A Halfling Bodyguard?


Advice


The idea is a halfling paladin that just buffs allies AC and Saves.

Halfling paladin with Divine Defender and Sacred Shield archetypes.
Stats
Str- 14
Dex-16
Con-12
Int-10
Wis- 8
Cha-16

Helpful and indomitable faith traits.

Paladin First level feat- Cautious fighter
Paladin 2nd
Paladin 3rd level feat- Blundering defense
Fighter 1st- Combat Reflexes
Fighter 2nd- Bodyguard, Lucky halfling
Paladin 4th
Paladin 5th- In Harm's Way
Paladin 6th
Paladin 7th- Saving Shield
Paladin 8th
Paladin 9th- Desperate Swing


And you're looking for advice on what, exactly? Anything in particular?


Just does this seem most optimal, any suggestions or feats that should be replaced? Should I change stats any? Any spells that I should use in concert with abilities of this build?


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Optimal sucks, just play the character, he seems fun.

Who is he or she? What is their backstory?


I definitely like the concept, I just don't wanna play a character who is a complete waste of space, you know? I shouldn't have said optimal, should've said viable.

The idea is, Dwarin was raised in the church of Chaldira after seeing his parents cut down by bandits on their way to a holy festival. He saw numerous warriors fall who valued strength or speed, but one paladin valued the ability to endure and took any attack that he was dealt and kept coming. Dwarin was taught the ways of the paladin and learned to endure all that came at him and came out stronger after each trial.

Still fleshing out the background.


I think your character is perfectly viable; however, I wouldn't like to play it because it seems like it'd get boring.

That's just my opinion though. It's why I can't play characters that focus on making others look/perform better.


I'm fine with playing a support character myself, so that isn't really a problem. As long as I have allies up I'll be fine but if allies go down, its a bit more like, umm what do i do.


You can role-play buffing to be much more 'fun' (even in the terms of those who like to deal damage) by emphasising the divine assistance you are providing to others.

Character looks good to me BUT you will need a viable melee companion to boost in your party, if you are the sole martial type then I'd talk to the other players.


You may also want to check out the Cavalier, especially the Honor Guard in the Order of the Dragon.

Liberty's Edge

Have you considered Cavalier with Honor Guard Archetype and Order of the Dragon?

This is the type of meele support I play. You just get Swift Aid for sure and Combat Reflexes for sure.
There is still room for other feats. I filled them with tripping stuff, but you could also use the halfling feat chain.

Helpful Trait and Sworn Defense / Intercept Class Feature are perfect for your intentions, also their are very good with Swift Aid.

For more support, you have free Teamwork Feats for giving away. (Maybe Tactician Archetype on the top)

Liberty's Edge

Chris P. Bacon wrote:
You may also want to check out the Cavalier, especially the Honor Guard in the Order of the Dragon.

Damn you! :P

RPG Superstar Season 9 Top 16

I'm played a similar character but such a character works best in a big melee party. When you're the only frontliner, you aren't sharing your blundering defense with anyone.

I used Crane Style (it was good back then), and was considering the Golden Legionnaire PrC. He dipped into Aldori Swordlord PrC to use Dex. The Fighter archetype Swordlord gets Steel Net at 7, which is also pretty great.


Nazrelle wrote:
Chris P. Bacon wrote:
You may also want to check out the Cavalier, especially the Honor Guard in the Order of the Dragon.
Damn you! :P

Well it's about time I ninja someone else for once! Usually it's the other way around. ^__^


2 people marked this as a favorite.

That'll do, pig. That'll do.


Extend the bulwark is also a great teamwork feat for this character! Thanks for the idea. Make a barbarian nigh unhitable or a wizard actually stand a chance at moving without withdrawing away from combat then firing off a spell! Who knew the best bodyguards were halflings!
So cool!


Nazrelle wrote:

Have you considered Cavalier with Honor Guard Archetype and Order of the Dragon?

This is the type of meele support I play. You just get Swift Aid for sure and Combat Reflexes for sure.
There is still room for other feats. I filled them with tripping stuff, but you could also use the halfling feat chain.

Helpful Trait and Sworn Defense / Intercept Class Feature are perfect for your intentions, also their are very good with Swift Aid.

For more support, you have free Teamwork Feats for giving away. (Maybe Tactician Archetype on the top)


Are you seeking optimal bodyguard? A halfling bodyguard that is effective? Or a pally guard? Because if you want optimal this is great but not optimal. The short of it is you need a half elf oracle if you want the best. For a halfling specifically I'd go cavalier. For a pally I'd go human and go straight to human and rush to in harms way.

If you want the details of the oracle and his +15 aid another ill lay it out for ya.

Grand Lodge

The stats work well enough for a Paladin, though I'd make sure you invest in Diplomacy so you have something to do outside of combat. If you're going with a Paladin though, you don't need that much dexterity unless you intend to invest in Mithral armor, and even then there are likely better investments until higher levels. Lowering Dexterity to 14 let's you raise Strength up to 15, which can then be bumped up to 16 at Level 4. With a full BAB class like the Paladin your to-hit should be up to snuff even with Smite Evil replaced by Sacred Shield.

Consider a dip into the Life Oracle to pick up Life Link, which synergizes very well with the Paladin's Swift-Action Lay-on-Hands to heal themselves.


anyone notice I posted this a year ago?


Aside from Honor Guard and Order of the Dragon Cavalier I would also recommend dipping a level of Mouser Swashbuckler and taking the Combat Patrol feat.


Idk if it's a good idea to drop mercy. The ability to remove effects on allies is as useful as increasing there ac.


When you start adding +12 to AC of your companions you may begin to agree with me. ;)


zauriel56 wrote:
anyone notice I posted this a year ago?

I think the answer to that one is. No.:)

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