Critique a Fighter 20 Build

[Mort]

I don't think that close-quarters combat has any prereqs. Even with a good wisdom, the benefits of combat focus and a good cloak of protection, your fighter will still be a sitting duck when it come to will saves at high levels, so Iron Will makes a lot of sense. You also should diversify with some ranged feats such as point blank shot and rapid shot since your mastery of a greatsword will mean nothing against flying or distant opponents.

or take "throw anything" (Complete Warrior) and surprise the heck out of the bad guy 10-20 feet from you when you imbed your greatsword into him (you'll need to get it back though).

 

[Dross]

Combat Expertise is definitely an option, as I'll be light on defense with a greatsword. I like Improved Trip as well. They're in the running.

I'd be checking with the DM about the improved trip use with a two handed weapon that you can't trip with. Specifically see how the DM intends to rule the re-gripping the 2-H sword after needing to take one hand of the sword to make an unarmed trip attack.

 

[Korak]

I'd be checking with the DM about the improved trip use with a two handed weapon that you can't trip with. Specifically see how the DM intends to rule the re-gripping the 2-H sword after needing to take one hand of the sword to make an unarmed trip attack.

Who says you have to use an arm or hand to try? Why not a foot sweep? Or a forcefull shoulder slam... or some other flavor. The rules don't require your hands to be empty. They just note that unless you are using a tripping weapon, your touch attack counts as unarmed... unless, of course, you have the improved trip feat.

 

[Enforcer]

Yeah, I agree with Korak on tripping, and if I were running, would allow an unarmed trip attack to be made by someone with a two-handed weapon. After all, the tripper still has to either a) provoke an attack of opportunity or b) spend a feat to trip people, all the while not having an "out" if the tripper loses the opposed check--he can't drop his weapon, he'll have to resist being tripped himself if he fails.

 

[Dross]

Who says you have to use an arm or hand to try? Why not a foot sweep? Or a forcefull shoulder slam... or some other flavor. The rules don't require your hands to be empty. They just note that unless you are using a tripping weapon, your touch attack counts as unarmed... unless, of course, you have the improved trip feat.

I do not disagree* (admittedly I should have written "see IF the DM requires you to re-grip your 2H weapon").
But i have seen a DM rule that because a monk is the only one specifically called out as being able to use unarmed attacks with both hands full, you cannot have both hands full and trip. I think that it was the FAQ he was refering to. :\

* Unarmed attack notes: punches, kicks, and headbuts as unarmed attacks.

My current DM allows the 2H weapon and trip thing.

Hhhmm, which begs a different Q. I'm of to start another thread it think (Trip, Reach weapons and AoOs).