Overview
Paladin (PLD) is a Disciple of War job unlockable at level 30 as an upgrade from the Gladiator class and is a Tank job.
Unlock and Guild Information
- Guild: The Gladiators' Guild is in Ul'dah - Steps of Thal.
- Guild: Gladiators must specialize into paladin once they reach level 30, and complete the quests Sylph-management and The Rematch.
Equipment
The paladin is a disciple of war and wears armor and accessories "of Fending." They use swords as weapons and shields for both offense and defense.
History and Lore
The Sultansworn of Ul'dah
The Paladin's tradition originates with the Sultansworn, an ancient and revered order of knights in the Sultanate of Ul'dah. In a city-state dominated by mercantile interests, rampant monetarism, and political intrigue, the Sultansworn stand as a bastion of unwavering duty and sacrifice. Their primary oath is to protect the Sultana and the royal bloodline, a duty that supersedes personal wealth, ambition, or safety. This ethos makes them a unique and often respected institution within Ul'dah's complex social fabric, contrasting sharply with the self-serving nature of the Syndicate or the monetarist elite.
The order's history is one of quiet vigilance and occasional turmoil. While their public role is ceremonial, the Sultansworn have often been the last line of defense against assassinations, coups, and magical threats targeting the throne. Their training is rigorous, combining masterful sword-and-board techniques passed down through generations with secretive arts of defensive magic. This magic is not derived from the elementals like Conjury, nor is it scholarly like Thaumaturgy; it is a manifestation of pure willpower, conviction, and the knight's oath, often visualized as a brilliant, protective light.
The Path of the Paladin
An individual becomes a Paladin not merely through martial skill, but through a profound internalization of the Sultansworn's ideals. The iconic Job Stone, received upon swearing the Paladin's pledge, is a catalyst that focuses the knight's resolve, allowing them to channel their protective aether into tangible magical effects. While the Sultansworn are based in Ul'dah, the techniques and ethos of the Paladin have spread across Eorzea. Adventurers who follow this path learn that the true strength of a Paladin lies not in the might to defeat foes, but in the resilience to stand before them and shield the vulnerable.
Throughout the Eorzean saga, Paladins are often portrayed as paragons of integrity. They are the shield against despair, embodying the light that holds the line against darkness. This thematic role is reflected in key story moments, such as the defense of the Steps of Faith or standing firm against the apocalyptic threats of the later expansions. The Job's narrative consistently emphasizes that its power is drawn from a commitment to others—a theme that resonates with the Warrior of Light's own journey.
Current Mechanics
- Job Gauge: Oath Gauge
Key Combos
- Fast Blade -> Riot Blade -> Royal Authority: Deals high damage and, upon learning the trait Chivalry at level 58, recovers MP. Upon reaching level 60, the action Rage of Halone is upgraded to Royal Authority, further increasing the combo's damage. Upon reaching level 64, and learning the trait Divine Magic Mastery, Royal Authority grants Divine Might for 30s. This allows either Holy Spirit or Holy Circle to be cast immediately with increased potency, further increasing the combo's damage.
- Atonement -> Supplication -> Sepulchre
- Total Eclipse -> Prominence: Hits multiple enemies while also recovering MP. At level 66, and learning the trait Enhanced Prominence, Divine Might is granted for 30s upon casting Prominence. This grants the ability to cast either Holy Spirit or Holy Circle immediately with increased potency.
- Requiescat -> Confiteor -> Blade of Faith -> Blade of Truth -> Blade of Valor -> Imperator -> Blade of Honor: Deals high damage to multiple enemies while also recovering HP. The full combo isn't available to Paladins until reaching level 90. Prior to level 90, only Requiescat and Confiteor are available, with Holy Spirit (single target) or Holy Circle (AoE) substituting for the missing parts of the combo. Prior to level 80, only Requiescat is available, meaning Holy Spirit or Holy Circle must be used instead of Confiteor and its related skills. Upon reaching level 96, Requiescat is upgraded to Imperator, which deals significantly more damage and is an AoE. At level 100, using Blade of Valor grants the ability to use the off-global cooldown attack Blade of Honor.
Trivia
- The Paladin's original Limit Break, "Last Bastion," visually references the iconic cover art of Final Fantasy IV, which features the Paladin Cecil.
- While the Job is deeply tied to Ul'dah, notable Paladins in the story include Jenlyns, the captain of the Sultansworn, and Solkzagyl, a former captain who aids in the Job's questline.
- The magical sword techniques in the Confiteor combo (Confiteor, Blade of Faith, Blade of Truth, Blade of Valor) are named for theological concepts related to confession and virtue, fitting the "holy knight" theme.
- In early iterations of A Realm Reborn, the Paladin had a more complex "stance" system, swapping between a damage mode ("Sword Oath") and a defense mode ("Shield Oath").
