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Aug 27, 2012 -- 3:00AM, ArelOfAikala wrote:

Weak mark? Not really, no. DC/DS will net your far more damage than being a Blackguard ever will, no matter the level.

That said: you don't need Arcane Implement Proficiency, nor necessarily Versatile Expertise. Hybrid rules state that you can use an implement from  either class for the powers of both classes. Which means you can use an Holy Symbol for Sorcerer's powers, and stick with 1h+shield. That also allows you to pick Devoted Protector's Expertise, which works with weapons and Holy Symbols, and grants your allies a flat +1AC bonus just because you're wearing a shield. In case you rethink and go for straight Paladin, a HS means extra damage on your punishment (which is not weak), in the form of Symbol of the Champion's Code.

Weak mark? Why yes, the Hybrid Pali mark is weak...for this character, its 4 damage IF AND ONLY IF the enemy violates the mark. In practice, getting +8 damage out of my blackguard is fairly easy. 

However, your recommendation of Devoted Protector's Exp saves me 2 feats  I can't even begin to tell you how happy that makes me...happy enough to, at the very least, give this a shot.

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Selena the Noble, level 7
Dragonborn, Paladin/Sorcerer
Hybrid Paladin Option: Hybrid Paladin Reflex
Sorcerous Power Option: Sorcerous Power Strength
Hybrid Talent Option: Paladin Armor Proficiency
Dragonborn Racial Power Option: Dragon Breath
Dragon Breath Key Ability: Dragon Breath Strength
Dragon Breath Damage Type: Dragon Breath Cold >>Cold is fun
Born Under a Bad Sign (Born Under a Bad Sign Benefit)
Theme: Noble >>I am finding this build to be, somewhat, item dependant

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
STR 19, CON 11, DEX 13, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 19

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
STR 16, CON 11, DEX 13, INT 8, WIS 10, CHA 16


AC: 26 Fort: 19 Ref: 19 Will: 20
HP: 62 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 15

TRAINED SKILLS
Athletics +8, Heal +8, Religion +7

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics +0, Arcana +2, Bluff +7, Diplomacy +7, Dungeoneering +3, Endurance –1, History +4, Insight +3, Intimidate +9, Nature +3, Perception +3, Stealth +0, Streetwise +7, Thievery +0

POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Noble Utility: Noble Presence
Dragonborn Racial Power: Dragon Breath
Paladin Feature: Divine Challenge
Paladin Attack 1: Strike of Hope >>giving my allies temp is always a good thing
Sorcerer Attack 1: Burning Spray
Sorcerer Attack 1: Wave of Light
Paladin Attack 1: Blood of the Mighty
Heal Utility 2: Iron Resurgence
Paladin Attack 3: Strength from Valor >>no more dread smite
Sorcerer Attack 5: Glacial Armor
Sorcerer Utility 6: Sudden Scales
Paladin Attack 7: Resurgent Smite

FEATS
Level 1: Hybrid Talent >>Armor
Level 2: Devout Protector Expertise >>Love it!
Level 4: Mighty Challenge >>Now my mark damage does 8 radiant instead of 4, much better all things considered
Level 6: White Lotus Riposte >>when I hit with burning spray, enemies will take damage if they hit me. Combine with Draconic Challange @ level 8, which lets me mark everyone in my breath blast. Creates a "Damned if you do, Damned if you don't" scenario. 

ITEMS
Force Broadsword +2 x1 >>without Arcane Imp, I can not switch my Sorc powers to Force at will like I can with my Blackguard. While there is little to be said about the value of force damage, it also means I can not exchange my Sorc powers for Fire, Cold, Radiant ect until later in the game. Also complicates feats that empower such damage types.
Flamedrinker Shield Heavy Shield (heroic tier) x1 >>who doesnt love fire resist
Martyr's Plate Armor +2 x1 >>Is a logical choice for this character
Amulet of Protection +2 x1
Magic Holy Symbol +2 x1
====== End ======