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<blockquote data-quote="Blue" data-source="post: 7588311" data-attributes="member: 20564">I didn't say not to take any, just not to take both.(And dumping DEX was just if you wanted to get your CON to an odd score.)Though if you really want to work your Oath of Conquest powers it's very tempting to boost your CHR because of how many ways it helps you.Here's a breakdown in the early levels of 5+.&nbsp; At later levels you can have the feats you want AND high ability scores.&nbsp; So the decision point is if you want to take your feats early or late.Polearm MasteryI've played a polearm master Paladin and enjoyed it, but here's a breakdown (at level 5+), comparing vs. a Greatsword to have another two handed weapon.&nbsp; (If you go spear + sheild this differs again).Non damage factors Polearm + Polearm MasteryPRO:&nbsp; Increased chance of reaction attack.&nbsp; 10' reach.&nbsp; Can spend slots on Divine Smite faster (though same total damage at end of day).CON:&nbsp; Uses your bonus action which has other uses (Smite spells with good riders, Healing Word to stand fallen ally, etc.)&nbsp;DPRPolearm + Mastery:&nbsp; 2x (d10+3) + (d4+3) = avg 22.5 all hit, 60% change to hit = 13.56 DPRGreatsword + STR ASI:&nbsp; 2x (2d6+4) = avg 22 all hit, 65% chance to hit = 14.3(Didn't factor in crits to keep math simple.)ConclusionSo using your bonus action (which also means you won't have it for other options, such as casting a Smite spell) just to use it needs to be considered.&nbsp; When I played a Polearm Mastery paladin I was able to make the reach and occasional reaction attack make up for the lower damage and bad bonus action economy, but that's table/DM dependent if you can set it up.Shield MasterThe latest Sage Advice reverses when bonus actions come in, has to be after the trigger.&nbsp; So Shield Master's prone chance comes after your attacks.&nbsp; It's good for helping teammates, but really never adds to your attacks since they can get up from prone before you attack again.</blockquote>

[QUOTE="Blue, post: 7588311, member: 20564"] I didn't say not to take any, just not to take both. (And dumping DEX was just if you wanted to get your CON to an odd score.) Though if you really want to work your Oath of Conquest powers it's very tempting to boost your CHR because of how many ways it helps you. Here's a breakdown in the early levels of 5+. At later levels you can have the feats you want AND high ability scores. So the decision point is if you want to take your feats early or late. [U][B]Polearm Mastery[/B][/U] I've played a polearm master Paladin and enjoyed it, but here's a breakdown (at level 5+), comparing vs. a Greatsword to have another two handed weapon. (If you go spear + sheild this differs again). Non damage factors Polearm + Polearm Mastery PRO: Increased chance of reaction attack. 10' reach. Can spend slots on Divine Smite faster (though same total damage at end of day). CON: Uses your bonus action which has other uses (Smite spells with good riders, Healing Word to stand fallen ally, etc.) [U]DPR[/U] Polearm + Mastery: 2x (d10+3) + (d4+3) = avg 22.5 all hit, 60% change to hit = 13.56 DPR Greatsword + STR ASI: 2x (2d6+4) = avg 22 all hit, 65% chance to hit = 14.3 (Didn't factor in crits to keep math simple.) [U]Conclusion[/U] So using your bonus action (which also means you won't have it for other options, such as casting a Smite spell) just to use it needs to be considered. When I played a Polearm Mastery paladin I was able to make the reach and occasional reaction attack make up for the lower damage and bad bonus action economy, but that's table/DM dependent if you can set it up. [U][B]Shield Master[/B][/U] The latest Sage Advice reverses when bonus actions come in, has to be after the trigger. So Shield Master's prone chance comes after your attacks. It's good for helping teammates, but really never adds to your attacks since they can get up from prone before you attack again. [/QUOTE]

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