The Unknown-- a perception of a type of tank

[wax_on_wax_off]

I'd swap the levels around. 12 monk (ninja-spy II)/6 fighter (stalwart defender I)/2 artificer, halfelf, paladin dilettante.

12 monk is better, IMO, because:
+5% DR (from earth stance III) is better than +5% HP (from SDIII).
Improved Evasion
Touch of Death
More skill points
Abundant Step
Water Walk
More heal amp

12 fighter is fine too, just a preference thing.

[Nyvn]

I'd swap the levels around. 12 monk (ninja-spy II)/6 fighter (stalwart defender I)/2 artificer, halfelf, paladin dilettante.

12 monk is better, IMO, because:
+5% DR (from earth stance III) is better than +5% HP (from SDIII).
Improved Evasion
Touch of Death
More skill points
Abundant Step
Water Walk
More heal amp

12 fighter is fine too, just a preference thing.

12 monk is better, but the op already has a monk past life and wants something different.