Shield hero. what class / archetype?

[Melkiador]

I've been wanting to make a shield based character for a long time. Someone who fights with a shield and no other weapons. What do you think the best class/archetype is for this.

I know the brawler has shield champion, but it's currently broken since it doesn't give shield weapon proficiency. Is the shield champion, plus proficiency feats still the best?

How about Magus with a mithril light shield? Warpriest? Cleric plus feats? So many different options, but none of them feel right. I really wish they had tried giving the warpriest a shield champion instead of the brawler.

[Vellis]

There's a post somewhere from a designer saying that the RAI for shield champion is that they can use shields as weapons. Even without the post, just house rule it. This is one of those cases where it's silly to go by strict RAW.

[Melkiador]

Vellis wrote:

There's a post somewhere from a designer saying that the RAI for shield champion is that they can use shields as weapons. Even without the post, just house rule it. This is one of those cases where it's silly to go by strict RAW.

I probably should have specified this is for PFS, though I was curious about non-PFS options.

[Secret Wizard]

The Shield Magus, Skirnir or not, is pretty good too.

My favorite has to be the Brawler Fighter, though. Bonus to close weapons damage, bonus CMB to bull rush, amazing utility...

[shroudb]

Melkiador wrote:

I've been wanting to make a shield based character for a long time. Someone who fights with a shield and no other weapons. What do you think the best class/archetype is for this.

I know the brawler has shield champion, but it's currently broken since it doesn't give shield weapon proficiency. Is the shield champion, plus proficiency feats still the best?

How about Magus with a mithril light shield? Warpriest? Cleric plus feats? So many different options, but none of them feel right. I really wish they had tried giving the warpriest a shield champion instead of the brawler.

why would you say that?

Quote:

Weapon and Armor Proficiency

A shield champion is proficient with all simple weapons. She is also proficient with light armor, and with bucklers, light shields, and heavy shields. This replaces the brawler's weapon and armor proficiencies.

[Imbicatus]

Shields are martial weapons. The proficiency listed for Shields is in the armor prof section.

That said, worship Gorum and take the Shield Trained trait. While your at it, be an Ulfen and take Shield Bearer as well.

[Kalvit]

Well that was an easy fix for a small problem. Gorumite Shield Champions are a go then.

[Muad'Dib]

I played a Sacred Shield Paladin to level 8. Now keep in mind my character was a defender. His role was to take hits for those around him. To this effect he did a great job. The Paladin saving throws are important to keeping on your feet as is the ability to swift heal yourself.

He was not the best offensively but he made everyone around him better and on boss fight he was a legend with the Bastion of Good ability.

Feats included:

Bodyguard
Combat Reflexes
In Harms Way
Power Attack

at level 8 I switched to Golden Legionnaire prestige class.

Armor was great but even without the shield specialization, but he ended up taking a beating every battle using the In Harms way feat. He was a lot of fun and combined with some spells he was very versatile defensively.

[Tin Foil Yamakah]

People of the north has an interesting class, "The Witchguard Ranger" that I was toying around with making a 2 shield specialist