Prestige Classes vs. Core Classes

[Pax]

Are three feats worth 1 1st, 1 2nd, 1 3rd, and 2 4th level spells, (and let's not forget the extra Remove Disease ), the 4 higher damage from Smite, the 4 x Cha mod Lay on hands bonus, the ability to turn undead as an 18th level cleric (instead of 14th), and being closer to gaining those bonus epic feats. (Paladins gain bonus epic feats every third level, from 23rd level)

Remember, when you're epic, nonepic bonus feats can ALSO be epic.

So, the Paladin(20) will get epic feats at level 21, 23, 24, 26, 27, and so on (Character levels 21, 24, and 27; Paladin levels 23, 26, and so on).

While the Fighter(4)/Paladin(16) can go with more fighter levels, nd get more bonus epic feats ... at level 21, 22, 24, 24, 26, 27, and so on (Character 21, 24, and 27; Fighter 6, 8, 10, and so on).

So, by (say) level 24:

The Paladin(24) has three epic feats - at levels 21, 23, and 24.

The Paladin(16)/Fighter(8) has four epic feats, at levels 21, 22, 24, and again at 24.

Or, if you prefer: the pure Paladin gets his second Epic feat at 23d level. The Fighter/Paladin can get it at 22d level. When the Paladin gets his third Epic feat, the Fighter/Paladin gets his third and FOURTH epic feats.

 

[Darklone]

You forgot the mount. It's better by 4 levels too. A fighter/paladins mount will have a much harder time to survive. And yes, I do think those extra spells are easily worth the few fighter feats. I'd think again about a ftr2/pal18, but the ftr4/pal loses too much IMHO.