Short while ago I started playing DnD with a new group. Since they had no tank I suggested I'll play the paladin class. Since I don't like the holy warrior, I'm playing the Dragonborn Conquest paladin with the following stats: STR 16 - DEX 10 - CON 14 - INT 8 - WIS 10 - CHA 16. We just leveled up and it's time to choose between the +2 abilty score of a feat. I've been browsing the feats and now I'm lost....
I like maxing the Strength or/and charisma But that will leave me with one feat. These are the feats I'm interested in with pros and cons:
- Dragon rage: +1 CHA and the possibility to change my dragonbreath in a fearsome roar - Menacing: +1 CHA + better at intimidate + fear attack against one person - Great weapon master: my strength needs to get higher once I pick this. -5 to attack but +10 damage AND bonus attack when I crit or kill someone - Touch: more hitpoints is always nice... since I'm the tank - Polearm master: Have to switch from greatsword to glaive or halberd :( ... I love swords... but the feat is incredible with the menacing auro on level 7. Attack of opportunity + bonus attack - Sentinel: Would only take it if I take polearm master: now people have to stop at 10 feet, scared or not... Again, I woud lose my sword...
Like I said... I'm truly lost. Help a paladin out would you
Those are all viable options and really it's more about what you feel would be the best fit for you, your playstyle, and how you want to play them. Personally while the two racial feats are appealing with their effects it leaves you with an odd Cha score so you wouldn't improve your modifier for it. Tough is ok, but not very exciting or fun so I'd probably not go that route either. Sentinel as you said you'd wait until you have PAM, not that you have to though, it's a good feat even without a reach weapon. My vote would be for GWM, the extra damage can be really nice and you can decide if you want to use it or not based on how soft your target is, the bonus action attack is also excellent.
This post should probably be moved to the Paladin forum too ;)
I don't know if this helps at all, and there are other websites like it. But RPGBot has become my saving grace when building characters I haven't played before. I know it's not as fun as just winging it but when I make new classes I've never made I feel bad thinking I could end up utterly useless on accident lol
At level 7 when you get Aura of Conquest, you'll be able to attack one creature and lock down another with Menacing. Remember, if Menacing lands, the frightened creature will have disadvantage on all subsequent turns when you try to reapply Menacing.
the racial feats are not the strongest, but if they appeal to you just grab them.
For a “optimized” build, pole arm master is the best choice for level 4 regardless of your end goals since it makes both gwm and sentinel better if you get them later. If you want to be a protector for your party, get sentinel at 8, then gwm, then max strength. If you want to focus on damage first then gwm at 8, max str, then get sentinel/toughness or w/e appeals to you
adding points to charisma on a paladin is probable only “optimal” in a game without feats since they are only a half caster.
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Short while ago I started playing DnD with a new group. Since they had no tank I suggested I'll play the paladin class. Since I don't like the holy warrior, I'm playing the Dragonborn Conquest paladin with the following stats: STR 16 - DEX 10 - CON 14 - INT 8 - WIS 10 - CHA 16.
We just leveled up and it's time to choose between the +2 abilty score of a feat. I've been browsing the feats and now I'm lost....
I like maxing the Strength or/and charisma But that will leave me with one feat. These are the feats I'm interested in with pros and cons:
- Dragon rage: +1 CHA and the possibility to change my dragonbreath in a fearsome roar
- Menacing: +1 CHA + better at intimidate + fear attack against one person
- Great weapon master: my strength needs to get higher once I pick this. -5 to attack but +10 damage AND bonus attack when I crit or kill someone
- Touch: more hitpoints is always nice... since I'm the tank
- Polearm master: Have to switch from greatsword to glaive or halberd :( ... I love swords... but the feat is incredible with the menacing auro on level 7. Attack of opportunity + bonus attack
- Sentinel: Would only take it if I take polearm master: now people have to stop at 10 feet, scared or not... Again, I woud lose my sword...
Like I said... I'm truly lost. Help a paladin out would you
Those are all viable options and really it's more about what you feel would be the best fit for you, your playstyle, and how you want to play them. Personally while the two racial feats are appealing with their effects it leaves you with an odd Cha score so you wouldn't improve your modifier for it. Tough is ok, but not very exciting or fun so I'd probably not go that route either. Sentinel as you said you'd wait until you have PAM, not that you have to though, it's a good feat even without a reach weapon. My vote would be for GWM, the extra damage can be really nice and you can decide if you want to use it or not based on how soft your target is, the bonus action attack is also excellent.
This post should probably be moved to the Paladin forum too ;)
I don't know if this helps at all, and there are other websites like it. But RPGBot has become my saving grace when building characters I haven't played before. I know it's not as fun as just winging it but when I make new classes I've never made I feel bad thinking I could end up utterly useless on accident lol
https://rpgbot.net/dnd5/characters/classes/paladin/
the website seems to really like Sentinal, Polearm master, and Great weapon master.
Just another option to consider :)
Full of rice, beans, and bad ideas.
Menacing at level 4 and Dragon Fear at level 8.
At level 7 when you get Aura of Conquest, you'll be able to attack one creature and lock down another with Menacing. Remember, if Menacing lands, the frightened creature will have disadvantage on all subsequent turns when you try to reapply Menacing.
as others have said, do what looks fun
the racial feats are not the strongest, but if they appeal to you just grab them.
For a “optimized” build, pole arm master is the best choice for level 4 regardless of your end goals since it makes both gwm and sentinel better if you get them later. If you want to be a protector for your party, get sentinel at 8, then gwm, then max strength. If you want to focus on damage first then gwm at 8, max str, then get sentinel/toughness or w/e appeals to you
adding points to charisma on a paladin is probable only “optimal” in a game without feats since they are only a half caster.