Barbarian karmic strike combat ref...

[Drakeskull]

I was just thinking if a barbarian took karmic strick and combat reflexes that would be devastating. I havent put it to the test but while going into rage a barbarian with a high dex could dish out some damage. Since they are seperate provoking attempts wouldnt they be able to get the attack everytime and hope that they could quickly finish off there opponent. I know that they would have situations where that wouldnt be very wise to do but it seems to be a sound tactic. Any thoughts?

 

[Darklone]

I may repeat myself, but Karmic Strike in any combination is pretty broken.

 

[Sejs]

Barbarian levels.
Karmic Strike.
Power Attack.
Monkey Grip an oversized Bastard Sword.


...you know, it really wouldn't be that hard to make Gatts from Berserk in D&D now that I think of it.

 

[Legildur]

I've been tossing the Karmic Strike/Combat Reflexes combo for a barbarian around in my head for a couple of weeks now. Our barbarian typically has a lousy AC (obviously) and I figured 'what the heck, if you are going to get hit anyway, might as well get some mileage out of it.'

But.... with Dodge as a prerequisite for Karmic Strike, that's 3 valuable feat slots, and a decent Dex score to make it worthwhile...... Sure though, it will be useful in some circumstances where you absolutely have to take the BBG down, but most Barbarians will find better utility out of the Power Attack and either Extend or Extra Rage feats at lower levels.

I was thinking the combo might work better for a higher AC character, like maybe a Dwarven Defender, where they have already invested the Dodge feat, or someone Fighting Defensively or using Combat Expertise.

 

[Darklone]

Don't think so. Someone with Double Hit, Epic Combat Reflexes and a good DR will get the most mileage out of it. The higher the DR, the lower the AC

 

[drunkmoogle]

On an interesting note, I've seen two low-level Karmic Strike builds go off head-to-head against each other. It was a very quick battle (game time). They attacked each other more times in six seconds than a level 16 fighter, raising a few eyebrows from the crowd (gladitorial match). Higher dex won, not surprisingly.