Core Polearm Class Build

[Widjit]

We are starting a new campaign using only the Core rule book. Help me come up with a pole arm using character using only the Core book!

I was thinking either a Fighter or possibly a Paladin. Ideas? Suggestions?

[ShadowcatX]

Polearms are limited in core due to them being a reach weapon. You'll need to compensate for that through some other way of threatening adjacent enemies. I'd probably go with spiked armor. Other than that you can basically go generic two handed fighter guy or reach weapon guy.

Personally, I'd probably go a switch hitter build in Ranger.

[Still Learning]

Yeah, pole arm + spiked armor. To that end all you really need is power attack so paladin should give you plenty of feats to play with. Fighter would have an easier time getting whirlwind attack which might be fun if you'll face a lot of large groups of weak critters.

Maybe some monk levels so you can unarmed attack with kicks, but some may argue that logic as unfair two-weapon fighting or something.

[Nicos]

Power attack + combat reflexes + lunge are the basic feats. The rest depends if you go figther or paladin.

[Imbicatus]

Paladin 4 / Bard 1 / Dragon Disciple x

There really aren't that many feats in core only that really benefit polearms, so we can ignore Fighter for Paladin. Go STR/CHA/DEX/CON/WIS/INT in stat priority.

Paladin is there for Smite, Divine Grace, Lay on Hands, and access to cure spells for wand healing.

Bard is there for Inspire Courage, although you could easily exchange it for Sorc instead.

Dragon Disciple is one of the few ways to get obscenely high STR in core only, and you'll be getting the most out of it with a polearm.

[Jacob Saltband]

Not all polearms are reach weapons, halbard being one.