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Not accustomed to playing Paladins, I'm playing one in a Jade Regent pbp. I'm currently trying to fine tune the details of it now but looking for some advice on how to take it mechanically while leveling.
The campaign is 15 point buy. I'm a Paladin of Sarenrae, I currently plan to use scimitar and shield, with possibly switching to a 2hander as we go (kinda thinking Falchion). Any advice would be appreciated, both on the build and what to look at while leveling.
First of all, a disclaimer: I'll be commenting mechanically, but feel free to ignore anything in favor of RP value if that's your preference. I do it all the time.
On stats: You can really afford to dump dexterity as a paladin, especially in low point buy. It even makes sense with your backstory, as Treygan was assumed to be less sneaky than Rufus. To be more sneaky, Rufus would have to be trained in mischief (unlikely by age 10, beyond typical kiddo hyjinx) or higher than 13 dex (unlikely in most demographics, especially a small town like Sandpoint). Between shield (if you choose to go that route) and heavy armor (when you can afford it), your AC will be fine at levels when AC matters most. Reflex saves won't be much of a problem once you get divine grace, assuming you keep your charisma in good shape. Constitution is a little low, though - I'd advocate a bit more there, and more charisma can't hurt if you can free up the points. 15 point-buy is tough on paladins, though.
Skills: If you choose to dump dex, I'd move focus away from acrobatics. Perception especially, but also spellcraft, see a lot of use in typical games, and they're "make-or-break" skills as passing generally matters. For example, noticing that a mage is actually casting, say, minor image instead of summon monster VI will change the tactical situation drastically. Sense motive bears at least a tangential investment; 1 skill rank and the class skill bonus will defeat unaccomplished liars and allow a much better shot at hunches.
Feats: You look good to go here. I'm not the biggest fan of cleave, but have seen it used to good effect regardless.
Traits: Again, if dumping dex to pick up con/cha, I'd lean away from the acrobatics rescued option. Your diplomacy should be good enough without the trait bonus, also - the big deal on traits like this is adding to your class skill list for the +3, a redundant option for a paladin. I'd advocate one that gives perception as a class skill (if such a thing exists), or the ever-popular reactionary for +2 initiative.
Gear: Good choices for level 1. After you line up some full plate, I'd ditch the shield and grab a falchion as you are pondering. With str 16 and only light armor, you have plenty of encumbrance to fiddle with - grab some daggers, javelins, and miscellaneous adventuring gear with your 42gp of leftovers. Gold is just dead weight in a dungeon, and even mundane gear has many uses. Good examples include a signal whistle and a small mirror, but you'll definitely be able to come up with others given time.
That's all for now. Check back in after a few levels if you need more assistance, though your party dynamic over levels 1 and 2 should suggest some good feat options for you at 3, as well as skills in the interim. Most importantly, have fun!
I'm playing a paladin of Sarenrae in Kingmaker right now. We're 4th level and just finished the first book. My DM agreed that Sarenrae would treat both scimitar and falchion as her favored weapon, since they're both visually and mechanically just different sizes of the same item. There's not a big game mechanic difference, but it's nice to have the flavor text line up with the character build. (Erastil is also being flexible between longbow and shortbow.)
I've been using a falchion with power attack, and I really like it. I went with Furious Focus rather than Cleave, because I felt like it would come into play more often, and I'm pretty sure that was a correct assessment.