I've got a human paladin that is currently 5th level. He'll probably be making 6th level at the end of next game. I keep going back and forth on my 6th level feat choice.
Right now his feats are:
Power Attack (Human)
Cleave (1st)
Mounted Combat (3rd)
I consider those to be some fairly solid choices. But what should I take at 6th level? High in the running are:
Ride-by Attack (PHB)
Pros: It gets me one step closer to Spirited Charge, which I do eventually want. Spirited Charge will be huge. Also useful for fighting big tough creature that I do not want to take a full attack from. Ride-by attack means only engaging if I want to.
Cons: In addition to the opportunity cost, these are the levels where it is actually effective to have my special mount full attacking. It hasn't yet been left behind in attack bonus, hitpoints, and AC as it will be at higher levels. Maybe Ride-by Attack can wait until 9th?
Divine Power (Complete Warrior, give up turn attempt for charisma bonus to damage on all attacks for one round)
Pros: Turning undead is a waste of time for my paladin. This lets him trade in those turn attempts for useful damage. Currently my pallie has a 16 charisma (with cloak) and it will only go up and up as he levels. Can be used whether mounted or on foot. Also, it doesn't even take up a swift action.
Cons: +3 damage isn't a lot. Damage is easy. And it only works for six rounds per day.
Law Devotion (Complete Champion, sacred +3 bonus to hit or to AC for one minute)
Pros: Very flexible. I can switch the bonus from AC or to-hit (which I can trade for damage with PA) as a free action. Scales with level nicely. Can expend those turn attempts for extra uses. (Currently would be able to use it three times/day.) Perfectly in character, as paladin is devoted to Saint Cuthbert.
Cons: Unlike Divine Power, is explicitly a swift action to activate, making it compete with swift action paladin spells. Also is a specific (if rare) bonus, so won't stack with other sacred bonuses.
Hmmmm.
What does everybody think?
Right now his feats are:
Power Attack (Human)
Cleave (1st)
Mounted Combat (3rd)
I consider those to be some fairly solid choices. But what should I take at 6th level? High in the running are:
Ride-by Attack (PHB)
Pros: It gets me one step closer to Spirited Charge, which I do eventually want. Spirited Charge will be huge. Also useful for fighting big tough creature that I do not want to take a full attack from. Ride-by attack means only engaging if I want to.
Cons: In addition to the opportunity cost, these are the levels where it is actually effective to have my special mount full attacking. It hasn't yet been left behind in attack bonus, hitpoints, and AC as it will be at higher levels. Maybe Ride-by Attack can wait until 9th?
Divine Power (Complete Warrior, give up turn attempt for charisma bonus to damage on all attacks for one round)
Pros: Turning undead is a waste of time for my paladin. This lets him trade in those turn attempts for useful damage. Currently my pallie has a 16 charisma (with cloak) and it will only go up and up as he levels. Can be used whether mounted or on foot. Also, it doesn't even take up a swift action.
Cons: +3 damage isn't a lot. Damage is easy. And it only works for six rounds per day.
Law Devotion (Complete Champion, sacred +3 bonus to hit or to AC for one minute)
Pros: Very flexible. I can switch the bonus from AC or to-hit (which I can trade for damage with PA) as a free action. Scales with level nicely. Can expend those turn attempts for extra uses. (Currently would be able to use it three times/day.) Perfectly in character, as paladin is devoted to Saint Cuthbert.
Cons: Unlike Divine Power, is explicitly a swift action to activate, making it compete with swift action paladin spells. Also is a specific (if rare) bonus, so won't stack with other sacred bonuses.
Hmmmm.
What does everybody think?