My Attempt at the Elven Shadowblade

[moorewr]

If you chose the second option for starting attributes, you would most definetly require Weapon Finesse to do well in combat. Also, I find your wisdom could be lowered to 11 or 10 since you wont be taking any Monk levels. For casting, you could just put on a wisdom item and you will be able to cast your ranger spells. Leaving intelligence at 8 is fine since the Swim skill is quite useless. I find Illuminati's Tempest II character has some very solid starting attributes which could definetly work on your build. I would recommend:

Str - 16 (10 Pts.)
Dex - 18 (10 Pts.)
Con - 14 (10 Pts.)
Int - 8
Wis - 10 (2 Pts.)
Cha - 8

Also, on my build I delayed the Power Attack feat to level 18 in order to grab the Oversized TWF feat at level 15. I believe OTWF will be a bit more beneficial for this specific build.

I would definitely go STR-based if it were me. the reason to go dex/finesse is to the synchronicity with ranged bonuses.. which is not the focus here...

Addendum - unless there are stunning PrEs for 18-19 level fighters that a CG character can take, I plan to take two levels of rogue on my fighter and pick up TWF. I can play shield-blocking intimidator, but much of the time I'm just down the DPS curve by virtue of that shield without enough AC to be worth it...

[Stealthbr]

Well, both Dex Based and Str based have their own unique advantages. If you decide to go Str based, you will have an overall higher DPS and one extra feat while going Dex based allows for higher +'s to hit, higher AC potential, higher reflex saves, and better bow usage. Both are definetly viable options though.

[EKKM]

Thanks for the tips - will let you know what I eventually decide to roll up. Only 50 favour to go, but it take a while with only 5-6 hours per week