Should I go into Stalwart Defender?

[PhoenixSlayer]

So, here's my set-up. Currently level 2.

Rodric Halfenen, Human Fighter (Polearm Master)

15 point buy
STR: 16 (14+2)
DEX: 14
CON: 14
INT: 13
WIS: 11
CHA: 7

Current Feats: Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes, Improved Trip (Fighter Bonus), Power Attack (Fighter Bonus). Focused on a reach trip build.

Currently have a masterwork breastplate, masterwork guisarme, masterwork bec de corbin, some javelins, a spiked gauntlet, and a sickle, along with a fighter's kit.

Material limited to official Paizo SRD, no traits.

So, minimum level of Stalwart Defender entry would be 7th due to BAB requirement, though I'm inclined to wait until 9th so I can get better polearm/spear training and flexible flanking. Obviously more fighter levels will give more feats, including fighter-only feats such as Penetrating Strike, as well as more weapon training. However, Stalwart Defender would give me some feat replacements in Defensive Powers, a good Will save, and more hit points, as well as other things, con being can't move in defensive stance and loss of bonus feats.

Current party consists of myself, a support cleric of Iomedae with Law and Glory domains, a cleric (theologian) with the Fire domain, a swashbuckler (Slashing Grace Longsword), a rogue (probably unchained, not 100% sure), and a mongrel mage fetchling sorcerer using Words of Power.

So, suggestions? Anyone have personal experience with this idea?

[Guru-Meditation]

I personally find Stalwart Defender atrocious as a player character option.

It completly depends on either fighting mindless oponents or having very confined fighting spaces to actually function properly. Great for Dwarfs defending their mines against intruding monsters, less great if you want to stop an enemy fighter from smacking up your Wizard and he simply walks around you to reach the wizard, and you cant even follow him, without loosing your stance.

I'd recommend you to stay in Polearm Fighter.

[Zwordsman]

Stalwart defender is amusing but sure is hard because of the moving.

Ask your gm if he reads it as "never move" or "must stay n the same square at the beginning and end of your round"

Because. I've had a lot of fun with stalwart defender and Body Guard line. My GM ruled that didn't count as breaking the stance because he viewed it as not taking a move action to move. and its doing what a defensve fellow would do in that sorta case. but it is a bit squiffy and all.

Otherwise.. Most stalwart defenders I see are actually composit bow artillary.

[PhoenixSlayer]

Do you have any feat suggestions? I'm currently looking at continuing to buff my tripping with Felling Smash and Greater Trip and would like to get Combat Patrol for maximum AoO usage.