It has ben for quite some time that I've tried to come up with a good Aldori Swordlord PC.
Usually I tried to build towards the prestige class starting from fighter (5 levels of fighter then swordlord).
After the ACG was released I started toying with the idea of using a swashbuckler as starting class. It seems thematically fitting, it has a lot nice abilities that mix really well with the Swordlord's and more importantly it starts with 4+int skill points (so reaching the demanding skill requirements for the prestige class doesn't require you to invest heavily in int and for a human it even allows you to dip it a little).
Now my point: in order to mix the two classes one feat seems mandatory. Slashing grace, as you need to be able to use the aldori duelling sword with the swashbuckler's abilities. Yet slashing grace makes deft strike redundant as both abilities allow you to add your dex to damage with the aldori dueling sword. Anotherslight problem I have is that with this build you have a character who's not really good at much at level 1 and 2 (at 3rd level you get slashing grace but before that you can't add dex to damage).
So here's the question which type of build would be more effective?
Fighter 05 -> Swordlord
or
Swashbuckler -> Swordlord
or
Stay fighter, get slashing grace at level 2, then Dueling Mastery and possibly amateur swashbuckler later on?
or
Stay swashbuckler and get slashing grace and duelling mastery later on?
I'm trying to come up with an effective build that could reasonably pass for an Aldori swordlord and effectiveness is a concern.