Brawler, Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade; Dwarf

Self-Interested Preface: Shield Champion is a brawler archetype that sacrifices weapon proficiencies, Brawler's Strike and maneuvers for the ability to bash and throw and ricochet shields.  Yeah, okay, yes, it's Captain America, you are not noticing anything because it is obviously the point of the archetype, shush.  As such, this character is a short-to-medium range fighter which keeps its efficacy in both melee and distance combat, largely ignoring the most obvious dwarf weakness (20' move speed).

I made this build back when I was more willing to document characters in great detail- at the bottom is an exhaustive list of what all its feats do by level and a (probably-incomplete) list of relevant ways to use the Martial Flexibility brawler ability.  Rather than run through a full description of its capabilities, I'll give a brief synopsis and the rest can be read in and underneath the build.

Dwarven race gives a ton of saving throw bonuses, additional bull rush and flying creature bonuses, a racial bonus to Craft and darkvision.  Shield Champion along with purchased feats lets this character whip shields around and do damage with two shields, which count as light weapons (for two-weapon fighting!) due to the Shield-Trained trait.  Winding Path Renegade lets this character use some of the better monk abilities (like evasion!) and craft its own magical armor and weapons with free feats for ignoring the normal prerequisites at level 8.  It's a party smith that doesn't have to waste its build on being the party smith!

I remember being pretty into the overall synergy of this build as well as its versatility when I made it.  The brawler is already a very versatile class- making a character both a melee and ranged powerhouse that creates its own weapons and armor is neat.  It's a bit of a tank, with 16 CON and d10 HD along with its 1/2 cost armor and heavy shields which only lose their AC bonus when thrown (though I don't think the shield bonuses stack if you don't throw them).  After a little research to be certain about shield throw distance, AC, and damage calculation (I didn't do enough of that to feel comfortable just jumping in), I think this character'd be a great party fighter.

This build created in December of 2015.

Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade), Level 20

Race: Dwarf, +2 CON, +2 WIS, -2 CHA [+1 Hit Point/+1 Skill Point/(a lame thing not even worth recording)]

Racial Traits

Craftsman (+2 to Craft and Profession checks regarding metal or stone)

Dwarven Weapon Familiarity (Proficiency with battleaxe, heavy pick, and warhammer; martial weapon proficiency now includes any weapon with ‘dwarven’ in the name)

Hardy (+2 to saves against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

Relentless (+2 to bull rush and overrun CMB when standing on ground)

Sky Sentinel (+1 attack, +2 dodge AC and +2 Perception against flying creatures; creatures attacking from higher ground get no higher-ground bonus to attack)
Slow and Steady (20’ move speed, speed never modified by armor or encumbrance)

Darkvision 60’

Character Traits/Drawbacks

Drawback: (Detriment, Circumstance)

Combat: Reactionary (+2 to Initiative)

Regional: Glory Of Old (+1 to saves against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

Religion: Shield-Trained (shields count as simple weapons; heavy shields count as light weapons)

Class Skills: Acrobatics, Climb, Craft (Any), Escape Artist, Handle Animal, Intimidate, Knowledge (Dungeoneering), Knowledge (Local), Perception, Profession (Any), Ride, Sense Motive, and Swim.

Known Languages: Common, Dwarven

1: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 1 (d10 HD), +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +1

            Base Saves: +5/+4/+2 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Dwarven, Simple and Shield Weapon Proficiencies, Light Armor Proficiency, Shield Proficiency, Brawler’s Cunning, Martial Flexibility, Brawler Unarmed Strike, Improved Unarmed Strike, [1^st Level Feat] Improved Shield Bash

Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

2: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 2, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +2

            Base Saves: +6/+4/+2 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Brawler’s Flurry, School Focus: Mystery Of Untwisting Iron (2^nd)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +4/+4
^ Formula: 2 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 2

3: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 3, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +3

            Base Saves: +6/+4/+3 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Throw Shield (3^rd), [3^rd Level Feat] Improved Initiative
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +5/+5
^ Formula: 3 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 2

4: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 4, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +4

            Ability Score Increase: DEX +1 (16)

            Base Saves: +7/+6/+3 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Knockout, Monk Moves (4^th)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +6/+6
^ Formula: 4 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 2

5: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 5, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +5

            Base Saves: +7/+6/+3 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Close Weapon Mastery, Monk Moves (5^th), Returning Shield, [Brawler 5^th] Shield Focus, [5^th Level Feat] Two-Weapon Fighting
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +7/+7
^ Formula: 5 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 2

6: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 6, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +6/+1

            Base Saves: +8/+7/+4 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Martial Flexibility (6^th)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +8/+8/+3
^ Formula: 6 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 3, -5 to lesser iterations

7: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 7, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +7/+2

            Base Saves: +8/+7/+4 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Throw Shield (7^th), [7^th Level Feat] Shield Slam
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +9/+9/+4
^ Formula: 7 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 3, -5 to lesser iterations

8: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 8, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +8/+3

Ability Score Increase: STR +1 (17)

            Base Saves: +9/+8/+4 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Mystery Of Untwisting Iron (8^th)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Base Brawler’s Flurry [Heavy Shield(s)]: +10/+10/+5/+5
^ Formula: 8 (BAB) + 3 (base STR) - 2 [Improved Two-Weapon Fighting with light weapon(s)] +1 auto-masterwork x 3, -5 to lesser iterations
(Full formula chart located below level breakdown- from at least level 8 forward all shields should be magical due to Untwisting Iron crafting anyway)

9: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 9, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +9/+4

            Base Saves: +9/+8/+5 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Greater Shield Focus, Monk Moves (9^th), [9^th Level Feat] Missile Shield
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

10: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 10, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +10/+5

            Base Saves: +10/+9/+5 (+3 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Knockout 2/day, Martial Flexibility (10^th)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

11: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 11, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +11/+6/+1

            Base Saves: +10/+9/+5 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Shield Master, [11^th Level Feat] Steel Soul
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

12: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 12, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +12/+7/+2

Ability Score Increase: STR +1 (18)

            Base Saves: +11/+10/+6 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Martial Flexibility (12^th), Returning Shield (12^th)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

13: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 13, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +13/+8/+3

            Base Saves: +11/+10/+6 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: [13^th Level Feat] Weapon Focus (Heavy Steel Shield)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

14: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 14, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +14/+9/+4

            Base Saves: +12/+11/+6 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Mystery Of Untwisting Iron (14^th)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

15: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 15, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +15/+10/+5

            Base Saves: +12/+11/+7 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Champion Defense (15^th), [15^th Level Feat] Weapon Specialization (Heavy Steel Shield)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

16: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 16, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +16/+11/+6/+1

Ability Score Increase: STR +1 (19)

            Base Saves: +13/+12/+7 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Awesome Blow, Knockout 3/day
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

17: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 17, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +17/+12/+7/+2

            Base Saves: +13/+12/+7 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Returning Shield (17^th), [Brawler 17^th] Penetrating Strike (Heavy Steel Shield), [17^th Level Feat] Greater Penetrating Strike (Heavy Steel Shield)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

18: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 18, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +18/+13/+8/+3

            Base Saves: +14/+13/+8 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: (none)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

19: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 19, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +19/+14/+9/+4

            Base Saves: +14/+13/+8 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Champion Defense (19^th), [19^th Level Feat] Greater Weapon Focus (Heavy Steel Shield)
Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

20: Brawler (Shield Champion, Winding Path Renegade) 20, +1 Hit Point

            BAB: +20/+15/+10/+5

Ability Score Increase: STR +1 (20)

            Base Saves: +15/+14/+8 (+5 against poison, spells and spell-like abilities)

New Feats: Improved Awesome Blow, Martial Flexibility (20^th), [Brawler 20^th] Greater Weapon Specialization (Heavy Steel Shield)

Skills(3): Craft (Armor), Perception, +1 other [probably Craft (Weapon)]

Feats and Abilities by Level

1^st        Proficiencies: Dwarven/Simple/Shield Weapon Proficiency, Light Armor, Shield Proficiency

Brawler’s Cunning: INT counts as at least 13 for the purpose of qualifying for feats.
Brawler Unarmed Strike: Can unarmed strike with non-hand body parts; unarmed strike can be lethal or non-lethal; unarmed strike counts as manufactured and/or natural weapon; has damage progression.
Martial Flexibility: Move-action obtain attainable combat feat for one minute, 3+½ brawler level/day.

NOTE: Using Martial Flexibility again before it expires replaces the combat feat obtained.
Improved Unarmed Strike: Do not provoke attacks of opportunity when attacking while unarmed.
Improved Shield Bash: Retain shield bonus to AC even after performing shield bash.

2^nd         Brawler’s Flurry: Acts as Two-Weapon Fighting when attacking with any combination of unarmed strikes, close weapons, monk weapons, or shields.  Can use one weapon and still gain the extra attack(s).  Add full STR modifier to all attacks.  Can substitute disarm, sunder, and trip maneuvers for attacks.

Mystery Of Untwisting Iron: Wielded/worn non-broken weapons and armor are treated as 

masterwork.

3^rd       Throw Shield: Can throw shield as a throwing weapon as if with Far Shot, deals shield bash 

              damage.

            Far Shot: Long range attacks only decrease attack by -1 per range increment instead of -2.

Improved Initiative: +4 to initiative.

4^th        Knockout: 1/day DC Fort 10+½ level+STR attack to deal damage and cause 1d6 rounds of unconsciousness.  Must deal damage to cause unconsciousness.  Unconscious creatures get to re-roll saving throw to become conscious once per round.  Additional use per day at 10^th level and 16^th level.

Monk Moves: Can use Martial Flexibility to gain specific monk abilities instead of combat 

feats.
                        4^th Level- Evasion, Fast Movement, Slow Fall

Evasion: If reflex save would allow half damage on success, take no damage on 

success instead.

Fast Movement: Gain enhancement bonus to speed as monk of equivalent level.

Slow Fall: Can use wall within arm’s reach to slow fall as monk of equivalent level.

5th       Close Weapon Mastery: Use brawler strike (-4 levels) damage instead of listed close 

            weapon damage.

Monk Moves: Can use Martial Flexibility to gain specific monk abilities instead of combat feats.               

            5^th Level- High Jump

High Jump: Add level to acrobatics for purpose of jumping, also count as having 

running start.
Returning Shield: Can have thrown shield return by way of ricochet at the end of thrower’s turn.  Can  have ricochets count as iterative attacks on creatures struck, with distance penalties progressing until shield returns.  Can throw shield as part of Brawler’s Flurry.

Shield Focus: +1 to shield AC bonus.
Two-Weapon Fighting: Reduce penalties for fighting with two weapons by 2.

6^th        Martial Flexibility: Move-action obtain two attainable combat feats or swift-action obtain one attainable combat feat.  Each individual feat counts against Martial Flexibility limit.

7^th        Throw Shield: Can use thrown shield attacks to perform bull rush, dirty trick, disarm, 

             reposition, or trip combat maneuvers as if performing melee shield bash.

            Shield Slam: Creatures hit by shield bash subject to free improved bull rush combat 

            maneuver.  Can move up to five feet with shield-slammed creature if possible.

8^th        Mystery Of Untwisting Iron: ½ level bonus to craft checks involving metal, gains Master 

            Craftsman and Craft Magic Arms and Armor feats when crafting with metal.

            Master Craftsman [Craft (Armor)]: +2 to Craft (Metal), can use Craft (Metal) 

            skill(s) as caster level for Craft Magic Arms and Armor crafting.

Craft Magic Arms and Armor: Can craft and repair magical weapons and armor.

9^th        Greater Shield Focus: Further +1 to shield AC bonus.
            Monk Moves: Can use Martial Flexibility to gain specific monk abilities instead of combat 

            feats.

                        9^th Level- Improved Evasion (instead of Evasion)

            Improved Evasion: Take ½ damage on failed reflex saves, no damage on successful 

            reflex save.
            Missile Shield: Can automatically deflect one ranged attack per round.

10^th      Martial Flexibility: Move-action obtain three attainable combat feats, swift-action obtain two attainable combat feats, or free-action obtain one attainable combat feat.

11^th      Shield Master: No penalties for fighting with a shield, apply shield enhancement bonus as if 

            it were a weapon enhancement bonus for the purposes of shield attacks.

Weapon Focus (Heavy Steel Shield): +1 to attack rolls with chosen weapon.

12^th      Martial Flexibility: Swift-action obtain three attainable combat feats or immediate-action 

obtain one attainable combat feat.

Returning Shield: Can use current brawler unarmed damage instead of melee or thrown 

shield damage.

13^th      Weapon Specialization (Heavy Steel Shield): +2 to damage rolls with chosen weapon.

14^th      Mystery Of Untwisting Iron: Any weapon wielded is treated as if adamantine (ignores 

             hardness <20).

15^th      Champion Defense: 1/day can attempt DC damage-taken Fort save to halve damage of 

             killing blow.

            Additional use per day at 19^th level.

Steel Soul: +2 to saves against poison, spells, and spell-like abilities.

16^th      Awesome Blow: Can standard-action perform combat maneuver to deal damage, push and 

knock prone.

17^th      Returning Shield: Can ricochet shield off surface to reduce or negate cover and cause 

            flanking.  Can use this ability to attack creatures with total concealment with a 50% miss 

            chance.

Penetrating Strike (Heavy Steel Shield): Ignore 5 of any typed damage reduction.

Greater Penetrating Strike (Heavy Steel Shield): Ignore 10 of any typed damage reduction; ignore 5 of untyped damage reduction.

19^th      Greater Weapon Focus (Heavy Steel Shield): Further +1 to attack rolls with chosen 

             weapon.

20^th      Improved Awesome Blow: Can attack-action perform combat maneuver to deal damage, 

            push and knock prone; natural 20 allows combat maneuver re-roll and double damage from 

            push obstacle-impact.

Martial Flexibility: Swift-action obtain any number of attainable combat feats.

Greater Weapon Specialization (Heavy Steel Shield): Further +2 to damage rolls with chosen weapon.

Potentially-Obtainable Martial Flexibility Combat Feats by Level and Prerequisites

1^st        (1 combat feat as move action)

            Blind-Fight

            Charge Of The Righteous

            Combat Expertise (13 INT or Brawler’s Cunning)

            Combat Reflexes

            Distance Thrower

            Improved: Bull Rush, Drag, Grapple, Overrun, Sunder

                        Power Attack->

            Improved: Dirty Trick, Disarm, Feint, Reposition, Steal, Trip

Combat Expertise->

Improved Grapple

            Improved Unarmed Strike->

Piranha Strike

            Weapon Finesse->

Power Attack (13 STR)

Weapon Finesse

4^th

            Great Cleave

                        Power Attack->Cleave->

            Jaguar Pounce

6^th        (2 combat feats as move action, 1 combat feat as swift action)

            Disruptive

            Greater: Bull Rush, Drag, Grapple, Overrun, Sunder

                        Power Attack->Improved Version->

Greater: Dirty Trick, Disarm, Feint, Reposition, Steal, Trip

Combat Expertise-> Improved Version->

Greater Grapple

            Improved Unarmed Strike-> Improved Version->

Lunge

Snap Shot

            Rapid Shot-> & Weapon Focus->

Vital Strike

8^th       

            Improved Critical

10^th      (3 combat feats as move action, 2 combat feats as swift action, 1 combat feat as free action)

            Improved Blind-Fight

                        Blind-Fight->

            Ray Shield (DEX 15, Missile Shield)

                        Disruptive->Spellbreaker->

            Shatterspell (Dwarf-only)

                        Disruptive->Spellbreaker->

            Spellbreaker

                        Disruptive->

11^th

            Cleave Through (Dwarf-only)

                        Power Attack-> Cleave

            Dazing Assault

                        Power Attack->

            Improved Vital Strike

                        Vital Strike->

            Pin Down

                        Combat Reflexes->

12^th      (3 combat feats as swift action, 1 combat feat as immediate action)

Penetrating Strike

                        Weapon Focus->

16^th     

Greater Penetrating Strike

Penetrating Stike->

            Greater Vital Strike

                        Vital Strike->Improved Vital Strike->

20^th      (any number of combat feats as swift action)

Base Shield Properties

Heavy Steel Shield                             Cost 20 GP                 Shield Bonus +2                     1d4 B (20x2)
Shield Spikes (add. property)           Cost +10 GP              Shield Damage +1 size          1d6 P (20x2)

Throwing (additional property)       Cost +50 GP                                                              1d6 B (20x2)   20 ft.
Masterwork Reinforcing Boss         Cost +80 GP              Shield HP +15

Shield spikes turn a shield into a martial piercing weapon (Spiked Shield) and do damage as a creature one size larger than the creature wielding the shield.
Shield spikes must be enchanted as a weapon seperately from the shield.