Swash A. build Vs. Swash B. build

[Sir_Andrew]

Hi everyone sorry about the long post, but i need some help.
i decided to build a swashbuckler like build, it might be hard to understand as well. the problem i have is that i have 2 promising builds for a upcoming character.

my stats str 11, dex 18, con 14, int 18, wis 9, cha 14.

build #1, tiefling inspired blade/noble fencer 19/unarmed fighter 1 taken at lv 6 for IuS and crane style.

1) weapon finesse (rapier), weapon focus (rapier), fencing grace.
2)
3) combat reflexes
4) one handed weapon trick
5) dodge, improved critical (rapier)* *class
6)(UaF) IUs, Crane style
7) lunge
8)
9) crane wing
10)
11) agile maneuvers
12)
13) redirect attack
14)
15) (? no idea)

but then theirs this build that i like as well.
build #2
tiefling Inspired blade 1/unarmed fighter at lv6/daring champion 18

1)IB weapon finesse (rapier), weapon focus (rapier), fencing grace. precise strike(teamwork)
2)DC
3)DC combat reflexes
4)DC
5)DC one handed weapon trick
6)UaF IUs, Crane style
7)DC chain challenge.
8)DC dodge
9) DC improved critical
10)DC
11) DC Crane wing, Seize advantage(teamwork)
12)DC
13) DC agile maneuvers
14) DC redirect attack.
15) DC critcal focus.

swash build. #1 gives me all the feats faster and is simple. build #2 gives me other feats (tactician feats) and precise strike+challege, but is a little complicated and takes longer to get normal feats.

I really want Crane wing and that's why i include my builds partly around it. i like the extra damage that Daring champion gives, but i love having my character coming online faster as well. thoughts?

[My Self]

Remember to put Power Attack or Piranha Strike somewhere in your build. At higher levels, you'll be able to boost your STR with magic junk to qualify.

I don't see how you get Precise Strike as a teamwork feat at 1st level in your second build. Wouldn't you get it at 2nd? I suppose there aren't that many useful teamwork feats if you don't build your team around them. Agile Maneuvers should probably be dropped, unless you plan on building around combat maneuvers. Critical Focus can be moved to a lower level. If you want to mix in some critical feats, you have all the right equipment to do so.

I would personally avoid the one-handed weapon tricks. While free combat maneuvers are nice, you don't have the improved combat maneuver feats to back it up, and at higher levels, your action economy is probably better geared towards full attacking. You have a Mindful Dodge alternative in-class, which is probably better, since it doesn't stagger you, and keys off an important stat. Stylish Riposte is actually useful, but I would delay it until later (at least after Crane Style, but more likely 11th or 13th level), since the best defense is a dead enemy.

Instead of Unarmed Fighter, you could also consider Unchained Monk. You get Stunning Fist with an awful DC, and get no AC bonus from WIS, and no Flurry of Blows, but you get a 1d6 unarmed strike and can pick up the Dodge feat, which lets you snag Crane Style next level. And you have a strong Reflex save and 2 extra skill points, which the Fighter does not have.

How long is the campaign going to be?

[avr]

Swashbucklers don't get to ignore prerequisites on their bonus feats, so no improved crit at level 4 for A. This probably pushes the balance to B a bit.

Incidentally - Wis 9, all bad class Will saves, Cha 14 only gives a +2 via Charmed Life - are you sure you won't ever need Iron Will?

[My Self]

avr wrote:

Swashbucklers don't get to ignore prerequisites on their bonus feats, so no improved crit at level 4 for A. This probably pushes the balance to B a bit.

Incidentally - Wis 9, all bad class Will saves, Cha 14 only gives a +2 via Charmed Life - are you sure you won't ever need Iron Will?

Improved Crit is an Inspired Blade 5th level feature.