Fighter

[Darrin Weddle]

What are the best combat feats for a sword and shield fighter?

[magispitt]

I'd do shield bash, two weapon fighting, and maybe combat reflexes or power attack based on your stats. What do you have lined up for your character so far?

[The Shaman]

I would also consider missile shield. Archery or guns can do a lot of damage in pathfinder, so ignoring 1 attack per round can be a big thing.

Power attack is extremely important, as at the end of the day as a fighter you are supported to do enough damage to be a threat.

[Melkiador]

Keep in mind that in a month we will have the armor masters handbook. This will likely change the face of fighter shield use.

[Jakuri]

If you're going for lots of AC--take shield focus and greater shield focus. These will work well with TWF at 11 when you can take shield master to negate the TWF penalties when attacking with a shield. You'll probably want to get improved shield bash to keep your shield bonus when attacking with your shield and can follow that up with shield slam(which gives a step up equivalent if you successfully bull rush with your shield bash's rider).

The tower shield master archetype is a must if you want to use a tower shield.

You may want to consider exotic weapon proficiency(bastard sword) so you can wield a bastard sword with one hand instead of 2, making you deal 1d10 damage instead of the 1d8 you'd get with a longsword.

Be careful using a locked gauntlet and a heavy shield--you won't have either hand free if you need it.

[hiiamtom]

You need 17 Dexterity and as high a strength as you can get for TWF, ITWF, and two-weapon rend. Then you need shield master and its prerequisites. Then you need antagonize.

Antagonize is your only option to draw attacks to your AC, and your heavy shield is your primary weapon with a kukri or something in your other hand.

[Imbicatus]

Honestly, the best option is to go high str, and two-hand a heavy shield. You'll do two handed damage and can still get your shield AC, shield slam, and bashing finish. Advanced weapons training in focused weapon will increase the low base damage without having to worry about table variations on if bashing and shield spikes stack.

[Deighton Thrane]

Imbicatus wrote:

Honestly, the best option is to go high str, and two-hand a heavy shield. You'll do two handed damage and can still get your shield AC, shield slam, and bashing finish. Advanced weapons training in focused weapon will increase the low base damage without having to worry about table variations on if bashing and shield spikes stack.

Question becomes, is shield master still worth it just for the ability to add your defensive enhancement bonus as an offensive bonus. Even with 15 Dex and a feat you're never going to use as pre-requisites, I'd still be tempted.

[hiiamtom]

I was just mentioning what makes sword and board best, but yeah using a shield two handed is superior is almost every way.

[Harleequin]

When Ive ever played a fighter, Ive always leant towards a ranged build.