New player controlled NPC needed

[MithrasRahl]

So our current NPC died after taking 7 rays from some 7-headed beast, and the DM is allowing us to remake him, though a level below the party average (aka 7 instead of 8).

We're looking to make a tank character, basically high hit points and high damage (we already have an AC monkey tank)

We were thinking a Dwarf Fighter using some sort of 2 handed weapon.

Starting equip for this level 7 NPC will be +2 str gauntlets, +1 full plate, and 7-8 thousand gold.

Any suggestions? (doesn't have to be too detailed [unless someone gets inspired], just looking for general stuff, like "this a good/bad idea for the character", and "here are some good feats you should use"

 

[LonePaladin]

Make a dwarven knight — d12 Hit Dice, full armor, and lots of defensive abilities. Play up the role as a damage sponge, taunting enemies into focusing on you in favor of your allies.

Heck, if you want, I'll fish out my PH2 and write you up a stat-block. Shouldn't take me more than about 5, 10 minutes.

 

[MithrasRahl]

I looked through the class, it's interesting, but I'm worried a lot of it won't be too useful (looking to make a 2-handed weapon using guy, so shield stuff isn't too useful), Mounted Combat won't come up much (if at all), and Armor Mastery doesn't matter much for a Dwarf.

We're basically looking for a second tank with HP/DMG instead of AC/HP or AC/DMG who can stand beside our other tank as a damage tank wall the rest of the party can hide behind (Since we have a dedicated damage archer, Shugenja, Wizard and Rogue)

 

[Archimedes314]

If you have access to Tome of Battle, then you should look into the Crusader. High damage output, plays well with parties (White Raven maneuvers), and great at soaking up damage (he even has an ability that gives him bonus damage based on how much damage he has in his delayed damage pool).

 

[Thurbane]

For raw damage output, and if you're not too concerned about AC, Barbarian is hard to beat, especially if you use a STR adjusted race like 1/2 Orc, or even better, Goliath if allowed. Power attacking with a two handed weapon while raging deals some impressive damage. See if you can use the Whirling Frenzy option from UA for an extra attack per round.