February 18, 2025

Oath of Conquest Paladin Guide for Beginners: Mastering the Tyrant in D&D 5e

The Oath of Conquest Paladin is the ultimate warlord and oppressor, specializing in fear-based battlefield control and relentless offense. Introduced in Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, this subclass is perfect for players who want to become an iron-fisted conqueror, ruling the battlefield through sheer presence and domination.

Unlike other Paladins who protect or seek justice, Conquest Paladins thrive on crushing their enemies, instilling fear, and breaking the will of their foes. If you love the idea of a fearsome warlord, a ruthless enforcer, or a knight who bends others to their will, this subclass is for you!

Why Play an Oath of Conquest Paladin?

Key Benefits

Best Paladin for Fear-Based Crowd Control – Enemies stay locked in place due to Aura of Conquest.
High Damage Output – Synergy between fear and bonus damage effects.
Tanky & Hard to Kill – Armor of Agathys and resistance to fear effects boost survivability.
Excels in Long Battles – Can sustain through tough fights by forcing enemies into submission.
Dominating Roleplay Potential – Perfect for playing a tyrant, military general, or iron-willed knight.

Compared to other Paladins, Conquest Paladins control fights through fear and punishment rather than healing or direct protection.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

Oath Spells (Gained at Levels 3, 5, 9, 13, and 17)

The Oath of Conquest spell list is built around fear, damage mitigation, and punishing enemies for daring to attack you.

Key Spells:
- Armor of Agathys (3rd Level) – Gives temporary hit points and deals damage when hit.
- Command (3rd Level) – Force enemies to kneel, grovel, or flee.
- Hold Person (5th Level) – Paralyze humanoid enemies, allowing auto-crits from melee attacks.
- Spiritual Weapon (5th Level) – Summon a floating spectral weapon for extra attacks.
- Bestow Curse (9th Level) – Weaken enemies and reduce their effectiveness in combat.
- Fear (9th Level) – Frighten all enemies in a 30-foot cone, making them flee.
- Dominate Beast (13th Level) – Take control of a creature.
- Stoneskin (13th Level) – Gain resistance to nonmagical weapon damage.
- Cloudkill (17th Level) – Summon a deadly poisonous fog.
- Dominate Person (17th Level) – Bend humanoids to your will.

Example: Use Fear to make enemies flee, then trap them with your Aura of Conquest so they can’t escape.

Channel Divinity: Conquering Presence (Level 3)

As an action, force all enemies within 30 feet to make a Wisdom saving throw or be frightened for 1 minute.
Example: Initiate battle by forcing enemies to freeze in terror before attacking.

Channel Divinity: Guided Strike (Level 3)

As a reaction, add +10 to an attack roll, ensuring a hit.
Example: Use this when you need to land a crucial Divine Smite.

Aura of Conquest (Level 7)

Frightened enemies within 10 feet (30 feet at level 18) have their speed reduced to 0 and take psychic damage equal to half your Paladin level.
Example: Enemies trapped in your aura stay frightened and take constant damage.

Scornful Rebuke (Level 15)

Enemies who hit you with melee attacks take psychic damage equal to your Charisma modifier.
Example: Tank hits and watch enemies suffer for attacking you.

Invincible Conqueror (Level 20)

For 1 minute:
- Resistance to all damage.
- Extra attack (total of 3 per turn).
- Critical hits on a 19-20.

Example: Become an unkillable warlord who crushes everything in your path.

These abilities make Oath of Conquest Paladins one of the strongest battlefield controllers, forcing enemies into a constant state of fear and despair.

Suggested Ability Scores

Primary: Strength – Boosts melee damage and attack rolls.
Secondary: Charisma – Improves spellcasting and frighten effects.
Tertiary: Constitution – Increases HP and concentration saves.

Recommended Races

Since Conquest Paladins rely on Strength, Charisma, and Constitution, the best races include:

Dragonborn – Perfect thematic match with a fearsome presence and Charisma bonus.
Half-Orc – Relentless Endurance makes you even harder to kill.
Tiefling (Zariel or Levistus) – Fire resistance and Charisma bonuses for a dark warlord aesthetic.
Variant Human – Start with a feat like Sentinel or Great Weapon Master.

Playing as an Oath of Conquest Paladin

Role in a Party

Primary Tank & Crowd Controller – Frighten enemies and keep them locked in place.
Damage Dealer – Use Divine Smites and extra attacks for devastating strikes.
Tactical Battlefield Control – Block movement and force enemies into unfavorable positions.

Compared to other Paladins, Conquest Paladins focus on fear effects and psychological warfare, making them one of the most unique Paladin playstyles.

Tips for New Players

Always use Fear and Conquering Presence – Your Aura of Conquest makes them even stronger.
Armor of Agathys works great with heavy armor – Enemies take damage when they hit you.
Hold Person + Divine Smite = Guaranteed Crits – Paralyzed enemies are auto-crit targets.
Use your aura aggressively – Get close to frightened enemies so they can't move.

Roleplay Suggestions

The Tyrant – A ruler who enforces order with an iron fist.
The Divine Warlord – A holy knight who believes fear is the only path to justice.
The Unstoppable Conqueror – A relentless warrior dedicated to victory at any cost.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

Weapons

Greatsword (Strength Build) – High-damage, great for Divine Smites.
Mace + Shield (Tank Build) – Extra AC and high survivability.

Armor

Plate Armor – Best protection for frontline combat.
Shield of the Sentinel – Boosts AC and helps in battlefield control.

Magic Items

Cloak of Displacement – Gives enemies disadvantage on attacks against you.
Belt of Giant Strength – Massive Strength boost for melee combat.
Amulet of the Devout – Enhances spellcasting and aura abilities.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your commanding presence with these warlord-themed dice sets:

Warlord’s Might: For black and crimson hues symbolizing power and control, consider the Smoke and Blood Handmade Resin DND Dice Set. This set features a captivating blend of smoky black and deep red colors, capturing the essence of a formidable warlord's might.
Doom Bringer: To represent unstoppable domination with dark steel and silver tones, the Black Inked Lightning Cracked Glass DND Dice Set is an excellent choice. These dice showcase a striking cracked glass design with black inked numerals, reflecting the relentless force of a doom bringer.
Conqueror’s Judgment: For gold and obsidian colors embodying the authority of a ruler, the Gemstone Black Night Raised Obsidian DND Dice Set offers a sleek black appearance with raised numerals, symbolizing the decisive judgment of a conqueror.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

Best Feats for an Oath of Conquest Paladin

Sentinel – Prevents frightened enemies from escaping your Aura of Conquest.
Great Weapon Master – Increases damage output and benefits from Guided Strike.
Tough – Boosts HP, making you an unstoppable tank.
Polearm Master – Allows more opportunity attacks and battlefield control.
Resilient (Wisdom) – Boosts saving throws against charm or mind-affecting effects.

Best Multiclass Options

1. Paladin 7 / Warlock (Hexblade) 13 – The Fearmonger

Hexblade’s Curse increases crit range and healing from kills.
Darkness + Devil’s Sight combo makes you nearly untouchable.

2. Paladin 10 / Sorcerer (Divine Soul) 10 – The Spell Tyrant

Haste and Fear for extreme control.
Quicken spells to cast + attack in one turn.

3. Paladin 6 / Fighter (Champion) 14 – The Relentless Warlord

Increased crit range and Action Surge.
Pairs well with Invincible Conqueror for sheer dominance.

The Oath of Conquest Paladin is one of the most aggressive and fearsome subclasses in D&D 5e, excelling at battlefield control, fear-based tactics, and relentless domination over enemies.

If you want to play a ruthless warlord, a military champion, or an iron-fisted ruler, this subclass is for you!