[Jedira]

My group just ended a long term second edition campaign and are starting a 4th edition campaign for the new year. I played a Wolf Shaman in my previous campaign but always took leadership roles. For my new character I am trying to build a Face which leads the group. We are a heavy combat/"Frontal Assault" group so the character needs some type of combat ability. I have no idea where to start.

Thanks for your help
Jedira

[UmaroVI]

Take a look at my sig and the "Negotiator" archetype; that sounds like a good starting place for what you want. You might also check the Martial Artist, Spook, or Generalist; all four of those can face and fight.

[Mirikon]

Well, a Shaman can easily double as a face depending on totem. You can't get better than a social adept for the face role, though you may consider spending some of your PP to at least pick up a second IP. A Technomancer could actually be a really good face, if you did it right. And rigging supplies a lot of combat ability.

[ArkangelWinter]

If you don't mind the sleazier tactics, a mage of a charisma tradition with Influence, Control Emotions, Mob Mood, and/or Mind Probe is pretty effective. Go ahead and take Boost Charisma while you're at it.

[Mirikon]

Alter Memory is always a good spell.

[Lysanderz]

Ahhh Face Adepts/Shamans..... none will ever be as epic as the canon story for our favorite Jackpointer. Mind rape......

[CanRay]

Well, a Shaman can easily double as a face depending on totem.

*Cough*

[JustADude]

Alter Memory is always a good spell.

Yes, yes it is. Pull the whammy at the right time, and the chief of security will not only GIVE YOU the objective, but have some of his staff help you out to the armored vehicle he's providing for secure transit, all because he thinks he's gotten hush-hush verbal orders to do so from a superior.

...

Not that I'm speaking from experience or anything, of course. 

[The Wyrm Ouroboros]

Ooo, nice.  +1 to you.

[World]

I know this advice is probably to late... but you may want to think about the Wise Warrior as your mentor spirit if you want to stay with shamans.

I think it would make a nice team leader if shaman is your style.