This subclass is a simple renaming of the Oath of the Ancients, adapted for the cyberpunk/fantasy world of Neon Arcana. Mechanics remain unchanged; only the flavor and names are updated.

Tenets of the Code

Paladins who swear the Oath of the Code are dedicated to protecting cyberspace and maintaining the balance between technology and nature. Their tenets emphasize the importance of safeguarding digital life and upholding justice in both the physical and virtual realms.

• Protect the Flow of Information: Ensure that data remains free from corruption and accessible to all who need it.
• Illuminate the Dark Web: Bring light to hidden threats within the digital world, exposing and eliminating malicious entities.
• Balance Technology and Nature: Strive for harmony between organic life and technological advancement.
• Evolve with the Code: Embrace new technologies and adapt to ever-changing digital landscapes to better serve and protect.

Oath Spells

You gain oath spells at the paladin levels listed.

Note: Replace the spell names with those from the Oath of the Ancients, or choose spells that fit your cyberpunk theme.

Channel Divinity

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

Digital Ward

You can use your Channel Divinity to create a protective field that shields against technological threats.

• Effect: As an action, you invoke a digital ward that grants you and nearby allies advantage on saving throws against effects caused by constructs or technology for a certain duration.

Code Retribution

You can use your Channel Divinity to turn the power of corrupted code against itself.

• Effect: As an action, you present your holy symbol, causing disruptive energy to emanate from you. Hostile constructs or technologically augmented creatures within range must make a saving throw or be hindered/slowed.

Note: These abilities are thematically renamed versions of the original Channel Divinity options.

Aura of Encryption

Starting at 7th level, you and friendly creatures within 10 feet are safeguarded against unwanted surveillance and digital intrusion.

• Effect: You and allies cannot be detected or targeted by technological tracking devices or divination spells cast by constructs or machines.

At 18th level, the range of this aura increases to 30 feet.

Undying Sentinel

Beginning at 15th level, your spirit is resilient, protected by the eternal code.

• Effect: When you're reduced to 0 hit points and not killed outright, you can drop to 1 hit point instead. You can't use this feature again until you finish a long rest.

Note: This feature remains the same mechanically but is flavored to fit the theme.

Cybernetic Champion

At 20th level, you can assume the form of a digital avatar, embodying the pure essence of the Code.

• Transformation: As an action, you undergo a transformation for 1 minute, gaining benefits such as:

  • Enhanced Abilities: Gain temporary hit points, increased speed, or advantage on certain checks.
  • Aura Expansion: Your Aura of Encryption affects all allies within 30 feet.
  • Technological Mastery: You can cast certain spells without expending spell slots.

Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a long rest.

Note: Adapt the benefits to mirror those of the original subclass's capstone ability.

Concept

• Role in the World: Paladins of the Oath of the Code serve as guardians against digital corruption, rogue AIs, and technological threats that endanger the balance of society.
• Aesthetic: They might wear armor adorned with circuitry patterns, wield weapons emitting holographic light, or carry devices that interface with both the physical and digital realms.
• Allies and Enemies: They often collaborate with technomancers, hackers, and druids of the Circle of Cybernetics, while opposing entities that seek to exploit or corrupt technology for malicious purposes.