I'm looking into making a Dwarven Living Monolith from the Pahmet Dwarves for the upcoming Mummy's Mask AP that my friend is planning to run. I'd like to build from a martial class into the Living Monolith Prestige class, preferably getting there as soon as possible without having a gimpy character. I'd like to focus on a pretty simple character, focused mainly on survivability and toughness, while still being able to contribute to combat meaningfully and hopefully have a couple extra tricks beyond that. While I know that two handing a reach weapon might be the most optimal way to go when it comes to a class that can enlarge itself, some part of me would like to try a character who uses Two Weapon Fighting with a sword and shield, but I wonder if that's a bit too much to try and cram into the same character.
Anyhow, I've had a few ideas on builds, but I'd like to keep them to myself for the moment until I hear some other peoples first impressions. I'm looking for an optimized character (with cool options coming out ahead of being perfect as long as it's viable), must be dwarven, must be martial, must get into Living Monolith between levels 6 to 8. I'll accept anything from short suggestions to a full build. Anyhow, what do you think Paizoans?
Lore Warden Fighter is the least painful, and will let you take advantage of those Knowledge pre-reqs.
OOhhh this is actually a really good idea. Gives me Combat expertise and lets me tank INT and still get my pre-reqs. Which means all I need is Diehard for Stalwart, which will stack with my Living Monolith DR. Cool.
I've made a build myself using the "unbreakable" fighter. It's a silly defensive build.
Note: DR of different type normally does not stack. So be careful.
Stalwart will stack with Fortified Flesh, as it specifically permits stacking with DR from class features:
You adopt a defensive stance that allows you to absorb and redirect hits.
Prerequisite: Diehard, Endurance, base attack bonus +4.
Benefit: While using the total defense action, fighting defensively action, or Combat Expertise, you can forgo the dodge bonus to AC you would normally gain to instead gain an equivalent amount of DR, to a maximum of DR 5/—, until the start of your next turn. This damage reduction stacks with DR you gain from class features, such as the barbarian's, but not with DR from any other source. If you are denied your Dexterity bonus to AC, you are also denied this DR.
I think most would assume that prestige class features count as class features for this purpose.
I don't think the barbarian DR will stack, though.
Living Monolith would be awesome for MM - great idea.
Barbarian is one of the best ways to go TWF, as with Double Slice you can get that much more out of your increased strength modifiers. Dex prerequisites could be a problem if you're point-buy though.
Might also be able to add on Stalwart Defender prestige class.