Flexible Fighter

[Azuretiger]

I tried out this new rule for fighter generation, and so far it has worked well, but I am still a little worried about future game balance issues.

At first level (and only at first level) a fighter may exchange either the shield proficiency or the heavy armor proficiency (or both) for a feat listed under the bonus fighter feat list. He may also get them back at any time he receives an additional feat for fighter level or character level advancement. IF the first level fighter is a higher character level than first(multiclassed) he is restricted to only those bonus fighter feats he would qualify for as a first level character.
Example: A tenth level rogue who takes a level of fighter can exchange heavy armor proficiency for the Combat Reflexes feat (a feat he would qualify for at first character level), but not for the Spring Attack feat, even if otherwise he would qualify.

So far the rule has been well accepted by my players, who love the added flexibility of the class. Future Duelists and Two weapon fighters especially. However I still worry that I might have missed a way that players might be able to take unfair advantage of the rule and unbalance the game. I would greatly appriciate any input on this!

 

[Crothian]

Some feats are stronger then others. Your allowing them to remove feats (heavy armor and shield) that they have no intention of using anyway for feats they will be using. Each Martil weapon is a feat, would you allow them to trade out the knowledge of some of those for even additional feats?

I've done the trade out armor, but it wa sa two for one deal. You could trade out both Medium and heavy armor for instance for one bonus feat. However, you need to purchase medium armor and heavy armor seperately if you find you want them later in your adventurering carier.