while maintaining martial prowess on the battlefield. Unlike other Fighters who focus solely on offense or defense, the Banneret blends combat prowess with leadership abilities, boosting allies and improving teamwork in battle.

Unlike Paladins or Bards, the Banneret doesn’t rely on magic but instead uses sheer force of will and tactical knowledge to rally allies, restore their vigor, and keep the fight going. If you love the idea of a battle-hardened commander who fights alongside allies, issuing commands and boosting morale, this subclass is for you!

Why Play a Banneret Fighter?

Key Benefits

• Best Fighter for Team Support – Grants allies extra healing and bonus actions for increased effectiveness.
• Maintains Strong Combat Abilities – Still gets all Fighter features, including multiple attacks and durability.
• Encourages Tactical Play – Use your abilities to position allies and enhance team effectiveness.
• Great for Roleplay & Leadership – Perfect for knights, generals, or noble warriors leading armies or adventuring parties.
• Versatile Playstyle – Excels in melee but can be played as a ranged commander as well.

Compared to other Fighters, Bannerets offer the best support options while still being strong front-line warriors.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Rallying Cry (Level 3)

• When you use Second Wind (your Fighter healing feature), three allies within 60 feet also regain hit points equal to your Fighter level.
• Example: Use Second Wind to heal yourself and rally your wounded teammates in the middle of battle.

Royal Envoy (Level 7)

• Gain proficiency in Persuasion. If already proficient, you gain expertise (double proficiency bonus).
• Also gain proficiency in one additional skill: Insight, Performance, or Intimidation.
• Example: Makes you a great party face, letting you lead negotiations, inspire troops, and command respect.

Inspiring Surge (Level 10, 18)

• When you use Action Surge, choose an ally within 60 feet. They can immediately use their reaction to make a weapon attack.
• At Level 18, two allies can attack instead of one.
• Example: A Rogue can land a Sneak Attack or a Paladin can use Divine Smite with a free attack.

Bulwark (Level 15)

• When you use Indomitable (your ability to reroll a failed saving throw), an ally within 60 feet can also reroll a failed saving throw.
• Example: You and a spellcaster ally both resist a fireball or charm effect.

These abilities make Banneret Fighters the best team-supporting Fighters, capable of keeping allies in the fight and maximizing their effectiveness.

Suggested Ability Scores

• Primary: Strength or Dexterity – Your main combat stat, depending on whether you’re using melee or ranged weapons.
• Secondary: Charisma – Improves Persuasion and fits the role of a leader.
• Tertiary: Constitution – Increases durability in combat.

Recommended Races

Since Banneret Fighters focus on Strength/Dexterity and Charisma, the best races include:

• Variant Human – Start with a feat like Inspiring Leader for even more party support.
• Half-Elf – Boosts Charisma and offers extra skills.
• Goliath – Strong front-line warrior with Stone’s Endurance for survivability.
• Dragonborn – Great Strength and Charisma, plus a breath weapon for extra damage.

Playing as a Banneret Fighter

Role in a Party

• Frontline Support – Buff allies while holding the front line.
• Party Face & Leader – Use Persuasion and tactical leadership in and out of combat.
• Tactical Damage Dealer – Use Inspiring Surge to grant extra attacks to high-damage allies.

Compared to other Fighters, Bannerets provide unique support abilities while still being solid melee combatants.

Tips for New Players

• Use Second Wind as soon as an ally needs healing – Even a small HP boost can keep them standing.
• Save Inspiring Surge for key moments – Give an extra attack to a Paladin using Smite or a Rogue making a Sneak Attack.
• Take advantage of your Persuasion expertise – Your role as the party face can make a huge difference in negotiations.

Roleplay Suggestions

• The Knight Commander – A noble warrior who leads through example and courage.
• The War General – A battle-hardened tactician who commands adventurers like a small army.
• The Charismatic Duelist – A skilled warrior who inspires allies with charm and confidence.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons

• Longsword / Greatsword – Best for Strength-based Bannerets.
• Rapier / Shortsword – Best for Dexterity-based Bannerets.

Armor

• Plate Armor – Maximum AC for frontline combat.
• Half Plate or Breastplate – For Dexterity-based builds.

Magic Items

• Cloak of Protection – Boosts AC and saving throws, keeping you alive longer.
• Amulet of Health – Increases Constitution, making you even harder to kill.
• Sword of Leadership – Grants Charisma bonuses and fits thematically.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your leader aesthetic with these noble-themed dice sets:

• Knight’s Valor: For a silver and blue design representing a heroic warrior, consider the Gemstone Light Blue Cat's Eye Stone DND Dice Set. Handcrafted from genuine light blue cat's eye stone, these dice exhibit a captivating chatoyancy, symbolizing the valor and honor of a chivalrous knight.
• Battle Commander: To embody battlefield leadership with gold and crimson hues, the Red and Gold Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. This set features a dynamic liquid core with shimmering red and gold tones, reflecting the authority and command of a seasoned leader.
• Royal Guardian: For ornate patterns symbolizing noble warriors, the Gemstone Raised Dichroic Glass DND Dice Set offers intricate designs with a mesmerizing dichroic effect, capturing the essence of regal guardianship.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

• Feats:

  • Inspiring Leader – Grants temporary HP to all allies, stacking with your Rallying Cry.
  • Tough – Boosts HP to stay in the fight longer.
  • Sentinel – Prevents enemies from bypassing you to attack squishier teammates.

• Multiclassing:

  • Paladin (Oath of the Crown or Devotion) – Enhances leadership abilities and adds healing.
  • Bard (College of Valor) – Increases party buffs and adds spells for extra utility.
  • Cleric (War or Life Domain) – Provides more healing and support options.

• Banneret Advanced Build Ideas

  • The Unbreakable Knight: Max Constitution, take Tough feat, and stack durability buffs.
  • The Inspiring Duelist: Max Charisma, use Persuasion for roleplay, and wield a rapier.
  • The Battlefield Commander: Focus on buffs, support abilities, and party coordination.

The Banneret Fighter is one of the most underrated but effective team-oriented subclasses in D&D 5e, excelling at rallying allies, inspiring troops, and leading with strength and courage. If you want to play as a noble commander who fights alongside allies and ensures the party’s success, this subclass is for you!