I'm joining a low magic campaign, and have a slightly unorthodox group that appears to need a decent front line to stand in the way of the BBEGs.
We've got a:
Witch
Lore Cleric
Ninja
Monk with silly combat tricks.
I would like to build a front liner of some sort, but the idea of playing a sword and board/auto attacker doesn't appeal much to me right now.
Are there any builds that make for a decent tank and still have some interesting utility? Maybe some spells if possible, or at least some fun abilities.
Thanks.
Invulnerable rager is my pick for front line fighter, damage reduction, sick raging power, high hp, big weapon hittyness, how can u go wrong?
This is how i do it:
Paladin with very big two handed weapon. Make you strength you primory stat and Cha second with constitution. Use Lay on Hands to heal your self and the only level one slot you know is: Hero's Defiance (APG).
If you can't smite you still doe enough damage, to draw attaention an kill. Youse a Falchion an take improved critical at level 9. You are surprisingly tough and a real killer.
I guess what I'm really lookin for is a tank build for non tank classes. Building a high ac or melee combat controlling wizard or bard could be loads of fun. Or something similar. I've played the melee alch before, and it was quite memorable.
I'll take a look at crusader, even the paladin might work without going sword and board, but it'd need a good set of fun feats to bore out the humdrum.
Thanks.
How about a battle oracle or battle cleric? You could also look at the inquisitor or maybe a ranger.
i like da phalanx fighter wit a towa shield. stay in cover while trippin any ding that comes in your reach. you take da combat expertise, trip, and combat reflexes.
move to where ya want, an use ya shield to cove ya butt. den trip anythin that comes near ya's.
and ya ac is supa high in ya's 'Evy armor
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Human Barbarian - fighter two weapon build. Exotic weapon prof. two bladed sword, two weapon fighting.
Start with a high enough dex that two bumps and an ioun stone +2 get you a 20 dex for the greater two weapon fighting, and eventually a belt +4/+4 Str/Con.
Get enough fighter levels and you can tumble in full plate, and with a two handed double weapon, you can make either end of different materials, as well as switch from attacking with either end, to attacking with one end two handed without dropping or stowing the weapon. get a cracked ioun stone that will hold one first level spell and a wand of shield. have your caster put it on the stone. no actual shield needed.
get the improved crit and you've got an 17-20 crit range. Double slice to do full strength with both ends. Power attack of course. Two weapon rend just for good measure. Step up, following step, step up and strike. combat reflexes. barbarian 2 so you're not caught flat footed and No Escape rage power. blind fight of course.
Not that i've ever built a fighter like this :)
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Oracle of Lore 1/Ninja 2/Paladin with Oath of vengence! Focus Cha, Str, Con. Dump Dex & Wis. Keep Int at least 10, higher if not human. Want Cha about 20( you could go 18 then Cha Headband, then focus on Str. Con is only important if you survive between hits and Heals. Revelation: Side Step Secret. Ninja Trick: Forgotten Trick - this ads versatility, but its not the reason for 2nd lvl ninja, Ki pool & extra attacks per round is. Paladin for the win. Focus feats on melee, Power attack, Furious Focus. Also pick up Greater Mercy, so you will be able to heal inbetween all the hits. Get Int up to 13 and you can pick up Unsanctioned Knowledge and add Bard spells to your Paladin Spell list.
Otherwise trick out all your feats for Offense. Maybe pick up a few fighter levels to help with this.
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In a low magic campaign there is typically a greater value placed on magic... With that in mind I'd suggest Ranger or Paladin. If you're not going to be able to acquire a lot of magic why not be able to create your own?
I prefer Ranger myself but with either class be sure to take the trait Magical Knack - it will help boost your buffs.
Samurai (Order of the Warrior)
You can do tons of damage (Power Attack + Furious Focus + Challenge (=Smite) + access to fighter feats)
You've got skills (4 ranks/level)
You're resilient (Resolve + Honor in All Things -> you've got good saves, heavy armor and d10 hit dice)
You get a cool mount (full druid companion)
You have flexibility in combat (quick draw and bonuses to confirm crits for your chosen weapon, mounted archery, lancing).
Later on you can spend resolve to roll an [attack | skill check | save] 3 times and take the best roll, so you have an excellent chance of crit-ing (and you have a +2 to confirm with your chosen weapon) OR spend a use of your resolve to turn a critical hit against you into a regular hit.
I think of the mount as a bonus and built my samurai for combat on foot. Even without mounted feats he rocks when he's lancing (Power Attack + Furious Focus + Smite combined with double damage when charging with a lance is pretty good).
What level are you starting at?
Also, what race limitations/allowances?
Starting gold? Etc.?
As Ub3r N3rd suggests, an Inquisitor can easily be a front line tank, with MANY options.
Another class to look at is the Magus. Specifically the Kensai or Skirnir archetypes. They can both get some very nice AC, and have a bit of versatility.
Level 1, no limitations beyond non paizo stuff, about average starting gold. Set in the Pathfinder universe, but on it's own continent. Super low magic starting off, slowly building up.
Thanks for the advice all, I'll take a look.
Dawnflower Dervish bard is another decent front liner with good utility.