32 pt THF Paladin - Race and PrE?

[Zachski]

The first tier of DS is the only one that you really need. The major thing that makes it such a good ability is the increased crit multiplier you get for that attack. You get that at the first tier, and it doesn't change as you increase beyond that. The extra light damage is nice, and I'd have taken more if I could fit it in, but the AP are surprisingly tight on that build, so that was one of the things I dropped.

Hopefully you're enjoying the character!

Hmm...

I think I'm going to drop Paladin Toughness IV and Divine Righteousness for Divine Sacrifice II and III.

Namely, +10 HP and +100% hate (when I'm not necessarily going to want aggro) isn't as useful to me as an additional 4d6 light damage.

That being said, he's fun. I even have a backstory for him, though I'm not entirely sure about the backstory of his mother.

Some time ago, female human came to the doors of a temple of the Sovereign Host, carrying an infant in her arms. The priests were quite surprised by her sudden appearance, and even more surprised when she handed over the tusked child to them.

"I was visited by a vision last night," she said, "The Sovereign Host came to me and told me that my child would grow up to be a powerful force for good. They told me to bring him here so he could receive the training and discipline he needs to become their knight."

As she said this, a tear flowed down her cheek.

"It pains me to leave him, but it ain't a good life for him where I live. They'll just treat him badly. Please. Take care of my child."

Before they could offer any suggestions, she ran off into the night, never to be seen again.

And so the priests of the temple, employing the use of their local paladins and fighters, began to raise the boy, training him in martial combat and holy meditation. The boy, despite his brutish appearance as he grew, delighted in the strict discipline of the Paladin code, and thrived.

One priest, however, felt that the boy needed to know of his orcish kind, too, and taught him various tales he had learned from bards, of the strong orcs, of the Gatekeepers, and of their various conquests. Though the other priests discouraged this, he continued, and the boy seemed to thrive in it.

Years passed, and the boy became an adult, and a true Paladin at that. Though not intelligent, nor particularly wise, he showed a strong connection to others and to the divine. Taking on the surname "Shining Light", the man named himself, "Carnivas", after a character in one of the tales he had heard.

He too had visions. Visions of Stormreach, and an urge to go there. Bidding farewell to the priests, paladins, and warriors that had served as his family, he boarded an airship for Stormreach.

Alas, fate had other plans for him, and as silver scales glimmered in the air above their ship, his life flipped upside-down as he found himself hurtling towards the icy waters. Little did he know that this was the road he was intended to follow...

[Zachski]

Sorry to bump this, but I have another question.

What PrE should I go for when levelling? HotD at first, switching to KotC? or just sticking with KotC?

[whomhead]

I'd go with HotD until you start questing in the Vale. Prior to that the bonus healing amp and especially the negative energy immunity are much more valuable than some extra damage to evil outsiders (of which there are very few below level 16). The case could be made for sticking with HotD all the way to 18, but since there is no feat requirement for either PrE you can test one out for a few days and then always swap it back if it doesn't seem like its helping.

[Zachski]

I'd go with HotD until you start questing in the Vale. Prior to that the bonus healing amp and especially the negative energy immunity are much more valuable than some extra damage to evil outsiders (of which there are very few below level 16). The case could be made for sticking with HotD all the way to 18, but since there is no feat requirement for either PrE you can test one out for a few days and then always swap it back if it doesn't seem like its helping.

Alright, fair enough.

[RenigadeWolf]

Random note; the Sovereign Host is not a single deity, but many, who are a type of 'court' if you will. I would suggest changing your backstory to say 'Dol Dorn' (The Martial champion of the Host) instead simply a friendly suggestion so you don't get tells from lore nit-pickers like me!

[Zachski]

Random note; the Sovereign Host is not a single deity, but many, who are a type of 'court' if you will. I would suggest changing your backstory to say 'Dol Dorn' (The Martial champion of the Host) instead simply a friendly suggestion so you don't get tells from lore nit-pickers like me!

Yeah, I'm aware they're many deities.

I was saying they came to her as a group :P

[whomhead]

Alright, fair enough.

You're welcome.

[Meat-Head]

As far as APs go, max DS. Drop an extra smite if you have to. DS is more important.

When you make your THF weapon, make a falchion. On a pally it's the only THF choice that makes sense.

also HotD for leveling FOR SURE.

GL

[Zachski]

Incidentally...

Is it okay to use Greatsword for Holy Sword power until I make my Falchion?

[karl_k0ch]

Incidentally...

Is it okay to use Greatsword for Holy Sword power until I make my Falchion?

Unfortunately, there are no better two-handed Slashing weapons available than the GS. No Falchion, no GAxe. Go for the Sword.

[Zachski]

Unfortunately, there are no better two-handed Slashing weapons available than the GS. No Falchion, no GAxe. Go for the Sword.

Bearing in mind that access to the eSoS is mostly going to happen at end-game...

I understand crit-range is important to Paladins because of Divine Sacrifice and Exalted Smite.

...That being said, I imagine having what amounts to a cheap boss beater is also important.

[karl_k0ch]

For Boss beating measures, you can go with a Holy (Burst) Silver Falchion of (Greater) Lawful Outsider Bane. Better crit profile, better damage enhancers.

If you can't craft, and you are pure, any Silver Falchion of (G)L/EOB will do. Until then, the Holy Sword Greatsword is a cheap and decent alternative.

[thewalex]

So in a related sort of thing, I've been building a 36-pt build Human THF KotC Paladin. It's currently at level 17. I do notice that I'm a bit squishy (400 HP at level 17, 2x toughness so far), and my friend suggested taking my last two levels as fighter, rather than staying pure paladin. I won't be able to hit DM IV without a +3 Cha tome. I was just wondering what you guys thought about the usefulness of the Weapons of Good capstone to a build of this type versus a 18/2 Paladin/Fighter to presumably squeeze in an extra toughness (switch out Greater THF for toughness, then take GTHF for a fighter bonus feat).