ToB:Bo9S Tank / City Watch Character Build

I need a backup character for the Ptolus game we are in.

The character would be starting at first level but would be adventuring with a 4th level group (so will probably catch up quickly). This character would have a background in the city watch (so will probably need ranks in Knowledge: Local at least), and before that as a soldier.

The party composition is: Sorceror (artillery), Warlock (Artillery, UMD, and Face-Man), Cleric, TWF Rogue/Ftr, and Dwarven Ftr with ranged weapon (often absent from games).

I am currently playing a Rogue with a level in Urban Ranger, using a reach weapon (great spear), dodge-mobility, combat reflexes, and ranks in your typical rogue skills. Headed to spring attack, if he survives. However, the adventure has gotten pretty dangerous, and with the fighter often absent, and usually fighting at range, we could use a tank if I need to replace my existing character (particularly since we have another rogue for the rogue skills, and we have another face-man).

I want to use ToB:Bo9S, likely human, 32 point buy. I'd rather not multiclass outside of that book, though I am open to it (Ftr 2 is boring, but if it makes sense then I am open to it).

I was initially thinking Warblade made the most sense for a tank. However, the more I look at it, the more I see that any of the three classes from ToB:Bo9S (Swordsage and Crusader) can be an effective tank if built right.

I DO NOT WANT TO USE A SPIKED CHAIN, NOR TWO-WEAPON FIGHTING. My image of this character, coming from the city guard, is either a sword-and-board, or a two-handed weapon (though I am open to unarmed strikes).

This character needs to be in melee combat, front line. They need to be able to avoid attacks (AC or dodging), or soak up damage, or both. This is not a spring-attacker. They need to be able to dish out damage, or at least help the rest of the party dish out damage while keeping a target pinned down and not attacking the warlock or sorcerer.

For soaking up damage I was thinking Stone Power, but I am not committed to that feat yet.

Does anyone have any suggestions, suggested builds, etc.?

Crusader is the most tankish of the three classes. Warblade has more offense, but isn't as much of a tank. Swordsage is a specialist, often focusing on stealth and/or two weapon fighting.

They're all fun, but the one it seems best suits your plan is definitely the crusader. Go sword and board, I'd say.

Also, I'd prefer the healing based school (devotion?) to the Stone Dragon stuff. When combined with the delayed damage pool, it should be pretty cool.

A Devotion-tracked Crusader should do it pretty nicely, with a bit of White Raven and Stone to taste.The feat Stone Power will help, as will that Extra Granted Maneuver feat.

Iron Guard's Glare is a very fine stance for keeping the foes locked on to you nicely, so I highly recommend it. Good luck with your hearty new Crusader.

Agree that Crusader is the most "tank" class.
The dwarven crusader in my game uses sword and board and has been having a good time with it.

Take a crusader with the best armor you can get and alternate between iron guard's glare (while in the front line) and the healing stance (name escapes me at the moment) - the other pc's will thank you for it.

The healing stance is Martial Spirit (you or ally heals 2 hp per attack you hit with).

Agreed on the Crusader path. Heavy armor, heavy shield, longsword, Stone Power, Extra Granted Maneuver, Martial Spirit as the first stance learned and Iron Guard's Glare as the second (you'll start off too low-level to be an effective tank then....you'll have to be a support fighter until you catch up a little in levels). Initial maneuvers should probably include Crusader's Strike, Stone Bones, Charging Minotaur, Leading the Attack, and something else (Douse the Flames or Vanguard Strike).

Past 1st-level, probably focus on Devoted Spirit maneuvers, but also take an occasional Stone Dragon strike to use with Stone Power (Bonecrusher for example). You might find a White Raven maneuver or two that works well with your group, which the one or two initial WR maneuvers of yours will help you qualify for. But otherwise just swap them out for DS maneuvers.

i havent tried it, but the Thicket of Blades stance looks very effective with a reach weapon

I've got a couple of ToB tanks. One's mostly straight-up crusader with Extra Granted Maneuver and Elusive Target (plus prereqs, natch). He uses his move actions to soak up AoOs so allies can move in freely and puts on Iron Guard's Glare to irritate foes. Tactics of the Wolf + Flanking Maneuver = WIN.

The other is a warforged warblade/divine mind with Adamantine Body, Power Attack, and Vital Recovery. Psionic focus + Diamond Mind = WIN. 30' speed in adamantine full plate and once per encounter healing is just gravy. He currently has as many hit points as the other party members combined.
-blarg

A couple of questions:

1) I am a little confused about when Stone Power can be used. Obviously it can be used when I use a Stone strike. And it can be used when I make a normal attack or full attack. However, can it be used when I make an attack combined with a strike from Devoted Spirit or White Raven, assuming the strike in question requires a melee attack for example?

2) I am concerned about damage output. The sword and board build can take damage, and is hard to hit. However, with just a longsword and decent strength I am not going to hit for much damage. How can I make up for that deficiency a bit?

Mistwell said:

2) I am concerned about damage output. The sword and board build can take damage, and is hard to hit. However, with just a longsword and decent strength I am not going to hit for much damage. How can I make up for that deficiency a bit?

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1. Get your attack bonus up there (magic weapons, Weapon Focus/Greater Weapon Focus ASAP, etc) and Power Attack.

2. +STR. Bull's Strength, Enlarge, other buffs.

3. Don't worry about it. As long as you're pinning enemies in place and soaking up damage, the wizards, sorcerors, and rogues in the party can take care of damage output. Not as much fun as dealing it yourself, but just as effective.