Shield fighting optimization

[Andrew Phillips]

I need help to improve the future combat effectivness of this character. The current build is the result of roleplaying choices and shield fighting must continue to be part of the build.
CG Human Barbarian2/Monk(martial artist)1/Fighter(viking)1 Campaign should progress to 15th level.
Str 18
Dex 15
Con 16
Int 14
Wis 8
Chr 12
Skills of note: Intimidate +9, Acrobatics +7(enough ranks for better Fighting Defensivly)
Feats: Iron Will, Imp. Iron Will, Imp. Unarmed Stirke, Imp. Grapple, Imp. Shield Bash and the Shield Bearer trait.
Equipment: MW weapons and armor +2 Belt of Mighty Constitution. Do not expect to meet Wealth by Level guidelines.

The character is the group's primary melee combatant.

Please advise.

[ArmouredMonk13]

Weapon Focus and greater, and the weapon spec line are both nice places to start. Could take Shield focus and spec line for nice bonuses as well if you are looking to be more tankey than damagey. Then there is the TWF chain which is great if you use 2 shields because you take shield master at level 11 and take no TWF penalties with shields.

[XMorsX]

I will also suggest to go for a TWF build even if you do not intend to use two shields. Use a heavy shield as your main weapon and a light weapon (unarmed strike works great) as your off-hand weapon. Take Power Attack at your first chance. Attack with the shield two-handed for 3:1 Power attack in your standard actions, TWF with shield and unarmed strike at full attacks.

After Power attack, Shieldmaster bocomes priority. Between the prereqs fit weapon focus/ spec and greater versions and dazing assault.

Continue with the viking archetype.

EDIT: Just took a closer look at your build, instead of following the above advice just take dragon style and flurry with your unarmed strike. Do not use the shield for attacking.

[blackbloodtroll]

Actually, you can go Ranger, and get Shield Master at 6th level.

You can two hand a Heavy Shield as your core weapon.

After 6th, you can go Brawler Fighter.

[XMorsX]

A possible build, you should have one more feat by 4th lvl though. I will also assume a rage power at 2nd lvl. Retrain the Improved shield bash feat, you will use only unarmed strikes for damage (you can flurry with one hand).

5 lvls of monk will give you immunity to fatigue so that you can rage-cycle 1/rage rage powers (spell sunder comes to mind). Furious finish is particularly interesting when you can rage cycle (even though it is not a rage power).

1 Barb Iron Will, Improved Iron Will
2 Barb Power: Superstition
3 Monk IUS, Improved Grapple, Power Attack, Stunning Fist
4 Viking Weapon Focus: IUS
5 Monk Dragon Style, Dodge
6 Monk
7 Monk Dragon Ferocity
8 Monk
9 Viking Vital Strike, Furious Finish
10 Viking
11 Viking Death or Glory, Weapon Specialization: IUS
12 Viking
13 Viking Improved Vital Strike, Power: Witch Hunter
14 Viking
15 Viking Improved Sunder, Extra Rage Power: Spell Sunder