Paladin spell casting stat

[Eegxeta]

The paladin spell casting stat is wisdom I think it should be changed to Charisma because charisma is what all the paladin abilities are based on it. The Paladins smite evil and lay on hands are divine abilities as well as their spell casting wouldn't their base stat be the same?

[darkstorme]

This is not something that can be altered; it's part of the Neverwinter Nights engine (and, for that matter, part of Dungeons and Dragons since 2nd edition).

Moreover, Charisma plays a part in Cleric abilities as well (turn undead and similar abilities).  Wisdom reflects (to an extent) the ability for a divine caster to connect to their deity, reflected in the number of spells granted by said deity.  Charisma represents force of personality, which is reflected in their outward expressions of personal faith (smiting evil, turning undead, etc).