TWF Axe-wielding Dwarf build question(s)

[SangRahl]

Dwarven warrior that carries a spare "arm anchor" (read: 'shield') for the rare occasion when just smacking baddies faster won't do, but wholly prefers wading in like a barrel-chested whirling dervish with his pair of mismatched dwarven waraxes. He keeps an enchanted tosser lashed to the shoulder of his heavy armor for use when an enemy should try to turn tail and run, or a situation tactically requires the need to stay out of arm's reach and harm's way.

Key points:
- Dwarven Waraxes prefered... Battleaxe/Handaxe would only come into use should there be no other options available, and if Kensai isn't a factor.
- (Returning) Throwing Axe for ranged use... No pansy bows or ratcheting crossbows, just a traditional hurler.
- Medium/Heavy Armor wearer... Already having "fun" trying to track down Mithral for my normal character at Lvl.6+, and not particularly fond of the prospect of trying to do so for two. I know that Evasion is lost with this, but should there come a time or situation where it is required, a spare robe or set of Light Armor can be kept around.
- Moderately self-sufficient... Through Ranger splash wanding, and/or hearty UMD skill, he'll need to be able to hold his own, at least a little bit. (Not expecting the soloability that Dinenae has with Invis-splitting encounters to leave targets exposed... but, at the very least, Wand-healing is required.)
- 32pt Build and Monk Class are both unavailable... Hovering just a bit shy of 400Favor on Khyber and I'm trying not to spend what TPs I have banked for a while, preferably until I purhase Gianthold, I think.

Considered Builds:
18Ftr/1Rng/1Rog Kensai-III (UMD)
1Ftr/18Rng/1Rog Tempest-III (DD & UMD)
7Ftr/12Rng/1Rog Kensai-I/Tempest-II (Low Spot-DD)
14Ftr/6Rng Kensai-II/Tempest-I
2Ftr/18Rng Tempest-III
8Ftr/12Rng Tempest-II

DD / UMD
Str - 16
Dex - 14
Con - 16
Int - 12/14
Wis - 10/8
Cha - 6

Pure Melee
Str - 17
Dex - 14
Con - 16
Int - 9
Wis - 10
Cha - 6

For the 'Pure Melee' base, I'd be keeping an eye on the AH for a priced-to-move +Int Tome to round out at Lvl.3... would cost me a few skill gains, but better than having Wis bottomed out. The +str would get smoothed out later on, as well.

With only a 28pt base, I know I can't push my Intelligence Bonus up enough for crazy cross-classing of skills. With a respectible 12/14int, and mainly Ranger Levels, I can afford to keep DD and UMD maxed, and still have spare for Search/Spot (still don't feel right sticking to 'Barb-spot' or memorized locations, too many past DMs who'd be more than happy to use that against the character.), and to get Jump/Tumble/Balance in viable ranges. I'd originally written off UMD as a skill to try and keep, but there are enough people shouting from the rooftops that having UMD for a meleer is more than just 'highly' recommended. (But I also have no problem losing both UMD and DD, and going back to a Fighter's roots... as long as there's a few Ranger Levles to allow use of Wands.)

Playing a stealthy soloist for a while now has been a great deal of fun, but upon having a few nice (well, to me) Dwarven weapons land in my bank recently has finally brought my desire to roll this new alt to the forefront. (...and it doesn't help that I'm not exactly inundated with free bank/bag space.)

So, any thoughts, advice, suggesions, or known builds to base from?

Note: I've found Sigtrent's 'Nut Cracker' build (http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?p=1300771), and it fits very close to what I'd see for development, pre-Tempest. How hard would it be to update to a 28pt 8Ftr/12Rng Tempest-II or Tempest/Kensai?

[Nyhm]

I have always been a fan of full ranger with a splash of fighter for a few feats if needed. If you want rogue skills that of course changes a ton, but for a dervish type ranger works great.

From looking at your list, really the armor is the only thing that you seem to want outside of ranger, but even that is questionable. Depending on stats, you can see the same basic results unless your going down the armor enhancement trees.

Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Improved Critical: Slashing, Oversized Two Weapon Fighting, Power Attack, Toughness would be a good starting platform.

If you want to solo and are newer chances are you'll be doing so on normal a good bit, so trapfinding is of less use imo. You have evasion, a strong reflex save, and able to cast spells that negate most damages.

Should you really want to introduce rogue skills, this character can still be fun with some rogue at the beginning and woven in.

[Uchuujin]

i run a 1/1/18 Rogue/fighter/ranger dorf and seems similar to what you're planning. Capable trapmonkey, DPS and survivability. Not exactly ace at any of them but he gets the job done. Took the one level of Rogue at lvl 1 for trapsmithing and UMD. Fighter mostly for the extra Feat and toughness. ranger for the lovely Tempest 3 and tons of self sufficiently, with superior devotion 4 item, 3 ranks in the healing enhancement and 20% healing amp i can self heal for an ave of 70hp per hit, wand whip between fights and when i get fully kitted out pop heal scrolls with a UMD of 42 with skill boost before i wade back into combat.
i cant remember the exact starting stats i had (he was a 28pt build so it'll apply to your situation and i messed up my stats a bit being my first toon) but one thing you'll want is at least 13-14 int to start with. With 14 you can keep spot, search, DD, OL and UMD maxed at every lvl. 13 with a +1 tome at lvl 7 you can still keep UMD, search and DD at least maxed. Rangers get a +10 spot/listen buff and you cant blow up locks so they can take the stat point hit. Jump and tumble, though great skills i wouldnt hesitate sacrificing for trapskills, plus rangers also get the jump buff.
I would go with your UMD/DD stat distribution with 14int and 8 wis.
The only problem i have with this build is its fairly item intensive. Need to get fully geared up especially for trapsmithing and UMD (which isnt a surprise with a 1 splash rogue and cha as a dump stat)

[stormarcher]

http://forums.ddo.com/showthread.php?t=244106&highlight=extinct