Help building a "tough" character

[Zzyzx]

I'm trying to put together a character based around a "rough and tough" theme -- focus on enduring hard labor, mental and physical toughness, shrugging off damage that would kill a softer character, that sort of thing. But I want him to effective in combat as well.

PHB points to dwarf for the Con and barbarian for the HP and eventual damage reduction. I'd like to try to get to Con 20+, as much for the "flavorful" super-human toughness aspect as any thing else. Dwarven war ax, breastplate, heavy steel shield, at least at lower levels.

Feats may include: Weapon focus: Dwarven war ax (to keep the hits up), Endurance (for this build it seems a must), Iron Will (?).

Are there any PHB or non-PHB feats that you would suggest add to this "tough as nails" theme?

Alternate classes? (If I had better choices than the PHB offers for feats I might go into fighter)

Alternate races?

 

[The Blow Leprechaun]

Alternate classes? (If I had better choices than the PHB offers for feats I might go into fighter)

I'd take a good look at Dwarven Defender for the 6/- DR you can get (as opposed to 5/- 19 levels of barbarian nets you). That lets you bypass barbarian and take fighter for feats. A small hit to your HP (d10 instead of d12 for 7 levels).

I also like the Diehard feat for this concept. Even in negative hp, you keep going a little bit.

 

[Zzyzx]

I wonder how often I would use the feat Diehard?

It seems dangerous to plan on frequently dropping to negative hp.

 

[The Blow Leprechaun]

It seems dangerous to plan on frequently dropping to negative hp.

But that's the hallmark of the barbarian!

 

[Zzyzx]

But that's the hallmark of the barbarian!

You are correct. I think my real-world fear of death is bleeding over to the game world. I appreciate the help. Carry on.

 

[blargney the second]

Stone Power can give you temporary hps every round you make melee attacks.

 

[blargney the second]

Come to think of it, levels of crusader can't hurt anyone going for a tough as nails concept.

 

[Erywin]

And Crusader + Stone power = Shrugging off quite a bit of damage each round you are damaged.

 

[mikebr99]

The Knight from PHBII??

Barbarians aren't mentally tough... and Iron Will isn't going to change that. YMMV

Mike

 

[Darklone]

I'd go for Ftr/Rog dwarf. Check out Wulf Ratbane

Hitpoints and DR aren't everything for such a char, Evasion is nice too.

Con maxxed out and then get all Fey Heritage feats. DR and good saves.