Proficiencies and Feats

[KeithJohn]

The question I have is about proficiencies and feats during character creation. For example, the Core Rules state that Paladins are proficient with all types of armor and shields except tower shields. Does this therefor imply that they gain the armor proficiency feat and shield proficiency feat upon creation and do not have to "spend" a feat to acquire them? I can't seem to pin it down in the rules, then again it's a big book and I often ain't too bright.
Keith

[Thorkull]

No, they don't get the feats, just the proficiencies. The feats are ways for characters that don't get the proficiencies (such as clerics and heavy armor) to gain the proficiencies.

[Nefreet]

Yes, you gain them as bonus feats:

PRD wrote:

Armor Proficiency, Heavy (Combat)

You are skilled at wearing heavy armor.

Prerequisites: Light Armor Proficiency, Medium Armor Proficiency.

Benefit: See Armor Proficiency, Light.

Normal: See Armor Proficiency, Light.

Special: Fighters and paladins automatically have Heavy Armor Proficiency as a bonus feat. They need not select it.