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Reference: Basic Fighter Builds

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Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:19 pm

4 people marked this as a favorite.

#### (1) Introduction: Basic Fighter Builds ####

This thread is inspired by Cheapy’s excellent basic Fighter numbers posts <here> and <here>.

I find myself referring to Cheapy’s numbers regularly as a point of comparison for melee builds I’m experimenting with, but I use the numbers often enough that it’s time for me to put together full builds to

My goal for this thread is to put together, for my own reference and for anyone else who is interested, full builds of a roughly-optimized Core Fighter and a roughly-non-optimized Core Fighter. (Let’s follow messageboard tradition and call them Falchion Fred and Longsword Lou.) I find myself referring to Cheapy’s numbers regularly as a point of comparison for melee builds I’m experimenting with, and I’d like to have a set of more complete builds for more robust comparisons.

## Principles ##

What I’m looking for here are some standard reference points in evaluating melee builds. This suggests certain build principles.

1. PFS Core Rules. Most of my play is in PFS, and in any case it provides a useful standard ruleset for the sake of comparisons, which is the target here.

2. Yes, CRB Plus Basic Traits Only. I’m looking for simple, standard comparisons. Not even using the Advanced Players Guide.

(NOTE: I forgot that feather step slippers aren't Core. Didn't realize the mistake until I was in the middle of posting everything, so too late now! Discount the slippers. Let's say that that 2,200 gp goes into a +1 longbow instead.)

3. Simple Builds, Some Flexibility. Since I’m looking for simple, standard comparisons, I figure I should choose the most straightforward, basic builds, and I should try to leave some flexibility in the builds—they shouldn’t need every last character option to be *just so* in order to arrive at their numbers. A set of numbers like that wouldn’t be as useful for the sort of basic reference I’m after, I don’t think. For one thing, using such a fraught build for a basic reference would tend to suggest that there’s only one “correct” way to build a class, since any alternate build would be in constant danger of falling below a “minimal standard of effectiveness” in order to pick up whatever interesting option or theme it might be going for. So I prefer to build in a bit of flexibility. In any case, it’s easy enough to see where and how we could raise the numbers if we wanted to.

4. Human. It would be best to build out with several, or even all, of the Core races for complete information, but Human is good enough for a simple, standard reference point.

5. Standard Array. The Elite array adjusted to 20 point-buy: 16/14/14/12/10/8. Simple and standard.

6a. Levels 1–11. PFS levels, the levels of most play. Plus, I’m putting in enough effort here I figure it’s excusable to limit it to these levels at least for now. If I want to expand on the project later I might go out to level 17 or so to capture the range of most APs.

6b.Testing at Levels 2/5/8/11. Four comparison points, ignoring the highly-variable level 1 and split evenly across the rest. This should be a good-enough set to have for now. Again, I might expand eventually if I have the time.

Table of Contents:

<(1) Introduction: Basic Fighter Builds>
<(2) Equipment Guidelines>
<(3.a) Optimized Human CRB Fighter Build: Falchion Fred>
<(3.b) Falchion Fred Equipment Purchases>
<(3.c.1) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 02>
<(3.c.2) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 05>
<(3.c.3) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 08>
<(3.c.4) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 11>
<(4.a) Non-optimized Human CRB Fighter Build: Longsword Lou>
<(4.b) Longsword Lou Equipment Purchases>
<(4.c.1) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 02>
<(4.c.2) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 05>
<(4.c.3) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 08>
<(4.c.4) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 11>
<(5.a) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 02 v. CR 04>
<(5.b) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 05 v. CR 07>
<(5.c) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 08 v. CR 10>
<(5.d) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13>
<(6.a) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 02 v. CR 04>
<(6.b) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 05 v. CR 07>
<(6.c) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 08 v. CR 10>
<(6.d) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13>
<(7) Summary of Findings>

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:19 pm

#### (2) Equipment Guidelines ####

We need some guidelines for equipment purchases. The Gamemastering chapter of the CRB gives the following guidelines for starting above 1st level:

25% Weapons
25% Armor and Protective Devices
25% Other Magic Items
15% Consumables
10% Ordinary Gear and Coins

That strikes me as a bit unrealistic, especially if we’re assuming PFS with the assistance of prestige purchases for things like raise dead or a wand of cure light wounds. But we need some sort of standard. I propose the following rough guidelines:

50% Offense
30% Protection
10% Other Magic Gear
10% Miscellany (taken off the top)

Given the WBL, that breaks down as:

Lvl 02 — 01,000 gp
00,500 … Offense
00,300 … Protection
00,100 … Other Magic Gear
00,100 … Misc. (unavailable)

Lvl 05 — 10,500 gp
05,250 … Offense
03,150 … Protection
01,050 … Other Magic Gear
01,050 … Misc. (unavailable)

Lvl 08 — 33,000 gp
16,500 … Offense
09,900 … Protection
03,300 … Other Magic Gear
03,300 … Misc. (unavailable)

Lvl 11 — 82,000 gp
41,000 … Offense
24,600 … Protection
08,200 … Other Magic Gear
08,200 … Misc. (unavailable)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:20 pm

1 person marked this as a favorite.

#### (3.a) Optimized Human CRB Fighter Build: Falchion Fred ####

## Stats & Feats Framework ##

Str 18* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8

01 Indomitable Faith, Placeholder; Power Attack, Weapon Focus (Falchion), Iron Will
02 Placeholder
03 Placeholder
04 +1 Str [= 19]; Weapon Specialization
05 Weapon Training 1, Placeholder
06 Lunge
07 Placeholder
08 +1 Str [= 20]; Improved Critical
09 Weapon Training 2, Greater Weapon Focus
10 Placeholder
11 Critical Focus

The Placeholder trait and feats can be filled out as you like. They aren’t critical for the build’s main offense and defense functions. Here’s a more-complete specification, that I’ll use for the statblocks:

## Stats & Feats Specified ##

01 Indomitable Faith, Dangerously Curious; Power Attack, Weapon Focus, Iron Will
02 Combat Reflexes
03 Blind Fight
04 +1 Str [= 19]; Weapon Specialization
05 Weapon Training 1, Stand Still
06 Lunge
07 Skill Focus (UMD)
08 +1 Str [= 20]; Improved Critical
09 Weapon Training 2, Greater Weapon Focus
10 Disruptive
11 Critical Focus

## Skills ##
Max Perception, UMD; various dips

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:20 pm

#### (3.b) Falchion Fred Equipment Purchases ####

Lvl 02 — 01,000 gp
00,500 … Offense
00,300 … Protection
00,100 … Other Magic Gear
00,100 … Misc. (unavailable)

00,375 … mwk falchion
00,200 … breastplate
00,425 … misc.

Lvl 05 — 10,500 gp
05,250 … Offense
03,150 … Protection
01,050 … Other Magic Gear
01,050 … Misc. (unavailable)

04,000 … belt of giant strength +2
02,375 … falchion +1
01,000 … cloak of resistance +1
01,650 … mwk fullplate
01,475 … misc.

Lvl 08 — 33,000 gp
16,500 … Offense
09,900 … Protection
03,300 … Other Magic Gear
03,300 … Misc. (unavailable)

04,000 … belt of giant strength +2
08,375 … falchion +2
02,000 … amulet of natural armor +1
04,000 … cloak of resistance +2
02,650 … fullplate +1
02,000 … ring of protection +1
02,200 … feather step slippers
02,000 … handy haversack
02,500 … ring of sustenance
03,475 … misc.

Lvl 11 — 82,000 gp
41,000 … Offense
24,600 … Protection
08,200 … Other Magic Gear
08,200 … Misc. (unavailable)

16,000 … belt of giant strength +4
18,375 … falchion +3
02,000 … amulet of natural armor +1
09,000 … cloak of resistance +3
10,650 … fullplate +3
05,000 … ioun stone (dusty rose prism)
02,000 … ring of protection +1
02,500 … eyes of the eagle
02,000 … handy haversack
02,000 … feather step slippers
02,200 … ring of feather falling
02,500 … ring of sustenance
07,775 … misc.

NB, I’ve chosen not to invest in Boots of Speed for three reasons. First, reasons of simplicity and flexibility as discussed in the introductory post. Second, since the goal is a simple standard for comparison, it’s probably better to focus on always-on resources than to look at the somewhat-misleading numbers that would hold only for 10 rounds a day. Third, budgeting for the Boots left my AC a bit too low. I’d rather keep an AC of at least 15+Level.

Of course, the choice could go the other way, but this is what I’m going with. For the record, the level 11 Falchion Fred build with the Boots:

-2 AC (-1 with haste active)
+40ish (+22.2%) dpr with haste active

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:20 pm

#### (3.c.1) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 02 ####

Human Fighter 2
Init +2; Senses Perception +3

## DEFENSE ##
AC 18 (+6 armor, +2 Dex)
HP 22 (2d10+4+2)
Fort [3] +5, Ref [0] +2, Will [0+3] +4; Special +1 v. fear

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 20 ft.
Melee falchion +7 (2d4+9/18-20x2)
Atk = +2 bab, +4 Str, +1 enh, +1 foc, -1 pwr atk
Dmg = +6 Str, +3 pwr atk

## STATISTICS ##
Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +2
Feats Combat Reflexes, Iron Will, Power Attack [-1/+3], Weapon Focus (falchion)
Skills Climb [1] +4*, Perception [2] +3, Swim [1] +4*, UMD [2+1] +5; ACP -4
Traits Dangerously Curious, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Bonus feats [x2], bravery +1

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense mwk falchion; Defense breastplate; Other —

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:21 pm

#### (3.c.2) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 05 ####

Human Fighter 5
Init +2; Senses Perception +6

## DEFENSE ##
AC 21 (+9 armor, +2 Dex)
HP 49 (5d10+10+5)
Fort [4] +7, Ref [1] +4, Will [1+3] +6; Special +1 v. fear; cloak +1

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 20 ft.
Melee falchion +11 (2d4+17/18-20x2)
Atk = +5 bab, +5 Str, +1 enh, +1 training, +1 foc, -2 pwr atk
Dmg = +7 Str, +1 enh, +1 training, +2 spec, +6 pwr atk
Special Stand Still

## STATISTICS ##
Str 21* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +5
Feats Blind Fight, Combat Reflexes, Iron Will, Power Attack [-2/+6], Stand Still, Weapon Focus (falchion), Weapon Specialization (falchion)
Skills Climb [1] +5*, Handle Animal [1] +3, Intimidate [1] +3, Perception [5] +6, Ride [1] +2*, Sense Motive [2] +3, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +5*, UMD [5+1] +8; Special —; ACP -4*
Traits Dangerously Curious, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 1, bonus feats [x3], bravery +1, weapon training 1 (heavy blades)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of giant strength +2, falchion +1; Defense cloak of resistance +1, mwk fullplate; Other —

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:21 pm

#### (3.c.3) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 08 ####

Human Fighter 8
Init +2; Senses Perception +9

## DEFENSE ##
AC 24 (+10 armor, +2 Dex, +1 nat, +1 defl)
HP 76 (8d10+16+8)
Fort [6] +10, Ref [2] +6, Will [2+3] +8; Special +2 v. fear; cloak +2

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 30 ft., feather step
Melee falchion +15/+10 (2d4+23/15-20x2)
Atk = +8 bab, +6 Str, +2 enh, +1 training, +1 foc, -3 pwr atk
Dmg = +9 Str, +2 enh, +1 training, +2 spec, +9 pwr atk
Special Lunge, Stand Still

## STATISTICS ##
Str 22* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +8/+3
Feats Blind Fight, Combat Reflexes, Improved Critical (falchion), Iron Will, Lunge, Power Attack [-3/+9], Skill Focus (UMD), Stand Still, Weapon Focus (falchion), Weapon Specialization (falchion)
Skills Climb [1] +7*, Handle Animal [1] +3, Intimidate [1] +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) [4] +7, Perception [8] +9, Ride [1] +3*, Sense Motive [4] +5, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +7*, UMD [8+1] +14; ACP -3*
Traits Dangerously Curious, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 2, bonus feats [x5], bravery +2, weapon training 1 (heavy blades)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of giant strength +2, falchion +2; Defense amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +2, fullplate +1, ring of protection +1; Other feather step slippers, handy haversack, ring of sustenance

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:21 pm

#### (3.c.4) Falchion Fred Stats: LEVEL 11 ####

Human Fighter 11
Init +2; Senses Perception +17

## DEFENSE ##
AC 27 (+12 armor, +2 Dex, +1 nat, +1 defl, +1 insight)
HP 103 (11d10+22+11)
Fort [7] +12, Ref [3] +8, Will [3+3] +10; Special +3 v. fear; cloak +3

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 30 ft., feather step
Melee falchion +22/+17/+12 (2d4+26/15-20x2 with Critical Focus)
Atk = +11 bab, +7 Str, +3 enh, +2 training, +2 foc, -3 pwr atk
Dmg = +10 Str, +3 enh, +2 training, +2 spec, +9 pwr atk
Special Disruptive, Lunge, Stand Still

## STATISTICS ##
Str 24* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +11/+6/+1
Feats Blind Fight, Combat Reflexes, Critical Focus, Disruptive, Greater Weapon Focus (falchion), Improved Critical (falchion), Iron Will, Lunge, Power Attack [-3/+9], Skill Focus (UMD), Stand Still, Weapon Focus (falchion), Weapon Specialization (falchion)
Skills Climbing [1] +8*, Handle Animal [1] +3, Intimidate [1] +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) [6] +9, Perception [11+5] +17, Ride [1] +4*, Sense Motive [5] +6, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +8*, UMD [11+1] +20; ACP -2*
Traits Dangerously Curious, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 3, bonus feats [x6], bravery +3, weapon training 2 (heavy blades, bows)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of giant strength +4, falchion +3; Defense amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +3, fullplate +3, ioun stone (dusty rose prism), ring of protection +1; Other eyes of the eagle, feather step slippers, handy haversack, ring of feather falling, ring of sustenance

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:22 pm

#### (4.a) Non-optimized Human CRB Fighter Build: Longsword Lou ####

## Stats & Feats Framework ##

Str 18* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8

01 Indomitable Faith, Placeholder; Power Attack, Weapon Focus (longsword), Placeholder
02 Placeholder
03 Placeholder
04 +1 Str [= 19]; Weapon Specialization
05 Weapon Training 1, Placeholder
06 Placeholder
07 Placeholder
08 +1 Str [= 20]; Placeholder
09 Weapon Training 2, Improved Critical
10 Placeholder
11 Greater Weapon Focus

This guy starts from Cheapy’s rough build in the above-linked thread. The Placeholder trait and feats can be filled out as you like. Here’s a more-complete specification, that I’ll use for the statblocks. I’m picking from the advice in the Strategy Guide for the “Shield Fighter” theme (but without two-weapon fighting), which produces a slightly more optimal result than Cheapy’s, at least in build choices:

## Stats & Feats Specified ##

01 Indomitable Faith, Fast Talker; Power Attack, Weapon Focus (longsword), Alertness
02 Shield Focus
03 Combat Reflexes
04 +1 Str [= 19]; Weapon Specialization
05 Weapon Training 1, Iron Will
06 Dodge
07 Step Up
08 +1 Str [= 20]; Greater Shield Focus
09 Weapon Training 2, Improved Critical
10 Critical Focus
11 Greater Weapon Focus

## Skills ##
Put a fair amount in Bluff, Perception, Sense Motive; various dips

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:22 pm

#### (4.b) Longsword Lou Equipment Purchases ####

Lvl 02 — 01,000 gp
00,500 … Offense
00,300 … Protection
00,100 … Other Magic Gear
00,100 … Misc. (unavailable)

00,315 … mwk longsword
00,200 … breastplate
00,159 … mwk light steel shield
00,326 … misc.

Lvl 05 — 10,500 gp
05,250 … Offense
03,150 … Protection
01,050 … Other Magic Gear
01,050 … Misc. (unavailable)

04,000 … belt of giant strength +2
02,315 … longsword +1
01,000 … cloak of resistance +1
01,650 … mwk fullplate
00,159 … mwk light steel shield
01,376 … misc.

Lvl 08 — 33,000 gp
16,500 … Offense
09,900 … Protection
03,300 … Other Magic Gear
03,300 … Misc. (unavailable)

04,000 … belt of giant strength +2
08,315 … longsword +2
02,000 … amulet of natural armor +1
04,000 … cloak of resistance +2
02,650 … fullplate +1
01,159 … light steel shield +1
02,000 … handy haversack
02,000 … feather step slippers
02,500 … ring of sustenance
04,376 … misc.

Lvl 11 — 82,000 gp
41,000 … Offense
24,600 … Protection
08,200 … Other Magic Gear
08,200 … Misc. (unavailable)

16,000 … belt of giant strength +4
18,315 … longsword +3
02,000 … amulet of natural armor +1
09,000 … cloak of resistance +3
10,650 … fullplate +3
04,159 … light steel shield +2
02,000 … ring of protection +1
02,500 … eyes of the eagle
02,000 … feather step slippers
02,000 … handy haversack
02,200 … ring of feather falling
02,500 … ring of sustenance
04,376 … misc.

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:22 pm

#### (4.c.1) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 02 ####

Human Fighter 2
Init +2; Senses Perception +4

## DEFENSE ##
AC 20 (+6 armor, +2 shield, +2 Dex)
HP 20 (2d10+4)
Fort [3] +5, Ref [0] +2, Will [0+1] +2; Special +1 v. fear

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 20 ft.
Melee longsword +7 (1d8+6/19-20x2)
Atk = +2 bab, +4 Str, +1 enh, +1 foc, -1 pwr atk
Dmg = +4 Str, +2 pwr atk

## STATISTICS ##
Str 18 Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +2
Feats Alertness, Power Attack [-1/+2], Shield Focus, Weapon Focus (longsword)
Skills Climb [1] +4*, Bluff [2+1] +5, Perception [1+2] +4, Ride [1] +2*, Sense Motive [2+2] +5, Swim [1] +4*; ACP -4
Traits Fast Talker, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Bonus feats [x2], bravery +1

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense mwk longsword; Defense breastplate, mwk light steel shield; Other —

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:22 pm

#### (4.c.2) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 05 ####

Human Fighter 5
Init +2; Senses Perception +7

## DEFENSE ##
AC 23 (+9 armor, +2 shield, +2 Dex)
HP 44 (5d10+10)
Fort [4] +7, Ref [1] +4, Will [1+3] +6; Special +1 v. fear; cloak +1

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 20 ft.
Melee longsword +11 (1d8+13/19-20x2)
Atk = +5 bab, +5 Str, +1 enh, +1 training, +1 foc, -2 pwr atk
Dmg = +5 Str, +1 enh, +1 training, +2 spec, +4 pwr atk

## STATISTICS ##
Str 21* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +5
Feats Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Iron Will, Power Attack [-2/+4], Shield Focus, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword)
Skills Climb [1] +5*, Bluff [5+1] +8, Handle Animal [1] +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) [1] +4, Perception [4+2] +7, Ride [1] +2*, Sense Motive [5+2] +8, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +5*; ACP -4*

Traits Fast Talker, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 1, bonus feats [x3], bravery +1, weapon training 1 (heavy blades)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of giant strength +2, longsword +1; Defense cloak of resistance +1, mwk fullplate, mwk light steel shield; Other —

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:23 pm

#### (4.c.3) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 08 ####

Human Fighter 8
Init +2; Senses Perception +11

## DEFENSE ##
AC 28 (+10 armor, +4 shield, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 nat)
HP 70 (8d10+16+2)
Fort [6] +10, Ref [2] +6, Will [2+3] +8; Special +2 v. fear; cloak +2

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 30 ft., feather step
Melee longsword +15/+10 (1d8+17/19-20x2)
Atk = +8 bab, +6 Str, +2 enh, +1 training, +1 foc, -3 pwr atk
Dmg = +6 Str, +2 enh, +1 training, +2 spec, +6 pwr atk
Special Step Up

## STATISTICS ##
Str 22* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +8/+3
Feats Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Greater Shield Focus, Iron Will, Power Attack [-3/+6], Shield Focus, Step Up, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword)
Skills Climb [1] +7*, Bluff [8+1] +11, Handle Animal [1] +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) [1] +4, Perception [8+2] +11, Ride [1] +3*, Sense Motive [8+2] +11, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +7*; ACP -3*
Traits Fast Talker, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 2, bonus feats [x5], bravery +2, weapon training 1 (heavy blades)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of giant strength +2, longsword +2; Defense amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +2, fullplate +1, light steel shield +1; Other handy haversack, feather step slippers, ring of sustenance

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:23 pm

#### (4.c.4) Longsword Lou Stats: LEVEL 11 ####

Human Fighter 11
Init +2; Senses Perception +21

## DEFENSE ##
AC 32 (+12 armor, +5 shield, +2 Dex, +1 dodge, +1 nat, +1 defl)
HP 97 (11d10+22+5)
Fort [7] +12, Ref [3] +8, Will [3+3] +10; Special +3 v. fear; cloak +3

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 30 ft., feather step
Melee longsword +22/+17/+12 (1d8+20/17-20x2 with Critical Focus)
Atk = +11 bab, +7 Str, +3 enh, +2 training, +2 foc, -3 pwr atk
Dmg = +7 Str, +3 enh, +2 training, +2 spec, +6 pwr atk
Special Step Up

## STATISTICS ##
Str 24* Dex 14 Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +8/+3
Feats Alertness, Combat Reflexes, Critical Focus, Dodge, Greater Shield Focus, Greater Weapon Focus (longsword), Improved Critical (longsword), Iron Will, Power Attack [-3/+6], Shield Focus, Step Up, Weapon Focus (longsword), Weapon Specialization (longsword)
Skills Climb [1] +9*, Bluff [11+1] +14, Handle Animal [1] +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) [1] +4, Perception [11+4+5] +21, Ride [1] +4*, Sense Motive [11+4] +16, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +9*; ACP -2*
Traits Fast Talker, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 3, bonus feats [x6], bravery +3, weapon training 2 (heavy blades, bows)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of giant strength +4, longsword +3; Defense amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +3, fullplate +3, light steel shield +2, ring of protection +1; Other eyes of the eagle, handy haversack, feather step slippers, ring of feather falling, ring of sustenance

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:23 pm

#### (5.a) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 02 v. CR 04 ####

# CR 04 MONSTER #
AC 17; HP 40
Attack +8 (16 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 15

# Falchion Fred Lvl 02 #
AC 18; HP 22
Fort/Ref/Will +5/+2/+4
Attack falchion +7 (2d4+9/18-20x2)

# Falchion Fred Lvl 02 v. CR 04 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 55%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 8.9 (22.3%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:23 pm

#### (5.b) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 05 v. CR 07 ####

# CR 07 MONSTER #
AC 20; HP 85
Attack +13 (30 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 17

# Falchion Fred Lvl 05 #
AC 21; HP 49
Fort/Ref/Will +7/+4/+6
Attack falchion +11 (2d4+17/18-20x2)
Special Stand Still

# Falchion Fred Lvl 05 v. CR 07 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 55%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 15.2 (17.9%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:24 pm

#### (5.c) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 08 v. CR 10 ####

# CR 10 MONSTER #
AC 24; HP 130
Attack +18 (45 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 19

# Falchion Fred Lvl 08 #
AC 24; HP 76
Fort/Ref/Will +10/+6/+8
Attack falchion +15/+10 (2d4+23/15-20x2)
Special Lunge, Stand Still

# Falchion Fred Lvl 08 v. CR 10 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 34.6 (26.6%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:24 pm

#### (5.d) Falchion Fred Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####

# CR 13 MONSTER #
AC 28; HP 180
Attack +22 (60 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 21

# Falchion Fred Lvl 11 #
AC 27; HP 103
Fort/Ref/Will +12/+8/+10
Attack falchion +22/+17/+12 (2d4+26/15-20x2 with Critical Focus)
Special Disruptive, Lunge, Stand Still

# Falchion Fred Lvl 11 v. CR 13 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 65.3 (36.3%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:24 pm

#### (6.a) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 02 v. CR 04 ####

# CR 04 MONSTER #
AC 17; HP 40
Attack +8 (16 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 15

# Longsword Lou Lvl 02 #
AC 20; HP 20
Fort/Ref/Will +5/+2/+2
Attack longsword +7 (1d8+6/19-20x2)

# Longsword Lou Lvl 02 v. CR 04 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 55%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 6.4 (16%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:24 pm

#### (6.b) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 05 v. CR 07 ####

# CR 07 MONSTER #
AC 20; HP 85
Attack +13 (30 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 17

# Longsword Lou Lvl 05 #
AC 23; HP 44
Fort/Ref/Will +7/+4/+6
Attack longsword +11 (1d8+13/19-20x2)

# Longsword Lou Lvl 05 v. CR 07 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 55%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 11.6 (13.7%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:24 pm

#### (6.c) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 08 v. CR 10 ####

# CR 10 MONSTER #
AC 24; HP 130
Attack +18 (45 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 19

# Longsword Lou Lvl 08 #
AC 28; HP 70
Fort/Ref/Will +10/+6/+8
Attack longsword +15/+10 (1d8+17/19-20x2)
Special Step Up

# Longsword Lou Lvl 08 v. CR 10 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 22.5 (17.3%)

Table of Contents:

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:25 pm

#### (6.d) Longsword Lou Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####

# CR 13 MONSTER #
AC 28; HP 180
Attack +22 (60 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 21

# Longsword Lou Lvl 11 #
AC 32; HP 97
Fort/Ref/Will +12/+8/+10
Attack longsword +22/+17/+12 (1d8+20/17-20x2 with Critical Focus)
Special Step Up

# Longsword Lou Lvl 11 v. CR 13 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 47 (26.1%)

Table of Contents:

AndIMustMask

Apr 30, 2015, 10:25 pm

(dotting for interest, might drop some builds/advice in a bit)

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:25 pm

#### (7) Summary of Findings ####

# Lvl 02 v. CR 04 #
Fort/Ref/Will 55%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 6.4–8.9 (16%–22.3%)

# Lvl 05 v. CR 07 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 55%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 11.6–15.2 (13.7%–17.9%)

# Lvl 08 v. CR 10 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 22.5–34.6 (17.3–26.6%)

# Lvl 11 v. CR 13 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 40%, 50% success
DPR = 47–65.3 (26.1%–36.3%)

Table of Contents:

— — — End Version 1 — — —
— — — Comments welcome — — —

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:25 pm

#### Version 1 Table of Contents ####

— — — End Version 1 — — —
— — — Comments welcome — — —

lemeres

Apr 30, 2015, 10:46 pm

While numbers are nice, I don't think it is always just that, even when dealing with a CRB fighter.

What about a reach build? That can increase your effective DPR by a lot. Particularly with lunge.

Without lunge, when you attack an enemy, it is inside your 'boundary'. That means that You can't get an AoO for them moving through your threatened area. If you attack first, no AoO

With lunge, when you attack, the enemy remains outside your boundary. You can attack first, and the enemy still has to cross your threatened area in order to deal with you.

And if they try to avoid you? You are a 2 handed fighter that can full attack anything in a 45' circle. You can probably make them regret it. So you have both defense and offense.

Of course, when you go beyond the CRB, you can also grab pushing assault (to push enemies that got on you to the outside of your boundary) and the fortuitous weapon property (so you get 2 attacks when you get that AoO)

Anyway, all these options are great, but they do not exactly show up on this kind of number table, since it is more about tactics. Hell, the basic (non-trip based) build itself would look a lot like your falchion fred build, and it would most likely look like a bit of a downgrade.

Joe M.

Apr 30, 2015, 10:52 pm

Oh, I love me some reach builds. They're actually my preferred melee type. And of course dpr numbers are only so useful since they can't easily capture tactical variation or really reflect the strengths of some build types.

But the purpose of these guys is just to provide a nice and simple standard reference. And for that, two-handed and sword-and-board are appropriate. We just have to be aware of what the numbers do and don't tell us. :-)

Cheapy

May 4, 2015, 06:55 am

1 person marked this as a favorite.

Wow! This is incredible. I've now added it to my list of awesome things to reference.

Joe M.

May 4, 2015, 07:03 am

Cheapy wrote:

Wow! This is incredible. I've now added it to my list of awesome things to reference.

Thanks! All credit to your excellent Fighter estimate posts for inspiring the effort here. :-)

I think the next entry in this thread will need to be a TWF Fighter. Rynjin is pursuing that line in our discussion of the Unchained Monk, and I'm not as familiar with the possibilities of a TWF build.

Joe M.

May 4, 2015, 08:02 am

#### Two Weapon Tom Build ####

This is Two Weapon Tom. I don’t know the possibilities of a TWF build, so here we go. All the same principles as Falchion Fred and Longsword Lou above.

Str 14 Dex 18* Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8

01 … Indomitable Faith, Placeholder; Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Double Slice
02 … Power Attack
03 … Iron Will
04 … +1 Dex [= 19]; Weapon Focus
05 … Weapon Training 1; Weapon Specialization
06 … Improved TWF
07 … Placeholder
08 … +1 Dex [= 20]; Improved Critical
09 … Weapon Training 2, Greater Weapon Focus
10 … Critical Focus
11 … TW Rend

01 … Indomitable Faith, Dangerously Curious; Two-Weapon Fighting, Weapon Finesse, Double Slice
02 … Power Attack
03 … Iron Will
04 … +1 Dex [= 19]; Weapon Focus
05 … Weapon Training 1; Weapon Specialization
06 … Improved TWF
07 … Skill Focus (UMD)
08 … +1 Dex [= 20]; Improved Critical
09 … Weapon Training 2, Greater Weapon Focus
10 … Critical Focus
11 … TW Rend

Two Weapon Tom TOC:

<#### Two Weapon Tom Build ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Equipment Purchases ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Stats: LEVEL 11 ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####>

Joe M.

May 4, 2015, 08:02 am

#### Two-Weapon Tom Equipment Purchases ####

Lvl 11 — 82,000 gp
41,000 … Offense
24,600 … Protection
08,200 … Other Magic Gear
08,200 … Misc. (unavailable)

10,000 … belt of physical might (str/dex) +2
18,308 … kukri +3
08,308 … kukri +2
02,300 … longbow +1
02,000 … amulet of natural armor +1
09,000 … cloak of resistance +3
08,200 … mithral breastplate +3
02,000 … ring of protection +1
02,500 … eyes of the eagle
02,000 … handy haversack
02,200 … ring of feather falling
02,500 … ring of sustenance
07,684 … Misc.

Two Weapon Tom TOC:

<#### Two Weapon Tom Build ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Equipment Purchases ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Stats: LEVEL 11 ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####>

Joe M.

May 4, 2015, 08:02 am

#### Two Weapon Tom Stats: LEVEL 11 ####

Human Fighter 11
Init +6; Senses Perception +17

## DEFENSE ##
AC 27 (+9 armor, +6 Dex, +1 nat, +1 defl)
HP 103 (11d10+22+11)
Fort [7] +12, Ref [3] +12, Will [3+3] +10; Special +3 v. fear; cloak +3

## OFFENSE ##
Speed 30 ft.
Melee kukri +19/+14/+9 (1d4+16/15-20x2), kukri +18/+13 (1d4+12/15-20x2); Special Critical Focus, Rend (1d10+4)
PR Atk = +11 bab, +6 Str, +3 enh, +2 training, +2 foc, -2 TWF, -3 pwr atk
PR Dmg = +3 Str, +3 enh, +2 training, +2 spec, +6 pwr atk
OH Atk = … +2 enh (v. +3) …
OH Dmg = … +2 enh (v. +3), +3 pwr atk (v. +6) …

## STATISTICS ##
Str 16* Dex 22* Con 14 Int 10 Wis 12 Cha 8
BAB +11/+6/+1
Feats Critical Focus, Double Slice, Greater Weapon Focus (kukri), Improved Critical (kukri), Improved TWF, Iron Will, Power Attack [-3/+6/+3], Skill Focus (UMD), Two-Weapon Fighting, Two-Weapon Rend, Weapon Finesse, Weapon Focus (kukri), Weapon Specialization (kukri)
Skills Climbing [1] +7, Handle Animal [1] +3, Intimidate [1] +3, Knowledge (dungeoneering) [6] +9, Perception [11+5] +17, Ride [1] +10, Sense Motive [5] +6, Survival [1] +5, Swim [1] +7, UMD [11+1] +20; ACP 0
Traits Dangerously Curious, Indomitable Faith
Race Traits Bonus feat, skilled
Class Abilities Armor training 3, bonus feats [x6], bravery +3, weapon training 2 (light blades, bows)

## EQUIPMENT ##
Offense belt of physical might (str/dex) +2, kukri +3, kukri +2, longbow +1; Defense amulet of natural armor +1, cloak of resistance +3, mithral breastplate +3, ring of protection +1; Other eyes of the eagle, handy haversack, ring of feather falling, ring of sustenance; Cash 7,684 gp

Two Weapon Tom TOC:

<#### Two Weapon Tom Build ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Equipment Purchases ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Stats: LEVEL 11 ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####>

Joe M.

May 4, 2015, 08:02 am

#### Two Weapon Tom Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####

# CR 13 MONSTER #
AC 28; HP 180
Attack +22 (60 dmg)
Primary Ability DC 21

# Two Weapon Tom #
AC 27; HP 103
Fort/Ref/Will +12/+12/+10
Attack kukri +19/+14/+9 (1d4+16/15-20x2), kukri +18/+13 (1d4+12/15-20x2); Special Critical Focus, Rend (1d10+4)

# Two Weapon Tom Lvl 11 v. CR 13 #
Fort, Ref, Will = 60%, 60%, 50% success
DPR = 48.6 (27%%)

Two Weapon Tom TOC:

<#### Two Weapon Tom Build ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Equipment Purchases ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Stats: LEVEL 11 ####>
<#### Two Weapon Tom Results: Lvl 11 v. CR 13 ####>

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