a couple of people have suggested PA at 1st level, but I wouldn't go that route unless you want something like cleave right then. you can only subtract 1 at 1st level for the attack, not that big a deal when I can have other stuff. I prefer to wait till 2nd or 3rd level for that.
Looking for a few good warriors, well 1 actually.
- Thread starter jarlaxlecq
- Start date
With only 3 PCs, I'd look at a more defensive, opportunistic build. Combat Expertise and Combat Reflexes are good for this. Improved Init or Weapon Focus if you're human. Buy lots of armor and swing one-handed. You're STR is not as high since your DEX and INT need to be higher for the feats. Remember, if you go down it's just a rogue and (probably) a spellcaster left against the baddies - not good odds!
I like the polearm idea too. Reach is underrated - except that you can't hold your ground very well. If you have another fighter-type in the group, definately consider it. Combat Expertise, Improved Trip and WF: Guisarme. Have fun!
--- John
I like the polearm idea too. Reach is underrated - except that you can't hold your ground very well. If you have another fighter-type in the group, definately consider it. Combat Expertise, Improved Trip and WF: Guisarme. Have fun!
--- John
Aranan
First Post
The Dwarven Defender is an excellent PrC to focus on defense (obviously, look at the name!). It requires you to be a dwarf, but since you're going for a fighter type that is hardly a bad thing.
If you're going with 3.0 or are allowed to use Defenders of the Faith, then the Templar might be a decent PrC to aim towards. Damage reduction, free weapon specialization, Mettle and a bit of spellcasting (if you take the class that far).
If you want to defend your buddies, check out the Devoted Defender. d12 HD, two good saves, and a few little bonuses to keep you and your companions alive longer.
If you want to go for the lightly armored/armed tank style, try to find classes that add other bonuses to your AC. Invisible Blade (dragon 303 or complete warrior) and duelist add intelligence modifier to AC. There's a ton of these, and I don't really know them all that well, so I can't help you that much.
A monk is also a fairly decent defensive build, although I don't know if that's what you're looking for.
Edit: You could also go for a halfling paladin on some kind of medium mount: Mounted combat is a beast, especially if you can manage to do it inside dungeons (i.e. a halfling on a wardog, compared to a human on his warhorse).
If you're going with 3.0 or are allowed to use Defenders of the Faith, then the Templar might be a decent PrC to aim towards. Damage reduction, free weapon specialization, Mettle and a bit of spellcasting (if you take the class that far).
If you want to defend your buddies, check out the Devoted Defender. d12 HD, two good saves, and a few little bonuses to keep you and your companions alive longer.
If you want to go for the lightly armored/armed tank style, try to find classes that add other bonuses to your AC. Invisible Blade (dragon 303 or complete warrior) and duelist add intelligence modifier to AC. There's a ton of these, and I don't really know them all that well, so I can't help you that much.
A monk is also a fairly decent defensive build, although I don't know if that's what you're looking for.
Edit: You could also go for a halfling paladin on some kind of medium mount: Mounted combat is a beast, especially if you can manage to do it inside dungeons (i.e. a halfling on a wardog, compared to a human on his warhorse).
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jarlaxlecq
First Post
I have Complete Warrior on its way from Amazon (60% off? 
how could i say no) i'll definatly need to review it.
how could i say no) i'll definatly need to review it.
JoeBlank
Explorer
The Tactical Solder PrC in Complete Warrior has a lot of the same benefits of the Devoted Devender, but is more versatile. The DD has to declare a "charge", which is a specific ally he is protecting, at the beginning of each combat. The TS can do many of the same things, but can move around during combat to protect other allies.Aranan said:
I have a half-orc barbarian/fighter/rogue headed for TS in another level or two.
Woas
First Post
What about an 'archer' fighter? They are defensive in an offensive manor. High Dex is good for AC bonus and to hit rolls. You can wear some armor. (Chain shirt, scale mail, buckler) Any extra strength is welcome if you ever pick up a composite longbow.
A level 1 Human Fighter would have what, 3 feats? I'd definetly take point blank, then precise shot for the first two. Then for your third you could do a number of things (depending on the level of min/maxing or roleplaying you want to do). Improved Initiative wouldn't be a bad idea. That plus your already big Dex bonus... you'll probably be going first in 98% of combat encounters. Which is great for an archer cause then you can ready an action to fire an arrow at any spellcaster trying to cast spells on their turn, trying to break their concentration. What a combo that would be, not only do you do damage, but you are counterspelling to. Or ready an action to be able to move away and fire at any advancing combatant if there are no spell casters. Later on when you get more feats, you could take finesse fighting which would be great with your already good Dex score for the bows. So if you ever find yourself in melee combat or unable to use ranged weapons, you always have a trusty rapier or something on hand.
Or you could be an elf and get that +2 Dex bonus, low light vision, proficiency with the longbow (although you get that for being a fighter don't you?) and immunities to sleep and such, some bonuses on search or listen checks. Oh and that ability to discovered magical secret doors by just walking past them. Although you lose a feat... which isn't THAT big of a deal. I mean, its one feat out of what? Like 20 or something you get as a fighter plus the normal ones. Its all about the roleplaying right?
How about a halberd fighter? Halberds don't have reach, but they can be set against a charge, give you a +2 to trip attempts and do a nice d10 damage. Its very effective espically if you coordinate with your party members. Trip up that enemy and have the rogue tumble by and give the ol' 'flanking proned sneak attack'. Mmm...
Along those lines is the flail. Instead of tripping maybe you would like to disarm people. Flails give you a +2 bonus to disarm attempts. Again there not reach. Plus they can be used to trip, although without any bonuses. How versatile can you be? Disarm, trip, smash, whatever.
Reach weapons like the ranseur. That gives you a +2 to disarm and has reach. Its a 2d4 too...
Or, you could go the Strength route. Maybe a Falchion. Its two handed so you get to add 1.5 Str to damage, and its crit range is 18-20. Grab Improved Crit later on (at level 8 cause you need a +8 BAB for the feat) and thats what? 15-20? Insane I tell you!!
Of course, theres always the good old net...
A level 1 Human Fighter would have what, 3 feats? I'd definetly take point blank, then precise shot for the first two. Then for your third you could do a number of things (depending on the level of min/maxing or roleplaying you want to do). Improved Initiative wouldn't be a bad idea. That plus your already big Dex bonus... you'll probably be going first in 98% of combat encounters. Which is great for an archer cause then you can ready an action to fire an arrow at any spellcaster trying to cast spells on their turn, trying to break their concentration. What a combo that would be, not only do you do damage, but you are counterspelling to. Or ready an action to be able to move away and fire at any advancing combatant if there are no spell casters. Later on when you get more feats, you could take finesse fighting which would be great with your already good Dex score for the bows. So if you ever find yourself in melee combat or unable to use ranged weapons, you always have a trusty rapier or something on hand.
Or you could be an elf and get that +2 Dex bonus, low light vision, proficiency with the longbow (although you get that for being a fighter don't you?) and immunities to sleep and such, some bonuses on search or listen checks. Oh and that ability to discovered magical secret doors by just walking past them. Although you lose a feat... which isn't THAT big of a deal. I mean, its one feat out of what? Like 20 or something you get as a fighter plus the normal ones. Its all about the roleplaying right?
How about a halberd fighter? Halberds don't have reach, but they can be set against a charge, give you a +2 to trip attempts and do a nice d10 damage. Its very effective espically if you coordinate with your party members. Trip up that enemy and have the rogue tumble by and give the ol' 'flanking proned sneak attack'. Mmm...
Along those lines is the flail. Instead of tripping maybe you would like to disarm people. Flails give you a +2 bonus to disarm attempts. Again there not reach. Plus they can be used to trip, although without any bonuses. How versatile can you be? Disarm, trip, smash, whatever.
Reach weapons like the ranseur. That gives you a +2 to disarm and has reach. Its a 2d4 too...
Or, you could go the Strength route. Maybe a Falchion. Its two handed so you get to add 1.5 Str to damage, and its crit range is 18-20. Grab Improved Crit later on (at level 8 cause you need a +8 BAB for the feat) and thats what? 15-20? Insane I tell you!!
Of course, theres always the good old net...
