Heavyside's page

Dropping power attack from the build might be a good move. I was looking in the rulebook, but can't tell what bonuses someone who is TWF gets from power attack. Is it an even trade between attack and damage in this case? Or +2 damage -1 attack (at lvl 1)? I was mainly planning on having it for when I've got the enemy prone (the bull rush from the shield slam can knock them prone)

If I do drop power attack, unfortunately, I can't move any of the other feats in the list up because of BAB prereqs. So all that really leaves is Extra LoH, combat reflexes and imp bull rush, of which Extra LoH looks the best to me.

I like the suggestion to grab Imp TWF, but working it into the build would edge out stunning crit which is just so sweet. It's just a bummer that I can't take it at lvl 5.

Imp Bull rush allows you avoid AAO's, but the bull rush that results from shield bash already avoids AAO's, so it would basically be a filler talent to get to imp greater bull rush. In practice, I think it might be too situational to use 2 talent slots on it.

And one other thing: ability bonuses from magic items can be factored in when determining if you meet feat prerequisites?

He'll be using sword and board, but tossing out shield bashes too. I've tried to give equal weight to defensive and offensive power. Ideally, I want this guy to soak attacks while tossing LoH on himself if needed as well as having a respectable damage output.

Also, I want him to be able to come to a caster's rescue if needed (would relying on the bull rush from shield slam be enough?).

I'm pretty sure I just want to go 1-20 paladin.

Any suggestions?

Human (20 point buy, +2 to cha)

Str: 15
Dex: 15
Con: 14
Int: 8
Wis: 7
Cha: 17

Ability Boosts:

Charisma on all levels. Use magic item bonuses to fill out combat abilities

Feats:

1: TWF, Imp Shield Bash
3: Double Slice
5: Power Attack
7: Shield Slam
9: Imp Crit
11: Shield Master
13: Bashing Finish (APG)
15: Crit Focus
17: Staggering Crit
19: Stunning Crit

Some other feats I'm not sure about: Combat reflexes, Stand Still, Imp Bull Rush, Extra Lay on hands, Imp TWF (Would require higher dex though)

Am I correct in assuming that I'm stuck with light shields as long as I want quickened LoH on myself?

I've kind of developed a dislike for the pure melee classes (fighter, barbarian, rogue, monk). I just feel like if all I wanted to do was smack stuff, I would play one of the many computer rpg's out there (Baldur's Gate, Diablo, etc).

Arcane spellcasting is what really draws mean to pen and paper however. Not the nuking, type, but more the battlefield controller. Nothing like scrying the target, gathering info, preparing buffs potions and weaopns for the fight, and then teleporting in with your party armed to the teeth and ready to send the BBEG to hell. You just can't do that in a pc game. :). Which is why I kind of find it odd how so few people in my gamer groups like to play arcane casters.

Never really been too much of a fan of the druids or clerics either. Seems to me like they just spend most of their time tossing out buffs and heals in between fights and when the combat starts, they become just another melee striker.

I might have to try an alchemist though, I just like the idea of them for some reason.

That said, if the party really needs a healer, I've got a sword and board pally who can soak damage (the new lay on hands really makes paladins shine as tanks) and then bust out the wand of cure light wounds after the fight. If the party says they need a rogue, well, I like to show up first day with an urban ranger. Disable device and use magic device (from one of the traits) along with trap finding is just too sweet to pass up.