How would one go about maximizing the potential for the stalwart & Improved stalwart feats? I have a character coming up who is looking to be one hell of a tank, and I'd like to get the most bang for my buck.
Is it better to use combat expertise or fight defensively (or both)?
How can we mitigate the penalties (particularly because I would like to use power attack as well)?
I'm already aware of some options, including: Aldori swordlord (archetype), Crane style tree (feats), Cautious fighter (feat), Threatening defender (trait), Rod of balance (magic item), Madu (mundane weapon). Is there anything else?
For those interested in the character, I will be messing with a bunch of Dreamscarred press stuff, playing a Half-Giant Aegis (War Hulk) // Warder (Sworn Protector, Zweihander Sentinel). Thanks in advance!
I think fighting defensively is best, if you pick up crane style it's a -1 for +4 AC which is turned to DR. Combat expertise needs many levels to reach this value. Taking 1 level of unarmed fighter or unbreakable fighter helps you get all the feats you need.
Also you sort of need a class with natrual DR progression to make Stalwart worth while.
The Order of the Seven Pointed star works well with fighting defensively.
Invulnerable Rager barbarian gives 1/2 level DR that stacks, can pick up a few extra points with Extra DR rage power, and can use Reckless Abandon rage power to transfer some attack penalty to AC.
There was a post about it a few weeks back here.
Crane Style and Combat Expertise can get you Improved Stalwart's max 10 DR pretty easily.
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Crane Style and Combat Expertise can get you Improved Stalwart's max 10 DR pretty easily.
If you go both then for levels 1-3 you have the max of 5, 4+ you'd be getting no extra DR but still taking the penalties for combat expertise. This is Why I suggest going just crane style.
If weapon master's handbook becomes PFS legal you can pick up the trait, Aldori Caution combat-trait, which increases your fighting defensively AC bonus by 1. Giving you the full 5 with crane style.
If weapon master's handbook becomes PFS legal you can pick up the trait, Aldori Caution combat-trait, which increases your fighting defensively AC bonus by 1. Giving you the full 5 with crane style.
You are a brilliant individual and a pinnacle of your species! This trait was exactly what I was looking for. With Crane Riposte, 3 ranks in acrobatics, and this beautiful trait it will be -1 attack for +5 AC or +10/- DR. Now I don't have to wield the stupid rod or take combat expertise. You (v)rock!
Aldori caution is a pretty sweet Trait. Add a blocking weapon and your looking at +5 AC at level 1 and +6 at level 3.
From this guide:
Threatening Defender - When you use Combat Expertise, reduce the number you subtract from your melee attack rolls by 1. So this is situational. But if you're building a Crane Style fighter this is amazing. Combat Expertise, Crane Style, Fighting Defensively, and this trait and you're looking at up to a -7 to attack for a +8 AC. Not bad. Its crap for anyone not focused on it, but automatic for anyone that is.
It is a combat trait so may not stack with Aldori caution.
