Concept

Trystan is a former slave who swore an Oath of Vengeance against his masters, and slavers everywhere, after the death of his sister Ellia while in bondage.

Though originally from the Moonshae Isles, after killing his master in Amn Trystan fled to Baldur’s Gate, where he engaged in a vigilante campaign against Zhentarim interests in the city.

In 1492 DR, Trystan was infected with an Illithid parasite and now pursues his Oath of Vengeance against the Absolute.

For Trystan (Tav), I wanted to explore the impact of ensnarement by the ultimate slavers - Mind Flayers - on a righteous character who abhors slavery in all forms. I wanted my character build to showcase both Trystan’s devotion to his oath and the influence of the Illithid Parasite, even if Trystan rejects all other Illithid powers.

I also wanted Trystan to be the charismatic party Face for dialogue in BG3.

To achieve this I decided to lean into two aspects of Trystan’s character concept:

1. He is a melee focused character, motivated by a pre-existing oath that is relevant to the plot of BG3.
2. He hates his tadpole and the Absolute, but is ultimately changed by his tadpole despite his efforts to resist.

Therefore, on my shopping list were:

• Melee Focused: Must be able to fill the Striker and/or Defender roles
• Oath of Vengeance: Must take at least one level in Oath of Vengeance Paladin.
• Charismatic: As party leader Trystan should be able to fulfil the role of party Face.
• Tadpole Influence: The build must showcase Illithid like abilities without Tyrstan accepting more tadpoles over the course of the campaign.

Usage

Combat:

• Defender role, going toe-to-toe with enemies
  • Booming Blade helps to lock down targets and boost damage output
• Burst damage Striker for boss fights via powerful Smites
• Emergency healing through Lay On Hands

Non-combat:

• Party Face

Build

Note: I avoid respecs in my builds so 14 Str is required at early levels for Attack Rolls until Pact of the Blade comes online. 14 Str is sufficient when coupled with Advantage on Attack Rolls from Vow of Emnity.

Gains and Losses

When compared with a pure Paladin, this build makes the following trade-offs:

Gains

• Charisma as modifier for melee Attack Rolls and Damage Rolls
• Extra Attack and Pact Extra Attack stack, for 3 attacks per Action point at level 10
  • Except in Honor Mode
• 2 Level IV Warlock spell slots per Short Rest (6 per day) for more powerful Smites
• Booming Blade and Eldritch Blast Cantrips
• Warlock Eldritch Invocations and Spell List
• Entropic Ward and Mirror Image for extra defence in boss fights

Loses

• 3 Level III Paladin Spell slots and access to Level III Paladin spells
  • Including Haste from Oath of Vengeance (offset by Darkfire Shortbow)
• 1 Level II Paladin Spell slot
• Paladin Auras
• Improved Divine Smite (offset by access to Booming Blade)
• Some Lay On Hands charges and healing power

Equipment

Trystan’s equipment is geared towards maximising defence and Charisma (used in this build for skills and combat).