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I’m looking for advice on a Paladin/Hellknight build for Kingmaker. I’m not sure what the top level is but I’ll build to 15th with the plan being Paladin 5 (Oath of Vengeance)/ Hellknight 10 (Order of the God Claw). If it goes beyond 15th I’ll likely go back to paladin.

Just hit level 3.
Human Paladin of Iomedae (3)
Stats are: STR 16, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 13, WIS 8, CHA 15. (20 PT Buy)

The Int 13 was originally for the Unsanctioned Knowledge and Fast Learner feats when I was originally staying Paladin the whole AP. That said, I still like the idea of a smart, yet young/little experience (low wis) character that will evolve/become more jaded as the AP goes on.

Current Feats are: Fey Foundling (human), Power Attack (Paladin 1)

I want to use Cornugon Smash in the build, for Intimidation as Diplomacy is not always viable. So here’s a sample feat build out.
Lev 3 - Greater Mercy. Works well with Fey Foundling for swift heals.
Lev 5 – Furious Focus
Lev 7 – Intimidating Prowess
Lev 9 – Cornugon Smash
Lev 11, 13 and 15 I really have no idea.
I could use extra lay on hands for 2(more healing or smites) and then take Ultimate Mercy to raise the dead, but that was just one idea path. I try to stay away from weapon focus to not pigeon hole myself into one type of weapon.

Stat bonuses will be Cha (4th), Wis (8th and 12th ) and Int (16th) if it goes that high. Stat boosting equip (belts, etc.) will raise the even stats. I could just take Iron Will to offset the Wis penalty and free up stat points as well, but it eats a feat.

The hellknight disciplines would be Pentamic Faith (Travel), Fearsomeness and I'm undecided on the 3rd.

I’ve been a front liner for the party, but not always the tank. I usually share the duties with the Fighter 2/Cleric X. The other two members of the party are a Ranger (archery style) and a Druid. The last two will be single class.

Anyhow, I’d appreciate any advice you have. Thanks.

I'm going to be playing in a Kingmaker game with 2 other regulars with a 4th member being spotty at best. The of the two regulars one is a melee ranger that wants to be "stuck in " hitting things and the other is a wildshape focused druid. I have no idea if/when/what the 4th person will play when they show up.

Restrictions are: 20pt buy, CRB, APG, UC, UM and ISWG.

I'm planning on playing a bard for all around utility. The 2 archetypes I was thinking about are Arcane Dualist and Sound Striker. I'm leaning toward the latter.

Striker allows me to keep the bardic knowledge and versatile performance for all the skill usage we'll likely need that is not covered by the other two. Also, I need (emphasis here) to hold my own in melee as I'm certain things will get through with only two others to try to hold the attention in encounters. Neither of the other two players are real "Pathfinder" experienced, but are lightly familiar with the rules/setting.

That said, my ROM (Rough Order of Magnitude) for this charater is:

Option 1:
Bard(Sound Striker)5-8/DD 4/Bard X (human, need those bonus spells):
Focus on Str>Cha>Dex>Con>Int>Wis
DD for the Str bump and other perks
Traits:Sword Scion (a Kingmaker trait is required) and Magic Knack
Also the Eldritch heritage line of feats interests me alot as well (either Arcane or Orc bloodlines)

Option 2:
Bard(Sound Striker)5-8/DD4/Paladin(Divine Hunter)2/Bard X:
Same idea as above, maybe swapping STR and DEX priority wise. Divine Hunter for Precise Shot and boost to saves. I'm not sure what order to get the levels in what classes. I could just take one level in Divine hunter, but it almost seems a waste not to get the extra level for the synergy with saves.

Anyhow just theory crafting at the moment. Input and ideas welcome.