Need Help Optimizing

[BlackSeed_Vash]

Greeting everyone, my character recently died and I've rolled up a new one. I would greatly appreciate if you guys would look over what I have and make suggetions to improve him. He is built to be the tank. Hoping to have the animal companion/special mount strong enough to help "keep agro".

notes: 40 Point Buy; 5th level character; 9000gp to start with; DM has removed heavy armor from availiable list; most things costs 10% more than listed

Class: Ranger 2 Paladin 3
HD: 1d8+2d10+23 (need to roll HP infront of DM)
Initiative: +1
Speed: 30 base (20ft)
AC: 23 (+6 Breastplate +1; +6 Tower Shield +1; +1 Dex) touch: 11 flat-footed:22
BAB/Grapple: +5/+8
Attack: MW Battleaxe +7 (1d8+3) or C. +3 Longbow +6 (1d8+3)
Full Attack: MW Battleaxe +7 (1d8+3) or C. +3 Longbow +6 (1d8+3)
Space/Reach: 5ft/5ft
Special Attacks: Smite Evil 1/day
Special Qualities: Favored Enemy (human), Wild Empathy, Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Lay on Hands, Aura of Courage, Divine Health, Human Traits
Saves: Fort +12; Ref +8; Will +5
Abilities: Str 17 Dex 12 Con 16 Int 12 Wis 12 Cha 16
Skills: Handle Animal +8, Knowledge (dungeoneering) +6, Knowledge (geography) +6, Knowledge (nature) +6, Knowledge (religion) +5, Knowledge (nobility & royality) +5, Listen +6, Ride +11, Search +6, Spot +6, Sirvival +2
Feats: Tower Shield Profieciency, Shield Specialization (PH2), Devoted Tracker, Track , Rapid Shot (useless)

Gear:Healing Belt (MIC) Restful Crystal (MIC), Backpack, Signet Ring (rping reasons), Fling & Steel, Explorer's Outfit, Heavy Warhorse, Chain Barding, Military Saddle, Saddlebag x2, ~3062gp2sp

Thinking of taking the feats Natural Bond (CAdv) and Shield Ward (PH2) later on.

Thank you for any assisstance provided.

 

[Legildur]

Feats: Tower Shield Profieciency, Shield Specialization (PH2), Devoted Tracker, Track , Rapid Shot (useless)

...

Thinking of taking the feats Natural Bond (CAdv) and Shield Ward (PH2) later on.

Unfortunately Shield Specialisation (and subsequent feats) is not a valid option for Tower Shield. (PHBII p82)

Need to either devote feats to heavy shield (which means not taking the Tower Shield prof, and thereby saving you a feat) or not taking the PHBII shield feats.

Mounted Combat would be useful as then you could use your mount for cover.

Also take the Natural Bond feat to boost your effective druid level to further toughen your animal companion / special mount. [edit: I see that you are already considering this feat]

Have you considered the Combat Form feats in the PHBII?

For a tank, you could do worse than Divine Shield from Complete Warrior.