I don't really play the Golarion setting that often, but I find the hellknights to be intriguing. I'm considering using them in a homebrew world of mine, but there's one thing that concerns me: their effective paladin level when smiting is really low. They essentially suffer a -5 penalty (when compared to a straight-leveled paladin). This was probably done intentionally by the design team as not to overshadow the paladin, but I think they played it too safe (and by doing so, created a class whose core ability is underpowered). Now, it does seem the hellknight's smite ability comes into its own at higher levels, but in the meantime, it's nearly useless. That's a shame, I think, as I'd prefer the ability to be useful from the start. My solution is as follows:
A hellknight's effective paladin level for purposes of determining the effects of this ability is equal to his hellknight level plus the number of levels he has in any one class he belonged to before he added the prestige class. If he had levels in more than one class before he became a hellknight, he must choose one; this decision must be made upon entering the prestige class and can never be undone.
For example, a 5th-level fighter/1st-level hellknight would have an effective paladin level of 6, having levels in only one class prior to becoming a hellknight, whereas a 4th-level fighter/2nd-level rogue/1st-level hellknight would only have an effective paladin level of 5, by choosing to add his fighter levels to his hellknight level, despite being a 7th-level character.
The only flaw I predict that might come from this change is that a 10th-level paladin/10th-level hellknight (if such a thing can exist) would be capable of "doubling down" on smites against a chaotic-evil creature (for a +30 total bonus). That seems a bit... troubling... but, again, hellknight paladin? I mean, there's the Order of the Godclaw... but, even that's a stretch, I think.
Perhaps a clause stating how "smite evil" and "smite chaos" interact would be necessary. Something to the effect of, "use the greater of the two bonuses; they do not stack".
Perhaps I am over-thinking this one.
I realize that it is possible, but as a hellknight, I suspect a paladin is going to run into some troubles with her code of conduct. A paladin must favor "good" over "law", which is to the express disinterest of the hellknight organization. Atonement will be necessary (often, perhaps).
I actually really like that idea, it makes Hellknights much more viable.
It's good to know that I'm not alone (or crazy)!
I disagree.
A paladin's code must be strict, otherwise there's no point (not everyone can be a paladin, after all). A paladin must uphold goodness, above all things, even order.
The hellknight organization is concerned with maintaining order, whatever the consequences.
These two ideologies do not mix.
The hellknights are not a good organization; they are a lawful one. Sometimes "law" conflicts with "good". Thus, a good hellknight may find him or herself questioning his or her orders. He or she cannot just accept things he or she is told; he or she must be held responsible for his or her actions. I do not mean to invoke Godwin's law, but think back unto nazi-soldiers. They were just following orders, but the fact remains that they were just as guilty as their commanding officers.
I mean hell, a paladin's code specifically mentions that they cannot associate with evil characters (or characters that commit evil acts). Lawful characters might occasionally commit such an act "for the greater good". That's pretty much the mantra of the hellknights, as least in so far as I understand them.
A paladin that believes that "the ends justify the means" will certainly fall, given enough time (see Arthas, of Warcraft III). Thus, the need for frequent atonement.
That said, this thread isn't really about paladins (despite a slightly off topic post of mine). It's about "buffing" a hellknight's smite chaos ability.
A paladin's code must be strict, otherwise there's no point (not everyone can be a paladin, after all). A paladin must uphold goodness, above all things, even order.
So strict it creates a bunch of threads on how many problems it creates? Role play =/= balance. The point of being a paladin is also smite evil, divine bond, and auras.
Anyways, back on topic, I haven't actually seen a hellknight in action. Supposing its weaker than a normal character(as prestiges tend to be), I'd so go for it. Its not very spammable and with 1-3 per day it will only be used during dramatic moments where it counts right?
I don't really want to discuss paladins. I apologize for ever bringing them up; it was just an idle comment, but I suppose I asked for it (even mentioning the word "paladin" is bound to spark debate). I've had my fill of such discussions, and would rather this thread not devolve into yet another paladin thread. To this end, I will be ignoring your first question, MrSin.
Anyways, back on topic, I haven't actually seen a hellknight in action. Supposing its weaker than a normal character(as prestiges tend to be), I'd so go for it. Its not very spammable and with 1-3 per day it will only be used during dramatic moments where it counts right?
Absolutely--I think that your point is a very valid one. A 15th-level paladin has access to 5 smites per day, whereas a 5th-level fighter/10th-level hellknight only has 4 smites per day. The paladin will receive 2 additional smites by 20th-level, not to mention the availability of trading uses of lay on hands for even more smites (Oath of Wrath). Further reason to "buff" the hellknight's smite, I'd say.