Topic. I am soloing either an Undead Hunter or a Cavalier (suggestions welcome, but that isn't the main question). However, I am roleplaying this time, and frankly, a Paladin should not have a two-handed sword, Cavalier especially. I want to use Sword and Shield style, but the ApR is a turn off. Is 1 the max I can get without using Belm/Kundane?

If I can't get more ApR, I will consider dual-weilding, but it is un-Paladin like.

ADD-For me, the one benefit of going the two-handed way is being able to switch to Firetooth (crossbow) without having to remove a shield/weapon from my off-hand slot...although the Cavalier can't use ranged weapons to begin with.

[ 08-08-2003, 09:23 PM: Message edited by: Pyrenk ]

With a Sword and Shield, the maximum you can get is 2 1/2 ApR (1/2 for Specialisation, and 1/2 for level 7, and 1/2 for level 13). You will most likely need to use a ToB Scimitar (the one found on the 3rd level of Watcher's Keep), instead of the one found on the first floor, because the extra health to you won't be that evident unless you invest heavily in Greater Whirlwinds. However, the 30% Magic REsistance bonus is very useful. I would go with the Cavalier, but that's just me. You can get the Amulet of Power soon anyways.

It's a Bastard Sword, not a Scimitar.

I forgot that I had True Grandmastery and Un-nerfed THACO tables from the EoU mod...with ***** in Bastard Sword, ** in Sword and Shield, Purifier, and the Shield of the Order (??), I had 7/2 ApR :D

Ah, new question. Which weapon proficiency should I take, Bastard Sword? Long Sword is tempting (Dragon Slayer :D ), and I love the Axe of the U., but the Purifier seems best in role-playing terms.

Well if you're going with bastard sword, then a good starting sword, which isn't too hard to acquire early in the game, would be the Daystar. Don't complain about blade's guardian being too hard for so early in the game, there are ways around him.

Complain about difficulty? Pshaw. I live for the challenge :D BTW, isn't Daystar a Long Sword? =\

I can't decide on the weapon, though. I've narrowed it down to the Purifier (Bastard Sword), the Axe of the Unyeilding, Angurvadal (Long Sword), and the Spectral Brand (Scimitar).

Axes ! For solo Cavalier - Azuredge (upgraded +4) - ranged weapon, Stonefire , ...

Later Axe of Unyielding and Klogarath !

Also Flails : FOE and DOE

Armor of Faith + DOE + Hardiness - 85%
You'll need that !

And of course bastard swords - Foebane and Purifier !
Don't forget the mighty Carso ... ;)

Go for a cavalier, first off. They have essentially no disadvantages, and the bonuses are extreme.

I would advise going for a shield, because you will need the added benefits, and the one-handed weapons are nothing to shake a stick atAnyway, I have a solo pally going on, and I'm shaping the weapon proficiencies like this: (for an end-game level 34 pally)
(beginning)
** Axes
** Two-Handed Sword
(later)
** Bastard Swords
** Halberds
** Flail
** War Hammer
* Whatever (I did long swords)
** Sword and Shield

Basically Cavalier and Undead Hunter are eually strong but as SoA offers a lot of nice anti-undead items you don't really need the UH's special bonuses so go for the Cavalier.
Sword and Shield style is the way to go - roleplaying wise.
I'd suggest (for SoA only)
Longswords: Daystar, Balde of Roses, Dragon Slayer
War Hammer: Crom Faeyr
Mace of Disruption
Flail of Ages
Azuredge is a fine weapon but I don't really see a Paladin wielding a one-handed axe.

Can you use K'logorath (Ranged) w/ a shield?