Human duskblade, level 1......

[Question]

Any idea of what feat i should take besides improved initiative?

 

[shilsen]

Does your character have low Dex? In that case, you should get Battle Caster from Complete Arcane, so that you can cast in full plate at 4th lvl. In which case you can pick up Battle Caster at 1st and be able to use medium armor immediately, or do it at 3rd. If not picking Battle Caster at 1st, I'd go for Power Attack.

 

[Question]

Im not sure about power attack......thats not very beneficla for either first level or 1 handed weapons with a shield. Also i have 18 dex and probably using chain shirt.

 

[cmanos]

Where did you get Power Attack from shilsen's reply? Shilsen suggested using Battle Caster so you can cast in armor.

 

[Ilium]

Does your character have low Dex? In that case, you should get Battle Caster from Complete Arcane, so that you can cast in full plate at 4th lvl. In which case you can pick up Battle Caster at 1st and be able to use medium armor immediately, or do it at 3rd. If not picking Battle Caster at 1st, I'd go for Power Attack.

Emphasis added.

 

[Shadeus]

Arcane Strike seems like a good one to have all around. At first level, it's only okay (you only have so many spells), but eventually it will be good to have as backup. Sure, you can channel, but what if you only have shocking grasp and are fighting a blue dragon? It's just a thought.

 

[Shin Okada]

Besides improved initiative? I don't think Improved initiative to be a good choice at all.

Power Attack + Cleave is my first choice of combo.

Power Attack + Weapon Focus (your choice) could be good, too. You are nothing if you can't hit opponents. And, as a combat character, you will eventurally need Power Attack (especially as you can cast True Strike).

If you are using reach weapon, Combat Reflex is good.

Depend on DM, Close Quater Fighting is a must-have for melee types.

Battle Caster could be good, too. But IMHO at level 1, chain shirt (or studded leather) will be sufficient (or rather, you cannot buy heavier armor anyway). And you will eventurally get Armored Mage (medium) and that will allow you to wear mithral full-plate. That is usually more than enough.

 

[two]

Initiative is vastly overrated at levels <15 I think.

For anyone except the rogue, going for surprise/flatfooted stuff.

Improved init for a fighter mage type?

Absolutely pointless.

Plus you already have a dex=18=+4 to init.

that's good enough.

 

[Nonlethal Force]

Rather than go for a high DEX character, which means lower damage usually, I decided to put what I had been planning on putting into DEX and rather putting it into STR. Then, at first level I tok Insightful Reflexes. I plan on my Duskblade to be rather intelligent, though.

If you stick with a high DEX character, this post will be of little help to you.

 

[Stalker0]

Considering how frail first level character are...its somewhat just like at high levels. He who goes first often goes last.

Only go power attack if your planning to also go cleave right away. I think PA is pretty worthless at low levels, attacks are so low compared to AC at that level, your much better off giving yourself the best chance to hit.

I think weapon focus is a great all around low level feat. +1 to attacks is golden.