[1-800-DOCTORB]

Just to clarify and add to some of koz-ivan's answers:

I'd start out as a fighter and go up to level 2 as a fighter before putting in some paladin because you get a bonus feat at level 1 and another one at level 2 that way, but only if your very first 2 character levels are fighter.

The Holy Avenger is a Greatsword
-Damage: 1d8+5
-Attack Bonust +5
-Enchantment +5
-Special: 2d6 against Evil creatures (which is pretty much everybody in the game, at least all the tough monsters anyway)
+15 spell resistance
-can cast dispell magic an unlimited amount of times per day
As you can see, this is a pretty impressive weapon.

I seem to remember a very impressive Bastard Sword late in the game. I honestly don't remember its stats, but I do know that I was disapointed that none of my guys had the proficiancy to use it. The Bastard Sword is the best one-handed sword in the game though if that'll help.