Baldy's page

Well, most of the out of control elements are reigned in by "light" and "one-handed" weapons in the prestige class description, keeping damage output from getting too obscene.

For a weapon master spin, your thoughts on how to do so to get the ball rolling?

I would add prereq's to the prc like;

(Sense motive 6 ranks) a master must be able to read an opponent in order to better predict their actions.
(Combat expertise) This feat is a great base, (or stepper feat), for the ridiculous AC boosts the class gets at higher levels and also adds a built in prereq of 13 intelligence or better to the class. I'm actually surprised it's not on there already.
(Weapon focus or Weapons training +1) with chosen weapon/weapons.

I would change precise strike to work more like canny defense:
You can add one point of your INT modifier to damage per class level.
In addition it would allow the master to use weapon finesse with the chosen weapon if it is not light.
Finally, this ability may not be used in conjunction with power attack.

Lastly, change Precise strike, Parry, Riposte, Elaborate defense, Deflect arrows, and Crippling critical so that they only work with the chosen weapon/weapons.

Thoughts?

Why is this prestige class only relegated to the swashbuckler style weapon masters? It has all the qualities or abilities one would associate a weapon master to have, but you may only do it with a single, one-handed or light weapon.

This class should not be so narrowly focused. Samurai were great at dueling with katana or even polearms. If you don't believe a glaive can be used to strike very accuratly or deflect blows you should meet my roomate who can plant the tip of his glaive on any specific point of the body, (usually face), that he wants, and that's with only a few years of SCA training.

Ultimately I would like to see the one prestige class I've found that even remotely reflects what a true weapon master can do in terms of mobility, defense, and intellect, be more than a musketeer or zorro. The changes required would be minimal to keep it balanced. I realize that precise strike plus a two hander and power attack would get out of control, but those are easy fixes.

Any thoughts?