Advise on a 2H Warpriest, avoiding the usual intimidate feats.

[Dreadmad]

Hi all!

I planned out a build for a Sword & Board Half-Orc Arsenal Chaplain Warpriest, but changed over to a 2H build at the last second. We're currently level 7, but I am open to retraining feats if needed (especially my bonus feats!) Most of my money has gone to a +1 Adamantine Bane (Undead) Butchering Axe.

We're playing Mummies Mask, so I'm avoiding any Intimidate feats, and I'm also the main damage sponge/frontliner of the party.

My current feats are:

1 - Fey Foundling, Endurance (from Half-Orc alternative traits)
3 - Power Attack, Cleave
5 - Cleaving Finish
6 - Furious Focus
7 - Orc Weapon Expertise (Defender, for a +2 Shield Bonus to AC)

Other feats I have my eye on are:

- Improved Eldritch Heritage (Orc). This would take 2 feats, and +4 Mental Prowess headband - BUT it'd give an inherent boost to STR.
- Diehard. Objectively a bad move? Maybe, but I can get back on my feet with some a fervor heal, or fervored Cure Wounds - and if I'm on the floor the party is definitely at risk.
- Surprise Follow Through - Denying Dex seems nice, but probably not worthwhile unless I stack sneak attack damage or something like that given undead and constructs tend to lack DEX.
- Vital Strike. Mostly for a backup attack if I need to move (same as cleave really) - but still pretty OK with a Butchering Axe.

My shopping list as it stands, no particular order here:

- Gloves of Dueling. +2/+2 with my Butchering Axe
- Mithril Plate +1. Make the most of my 16 DEX, and lower the ACP since I am the general trap disarmer. Potentially Celestial Plate, but that's a pricey upgrade when I'm already looking at multiple expensive options.
- +4 Belt of STR (or Martial Prowess if I go with Celestial Plate).

There's also room to become undead, since we have a "friendly" party Necromancer. We'd be giving up levels equal to the Template CR if we go with this however. I do only have 12 CHA, but if I can find a template that applies a CHA boost then it becomes appealing, should I fall in battle.

I'd love to hear some thoughts/opinions on what I could benefit on picking up - or if you think I should splash into another class or prestige class!

[Name Violation]

Exotic weapon proficiency in the butchers axe. Otherwise you got a -4 to take. It's not an "actual orc weapon" weapon familiarity doesn't apply

Butchering Axe doesn't have orc in the name so orc weapon expertise does nothing to help. It's usually made by orc, but they aren't automatically proficient and don't treat it as a martial weapon.

Orc expertise ONLY works on weapons with orc on the name.

Quote:

Orc Weapon Expertise (Combat, Orc)

Prerequisites: Base attack bonus +1, orc.

Benefit: When you take this feat, choose one of the benefits below. Whenever you wield a weapon that has “orc” in its name, you gain the benefit you chose so long as you are actually proficient with that weapon.

vital strike

[rorek55]

Worship gorum use a greatsword, make use of divine fighting technique for reroll on attack role. Use vital strike.

Profit

[VoodistMonk]

You already have Power Attack and Weapon Training, so Cut/Smash From the Air. Great feats, in my opinion.

I don't see Combat Reflexes anywhere in there... being able to make AoO in the surprise round is usually nice. And it gives more AoO to use with Cut/Smash From the Air. Lol.

[Ryze Kuja]

I would work towards getting Improved Vital Strike ---> Weapon Trick Cleaving Smash. Turn your Cleaves into Vital Strike Cleaves, put an Impact Enchant on it, and then get your Necromancer to cast Enlarge Person on you for maximum smash face 6d6 base hit, 12d6 Vital Strike, 18d6 Imp Vital Strike.

I would use your Bonus Feat at lvl 6 or 9 to pick up Vital Strike, then your Bonus Feat at lvl 12 to pick up Improved Vital Strike, then your feat at level 13 can be Weapon Trick Cleaving Smash.