Paladin: strength or charisma item?

[Longbow]

That´s exactly the dilemma. Strength is always helpful, Charisma augments several Paladin abilities. Oh well, Gauntlets of Ogre Power look mighty appealing right now. Good analysis, Firelance. Thanks everybody.

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I think Charisma is the way to go, but only if you have access to divine feats. The best to have would be, of course, both.

I agree. Elder-Basilisk has done a great job of laying out the pros and cons. Charisma first, then strength afterward.

Personally, I find charisma a more appealing choice because not only does it affect direct damage-dealing (through Divine Might and smites,) but it improves so many abilities, even though strength might improve damage itself more.

One point where I slightly disagree with the esteemed Elder-Basilisk:

Charisma gives you: +1 to saves (easily achievable through a +1 cloak of resistance)

While it's true that you can get a +1 to your saves with a Cloak of Resistance, I don't think that weakens the advantage of the +1 to saves provided by extra charisma (as E-B seems to infer), since you can still get a Vest of Resistance while getting a Cloak of Charisma, and the pluses to saves stack. And really, your saves can never be too high.

 

[Longbow]

You´re right, high saves are very good to have. Unfortunately there´s the problem that I can´t get a Vest of Resistance easily.