Simple: Barbarian v. Fighter

[Thanee]

Considering, that there were long discussion threads about this topic... simple seems to be quite an understatement!

I also think it's about the same overall, tho I do favor the barbarian a bit, since Rage and extra movement is so good, but that's mainly important in the beginning, where the fighter's bonus feats are also a rather strong advantage (only later the fighter slowly loses, when there are too few "high level" feats to pick from).

Bye
Thanee

 

[argo]

For straight up maximum damage/rnd in melee the Barb wins every time (no suprise, thats the job he was built for). However the Fighter still has several builds where he stands head and shoulders above the Barb.

-Archery
-Mounted Combat
-Area suppression (reach weapon + combat reflexes + a trick or two like Imp Trip)
-Bodyguard (heavy armor and shield + expertise + combat reflexes + Imp Initative)
-Disabling attacks (trip/disarm/sunder)
-Weapon Master (can achieve damage output nearly equal to the Barb while mantaining a better AC and possibly a few tricks on the side)
-Exotic Weapon Twink-outs

The important thing to remember about the Fighter is he is one of the few character classes who can afford to mantain two different styles (such as the Bodyguard who can also use a bow effectively when not in melee) or mantain a primary style while picking up some sideline abilities such as Iron Will, Improved Init or Leadership. Over the course of a campaign that flexibility can come in handy, it also means the player of the fighter will have more to do than just charge the nearest enemy and roll to-hit over and over.

If you like the tactical wargame aspect of DnD you will probably perfer Fighters over Barbarians.

Later.

 

[Anax]

There's a reason that when I make a fighter, their Intelligence score is usually 14, and never less than 12. ;>

 

[Thanee]

Yep, the Combat Expertise tree is quite good. But also for Power Attacking Barbarians.

Bye
Thanee

 

[Lord Pendragon]

I think the most lethal combatant is a barbarian/fighter.

Two or four levels of barbarian is a good addition to nearly any fighter and two or four levels of fighter complements nearly any barbarian.

I agree with these guys. Either class greatly benefits from the other, and loses little.

There's a fighter in the game I play in now, 7th-level, who's planning on taking a level of barb next. He's already got WF/WS with his greataxe. A bit of rage to play with along the road to GWF/GWS will be very handy.

 

[Liquidsabre]

Not to forget the feats extra rage and extend rage for a good Brbn 1/Ftr x build. Plus playing a dwarf and speed not being reduced by medium armor. Yea, tis a nice combo if one isn't planning on being a full brbn.

 

[Targos]

I find the two fairly balanced in straight forward melee. The barbarian has the capacity to deliver more damage via higher strength and excels at the power attack using a two handed weapon. The fighter generally has a better AC resulting him being harder to hit and thus the barbarian can't effectively power attack for as much. Now the barbarian is easier to hit so the fighter can effectively power attack for more, but the barbarian has several more HP in order to last through the battle.

Now a highbred barbarian/figher likely can best either of the straight classes assuming he wears heavy armor and forfeits his fast movement. (Mobility is another pro for the barbarian.)

 

[Liquidsabre]

Now a highbred barbarian/figher likely can best either of the straight classes assuming he wears heavy armor and forfeits his fast movement. (Mobility is another pro for the barbarian.)

Unless you are a dwarf Brbn/Ftr in Mithral Fullplate that is. Then you retain your fast movement.

 

[Drakeskull]

Its situational

It really depends on the situation. But with me as a barbarian im going to have imp sunder and combat brute. Some fighter trys to use his little combat expertise on me hes going to lose a shield weapon or armor.

 

[LostSoul]

This thread has me thinking...

Barbarians have a much nicer skill set than Fighters. Would it be too much to give the Figher 4 skill points per level, and/or broaden his class skills?