Today, we’re diving into one of the most iconic and versatile abilities in the Paladin’s arsenal: Lay on Hands.
If you’ve ever found yourself in the heat of battle, desperately wishing for a way to keep your allies standing or to shake off a nasty poison, then you’re in the right place.
In this article, we’ll explore what makes Lay on Hands such a powerful tool for any Paladin. We’ll break down the mechanics, share tips on how to use it effectively both in and out of combat, and weigh the pros and cons so you can maximize its potential.
Whether you’re a seasoned Paladin or a newcomer to the class, there’s always something new to learn about this lifesaving ability.
So, strap on your armor, ready your sword, and let’s embark on a journey to master the art of Lay on Hands. Your party will thank you, and you’ll be the hero they never knew they needed.
What is Lay on Hands 5e?
Lay on Hands is the Paladin’s secret weapon in the realm of healing and protection. Think of it as your personal reservoir of divine energy, ready to be unleashed at a moment’s notice.
As a Paladin, you have a pool of healing power equal to your level multiplied by 5. As an action, you can touch a creature and heal them for an amount of hit points equal to the number of points you draw from your pool.
Need to patch up a wounded ally? Just tap into your pool and restore those precious hit points!
But what if you’ve got a friend suffering from a nasty poison or a debilitating disease?
In that case, you can spend 5 points from your pool to cure them of one affliction. If they’ve got multiple afflictions (for example they have a disease and are also poisoned), you can heal them of each problem with the same use of Lay on Hands so long as you can expend 5 points per condition being healed.
It’s like carrying a portable hospital, and the best part? No spell slots are required. Just pure, divine goodness at your fingertips.
| Paladin Level | Lay on Hands Points | Paladin Level | Lay on Hands Points |
| 1 | 5 | 11 | 55 |
| 2 | 10 | 12 | 60 |
| 3 | 15 | 13 | 65 |
| 4 | 20 | 14 | 70 |
| 5 | 25 | 15 | 75 |
| 6 | 30 | 16 | 80 |
| 7 | 35 | 17 | 85 |
| 8 | 40 | 18 | 90 |
| 9 | 45 | 19 | 95 |
| 10 | 50 | 20 | 100 |
Example 1: Healing an Ally
The battle rages on in the dimly lit cavern. Your party is locked in a fierce struggle against a horde of vicious goblins. Suddenly, the Rogue takes a critical hit from a goblin’s crossbow and crumples to the ground, blood pooling around them.
Without hesitation, you, the stalwart Paladin, rush to their side. With a firm grip on your holy symbol and a prayer to your deity, you lay your hands on the Rogue’s shoulder.
A warm, golden light emanates from your palms, flowing into the Rogue and knitting their wounds together. Their eyes flutter open, and they spring back to their feet, ready to rejoin the fray.
Crisis averted, thanks to your timely intervention!
Example 2: Healing Yourself
You’re in the thick of it, surrounded by snarling wolves. You’ve been holding the line, but the relentless attacks have taken their toll. You can feel your strength waning, and your vision begins to blur.
But there’s no time to fall!
With a deep breath, you place your hand over your heart, channeling the divine energy within you. A radiant glow envelops you, mending your injuries and restoring your vitality.
The pain subsides, replaced by a renewed sense of vigor.
You grip your sword tighter and let out a battle cry, ready to turn the tide and lead your party to victory.
How to Use Lay on Hands 5e Effectively
Lay on Hands is more than just a healing tool—it’s a strategic asset that can turn the tide of battle and keep your party in fighting shape. Here’s how to wield this divine gift like a pro:
In Combat
- Emergency Healing: Picture it: your Barbarian is on the brink of collapse, and the next hit could spell doom. Rush to their side and use Lay on Hands to instantly restore their hit points. This quick intervention can keep your frontline strong and prevent a total party wipe.
- Tactical Healing: Timing is everything. Instead of using all your healing points at once, consider spreading them out. Heal an ally just enough to keep them fighting, saving some of your pool for other emergencies. This way, you maximize the overall effectiveness of your healing throughout the encounter.
Out of Combat
- Post-Battle Recovery: After the dust settles, use Lay on Hands to patch up your party. This conserves healing potions and spell slots, ensuring everyone is ready for the next challenge. It’s also a great way to top off hit points before a short or long rest.
- Curing Diseases and Poisons: Lay on Hands isn’t just for cuts and bruises. Spend 5 points to cure a disease or neutralize a poison. This can save your party from debilitating conditions without consuming precious spell slots. Plus, it’s a lifesaver when you’re far from a safe resting place or a healer.
Resource Management
- Conserving Points: Your healing pool is finite, so use it wisely. Keep a few points in reserve for unexpected situations. You never know when a sudden trap or ambush might leave someone in dire need of healing.
- Combining with Spells: Don’t forget about your spells! Use Lay on Hands for immediate, no-nonsense healing, and save your spell slots for more complex situations. For example, use Lay on Hands to stabilize a downed ally, then follow up with a spell like Cure Wounds or Lesser Restoration for more comprehensive healing.
By mastering these strategies, you’ll ensure that Lay on Hands remains a powerful and versatile tool in your Paladin’s arsenal. Whether in the heat of battle or during a quiet moment of recovery, this ability can make all the difference in your adventures.
Pros and Cons of Lay on Hands 5e
Like any powerful tool, Lay on Hands comes with its own set of strengths and limitations. Understanding these can help you make the most of this divine ability.
Pros
- Versatility: Lay on Hands is the Swiss army knife of healing abilities. Whether you need to restore hit points, cure a disease, or neutralize a poison, this ability has you covered. It’s like having a mini-hospital in your back pocket.
- Reliability: Unlike spells that require preparation and can be disrupted, Lay on Hands is always ready to go. No need to worry about spell slots or components—just pure, dependable healing power whenever you need it.
- Immediate Impact: When things go south, Lay on Hands provides instant relief. No waiting for the end of the turn or rolling dice to determine effectiveness. You know exactly how much healing you’re delivering, and it happens right away.
Cons
- Limited Pool: Your healing pool is finite, based on your Paladin level. This means you need to be strategic about when and how you use it. Blow through your points too quickly, and you might find yourself out of options when you need them most.
- No Range: Lay on Hands requires you to touch your target, which means you need to be up close and personal. In the heat of battle, this can be risky, especially if you need to reach an ally who’s surrounded by enemies.
- Action Economy: Using Lay on Hands costs an action, which means you’ll need to balance healing with other important actions like attacking, casting spells, or taking defensive maneuvers. Sometimes, the best move isn’t always to heal, but to prevent damage in the first place.
By weighing these pros and cons, you can better decide when to use Lay on Hands and when to rely on other abilities or tactics. Master this balance, and you’ll be the glue that holds your party together through thick and thin.
FAQs – Lay on Hands 5e
A Paladin can heal a total number of hit points equal to their level multiplied by 5. For instance, a 5th-level Paladin has a pool of 25 hit points they can distribute as they see fit.
Yes, as long as the character is not dead, Lay on Hands can restore hit points to bring them back to consciousness. Even 1 hit point is enough to get an unconscious ally back on their feet.
No, Lay on Hands is an innate ability of the Paladin and does not require spell slots. It’s always available as long as you have points left in your healing pool.
Yes, but each condition (disease or poison) requires 5 points from your healing pool. If you need to cure multiple conditions, you’ll need to spend 5 points for each one. For example, curing two poisons would cost 10 points.
The healing pool for Lay on Hands resets after a long rest. This means you can use it once per long rest, replenishing your pool of healing points each time you take a long rest.
Absolutely! Paladins can use Lay on Hands on themselves to heal their own wounds or cure themselves of diseases and poisons. It’s a great way to stay in the fight longer.
Conclusion – Lay on Hands 5e
And there you have it, noble Paladins! Lay on Hands is a lifeline that can totally turn the tide of battle, save your party from dire straits, and keep everyone fighting fit. By mastering its use, you’ll become the backbone of your adventuring party, the unsung hero who keeps everyone standing tall.
Remember, the key to using Lay on Hands effectively lies in strategic thinking and resource management. Whether you’re in the heat of combat or tending to wounds after the battle, this divine gift will always be your trusty companion.
I hope this guide has given you a deeper understanding of Lay on Hands and inspired you to use it to its fullest potential. Have any epic stories of how Lay on Hands saved the day? Or perhaps some tips and tricks of your own? We’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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