Human duskblade, level 1......

[two]

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.

No way.

At level 1, you have to HIT the enemy first. That's always dicey. Then you have to roll really good damage.

1st level spells are not insta kill even to 1st level PC (when cast at level 1-2).

I see very few surprise round or first action kills in real life.

On the other hand, acting first as a 18th level wizard.... you can do nasty stuff, guaranteed!

 

[Stormborn]

I would go for the Whirlwind Attack feat tree. Its what I am recommending to a player in my upcoming campaign who is looking at Duskblade. At higher levels the Duskblade will want to attack as many opponents as possible in a single round. That also leaves you some room to add in a few feats like Improved Initative, WF, and Improved Crit. While Power Attack isn't a great feat for a 1st level PC, Cleave often can be. Taking both at first level allows you to get on to the better benifits of that tree faster.

 

[BadMojo]

Just going from the perspective of working up a good feat tree, I'd go with Dodge and Mobility, working towards stuff like Whirlwind Attack (awesome when channeling a spell will rock) and something like Elusive Target to keep from getting smashed in to paste in melee.

Power Attack will be nice combined with True Strike and Combat Expertise would be another good way to get some extra defense in lieu of heavier armor.

If it were me, and I was building a lightly armored Duskblade, I'd pick Dodge and Mobility at first level, Combat Expertise or Power Attack @ 3rd, Spring Attack @ 6th and Whirlwind Attack @ 9th.

 

[Sejs]

High dex and planning on fighting in light armor, eh?

Well, you're front-line, as a duskblade. Why not pick up dodge and build toward elusive target and spring attack.

 

[Ilium]

Power Attack is also great for duskblades after a few levels because they can cast quickened True Strike at least once a day. Even though you plan to use a shield, you can loose that shield as a free action for the two-handed strike and big power-attack damage.

I want to play a duskblade just so I can charge 100 feet across the battlefield and do horrific amounts of damage once a day.

 

[Sejs]

If it were me, and I was building a lightly armored Duskblade, I'd pick Dodge and Mobility at first level, Combat Expertise or Power Attack @ 3rd, Spring Attack @ 6th and Whirlwind Attack @ 9th.

Yeah, you've gotta admit, the whirlwind multi-channel would be pretty sweet.