Phalanx Soldier Build?

[tatszico]

Hey! Was wondering if anyone can help me optimize a Phalanx Soldier fighter to have good damage output for being a defensive archetype. I'm quite new to Pathfinder, so I'm not totally familiar with a lot of the feats and traits yet.

So I was thinking of taking two-weapon fighting, improved shield bash, and power attack at 1st level. Then, at 3rd level when I can wield a polearm/spear, I'll either take Improve Bullrush or Combat Reflex, depending on if I want to play more defensively or offensively at that time.

One of my end goals is to have Shield Slam so that I may get the free Bull Rush. That's why I took TWF - if they get too close, I can shield bash, get my free Bull Rush, 5-foot step back, and then finish the attack with my long reach weapon. Does that make sense and work, or am I not getting the mechanics right? Haha.
But yeah, that's what I have set up for now. I would like to ask if there is anything wrong with what I have so far, and if there is anything else I can do to improve it. What other feats should I take? I think Shield Mastery will be one of them, but other than that, anything else to help out?

Are there any classes worth dipping into for multiclassing? What about armor and weapons, which type of armor should I focus on (medium or heavy) and which long-reach weapon would be the best for this build?

[Bardrick]

Had a cavalier with a dip to get the phalanx fighting. Even with a defensive bent to my character (tower shield too) still did plenty of damage. Though we did have a pair of cavaliers in the party. Me, the anvil, and my friend was the damage hammer--which worked pretty well.

Found the halberd satisfying(piercing & slashing), 1d10 dmg, and it does have the brace property for 'ready pike' at 5th level.

[tatszico]

Bardrick wrote:

Had a cavalier with a dip to get the phalanx fighting. Even with a defensive bent to my character (tower shield too) still did plenty of damage. Though we did have a pair of cavaliers in the party. Me, the anvil, and my friend was the damage hammer--which worked pretty well.

Found the halberd satisfying(piercing & slashing), 1d10 dmg, and it does have the brace property for 'ready pike' at 5th level.

Would you be able to describe your build? :) That sounds interesting, multiclassing with cavalier. Which archetype did you do it with?

[gamerdork]

I play a phalanx fighter in Society play, and not even once has my ready pike ability been used in 8 levels <sad face>. Hopefully in a home game or AP, you will fare better with enemies charging, even once per day.

More to the point, I took 1 cleric level (separatist archetype), with the travel and growth domains. Wearing mithral full plate and with longstrider active, he moves 40'! But I don't deal a ton of damage, using my shield for defense and wielding a bardiche.

I hope you find the balance you seek; happy gaming!