Best warrior classes? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Best warrior classes? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
The_Piecone
09-16-07, 11:45 AM What are your opinions on the best warrior class/prestige classes out there? I value each and every one of you little goofballs opinions:D
Right now I have a Skullcrusher Ogre Barbarian/Bear Warrior/Ravager. A sexy combination if I can say so myself (especially because you have to sacrifice a human and kill 6+ others in hand-to-hand combat to become a ravager :))
Another question I have is: what would be the better weapon to use: a greataxe, a greatsword, a greathammer, or a fullblade? I can't decide.
ninjarabbit
09-16-07, 12:01 PM I like gish builds to fill the warrior role. In 3rd Edition D&D magic rules and in the long run gishes will outperform non-magical warriors 98% of the time.

Anyways a few of my favorite gish builds:

paladin2/sorcerer4/spellsword1/abjurantchampion5/sacredexoricst8, 16 BAB, 18 CL

battlesorcerer15/abjurant champion5, 16 BAB, 20 CL

stalwart sorcerer6/swiftblade10/unseenseer4, 16 BAB, 16 CL

grey elf wizard6/swiftblade9/abjurantchampion5, 17 BAB, 17 CL

dwarf fighter1/wizard6/runesmith2/spellsword1/abjurantchampion5/eldritchknight5, 16 BAB, 18 CL
Crimson_Concerto
09-16-07, 12:46 PM ninjarabbit, you forgot Druid 20. :D

That being said, if you don't want to do a gish or other magic-user, some options to look at might be Crusader or Warblade. Of course, a Barbarian is just as good, and I don't think your current build looks bad (though I don't remember Ravager at all).

Oh, and just so you know, Fullblades don't exist in 3.5. They depend on the 3.0 weapon sizing rules, which are different in 3.5, so they're not really a possible weapon for you to pick from.
The_Piecone
09-16-07, 01:03 PM You both be talking jibba-jabba! What the hell is a "gish"? you tell me that.
Neither of you answered my second question. what does it matter that the fullblade was in 3rd edition? does it conflict with any new rules? It can be resized in accordance with the 3.5 rules or whatever you were talking about. It's all about the good times, not being a rules stickler.
j3st3r
09-16-07, 01:09 PM Also, if you mean by greathammer the one which is from MMIV, it most likely has an error in it's threat range. It has the exact same stats with the goliath greathammer, but a threat range of 19-20/x4. The greathorn minotaurs stats also imply that the threat range for the large greathammer would only be x4.

I wouldn't bother spending one feat to get the greathammer, even for the sunder bonuses. From those choices I'd choose greataxe (greatsword has a bit larger average damage, but greataxe is more likely to roll max. damage.. or min.).
Crimson_Concerto
09-16-07, 01:29 PM You both be talking jibba-jabba! What the hell is a "gish"? you tell me that.A character built to be both a competent spellcaster and warrior.

Neither of you answered my second question. what does it matter that the fullblade was in 3rd edition? does it conflict with any new rules?Yes, yes it does. The weapon size rules are different in 3.0 than 3.5, and they are in fact incompatible.

It can be resized in accordance with the 3.5 rules or whatever you were talking about. It's all about the good times, not being a rules stickler.I agree. That's why you should have to problem using Monkey Grip and a Greatsword and calling that a Fullblade if you really want one. :D

However, Monkey Grip is a subpar feat that is not worth it, and even back in 3.0, the feats lost for a Fullblade are also not worth it, so I would choose between the Greatsword and Greataxe. They seem about the same to me.
See j3st3r's response for why the Greathammer isn't worth it.
LoneFlame
09-16-07, 01:30 PM "Gish" is a term that means 'front-line caster'. The premise behind it is the mesh the most Martial and Magical power possible. It's surprisingly easy to do and quite powerful.

For my vote, I'd say Barbarian, Fighter(with Dungeon Crasher Variant from Dungeonscape), Frenzied Berseker.
Cold Napalm
09-16-07, 02:26 PM I too favor gish over just about anything else, with my current favorite being a fighter 1/wizard 6/spellsword 5/abjurant champion 5/unseen seer 3 for a CL of 17 and BAB 16.

For pure all out martial I like using a fighter 2/knight 4/exotic weapon master 1/kensai 10/whatever I feel like 3 with a bastard sword.
Tempest Stormwind
09-16-07, 02:49 PM Just to clear things up, the fullblade was defined in 3.0 as a Large bastard sword (that is, one-handed martial weapon for Huge people, two-handed martial weapon for Large people, one-handed exotic weapon for Large people, two-handed exotic weapon for medium people).

If you want to leave magic out of it, and keep things simple, I'd say warblade or crusader. They don't even need PrCs, although you can do some nice things with them if you think about it. Leaving the ToB out of it, you're really limited to just three PrCs: Frenzied Berserker, Dervish, and Revenant Blade. Virtually every other non-magical warrior PrC out there pre-ToB simply wasn't worth it except as a dip (i.e. exotic weapon master's worth it for one level in some circumstances).
DwarfPcfan
09-16-07, 02:49 PM A few Favorite non caster/power user melee character builds, note some include 3.0 melee classes but it should not be a problem using them even without the need to rewritethem

-Barbarian6/Fighter4/Bear Warrior10 (CW)
-Sohei6(OA)/Fighter4/Kensai 10
-Fighter4/Ranger2/Swashbuckler4/Dervish10
-fighter7/Dwarven Defender10/Exotic Weapon Master3
-Fighter20 (yes fighter 20)
-Samurai(OA)7/Master Samurai10 (Sword and fist)/Exotic Weapon master3
-fighter4/Barbarian6/Berzerker10 (Deities and Demigods)

Favorite melee builds, caster/power user
-Paladin10/Knight of the Middle Circle10(Defenders of the Faith)
-Paladin4/rogue3/Shadow Bane Inquisitor10/Fist of Raziel3
-Psychic Warrior 20
-Psychic Warrior10/Dwarven Defender10
-Paladin6/Fist of Raziel10/Warblade4
-Paladin5/Ranger4/Cavalier8/Wild Plains outrider3
-Paladin7/Dragon Rider8/Cavalier5
-SwordSage 20
-Warblade 20
-Fighter1/Wizard4/Runesmith1/Abjurant Champion5/Eldritch knight9
-Fighter1/Wizard4/Abjurant Champion5/Eldritch knight8/Spell sword2

Have fun
Crimson_Concerto
09-16-07, 02:52 PM Favorite melee builds, caster/power user:
...
-SwordSage 20
-Warblade 20
...lol, wut?
ZiggZagg
09-16-07, 03:07 PM What is a Revenant Blade?
Tempest Stormwind
09-16-07, 03:36 PM What is a Revenant Blade?

Valenar badass from Player's Guide to Eberron. Not too terribly difficult to qualify for, three (or four, with a cheap item) floating bonus feats from a decent list, a small boost to a few Valenar-esque powers, and -- the big prize -- Legendary Force, which lets you treat both ends of a double scimitar as if they were two-handed weapons (i.e. get 1.5 Str and 2:1 Power Attack on both sides of a double weapon).

I mean, *damn*.
The_Piecone
09-16-07, 03:48 PM Wow, everyone all has these multi-multi-multi classed guys, this is crazy. I'll stick to my 3d6+12 damage badass I'll thank you.
Tempest Stormwind
09-16-07, 03:57 PM Wow, everyone all has these multi-multi-multi classed guys, this is crazy. I'll stick to my 3d6+12 damage badass I'll thank you.

There's nothing inherently wrong with multiclassing. In fact, some concepts are not reflected in a single class; in such a circumstance multiclassing is necessary.

Oh, and by the way, even with a single class, 3d6+12 is weak (unless you're capable of always hitting *and* below level 9; lower the level commensurately if you aren't able to hit 100% of the time). I don't know about you, but my concept of a fantasy adventurer is never one who is bad at his job, because fantasy adventurers who are bad at their job tend to die early.
Franco Un-American
09-16-07, 05:00 PM you're really limited to just three PrCs: Frenzied Berserker, Dervish, and Revenant Blade.

I wouldn't be quite that limiting. Occult Slayer is very good, though with only 5 levels you could concievably combine it with the above. In general, though, dipping with multiple PrC's and base classes will give you a much more powerful character in the end.
GawainBS
09-16-07, 05:08 PM I have several favourites:
Warblade 20.
Gish (both Pal2/Sorc7/Sacred Exorcist1/Swiftblade10, with Slippers of Battledancing and Ftr5/Wiz1/Bladesinger10/Abjurant Champion4. Not the most powerful one, but my first character I ever played.;))
Psychic Warrior 20.
Duskblade 20
The_Piecone
09-19-07, 11:40 AM whoa whoa whoa. Mah guy is only a Skullcrusher Ogre barbarian with no special anythings at the moment because I've only just made him and haven't really used him. :(
I do plan to make him some sort of Bear Warrior/Hulking Hurler/Occult Slayer/Ravager. (If that is possible) This combination might not make for the best guy, but looks fun anyhow. :P
The_Shaman
09-19-07, 12:38 PM Dwarfpcfan, you've actually been able to qualify for the Master Samurai PrC with nothing but 7 levels of the OA samurai class? Wow, that's dedication... if it even works, I don't have Sword and Fist right now. That was probably the most feat-intensive PrC of all.

From the more vanilla-esque PrCs, I like the Pious Templar from CDiv: decent attacking power, bonus feats, decent-ish casting and good will save (mettle included). It's nothing that incredible, but very solid.
Jaxgaret
09-19-07, 03:17 PM I am currently playing what will eventually be a Marshal2/Fighter2/Crusader6/MythicExemplar10, houseruling that the "+1 to spellcasting class" applies to Maneuvers, Stances, and Initiator progression.

It would end up being more powerful if I had gone with straight Marshal2/Fighter2/Crusader16, but the other players are not really optimizers, so I decided to go with a more supporting route and less kill-everything-on-a-charge.
Animana
09-19-07, 03:26 PM My favourite warrior that I've ever played was in a gestalt campaign. Can't go wrong with a Scout/Dervish Dancer. :)
GimpyRogue15
09-19-07, 03:38 PM in my view often the simplest is the best:

ranger 12/fighter 2/barbarian 1/tempest 5

two weapon fighting (obviously)
plus extra rage and extend rage

it manages to act as a barbarian with only one level, i found it had quite a good, balanced mixture (fighter in there because i needed the extra feats)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
The_Piecone 09-16-07, 11:45 AM	What are your opinions on the best warrior class/prestige classes out there? I value each and every one of you little goofballs opinions:D Right now I have a Skullcrusher Ogre Barbarian/Bear Warrior/Ravager. A sexy combination if I can say so myself (especially because you have to sacrifice a human and kill 6+ others in hand-to-hand combat to become a ravager :)) Another question I have is: what would be the better weapon to use: a greataxe, a greatsword, a greathammer, or a fullblade? I can't decide.
ninjarabbit 09-16-07, 12:01 PM	I like gish builds to fill the warrior role. In 3rd Edition D&D magic rules and in the long run gishes will outperform non-magical warriors 98% of the time. Anyways a few of my favorite gish builds: paladin2/sorcerer4/spellsword1/abjurantchampion5/sacredexoricst8, 16 BAB, 18 CL battlesorcerer15/abjurant champion5, 16 BAB, 20 CL stalwart sorcerer6/swiftblade10/unseenseer4, 16 BAB, 16 CL grey elf wizard6/swiftblade9/abjurantchampion5, 17 BAB, 17 CL dwarf fighter1/wizard6/runesmith2/spellsword1/abjurantchampion5/eldritchknight5, 16 BAB, 18 CL
Crimson_Concerto 09-16-07, 12:46 PM	ninjarabbit, you forgot Druid 20. :D That being said, if you don't want to do a gish or other magic-user, some options to look at might be Crusader or Warblade. Of course, a Barbarian is just as good, and I don't think your current build looks bad (though I don't remember Ravager at all). Oh, and just so you know, Fullblades don't exist in 3.5. They depend on the 3.0 weapon sizing rules, which are different in 3.5, so they're not really a possible weapon for you to pick from.
The_Piecone 09-16-07, 01:03 PM	You both be talking jibba-jabba! What the hell is a "gish"? you tell me that. Neither of you answered my second question. what does it matter that the fullblade was in 3rd edition? does it conflict with any new rules? It can be resized in accordance with the 3.5 rules or whatever you were talking about. It's all about the good times, not being a rules stickler.
j3st3r 09-16-07, 01:09 PM	Also, if you mean by greathammer the one which is from MMIV, it most likely has an error in it's threat range. It has the exact same stats with the goliath greathammer, but a threat range of 19-20/x4. The greathorn minotaurs stats also imply that the threat range for the large greathammer would only be x4. I wouldn't bother spending one feat to get the greathammer, even for the sunder bonuses. From those choices I'd choose greataxe (greatsword has a bit larger average damage, but greataxe is more likely to roll max. damage.. or min.).
Crimson_Concerto 09-16-07, 01:29 PM	You both be talking jibba-jabba! What the hell is a "gish"? you tell me that.A character built to be both a competent spellcaster and warrior. Neither of you answered my second question. what does it matter that the fullblade was in 3rd edition? does it conflict with any new rules?Yes, yes it does. The weapon size rules are different in 3.0 than 3.5, and they are in fact incompatible. It can be resized in accordance with the 3.5 rules or whatever you were talking about. It's all about the good times, not being a rules stickler.I agree. That's why you should have to problem using Monkey Grip and a Greatsword and calling that a Fullblade if you really want one. :D However, Monkey Grip is a subpar feat that is not worth it, and even back in 3.0, the feats lost for a Fullblade are also not worth it, so I would choose between the Greatsword and Greataxe. They seem about the same to me. See j3st3r's response for why the Greathammer isn't worth it.
LoneFlame 09-16-07, 01:30 PM	"Gish" is a term that means 'front-line caster'. The premise behind it is the mesh the most Martial and Magical power possible. It's surprisingly easy to do and quite powerful. For my vote, I'd say Barbarian, Fighter(with Dungeon Crasher Variant from Dungeonscape), Frenzied Berseker.
Cold Napalm 09-16-07, 02:26 PM	I too favor gish over just about anything else, with my current favorite being a fighter 1/wizard 6/spellsword 5/abjurant champion 5/unseen seer 3 for a CL of 17 and BAB 16. For pure all out martial I like using a fighter 2/knight 4/exotic weapon master 1/kensai 10/whatever I feel like 3 with a bastard sword.
Tempest Stormwind 09-16-07, 02:49 PM	Just to clear things up, the fullblade was defined in 3.0 as a Large bastard sword (that is, one-handed martial weapon for Huge people, two-handed martial weapon for Large people, one-handed exotic weapon for Large people, two-handed exotic weapon for medium people). If you want to leave magic out of it, and keep things simple, I'd say warblade or crusader. They don't even need PrCs, although you can do some nice things with them if you think about it. Leaving the ToB out of it, you're really limited to just three PrCs: Frenzied Berserker, Dervish, and Revenant Blade. Virtually every other non-magical warrior PrC out there pre-ToB simply wasn't worth it except as a dip (i.e. exotic weapon master's worth it for one level in some circumstances).
DwarfPcfan 09-16-07, 02:49 PM	A few Favorite non caster/power user melee character builds, note some include 3.0 melee classes but it should not be a problem using them even without the need to rewritethem -Barbarian6/Fighter4/Bear Warrior10 (CW) -Sohei6(OA)/Fighter4/Kensai 10 -Fighter4/Ranger2/Swashbuckler4/Dervish10 -fighter7/Dwarven Defender10/Exotic Weapon Master3 -Fighter20 (yes fighter 20) -Samurai(OA)7/Master Samurai10 (Sword and fist)/Exotic Weapon master3 -fighter4/Barbarian6/Berzerker10 (Deities and Demigods) Favorite melee builds, caster/power user -Paladin10/Knight of the Middle Circle10(Defenders of the Faith) -Paladin4/rogue3/Shadow Bane Inquisitor10/Fist of Raziel3 -Psychic Warrior 20 -Psychic Warrior10/Dwarven Defender10 -Paladin6/Fist of Raziel10/Warblade4 -Paladin5/Ranger4/Cavalier8/Wild Plains outrider3 -Paladin7/Dragon Rider8/Cavalier5 -SwordSage 20 -Warblade 20 -Fighter1/Wizard4/Runesmith1/Abjurant Champion5/Eldritch knight9 -Fighter1/Wizard4/Abjurant Champion5/Eldritch knight8/Spell sword2 Have fun
Crimson_Concerto 09-16-07, 02:52 PM	Favorite melee builds, caster/power user: ... -SwordSage 20 -Warblade 20 ...lol, wut?
ZiggZagg 09-16-07, 03:07 PM	What is a Revenant Blade?
Tempest Stormwind 09-16-07, 03:36 PM	What is a Revenant Blade? Valenar badass from Player's Guide to Eberron. Not too terribly difficult to qualify for, three (or four, with a cheap item) floating bonus feats from a decent list, a small boost to a few Valenar-esque powers, and -- the big prize -- Legendary Force, which lets you treat both ends of a double scimitar as if they were two-handed weapons (i.e. get 1.5 Str and 2:1 Power Attack on both sides of a double weapon). I mean, damn.
The_Piecone 09-16-07, 03:48 PM	Wow, everyone all has these multi-multi-multi classed guys, this is crazy. I'll stick to my 3d6+12 damage badass I'll thank you.
Tempest Stormwind 09-16-07, 03:57 PM	Wow, everyone all has these multi-multi-multi classed guys, this is crazy. I'll stick to my 3d6+12 damage badass I'll thank you. There's nothing inherently wrong with multiclassing. In fact, some concepts are not reflected in a single class; in such a circumstance multiclassing is necessary. Oh, and by the way, even with a single class, 3d6+12 is weak (unless you're capable of always hitting and below level 9; lower the level commensurately if you aren't able to hit 100% of the time). I don't know about you, but my concept of a fantasy adventurer is never one who is bad at his job, because fantasy adventurers who are bad at their job tend to die early.
Franco Un-American 09-16-07, 05:00 PM	you're really limited to just three PrCs: Frenzied Berserker, Dervish, and Revenant Blade. I wouldn't be quite that limiting. Occult Slayer is very good, though with only 5 levels you could concievably combine it with the above. In general, though, dipping with multiple PrC's and base classes will give you a much more powerful character in the end.
GawainBS 09-16-07, 05:08 PM	I have several favourites: Warblade 20. Gish (both Pal2/Sorc7/Sacred Exorcist1/Swiftblade10, with Slippers of Battledancing and Ftr5/Wiz1/Bladesinger10/Abjurant Champion4. Not the most powerful one, but my first character I ever played.;)) Psychic Warrior 20. Duskblade 20
The_Piecone 09-19-07, 11:40 AM	whoa whoa whoa. Mah guy is only a Skullcrusher Ogre barbarian with no special anythings at the moment because I've only just made him and haven't really used him. :( I do plan to make him some sort of Bear Warrior/Hulking Hurler/Occult Slayer/Ravager. (If that is possible) This combination might not make for the best guy, but looks fun anyhow. :P
The_Shaman 09-19-07, 12:38 PM	Dwarfpcfan, you've actually been able to qualify for the Master Samurai PrC with nothing but 7 levels of the OA samurai class? Wow, that's dedication... if it even works, I don't have Sword and Fist right now. That was probably the most feat-intensive PrC of all. From the more vanilla-esque PrCs, I like the Pious Templar from CDiv: decent attacking power, bonus feats, decent-ish casting and good will save (mettle included). It's nothing that incredible, but very solid.
Jaxgaret 09-19-07, 03:17 PM	I am currently playing what will eventually be a Marshal2/Fighter2/Crusader6/MythicExemplar10, houseruling that the "+1 to spellcasting class" applies to Maneuvers, Stances, and Initiator progression. It would end up being more powerful if I had gone with straight Marshal2/Fighter2/Crusader16, but the other players are not really optimizers, so I decided to go with a more supporting route and less kill-everything-on-a-charge.
Animana 09-19-07, 03:26 PM	My favourite warrior that I've ever played was in a gestalt campaign. Can't go wrong with a Scout/Dervish Dancer. :)
GimpyRogue15 09-19-07, 03:38 PM	in my view often the simplest is the best: ranger 12/fighter 2/barbarian 1/tempest 5 two weapon fighting (obviously) plus extra rage and extend rage it manages to act as a barbarian with only one level, i found it had quite a good, balanced mixture (fighter in there because i needed the extra feats)