Paladin Bonds

[carrdrivesyou]

So I was the Nethys Archives, and it pointed out that there are alternative bonds (http://archivesofnethys.com/PaladinDivineBonds.aspx) to the mount and weapon ones. I was curious what you lot thought of these in comparison to the base bond options. Has anyone used them? Is there a class guide that reviews these options?

[Spore]

I do not think so. The Agathion bond is pretty weak and I feel from the other two, the Archon slightly pulls ahead, especially on a 'build' that stacks an actual 'shaken' effect onto this typeless aura. For a campaign that regularly deals with evil outsiders, the angel aura is top notch though.

[carrdrivesyou]

Regarding the angel bond, what about in campaigns that might run afoul of a demon or devil only every few levels or so?? Would it still be as good as the others then?

[Geddy2112]

There are also paladin classes that bond to armor (http://archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Paladin%20Divine%2 0Defender), shields (http://archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Paladin%20Sacred%2 0Shield), domains (http://archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Paladin%20Temple%2 0Champion), get a familiar instead (http://archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Paladin%20Chosen%2 0One), varying animal companions (http://archivesofnethys.com/ArchetypeDisplay.aspx?FixedName=Paladin%20Scion%20 of%20Talmandor), and other varying forms of bonding and replacing it altogether. Not the same, but there is a lot of stuff out there if you don't want a weapon/mount.

I second the angel bond being the best of the three variants hands down. Protection from evil is just that good.

[Red Fel]

Regarding the angel bond, what about in campaigns that might run afoul of a demon or devil only every few levels or so?? Would it still be as good as the others then?

Well, here's the thing. Angelic Bond has two effects - first, the halo, a Continual Flame effect, is on its own a useful ability whenever delving into dungeons or other dark places. Second, Protection from Evil for all allies within 20 feet.

PfE has three effects, and notably, none are exclusive to Evil Outsiders. First, there are the bonuses to AC and saves - those apply to any Evil creature. That's always helpful. Second, there's the bonus saving throw against mental control - not always necessary, since you might not see those effects often, but incredibly useful when it applies. And lastly, protection against Evil summoned creatures - again, not always necessary, because minions aren't a frequent thing, but incredibly useful when it applies.

Now, that last ability in particular is useful against Evil Outsiders, because (1) many of them summon buddies, and (2) those summoned buddies will therefore be Evil summoned creatures. But even without that, you're probably going to be facing Evil enemies with some regularity (else why play a Paladin?), and therefore enjoying, at the very least, a bonus to AC and saves on top of a walking torch.

I mean, is it better than having a magical weapon (which is also a torch), or a magical mount? Is it better than one of the archetypes that trade away or modify your Divine Bond? That's your call. But yeah, 1 min per level, multiple times a day, torch and party AC/save bonuses? Not terrible, at least.

[carrdrivesyou]

Thanks for the input guys and gals! I think I've got it figured out now!

[stack]

Note the protection from evil is a deflection bonus to AC and a resistance bonus to saves. Those won't age well. The +2 resistance is likely eclipsed by a cloak not long after you get it (cloaks are relatively cheap for the importance of their effect). The party having a +2 or greater deflection bonus to AC will take a bit longer, but it will likely be redundant eventually. Depends on the level of play.

Of course, you could skimp of those items assuming that the bond will be up, but you don't always have time to do so and not everything forcing saves and making attacks will count as evil.