Cool.

FYI, if you care mechanically, the Fighting Style you choose at Level 2 can matter for your overall feel in combat.

Dueling is better at low levels, but that flips around level 9 or so. Dealing an additional +2 damage while the base numbers are small is a big-ish deal. At later levels, that +2 wont matter as much. You're a Paladin, so your extra attack at level 5 will keep Dueling relevant longer than some other martials would get use of it.

Defense, if you're wearing heavy armor and using a shield, can get 19 AC by level 2. Chain mail (16) / Shield (+2) / Defense (+1)
It's not like "nothing" will hit you, but you'll be almost untouchable by melee attacks. Especially with the shit bonuses to hit that low level monsters have.
Drawing attacks and not getting hit is hugely powerful to your party comp. Best way to tank, IMO, is to do exactly this.

Great Weapon Fighting in general lines up with Dueling, but they apply to different weapon load outs. GWF helps more with 2d6 than it does with 1d12 weapons. EV of 1d12 with GWF is 7.33 (+STR). EV of 2d6 with GWF is 8.33 (+STR).

Protection will prob. not be as useful as you'd expect at first glance. Any party member who wants to be within 5 feet of you while you're in melee with a baddie prob. doesn't need your protection. That said, if you have 2 tanks in your party... this could see effective use.


Tasha's has 3 more Fighting Styles that are worth looking at, IMO.

Blessed Warrior - You learn two cantrips of your choice from the cleric spell list. They count as paladin spells for you, and Charisma is your spellcasting ability for them. Whenever you gain a level in this class, you can replace one of these cantrips with another cantrip from the cleric spell list.

Blind Fighting - You have blindsight with a range of 10 feet. Within that range, you can effectively see anything that isn't behind total cover, even if you're blinded or in darkness. Moreover, you can see an invisible creature within that range, unless the creature successfully hides from you.

Interception - When a creature you can see hits a target, other than you, within 5 feet of you with an attack, you can use your reaction to reduce the damage the target takes by 1d10 + your proficiency bonus (to a minimum of 0 damage). You must be wielding a shield or a simple or martial weapon to use this reaction.


Blessed Warrior gives you access to 9 cantrips / pick 2, which is yuge. There are lots of good options in there to flavor your build with. You can swap them out on level ups if you want to try other things. Versatile and fun.

Unfortunately, Blind Fighting is super-duper situational, but when you use it... total boss. Getting attacked by invisible creatures happens, and your DM probably will have forgotten you have this when they concoct their devilish schemes.

Interception is basically just a flavor option that has the same pros and cons as Protection, IMO.