I typically don't think very far in advance of my character's development, as far as what levels to take and spells, etc, but I'm about to begin a CoS game and I'd like to pre-build my character for this. We're starting at level 3 and we'll end at level 11-12, depending on how much the DM adds in.

For RP purposes, I am strongly considering a Silver Draconic Bloodline for the Sorcerer subclass.

27 Point Buy. Variant Human with War Caster or Resilient (Con). Starting Paladin.

I would like to go with a Dex build, but I'm not sure how to pull it off efficiently. My DM is not going to enforce the 13 Str requirement to multiclass out of Paladin, and I understand that my bloodline will contribute to a higher AC, so I was planning on using Str as a dump stat, along with Int. I'm the first member of this party, so one reason I'm taking this gish build is because it's so flexible with roles that can be taken, depending on how the party structures itself. I prefer healing and buffing in play, so the burst damage potential with this class will be new to me (and fun), but not my only goal. I am not trying to maximize damage, just trying to hold my own in combat.

HOWEVER, I am also very attached to the Divine Soul Sorcerer Bloodline. For general utility, it seems to cover all my bases as a buffer/healer, though I would think it would be all but a requirement for me to stick with Str for this build, as I don't get the AC boost that Draconic does.

​

​

So here are my questions to you:

1. Should I abandon all hopes for my Dex/Draconic build and go the more flexible Str/Divine Soul build?
2. What stat array would you recommend? (Currently, I'm looking at 8, 14, 16, 8, 10, 16, though the Str and Dex can be reversed.)
3. How can I maximize my AC with these options? (It will be very difficult for me to get Plate armor in this campaign until very late in it.)
4. How many levels of Paladin should I take, and when? (My inclination here is the first 2 levels, the rest going Sorcerer.)
5. Does the lack of ASIs harm this gish too badly given the level range?

​

I have already read the Unlimited Blade Works Guide for Sorcadin, which is a few years out of date, but still very helpful. The one thing it's lacking that I need is commentary on Divine Soul.

And if you've made it this far, thank you!