The Oath of the Watchers originated in the dawn of civilization, although exactly where and when is a matter of debate. The Watchers stood on the walls of the first city and guarded the first monarchs. They are charged with defense of their charges over all else. Many who swear this oath are devoted to gods of protection or gods of particular races or places. They hold those consummate protectors of civilization, dogs, in high esteem and use the imagery of hunting hounds and guard dogs in their dress and heraldry.

Tenets of the Watchers

The tenets of the Oath of the Watchers vary from place to place and paladin to paladin, but some are nearly universal. They all revolve around vigilance against evil and defense of their charges. Their lives are given to the protection of an ideal, a place, a person, or a race.

Be Ever Vigilant. Always be on guard, looking for dangers. A danger seen is a danger avoided.

Be Ever Ready. Maintain yourself, your weapons, and your resources to defend against danger that inevitably comes.

Danger Comes from Within and Without. Search yourself and guard your heart and mind lest you fail in your task.

My Life for Another’s. Do not throw your life away, but be ready to give it without hesitation in defense of another.

Oath Spells

Channel Divinity

When you take this oath at 3rd level, you gain the following two Channel Divinity options.

Sacred Shield. As an action, you can imbue a shield you are wielding with positive energy, using your Channel Divinity. For 1 minute, you add half your Charisma modifier to your Armor Class. The shield emits bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light 20 feet beyond that. The shield is considered magical if it is not already. You can end this effect on your turn as part of another action. If you are no longer wielding the shield or if you fall unconscious, this effect ends.

Bearer of Burdens. As an action, you designate one ally within 30 ft. of you using your Channel Divinity. The next time this ally would take damage, the damage is transferred to you instead. Your saving throws apply rather than the target’s. This effect lasts for 1 minute, until it is activated, or until you dismiss it as part of another action.

Aggressive Defender

At 7th level, you can make an attack as a reaction against a creature that has successfully attacked an ally within 5 ft. of you.

Sleepless Watcher

Beginning at 15th level, you need only 2 hours of meditation and prayer to receive the same benefits as a long rest.

Eyes of the Watcher

Beginning at 20th level, your ability to notice things increases. Using an action, you transform your eyes into fonts of divine power. For 1 hour, you gain the following benefits:

• You function as if under the spell true seeing.
• You, and allies within 10 ft. of you, have advantage on Perception checks.