Help...Better Combat?

[djrdjmsqrd]

General Question...my PC neededs to turn into a melee combat PC...what weapons/tactics do you suggest?


Defrel, Male Human Rogue 4/Fighter 2: CR 6; Size M (6 ft tall); HD 4d6+2d10+2; hp 46; Init +3 (+3 Dex); Spd 30ft; AC 18 (10 +3 Dex +4 armor +1 buckler)
Attack +9 melee, +9 ranged; SV Fort +6, Ref +7, Will +4; AL CG(N); Str14 (+2), Dex16 (+3), Con14 (+2), Int14 (+2), Wis12 (+1), Cha10 (+0)
SA: Sneak Attack (+2d6)Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap Sense (+1), Uncanny Dodge;
Skills and feats: (Skill Points: 88) Balance(7), Bluff(5), Diplomacy(5), Disable Device(6), Gather Information(5), Hide(7), Listen(7), Move Silently(7), Open Lock(7), Search(6), Sense Motive(5), Sleight of Hand(7), Spot(7), Tumble(7), Use Rope(5), Climb(6), Craft (Woodworking)(6), Jump(6), Ride(7), Swim(6), Perform(6); [Evasion], Improved Unarmed Strike, Iron Will, Combat Reflexes, P. B. Shot, P. Shot
Languages Spoken: Common, Elven, Undercommon

 

[Lord Pendragon]

When you say "melee combat PC" do you mean a front-line tank, or merely a PC that does damage by any melee means, rather than ranged means?

 

[argo]

Short answer: just start taking more levels of fighter. Rogue 4/Fighter x is one of the classic builds, usually people come at it from the other direction but it will still work out for you.

Long answer: first you need to answer Lord Pendragon's question. Just what exactly do you see as your character's new role. Do you just want to support the party battle-line as the fighter's flanking buddy or do you have to step up and replace the line on account of said line being dead?

 

[Li Shenron]

General Question...my PC neededs to turn into a melee combat PC...what weapons/tactics do you suggest?

I don't understand if the question is either "what should I look for in the next levels to become better in melee" or "what should I do now at this level when I have to fight in melee instead of ranged".

If the question is about NOW, I think as a Rog/Ftr you can:

- use a light armor to keep yourself mobile (and not hamper your skills)
- try to take advantage of your sneak attack as often as possible: your main chance now is flanking
- use Tumble to adjust yourself into flanking position always
- as a Ftr, you have a wider array of weapon choice, use a martial two-handed weapon (since you're a good archer, I doubt you are using a shield ever, in which you aren't even proficient)
- you could choose a top-damage weapon such as the Greatsword; however, since you are not as protected as a straight Ftr (less HP and light armor), I suggest you a reach weapon such as the Glaive. Why specifically the Glaive? Well, (1) it deals less damage that a GSword but if you get your sneak attack often, the lesser damage hurts a little, (2) a reach weapon can exploit Combat Reflexes well, (3) other martial reach weapons have even lesser damage in exchange for special abilities (sundering, tripping, disarming) which don't work well without a proper feat

 

[Bryin]

use a weapon that has wounding. shortswords and daggers the best choice i thing (sneek attack with the wounding is good tactics for any rogue). too bad you can combine rogue with fighter and multiclass with wizard or sorcerer, thatd be too good though

 

[xazil]

If you are changing roles from the party rogue to the party tank then you may want to change yourself.

If you have a nice DM and are using the XPH you could find a Psion level 7+ to do several psychic reformations upon you. It will cost some amount of GP also XP if the caster doesn't want to take all of that burden.

Then you could go back and pick up more combat oriented feats that are specialized in one area. Things like two weapon fighting which sits well with sneak attacking. Finesse if you plan to emphasis more Dex improvement might be a good idea as one more and you can grab improved two weapon fighting once your BAB gets there. There is a feat in the CW that lets you use your buckler for AC while two weapon fighting as well. Or go down the powerattack/cleave with a greatweapon/reach weapon path. Of course you can always build towards these things from your current starting place, it will just take longer, depending on amount of fighter levels taken.

 

[Darklone]

You already have combat reflexes, so simply pick up a polearm. Your strength and con is nice, take more fighter levels.

In case you want to go the TWF route: Get a doubleweapon for TWF style, wear heavy armour and have a buddy who will flank with you. Stand in front with defensively fighting and single twohanded strikes and delay till someone who attacked you will be flanked by a buddy, then unleash full attack actions.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Yea, with Combat Reflexes (for multiple AoO) and Improved Unarmed Strke (threaten at 5ft with legs, etc.), I'd definately recommend a reach weapon of some kind (so you threaten at 10ft as well). Probabaly a Guisarme for those trip attacks on an opponent or a Ransieur for disarm attempts on opponents.

 

[djrdjmsqrd]

Answeres...

I have gone from being the back-up scout to the back-up scout/fighter...

So, yes I need to be more combat effective...

Polearms, eh? Suggestions? What about Shortspear?

 

[Elder-Basilisk]

Shortspears don't have reach. The weapon you want is a glaive. It has the biggest damage dice of any reach weapon and since you don't have the feats to properly use the special abilities of a guisarme or ranseur, that's the angle you should be going for.

I have gone from being the back-up scout to the back-up scout/fighter...

So, yes I need to be more combat effective...

Polearms, eh? Suggestions? What about Shortspear?