playing a core ranged paladin of Sarenrae. Both Dex and Cha are 18. Which should i put my ability score bonuses into? Dex so my shots hit better? Or charisma for all my pali bonuses?
personal preference really, you could always alternate. I'm a charisma man myself
I'd say that it depends on the campaign, but getting that 19 Dex allows you access to every archer feat that I know, so it has some merit there.
If you cast a lot of spells, get hit with a lot of spells, want to use your LoH ability a lot and run into lots of smite-able enemies, then I'd go for Cha, as it boosts all of those things. Dex is nice if you need the initiative boost and run into lots of non-smite-able enemies.
I'd say that it depends on the campaign, but getting that 19 Dex allows you access to every archer feat that I know, so it has some merit there.
If you cast a lot of spells, get hit with a lot of spells, want to use your LoH ability a lot and run into lots of smite-able enemies, then I'd go for Cha, as it boosts all of those things. Dex is nice if you need the initiative boost and run into lots of non-smite-able enemies.
I believe the only ranged feat that requires a 19 dex score is Improved Precise Shot. Which could be handy down the road. However, if i bump it to 19 I may as well get another and bump it to 20.
Charisma on the other hand bumps my LOHs numbers (i tend to be the one doing the most damage so i tend to get alot of unwanted attention) bumps my smite to-hit. Bonus to saving throws via Divine Grace. Bonus spells etc.
i feel like charisma is the obvious choice... but it may not be so simple. just been battling with this prior to this next level.
DEX until 20, then full CHA.
Also, is general courtesy to cast Sheild Other in the tank and/or more frail members for ranged paladins, keeps those LoH uses useful and greatly contributes to the of the party and reduce the chances of a GM finding your style dishonorable.
Humbly,
Yawar
If it's a character you are already playing, how much are you missing trash mobs?
As far as to-hit goes, against most big threats bumping your dex and your cha your hit bonus comes out the same, so dex only really benefits you against multiple lesser threats that you aren't smiting.
For your AC, barring special materials, the only armour sets that have an armour + max dex bonus higher than 8 are padded (need a +8 dex for +9 total), breastplate (+3 dex for +9 total) and full plate (+1 dex for a +10 total) so there is no way that going from a +4-+5 dex mod should raise your AC, and dex is one save against cha's 3.
TL:DR version:
The only benefit (aside from skills) of dex over cha are a +1 to init and your to-hit bonus when you are not Smiting, so go cha unless you've been missing a lot.