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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Elder-Basilisk" data-source="post: 378346" data-attributes="member: 3146">Both of them are too good. The first one would have been OK if it hadn't specified that the bonus goes up to +4 if you have ambidexterity (what two weapon fighter doesn't have ambidexterity). At that point, the feat becomes a no-brainer. -2 to attacks for +4 to AC. No problem. It would be truly hideous if used with the bastard sword+Spiked shield combo.1/1 human ranger/fighter str 16, dex 15, ambidex, twf, exotic weapon bastard sword, shield expert, two weapon defense.Masterwork bastard sword, spiked large shield, chain shirt.Fighting DefensivelyAC 22 (+4 armor, +2 shield, +2 dex, +4 dodge)Atk +1/+1 (+2 BAB, +3 str, -2 TWF, -2 Fighting Defensively) for 1d10+3 and 1d6+1Given more fighter levels, the character could do this in fullplate.In order to make the second version work, the character needs another level of fighter in order to get expertise. (Alternately, the character could ditch shield expert--see below).Human Rgr 1/Ftr 2 Str 16, dex 15AC 22 (+4 armor, +2 shield, +2 dex, +4 dodge)Atk +2/+2 or +4 or +6 (if not using the ability)Note that this character could pump his AC as high as 25 with expertise (single attack at +1 or two at -2/-2) or 27 by fighting defensively as well (single attack at -3 or two at -5/-5).The second version is somewhat more difficult to get but is still too good. Exchanging attack bonus for AC bonus is almost always done on a 1/1 or worse bonus. Allowing it to be done at a 2/1 ratio will lead to unbalancingly high armor classes. This is especially true since this will be available and attractive to the fighting class construction which already offers the highest AC--the dual wielding sword and shield fighter.  (Small AC bonusses become more significant the higher your AC is to begin with). In this regard, it's important to note that neither version of the feat specifies that you actually need to attack with both weapons or even take the penalties for attacking. Consequently, if the previously statted fighter/ranger didn't have shield expert or wanted a higher attack bonus, he could not take the two weapon fighting penalties and have a single attack at +3 or +4 (depending upon the version of the feat) instead of two attacks at +1/+1 or +2/+2As to the contention that this wouldn't stack with dodge or mobility that would be a house rule. According to the rules all dodge bonusses from any sources always stack. Consequently, this could be used in conjunction with expertise, fighting defensively, dodge, and mobility.</blockquote>

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