| Bizbag |
Greetings, everyone.
I've never been very good at optimization, so I was hoping to get some suggestions on an idea I was tossing around. If I'm playing a melee class, I like to play defensively, but just being a tank isn't always fun if you don't feel like you're contributing damage. I thought I'd put together a Fighter build that TWFs with sword and shield, with feats split between attaining a good AC and fighting with sword and shield. I'm aware I won't be as tough as a dedicated tank or as damaging as a full THF, but I think I approach both ends close enough to have a good solid character. I also generally prefer to stick to Core and APG, but I'll entertain other options:
Half-Orc Fighter 12 [Two-Weapon Warrior] [20 Point Build]
STR 18 [16+2 racial] DEX 15 CON 14 INT 10 WIS 12 CHA 7
Feats:
1 TWF
1 Improved Shield Bash
2 Dodge
3 Power Attack
4 Double Slice
5 Shield Focus
6 Improved TWF
7 Shield Slam
8 Greater Shield Focus
9 Improved Critical (Scimitar)
10 Ironhide
11 Shield Master
12 Bashing Finish
I like the Two-Weapon Warrior archetype because:
1: The dodge bonuses to AC mean I can keep my base DEX at 15 to max out my armor's dex bonus.
2: Twin Blades slightly outweighs Weapon Training due to using two different weapons
3: Doublestrike
Pros:
Good AC
Good damage due to Double Slice and, later, Bashing Finish
Good damage while mobile
Damage greatly improves at level 12
Cons:
Low Will/Reflex saves
No Weapon Focus or Specialization, so lower DPH
Benefit of Improved/Perfect balance reduced, especially after level 11
Outdone in damage by dedicated THF or TWF characters.
| XMorsX |
Nothing wrong with the build. However check this guide for advice on how to build a TWF Brawler fighter. He fights with shield and cestus and by combining menacing stance and intimidate can debuff the enemy for an impressive total of -7 to their hit, -5 AC and -4 to saves. When he moves, he attacks with his shield two-handed for x1.5 Str damage and 1:3 Power Attack bonus, and when he full-attacks he uses both shield and cestus.
A human Brawler would look like this:
Str 17 (+2 racial, +1 at 8, 12, 16 and 20 lvls), Dex 16 (+1 at 4 lvl), Con 14, Int 10, Wis 8, Cha 10
1-TWF, Improved Shieldbash H-Power Attack
2-Close Control, Weapon Focus: Shield
3-Close Combatant, Doubleslice
4-Blindfight, Swap Doubleslice for Weapon Spec: Shield
5-Dazzling Display
6-ITWF
7-Menacing Stance, Shieldslam
8-Gtr Wpn Fcs: Shield, Swap Blindfight for Cornugon Smash (get a CRUEL weapon)
9-No Escape, Combat Reflexes
10-Doubleslice
11-Shieldmaster
12-TWR
Raise Perseption, Stealth and Intimidate
I think that the debuffing setup of Brawler works best for sword and board. Two-Weapon Warrior would work best with two scimitars for maximum DPR.