The most intelligent paladin ever

[Palmizio]

Hello friends,

I'm going to play a sword and board paladin for an upcoming, non mythic, WotR campaign. I got 25 points and all paizo materials, except for psionics. I was initially going to dump Int as every self-respecting paladin would do, but the discovery of Artful Dodge and the master asking "so, why should Iomedae choose you, if you are moron?" made me wonder if it's possible to build a high Int, somewhat effective paladin. For now, i thought this:

Human Pal 5/ Evangelist 10/ Pal 5

17 (15 +2 racial)
11
14
15
10
14

1) Fey Foundling
1b) Artful Dodge
3) Two-Weapon Fighting
5) Deific Obedience (Iomedae)
6) Improved Shield Bash (Adventure Boon)
7) Shield Slam
9) Unsanctioned Knowledge or Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
11) Shield Master
13) Bashing Finish or Unsanctioned Knowledge or Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
15) ?
17) ?
19) ?

Now, I know it's not remotely optimized, I know S&B kinda sucks, I know that the "smart and wise paladin" vibe is pretty much an inquisitor, but I'd really like to try to play a PG like this. So, my questions are: is it a borderline competent front-liner? Is Evangelist worth it (i really like the 6 skill point/level and the free class skills, mind that)? Should just go with Dex and forget Int and Artful Dodge? Any other advice or suggestion welcome.

Thank you all for your help, really looking forward to your advice

[Avoron]

I know this would probably ruin your concept, but from a purely mechanical perspective you can get a lot more benefit from Artful Dodge if you dip a level in swashbuckler: when combined with Swashbuckler Finesse, it allows you to qualify for TWF feats with Charisma. This would mean you could use two-weapon fighting just pumping Cha, Str, and Con while neglecting Dex, Wisdom, and Intelligence (although you could still get it up to a 12 or 14 without that much trouble).

Just an idea, but probably not what you're going for in terms of ability scores.

[Palmizio]

Uhm interesting, didn't think of that, I'm not sure I'm going this route but I'll definitely look into it.

Also, shameless bump.

[Anonymous Visitor 163 576]

Unsantioned knowledge, you'll want it.

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/unsanctioned-knowledge

There' something glorious about firing off a searing light from the paladin list, though there are a lot of utility spells that are probably wiser.

[Ellioti]

Anonymous Visitor 163 576 wrote:

Unsantioned knowledge, you'll want it.

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/feats/general-feats/unsanctioned-knowledge

There' something glorious about firing off magic missiles from the paladin list, though shield isn't bad either.

both of which are not available through that feat :)

But Bladed Dash and Mirror Image are. I'd look mostly at the bard spell list, since you get most cleric and inquisitor spells anyways.

that swashbuckler dip mentioned won't help you with the dex-req for TWF...it only substitutes int with cha

[Imbicatus]

Ellioti wrote:

[

that swashbuckler dip mentioned won't help you with the dex-req for TWF...it only substitutes int with cha

Yes, and Artful Dodge lets you qualify for TWF with INT.

Swashbuckler finesse allows you to sub CHA for INT, so you can use CHA for INT for DEX to TWF with CHA.

[2ndGenerationCleric]

So one thing to watch out for with sword and board paladins-they can't really use their lay on hands. You need a free hand to use the ability, so I don't think you'll be able to use it, unless your GM let's you for at least the self heal

[Imbicatus]

2ndGenerationCleric wrote:

So one thing to watch out for with sword and board paladins-they can't really use their lay on hands. You need a free hand to use the ability, so I don't think you'll be able to use it, unless your GM let's you for at least the self heal

Light Shield/Buckler works for keeping a hand free, or you can go Cestus & Heavy Shield.

[Avoron]

Although I'll note that you cannot make a shield bash with a buckler, barring special abilities.

[Palmizio]

Yeah, going with light shield for sure. I'm wondering if try to squeeze in Power Attack, for when i can't full attack. Problem is, the only feat i don't need is fey foundling, and I'm not sure is worth it