Strangely sufficient, I recommend the forest gnome in excess of the rock gnome. Forest gnomes achieve +one Dexterity, which I would benefit about the rock gnome's +1 constitution reward. Also, the rock gnome's Tinker ability Regrettably does plenty of things the artificer presently receives

Nerves of Steel. Here is the premier skill choice from the game for melee fighters. Getting Pinned kills your ability to Demand, and charging is the one way you are able to combat in close combat (Until you have a Versatile weapon and your opponent is silly more than enough to come within your range