Stoupak's page

Table 12-4 page 294.

That's the one... Thanks a bunch.

I've been looking through the beta PDF for a while now trying to find wealth for PCs above first level. Anyone got an idea what page/section it's in?

Thanks in advance.

Thomas Higgins wrote:

Not to derail the conversation, but what is it with Dwarves that so many people hate?

What is there to like?

Dwarves are far and away my favorite race. Every time I choose something different, I always regret it.

Once you go Dwarf...uh...

So, I've been away for a few days, and can't get through all the arguing. Have we come to a concensus on whether or not a +3 heavy shield give +2 or +5 to attacks with shield master?

I'm having fun right now with the dazzling display feat tree. I wanted to add a little flavor, and this tree seemed to be the right might. Hindsight 20/20, I believe I spread myself too thin feat wise, because I also have EWP bastard sword, and all the focuses/specs etc. 3 feat trees is a lot even for fighters. But I wanted to try something other than the two handed mutant that does mega damage and sucks every heal spell out of the party cleric after 1 fight. In a few levels (I'm currently 6th) I look forward to using stunning defense/shield slam against some fugly monsters.

Ok, but since that probably won't be happening any time soon, is it not safe to say that to play a viable S/B you essentially become a twf with some really cool feats? Shield mastery is pretty awesome... BTW did we figure out if the hit and damage is the +2 from the shield bonus, or is the enhancement included as well? The wording is a bit murky in the beta.

OK guys, at this point I just want to call THREADJACK and respectfully ask that you guys create your own thread about the shield bonus issue.

This topic is supposed to be about a viable sword and board fighter. The conversation has detoured way off course now.

I am interested in the original topic, not the minutiae of rules lawyering. So, let us please continue with the original very interesting topic of sword and board fighting.

You said it Krome

Some great stuff, been having a blast reading everyone's thoughts. Keep it up.

ahhhhhhhh, alrighty then!

Thanks a ton for the help!

The shield mastery tree combined with the two weapon fighting really makes the improved vital strike a possibility. You'll want a +5 Heavy Bashing Shield for 2d6+7 damage before strength is added in. Shield Slam means you can move people around which makes you partial to battle field control, and if you use a short spear for your other weapon you could grab point blank, precise, and rapid shot too so you're a threat at all ranges (improved vital works on ranged attacks and rapid shot gives you and extra attack back to make up for one of the two you drop).

All in all you'll have 7 points more AC than the two handed fighter and if you do a search for "Benny the Fighter" you'll see that your damage can more than keep up with that of a two handed fighter even after Damage reduction (especially since with shield mastery you are getting extra attacks with none of the two weapon fighting penalties, and an enhancement bonus equal to your shield bonus to AC).

How does a shield do 2d6+7 before strength?

Hey guys,

I'm trying something a little different for the first time, and could use a little help. I'm trying to make a good, fun, sword and board fighter. I know I won't be able to do the damage a 2h weapon fighter would do, but for an added +2 bonus to AC, is it really worth not 2 handing a weapon? I'm doing the shield bash/shield slam/shield master feat tree, but I'm still wondering if I'm wasting my time. Does a S&B fighter ever truly become viable? Any hints, tips or help in general would be greatly apprciated.

Cheers