Defensive Classes? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Defensive Classes? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
SaberXtreme
06-06-07, 10:33 PM Hey all,

My group is going to start a Forgotten Realms campaign in the next few weeks. I'm going to take a break from my normal caster role and play a melee character. I want to play a really defensive character, somone who can soak up damage and protect the rest of the party.

Are there any really good defensive prestiege classes in any of the Forgotten Realms source books? I'd really life something I could tie into the Realms fluff, but if not that's fine too.Any advice you all could give me would really help. Thanks so much.
Dielzen
06-06-07, 10:58 PM The primary defensive options I can think of --

Knight (PHB2)
Dwarven Defender
Great Rift Defender (Races of Faerun)

There's a couple of clerical-based PrCs of Helm/Ilmater/etc that also provide a "protector" type role that you can take a hit instead of another character and other similar abilities.
SaberXtreme
06-06-07, 11:11 PM Thanks for the replies! I was thinking about Dwarven Defender, it seems like a fun option, but to be honest I really don't know much about Dwarven Background in the Realms. Are defenders pretty common in Dwarven Society?

I'm also considering turning the Defender of Sealtiel into an Ilmater based prestiege class with my DM's permission. I like the way its able to protect party members more readily.
Borris
06-06-07, 11:13 PM For a defensive base class, nothing beats the PHB2's knight, though a Warblade from Tome of Battle with good defensive maneuvers (many of those from the Stone Dragon school qualify) is a very close second.

Regarding prestige classes, the first thing that comes to mind is the Dawrven Defender, but your mobility will suffer greatly. The deepwarden from Races of Stone is also a great choice if you have a great Constitution score but poor Dexterity.
SaberXtreme
06-06-07, 11:16 PM Thanks for the adivce. I'll check the Knight out. Our DM doesn't allow the Tome of Battle after this campaign. We've had some obscenely powerful characters created out of that book and the DM feels it best if our group doesn't use it anymore.
Mad Mage
06-07-07, 01:21 AM Thanks for the replies! I was thinking about Dwarven Defender, it seems like a fun option, but to be honest I really don't know much about Dwarven Background in the Realms. Are defenders pretty common in Dwarven Society?

I'm also considering turning the Defender of Sealtiel into an Ilmater based prestiege class with my DM's permission. I like the way its able to protect party members more readily.

The Dwarven Defender prestige class (recently featured in the 3.5 Edition Dungeon Master's Guide) tends to be relatively common in Faerun, according to Races of Faerun. One of the most notable examples is King Harbromm of Citadel Adbar in the Silver Marches region.

Amongst the subraces of Dwarves, I'd say that Gold Dwarves, though, tend to be a hint more likely to take up the Defender PrC. Duergar also tend to become such, in some cases, to defend their bitter kind. Azerkin (planetouched dwarves from Dragon magazine issue 350), I'm not sure, but I would say they partake in the PrC in some cases. Urdunnirs (from Races of Faerun), possibly as well.

Overall, this is the split that I'd give for the race, IMHO, about Dwarven Defender Divisions, the percentage being what amount of the martial population possibly taking up the PrC.
Shield Dwarves: 33%
Gold Dwarves: 37%
Duergar: 15%
Azerbloods: 20%
Urdunnir: 5%
Other subraces of Dwarves, as far as I can tell, are too far detached for such.

*takes a deep breath* But... one thing remains to be said. What races are you intending to use, if a Dwarf at all, oh original poster?
The_Shaman
06-07-07, 03:52 AM I thought the Great Rift Defender was in Shining South. Anyway, what about the 3.0 S&F Devoted Defender?
captaincarot
06-07-07, 04:31 AM if you can keep it alive for long enough, the battle rager is good for soaking up damage.
but it tends to work on the theory that the best defence is a good offence.

the other advantage is it will be the one time that you can play an absolute nutter and get away with it.
SaberXtreme
06-07-07, 09:19 AM I took a look at the Knight Class from PHBII and I think I'd really like to go with that. I'll talk with my DM and see if he is alright with me playing a Knight.

How would I go about tying the Knight Class into the Forgotten Realms? Are there any important Knightly Orders in the Realms? I've read about the Purple Dragon Knights in the FRCS. Maybe my character could be a member of that organization.

As far as my race is concerned I'm pretty much open to anything, though I suppose Dwarves or Humans would probably be the best choice. Gnome would be good too, but I'm playing a gnome in our current Campaign, so I don't think I want to play another gnome right away.

Devoted Defender may be fun, I like it because it would be very roleplaying oriented, playing the body guard of one of the PCs. If the knight doesn't work out I may try this class.

P.S. I noticed while looking over the knight class that two of its sample starting packages include the diplomacy skill, however, diplomacy is not listed as a class skill! Is this a mistake?
Dielzen
06-07-07, 09:33 AM How would I go about tying the Knight Class into the Forgotten Realms? Are there any important Knightly Orders in the Realms? I've read about the Purple Dragon Knights in the FRCS. Maybe my character could be a member of that organization.

Check out this -- http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070228
SaberXtreme
06-07-07, 09:37 AM That's awesome! Thank you very much. Are any of those organizations detailed in any of the Forgotten Realms Sourcebooks?
Dielzen
06-07-07, 09:41 AM Champions of Valor and/or Champions of Ruin will have the details, but some organizations are two line entries, so don't go buying the book with your hopes up about 20 pages of material :)
SwordofShar
06-07-07, 10:59 AM I like the dwarven defender presitge class. And a nice set of Armor (maybe Fortification), and an Amulet of Health to boost that Dwarf's CON to add more HP.

And a player in my game plays a similar character, and he took quick draw, and has a couple of light melee weapons at hand in case he drops his primary weapon.
SaberXtreme
06-07-07, 04:46 PM I like the Defender as well. I am honestly very torn between the Knight and a Dwarven Defender. I'd very much appreciate it if any of you with experience could help me weigh the pros and cons of these

Dwarven Fighter/Dwarven Defender
Pros: -More Feats
-Higher Damage Reduction/Armor Class ("Sponges" Better)

Cons: -Static
-Prerequisite Feats.

Human Knight
Pros: -Can Force opponents to attack him.
-A lot more mobile
-Can offer aid to allies.

Cons: -Less Feats
- Not as much AC/ Damage reduction

Those seem to be Pros & Cons to me. Please offer any insight. The Knight can force opponents to attack him, but ultimately wouldn't have as high of an armor class/ damage reduction as his Defender counterpart.
GothicDan
06-07-07, 05:28 PM Could you go Dwarf Knight/Dwarven Defender?

I'm not sure how that works 'efficiency-wise', but thematically it would be fun.
Faraer
06-07-07, 05:35 PM That's awesome! Thank you very much. Are any of those organizations detailed in any of the Forgotten Realms Sourcebooks?Flying Hunt: "Realmslore: The Realm of Nimbral" (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rl/20040811a)
Knights of Imphras II: I think in "Impiltur: The Forgotten Kingdom" (Dragon #346)
Knights of the North: Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (1987); Ruins of Zhentil Keep (but they're not really knights in the sense of the class)
Knights of the Eternal Order, Knights of Holy Judgment, Knights of the Merciful Sword: Faiths & Avatars

But these are just a few examples of Realms knights.

And please, decide which of the two character types based on whether you want to play a human or a dwarf, not according to the roolz.
Darakhoranon
06-07-07, 05:52 PM "Efficiency questions" should be asked on CO-Boards...

Let me take a quick look, and I´ll look up if dwarven Knight/Dwarven Defender is feasible...

Yes, it seems to fit.

Dwarven Defender needs:
BAB +7 - Knight and Fighter both get that at lvl 7
Dodge, Endurance, Toughness - Knight get´s the third one on lvl 6, Fighter on lvl 3 (and can get Weapon Focus/Weapon Specialization on the way to Dwarven Defender)

The Knight gets free Mounted Combat, which is a bit unusual for a dwarf (and at first glance doesn´t really fit all that well with the more static Dwarven Defender). But a dwarf in heavy armor charging the enemy on his trusty warpig?
That would also allow you to add a bit more mobility to your character - protecting your friends is good, but if you don´t have the speed to get into the attacking enemies´ way, you won´t really protect anyone...
Charge into your enemies´ path, dismount (invest a few ranks into Ride to make a "fast dismount") and become a stumbling block. A stumbling block with a large axe that is...
SaberXtreme
06-07-07, 05:57 PM Could you go Dwarf Knight/Dwarven Defender?

I'm not sure how that works 'efficiency-wise', but thematically it would be fun.

I was considering it, but I had a few reasons on why I decided against it: I'd miss out on some later party benefits of the Knight Class (Improved Shield ally, Call to Battle, etc. These party benefits are the reason I'd be playing a Knight as oppossed to a Defender) by branching into the Dwarven defender, the Knight's Armor Mastery is wasted on a dwarf, and lastly I wasn't sure how Dwarves would interact with Knightly orders in the Realms. I haven't been able to check out Champions of Valor yet.

"Efficiency questions" should be asked on CO-Boards...

Let me take a quick look, and I´ll look up if dwarven Knight/Dwarven Defender is feasible...

Yes, it seems to fit.

Dwarven Defender needs:
BAB +7 - Knight and Fighter both get that at lvl 7
Dodge, Endurance, Toughness - Knight get´s the third one on lvl 6, Fighter on lvl 3 (and can get Weapon Focus/Weapon Specialization on the way to Dwarven Defender)

The Knight gets free Mounted Combat, which is a bit unusual for a dwarf (and at first glance doesn´t really fit all that well with the more static Dwarven Defender). But a dwarf in heavy armor charging the enemy on his trusty warpig?
That would also allow you to add a bit more mobility to your character - protecting your friends is good, but if you don´t have the speed to get into the attacking enemies´ way, you won´t really protect anyone...
Charge into your enemies´ path, dismount (invest a few ranks into Ride to make a "fast dismount") and become a stumbling block. A stumbling block with a large axe that is...

I forgot to mention earlier I doubt our campaign will have a lot of situations where mounted combat would be viable.
SaberXtreme
06-07-07, 05:59 PM *Accidental Double-Post*
Mulan Rogue
06-08-07, 10:56 PM Knight is the way to go. They make good 'caster protectors'. :)
bitter thorn
06-21-07, 01:36 PM A Dwarven Defender build that uses combat reflexes, a reach weapon and armor spikes can create one heck of an obstacle. The reach weapon helps to over come the lack of mobility.
The_Wrath_of_Talos
06-21-07, 02:45 PM Hey all,

My group is going to start a Forgotten Realms campaign in the next few weeks. I'm going to take a break from my normal caster role and play a melee character. I want to play a really defensive character, somone who can soak up damage and protect the rest of the party.

Are there any really good defensive prestiege classes in any of the Forgotten Realms source books? I'd really life something I could tie into the Realms fluff, but if not that's fine too.Any advice you all could give me would really help. Thanks so much.

If you want a charector that can soak damage check out the frenzied berserker.

But if you want a charector that deflects a great deal of damage check out the shadow crafter. It gets huge AC bonuses and can be as hard to hit as a God at 15th lvl. My favorit build is fighter 5 shadow crafter 10 with two-weapon fighting focusing on spiked shields. The improved shiled bash feat allows you to keep your shield AC while fighting. So full plate, 2 large steel spiked shields, shadow armor, expertise, etc. and you have a charector that can deflect almost any physical attack.
The_Shaman
06-21-07, 05:39 PM Shadowcrafter... wasn't that an illusionist PrC in Underdark:confused:

"I forgot to mention earlier I doubt our campaign will have a lot of situations where mounted combat would be viable."

Knight, paladin or the like can be useful. Paladin/cavaliers are considered among the better options for paladin who wants to do damage, especially if your DM reads the DMG and allows you to get stronger mounts than the warhorse.
The_Wrath_of_Talos
06-25-07, 12:55 PM Shadowcrafter... wasn't that an illusionist PrC in Underdark:confused:

"I forgot to mention earlier I doubt our campaign will have a lot of situations where mounted combat would be viable."

Knight, paladin or the like can be useful. Paladin/cavaliers are considered among the better options for paladin who wants to do damage, especially if your DM reads the DMG and allows you to get stronger mounts than the warhorse.

Sorry for the misprint, shadow smith.
Tiverine
07-01-07, 11:34 AM Hey all,

My group is going to start a Forgotten Realms campaign in the next few weeks. I'm going to take a break from my normal caster role and play a melee character. I want to play a really defensive character, somone who can soak up damage and protect the rest of the party.

Are there any really good defensive prestiege classes in any of the Forgotten Realms source books? I'd really life something I could tie into the Realms fluff, but if not that's fine too.Any advice you all could give me would really help. Thanks so much.

dwarven defender and defender of saltiel (defensive stance is great, and AC bonus, uncanny dodge or d.saltiel spell capacity are a great advantage), great rift deep defender (in narrow spaces you are unbeatable), deepwarden (if you are a dwarf and if you got a great constitution modifier), champion of corellon larethian (for his armor advantages) are best choices. for your base class paladin (feats as divine armor, divine shield etc... are useful), knight or fighter. If you would make an original defender you could also make a swashbuckler/duelist (canny defense, elaborate parry and enhaced mobility are very useful and your AC will increase a lot)
bitter thorn
07-01-07, 12:51 PM Breachgnome is another option too. (RoF)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SaberXtreme 06-06-07, 10:33 PM	Hey all, My group is going to start a Forgotten Realms campaign in the next few weeks. I'm going to take a break from my normal caster role and play a melee character. I want to play a really defensive character, somone who can soak up damage and protect the rest of the party. Are there any really good defensive prestiege classes in any of the Forgotten Realms source books? I'd really life something I could tie into the Realms fluff, but if not that's fine too.Any advice you all could give me would really help. Thanks so much.
Dielzen 06-06-07, 10:58 PM	The primary defensive options I can think of -- Knight (PHB2) Dwarven Defender Great Rift Defender (Races of Faerun) There's a couple of clerical-based PrCs of Helm/Ilmater/etc that also provide a "protector" type role that you can take a hit instead of another character and other similar abilities.
SaberXtreme 06-06-07, 11:11 PM	Thanks for the replies! I was thinking about Dwarven Defender, it seems like a fun option, but to be honest I really don't know much about Dwarven Background in the Realms. Are defenders pretty common in Dwarven Society? I'm also considering turning the Defender of Sealtiel into an Ilmater based prestiege class with my DM's permission. I like the way its able to protect party members more readily.
Borris 06-06-07, 11:13 PM	For a defensive base class, nothing beats the PHB2's knight, though a Warblade from Tome of Battle with good defensive maneuvers (many of those from the Stone Dragon school qualify) is a very close second. Regarding prestige classes, the first thing that comes to mind is the Dawrven Defender, but your mobility will suffer greatly. The deepwarden from Races of Stone is also a great choice if you have a great Constitution score but poor Dexterity.
SaberXtreme 06-06-07, 11:16 PM	Thanks for the adivce. I'll check the Knight out. Our DM doesn't allow the Tome of Battle after this campaign. We've had some obscenely powerful characters created out of that book and the DM feels it best if our group doesn't use it anymore.
Mad Mage 06-07-07, 01:21 AM	Thanks for the replies! I was thinking about Dwarven Defender, it seems like a fun option, but to be honest I really don't know much about Dwarven Background in the Realms. Are defenders pretty common in Dwarven Society? I'm also considering turning the Defender of Sealtiel into an Ilmater based prestiege class with my DM's permission. I like the way its able to protect party members more readily. The Dwarven Defender prestige class (recently featured in the 3.5 Edition Dungeon Master's Guide) tends to be relatively common in Faerun, according to Races of Faerun. One of the most notable examples is King Harbromm of Citadel Adbar in the Silver Marches region. Amongst the subraces of Dwarves, I'd say that Gold Dwarves, though, tend to be a hint more likely to take up the Defender PrC. Duergar also tend to become such, in some cases, to defend their bitter kind. Azerkin (planetouched dwarves from Dragon magazine issue 350), I'm not sure, but I would say they partake in the PrC in some cases. Urdunnirs (from Races of Faerun), possibly as well. Overall, this is the split that I'd give for the race, IMHO, about Dwarven Defender Divisions, the percentage being what amount of the martial population possibly taking up the PrC. Shield Dwarves: 33% Gold Dwarves: 37% Duergar: 15% Azerbloods: 20% Urdunnir: 5% Other subraces of Dwarves, as far as I can tell, are too far detached for such. takes a deep breath But... one thing remains to be said. What races are you intending to use, if a Dwarf at all, oh original poster?
The_Shaman 06-07-07, 03:52 AM	I thought the Great Rift Defender was in Shining South. Anyway, what about the 3.0 S&F Devoted Defender?
captaincarot 06-07-07, 04:31 AM	if you can keep it alive for long enough, the battle rager is good for soaking up damage. but it tends to work on the theory that the best defence is a good offence. the other advantage is it will be the one time that you can play an absolute nutter and get away with it.
SaberXtreme 06-07-07, 09:19 AM	I took a look at the Knight Class from PHBII and I think I'd really like to go with that. I'll talk with my DM and see if he is alright with me playing a Knight. How would I go about tying the Knight Class into the Forgotten Realms? Are there any important Knightly Orders in the Realms? I've read about the Purple Dragon Knights in the FRCS. Maybe my character could be a member of that organization. As far as my race is concerned I'm pretty much open to anything, though I suppose Dwarves or Humans would probably be the best choice. Gnome would be good too, but I'm playing a gnome in our current Campaign, so I don't think I want to play another gnome right away. Devoted Defender may be fun, I like it because it would be very roleplaying oriented, playing the body guard of one of the PCs. If the knight doesn't work out I may try this class. P.S. I noticed while looking over the knight class that two of its sample starting packages include the diplomacy skill, however, diplomacy is not listed as a class skill! Is this a mistake?
Dielzen 06-07-07, 09:33 AM	How would I go about tying the Knight Class into the Forgotten Realms? Are there any important Knightly Orders in the Realms? I've read about the Purple Dragon Knights in the FRCS. Maybe my character could be a member of that organization. Check out this -- http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070228
SaberXtreme 06-07-07, 09:37 AM	That's awesome! Thank you very much. Are any of those organizations detailed in any of the Forgotten Realms Sourcebooks?
Dielzen 06-07-07, 09:41 AM	Champions of Valor and/or Champions of Ruin will have the details, but some organizations are two line entries, so don't go buying the book with your hopes up about 20 pages of material :)
SwordofShar 06-07-07, 10:59 AM	I like the dwarven defender presitge class. And a nice set of Armor (maybe Fortification), and an Amulet of Health to boost that Dwarf's CON to add more HP. And a player in my game plays a similar character, and he took quick draw, and has a couple of light melee weapons at hand in case he drops his primary weapon.
SaberXtreme 06-07-07, 04:46 PM	I like the Defender as well. I am honestly very torn between the Knight and a Dwarven Defender. I'd very much appreciate it if any of you with experience could help me weigh the pros and cons of these Dwarven Fighter/Dwarven Defender Pros: -More Feats -Higher Damage Reduction/Armor Class ("Sponges" Better) Cons: -Static -Prerequisite Feats. Human Knight Pros: -Can Force opponents to attack him. -A lot more mobile -Can offer aid to allies. Cons: -Less Feats - Not as much AC/ Damage reduction Those seem to be Pros & Cons to me. Please offer any insight. The Knight can force opponents to attack him, but ultimately wouldn't have as high of an armor class/ damage reduction as his Defender counterpart.
GothicDan 06-07-07, 05:28 PM	Could you go Dwarf Knight/Dwarven Defender? I'm not sure how that works 'efficiency-wise', but thematically it would be fun.
Faraer 06-07-07, 05:35 PM	That's awesome! Thank you very much. Are any of those organizations detailed in any of the Forgotten Realms Sourcebooks?Flying Hunt: "Realmslore: The Realm of Nimbral" (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rl/20040811a) Knights of Imphras II: I think in "Impiltur: The Forgotten Kingdom" (Dragon #346) Knights of the North: Forgotten Realms Campaign Set (1987); Ruins of Zhentil Keep (but they're not really knights in the sense of the class) Knights of the Eternal Order, Knights of Holy Judgment, Knights of the Merciful Sword: Faiths & Avatars But these are just a few examples of Realms knights. And please, decide which of the two character types based on whether you want to play a human or a dwarf, not according to the roolz.
Darakhoranon 06-07-07, 05:52 PM	"Efficiency questions" should be asked on CO-Boards... Let me take a quick look, and I´ll look up if dwarven Knight/Dwarven Defender is feasible... Yes, it seems to fit. Dwarven Defender needs: BAB +7 - Knight and Fighter both get that at lvl 7 Dodge, Endurance, Toughness - Knight get´s the third one on lvl 6, Fighter on lvl 3 (and can get Weapon Focus/Weapon Specialization on the way to Dwarven Defender) The Knight gets free Mounted Combat, which is a bit unusual for a dwarf (and at first glance doesn´t really fit all that well with the more static Dwarven Defender). But a dwarf in heavy armor charging the enemy on his trusty warpig? That would also allow you to add a bit more mobility to your character - protecting your friends is good, but if you don´t have the speed to get into the attacking enemies´ way, you won´t really protect anyone... Charge into your enemies´ path, dismount (invest a few ranks into Ride to make a "fast dismount") and become a stumbling block. A stumbling block with a large axe that is...
SaberXtreme 06-07-07, 05:57 PM	Could you go Dwarf Knight/Dwarven Defender? I'm not sure how that works 'efficiency-wise', but thematically it would be fun. I was considering it, but I had a few reasons on why I decided against it: I'd miss out on some later party benefits of the Knight Class (Improved Shield ally, Call to Battle, etc. These party benefits are the reason I'd be playing a Knight as oppossed to a Defender) by branching into the Dwarven defender, the Knight's Armor Mastery is wasted on a dwarf, and lastly I wasn't sure how Dwarves would interact with Knightly orders in the Realms. I haven't been able to check out Champions of Valor yet. "Efficiency questions" should be asked on CO-Boards... Let me take a quick look, and I´ll look up if dwarven Knight/Dwarven Defender is feasible... Yes, it seems to fit. Dwarven Defender needs: BAB +7 - Knight and Fighter both get that at lvl 7 Dodge, Endurance, Toughness - Knight get´s the third one on lvl 6, Fighter on lvl 3 (and can get Weapon Focus/Weapon Specialization on the way to Dwarven Defender) The Knight gets free Mounted Combat, which is a bit unusual for a dwarf (and at first glance doesn´t really fit all that well with the more static Dwarven Defender). But a dwarf in heavy armor charging the enemy on his trusty warpig? That would also allow you to add a bit more mobility to your character - protecting your friends is good, but if you don´t have the speed to get into the attacking enemies´ way, you won´t really protect anyone... Charge into your enemies´ path, dismount (invest a few ranks into Ride to make a "fast dismount") and become a stumbling block. A stumbling block with a large axe that is... I forgot to mention earlier I doubt our campaign will have a lot of situations where mounted combat would be viable.
SaberXtreme 06-07-07, 05:59 PM	Accidental Double-Post
Mulan Rogue 06-08-07, 10:56 PM	Knight is the way to go. They make good 'caster protectors'. :)
bitter thorn 06-21-07, 01:36 PM	A Dwarven Defender build that uses combat reflexes, a reach weapon and armor spikes can create one heck of an obstacle. The reach weapon helps to over come the lack of mobility.
The_Wrath_of_Talos 06-21-07, 02:45 PM	Hey all, My group is going to start a Forgotten Realms campaign in the next few weeks. I'm going to take a break from my normal caster role and play a melee character. I want to play a really defensive character, somone who can soak up damage and protect the rest of the party. Are there any really good defensive prestiege classes in any of the Forgotten Realms source books? I'd really life something I could tie into the Realms fluff, but if not that's fine too.Any advice you all could give me would really help. Thanks so much. If you want a charector that can soak damage check out the frenzied berserker. But if you want a charector that deflects a great deal of damage check out the shadow crafter. It gets huge AC bonuses and can be as hard to hit as a God at 15th lvl. My favorit build is fighter 5 shadow crafter 10 with two-weapon fighting focusing on spiked shields. The improved shiled bash feat allows you to keep your shield AC while fighting. So full plate, 2 large steel spiked shields, shadow armor, expertise, etc. and you have a charector that can deflect almost any physical attack.
The_Shaman 06-21-07, 05:39 PM	Shadowcrafter... wasn't that an illusionist PrC in Underdark:confused: "I forgot to mention earlier I doubt our campaign will have a lot of situations where mounted combat would be viable." Knight, paladin or the like can be useful. Paladin/cavaliers are considered among the better options for paladin who wants to do damage, especially if your DM reads the DMG and allows you to get stronger mounts than the warhorse.
The_Wrath_of_Talos 06-25-07, 12:55 PM	Shadowcrafter... wasn't that an illusionist PrC in Underdark:confused: "I forgot to mention earlier I doubt our campaign will have a lot of situations where mounted combat would be viable." Knight, paladin or the like can be useful. Paladin/cavaliers are considered among the better options for paladin who wants to do damage, especially if your DM reads the DMG and allows you to get stronger mounts than the warhorse. Sorry for the misprint, shadow smith.
Tiverine 07-01-07, 11:34 AM	Hey all, My group is going to start a Forgotten Realms campaign in the next few weeks. I'm going to take a break from my normal caster role and play a melee character. I want to play a really defensive character, somone who can soak up damage and protect the rest of the party. Are there any really good defensive prestiege classes in any of the Forgotten Realms source books? I'd really life something I could tie into the Realms fluff, but if not that's fine too.Any advice you all could give me would really help. Thanks so much. dwarven defender and defender of saltiel (defensive stance is great, and AC bonus, uncanny dodge or d.saltiel spell capacity are a great advantage), great rift deep defender (in narrow spaces you are unbeatable), deepwarden (if you are a dwarf and if you got a great constitution modifier), champion of corellon larethian (for his armor advantages) are best choices. for your base class paladin (feats as divine armor, divine shield etc... are useful), knight or fighter. If you would make an original defender you could also make a swashbuckler/duelist (canny defense, elaborate parry and enhaced mobility are very useful and your AC will increase a lot)
bitter thorn 07-01-07, 12:51 PM	Breachgnome is another option too. (RoF)