Garnath I have to applaud your character concept. I like it and decided to run it through its paces up to tenth level.
I've modeled the beast as a front line fighter that stays there til the end, healing himself and his allies when necessary. I choose cleric as the multi-class route to better fit this type of style.
Base Stats with Race Mod:
Str: 18
Con: 16
Dex: 11
Int: 10
Wis: 13
Chr: 12
(note: I've avoided all powers that use Chr)
At first level:
At-wills: Holy Strike and Valiant Strike
Encounter Power: Radiant Strike
Daily Power: Paladin's Judgement
Feat: Cleric Initiate of the Faith - Gain Religion and use healing word once a day
At second level:
Utility Power: Sacred Circle (helps him stay alive)
Feat: Power Attack
At third level:
Encounter Power: Arcing Smite - Str vs Ac against up to two targets, also marks which helps with Holy Strike
At fourth level:
+1 Str, +1 Wis
Feat: Novice Power - Replace Radiant Strike with Cleric's Healing Strike (Str vs Ac, comparable damage, marks target, and allows use of a healing surge)
At fifth level:
Daily Power: Martyr's Retribution - Str vs Ac and do large amounts of damage at the cost of a healing surge
At sixth level:
Utility Power: Divine Bodyguard (place holder really til 8th level)
Feat: Durable - +2 number of healing surges
At seventh level:
Encounter Power: Thunder Smite - Str vs Ac (crit on 19 - 20 if marked), target knocked prone
At eigth level:
+1 Str, +1 Wis
Feat: Acolyte Power - Replace Divine Bodyguard with Cleric's Cure Serious Wounds (more healing)
At nineth level:
Daily Power: One Stands Alone (another place holder power)
At tenth level:
Utility Power: Cleansing Spirit (shake off any bad effects)
Feat: Adept Power - Replace One Stands Alone with Cleric's Divine Power - Str vs Fort against multiple targets and gain regeneration
As for paragon path - Order of the Faith would work well, especially if you encounter a large number of demons and elementals
