Fighter2/Rogue1/Swash3: Where to go from here?

[Mistwell]

Pssst, that's the original poster.

DOH!

The original poster is schizophrenic?
And I am lame.

OK, so general advice. My suggestion is that you take four levels of some combination of non-swordsage classes first. That's rogue 4, or rogue 2 fighter 2, or whatever.

Then take one level of swordsage. You will start with a load of 2nd level maneuvers (and first level if you prefer some of those) and a first level stance like thicket of blades.

Then take two more levels of something else. Like two more rogue, or two more fighter, or one of each.

Then take your second level of swordsage. This will get you a cool third level maneuver and a cool third level stance like assassins stance.

Then move on from there with your main class (rogue probably) or a prestige class.

So, two levels of swordsage. The first taken as your 5th level, the second taken as your 8th level. That's my advice. It maximizes your cool rogue-like maneuvers and stances without making you a primary swordsage.

 

[Nifft]

If you're allowed to change it, and you don't need Trapfinding, just try playing a straight Swordsage.

You don't need any dirty tricks. You don't need to do anything non-obvious to shine in combat. Your skill list will allow combat, stealth and some social interaction (notably Sense Motive and Intimidate).

Alternately, straight Warblade. Intelligence drives enough of your class abilities (including damage when you flank) that you should have a respectable number of skill points, and you'll have most social skills on your list (plus Tumble). Again, you don't need to do anything special to shine in combat, there are a number of special things you can do to shine more in specific situations.

Cheers, -- N