Trying a new build, Eval please?

[Malacros]

Hey guys and gals,

Just started playing pathfinder with my brother and I'm kinda new to the whole D&D style of RPG. I've done some LARP'ing and such and i'm an avid gamer but this is my new thing.

Anyhow, I'm trying a new build because it's something I've always wanted to try in video games and there never seems to be a way to pull it off. What I'm talking about is something I call the "Shield Bearer". I know, not too original, but hear me out.

The general idea is that you're armed with a large steel shield (for defense) on the left arm and a lighter spiked shield (for offense) on the right arm. The way it plays out in my head is that you throw a massive backhand to stagger and open up your opponent with the left shield then follow it up with a thrust of the edge of the shield (like a bladed punch) aimed at the throat/vitals.

In the campaign we're playing there hasn't been much combat so I've been relying on my Intimidate and other "diplomatic" skills more, but in the one fight against 8 orcs, I was able to take out 3 of them before the rest of my group could catch up. (even rolled a crit and decapitated one ).

So basically what I'm asking is for your opinion on the build/comments/concerns/kudos ect. Just general feedback, and thank you for checking out my post

 

[Traveon Wyvernspur]

First off, welcome to the forums!

Secondly, there is a good two-shield wielding build by @StreamOfTheSky which he talks about here - hope this helps. Stream is one of the best at building characters on this forum and has given me tons of great advice!

Edit: Found another discussion about this type of build on the Paizo forums.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Hey, got the visitor message.

Traveon already covered the basics pretty well, though. Those two threads have most of the PF information you could need. My build is based on getting as many bull rushes as possible to team with a battlefield control caster for fun. The paizo forum thread is for optimized damage. What did you want to do with your character? I also like the idea of a bodyguard character with dual shields, but unfortunately PF doesn't have much to support that concept. If you can use 3E material, there's a wealth of options I can recommend for protecting other people, though.

I like the way you described fighting with the shields. I agree, most of my imagery for how a 2 shield person would fight involves jabs and thrusts with the bottom (edged?) portion of a shield. The mechanics don't really support that, as shields are either bludgeoning or piercing due to spikes, though you could say you have one big spike on the bottom tip of the shield.

You can certainly use a heavy and light shield at early levels, but I suggest switching to two heavy ones once you get Shield Master (TWF penalties, even the heftier ones for using a 1H weapon in the offhand, disappear). The damage is better and then any feats or abilities that apply to a specific weapon like Weapon Focus get more use. But it's up to you.