Kaltor Reinhardt - Optimization Guide
Current Build Summary
Half-Elf Paladin 3 | STR 16 (+3) | CHA 16 (+3) | CON 19 (+4, Amulet of Health)
HP: 34 (maximum) | Spells: Divine Smite, Sacred Flame, Thaumaturgy, Resistance, Guidance, Guiding Bolt, Bless
Kaltor is the party's anchor. 34 HP at level 3 (Amulet of Health is excellent) and presumably solid AC from armor and shield. The focus here is spell slot discipline and maximizing the opportunity attack window that Dissonant Whispers (if Elaris picks it up) will create.
Priority Changes
1. Save Spell Slots for Divine Smite on Crits
Divine Smite can be declared after you see a crit land. A 2nd-level smite on a crit is 4d8 radiant damage (doubled to 8d8 on the crit roll). That's on average 36 damage from one hit.
Do not spend slots on Bless if Elaris has it prepared - she has it and should be casting it. Do not spend slots on Guiding Bolt unless you are in a ranged position. Save both 1st and 2nd-level slots for smite opportunities in melee.
2. Shield of Faith on Yourself Before Entering Chokepoints
Shield of Faith costs a 1st-level slot and a bonus action: +2 AC, concentration, lasts 10 minutes. Against groups of enemies at a bottleneck, +2 AC is statistically significant over 3-4 rounds of attacks. If Elaris is maintaining Bless on three targets, you don't need to cast it yourself.
3. Use Lay on Hands Proactively
Lay on Hands is 15 HP total per long rest that can be dispensed in any amount. It costs an action but no spell slot. Use it to top off party members between fights without burning slots. Also useful as emergency stabilization (1 HP to stabilize a downed ally rather than a healing spell).
Spell Usage Guide
| Spell | When to Use |
|---|---|
| Divine Smite | On crits, or when you need to end an enemy's turn before they act again. Declare after seeing the attack roll. |
| Bless | Only if Elaris is down or hasn't cast it. Don't double-stack. |
| Guiding Bolt | Round 1 from a ranged position before the melee closes. The advantage it grants the next attacker is more valuable than the damage. |
| Sacred Flame | Low priority - DEX save cantrip. Most combat-ready enemies have better DEX than WIS. Use in emergencies only. |
| Guidance / Resistance | Out of combat and short rests. No slot cost. |
Opportunity Attack Synergy
If Elaris picks up Dissonant Whispers, enemies that fail the WIS save are forced to use their reaction to flee. That forced movement triggers your opportunity attack.
Stay adjacent to the largest threats. You get the free hit, the enemy moves away from you into a worse position, and Elaris deals psychic damage on top. This works best when you are between the enemy and the rest of the party.
Next Level-Up Plan
Level 4: ASI or feat. Sentinel is extremely strong for a paladin in melee - when you hit a creature with an opportunity attack, their speed becomes 0 (they stop). Combined with Dissonant Whispers forcing movement, you stop the enemy cold and keep them in melee range. Alternatively, +2 STR takes you to 18 for better attack rolls and damage.