The Barbarian Class and Fighting Defensively, Power Attack, and Rage Cycling

[elcman]

Can I Fight Defensively and declare a Power Attack on top of that?

It seems like the rules allow it, but I haven't seen a confirmation. Basically, take a -6 to hit and get a +4 to AC?

In a protracted fight, I want to be able to get a bit more use out of some of my 1 per rage abilities. Rage for one round, then using Fight Defensively with Power Attack to allow me to stand on the front lines for two rounds with decent damage and AC, which will allow me to rage again without penalties.

Thoughts?

[Grey_Mage]

Concerns:
Fighting Defensively grants +2 AC and -4 to hit.
Power Attack is -1 to hit +2 damage per 4 BAB.

For the 2 rounds you are fatigued, you lower your Dex and Str by 2 each.

At level 1, your totals would be Fighting Defensively while fatigued:
+2 AC (or only +1 if you have Dex AC to lose) this can be partially mitigated by 3 ranks in Acrobatics at level 3;
-6 to hit (-4 FD, -1 PA, -1 Str loss);
1 handed weapon = +1 damage (+2 PA, -1 Str loss), 2 handed weapon = ? (+3 PA, -1 or -2 damage from Str loss)

Otherwise, it looks legit.

[elcman]

Perfect!

I have a 12 Dex and 18 Str, so I'll lose 1 AC and lose 1 to-hit/damage as well during the fatigued rounds. Not a bad tradeoff, even if -7 (-2 Power Attack, -4 Fight Defensively, -1 (-2 Str fatigued)) is a pretty intense to hit loss, but I have at-will enhancements that can get me around that, if needed.

I'm also sporting the Superstition Rage Power, so when I need to guarantee a full heal, I won't be as anxious to do so.

Thanks! :D

[Trekkie90909]

If you want to do this I recommend getting crane's style + riposte; reduces the penalty for fighting defensively to -1, and increases the bonus to +4 (assuming 3 ranks acrobatics) (+6 vs one target if you get crane's wing -- +7 or +9 vs one target if taking total defense [+deflect 1 attack/rnd]).

Furious Focus would also be good -- between that and the style feats you'd basically just have to deal with the fatigued penalty.

To make this build really pop, pick up feats like Draconic Defender (stacks with amulet or barkskin) and bodyguard to help your team-mates while you're doing your cycle.