If you're doing the 2-handed fighter archetype you should be using a two handed weapon and not a shield. The two-handed fighters abilities are reliant on the fact that you only get bonuses with a two handed weapon. Get Power Attack, it adds time and a half bonus to damage rolls. Instead of -2/+4 you'll have -2/+6.
Also, if you're using a one-handed weapon, you're only getting a +6 to damage rolls from your strength modifier. If you switch to a 2-handed weapon, you'll get double your strength modifier (2-handed fighter ability only) so you'll get a +12 to damage. That, with power attack is a +18 to damage, minimum 20 damage per hit if you're using a greatsword.
At 15th level, power attack will also double, by that point you're taking a -4 to get a +16 on damage! One more level and that increases to a -5/+20!
If you want survivability I'd go shielded, phalanx, or tower shield specialist fighter. But two-handed fighters are damage dealers, in the extreme.
|
Given your feat selection and interest in 2-Handed Fighter, I suggest buying a size large Bastard Sword. You can swing it two-handed.
Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Bastard Sword opens up this ability.
That + Vital Strike would be kind of gross. 4d8+(2 x Str) Ouch.
In my experience, Furious Focus is most useful for 3/4 BAB classes. Fighters don't really need it.
Edit: Didn't see the (L) on the sword. My bad.
My recommendation would be to get rid of EWP, and use a great sword instead of the bastard sword. Then, pick up a one-handed weapon that does a different type of damage than a sword (bludgeoning or piercing). The shield is pretty much useless to a two-handed fighter, because everything the archetype gives you requires a two-handed weapon (or one-handed wielded in two hands), but I guess if you are getting really slaughtered in a fight because of low AC it might be a useful backup. Point being, if you get rid of EWP and use a great sword (or even a longsword) you will be able to take furious focus and cleave, or you could possibly even grab deadly aim and a composite longbow so you have some non-melee options.
*Edit: Also missed the (L) on the bastard sword, but the 2d8 isn't really that much better than the medium greatsword's 2d6.
|
|
Vital strike would only allow me one attack per round though right?
True. But there will be a lot of opportunities to use this in combat.
Most people assume that it doesn't get used because you want to Full Attack all of the time. In most combat encounters, you will have to Move + Attack more than once. It helps make up for the brief dip in your damage output due to having to move.|
|
My recommendation would be to get rid of EWP, and use a great sword instead of the bastard sword.
Booo! Where's the fun in that? :D
With EWP Bastard Sword, you can always carry a shield and sword+board it if you need to.
Also, you might consider trying Fortified Armor Training and carry along a stack of Bucklers in your backpack.
My recommendation would be to get rid of EWP, and use a great sword instead of the bastard sword.Booo! Where's the fun in that? :D
With EWP Bastard Sword, you can always carry a shield and sword+board it if you need to.
Also, you might consider trying Fortified Armor Training and carry along a stack of Bucklers in your backpack.
Haha. Don't get me wrong, I love bastard swords, but I'd really only bother using one in a dedicated sword and board build. If you are going for two-handed outright there is no reason to go for the bastardsword (even large sized) over a greatsword. This way, he has one more feat overall, which can allow him to go into some mild ranged combat (deadly aim anyone?), or go even more beastly on a charge (which is where furious focus makes itself known). I do quite like the fortified armor training idea, though. I can just picture a guy with a huge sword carrying around bucklers expecting them to break.
|
|
Of all the silly combos and things you can abuse in the RAW, Fortified Armor Training with mundane Bucklers seems to be the most sensible one of the bunch.
I think it's worth the -1 to hit penalty.
You are right about the expense of EWP, of course. But, there is definitely something to be said for swinging that enormous sword.
Furious Focus is not a bad feat, but it really shines at later levels when it nets you +4 or +5 to hit.
As far as fighter traits go, it doesn't get better than Defender of the Society for a free +1 AC.
Dodge is also solid for improving your defenses.
If you ever plan on switching between S&B and two handing, then Quickdraw is pretty much a bare necessity.
What exactly are you intending to do with the Sunder line?
It also sets up for dreadful carnage later which is awesome.
You could even do the Dazzling Display and Shatter Defenses line if you wanted.
Another thing to look at is the Skill Focus: Survival and Eldritch Heritage (Orc Bloodline) to get the inherent bonuses to STR later in game.