question about paladins [Archive] - Wizards Community

question about paladins [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Wulfgart
08-18-07, 11:13 AM Hi Im kinda new to D&D and are interested in the class Paladin.

And my question is if its ok for a paladin to have average charisma score and a higher wisdom score, or what would be out of class? since it says most paladins are charismatic leaders etc. Since Wisdom is more for paladin spells I think I would like that more.

Sorry if this is a stupid question and I hope you understand what Im trying to say, but as I said Im not much into the rules yet or understands it so much.:weep:
Flameblade
08-18-07, 12:34 PM I haven't played a Paladin, but I would say to go with what YOU think the class needs more based on how you are going to play it. If you think you're going to be casting more spells than talking to people than higher Wisdom is probably best. If you think you're going to be talking more or if you plan on taking the Leadership feat than Charisma is probably best. I always say to make your character the way you see it being played.
The_Shaman
08-18-07, 01:42 PM I haven't tried one either, but imo it's a close call - I would probably prefer having a higher charisma, but if you plan on sticking with paladin or using a PrC with a similar spell list (i.e. Pious Templar) it is good to have a high enough wisdom so you can cast the higher-order paladin spells - eventually, they make a small but nice difference. This is a problem for the paladin, who needs imo decent scores in practically every ability - intelligence is not a good thing to nix either, as paladins have a pretty decent skill list, but very few points.
Wulfgart
08-18-07, 01:47 PM Ok, was thinking to give my paladin most on str,con and wisdom so he'll be a more combat paladin. was just making sure it was ok to not put charisma as its "main score".
The_Shaman
08-18-07, 02:23 PM Well, charisma boosts your saves, turn undead, and lay on hands (nasty touch attack vs undead, btw). It's an important ability and I would say that a score of 14+ will be worth it if you can afford it, but you can make do with it not being your first priority.
SmartPaladin
08-18-07, 02:46 PM Let's see here... Paladin's only have four spell levels, and they don't even get them until level about level four. They get their last spell level at 14. Most of the Paladin's spells are buffs, which are nice, as well as a few cure spells (healing spells and the like), they also get some create spells. Mostly food and water, so you won't have to worry about dying of thirst and hunger.

So, with that in mind. I would like to suggest a wisdom of 14. You could go higher, but at a minimum, 14 is all you really need to aim for. Anything more then that, you could get with a spell of Owls Wisdom, or anything else that grants a bonus to wisdom. You don't need a lot of charisma ether, but I always try for as much as I can get, usually 18 at level 1, I think work it up to 20 and throw the rest somewhere else, depending on what I want to do with this character.

Anyway, it really comes down to how you want to play your character. Hope I helped. :)
Stormbrand
08-20-07, 03:43 AM Hi Im kinda new to D&D and are interested in the class Paladin.

And my question is if its ok for a paladin to have average charisma score and a higher wisdom score, or what would be out of class? since it says most paladins are charismatic leaders etc. Since Wisdom is more for paladin spells I think I would like that more.

Sorry if this is a stupid question and I hope you understand what Im trying to say, but as I said Im not much into the rules yet or understands it so much.:weep:

Spells are a very very minor part of being a paladin, which you will only get significant use of at higher levels. Charisma for a paladin covers Divine Grace (all saving throws, thus your resistance to special attacks in combat and your ability to take risks), Lay On Hands (your healing power), Smite Evil (a few powerful attacks) and Turn Undead (which can be used against undead, but is more useful for Divine Feats which provide major boosts).

As a Paladin, you will get FAR more use of your Class Abilities than your spellcasting. So go with that is my advice.
Diffan
08-20-07, 08:27 AM I've played a Paladin tons of times and I'll suggest this, Max out your Charisma at much as possible!! Not only does your Cha help your saving throws, but your lay on hands, smite attack, skills....It's by far your most important stat followed closely by Str and Wis. All you really need is a 14 tops in Wis to gain the most out of your spellcasting.

Also note some awesome paladin spell- Rhino's Rush-Spell Compendium, Divine Sacrifice-Spell Compendium, and Knight's Move-Spell Compendium. For some awesome smiting power, go with the Alternate Class Feature found in the PHB II called Charging Smite. You give up your ability to summon a Special Mount for the ability to Triple your smite damage on a charge attack. If you miss with the attack, the smite isn't considered used up for the day. It's far better than a mount because if your in a dungeon, dense forest, city or building, the mount isn't going to do much good when you can't maneuver it around. Just some tips I picked up re-configuring my paladins from time to time.
Mad Mage
08-20-07, 11:42 AM Granted, I've only played paladins in games like the Baldur's Gate series and Neverwinter Nights (which are Forgotten Realms computer games, regardless), but I echo the thoughts of others: Charisma matters more to a paladin than Wisdom.

Still, if you feel like roleplaying a paladin who is very wise and not the most charismatic, I say go ahead. It might lead to some fascinating RP experiences. ;)
Wulfgart
08-25-07, 10:10 AM Well I kinda prefer playing my characters more.. reserved and calm rather than a social person and a great leader, but I like the "choosen by the god" idea. So its hard to decide what to do.
Eccerion
08-25-07, 11:11 AM Well bear in mind that being charismatic is not the same as being sociable, just cause your character has a high charisma dosnt mean he has to take charge all the time and go to every party hes invited to (though he'll probably be invited to alot:P )

I have to agree with Stormbrands analysis, CHA is an important stat for Paladins since its the backbone of most of their class abilities and as such will definetly come in handy.
Wisdom only needs to be at 14 for you to get access to all your spell levels, but a high WIS will grant you more bonus spells, higher save DC on those spells, and a higher Will save (in addition to the bonus from Divine Grace).

How you want your character to be is compleatly up to you, if you want him to be a reserved and calm champion of the weak, then thats what he'll be, no matter what the stats on paper says.
I've seen some paladins who hardly ever say anything, but when they do its usally something very profound and to the point, we call it the "Silent Bob" of paladinhood :D

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Wulfgart 08-18-07, 11:13 AM	Hi Im kinda new to D&D and are interested in the class Paladin. And my question is if its ok for a paladin to have average charisma score and a higher wisdom score, or what would be out of class? since it says most paladins are charismatic leaders etc. Since Wisdom is more for paladin spells I think I would like that more. Sorry if this is a stupid question and I hope you understand what Im trying to say, but as I said Im not much into the rules yet or understands it so much.:weep:
Flameblade 08-18-07, 12:34 PM	I haven't played a Paladin, but I would say to go with what YOU think the class needs more based on how you are going to play it. If you think you're going to be casting more spells than talking to people than higher Wisdom is probably best. If you think you're going to be talking more or if you plan on taking the Leadership feat than Charisma is probably best. I always say to make your character the way you see it being played.
The_Shaman 08-18-07, 01:42 PM	I haven't tried one either, but imo it's a close call - I would probably prefer having a higher charisma, but if you plan on sticking with paladin or using a PrC with a similar spell list (i.e. Pious Templar) it is good to have a high enough wisdom so you can cast the higher-order paladin spells - eventually, they make a small but nice difference. This is a problem for the paladin, who needs imo decent scores in practically every ability - intelligence is not a good thing to nix either, as paladins have a pretty decent skill list, but very few points.
Wulfgart 08-18-07, 01:47 PM	Ok, was thinking to give my paladin most on str,con and wisdom so he'll be a more combat paladin. was just making sure it was ok to not put charisma as its "main score".
The_Shaman 08-18-07, 02:23 PM	Well, charisma boosts your saves, turn undead, and lay on hands (nasty touch attack vs undead, btw). It's an important ability and I would say that a score of 14+ will be worth it if you can afford it, but you can make do with it not being your first priority.
SmartPaladin 08-18-07, 02:46 PM	Let's see here... Paladin's only have four spell levels, and they don't even get them until level about level four. They get their last spell level at 14. Most of the Paladin's spells are buffs, which are nice, as well as a few cure spells (healing spells and the like), they also get some create spells. Mostly food and water, so you won't have to worry about dying of thirst and hunger. So, with that in mind. I would like to suggest a wisdom of 14. You could go higher, but at a minimum, 14 is all you really need to aim for. Anything more then that, you could get with a spell of Owls Wisdom, or anything else that grants a bonus to wisdom. You don't need a lot of charisma ether, but I always try for as much as I can get, usually 18 at level 1, I think work it up to 20 and throw the rest somewhere else, depending on what I want to do with this character. Anyway, it really comes down to how you want to play your character. Hope I helped. :)
Stormbrand 08-20-07, 03:43 AM	Hi Im kinda new to D&D and are interested in the class Paladin. And my question is if its ok for a paladin to have average charisma score and a higher wisdom score, or what would be out of class? since it says most paladins are charismatic leaders etc. Since Wisdom is more for paladin spells I think I would like that more. Sorry if this is a stupid question and I hope you understand what Im trying to say, but as I said Im not much into the rules yet or understands it so much.:weep: Spells are a very very minor part of being a paladin, which you will only get significant use of at higher levels. Charisma for a paladin covers Divine Grace (all saving throws, thus your resistance to special attacks in combat and your ability to take risks), Lay On Hands (your healing power), Smite Evil (a few powerful attacks) and Turn Undead (which can be used against undead, but is more useful for Divine Feats which provide major boosts). As a Paladin, you will get FAR more use of your Class Abilities than your spellcasting. So go with that is my advice.
Diffan 08-20-07, 08:27 AM	I've played a Paladin tons of times and I'll suggest this, Max out your Charisma at much as possible!! Not only does your Cha help your saving throws, but your lay on hands, smite attack, skills....It's by far your most important stat followed closely by Str and Wis. All you really need is a 14 tops in Wis to gain the most out of your spellcasting. Also note some awesome paladin spell- Rhino's Rush-Spell Compendium, Divine Sacrifice-Spell Compendium, and Knight's Move-Spell Compendium. For some awesome smiting power, go with the Alternate Class Feature found in the PHB II called Charging Smite. You give up your ability to summon a Special Mount for the ability to Triple your smite damage on a charge attack. If you miss with the attack, the smite isn't considered used up for the day. It's far better than a mount because if your in a dungeon, dense forest, city or building, the mount isn't going to do much good when you can't maneuver it around. Just some tips I picked up re-configuring my paladins from time to time.
Mad Mage 08-20-07, 11:42 AM	Granted, I've only played paladins in games like the Baldur's Gate series and Neverwinter Nights (which are Forgotten Realms computer games, regardless), but I echo the thoughts of others: Charisma matters more to a paladin than Wisdom. Still, if you feel like roleplaying a paladin who is very wise and not the most charismatic, I say go ahead. It might lead to some fascinating RP experiences. ;)
Wulfgart 08-25-07, 10:10 AM	Well I kinda prefer playing my characters more.. reserved and calm rather than a social person and a great leader, but I like the "choosen by the god" idea. So its hard to decide what to do.
Eccerion 08-25-07, 11:11 AM	Well bear in mind that being charismatic is not the same as being sociable, just cause your character has a high charisma dosnt mean he has to take charge all the time and go to every party hes invited to (though he'll probably be invited to alot:P ) I have to agree with Stormbrands analysis, CHA is an important stat for Paladins since its the backbone of most of their class abilities and as such will definetly come in handy. Wisdom only needs to be at 14 for you to get access to all your spell levels, but a high WIS will grant you more bonus spells, higher save DC on those spells, and a higher Will save (in addition to the bonus from Divine Grace). How you want your character to be is compleatly up to you, if you want him to be a reserved and calm champion of the weak, then thats what he'll be, no matter what the stats on paper says. I've seen some paladins who hardly ever say anything, but when they do its usally something very profound and to the point, we call it the "Silent Bob" of paladinhood :D