TOPIC: Optimizing a Fighter for Nightmare Difficulty

We've done the math dozens of times on here. The short answer is hit/dam is almost always better on anything near a 1 to 1 basis and probably up to 2 to 1 at a minimum.

Personally, from one paladin player to another, I would probably look at what exactly your objective as a paladin is.<br /><br />Me?  I like trying to buff my pally into being a bit of a damage-dealing powerhouse.  Hit fast and hard, I guess.  That way there's less chance of taking damage.  Consequently, my AC is quite a bit lower than the stats you quote, and I'm pretty sure the Clerics in the party are less than fond of me because of the amount of damage I will sustain because of that, but when I hit something, it takes some pretty hefty damage.  If you're in that camp, I suggest trading out the Tower Shield and Long Sword for the Holy Great Sword.  Another good trade (in my opinion) is both the Crown of Might if you can get your hands on one for the head and/or the Celestial Girdle for the Belt of Retrieval.<br /><br />If you want to go with more mediocre damage and less chance of getting hit, keep the AC pretty high.  Possible trades in this would be the +1 or +2 cloak, since technically (according to my good old player's handbook) paladins are immune to fear <br /><br />Or take the middle road and mix them up.  Keep the Tower Shield and use a Girdle/Crown.  That way you don't necessarily deal as much damage per hit, but at least you can take a hit pretty well.<br /><br />Again, as I said, it's really up to how you like to play your paladin.

<br />... the Celestial Girdle for the Belt of Retrieval.

<br /><br />That's the only part I probably disagree with unless you wanted the Celestial Set Bonus (which is peach). Assuming you use the Belt of Retrieval to drink a potion of Bull's Strength, you'd be trading +2 to-hit and +2 to damage in that scenario for only +2 to damage and immunity to fear. What's also nice about the BoR is it gives versatility in that you have the option of drinking something else if extra strength is not needed. Granted there is an extra cost associated with using the BoR, even more as potions of Bull's Strength get harder and harder to come by.

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<br />... the Celestial Girdle for the Belt of Retrieval.

<br /><br />That's the only part I probably disagree with unless you wanted the Celestial Set Bonus (which is peach). Assuming you use the Belt of Retrieval to drink a potion of Bull's Strength, you'd be trading +2 to-hit and +2 to damage in that scenario for only +2 to damage and immunity to fear. What's also nice about the BoR is it gives versatility in that you have the option of drinking something else if extra strength is not needed. Granted there is an extra cost associated with using the BoR, even more as potions of Bull's Strength get harder and harder to come by. <br />

<br /><br />You hit the nail on the head as to why I suggest the Girdle over the BoR.  <br /><br />I personally prefer not to use something that only has a value in burning up tokens that are becoming more and more difficult to come by.  Yes, you don't get the capability to use a healing potion, but you still have the bonus to damage whether or not you possess the potion to burn.<br /><br />Of course, as I also said, it's really up to what you're looking to do with your paladin, and by no means do I think that I have the perfect build, just a couple friendly suggestions

Aye, I've got 3 potions of Bull's Strength at the moment, but I'm expecting there to be combat in 5 or so of the 7 rooms on the run. I'll have to pick some more up or go without in the first few combats.

IMO - the only reason to BELT of GoGS is to use CATS GRACE to increase ARCH perks!