What do you think of a paladin who can't cast spells?

Ian579

If the paladin is an adventurous group's main tank and can't cast spells due to having only 10 Wisdom, is that okay?

I checked Paladin's spell list and found nothing appealing except for a level 1 spell Divine Favor.

Because other group members such as mage(s), cleric(s), and/or bard can already do the buffing, it seems to me that it's not too bad if the paladin can't cast spells.

So maybe it would be better for the paladin to allocate the 4 ability score points to other abilities rather than to Wisdom.

Is such a paladin fine or bad?

BelgarathMTH

Paladin spells aren't great, but there are a few short duration third and fourth level buffs that can turn the tide of a battle. The thing is, if you give up the spells, you're giving up one of the main compensations paladins get for not being fighters, and you're that much closer to being just a gimped fighter.

Disease and fear protections are nice, but a cleric can deal with those, or potions and healing kits. Saving throw bonuses are maybe worth giving up fighter feats and weapon specialization, but that's arguable. Make sure you plan your feats to get Divine Shield and Divine Might, or you'll be gimped even further. Also make sure your charisma is very high, or most of your special abilities will be next to useless.

Really, it sounds like maybe you'd be better off playing a lawful good fighter.

DJKajuru

To be quite honest the usefulness of a paladin's spells are the weapon boosts, so you won't miss them much as long you got a decent weapon with elemental damage and stuff.

Meanwhile, an unwise paladin still has decent charisma based saves and turn undead to make him relevant.