Jackinthegreen
Explorer
Considering opponents cannot be tripped when they are already prone, there is no infinite loop. Bull rushing a prone target does not force it to stand up either, even if it's smashed against an obstruction.
As for the build, I agree it is a bit messy. Given D&D's nature though, there are certain objectives that simply can't be done within the rules without looking "messy." Martial characters usually have to multiclass to get the good stuff to compete at a similar level to most casters. And I'm feeling a whole lot of deja vu right now, as if I've typed this stuff before.
Anyway, I did also say it has good control even without Aptitude cheese. A couple levels in barbarian to get pounce and Improved Trip, and then the rest into fighter will do. It's essentially shock trooper, knock-down, and knockback that are the heavy lifters here. Note that there was no Expansion because the character was already large due to Half-Ogre. For extra cheese the half-minotaur template could have been used instead.
Taking advantage of Bloodstorm Blade mostly means the character can do these things at range and not have to go toe-to-toe with the baddies. Going into melee has its own rewards with pounce and gaining use of shock trooper's Heedless Charge tactic.
In short though, most of the "tanking" done in D&D is about controlling opponents. Buffing your party's AC doesn't usually accomplish that very well, but if it works for you, I guess it works for you. As mentioned though, some mild lockdown would go a long way to keeping stuff off your party.
Dodge can lead you to Elusive Target. Negating Power Attack would be classified as a tank thing I'd say. If you're confident in your defenses, using Cause Overreach is fun, especially with Improved Trip.
How many turn attempts do you have again? Get a nightstick from Libris Mortis for 4 more. You might benefit from Travel Devotion, if you can take it.
As for the build, I agree it is a bit messy. Given D&D's nature though, there are certain objectives that simply can't be done within the rules without looking "messy." Martial characters usually have to multiclass to get the good stuff to compete at a similar level to most casters. And I'm feeling a whole lot of deja vu right now, as if I've typed this stuff before.
Anyway, I did also say it has good control even without Aptitude cheese. A couple levels in barbarian to get pounce and Improved Trip, and then the rest into fighter will do. It's essentially shock trooper, knock-down, and knockback that are the heavy lifters here. Note that there was no Expansion because the character was already large due to Half-Ogre. For extra cheese the half-minotaur template could have been used instead.
Taking advantage of Bloodstorm Blade mostly means the character can do these things at range and not have to go toe-to-toe with the baddies. Going into melee has its own rewards with pounce and gaining use of shock trooper's Heedless Charge tactic.
In short though, most of the "tanking" done in D&D is about controlling opponents. Buffing your party's AC doesn't usually accomplish that very well, but if it works for you, I guess it works for you. As mentioned though, some mild lockdown would go a long way to keeping stuff off your party.
Dodge can lead you to Elusive Target. Negating Power Attack would be classified as a tank thing I'd say. If you're confident in your defenses, using Cause Overreach is fun, especially with Improved Trip.
How many turn attempts do you have again? Get a nightstick from Libris Mortis for 4 more. You might benefit from Travel Devotion, if you can take it.
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