Among the many character combinations available in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, few are as thematically striking and mechanically versatile as the Zariel Tiefling Paladin. This unique build blends the infernal heritage of a Tiefling empowered by Zariel, Archduchess of Avernus, with the divine might and conviction of a Paladin. It creates a character equally suited for dealing radiant justice or infernal vengeance. Whether you’re looking for a righteous warrior with a fiery twist or simply want to explore how bloodlines and oaths interact, this archetype opens doors to rich storytelling and powerful mechanics.
Understanding Zariel Tieflings
Infernal Legacy and Features
Zariel Tieflings are a subrace of Tieflings introduced in Mordenkainen’s Tome of Foes. Unlike the default Tiefling who descends from Asmodeus, Zariel Tieflings inherit their powers from Zariel, a fallen angel who rules Avernus. This ancestry grants them a more martial edge, particularly suited for front-line roles like Paladins.
The primary racial traits of a Zariel Tiefling include:
- Ability Score Increase: +1 Strength, +2 Charisma perfect for Paladins who rely on both stats.
- Darkvision: 60 feet of magical sight in darkness.
- Hellish Resistance: Resistance to fire damage invaluable against many magical threats.
- Legacy of Avernus: Access to bonus spells at specific levels:
These spells are especially useful for a Paladin:
- At 3rd level: Searing Smite
- At 5th level: Branding Smite
- At 9th level: Blinding Smite
These are all Smite spells, synergizing extremely well with the Paladin’s Divine Smite ability. The Charisma-based spellcasting of the Tiefling also aligns well with the Paladin’s class spellcasting feature.
Choosing a Paladin Subclass
Matching Oath with Infernal Heritage
When selecting a Paladin subclass, the Oath (chosen at level 3) defines your character’s flavor, powers, and combat style. While any Oath can be taken, some align more naturally with the Zariel Tiefling’s theme and mechanics.
Oath of Vengeance
This is arguably the most popular and thematically appropriate subclass for a Zariel Tiefling. The Oath of Vengeance is about punishing the wicked and pursuing evil with relentless force an ideal that matches Zariel’s own descent from angelic justice into infernal retribution.
Key features that complement the build include:
- Abjure Enemy: Force a foe to flee or become paralyzed with fear, representing divine intimidation.
- Vow of Enmity: Gain advantage on attacks against one enemy perfect for focusing down powerful foes.
- Relentless Avenger (Level 7): Move toward foes who provoke opportunity attacks great mobility for front-line combat.
Combined with the bonus Smite spells from Zariel’s legacy, the Vengeance Paladin becomes a smiting machine with tremendous burst potential.
Oath of Conquest
Another fitting subclass is the Oath of Conquest. This oath is about imposing order and fear two concepts that reflect Zariel’s own tyrannical rule in Avernus. The Oath of Conquest Paladin thrives on domination and battlefield control.
Standout features include:
- Conquering Presence: Frighten enemies in an area great for controlling crowds.
- Aura of Conquest: Halve movement and deal psychic damage to frightened foes a terrifying combo with fear effects.
This subclass emphasizes control and sustained pressure rather than explosive damage, but it can pair effectively with the fire- and smite-heavy toolkit of a Zariel Tiefling.
Roleplaying a Zariel Tiefling Paladin
Conflict Between Heritage and Conviction
A Zariel Tiefling Paladin presents rich storytelling potential. Your character is torn between infernal origins and divine duty. Did they embrace the fire within or fight to keep it at bay? Do they view Zariel as a figure of fallen greatness, or as a cautionary tale? How do other holy orders respond to their infernal bloodline?
This internal conflict can drive powerful character moments, especially in campaigns that focus on morality, redemption, and personal struggle. The Paladin’s oath serves as a moral compass, while their infernal blood may constantly test that conviction.
Background Suggestions
When choosing a background, consider options that highlight the character’s journey:
- Acolyte: A devout follower who chose to walk a holy path despite or because of their demonic ancestry.
- Soldier: A warrior trained for divine war, perhaps fighting in the Blood War or against fiendish cults.
- Haunted One: A character marked by infernal memories or past trauma, seeking redemption or revenge.
Combat Strategies
Maximizing Smite Damage
As a Paladin, your main source of damage will come from Divine Smite and your spell slots. Zariel Tieflings have the added benefit of free Smite spells. Consider these combat tactics:
- Open with Vow of Enmity: Gain advantage against a tough target and unleash your most powerful smite.
- Use Searing Smite: Set enemies ablaze, dealing damage over time while applying pressure.
- Layer Smite Effects: Combine Branding or Blinding Smite with Divine Smite for devastating single-turn burst damage.
Spellcasting Tips
Paladins have limited spell slots, so efficient spell usage is key. Tiefling spells do not consume your Paladin slots, meaning you can smite more often. Choose support and utility spells for the rest of your list:
- Shield of Faith: Improve your already strong AC.
- Wrathful Smite: Synergizes well with Oath of Conquest.
- Find Steed: Add battlefield mobility and extra attacks.
Feats and Ability Score Choices
Boosting Effectiveness
Since Zariel Tieflings start with bonuses to Strength and Charisma, your build is already optimized. As you level up, consider these feats:
- Great Weapon Master: For those who use two-handed weapons and want massive damage potential.
- Polearm Master: Pairs well with smite-heavy builds and battlefield control.
- Inspiring Leader: Uses your high Charisma to bolster allies.
Alternatively, increasing Strength and Charisma directly helps with attack rolls, smite damage, and spell effectiveness.
The Zariel Tiefling Paladin subclass combination is one of the most compelling in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. It offers a harmonious blend of theme, power, and flexibility, making it ideal for players who enjoy smiting foes with divine wrath while embracing the drama of infernal heritage. Whether you’re playing a grim avenger or a redeemer on the edge, this build delivers both mechanically and narratively. With the right subclass and a bit of roleplaying depth, your Zariel Tiefling Paladin will stand as a memorable force on any battlefield or in any story arc.