The Oath of Penance subclass is 5e compatible and designed for the 2014 ruleset. It is the first completed in an upcoming series of designs that were either left on the cutting room floor or were unreached stretch goals in the Tome of Travelers crowdfunding campaign.

This subclass was designed to take damage and make greater use out of the “Hit Dice” mechanic of 5e. Starting with the classes Channel Divinity ability, the character is given both a way of utilizing their Hit Dice in an offensive and self restorative manner.

The subclasses Aura of Absolution feature was designed to encourage the player to make themselves a target in combat. While playing the role of a parties Tank, they can simultaneously play a supporting role.

While designing the subclass, I wanted to avoid the abundance issue that resource dependent classes and subclasses often face. To provide an answer to this problem, their Remorseful Confession feature allows them to regain the expendable resource that they’re reliant on in ways other. than they normally would.

Finally, the subclasses capstone Penitent Martyr ability is designed to give the player the confidence to wade into a battle worthy of their level. Giving the player a boost to their damage output and a minor regenerative ability that is dependent upon their taking damage should encourage them to play recklessly in combat.