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Originally Posted by
Lommar
Here's a simple CHA-focused template for a 32 point build:
STR 15
DEX 13
CON 13
INT 13
WIS 9
CHA 15
which enables Two Handed Fighting, Power Attack, Dodge, Toughness, and Combat Expertise without tomes. Up your CHA on each level-up.
Skill up Intimidate, Use Magic Device, Heal, though if you're a pure Paladin you're limited to half the max possible level on the first two. If this cramps your style too much, consider starting with one level of Fighter or Rogue, and taking another level of the same somewhere down the line.
An alternative is to forget about Combat Expertise, and move 5 points out of INT as you see fit. Skill up either Intimidate or Use Magic Device, and Heal if you are human.
Another alternative is to drop Two-Weapon Fighting and be more defensive, move a point out of STR into CHA, and go sword+shield most of the time. You probably want Tower Shield Proficiency or Shield Mastery in its place, as one is a prereq to an important enhancement, and helps you tank some.
Paladin enhancements are very powerful. Target Defender of Siberys and Unyielding Sovereignty. This is a high-CHA build so target those that are CHA-based, like extra Lay on Hands and Extra/Exhalted Smite. Divine Righteousness is important for tanking. Toughness and CHA of course, Divine Sacrifice, Redemption for resurrections, and an action boost should eat up most of your enhancement points thru level 10.
For equipment, get a +2 WIS item at level 5 to let you cast your spells, albeit a level after you obtain them. Crits are very important so keep an eye out for keen longswords.
Human race works best, as the extra feat and skill point are quite valuable.
Good luck and have fun!