[3.P] Optimizing Thor

[ImperatorK]

I'm converting Thor to 3.P and my houserules. While doing that I also want to take the opportunity and optimize him a little.
The biggest houserule concerning gods in my games is that they're rarely Epic level. They don't get 20 outsider HD and most of them don't have more than 20 class levels.
My base idea is to make him gestalt Ranger 20 // Barbarian 20, but I'm sure there are better options. I don't want to use any caster classes, partly because it would make him too strong for my purposes, and partly because he's a warrior. Besides, he has his godly powers, so that's enough magic for him. I want to keep his build fairly simple, so ToB is also out. That leaves us with PrCs. Any suggestions what would fit him better and make him stronger?
A lot less levels means less feats, and his official feat selection is far from perfect, so I have to redo them. I have no idea what tactics he could use in combat, except two-handing his warhammer and using brute force, of course. To be honest, most I know about Thor is from recent comics and movies (based on those comics). Mythology never was too interesting to me.
I think I'll leave his SDAs as they are, no need to mess with them. They're mostly just numbers or bullshit powers like killing with a stare. He won't use them either way. Too proud for that.

[nijineko]

group intimidate tricks, what about giving him levels of elemental savant - storm elemental? lightning and thunder for one low price? maybe a tweak to the prestige to nix the spellcasting and make it more of a warrior variant. there is also the one of the storm prestiges: storm disciple, storm sentry, or storm lord. the latter seems to sorta fit in with the nordic culture somewhat, at least the more chaotic aspects.

having the titan bloodline would yield the amusing ability to wield a massively oversized warhammer. not quite strict to legend, but fun.

make his weapon and armor out of obdurium.

why not tweak his SDAs for combat? boost his DR, ER, and SR. he probably needs some way of calling/controlling a storm/wind, flight, and calling lightning, as those are usually the only caster type options he uses. factotum, perhaps? maybe tack on the war, strength, and/or storm domains through one of the various tricks? or, it could be via magic items, i guess. added on to his weapon and/or armor.

just some thoughts.

[sirpercival]

If throwing thunderbolts is your thing, you could use this.

[muktidata]

Barbarian Ranger? My initial reaction is a combination of Paladin and Duskblade. No spells? Paladin has plenty of ACF's to trade spells away. Maybe Kensai? It is his "signature weapon." Master Thrower should probably make an appearance. Anointed Knight is a thought... maybe a bad one.

[ImperatorK]

No homebrew.
He can throw thunderbolts regardless of class, through his godly powers.
He feels more like Ranger/Barbarian.
Will signature weapon even add anything to his warhammer when it's already an Epic (or near Epic) weapon (artifact even)?

[Maat Mons]

Here are some thoughts on optimizing barbarian 20 I already had written up. 

Fangshields Barbarian 3

• Substitution level (must be non-humanoid)
• When charging, gain +10 feet to speed/3 levels (enhancement bonus)
• Lose trap sense (all versions)
• Champions of Valor, page 40

Fangshields Barbarian 5

• Substitution level (must be non-humanoid)
• Can take -4 on charge attack to knock opponent back 10 feet (ref negates, DC = damage)
• Lose improved uncanny dodge
• Champions of Valor, page 40

Relentless Smash

• Barbarian ACF, replaces mighty rage (level 20)
• Stun target for 1d3 rounds with no save on critical hit or after 3 successful attacks in one round
• Dragon 349, page 92

Spirit Totem (Lion Totem)

• Barbarian ACF, replace fast movement (level 1)
• Gain pounce
• Complete Champion, page 46

Streetfighter

• Barbarian ACF, replaces DR (all versions) (level 7)
• Level 7: +1 critical threat range when charging
• Level 10: can turn 90 degrees when charging
• Level 13: can charge through allies and noncombatants
• Level 16: move up to 4x speed when charging
• Level 19: can make a new charge if the previous charge dropped the target on the first attack (total movement of all charges can't exceed 4x speed)
• Cityscape web enhancement

[Tonymitsu]

He feels more like Ranger/Barbarian.

Why Ranger?
He doesn't use anything close to the Archery Style feats.  He throws his hammer or shoots lightning for ranged attacks.
He doesn't dual-wield either.  He only has the one weapon.

He doesn't have animal companions.  The two goats that pull his cart?  They aren't time-honored friends who fight along-side him in battle.  He eats them... and resurrects them later, but still... you don't do that to an animal companion.  They're pets.  Anyone with Handle Animal could have something similar them.

The only thing even remotely ranger-like about him is being associated with oak-trees.  In which case Druid/Barbarian would make more sense.  Then you'd at least have something that could both fight and Call Lightning.

Thor's hallmarks are his ridiculous strength, durability, and inexhaustible stamina.
Fighter/War Hulk would probably be more appropriate for the other side of the build.

A lot of the myths about the hammer also come from the Marvel comics, rather than actual mythology.  For instance, the reason Thor needs his iron gloves to wield the hammer is not because it's heavy (and it's not.  it gets stolen a number of times).  The popular theory is because the handle is much shorter than the dwarven smiths intended it to be,  so he needs the gloves to properly wield its immense power.

[ImperatorK]

He doesn't use anything close to the Archery Style feats.  He throws his hammer or shoots lightning for ranged attacks.
He doesn't dual-wield either.  He only has the one weapon.

Two-handed style.

He doesn't have animal companions.

The other option of Hunter's Bond.