Obj: Create a "guard" PC elf using sword and board (preferably not twr). It does not need to be optimized, just needs to hold its own in 1:1 combat.
Rolls: 13/18/12/17/17/13
Projected Block:
Str--17
Dex--19
Con--16
Int--14
Wis--13
Cha--13
LvL: 5
Ideas thus far: Run as ShieldedFtr 5 with TWF, Shield Focus, and Bash. Grants some party assistance if outnumbered while still capable of dmg output.
Run as a Guide/Warden 5, focusing more on the defensive. Force enemies into a war of attrition once in familiar territory. Only issue I see with Warden is the loss of combat feats (the Hunter's Bond and Favored Enemies don't really appeal). While this role would be better fit by a BattleCleric setup, due to the campaign and character backstory this would be implausible.
So, how would you guys write it up?
You're starting at level 5, I assume? I'm going to assume that you're not down with Gorum, for RP reasons.
"Force enemies into a war of attrition" doesn't work; it's a team game, and if you're not engaging the enemy, they'll engage your casters.
I would go Freebooter Ranger. Feats: TWF, Shield Slam, Imp. Shield Bash, and Shield Wall if you can coordinate it with your party, Shield Focus (aiming for Missile Shield) if you can't.
You should be able to afford a +1 Bashing heavy spiked shield, doing 2d6.
-and put that 18 in Strength!
Unarmed fighter 5 with a temple sword and buckler using crane style. Then go MoMS 2 and pick up snake style and snake fang. Get the brawling property put on your armor. Destroy almost any and every single melee focused target of your CR or less without taking damage from them. Crane wing the first attack, use snake style on the next attack, and every time they miss you you get a free AoO against them.
Freebooter Ranger. As a move action you get +1-5 on attack and damage to one enemy until they die or you designate a new one.
take the Shield Style, get Shield Master at level 6, Bashing Finish at 10. Use your real feats for TWF feats.
Snag a keen/improved citical Kukri or wakizachi; this is your light off hand weapon. Use a Heavy Spiked shield of Bashing as your main hand.
Get your critical feat of choice for your Kukri, depending on how long the game goes, I'd go for Bleeding or Staggering Critical.
Put all your stat increases in STR and 1 in DEX.
Every time you crit with your kukri, you get a free shield bash attack, and bleed/stagger. since you should crit about 30% of the time with said kukri... you should get an extra attack every third attack or so, on top of the usual TWF feats.