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Character Builds & Optimization
Sword & Shield Fighter build
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<blockquote data-quote="nittanytbone" data-source="post: 3171306" data-attributes="member: 35709"><p>TWF is only efficient if you have bonus damage on each hand.</p><p></p><p>A prime example is a rogue's sneak attack. There are several other sources; in core, I can think of Ranger Favored Enemy, Bard Inspire Courage, Fighter Weap. Spec. (feats), Cleric Divine Favor (spell), and elemental damage weapons (flaming, shocking, etc.). Add completes and you get the Swashbuckler's Insightful Strike and others.</p><p></p><p>The problem for you is that fighter's weapon spec. (A) sucks and (B) is feat intensive, especially if you have to take two trees (one for your heavy shield, one for your short sword). Also, as you noted, the TWF chain is very dex intensive, which means you now need good dexterity (for TWF), good strength (to hit), good con (to not die), and good wisdom (so you don't fail will saves).</p><p></p><p>To build a TWF shield-basher, I'd design it like any TWF character. Probably start with a Rogue 1/Ranger 2 base then add more levels of each (Ranger 6 = ITWF, Rogue 3 = 2d6 SA + evasion) until I hit the PrC of your choice.</p><p></p><p>The problem with building a straight "sword and boarder" (without TWF or PHBII feats or anything) and really focusing on defense (example, a dwarf with a waraxe and a tower shield and full plate) is that you'll be a tough nut to crack, but your damage output will be relatively low and it'll be tough to force enemies to pay attention to you.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="nittanytbone, post: 3171306, member: 35709"] TWF is only efficient if you have bonus damage on each hand. A prime example is a rogue's sneak attack. There are several other sources; in core, I can think of Ranger Favored Enemy, Bard Inspire Courage, Fighter Weap. Spec. (feats), Cleric Divine Favor (spell), and elemental damage weapons (flaming, shocking, etc.). Add completes and you get the Swashbuckler's Insightful Strike and others. The problem for you is that fighter's weapon spec. (A) sucks and (B) is feat intensive, especially if you have to take two trees (one for your heavy shield, one for your short sword). Also, as you noted, the TWF chain is very dex intensive, which means you now need good dexterity (for TWF), good strength (to hit), good con (to not die), and good wisdom (so you don't fail will saves). To build a TWF shield-basher, I'd design it like any TWF character. Probably start with a Rogue 1/Ranger 2 base then add more levels of each (Ranger 6 = ITWF, Rogue 3 = 2d6 SA + evasion) until I hit the PrC of your choice. The problem with building a straight "sword and boarder" (without TWF or PHBII feats or anything) and really focusing on defense (example, a dwarf with a waraxe and a tower shield and full plate) is that you'll be a tough nut to crack, but your damage output will be relatively low and it'll be tough to force enemies to pay attention to you. [/QUOTE]
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Sword & Shield Fighter build
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