[PF] Hard-headed Dwarf Guard! Help me flesh out a build?

[ClockworkSun]

With the release of Pathfinder's Advanced Race Guide, I saw some interesting things for dwarves, including the Dwarven Boulder Helmet (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/equipment---final/weapons/weapon-descriptions/helmet-dwarven-boulder) (a light exotic melee weapon that occupies the head-equipment slot) as well as the helmet-related feats, Hard-headed (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/feats/arg-feats/hard-headed-combat-dwarf), Dented Helm (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/feats/arg-feats/dented-helmet-combat-dwarf), and Cloven Helm (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/feats/arg-feats/cloven-helmet-combat-dwarf).

A dwarf with his sturdy, weaponized helmet could use his free hands to wield a reach weapon, thus threatening all squares within ten feet (being a dwarf, he could take advantage of some of the other exotic dwarf weapons, the dwarven longaxe and longhammer).

Although I like the idea of a polearm-wielding dwarf who headbutts her enemies when they get too close, I'm not really sure how to realize it, or what the build would be good for. Crowd control with lots of tripping and/or bull rushing? Should she work toward the Stalwart Defender (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/classes/prestige-classes/other-paizo/s-z/stalwart-defender) prestige class? Would the helmet work better as a melee option for a ranged attacker? I can see this going in a lot of directions, but I don't know what options would work together the best.

As a last note, I'm considering this idea for Pathfinder Society play (which includes, among other things, no crafting and a 20-point-buy), so I'd like to keep the ideas and advice within the Pathfinder system.

[grarrrg]

With the release of Pathfinder's Advanced Race Guide, I saw some interesting things for dwarves, including the Dwarven Boulder Helmet (https://sites.google.com/site/pathfinderogc/equipment---final/weapons/weapon-descriptions/helmet-dwarven-boulder)...

A dwarf with his sturdy, weaponized helmet could use his free hands to wield a reach weapon, thus threatening all squares within ten feet (being a dwarf, he could take advantage of some of the other exotic dwarf weapons, the dwarven longaxe and longhammer).

Although I like the idea of a polearm-wielding dwarf who headbutts her enemies when they get too close, I'm not really sure how to realize it, or what the build would be good for.

The Helmet is very poor as a weapon, only doing 1d4 damage with a simple 20/x2 Critical. So making it the "backup" weapon and pairing it with a Reach weapon, like you suggested, seems like the best choice.
While it isn't necessary to BE a Dwarf to use the Helmet, you may as well because Dwarves treat it as a Martial Weapon instead of Exotic, and it opens up the Helmet-Feats.
Speaking of which, skip the Cloven Helm feat. VERY not worth it, only +1 AC vs. Crit Confirms, and still only 'moves' damage on a Critical.
The Hard-Headed feat is more useful for the Save bonus vs. Staggered/Stunned than it is for the To-Hit bonus.
If you plan on getting Dented Helm, then also plan on getting an Adamantine Helmet, otherwise you'll likely break your Helmet after 1, maybe 2 Crits.

As far as making a Build around it, I wouldn't. The damage is very low, and there aren't really any Offensive tricks to it, other than pairing with a Reach/Ranged weapon anyway.
It's can be nice to add to a build though. Throw one on your Monk Zen Archer (may want to dip for the Prof though).
Put it on a Reach-Tripper build.
Whatever.
Just don't put more resources towards it than it is worth.


If, for whatever reason, you INSIST on making it the focal point of your build then 3+ levels of Brawler Fighter may come in handy. At level 3 you get +1 to-hit and +3 damage with "Close" weapons (not specifically listed, but I would image Headbutts would be considered "Close").