Gnome Fighter Build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Gnome Fighter Build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
LachlarlanIII
02-13-07, 03:52 PM I have a strong inclination to play this character in the Greyhawk Ruins metacampaign.

Race: Gnome

Abilities: Str 13, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8

1: Fighter 1 - Combat Focus, *Weapon Focus (Longsword)
2: Fighter 2 - *Dodge
3: Fighter 3 - Combat Stability
4: Fighter 4 - *Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Str 14
5: Fighter 5
6: Fighter 6 - Combat Defense, *Titan Fighting
7: Fighter 7
8: Fighter 8 - *Melee Weapon Mastery (Slashing), Str 15
9: Fighter 9 - Power Attack
10: Fighter 10 - *Mobility
11: Fighter 11
12: Fighter 12 - Elusive Target, *Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword), Str 16
13: Fighter 13
14: Fighter 14 - *Greater Weapon Specialization (Longsword)
15: Fighter 15 - Slashing Flurry

This build is based on having both defensive and offensive capabilities.

While in Combat Focus, he can change the target of his Dodge feat as an immediate action. This allows him to get a +5 dodge bonus to AC against all opponents larger than him via Titan Fighting as an immediate action as well.

At 15th level, with a modest +3 Longsword, this build has +29/+24/+19 to hit, and does 1d6+13 damage. Most of his high damage will come in with crits and with his high modifier, he's likely to confirm the threat.

If I can find a Scabbard of Keen Edges, or the Keen quality, I can switch Improved Crit for Power Attack for more damage output.

Biggest obstacle to this build is low speed. Without Haste or boots, his speed is 15'. Too slow to be ultra effective in combat.
LachlarlanIII
02-13-07, 04:18 PM Dropped Mobility at 10th in favor of Close Combat Fighting. Nothing kills a small character faster than being grappled.

Dropped Elusive Target for Improved Toughness at 12th. As a highly-armored character, most power attacking NPCs aren't going to do it against this build, and more HPs is always a nice thing.
Alpha_Nerd
02-13-07, 04:22 PM Close-Quarters combat doesn't really too much for the character. With a grapple check at level 10 of +8 1d6+5 isn't doing to let you compete with the +30's you will be seeing. I'd drop Improved Critical for Mobility, Close-Quarters Combat for Power Attack, and Improved Toughness for Elusive Target. The synergy between Combat Defense and Elusive Target is ridiculous
LachlarlanIII
02-13-07, 04:27 PM I really like the build, my only problem with it is that without Expertise you need to be doing something with your excess +to hit. I recommend dropping improved crit at 9th and taking power attack. Also, as a small character close-quarters combat is not going to do too much for you as I've seen it argued that you can't take the AoO if you don't threaten them.

While that's a valid argument, I've seen it ruled the other way far more often in our area.

That is, whatever grabbing appendige is trying to grapple you is what you hit which is why you add your damage to your opposed grapple check.
Alpha_Nerd
02-13-07, 04:28 PM While that's a valid argument, I've seen it ruled the other way far more often in our area.

That is, whatever grabbing appendige is trying to grapple you is what you hit which is why you add your damage to your opposed grapple check.

I edited my post a bit, check it out again.
LachlarlanIII
02-13-07, 04:34 PM Close-Quarters combat doesn't really too much for the character. With a grapple check at level 10 of +8 1d6+5 isn't doing to let you compete with the +30's you will be seeing. I'd drop Improved Critical for Mobility, Close-Quarters Combat for Power Attack, and Improved Toughness for Elusive Target. The synergy between Combat Defense and Elusive Target is ridiculous

I'll give you the first part.

Improved Crit is a placeholder until I find either Keen or a Scabbard.

Having a high AC defeats the primary purpose of Elusive Target, negating Power Attack. I can't recall the specifics of the other 2 tactics, but I don't think they're primary. I'll have to look at it when I get to my books.
Alpha_Nerd
02-13-07, 04:45 PM I've accepted the fact that even if I pump out a ridiculous AC for a character, he will be hit. The reason I pump the AC for my character is so that: 1. I won't get hit by iterative attacks, and 2. Most of my AC is Dodge so I have a high touch AC for stat drain/touch spells which normally have a low +hit.

The other 2 tactics for elusive are: When flanked by opponents and one is your dodge target your dodge target attacks his flank buddy instead of you. Being able to switch dodge target immediately pretty much lets you make both flankers hit eachother. Also, if an enemy misses you on an AoO you get to trip them for free without a chance of being tripped yourself.

I'll admit, Elusive Target was better for the build I made out as it was a Dwarf, but I still feel it will help you out enough.
LachlarlanIII
02-13-07, 04:51 PM I've accepted the fact that even if I pump out a ridiculous AC for a character, he will be hit. The reason I pump the AC for my character is so that: 1. I won't get hit by iterative attacks, and 2. Most of my AC is Dodge so I have a high touch AC for stat drain/touch spells which normally have a low +hit.

The other 2 tactics for elusive are: When flanked by opponents and one is your dodge target your dodge target attacks his flank buddy instead of you. Being able to switch dodge target immediately pretty much lets you make both flankers hit eachother. Also, if an enemy misses you on an AoO you get to trip them for free without a chance of being tripped yourself.

I'll admit, Elusive Target was better for the build I made out as it was a Dwarf, but I still feel it will help you out enough.

The second tactic is pretty good with Titan Fighting + Combat Defense I'll admit. The 3rd tactic is pretty useless to a small character with the whole -4 penalty for being small and all.

I chose Gnome so that Titan Fighting + Combat Defense applied to just about everything any PC ever fights.
Donald_Cannith
02-13-07, 11:52 PM Where is cobat deense I have a simlar build going except i have chosen to focus on gnome hooked hammer and two weapon fighting. There is a little bit of wiggle room and if comabt defense is as good as you say it is, i may use it.
Jay_Ibero_911
02-14-07, 12:53 AM Why is Combat Vigor not in your build? Fast Healing 4 is pretty nice. Also, you definately want Power Attack in there, otherwise you'll have excessive attack bonus with negligable damage...
LachlarlanIII
02-14-07, 09:44 AM Changed back to original build.

Where is cobat deense I have a simlar build going except i have chosen to focus on gnome hooked hammer and two weapon fighting. There is a little bit of wiggle room and if comabt defense is as good as you say it is, i may use it.

Combat Defense is in PHB2, it has Combat Focus, Dodge, Wis 13 and Dex 13 as prerequisites.

Why is Combat Vigor not in your build? Fast Healing 4 is pretty nice. Also, you definately want Power Attack in there, otherwise you'll have excessive attack bonus with negligable damage...

Unfortunately, there's no room for Combat Vigor. Plus, at the APLs when I would get it, it would probably be more beneficial after combat.
Alpha_Nerd
02-14-07, 09:56 AM I like it a lot now. Please though, if you actually hit 15th with this character, don't take Fighter 15.
Donald_Cannith
02-14-07, 07:50 PM I like t too... I was looking at my build and it looks like Combat Focus is just an acceptable different path to take as opposed to Two weapon fighting. Hmm I would suggest Exotic Weapon master With like the Gnome Tortoiseblade if you can get acces too change which racial weapon yo uare familiar with that jsut calls for a sligt change in feat order.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
LachlarlanIII 02-13-07, 03:52 PM	I have a strong inclination to play this character in the Greyhawk Ruins metacampaign. Race: Gnome Abilities: Str 13, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 14, Cha 8 1: Fighter 1 - Combat Focus, Weapon Focus (Longsword) 2: Fighter 2 - Dodge 3: Fighter 3 - Combat Stability 4: Fighter 4 - Weapon Specialization (Longsword), Str 14 5: Fighter 5 6: Fighter 6 - Combat Defense, Titan Fighting 7: Fighter 7 8: Fighter 8 - Melee Weapon Mastery (Slashing), Str 15 9: Fighter 9 - Power Attack 10: Fighter 10 - Mobility 11: Fighter 11 12: Fighter 12 - Elusive Target, Greater Weapon Focus (Longsword), Str 16 13: Fighter 13 14: Fighter 14 - Greater Weapon Specialization (Longsword) 15: Fighter 15 - Slashing Flurry This build is based on having both defensive and offensive capabilities. While in Combat Focus, he can change the target of his Dodge feat as an immediate action. This allows him to get a +5 dodge bonus to AC against all opponents larger than him via Titan Fighting as an immediate action as well. At 15th level, with a modest +3 Longsword, this build has +29/+24/+19 to hit, and does 1d6+13 damage. Most of his high damage will come in with crits and with his high modifier, he's likely to confirm the threat. If I can find a Scabbard of Keen Edges, or the Keen quality, I can switch Improved Crit for Power Attack for more damage output. Biggest obstacle to this build is low speed. Without Haste or boots, his speed is 15'. Too slow to be ultra effective in combat.
LachlarlanIII 02-13-07, 04:18 PM	Dropped Mobility at 10th in favor of Close Combat Fighting. Nothing kills a small character faster than being grappled. Dropped Elusive Target for Improved Toughness at 12th. As a highly-armored character, most power attacking NPCs aren't going to do it against this build, and more HPs is always a nice thing.
Alpha_Nerd 02-13-07, 04:22 PM	Close-Quarters combat doesn't really too much for the character. With a grapple check at level 10 of +8 1d6+5 isn't doing to let you compete with the +30's you will be seeing. I'd drop Improved Critical for Mobility, Close-Quarters Combat for Power Attack, and Improved Toughness for Elusive Target. The synergy between Combat Defense and Elusive Target is ridiculous
LachlarlanIII 02-13-07, 04:27 PM	I really like the build, my only problem with it is that without Expertise you need to be doing something with your excess +to hit. I recommend dropping improved crit at 9th and taking power attack. Also, as a small character close-quarters combat is not going to do too much for you as I've seen it argued that you can't take the AoO if you don't threaten them. While that's a valid argument, I've seen it ruled the other way far more often in our area. That is, whatever grabbing appendige is trying to grapple you is what you hit which is why you add your damage to your opposed grapple check.
Alpha_Nerd 02-13-07, 04:28 PM	While that's a valid argument, I've seen it ruled the other way far more often in our area. That is, whatever grabbing appendige is trying to grapple you is what you hit which is why you add your damage to your opposed grapple check. I edited my post a bit, check it out again.
LachlarlanIII 02-13-07, 04:34 PM	Close-Quarters combat doesn't really too much for the character. With a grapple check at level 10 of +8 1d6+5 isn't doing to let you compete with the +30's you will be seeing. I'd drop Improved Critical for Mobility, Close-Quarters Combat for Power Attack, and Improved Toughness for Elusive Target. The synergy between Combat Defense and Elusive Target is ridiculous I'll give you the first part. Improved Crit is a placeholder until I find either Keen or a Scabbard. Having a high AC defeats the primary purpose of Elusive Target, negating Power Attack. I can't recall the specifics of the other 2 tactics, but I don't think they're primary. I'll have to look at it when I get to my books.
Alpha_Nerd 02-13-07, 04:45 PM	I've accepted the fact that even if I pump out a ridiculous AC for a character, he will be hit. The reason I pump the AC for my character is so that: 1. I won't get hit by iterative attacks, and 2. Most of my AC is Dodge so I have a high touch AC for stat drain/touch spells which normally have a low +hit. The other 2 tactics for elusive are: When flanked by opponents and one is your dodge target your dodge target attacks his flank buddy instead of you. Being able to switch dodge target immediately pretty much lets you make both flankers hit eachother. Also, if an enemy misses you on an AoO you get to trip them for free without a chance of being tripped yourself. I'll admit, Elusive Target was better for the build I made out as it was a Dwarf, but I still feel it will help you out enough.
LachlarlanIII 02-13-07, 04:51 PM	I've accepted the fact that even if I pump out a ridiculous AC for a character, he will be hit. The reason I pump the AC for my character is so that: 1. I won't get hit by iterative attacks, and 2. Most of my AC is Dodge so I have a high touch AC for stat drain/touch spells which normally have a low +hit. The other 2 tactics for elusive are: When flanked by opponents and one is your dodge target your dodge target attacks his flank buddy instead of you. Being able to switch dodge target immediately pretty much lets you make both flankers hit eachother. Also, if an enemy misses you on an AoO you get to trip them for free without a chance of being tripped yourself. I'll admit, Elusive Target was better for the build I made out as it was a Dwarf, but I still feel it will help you out enough. The second tactic is pretty good with Titan Fighting + Combat Defense I'll admit. The 3rd tactic is pretty useless to a small character with the whole -4 penalty for being small and all. I chose Gnome so that Titan Fighting + Combat Defense applied to just about everything any PC ever fights.
Donald_Cannith 02-13-07, 11:52 PM	Where is cobat deense I have a simlar build going except i have chosen to focus on gnome hooked hammer and two weapon fighting. There is a little bit of wiggle room and if comabt defense is as good as you say it is, i may use it.
Jay_Ibero_911 02-14-07, 12:53 AM	Why is Combat Vigor not in your build? Fast Healing 4 is pretty nice. Also, you definately want Power Attack in there, otherwise you'll have excessive attack bonus with negligable damage...
LachlarlanIII 02-14-07, 09:44 AM	Changed back to original build. Where is cobat deense I have a simlar build going except i have chosen to focus on gnome hooked hammer and two weapon fighting. There is a little bit of wiggle room and if comabt defense is as good as you say it is, i may use it. Combat Defense is in PHB2, it has Combat Focus, Dodge, Wis 13 and Dex 13 as prerequisites. Why is Combat Vigor not in your build? Fast Healing 4 is pretty nice. Also, you definately want Power Attack in there, otherwise you'll have excessive attack bonus with negligable damage... Unfortunately, there's no room for Combat Vigor. Plus, at the APLs when I would get it, it would probably be more beneficial after combat.
Alpha_Nerd 02-14-07, 09:56 AM	I like it a lot now. Please though, if you actually hit 15th with this character, don't take Fighter 15.
Donald_Cannith 02-14-07, 07:50 PM	I like t too... I was looking at my build and it looks like Combat Focus is just an acceptable different path to take as opposed to Two weapon fighting. Hmm I would suggest Exotic Weapon master With like the Gnome Tortoiseblade if you can get acces too change which racial weapon yo uare familiar with that jsut calls for a sligt change in feat order.