so what are they changing about Fighters in 3+

[Chun-tzu]

So here's a question for you all...
I am playing a fighter in my game, and he will approach 12th level before too much longer.
This is my first 3E game, so I'm still not caught up with all the rules. I've noticed my poor fighter woefully lacking in the butt-kicking dept, and would like to change that. What should I do with him? Multiclass, or is there a good fighter PrC that I can convert to?

Tell us more about why your Fighter is lacking. What are your stats, feats, race, equipment? What books does your DM allow?

 

[Staffan]

I don't think the fighter class itself needs changing, just add a few interesting high-level feats that require (a) high BAB and (b) lots of other feats. As it is, Whirlwind Attack, Improved Crit and Improved TWF are pretty much the hardest feat to qualify for, and a fighter could take those at 6th, 8th and 9th level if he wanted to - heck, he could have *all* of them at 9th level.

 

[El Seso]

Primarily in combat. I figure he's a fighter, right? So he should be able to do most of the cleaning up in a fight. But the poor thing doesn't do enough damage to really be as effective as the other characters.
He's a half-elf fighter, currently 9th level.
My DM allows any books that I know of, he's a pretty open guy.
I know I made some bad feat choices (like ambidexterity), because I was still working off of most 2e concepts when I built him.
I've got Sword and Fist, but none of the PrCs really scream at me. We have enough range in the game, so I really need something more close combat.

Feats:
Ambidexterity, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Critical, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobility, Quickdraw, Weapon Focus (longsword)

That enough info?

 

[jester47]

I think that this further coroborates my prediction that the 3.5 books will contain "The Best" of the splat books.

Aaron.

 

[Jeremy]

Looks like the reason you are lacking in the butt kicking department is diversity. This is not a bad thing, it just means your skill is being well rounded. If you want to be more pointed you can do it with equipment, feats, or both.

I know what you mean about the fighter prestige classes, I found very little that interested me across the boards in all the books I own. Tons for paladins, clerics, wizards, monks, archers, just about everything but melee warriors. If it helps any, check out this thread: http://enworld.cyberstreet.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39142

I'm not saying you have to be that level or that build or use house rules or anything, there just a bunch of ideas in it from different people that any number of which could be brought in for use by you. Snatch up feats (ask where they came from if you don't know) or items or prestige class ideas and use them to find some ways to benefit your character and make him feel more competitive to you.

 

[Apok]

Primarily in combat. I figure he's a fighter, right? So he should be able to do most of the cleaning up in a fight. But the poor thing doesn't do enough damage to really be as effective as the other characters.
He's a half-elf fighter, currently 9th level.
My DM allows any books that I know of, he's a pretty open guy.
I know I made some bad feat choices (like ambidexterity), because I was still working off of most 2e concepts when I built him.
I've got Sword and Fist, but none of the PrCs really scream at me. We have enough range in the game, so I really need something more close combat.

Feats:
Ambidexterity, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Critical, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobility, Quickdraw, Weapon Focus (longsword)

That enough info?

The key to boosting your damage lies in two fundamental ideas.

First, Strength. The higher your Strength, the more damage you can do. Persuade your spellcasting companions to find/research spells that greatly enhance your Strength score. Belsamath's Blessing (from R&R) works well (I suggest the Weretiger form) but there are drawbacks. Strength of Kadum is also good, but it's a 9th level spell. Polymorph Other is yet another means to gain a massive Strength boost (although I guarantee you that will change in the Revised edition). Find any way you can to increase your Strength score. Belts of Giant Strength, Tomes that boost your Strength, ioun stones, anything.

Second, Power Attack. Judicious use of Power Attack can make all the difference in the world. Sure, you are giving up attack bonus to get more damage, but it's well worth it in alot of cases.

Also, since you aren't fighting with two weapons, make sure you are using whatever weapon you wield with two hands. That 1.5x Strength modifier bonus to damage rocks on toast.

 

[Spatula]

Primarily in combat. I figure he's a fighter, right? So he should be able to do most of the cleaning up in a fight. But the poor thing doesn't do enough damage to really be as effective as the other characters.
He's a half-elf fighter, currently 9th level.
My DM allows any books that I know of, he's a pretty open guy.
I know I made some bad feat choices (like ambidexterity), because I was still working off of most 2e concepts when I built him.
I've got Sword and Fist, but none of the PrCs really scream at me. We have enough range in the game, so I really need something more close combat.

Feats:
Ambidexterity, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Critical, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobility, Quickdraw, Weapon Focus (longsword)

That enough info?

What's getting in the way of your character being super-effective is that you have no focus - you've got Ambi but not 2WF, you've got Dodge & Mobility but not Spring Attack, you're got Weapon Focus & Improved Crit. but not Weapon Specialization. You can improve your melee damage by taking Spec. at 10th level and Power Critical (from Masters of the Wild) at 12th. Power Attack & Cleave are also good choices, but don't bother with Great Cleave because it's extremely rare that you'll ever get to use it. Power Attack turns BAB into damage, and Cleave gives you an extra attack when you down a foe (which increases your damage indirectly). If you have the intelligence, you can pick up Expertise at 10th and both Spring Attack and Whirlwind Attack at 12th - doing so won't increase your damage output but it gives you more options in combat. Or Expertise at 10th and then start taking rogue levels, picking up Expert Tactician at 12th.

Your character does seem focused on being quick and mobile, the Duelist PrC might be a good fit although you'll probably have trouble qualifying for it.

 

[Noldor Elf]

El Seso's Character

Feats:
Ambidexterity, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Improved Critical, Improved Initiative, Iron Will, Mobility, Quickdraw, Weapon Focus (longsword)

Well, your two feats (Two-Weapon Fighting & Spring Attack) short for qualifying for Tempest (Masters of The Wild), being an ultimate two weapon fighter.

 

[El Seso]

I had TWF for a while, which is where ambi came from. My DM was kind enough to let me swap it out for another feat after I found out that I still had -4/-4 when attacking with two longswords. Darn that 3e conversion!
I could have (and, in retrospect should have) switched out ambi, also. But I thought it might come in handy. Man, was I wrong.
But I've been thinking of spring attack for a while, which is where dodge and mobility came from. Just needed to get Iron Will 'cause I kept failing my will saves. My DM really likes pitting us against stuff that makes us roll will saves. And I've found that it's hard to really kick butt when you're too busy wetting yourself in battle.

 

[Aloïsius]

This also from the Sage's transcript

"...... However, the revision team made a considerable effort to tweak *all* the classes so that they remain interesting from levels 1 through 20. So, if you're the kind of player who decides it's time to multiclass when your fighter hits 11th level, you may find yourself thinking twice after July"


....sure sounds like the Fighter and the other classes are ALL going to look a little different starting this summer.

One or two more class skill, perhaps intimidate and craft ?