I'm DM-ing a one off adventure for the group I normally play in. Yesterday was the try-out session and it seems one of the players is rather underpowered compared to the other players. This is due to the fact that I made the char for one player and pushed it into, for them, uncharted optimization territory. The other player took the clue, consulted me and is about up to par. The third ... not so much. I need some help getting him there.
The adventure is heavily undead and combat orientated.
The group consist of:
Feral dwarf cleric 5, melee oriented. con and strength 20-25. Uses his claws and an amulet of natural weapons. Bow of strength and zen-archery as backup. That feat form libris mortis that lets you heal negative levels as healing backup.
Feral Half-ogre fighter 4 with a spike chain. Con 20+, strength 25+. Not trip orientated but 20 ft reach with combat reflexes and high strength make him powerful. Giving that the cleric has enlarge (strength domain) this will only get worse/better.
Human Paladin 6. Basic sword and board high CHA paladin.
Guess who's the dead weight
Anyway, this player is dead set on playing a proto-paladin. Goody two-shoes type. I'll try to get him on the same optimization level as the other two. I'm prepared to do some handwaving to get his concept workable. I've come up with this:
Human Cleric 3 - Prestige Paladin 3 (I'll remove the BAB +4 requirement and give him ride as a class-skill)
Domains: Undeath and Law (traded for law devotion)
Feats:
Extend spell, Persist spell, DMM persist, 1 free
Skills: don't care. At least Ride, knowledge religion and knowledge history for requirements
Equipment:
Reliquary Holy Symbol, Night Stick. 4.5k GP remain
I hope to get him to ditch the longsword and shield in favour of a greatsword but I think that won't happen.
Stats:
18-16-14-12-12-10. Arrange as desired.
Currently set to STR 16, DEX 12, CON 14, INT 10, WIS 12, CHA 18.
This gives him (with CHA 18) 17 turn attempts which makes 2 (or with the extended persisted spell trick) 4 persisted spells.
I'm looking for spells to persist, maybe some equipment tips. Other comments are welcome as well.
Million dollar question. Am I overdoing it or will this paladin be on par with the cleric and half-ogre?