So I've been playing various characters, and I finally decided to pick up my "Paladin" character again.
Of course, to me, if you don't have an emphasis on magic, a paladin is little more than a plain knight with a holy purpose, so I gave him enough magic to work with without necessarily forgetting that he's a physical character.
Unlike the traditional image of a paladin with gleaming sword and shield, I chose to forego the shield. Mostly because I have a mod that lets me parry attacks even if both hands are occupied (as long as the right hand isn't holding magic or a bow, that is) and also because I thought of a different way of interpreting the Paladin's stereotypically-defensive posture. Instead of relying on a physical shield, the Paladin instead uses his faith as a shield.
Or, in layman's terms, he uses Wards instead of a shield. (Yes I know about Spellbreaker, I just want to use other magic, too)
Due to their natural abilities with restoration, heavy armor, and one-handed weapons, I chose the Imperial for this class. I'll just take the extra gold as a divine gift from Zenithar. I tried not to
start as a Paladin, though, instead embracing the whole "You're a nobody who can be anybody" angle and trying to roleplay my character into the role. I think it worked well. To be specific, he is a Paladin of Stendarr and Arkay, and an ally of Meridia (but only an ally - he is repulsed by her arrogance)
I'm also really loving Apocalypse Spell Package. Adds a lot of spells, including a really nice one that acts as a DoT for undead enemies. DoTs are handy when playing a mixed character because you can stick the DoT on them, then close the distance and cut them to shreds.
And of course, when it comes to Dawnguard, he's siding with Dawnguard, obviously. In fact, I just returned Serana to her home, came back to a vampire attack, and now I'm going to head out and look for a couple of recruits. I'm looking forward to getting the official undead-slaying spells. I only wish I could've got them sooner. I know I could've consoled them in but eh. Wanted to try it "legit".
Have a screenshot of him, holding Dawnbringer in one hand and an undead-slaying spell from Apocalypse in the other:
http://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=171667358Sorry that it's dark.