how to cope with being the only melee I. the group please help

[Darrius Vakkarian Woodfall]

Hey guys im new to this forum and just wanted a little advice on my current on my character in the session im In.my character is a half cellestial inquisitor that mainly focuses on combat. My friend made a cavelier and we were doing quite well for melee characters the other members of the party consists of a half dragon sorcerer, and a vampire witch, a drow cleric who specializes in channeling, and finnaly a halfling druid. Up untill about 2 weeks ago everything was fine except my cavelier friend got a new job and was also starting college classes again so he wont be able tp play and also our druid.cant play also due to her job as a nurse and also startong college classes. I understand compleetly thier situations and their sllways welcome back as the gm said but it be every other 2 weeks for the.druid and randomlly for the caviller. So all thats left are me as the inquisitor, the vamp witch, the half dragon sorcerer and the drow cleric. Im worried about how I will fare against a mass amount of enemys to protect my party and if I go down how my party will cope without me. Like I said im mainly a combat inquisitor with a two handed elvish curved blade keen and also have seize the moment, and I just unlocked the bane feature. Is there any advice someone can give me to become a better sword to my party? Any advice is valued and gratafied

[Wolfsnap]

Do whatever you can to funnel the enemy to you - try to make use of choke-points and bottlenecks where the enemy can't bring their numbers to bear. Don't get too terribly far from your allies - if you operate way out in front then it's easier for the enemy to get past you, and you'll have a harder time coming to the rescue. Better to stay close to them, flank with them, and find ways to make use of your attacks of opportunity when the enemy engages in actions that threaten your allies. Try to work out plans with your allies such that when the enemy closes in, they can move to better positions around you, but you can stay relatively still to get your full attacks. Combat reflexes might be a good feat to take. Also, consider taking some teamwork feats with them.

[Rory]

Darrius Vakkarian Woodfall wrote:

Is there any advice someone can give me to become a better sword to my party? Any advice is valued and gratafied

Just carry a heavy shield around for the extra AC. When you confront a huge band of foes, draw a one handed weapon and play defense, allowing your companions to hurt the groups. When you confront a lesser number of foes, drop the shield, draw your elven curved blade.

At level 5, you can also choose a feat to help with your defense more than your offense too.

Start gearing towards more defensive abilities as well: +AC from armor, shields, rings, amulets, etc. +CON from a belt

Use Judgements to boost defenses rather than offenses as well when you are up front taking the hits.

[g0atsticks]

yes, become a tank. your cleric will have to be a dedicated healer at this point.

I'd also a feat similiar to 3.5's goad, it forces enemies to attack you if they can. I know there is one in PF, i just dunno the name or book.

[Kydeem de'Morcaine]

Sounds like you might want to play tank. Or at least add some tank type capabilities.

Combat reflexs, enlarge, and guisarme for masses of opponents.

Self defense buff gear and spells.

Dodge.

Fight defensively and combat expertise for singleton BBEG. (You hold it in place while all those casters hit it.)

[Ciaran Barnes]

You need the support of your party and need to remind them of this. I've been in this situation too and if they do not support you, it won't be long before you get tired of playing in this group. You can make a point by disengaging the enemy and stepping back from combat when your hp are low. They might get the point. Maybe.

[Humphrey Boggard]

Some tips:

- Get a (preferably enchanted) quick draw shield (APG).
- Put three ranks in acrobatics for the bonuses to fighting defensively and total defense.
- Talk to your cleric about casting Shield Other (our cleric calls it my invisible leash).
- Consider taking combat expertise if you have INT of 13+.