Arbiter Form
Arbiter Form is a temporary transformation available to Paladins who follow the Disciple Oath . While active, it alters how the Paladin moves, attacks, and sequences abilities, functioning as a distinct combat state rather than a single skill or passive effect.
Arbiter Form is not cosmetic and does not simply enhance existing abilities. It changes the rules the Paladin operates under for its duration.
What Arbiter Form Is
Arbiter Form is a time-limited transformed state that:
- Modifies movement and positioning
- Unlocks or alters specific attacks
- Changes combat rhythm and decision-making
- Encourages ability-driven play over basic attack loops
Arbiter Form does not replace core Paladin systems such as Faith, Resolve, or Auras, but operates alongside them.
It is accessed through Disciple-aligned mechanics and is central to how Disciple builds function.
How Arbiter Form Is Entered
Arbiter Form is entered through specific Disciple abilities with cooldowns.
It is not a stance and not permanently active. Entry into Arbiter Form is intentional and planned, typically forming the core timing window around which Disciple gameplay is structured. Effective use of Arbiter Form depends on managing cooldowns and sequencing abilities to maximise time spent in the state.
Because Arbiter Form is tied to Disciple mechanics, it is not a universal Paladin feature.
What Changes While in Arbiter Form
While Arbiter Form is active, several aspects of the Paladin’s behaviour change.
Movement
Arbiter Form alters how the Paladin moves and repositions. Movement is no longer limited to standard ground locomotion, allowing for more flexible positioning during combat. This is a functional change rather than a visual one and directly affects how abilities are applied.
Abilities and Attacks
Certain attacks and effects are only available while in Arbiter Form, while others behave differently than they do outside it. These changes are intrinsic to the state and do not require separate skill investment.
Rather than expanding the skill bar, Arbiter Form changes how the existing toolkit is expressed during its duration.
Combat Rhythm
Combat in Arbiter Form is faster and more condensed. Decision-making shifts away from sustained basic attacks toward ability usage and cooldown management. Mistimed activations or missed windows have a greater impact than they do outside the form.
Arbiter Form and the Disciple Oath
Arbiter Form is the defining feature of the Disciple Oath.
Disciple builds are structured around:
- Entering Arbiter Form reliably
- Extending or maintaining its duration
- Chaining abilities efficiently while it is active
Disciple builds that do not actively plan around Arbiter Form tend to underperform compared to those that do. Outside of Disciple-focused gameplay, Arbiter Form is not a central mechanic. Other Oaths do not revolve around transformation or state management in the same way.
Arbiter Form Compared to Other Paladin Mechanics
Arbiter Form is often misunderstood due to its presentation.
It is not:
- A permanent transformation
- A generic Paladin Ultimate
- A stance that can be toggled freely
It is:
- A temporary state with its own rules
- A commitment mechanic that rewards planning
- A defining pillar of Disciple gameplay
Related Pages
- Paladin Overview - introduction to the Paladin class
- Paladin Skill Tree - complete list of Paladin skills
- Paladin Oath System - detailed mechanics and interactions
- Arbiter Form - how Arbiter form works and how it changes gameplay
- Paladin Legacy and Inspiration - historical influences and class lineage