Quote Originally Posted by aguaracu View Post

If necessary I can replace the Metamagic Adept feat with an ASI (+1 strength, +1 dexterity) to make Amoukar more useful on the front line. I took Metamagic Adept because the trickery cleric doesn't come with all the abilities to match the fluff and I wanted more opportunities for tricks; but it's not vital to the character or the build.
You don't need-need to. My backstory literally has him beginning the pilgrimage to become a Paladin. Having a couple levels of it for shields and the Defense fighting style makes perfect narrative sense. I am well and truly half way to becoming a Rubric Marine now. I just need to get dusted inside the armor.