Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Masrai 11-03-06, 11:25 AM	I'm about to start a new "Tank Heavy" group: we've got a Warblade from the Nine Swords Book, an optimized Paladin / Monk build with the Vow of Poverty feat, and a melee Druid. I want to take 1st level as a Barbarian and start play as a Two Weapon Fighter, but want to help address the parties lack of skill and ranged versatility, whilst retaining a full fighter BAB. Here's my current thoughts for my new PC's progression through his first few levels, including his stat info (up to 3rd level): Stats: Str 18 Dex 16 Con 16 Int 14 Wis 15 Cha 8 Human Barbarian 1 / Ranger 2 Feats: 1st level = Two Weapon Fighting Two Weapon Defence 3rd Level = Rapid Reload I'll take the Ranged Combat Style at 2nd level Ranger. I'd have my Barbarian fast movement and (1) Rage, fighter BAB, a good skill list and ranks thanks to the Ranger levels and my Int (+ being human), decent HP, and I'll carry a crossbow to dish a little bit of ranged damage when I have to (I know a bow would make more sense, but it doesn't fit in with my character's look for me). Any comments on the builds effectiveness would be great, and any better build ideas and / or Prestige classes that start with level 1 Barbarian, but take me toward something that will benefit the "No spells, No Skills, Tank Heavy" group, would be great. All 3.5 books are available. Thanks All!
GaffeR 11-03-06, 12:10 PM	You know, my first thought for this group was a Bard. Seriously, it's not exactly a tank, but with the ammount of melee you have going on and the extreme lack of anything CLOSE to a skill monkey, I think it'd fit nicely. I'd do the ole PB/Precise/Rapid/Imp Rapid chain (maybe sans Imp). You could even run for the Warchanter PrC. Anyways, I think mixing TWF and Archery trees is a bit sub optimal. TWF requires at least 3 (maybe 4 with finesse) and Archery requires a wackload. This, of course, ignores the fact the THF is generally better than TWF. You might be better off going Barb 2/Ranger 2/X 14, pick up power attack at level 1, take rapid shot as your combat style, then focus on melee.
rilem 11-03-06, 12:33 PM	Rapid Reload is Retched (yes, I know it's not spelled that way, but it's true no matter how you spell it — I'm feeling alliterative today). I also agree you shouldn't mix TWF and ranged. you don't have enough feats. Bard/barbarian could work nicely, leading into War Chanter.
feraltibbit 11-03-06, 12:37 PM	U want "Barbarian Skill Monkey?" Go a simple Bar/Rogue, and take the feat "jack of all trades to boot.
EldonG 11-03-06, 12:39 PM	Maybe it's just me, but taking Rgr for archery when ya wanna fight 2-wpn? That's kinda crazy...
Masrai 11-03-06, 01:00 PM	Can you tell I've been playing for years, but never multiclassed?! I was thinking of taking Ranger more for the improved skill list and skill points, without losing BAB, and retaining halfway decent HP. Seeing as I want to concentrate on TWF from Level 1, I see the Archery combat style of the Ranger as just a bit of a bonus (I'd rather not wait until level 3 to start my TWF tree). I can't see me carrying on with Ranger from level 3 - it'll either be back to Barbarian or off somewhere else. Thanks for the comments guys. Simple, but effective!
PhoenixInferno 11-03-06, 01:24 PM	Its pretty moronic to pass up a free feat. And TWD is wretched (and that's how its spelled) - Improved Buckler Defense is far superior. Forget Rapid Reload. Crossbows are OK for early levels, but don't invest feats in it - once you get to 6th level, you'll want to move up to a composite bow because they let you use your iterative attacks (and your STR mod).