Agile, "Smart" Fighter Build

[BadMojo]

OK, guys...I need the assistance of the collective EnWorld mind.

Preferably using WotC base classes (feats from other sources are fine) is there a way to build a fighter who uses tactics, defense and mobility as opposed to the usual "two-handed power attack walking tin can" build.

I know we have the Swashbuckler and Duelist but both seem extremely weak when compared to the average single class Fighter. PHB II offers some good feats (Robilar's Gambit) but it would seem that lack of heavy armor and the absence of any sort of precision-based damage would lead to a character with a lot of hit points but a low AC and low damage output.

Is there no hope for the lightly armored, "smart" fighter? Is Monte Cook's Unfettered the only viable option?

Thanks!

 

[Quartz]

There's Mithril Breastplate. And Amulets of Natural Armour and Bracers of Defence.

 

[griff_goodbeard]

Base classes only, probably not.

If your allowed to branch out a bit (since you mentioned the unfettered), an Elven Monk(take Carmendine Monk feat from Dragon), Swashbuckler/ Warblade/ Eternal Blade has really nice intelligence synergy.

 

[Slaved]

Swordsage? Monk? Soulknife? Warblade? Psychic warrior? Batman?

 

[Nifft]

Smart + Mobile = Warblade, IMHO.

Cheers, -- N

 

[DogBackward]

If you're willing to multiclass a bit, the Factotum has some great abilities that capitalize on Intelligence. Three levels nets you some nifty abilities, including +Int to all Str/Dex based checks. You could use this to make a very tactics-oriented combat maneuver fighter. Bull Rush, Trip and so on.

 

[szilard]

I second the Swashbuckler/Warblade mix.

-Stuart

 

[Thurbane]

Thug variant from UA? Or the rogue variant that swaps sneak attack for fighter bonus feats?

 

[Darklone]

TWF build with maaaaany feats: Ftr4/Swash3/Rog4 with Daring Outlaw and Daring Warrior. You'll have Int to damage, you qualify for MWM and WS, you'll have many attacks and sneak attack +4d6. Feats like Dual Strike and/or Two Weapon Pounce let this build shine (we have currently one with Int 18 now...)

If you think that build is bad because you get hit as a full attack action specialist, go rog/scout/rgr with Swift Hunter and Swift Ambusher.

Still I think Warblade is better. Borken Bo9S stuff

 

[underfoot]

Nothing wrong with going straight fighter and using the Combat Expertise/Improved Disarm/Trip, or Dodge/Mobility/Spring Attack feats to make a more versatile, utility-based character. Take some CC ranks in tumble or a couple levels of rogues to bump up your tumble and invest in a mithril breastplate to keep you light.

It also depends on your campaign and what you would likely be fighting. Medium or Large humanoids, or in a city campaign? Trip or Disrarm is by far your best bet, as disabling your opponent can help tremendously if they are higher level then you. But, if you're thrown a lot of Huge or larger creatures, then Sprint Attack with some rogue levels is the way to go (Keeping it simple and to the core books).