Satyrn
First Post
I know exactly what you mean and believe there is plenty of scope in the game for versatile characters who are not hard-out optimised, but good in a variety of circumstances.
Obviously there are some trade offs. The strongest ranged is with SS and clearly Archery style benefits that - both directly and via the need for more Superiority dice spent on Precision (if going that route). Yet I agree with taking Defense instead... it just means the ranged isn't so powerful. There's also a bit of fiddliness with switching weapons. I played an Eldritch Knight and I have to say, when it comes to switching to javelins, being able to drop a weapon and bonus action it back to hand later is neat!
Maybe Dual Wield longswords or battleaxes, going the Strength route? You need 15 for plate anyway, and the feat allows them. Carry a shield strapped to your back for tougher fights.
I should've actually explained why I'd play that character. By switching back and forth from melee to ranged (in between fights) I could test out which one is actually better. I think using a dex-based dwarf would do the trick for a couple reasons. My attack bonus would be the same whether I'm going ranged or melee is the big one, but I could also wear plate effectively even though I've dumped strength which will let me stand in the front rank and tank melee. (And I'd take the defense style spiritually because it works with both)
Maybe instead of two weapon fighting, though, I should go sword and board with a rapierand reflavor it as a a dwarven fencing axe; or a war pick.