KotC vs. HotD vs. DoS

[samthedagger]

I've finally decided to start my own paladin. I took a long, hard look at the very nice PrEs available to paladins before I began and decided to go with KotC. A lot of endgame content seems to be full of evil outsiders and having all the extra smites seems like a good way to go. So which PrE is most common in paladins? Among the ones I've run with, it seems like DoS is the most common. Is that just because it is the easiest build? Or is it the "optimal" build?

[MithrilSoul]

DoS = tanking build
KotC = max DPS build
HotD = little bit of everything build, mostly focused on survivability actually


In general HoTD is treated kinda like the runt stepchild, but my lvl 11 pally is currently HoTD and it works really well for her. It's just hard to describe exactly what it does; all attacks Ghost Touch means you don't need to every worry about carrying (and switching to) a Ghost Touch weapon. Being immune to level drain and negative level effects (HoTD II) is great when facing mobs like Beholders. And the 10% increase in incoming healing (per HoTD tier, so up to 30% total) is obviously quite nice, whether you are soloing or grouping.

But most see the DPS boost against outsiders from KotC and (rightly) consider that the best choice especially for people approaching/at endgame. Honestly I imagine at some point I will switch over to KotC as well. But not before I can at least hit 12, get HoTD II's level drain immunity, and go back to places like the Invaders! quest and teach a bunch of Beholders proper manners.

[lord_of_rage]

I've finally decided to start my own paladin. I took a long, hard look at the very nice PrEs available to paladins before I began and decided to go with KotC. A lot of endgame content seems to be full of evil outsiders and having all the extra smites seems like a good way to go. So which PrE is most common in paladins? Among the ones I've run with, it seems like DoS is the most common. Is that just because it is the easiest build? Or is it the "optimal" build?

KOTC is the most common. They are less gear intensive and give alot of dps bang for your buck.

DOS are great builds. The typical DOS build splashes two fighter for the needed feats. You wont have the weapons of good capstone on most of them. But they are the most survivable paladin pre. They are very gear and stat intensive and tend to use alot of tomes. I love my dos build quite a bit but I also have top end gear banked through out the lvl range, access to tomes, and a couple bags of crafting ingreds for the shroud. Its much harder for new players.

HOTD gets outshined by the other two. KOTC and DOS are game cha gers. HOTD is not. They are fun in undead heavy quests but KOTC currently deals the dmg to undead aswell. I would not roll an HOTD pally but that is my pref.

[Barumar]

For your first Paladin, I would recommend a TWF KotC as they are less raid gear intensive and will give you a good feel for the class.

I have both a KotC and a DoS build, and I enjoy playing both. One is in the process of re-leveling (True Rezzed him now at lvl 6), but when both were 18 - 20 I would play one or the other depending on my mood and or the situation at hand/party make-up.

Junts has an excellent guide here in the Paladin forum I suggest you read and refer back to often for tips on planning/creating/playing a Pally.

Have fun with your Paladin, I love playing mine!

Barumar