Paladin starter stats

[Zergy]

Would these stats work well for a human paladin? (I don't particularly like making use of dump stats)

18/13/12/13/10/15

Also, would it be recommended to only focus on paladin or would some multiclassing be recommended?

[jsaving]

STR/CHA should be the highest stats for most paladins with DEX/CON in the middle and INT/WIS at the bottom. I'd personally bump charisma up to 16 or 17 but your proposed stats will work pretty well.

As for multiclassing, it's generally a good idea to take a level of scaled fist monk. You'd likely want at least 17 paladin levels but that would still leave room for a modest fighter, archaeologist, or viv splash if desired.

[Pink Eye]

Consider going aasimar, and don't neglect CON. Or, weapon focus into a reach based weapon and have Valerie face tank all the mobs, while you sit behind her.

[Dorian Gray]

Originally posted by Pink Eye:

Consider going aasimar, and don't neglect CON. Or, weapon focus into a reach based weapon and have Valerie face tank all the mobs, while you sit behind her.

Agree. Whenever I have skimped on CON for a tank, I later regret it. ( I totally understand CON is not nearly as exciting as STR or DEX )

From my experience, the front rank has to be able to take a round or two of some heavy pounding before the rest or the party starts to turn the tide. Having a tank get one-shotted at the onset really blows. ( reload time )

As far as INT, just be aware that 13 is needed for Combat Expertise, if you have intentions of going that route. (although it looks like in the stats you posted, you have this covered)

The only other thing I would suggest is to be very mindful of Paladin feats and have a plan on how you will assign them. Unlike fighters or rogues, Paladins feel rather starved for feats at times, so not a one can be wasted.

[ELVIS]

Paladins, sorcerers, bards and certain monk and magus archetypes are actually not that bad a choice because you need high Charisma and maxed out Persuasion for the main character only conversations so a Charisma of 7 or less isn't really an option.

[Zergy]

Thanks for all the tips!

Also, what would be the main bonus from taking a level in Scaled Fist?

[Dixon Sider]

I only played unfair so I dont know about other difficulties, but this is what I found. If you plan on meleing with your PLD then I woud suggest raising the CON. CON is important because I find a lot of cases in combat where I want to be able to take a hit in mele, then another AoO after and still survive. 12 CON is not enough to do that reliably. You could do things like make your PLD invisible or enlarged as well if you want higher risk high reward instead of upping the CON.

[Zergy]

Made a few changes with the information given here.

Changed to Aasimar and went with the following stats: 18/12/14/13/10/16.

Curious about the benefit of getting Scaled Fist level(s) for a Paladin since from reading its abilities, they only seem to work when unarmored.

[Dixon Sider]

Originally posted by Zergy:

Made a few changes with the information given here.

Changed to Aasimar and went with the following stats: 18/12/14/13/10/16.

Curious about the benefit of getting Scaled Fist level(s) for a Paladin since from reading its abilities, they only seem to work when unarmored.

That would require a different stat distribution lol.

[Pink Eye]

Originally posted by Zergy:

Made a few changes with the information given here.

Changed to Aasimar and went with the following stats: 18/12/14/13/10/16.

Curious about the benefit of getting Scaled Fist level(s) for a Paladin since from reading its abilities, they only seem to work when unarmored.

That looks solid. If you want, you could dump int, and put it into CHA.

[klaek]

Originally posted by Zergy:

Made a few changes with the information given here.

Changed to Aasimar and went with the following stats: 18/12/14/13/10/16.

Curious about the benefit of getting Scaled Fist level(s) for a Paladin since from reading its abilities, they only seem to work when unarmored.

As already mentioned scaled fist would require better dex. Basicly Cha to AC, monk robes, bracers of armour , no max dex and potential shield spell beats armour and shield. Its just how the rules are that the best ac in game is achieved unarmoured.

If you still want to wear armour and shield then 1 level of traditional monk is one to pick as it has full saves and gets you improved unarmed strike and the bonus feat for crane form. While still giving you full BAB.

[Notabot187]

I would like to point out that con isn't nearly as critical for tanks as you would think.1 HP per level isn't going to save you. You don't want to dump it, but a 12-14 is cheap to buy and not much worse than a higher bonus.

A scaled fist dip would probably require dumping int and/or Wis to 7 each as you need to have good Dex to make it worthwhile. Neither is a big loss, as Paladins have great saves and have no skills. You only need persuasion on your MC anyways.

[Shadenuat]

Last time I just went with 20 str 20 cha aasimar and was fine with it. Honestly I would probably do it again funny enough. Getting +10 to ab and damage on evils from level 1 is huge.

[Pink Eye]

Originally posted by Shadenuat:

Last time I just went with 20 str 20 cha aasimar and was fine with it.

On what difficulty?

[Shadenuat]

On rogue dungeon 6 ppl Unfair run. Used Glaive and had 5 levels of Scion.

I think if I would make Paladin again I would roll Paladin 11/Scion 9. That reaches mark of judgement and both classes reach +3 enchant on weapons. I think that gives you holy/axiomatic and bane from magus but I am not sure.

[Pink Eye]

Originally posted by Shadenuat:

On rogue dungeon 6 ppl Unfair run. Used Glaive and had 5 levels of Scion.

I think if I would make Paladin again I would roll Paladin 11/Scion 9. That reaches mark of judgement and both classes reach +3 enchant on weapons.

Care to share your full build?