Advice: On Dwarven Fighter, Axe & Shield, Two-Weapon Archetype, with a dash of Stalwart Defender ;p

[Gogo]

So, its a bit of a complicated idea maybe, but I kind like to always have things to look forward to, start to finish, with my Pathfinder characters. That said, i've never really played straight melee combatant, so am looking for advice, well ahead of time, on this future character.

The things I am 100% sure upon is that he's a Dwarf, favours dwarven waraxe and (heavy)shield and likes to shield slam while defending the weak/allies. I know he'll never do as much damage as a straight damage dealing focused fighter, but I am trying to minimize the gimping of his output, as I doubt Antagonise will be an option (which I am more than okay with)

Anyway, stats, feats, etc.
(Note: Our DM makes us role our stats - 4d6 pick best 3 - though allows placing those stats where we choose, so I will be a bit vague, but give an indication of my thinking)

Strength = High as possible.
Dexterity = 16, preferably 17 (For Two-weapon fighting feats)
Constitution = Aim for 14+2 (racial)
Intelligence = Aim for 10
Wisdom = Aim for 12+2 (racial)
Charisma = Dump Stat/lowest role (-2 racial)
(I don't think this is an outlandish goal, but a bad role will probably force my to try this again some other time)

Racial changes = Relentless for the Bull Rush bonus, also I am not sure how I will use the favoured bonus. How much (if any) + to CMD vs.Bull Rush/Trips would be too much, or should I just go all into hp?

Two-Weapon Warrior = I am thinking from 1st to 13th level, making the most of the bonuses to 2 weapons (I believe shields are weapons, but it is something i'll have to check with my DM). I definitely like the 11th level bonus so I can use a heavy shield in my off-hand with light weapon penalties (its more a flavour thing for me than getting abit more damage out)

Stalwart Defender = Starting at level 14 i'm thinking of taking this (but this is a recent idea), since the 2Weapon archetype felt less interesting and the Stalwart feels like it could breath new and interesting things during my second half of this character. I am not altogether sure on which defence Powers to take, though Intercept seems to fit my flavour, and possibly some DR. I am still wondering if this Prestige class is worth it, or are there better ways to go that this at later levels?

Feats: (Put a ?? beside things I am really unsure of or question)
1st)Power Attack & Toughness (Stalwart Prereq.)
2nd)Cleave
3rd)Combat Reflexes
4th)Step Up
5th)Two-Weapon Fighting
6th)Improved Shield Bash
7th)Shield Slam
8th)Improved Two-Weapon Fighting (left until 8th in case need to +1 Dex)
Swap out Cleave for ?Doublestrike? (Possibly get later, 10th maybe)
9th) ?Saving Shield?
10th)Dodge (Stalwart prereq.)
11th)Shield Master
12th)Two-Weapon Rend
Swap out Step-Up for ?Pin-Down? (Before considering Stalwart, I
was thinking of getting Following Step & Step-Up & Strike)
13th) Endurance (Stalwart Prereq.)
15th) ?Lunge? (Seems handy for Stalwart, maybe I should take earlier)
17th) ?Shield Focus?
19th) ?Covering Defence?

Well, that's a lot of stuff, I still question all of it. Flavour aside, I always like to try to stay as useful as possible in my group (I hate being dead space), so any ideas on better things to go for is most appreciated

Thankyou;)

[XMorsX]

Mobility is vital for a TWFer, I suggest that you avoid Stalwart Defender for this reason. You should also avoid using heavy shield (or waraxe) untill you have the Shield Master feat, you need to wield a light weapon on off-hand until then.

[calagnar]

Have you though of going ranger with the sword and shield combat style. It will give you more out of combat things to do. Along with early access to some of the two weapon fighting feet's used with weapon and shield. I like fighters but over all if all your doing is combat there good. The problem is there are many more things you can do then just fight with a ranger.

[Tempestorm]

My son plays a Dwarven shield/hammer fighter very similar to what you are describing. He fights swinging his hammer and shield to wonderful effect... and he does it without the Two Weapon Fighter Archtype. He uses the Shielded Fighter Archtype and has levels of Stalwart Defender. His shield is actualy a more dangerous weapon than his hammer and when he decides he doesn't want to get hit...

I do beleive it is his favorite character.

[Gogo]

I kinda see your point with mobility XMorsX, however the Two Weapon Warrior Archetype bonuses to attack, damage & dodge require you to be making full-round action to get, so your kinda trying to stay still anyway (apart from a 5ft step). Btw, its probably not clear but i'll only start two-weapon fighting at 6th level (archetype bonuses don't really start to kick in until 5th) and that's when I switch to light shield until 11th level, when the archetype provided something called...

Improved Balance (Ex)
At 11th level, the attack penalties for fighting with two weapons are reduced by –1 for a two-weapon warrior. Alternatively, he may use a one-handed weapon in his off-hand, treating it as if it were a light weapon with the normal light weapon penalties.
This ability replaces Armor Training 3.

I did once consider Ranger Calagnar, not sure exactly why I stopped thinking down that route (I do have a strange aversion to that class, not sure why;p). That said, I will take another look and see as you've sparked my interest in seeing where it may differ as I am happy to take a small nerf to damage/defense for some non-combat funzies. Not sure how Stalwart Defender will go with it, but then I am not 100% sold on taking that prestique class.

Tempestorm, glad your son enjoys something similar it gives me hope. Really the only things that make Two Weapon Archetype appealing over straight fighter is the ability to use both weapons as a standard action & for AoO (more shield bashing) and the Improved Balance mentioned above that enables effective use of a heavy shield.

Thanks for the advice and input so far:)

[JKalts]

I second calagnar's motion to consider Ranger with the sword & shield combat style. It may not be in your flavor, but it will grant you early access to feats such as Shield Mastery and Bashing Finish, while archtypes such as Deep Walker will swap out the flighty nature bits for some additional power while underground, Freebooter grants a suite of solid team-oriented buffs (although it comes with a less than notable 7th level ability), Guide is a more selfish version of Freebooter that trades in Evasion for the ability to rereoll an attack with a bonus, or Urban Ranger which gives a smattering of rogue talents and community-oriented bonuses. Skirmisher is another option, if spells are the big turn-off for the class, which replaces them with some weaker, non-magical Ranger Tricks.

If you are set on Two-Weapon Warrior, keep in mind that you're still taking -1 to-hit from TWF until TWW LvL 15's ability. Granted, that ability doesn't do much else, so I can understand why you'd want to swap out prior. You'll also be very reliant on getting a full attack option, since your bonus to-hit and dodge won't apply otherwise--your normal attack-after-move at 13 (your last level of TWW) will be missing out on +3 to-hit (+4 if you use Doublestrike) and you'll be missing out on +3 to your AC. Whatever your other class choice is, I would highly recommend something that grants you extra move speed so you can get into TWF position sooner.

Also, for some reason, I keep thinking there's a Feat along the liens of Oversized Two Weapon Fighting, which lets you treat your off-hand weapon as light even if it's normally one-handed for the purposes of TWF, but I can't find it anywhere. Oh well.

EDIT: Gadzooks, ninja'd by the OP.

EDIT^2: It's also worth noting that TWW gives up Armor and Weapon Training: So by taking the archetype, you miss out on -3 ACP and +3 Max Dex for whatever armor you wear (which, as a Dwarf, your high Dex would be the only real limiting factor for heavy armor). As far as Weapon Training, your first weapon group (likely Axes) would be at +3, your second group (likely Close for your shield) would be at +2, and you still have another weapon group to gain +1 to (likely Bow, Crossbow, Firearms [if applicable] or Thrown).

[Tempestorm]

The Two Weapon Warrior Archtype is just counter intuitive... they give up Armor Training, and the corresponding increase in Max Dex for armor, on a character that is GOING to have a decent dexterity. It's just silly...

[Lord_Malkov]

Honestly.... I would avoid stalwart defender.. there are SOOOO many good feats to take that you will never be out of solid options by just sticking with fighter and the prereqs for defender aee lackluster.

Really the first thing I notice about your list is that you don't have any weapon feats... which are some of the best feats out there.

As for the two weapon archtype... its okay.. not great

I actually think you can do really well by taking the brawler type instead and using shield/scizore... you get a nice fat damage boost from the altered weapon training and a scizore is a 1d10 weapon in the close weapins group. Plus menacing stance and the cmb/cmd bonuses are all great added defenses.

Either way works... you could also just go straight fighter, but I agree that stalwart defender is a weaker choice. If you love it then do it though... whatever seems right for the charavter

[LoneKnave]

If you want Stalwart Defender, you may consider getting some levels of Paladin (with or without the StoneLord archetype). With the Fatigue healing mercy you retain most of your mobility even after you go into a defensive stance. Also, I'd suggest trying to use a reach weapon to better protect your allies.

[Errant Inlad]

I'd go with either a Ranger/ Brawler Fighter or straight up Brawler Fighter with the Relentless Racial Trait from Advanced Players guide.

Both builds below focus on the use of Combat Reflexes, Shield Slam, and Shield Master to control the battlefield. Shield Slam allows you a free Bullrush every time you attack with your shield, which when combined with Combat Reflexes allows you significant battlefield control. Shield Master allows your Shield Attacks to ignore TWF penalties, and allows you to use your shields enhancement bonus on Attack and Damage rolls.

The Ranger Build offers quicker access to Shield Slam/Master, and extra utility. The Fighter Build makes use of Brawlers later abilities to gain superior battlefield control.

Ranger/Brawler Build:

1st Level: Fighter: Improved Shield Bash, Two Weapon Fighting
2nd Level: Fighter: Combat Reflexes
3rd Level: Ranger: Power Attack
4th Level: Ranger: Shield Slam
5th Level: Ranger: Improved Bull Rush
6th Level: Ranger:
7th Level: Ranger: Your Choice
8th Level: Ranger: Shield Master
9th Level: Fighter: Close Combatant.

Brawler Build:

1st Level: Power Attack, Improved Bull Rush,
2nd Level: Combat Reflexes
3rd Level: Improved Shield Bash
4th Level: Two Weapon Fighting
5th Level: Weapon Focus; Shield
6th Level: Shield Slam
7th Level: Weapon Specialization; Shield
8th Level: Your Choice
9th Level: Your Choice
10th Level:Your Choice
11th Level:Shield Master

Until Shield Slam comes online, play with a Two-Handed weapon for good DPS.

Relentless:

Relentless: Dwarves are skilled at pushing their way through a battlefield, tossing aside lesser foes with ease. Dwarves with this racial trait receive a +2 bonus on Combat Maneuver checks made to bull rush or overrun an opponent. This bonus only applies while both the dwarf and his opponent are standing on the ground. This racial trait replaces the stability racial trait.

Shield Slam (Combat:

Shield Slam (Combat)

In the right position, your shield can be used to send opponents flying.

Prerequisites: Improved Shield Bash, Shield Proficiency, Two-Weapon Fighting, base attack bonus +6.

Benefit: Any opponents hit by your shield bash are also hit with a free bull rush attack, substituting your attack roll for the combat maneuver check (see Combat). This bull rush does not provoke an attack of opportunity. Opponents who cannot move back due to a wall or other surface are knocked prone after moving the maximum possible distance. You may choose to move with your target if you are able to take a 5-foot step or to spend an action to move this turn.

Shield Master (Combat):

Shield Master (Combat)

Your mastery of the shield allows you to fight with it without hindrance.

Prerequisites: Improved Shield Bash, Shield Proficiency, Shield Slam, Two-Weapon Fighting, base attack bonus +11.

Benefit: You do not suffer any penalties on attack rolls made with a shield while you are wielding another weapon. Add your shield's enhancement bonus to attacks and damage rolls made with the shield as if it was a weapon enhancement bonus.

EDIT: Rebuilt the Brawler Progression.

[Khazrandir]

I endorse the suggestions above that a ranger is a great option. I currently play a Dwarf Ranger, dual-wielding a shield and a Dorn-Dergar. Getting Shield Master at 8th level is awesome.

Don't forget that Ranger spells are pretty useful. Lead Blades is great.

Check out Dwarves of Golarion to see some cool Dwarven feats and spells. Effective, and fun! I personally like Mighty Strength and Bloodsworn Retribution. My dwarf carved out his eye with a knife and held it to the sky, swearing vengeance against the campaign's main villain. It was fun!

[Tempestorm]

Isn't the Dorn-Dergar a two-handed weapon?

I think I may remember a feat that allows you to use it one handed maybe?

[LoneKnave]

Ayupp, Here it is.

There's also a feat that lets you change ranges as a swift iirc.

[STR Ranger]

Check Bladestorm: Str Rangers TWF Guide for fighters.

In the guide thread.

Shameless self plug, but I'd rather not repeat myself.
Your concept CAN be bloody good.
I'd go BRAWLER archetype all the way.
The Menacing Stance is awesome.

Go shield in the main hand and a cestus at low levels. AXE later when you get Shieldmaster.

Look at the glory of Old trait and the Steel Soul trait. +5 to all saves vs magic is awesome.

[Gogo]

At least part ranger is starting to become appealing and the Brawler archetype doubly so - it may fit my character well. Your post Errant Inlad uses a lot of the feats my OP had, so at I know I am on the right track. Oh, and as for no weapon focus feats, well, I know they are probably optimal, but not much fun when I could be picking up feats that give me new options like protecting another with a shield, rending my enemy between my weapons, etc. Yes I had feats like +1 dodge, but those where just prereq's.

Dorn-Duergar or the Scizore are interesting weapon choices I had not considered (as I am not committed to the axe, it just seemed like a nice weapon since I was a martial weapon for a dwarf). I had considered Steel Soul feat (before the Stalwart defender idea) but not Glory of Old, which i'll have to look into as well.

Btw, my OP was a bit long so I gave no real character background information, but maybe it will help peeps see where I am going (or not going). My Dwarf was raised by human parents and worked in a giant cityport where numerous races came to trade, his job was as a "Justicular" (Elite constabulary, a bit like riot police or SWAT). It is a tough living, law and order his unending goal until he left recently, his dwarven blood screaming for him to go in search of where he came from. Note: I will make a point of mentioning a "lust to wander the land..." and hopefully the DM will give me the Wanderlust trait to solve some mobility problems.

Anyway, too long again, thanks for all the responses. Its giving me plenty to think about:)

[Umbranus]

If you are allowed to reflavour the Viking fighter aiming for thunder and fang might be nice for a Dwarven Fighter.

[Malag]

I didn't read everything, but there is fighter archetype Foehammer for dwarfs and several unique dwarf feats such as goblin/orc/giant cleaver chain and dented helmet chain. They are pretty cool.

Adam

[Khazrandir]

Tempestorm wrote:

Isn't the Dorn-Dergar a two-handed weapon?

I think I may remember a feat that allows you to use it one handed maybe?

Yes, you are exactly right. The Dorn-Dergar is a 2-handed weapon, but with a feat (Dorn Dergar Master) can be wielded 1-handed. It can also switch between having reach, or not.