Fighter problems

[The Amazing Dingo]

If I can add another notion to the topic, do those who feel the Fighter class is lacking (which I can understand, if not agree with) thinks it lacks in its power or simply in its flavor? It seems to be a slightly mixed bag with some people falling in the middle of the two.

Personally, I think it lacks a little in both. I do believe a few more Skill Points would serve him well and perhaps giving him an ability at some later levels to choice a cross-class skill as a class skill just to add a bit more flavor to the class (I don't quite believe in the idea of allowing all skills as class skills, though I can one again understand it...what can I say but I'm an understanding kinda guy).

 

[DragonLancer]

If anything the problem with flavour is that unlike other classes, the Fighter is too generic to pick and choose a character concept. Its too broad a category.

But then saying that I don't like the idea of specific base fighter classes such as those presented in Comp Warrior.

 

[GrayIguana]

Just chiming in that I think the fighter is very balanced. The high level fighters my players had were killing machines, and I don't think they lacked for feats to choose from, . . especially with the Complete Warrior. At 16th level the one fighter has 16 feats (if I'm adding the correctly). And at this level it is hard to challenge them in straight combat. I definately have to play to their weaknesses.

 

[Greylock]

If I can add another notion to the topic, do those who feel the Fighter class is lacking (which I can understand, if not agree with) thinks it lacks in its power or simply in its flavor? It seems to be a slightly mixed bag with some people falling in the middle of the two.

Personally, I think it lacks a little in both. I do believe a few more Skill Points would serve him well and perhaps giving him an ability at some later levels to choice a cross-class skill as a class skill just to add a bit more flavor to the class (I don't quite believe in the idea of allowing all skills as class skills, though I can one again understand it...what can I say but I'm an understanding kinda guy).

I'm playing a straight fighter for the first time ever (usual critter is a Ranger) and it's the flavor I'm missing. Big time. What I wouldn't give for just a few more skills. My char is a mounted specialist, and has poured points into that. Now he's aching for Knowledge skills, and Survival too. I can't think of a single good reason why all but seven or so of the basic skills are cross-class. It's punishing if you want more than a grunt fighter.

I'm planning on boosting this char's INT at 8th level for skill points, but it doesn't help the cc problem.

 

[Remathilis]

It might not help the fighter quandry, but I'm brainstorming a high level fighter PrC (THIS IS WIP)

Peerless Warrior

BAB: +12
Skills: Intimidate 15 ranks
Feats: Weapon Focus, Weapon Specialization, Greater Weapon Focus, Greater Weapon Specialization

SKILLS: Mostly the same a fighter
HD: d10

BAB: +1/Level
Saves: Fort Good

1. Peerless Tactic
2. Peerless Tactic
3. Peerless Tactic
4. Peerless Tactic
5. Peerless Tactic
(only 5 level class)

Peerless tactic: basically choose 5

* Reduce two weapon fighting penalties by -2/-2
* Weapon becomes aligned with you alignment for 1 rd/level, 3/day
* Fire missile weapon in melee
* Reduce armor penalities (Armor check and movement)
* Mettle (Evasion for fort/will saves)
* deal 1d8 points of int, wis or cha damage (PCs choice) 3/day
* Looking for More suggestions!

the idea was to have a PrC comperable to Heirophant/Archmage. Suggestions welcomed.

 

[MDSnowman]

I really think the real anwser to all of these problems with the fighter is to either give them more specfic class feats, expand martial arts styles, or print more tactical feats like the ones in Complete Warrior. They encourage you to realy try some special moves... my favorite is where I charge and power attack at a 6 or more and my full blade gets TRIPLE the power attack points I put into it. If you're the all power attack all the time type this could lead to some simply devastating attacks.

 

[dreaded_beast]

In one of the Dragon magazines, I believe the one that came out right before the Complete Warrior or 3.5, it detailed "alternate" fighter builds, such as Bodyguard, Gladiator, Weaponsmaster, etc. Those classes had 2 or 3 special abilities that could be selected instead of a fighter's normal bonus feat. In addition, the bonus feat list was different for each "alternate" fighter class.

 

[MDSnowman]

In one of the Dragon magazines, I believe the one that came out right before the Complete Warrior or 3.5, it detailed "alternate" fighter builds, such as Bodyguard, Gladiator, Weaponsmaster, etc. Those classes had 2 or 3 special abilities that could be selected instead of a fighter's normal bonus feat. In addition, the bonus feat list was different for each "alternate" fighter class.

Yep, I especially liked the Puglisit, gave up proficeincy with most martial weapons and in exchange actually became a decent bare fisted warrior.

 

[The Amazing Dingo]

Would anyone else like to see the option of giving up Weapon Proficiencies in order to gain additional abilities or skills? Usually I find myself focusing on one weapon and sticking primarily with that one. At higher levels, a fighter *has* to be highly specialized in one area to make use of the higher level abilities and such.

You go around using that bastard sword all the time...thank the gods for that ability to use that sling you've still had since level 1...

 

[Taneel BrightBlade]

Taneel...those feats are...uh...very strong. And their fighter-only nature is going to leave paladins and barbarians frowning.

good point the fighter only effect would make the fighter over powered. goes and edits.