Thanks a lot, people!! I've decided to be a cavalier using two-handed swords primarily. True, a cavalier is supposed to be a gentleman knight, but then, like all descriptions for classes/kits, this is just an outline for the player to folllow. as for two-handed swords being "brutish," I guess thats just up to interpretation.
Another note: I've always liked long swords, as they are faster, but it seems to me that the bastard sword is the 'paladin' thing to use. Maybe I'm just weird!
The only question left now is: do I use war hammers, or maces, or flails, or maybe even morning stars? my plan is maces or warhammers, but i prefer to decide with more input and wisdom...or at least as close as this forum can come to giving wisdom!