Paladin + Sorcerer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAre3CEgTI8
Most will go PAL 6 / X SORC... Sometimes 7 based on subclass (Conquest, Devotion, especially Watchers)... 8 Paladin doesn't waste the paladin level -- 6 is probably best
Paladin subclasses for level 6 -> Focus on Channel Divinity and whatever 1st and 2nd level spells that appeal to you.
Sorcerer subclass (any really work) - Divine Soul (1st level, for Spirit Guardians), Aberrant Mind (6th level), Clockwork Soul
Not great, but optional -- Hexblade dip (1 handed) to focus on CHA only instead of CHA/STR. Multiclass requirements for paladin requires 13 STR and 13 CHA... so trying to do a DEX Paladin doesn't work here. Custom Lineage helps the Hexblade dip because you can get 18 CHA at level 1 (but you don't get Warcaster or any weapon feats).
I'm not entirely sold the dip is bad... 13/12/15/8/8/15 is a possibility... So is something like 13/13/14/8/9/15 (with a chance to get Resilient DEX and/or WIS)... 13/12/14/8/10/15 (not a bad standard array option here)
Feats: Warcaster, GWM, Sentinel, Polearm Master (want them all, can't get them all)
The Smite Machine might be better of going PAL 2 / X SORC
Ultimate Smiter
Paladin + Warlock + Cleric?
Dodge Guy... Cast Bless on Round 1, then Dodge for the rest of the time in the backline?
Paladin first for heavy armor...
Two factors for bard vs sorcerer... What spell list compliments us better? Does metamatic or bardic inspiration better compliment the paladin?
Divine Smite complements multiattack for more opportunities to multiattack (does that mean a Swords bard might be a better 2 Paladin Smiter?)
When do you want to Smite?
- Will it drop/kill the enemy?
- Critical attacks against significant foes.
- When you don't need to conserve resources
- Dealing damage against resistance/immune enemies
- The situation has become desperate