This is my first time playing a Paladin. I'm thinking to go DEX build, but open-minded to diff ideas. Likely don't want to multiclass, but would consider (no warlock tho).
Objective: to optimize a Variant Human (race mandatory) Paladin build that would be fun for combat and RP, without stealth issues.
Focus: I like skills and RP, so I want to make sure he has the stats to make that fun, but mainly right now I'm trying to figure out 2 combat elements:
Combat-style: not sure if I should go DEX-build w. finesse weapons+shield vs. dual-wielding finesse weapons vs. using STR as my weapons stat or other ideas. Don't want to use any 'less-standard' weapons like polearms or double-blades.
Feat: I'd like something that would help optimize his combat prowess/survivability (i.e. AC, attacks, spells etc.), and work well w. the build going forward. Some I looked at were: Medium Armor Master, Shield Master, Defensive Duelist, Dual Wielder, Resilient, Warcaster, Sentinel, Feytouched. Hard to choose because some of these would be nice to double up, but not sure if I'd take as my only feat vs others.
DM: is flexible and might entertain modifications and/or optional class features.
Rolled Scores: 15,15,14,14,13,12 (applicable in any order)
Oath: due to story concept, most likely Oath of Redemption (but not a pacifist), originally having begun training for O.o.t.Crown, but pivoted.
(Optional Extra Info Below)
Char. Concept: he was swayed by kingdom propaganda to join the army (bringing light of civilization, liberating, slaying evil ppl etc.), eventually ends up training for an elite unit that's escorting important prisoners (he thought POWs, but they're actually the kingdom's "undesirables"). He tries to keep to his duties, but feeling of this being wrong gets stronger, so he starts secretly making them more comfortable (food, clothing etc.), eventually helps a few escape. Later, he ends up killing an aggressive zealous officer in self-defense (away from everyone), and driven by a sense to do what's right he deserts. Idea is that before, he was devoted to the service of his kingdom, as it seemed to be inline w. his ideology, but his disillusionment made him question who is truly good or evil and to learn more of others, give them a chance before dividing them into friend/enemy.
Invest in dexterity constitution and charisma. Alert feat for +5 initiative, surprise immunity, and solid defense when you can’t see the enemy. Don’t pick perception as a skill since you don’t need it, let others shine for the room clues and secrets.
two weapon fight to be able to spew smites if necessary.
level 4 choose skilled feat for a +1 ability score bonus, a proficiency you don’t already have, and expertise in one skill. Perhaps invest in stealth for expertise and become a sneak-a-din. The dexterity investment allows for the use of ranged weapons to remain effective even when going up against flying creatures, which a Paladin wouldn’t normally be able to do.
could just rush charisma up though. Aura of protection is incredibly useful for the entire party.
Your character's moral code sounds a lot like the Oath of Devotion. I highly suggest checking that out.
Not multiclassing means you don't have to have the minimum of 13 Strength, making the Dexterity build more viable. If you use a feat (preferably Strixhaven Initiate if allowed, which can be acquired through your background, or Magic Initiate) to learn Mage Armor, that nets you with AC18 with your shield and no physical armor at Level 1), with a couple cantrips as well. And by L8 when you get your Dexterity to 20, you'll have an AC 20 without magic items, and still using no armor but a shield.
If you do consider multiclassing, you could take Paladin 2, then continue with College of Swords Bard. It gives you a lot more Divine Smites, and you can add your Bardic Inspirations to your own damage rolls. Your rolled ability scores are well high enough to pull this off, even using Dexterity as your main stat, even with the requisite 13 Strength to multiclass out of Paladin.
DEX Paladin is totally viable. Get yourself a medium armor, a shield and a rapier. Dueling fighting style. You’ll need all CHA possible, Fey Touched is great, get a free cast of Bless and Misty Step.
I don’t know about campaign setting feats, but I have recently discovered that the new feat from Dragonlance, Initiate of High Sorcery, is amazing for Paladins or martials. If you get Solinari, the good hold of magic, you are able to get Shield and Protection from Evil & Good spells with a free cast, that are also added to your spell list, which is amazing.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
This is my first time playing a Paladin. I'm thinking to go DEX build, but open-minded to diff ideas. Likely don't want to multiclass, but would consider (no warlock tho).
Objective: to optimize a Variant Human (race mandatory) Paladin build that would be fun for combat and RP, without stealth issues.
Focus: I like skills and RP, so I want to make sure he has the stats to make that fun, but mainly right now I'm trying to figure out 2 combat elements:
Combat-style: not sure if I should go DEX-build w. finesse weapons+shield vs. dual-wielding finesse weapons vs. using STR as my weapons stat or other ideas. Don't want to use any 'less-standard' weapons like polearms or double-blades.
Feat: I'd like something that would help optimize his combat prowess/survivability (i.e. AC, attacks, spells etc.), and work well w. the build going forward. Some I looked at were: Medium Armor Master, Shield Master, Defensive Duelist, Dual Wielder, Resilient, Warcaster, Sentinel, Feytouched. Hard to choose because some of these would be nice to double up, but not sure if I'd take as my only feat vs others.
DM: is flexible and might entertain modifications and/or optional class features.
Rolled Scores: 15,15,14,14,13,12 (applicable in any order)
Oath: due to story concept, most likely Oath of Redemption (but not a pacifist), originally having begun training for O.o.t.Crown, but pivoted.
(Optional Extra Info Below)Char. Concept: he was swayed by kingdom propaganda to join the army (bringing light of civilization, liberating, slaying evil ppl etc.), eventually ends up training for an elite unit that's escorting important prisoners (he thought POWs, but they're actually the kingdom's "undesirables"). He tries to keep to his duties, but feeling of this being wrong gets stronger, so he starts secretly making them more comfortable (food, clothing etc.), eventually helps a few escape. Later, he ends up killing an aggressive zealous officer in self-defense (away from everyone), and driven by a sense to do what's right he deserts. Idea is that before, he was devoted to the service of his kingdom, as it seemed to be inline w. his ideology, but his disillusionment made him question who is truly good or evil and to learn more of others, give them a chance before dividing them into friend/enemy.
Invest in dexterity constitution and charisma. Alert feat for +5 initiative, surprise immunity, and solid defense when you can’t see the enemy. Don’t pick perception as a skill since you don’t need it, let others shine for the room clues and secrets.
two weapon fight to be able to spew smites if necessary.
level 4 choose skilled feat for a +1 ability score bonus, a proficiency you don’t already have, and expertise in one skill. Perhaps invest in stealth for expertise and become a sneak-a-din. The dexterity investment allows for the use of ranged weapons to remain effective even when going up against flying creatures, which a Paladin wouldn’t normally be able to do.
could just rush charisma up though. Aura of protection is incredibly useful for the entire party.
Your character's moral code sounds a lot like the Oath of Devotion. I highly suggest checking that out.
Not multiclassing means you don't have to have the minimum of 13 Strength, making the Dexterity build more viable. If you use a feat (preferably Strixhaven Initiate if allowed, which can be acquired through your background, or Magic Initiate) to learn Mage Armor, that nets you with AC18 with your shield and no physical armor at Level 1), with a couple cantrips as well. And by L8 when you get your Dexterity to 20, you'll have an AC 20 without magic items, and still using no armor but a shield.
If you do consider multiclassing, you could take Paladin 2, then continue with College of Swords Bard. It gives you a lot more Divine Smites, and you can add your Bardic Inspirations to your own damage rolls. Your rolled ability scores are well high enough to pull this off, even using Dexterity as your main stat, even with the requisite 13 Strength to multiclass out of Paladin.
DEX Paladin is totally viable. Get yourself a medium armor, a shield and a rapier. Dueling fighting style. You’ll need all CHA possible, Fey Touched is great, get a free cast of Bless and Misty Step.
I don’t know about campaign setting feats, but I have recently discovered that the new feat from Dragonlance, Initiate of High Sorcery, is amazing for Paladins or martials. If you get Solinari, the good hold of magic, you are able to get Shield and Protection from Evil & Good spells with a free cast, that are also added to your spell list, which is amazing.