This thread is just to get a heads up for my path as a Paladin. I have never played a Paladin before, so I would like to hear from people who has, or just have some interesting ideas to share with me. Thanks in advance.

So this is what my character's mold will look like...

Primary Skills:
- One-Handed (Either sword or mace)
- Block (shield of course)
- Heavy Armor

Secondary Skills:
- Restoration (for healing/undead)
- Destruction (for range)
- Alteration (for passive abilities)

Here are things that I have been thinking about but do not have the answers for.

Steel Plate Armor:
- Can I buy the armor, or will I need to make it? (Looting aside)
- Will I need to take up smithing to reach the armor cap, or can I get away with just using perks?

Dragons/Long range fighting:
- I am going to use destruction spells to reach Dragons at long range. Is there another way? Getting Dragonrend is a great solution, but I have to get really far into the story before I get it.

Is there anything else I should know from an experienced Paladin player?

I prefer my paladins to focus more on the warrior side, so the only magic skill I use is restoration. Are you on PC by any chance? If so Immersive Armors has some great paladins heavy armor sets!

Alright, the key things to remember about Paladins.

1. Get Composite Armour as soon as possible. That is the key to your survival. It will allow you to take so much more hits.

2. The point defense laser. This thing can be used both as a shield and a weapon, remember that. Rush forward and get this thing into action.

3. The choice of drone. I'd recommend the scout drone. You already have fantastic defense and offensive power. This drone offers great utility and enhanced sight.

4. Strategy. There's only one option here: Search and Destroy. This will allow you to get the first hit in every time, which does far more in the long run then extra damage or armour.

I think somebody zigged when they shoulda zagged. Either that, or there's a whole 'nother side of Skyrim that I haven't seen yet.

Personally the only magic skill I envision a paladin using is restoration, maybe alteration for the mage armor spells to get that little extra umph when it comes to DR.

Weapon: Mace

Heavy armor for sure, I think steel plate shows up kind of early in loot tables so you shouldn't have to wait too long before finding any or just get the necessary smithing perk to make it. The helmet bugs me a little bit for a paladin though.. not sure why it just doesn't seem to fit right but meh.

Liberal use of the repel undead spell and the 'sanctuary spells', you know, the ones that make undead a certain level flee whenever they enter the circle.

For long range vs. dragons and the like I'd go with the crossbow even though that typically doesn't fit with the paladin archetype I like it more than using a bow.

Just my opinions of course otherwise looks like you're good to go. Have fun!

I think crossbow, bow or destruction would all be reasonable ranged attacks for a paladin. If you do go destruction, you might also consider using the elemental cloaks as your paladin's 'auras'.

I applaud you for thinking 1h + block + heavy armor - that all seems just so paladinish to me! And block is so darn neat in Skyrim. Mace vs 1h sword - both seem equally paladinish to me. And your choice of steel plate armor is a great one. Alteration is a neat choice to help detect the evil aura of your foes and to cast righteous light into dark places.

Have fun!

I actually think a light armor like Mithril suits a paladin who is a half mage. For this though you need Mods.

I think heavy armor is better suited to a crusader style of play (melee leaning on minor magic - mostly restoration).

Being in light armor uses less stamina and requires less strength plus you have alteration and restoration to full back on if needed. With enough magicka you can 3 en summon an ally.

I have an Imperial Battlemage who is One-handed, Block, Light Armor, Restoration, Destruction & Alteration. He wears enchanted Dragonscale armor with an enchanted mages hood. His stats work very well.

I would go for some flame spells as well, the Crusader pre-made class has destruction spells. In ESO the Templar class has holy spells which cause flame damage.

But yea! Heavy Armor, One handed/Shield, Restoration and the Flame spells tends to scream "Paladin" for me!

The difference between a warrior and a paladin is more about decisions made than equipment used. Steer clear of the Thieves Guild, the Dark brotherhood, and anything daedric.

Thanks for your inputs guys. I figured I would specialize in lightning spells for 'smiting' the enemy.

I also do not play on the computer so mods are out of the question for me.

Regarding destruction, I do think I would go with one element - and you can justify any of them I figure -

Cleanse evil with fire, or

Call down lightning from the heavens, or

Purge evil with the holy freezing breath of the gods themselves . . . .