Emperor of Solmaria (OOC)

[Mithreander]

That's what Block Attack was supposed to do, except that I thinks it's slightly broken:

Block Attack (Ex): Once per round, when a Swordsman is hit in combat by a melee attack, he may attempt a block attack (as a reaction) to negate the hit. The hit is negated if your block attack result is greater than the opponent's attack roll. (Essentially, the block attack becomes his Armor Class if it's higher than his regular AC.) The swordsman is only allowed to make block attacks when wielding a twohanded sword and not wearing armor or holding a shield. At level 4 and up, the swordsman is entitled a second block attack each round at a -5 penalty. At level 7 and up, the swordsman is entitled a third block attack each round at a -10 penalty. These extra block attacks must be used against different attacks. The swordsman can only try to negate each attack once.

Do you have any further suggestions, or perhaps an idea of how to fix it? The reason that I think it's broken is discussed HERE but I have heard nothing since I posted this.

 

[Majin]

Possibly a hardened skin (ex) to make it easier? From taking those hits constantly the warriors skin could get extra tough thus giving him bonuses to AC when not wearing armor?

 

[Mithreander]

It's an idea, I'll give it some thought. Thanks!

 

[silentspace]

Here's my two cents, I hoe it's helpful!

I think blocking with such precision with a heavy two handed weapon might be difficult. I was thinking it might be more realistic against a single, declared opponent, such as with the Dodge feat. But I like the part about "as a reaction", and it got me thinking...

Block Attack:
A swordsman may choose to Block Attack against a single opponent as a full round action. If the swordsman's initiative is higher than the opponents, he loses his initiative (it becomes one lower than the opponent). When the opponent makes an attack against him, the swordsman may make an opposed Block Attack roll. If the swordsman's roll beats his opponents (regardless of the outcome of the attack), the swordsman may make an AoO against his opponent. Against opponents who make multiple attacks, the swordsman may continue to make AoOs against the same opponent, until he uses up all his available AoOs. When all AoOs are used, the swordsman may continue to counterattack using his regular attacks. If the opponent uses up all his attacks and the swordsman has regular attacks remaining, he may use them on his initiative.

What do you think? It makes a reactive fighter, but very powerful in a duel-type situation. He could end up getting a lot of attacks, but he fights defensively. Its not that useful in other situations, though.

Edit: If I were facing this guy, I'd stop attacking and back off,

 

[Mithreander]

I like that better then what we have right now, though the Swordsman is supposed to be a bringer of justice, not a reaction type fighter. He steps up. Once more, this type of fighting style makes him seem kind of a winp, if you know what I mean.

It also undermines his improved Initiative requirements, though it does help him to beat the oponents Initiative inicialy. Humm, I am beginning to think that I'm to picky.

I think I will use what you ahve outlined, but I would like to change it slightly. I'll show you what I would change it to once I outline it for myself.

Good idea, thanks!

 

[silentspace]

Yeah, I do know what you mean. Looking forward to seeing your revisions!

 

[Mithreander]

Block Attack (Ex):
On the swordsman's initiative, he can choose a single opponent. When that opponent attacks the swordsman, the swordsman can choose to block that opponents attack (regardless if it would hit or miss). If the swordsman's to-hit roll exceeds that of the opponent's to-hit roll, the swardsman efectively negates the attack against him and forces the opponent in a compromised position allowing the swordsman to take advantage of an AoO if he has not used all his AoOs for the round. The swordsman is only allowed to make block attacks when wielding a twohanded sword and not wearing armor or holding a shield. At level 4 and up, the swordsman is entitled a second block attack at a -5 penalty. At level 7 and up, the swordsman is entitled a third block attack each round at a -10 penalty. These extra block attacks must be used against different attacks from the chosen opponent. The swordsman can only try to negate each attack once. If the Swordsman has multiple AoOs (by feats such as combat reflexes), he is allowed to take multiple AoOs if he nanages to negate multiple attacks.

What do you think? This does not alter his regular attack (which would take place during his regular initiative), but if his opponent beats his initiative, he's unable to block the first set of attacks from that opponent.

 

[hippocrachus]

I agree with most of Thels' input, I really like the "Retaliate" ability... Maybe just get it a little sooner, unless it makes him too much of a munchkin...

 

[Mithreander]

Did you look my latest rendition of the Block attack (two post above this one in this thread)? What do you think of that?

 

[hippocrachus]

Drop "Retaliate" completely (I don't know if that's what you intended) and trade for a little less harsh penalties for the second and third block attacks.
If a successful block attack grants an AoO...