Paladin: substitution for spells?

[CaspianM]

I've got a friend who's not played D&D in a while, but seems interested in joining my Pathfinder game. He's thinking of playing a Paladin, but doesn't really want to cast spells. Going along the lines of the substitutions that they did in the Pathfinder campaign setting, what else could I reasonably sub out for the spell powers? Would it be reasonable to say that he could get the weapon bond and a slightly less good mount bond?

[Draco Caeruleus]

One common option I've seen is to replace the spells with bonus feats, as a fighter. You can give a bonus feat at level 4 (when they're supposed to first get access to spells), then another one at every 3rd or 4th level after that, whatever progression you think is best. The paladin would have to still meet any prerequisites (so no Weapon Specialization, for example).

[Lathiira]

Complete Warrior and Complete Champion have different spell-free paladins IIRC.

[KaeYoss]

I second the feat thing. A bonus feat at 4th and every 4 thereafter.

Extra smite, extra channeling, extra lay on hands, selective channeling, other channel feats.

[Draco Caeruleus]

Lathiira wrote:

Complete Warrior and Complete Champion have different spell-free paladins IIRC.

Yes, Complete Warrior offers a number of spell-like abilities in place of the spells, while Complete Champion suggests a feat option, similar to the one I suggested, but not exactly the same. CC suggests giving a feat at each level that the paladin gains a new spell level, for a total of four bonus feats. I think they could stand to gain one or two more, given that the paladin would normally gain more spell slots anyway. Also, CC gives a limited list of bonus feats to choose from, rather than use the same list that a fighter chooses from. I think either way would work fine.

[DM_aka_Dudemeister]

Why not contribute to the playtest and suggest he give the Cavalier a shot. Similar to the Paladin in many ways but without the magic.

[Marc Radle]

He could always play a Spell-less Ranger!

Sorry .. shameless plug ... had to be done! :)

[CaspianM]

Yeah I made the offer of the Cavalier to him as well, problem of course is that the game is set in an underground world and horses are at this initial point non-existent. But ya, that might be it as well.

[KaeYoss]

Cave lizard!