TWF for an Asian campaign (not named ninja of samurai)

[Beemer]

So I was thinking TWF with tonfa or wakazashis using http://d20minmax.wikia.com/wiki/Crit_Fiend
However GM said that I don't need proficiency for them b/c it is a common weapon in the world. Any advice would be helpful.

[lemeres]

Well, with tonfa I suppose (I mean, they are mostly a more advanced club), but wakazashis should still remain at least martial (much like a short sword). But looking at the build you want to use, that is kind of moot.

Anyway, for the build: hmmmm...I always tend to question the use of double slice early on, at least for fighters, that have to divide their stats between dex, con, and strength. Looking at the suggested stats (not entirely keen on those either, but I agree with the idea you can strength build with TWF), you would only get a couple of extra points of damage on the off hand attacks. Putting it off for later might be best.

You may also want to take two weapon rend before Greater TWF. Getting a large bonus to your first two hits is better than getting an offhand hit at -10.

[Cathulhu]

Ranger. ignore prereqs.

[Imbicatus]

The only reason to use tonfas is if you want the shield bonus to AC when fighting defensively. It a great weapon for Crane Style fighters using one weapon so they have the free hand for Crane Style. It's terrible for an offensive crit-fishing twf fighter.

[n o 417]

You'd be best off not TWFíng unless you are a Barbarian,Bloodrager, or some kind of shifter. The benefits do not outweigh the cost. Human is also preferable 'cause you'll be starved for feats.

[lemeres]

n o 417 wrote:

You'd be best off not TWFíng unless you are a Barbarian,Bloodrager, or some kind of shifter. The benefits do not outweigh the cost. Human is also preferable 'cause you'll be starved for feats.

..Ok, explain that one to me. That goes against most of my understanding of TWF. Barbarians lack the kind of static bonuses to damage that would benefit a TWF build. Is this only due to pounce? Sure, the lack of damage on a standard action attack might be a concern, but it doesn't break the build.

But if you feel that strongly about it, why not suggest other fighter archetypes. At around the same level as barbarians get pounce, one could easily benefit from mobile fighter (gets a watered down pounce), Two Weapon Fighter (can attack twice per standard attack, which puts it on par with twohanding), or maybe Brawler (has a set of special abilities that prevent enemies from escaping from adjacent squares=more full attacks). Rangers can also pull off TWF because they often have animal companions that can hamper enemy movements (wolf is so iconic because it can pull off a trip build pretty effectively).

Admittedly, a crit-fisher has goals other than merely doing damage. With critical feats, they can apply all sorts of conditions. So the slight problem with damage when they can't get in a full attack is not a deal breaker

There is also the option of double weapons. They have all the advantages of TWF, but they can be used as two handed weapons when push comes to shove. While a double-bladed sword might be a step down crit wise at 19-20/x2, it is still a fine weapon and could fit well in this build since it called for exotic weapons anyway.

[XMorsX]

Firstly, read this guide. It explains the best way to use a TWFer and ways to cover their weaknesses, as well as tactics to enchance their performance.

For reasons mentioned in the guide and in this thread that far, I would suggest a Human Two-Weapon Fighter. Idealy, you will use chakrams for ranged full-attacks, then quickdraw your katana / wakizashi and full-attack them when they come close. At 9th lvl you will always strike with both weapons, making two-weapon rend activate much more often, and at 11th lvl you will be able to dual-wield two katanas with light weapon TWF penalties. Pretty cool indeed.

An alternative is the 3rd party Samurai archetype Nitojutsu-sensei, which is the equivalent archetype for the Samurai as the Two-Weapon Warrior is for the fighter. It gets static bonuses to make good use of the TWF style and can attack as a standard action with both his weapons from the 7th lvl, which is actually great if you start at low lvls.

The reason I am not particilarly fond of the crit-fisher is that it only works well in ideal situations that you can full-attack all the time. Without Pounce or ways to lock-down your enemy though (trip, stand still, dazing assault, staggering / stunning critical to name the most common ways), constant full-attacking is more difficult than it sounds.