it wouldn't be character breaking but I only have a short sword and my mace as melee weapons go. Im hoping to get new gear once I get to Grackeslough. I think Im just goign with sentinel as I am more of a tank and this would give me more free hits in combat.You don't lose your shield no. Is your mace a big part of your character concept? Would it feel wrong for your character to use a shortsword/rapier instead?
The only requirements for the feat are a finesse weapon and a 13 dex, you do not need to use dex for your to hit or damage, you may still use str.