Light-armored fighter advice

[Klaus]

How about:

Monk 1: Stunning (B), something else
Fighter 1: Weapon Focus (longspear)
Monk 2: Combat Reflexes (B), Serpent Strike



-Stuart

You need to be proficient in the weapon to apply Weapon Focus, and monks aren't proficient with Longspear. Plus, Serpent Strike specifically lists Simple Weapon Proficiency as a prerequisite.

He could begin with a level of Fighter, which gives him proficiency in all simple weapons and a bonus feat that could be used for Weapon Focus. That way he can get Serpent Strike by 3rd.

Ftr 1 - Power Attack (b), Weapon Focus (longspear), Improved Initiative
Ftr 1/Mnk 1 - Stunning Strike
Ftr 1/Mnk 2 - Combat Reflexes (b), Serpent Strike

 

[jasin]

Um, this is pretty much what szilard said. Only he went monk-fighter-monk rather than fighter-monk-monk, assuming that monk multiclassing restrictions are lifted. Which is not necessarily a safe assumption, but I heartily endorse it.

 

[Darklone]

He could take one level Stalwart sorcerer. That gives him Martial weapon proficiency and mage armor.

And it might be combined with the Ascetic Mage feat.

 

[szilard]

Um, this is pretty much what szilard said. Only he went monk-fighter-monk rather than fighter-monk-monk, assuming that monk multiclassing restrictions are lifted. Which is not necessarily a safe assumption, but I heartily endorse it.

Yeah. Pretty much.

The multiclassing restriction rarely made sense to me - so I tend to ignore it... and Monk at level 1 gives you more skill points than fighter, so....

-Stuart

 

[not_me]

Some great thoughts in here, thanks everyone!

An update: The DM is being very generous and has crafted a class that looks like this: good BAB, d8 HD, monkish skills and skill points, no armor, no shield, simple and martial weapons, combat expertise bonus feat, INT mod plus a bonus following monk AC progression to expertise (ie, you gain AC bonus only when you can use combat expertise, you can use -0 and still gain the AC bonus), base movement increases at higher levels, and a 'whirling dance' ability that allows certain weapons to be used similar to flurry (bonus attack, all at -2). She will have improved trip at level 2. So that is the base. Also, no multiclassing restrictions...

Unfortunetaly my character's WIS will net her a +0 modifier, so anything that adds WIS to AC is out. Cloth Dancing and Whirling Defense sounds like it could be right up her alley, though... I'll have to try to find that source!

The monk/longspear option looks like fun, but that is for another day (a Guan Do is a non-reach polearm alas...)

Swordsage... also interesting. I doubt the DM would let me double stack the INT bonuses to AC, alas... and I want to create her so that all her abilities are not magic-y, so I'd have to choose maneuvers carefully. Actually, odd as it may seem (though I'd have to see about worthwile maneuvers) the warmain may actually work in her favor, due to her higher INT. And WOW, snap kick is interesting, though she will not have the improved unarmed strike. (and man, just noticed Superior Unarmed Strike -- wow, that would be powerful for a monk).

Keep the ideas coming! I am having fun here!

not_me

 

[jasin]

combat expertise bonus feat, INT mod plus a bonus following monk AC progression to expertise (ie, you gain AC bonus only when you can use combat expertise, you can use -0 and still gain the AC bonus),

Ooh. This is going to hurt in ambushes and in situations where you want to move or drink potions or something rather than attack.

 

[KerlanRayne]

You may consider using a Dervish. Many only use it for two weapon fighting but it doesn't have to be. You could use a Halberd. It's a two handed non-reach slashing polearm that lets you trip opponents. The class has an AC bonus that increases with level and will let you easily tumble past foes. It's an option that seems to fit very well with your original post.

KerlanRayne

 

[Darklone]

You may consider using a Dervish. Many only use it for two weapon fighting but it doesn't have to be. You could use a Halberd. It's a two handed non-reach slashing polearm that lets you trip opponents. The class has an AC bonus that increases with level and will let you easily tumble past foes. It's an option that seems to fit very well with your original post.

KerlanRayne

Spinning halberd style. Rocks.