Sword&Board

[Eltern]

Starting to play in a PlaybyPost, starting out as first level fighter, going for spellsword. Just realized I have NEVER, EVER played a sword and board fighter. Never had a shield. What are some things I should keep in mind, feats/rules wise that I may be unaware of having only done two-handed weapons before (When I played melee combatants)? Power Attack seems so much lamer compared to what I'm used to, for one

Thanks!
Eltern

 

[hong]

As a sword/shield guy, your schtick is not to charge into enemies and lay down the smack. Your schtick is to be an unhittable wall that frustrates the DM no end. To this end, you might want to get every defensive feat and item you can get your hands on. Max out the bonuses on your armour and shield. Get Dodge, Expertise, and any other feat that gives AC bonuses.

To help you dish out the damage, get some energy enchantments or holy on your weapon. You'll never do quite as much as a raging barb with a greataxe, but you can still hold your own. You'll also probably survive a lot longer.

 

[AuraSeer]

For a spell-using fighter, remember to carry a light shield, which leaves your off-hand free. If you were to use a heavy or tower shield, you'd have to sheathe your weapon in order to cast.

 

[Darklone]

Have a look at Shield Specialisation, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Tumble (5 ranks), or perhaps Two Weapon Fighting and the Two Weapon Defense line.

Fighting defensively with full Expertise combined with True Strike is your bet.

 

[Eltern]

Thanks! Where could I find Shield Specialization? I see various ones online, is there an official one somewhere?

If I'm wearing TWO light shields, can I still cast a spell? Not going to do it now, but using my shield as my weapon (with most damage coming from spells) would be different later on.

Eltern

 

[Gort]

I thought you were making a fighter.

 

[Eltern]

I thought you were making a fighter.

Spellsword, starting off as fighter, acting as a sword/boarder getting most of his oomph from schocking grasp/scorching rays channeled through his weapon.

 

[Darklone]

Shield Specialisation (here I go pimping again) in the update sheets for the Kalamar Players Guide... Official D&D, but your DM might object. Shieldmate is another nice goodie to help your buddies out.

That one's in the Miniatures Handbook.

 

[Eltern]

Have a look at Shield Specialisation, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Tumble (5 ranks)...

How does the 5 ranks of Tumble benefit factor in to fighting defensively when using combat expertise? Sort of looks like a plus one...

Eltern

 

[CCamfield]

How does the 5 ranks of Tumble benefit factor in to fighting defensively when using combat expertise? Sort of looks like a plus one...

Fighting defensively stacks with Combat Expertise. So you could use the two in conjunction and get the benefit from Tumble, but you don't get the benefit from Tumble when you use Combat Expertise by itself.