Best Starting package for a starter [Archive] - Wizards Community

Best Starting package for a starter [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
CsilkDM
01-23-07, 03:55 PM I am a fighter with good ability scores. I have to create a 3rd level character and it must be a fighter. I have a 22 strength and regeneration 2 (because of character background - demon blood infused within me... etc, etc..)

I need help choosing the feats. I want to optimize my character and almost all books are allowed to pull from. I've looked through many of them but I do not have experience with fighters. I am always a magic user. I feel I should take weapon focus and power attack, but from there I'm not sure what to do. I start with 5 feats.

I was thinking about going for the Karmic strike, I have a dexterity of 17 which allows me three attacks of opportunity per round. However, I'm not sure if Karmic Strike is worth the trade off of having to take the pre-reqs of Dodge & Combat expertise.

I'm open to any ideas.
The_Shaman
01-23-07, 05:30 PM You have 22 strength. To put it bluntly, one of your feats better be Power Attack. From then on, combat expertise could be nice but IMO cleave can get you a lot of mileage at low levels. Also, Combat Reflexes is good, especially if you're using a reach weapon. Combat Expertise by itself is so-so, but the imp. trip and imp. disarm options it allows should not be underestimated.

I'd advise you to go for a combat style a la those in CW, preferably with a two-handed weapon. Also, while it may be very cheesy, the spiked chain and its cousins (chain lash, kusarigami, and the like) could be very useful due to their versatility, large threatened area, and ability to use both two-handed and double depending on the situation. Karmic Strike... nice but I'm somehow a bit skeptical about it; I always associated it with barbarians, strangely enough. The "I'm going to let you hit me so that I lop your head off" mentality requires a good deal of bloody-mindedness imo. Also, if you're thinking about a prestige class it might be good to start aiming for it already. Oh, and if you think weapon specialization/mastery is worth it - you have the str. for good attack and damage already, but it's imo a solid choice - it's good to have w.focus ready.

Of course, while I know I should have asked earlier, what is your role in the team? Are you the be-all, end-all tank or can you expect some support from the rest?
CsilkDM
01-23-07, 08:05 PM I believe I am the main warrior. The character's background is similar to that of a barbarian. I like your ideas. Thanks for the info.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
CsilkDM 01-23-07, 03:55 PM	I am a fighter with good ability scores. I have to create a 3rd level character and it must be a fighter. I have a 22 strength and regeneration 2 (because of character background - demon blood infused within me... etc, etc..) I need help choosing the feats. I want to optimize my character and almost all books are allowed to pull from. I've looked through many of them but I do not have experience with fighters. I am always a magic user. I feel I should take weapon focus and power attack, but from there I'm not sure what to do. I start with 5 feats. I was thinking about going for the Karmic strike, I have a dexterity of 17 which allows me three attacks of opportunity per round. However, I'm not sure if Karmic Strike is worth the trade off of having to take the pre-reqs of Dodge & Combat expertise. I'm open to any ideas.
The_Shaman 01-23-07, 05:30 PM	You have 22 strength. To put it bluntly, one of your feats better be Power Attack. From then on, combat expertise could be nice but IMO cleave can get you a lot of mileage at low levels. Also, Combat Reflexes is good, especially if you're using a reach weapon. Combat Expertise by itself is so-so, but the imp. trip and imp. disarm options it allows should not be underestimated. I'd advise you to go for a combat style a la those in CW, preferably with a two-handed weapon. Also, while it may be very cheesy, the spiked chain and its cousins (chain lash, kusarigami, and the like) could be very useful due to their versatility, large threatened area, and ability to use both two-handed and double depending on the situation. Karmic Strike... nice but I'm somehow a bit skeptical about it; I always associated it with barbarians, strangely enough. The "I'm going to let you hit me so that I lop your head off" mentality requires a good deal of bloody-mindedness imo. Also, if you're thinking about a prestige class it might be good to start aiming for it already. Oh, and if you think weapon specialization/mastery is worth it - you have the str. for good attack and damage already, but it's imo a solid choice - it's good to have w.focus ready. Of course, while I know I should have asked earlier, what is your role in the team? Are you the be-all, end-all tank or can you expect some support from the rest?
CsilkDM 01-23-07, 08:05 PM	I believe I am the main warrior. The character's background is similar to that of a barbarian. I like your ideas. Thanks for the info.