I believe that Surprising Strategy is reffering to the Riposte class feature of the Duelist PrC, not Opportune Parry and Riposte from the swashbuckler base class.
Gunslinger comes to mind, as firearm miss fires are one of the only risky mechanics I can think of. The gunslinger archetypes Maverick, Mysterious Stranger, Black Powder Leaper and Firebrand lean into this risky style. Gunslingers/Swashbucklers even have an alternate Daring Act ruleset for regaining grit/panache for taking risks. They also have Dares, which kick into effect once they're out of grit. There are also a few class options which carry the risk of going into a confused, berserk state. The Rageshaper Shifter and the Wild Rager barbarian are both examples of this, but usually need GM permission and are a sure fire way to piss off all of your friends. The Card Caster magus has a spellcasting mechanic based off drawing harrow cards. The Dare Chaser prestige class does give you bonuses to taking risks, and rewards you for succeeding, BUT they are still risks, sometimes big ones! The class facilitates an adrenaline junky playstyle very well, and I think you should take a second look at it.
Archon Style and Vanguard Style both allow you to protect your allies in combat. They're kinda feat intensive for paladin though.
There's also some interesting material in the Westbound campaign setting, including a cavalier that rides a motorcycle.
Gunslingers, at 5th level, deal Dex to damage. They hit touch AC, and they do it from range. Pistols deal 1d8 piercing/bludgeoning, even. They've a feat that'll allow them to fire and reload in melee without provoking AoOs. Pretty sure a melee character wanting a slice of that ain't being all too greedy.
Mount the skull of each character upon a pike, and kindly deliver it to the nearest city. Allow the groups new set of 1st level characters to witness what a dragon can do . . . XD. In all seriousness, show them the stats you used. Letting them work out for themselves the challenge they failed to rise too oughtta cool 'em off a bit. Personally, I never apply Fear affects to the degree of Fleeing. It causes me to resent any GM pullin it on me, as it affects how I roleplay my character. I figure it goes both ways, so I never pull it when I GM. When the fairness of the fight has been established, roll new characters. As these characters level, have them encounter their former characters, now Enslaved servants of the dragon overlord, each commanding forces, making repeat appearances and becoming mini bosses in their own right.
I think I will do that, I will make it up later today and post it Last bit of advice; Bucklers can be used while firing firearms. And my prayers go with you, friend, for no mortal player should face the wrath of a DM presented with this build without Divine aid.
If you wanna break the game, pick up Deft Shootist, and you never hafta swing a Melee weapon again. For the cheesiest build of all time, pick up the Combat Relfexes, Snap Shot, And Improved Snap Shot feats. 15 Foot threatened area with Dex mod AoO's every round? Yes please.
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