longsword, no shield, no prc :( [Archive] - Wizards Community

longsword, no shield, no prc :( [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Alchahest
09-14-07, 11:03 PM do any of you have ideas about what a good class would be for someone who uses a longsword with no shield. I also see the character as a wanderer of sorts.

as he uses a longsword, duellist really isn't optimal (though it would have fit so nicely otherwise), and alot of kensai doesn't seem to work (the loyalty to a lord, etc). any ideas?
Barloch
09-15-07, 12:08 AM By not using a shield or a two handed weapon you really shoot yourself in the foot most of the time. Sure its a cool image but its impractical in 3.5, unless you have dragon compendium in which case you can take the "single blade style" feat to give yourself a +2 AC bonus.

As for PrCs, if you upgrade to a bastard sword (katana if you like), the iajitsu master from OA is a pretty good prc.
nightwyrm
09-15-07, 12:23 AM You might want to take a look at the classes in ToB if it's allowed. Certain manuvers might make up for the no shield, longsword thing.
Jaxgaret
09-15-07, 01:13 AM I assume you mean that you are wielding the Longsword 1-handed.

Any reason why you are loathe to wield it two-handed or use a shield or a 2nd weapon?

Just for flavor's sake, I would guess. Which is fine, but as you said, you're going to be hard up finding a good PrC for it.

What class levels does the character have currently?
j3st3r
09-15-07, 06:42 AM There's also a feat called Graceful Edge in Dungeon Magazine #128 which gives some bonuses to one-handed style.

How about taking some levels of Swashbuckler. They should be quite fitting for the idea of a one-handed fencer.

Oh, and call your longsword schiavona (http://fc04.deviantart.com/images3/i/2004/09/6/7/Piter_Blood.jpg) ;)
serow_#R
09-15-07, 10:26 AM Warblade?
Swordsage?
Templario
09-15-07, 11:37 AM Einhander (PHB II) is a tactical feat for one-weapon, no-shield users. But it's kinda crappy, I believe :P
Ultima0071
09-15-07, 09:12 PM If you switch your longsword for a greatsword my Fantasy Fighter class would help you greatly. (in sig)
Mandarbgrim
09-15-07, 09:18 PM Swordsage seems your best bet. Not much loss for going one handed since you can't use a shield and probably aren't going high STR. Combine it with some of the other feats mentioned.
Salla
09-15-07, 09:20 PM There's a feat called Einhander in the PHB2 that gives you some benefits for using a 1h weapon with no shield.

Whoops, overlooked Templario's post.
Jaxgaret
09-16-07, 03:46 AM I do so love it when thread-starters abandon their threads.
Alchahest
09-16-07, 02:55 PM the funny thing is, I hadn't recieved notification that there were replies on the thread until I was accused of abandoning it. I don't get much chance to sign on during the week due to work, and so I usually rely on email notifications of threads I'm subscribed to.

anyways. I'm not opposed to using the longsword in two hands. I'm playing a TWF +flurry monk, with whirling steel strike. sort of a disciple of the sword type. still very early, so I can make adjustments to aim for PrCs before starting. basically I wanted to create a guy that's just got his sword and a bag full of food, and he's wandering from temple to temple on a pilgrimage.

I was thinking ancestral relic might be fun, to add some more importance to the sword. that will also let me add Ki Focus to it without having someone else touch the sword. from there, I was looking at Annointed knight.

My original idea was to be a paladin, so moving into annointed knight doesn't bother me, I had intended to take sacred vow anyways (not VOP - I have no intention of even looking into that as an option)

also, in a twist of misfortune, I'm limited to core for my base classes, but most PrCs are allowed just fine.
Jaxgaret
09-17-07, 01:50 AM the funny thing is, I hadn't recieved notification that there were replies on the thread until I was accused of abandoning it. I don't get much chance to sign on during the week due to work, and so I usually rely on email notifications of threads I'm subscribed to.

Sorry about that. It had been well over a day since you had started the thread, I figured you weren't coming back.

anyways. I'm not opposed to using the longsword in two hands. I'm playing a TWF +flurry monk, with whirling steel strike. sort of a disciple of the sword type. still very early, so I can make adjustments to aim for PrCs before starting. basically I wanted to create a guy that's just got his sword and a bag full of food, and he's wandering from temple to temple on a pilgrimage.

Sounds cool.

I was thinking ancestral relic might be fun, to add some more importance to the sword. that will also let me add Ki Focus to it without having someone else touch the sword. from there, I was looking at Annointed knight.

Both nice choices.

My original idea was to be a paladin, so moving into annointed knight doesn't bother me, I had intended to take sacred vow anyways (not VOP - I have no intention of even looking into that as an option). Also, in a twist of misfortune, I'm limited to core for my base classes, but most PrCs are allowed just fine.

Is the SRD being allowed as Core? If so, you can play a Paladin of Freedom (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#paladinofFre edomClassFeatures) - its code isn't so restrictive as the Paladin of Honor's, and may more closely fit the wandering swordsman archetype.
Kraz
09-17-07, 02:13 PM I don't think the PoF would work for him since he's taking levels on monk too.

All in all, however, that sounds like a really neat idea. It's a shame your DM isn't allowing noncore classes, you could of asked for the monk type adaptation of the swordsage from ToB...
ChaoticAwesome
09-17-07, 05:49 PM in one of the FR books (cant remember which one) there is a PrC based on one-handed longsword combat. granted you have to worship tyr and be super justice oriented and pretty much forsake your other hand... but still. i wish i had more info for you, but i dont. sorry
j3st3r
09-17-07, 07:05 PM in one of the FR books (cant remember which one) there is a PrC based on one-handed longsword combat. granted you have to worship tyr and be super justice oriented and pretty much forsake your other hand... but still. i wish i had more info for you, but i dont. sorry

There's always the Duelist, if it's a PrC you're looking for.

EDIT: And it seems Alchahest already mentioned using longsword, so lets forget that I said anything :P
Johnathan_Vagabond
09-17-07, 08:26 PM You know, I totally forget what the hell it was called, but there was a PrC made by a user a while back where, after using your weapon in an undefined way, it came alive, and grew in power. God, I wanna call it the Bond Blade or something like that but I don't think thats it.

Basically, you kill a mage and the blood of that wizard brings your sword to life (thats one explanation, I like the sword getting struck by lightning idea myself) and then it becomes a low-function sentient weapon and as you advance in levels the sword gets more power, gains more abilities (as per the sentient item ability list).

Theres fun flavor to it too. After a certain point if you use a weapon other than the sword it mopes and refuses to activate for 1 day or something, until you apologize. The class was absolutely the work of brilliance. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than that, but it would fit your dude beautifully.
Jaxgaret
09-17-07, 10:31 PM You know, I totally forget what the hell it was called, but there was a PrC made by a user a while back where, after using your weapon in an undefined way, it came alive, and grew in power. God, I wanna call it the Bond Blade or something like that but I don't think thats it.

Basically, you kill a mage and the blood of that wizard brings your sword to life (thats one explanation, I like the sword getting struck by lightning idea myself) and then it becomes a low-function sentient weapon and as you advance in levels the sword gets more power, gains more abilities (as per the sentient item ability list).

Theres fun flavor to it too. After a certain point if you use a weapon other than the sword it mopes and refuses to activate for 1 day or something, until you apologize. The class was absolutely the work of brilliance. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than that, but it would fit your dude beautifully.

I am getting visions of a D/Left Hand character using a variant of this class...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Alchahest 09-14-07, 11:03 PM	do any of you have ideas about what a good class would be for someone who uses a longsword with no shield. I also see the character as a wanderer of sorts. as he uses a longsword, duellist really isn't optimal (though it would have fit so nicely otherwise), and alot of kensai doesn't seem to work (the loyalty to a lord, etc). any ideas?
Barloch 09-15-07, 12:08 AM	By not using a shield or a two handed weapon you really shoot yourself in the foot most of the time. Sure its a cool image but its impractical in 3.5, unless you have dragon compendium in which case you can take the "single blade style" feat to give yourself a +2 AC bonus. As for PrCs, if you upgrade to a bastard sword (katana if you like), the iajitsu master from OA is a pretty good prc.
nightwyrm 09-15-07, 12:23 AM	You might want to take a look at the classes in ToB if it's allowed. Certain manuvers might make up for the no shield, longsword thing.
Jaxgaret 09-15-07, 01:13 AM	I assume you mean that you are wielding the Longsword 1-handed. Any reason why you are loathe to wield it two-handed or use a shield or a 2nd weapon? Just for flavor's sake, I would guess. Which is fine, but as you said, you're going to be hard up finding a good PrC for it. What class levels does the character have currently?
j3st3r 09-15-07, 06:42 AM	There's also a feat called Graceful Edge in Dungeon Magazine #128 which gives some bonuses to one-handed style. How about taking some levels of Swashbuckler. They should be quite fitting for the idea of a one-handed fencer. Oh, and call your longsword schiavona (http://fc04.deviantart.com/images3/i/2004/09/6/7/Piter_Blood.jpg) ;)
serow_#R 09-15-07, 10:26 AM	Warblade? Swordsage?
Templario 09-15-07, 11:37 AM	Einhander (PHB II) is a tactical feat for one-weapon, no-shield users. But it's kinda crappy, I believe :P
Ultima0071 09-15-07, 09:12 PM	If you switch your longsword for a greatsword my Fantasy Fighter class would help you greatly. (in sig)
Mandarbgrim 09-15-07, 09:18 PM	Swordsage seems your best bet. Not much loss for going one handed since you can't use a shield and probably aren't going high STR. Combine it with some of the other feats mentioned.
Salla 09-15-07, 09:20 PM	There's a feat called Einhander in the PHB2 that gives you some benefits for using a 1h weapon with no shield. Whoops, overlooked Templario's post.
Jaxgaret 09-16-07, 03:46 AM	I do so love it when thread-starters abandon their threads.
Alchahest 09-16-07, 02:55 PM	the funny thing is, I hadn't recieved notification that there were replies on the thread until I was accused of abandoning it. I don't get much chance to sign on during the week due to work, and so I usually rely on email notifications of threads I'm subscribed to. anyways. I'm not opposed to using the longsword in two hands. I'm playing a TWF +flurry monk, with whirling steel strike. sort of a disciple of the sword type. still very early, so I can make adjustments to aim for PrCs before starting. basically I wanted to create a guy that's just got his sword and a bag full of food, and he's wandering from temple to temple on a pilgrimage. I was thinking ancestral relic might be fun, to add some more importance to the sword. that will also let me add Ki Focus to it without having someone else touch the sword. from there, I was looking at Annointed knight. My original idea was to be a paladin, so moving into annointed knight doesn't bother me, I had intended to take sacred vow anyways (not VOP - I have no intention of even looking into that as an option) also, in a twist of misfortune, I'm limited to core for my base classes, but most PrCs are allowed just fine.
Jaxgaret 09-17-07, 01:50 AM	the funny thing is, I hadn't recieved notification that there were replies on the thread until I was accused of abandoning it. I don't get much chance to sign on during the week due to work, and so I usually rely on email notifications of threads I'm subscribed to. Sorry about that. It had been well over a day since you had started the thread, I figured you weren't coming back. anyways. I'm not opposed to using the longsword in two hands. I'm playing a TWF +flurry monk, with whirling steel strike. sort of a disciple of the sword type. still very early, so I can make adjustments to aim for PrCs before starting. basically I wanted to create a guy that's just got his sword and a bag full of food, and he's wandering from temple to temple on a pilgrimage. Sounds cool. I was thinking ancestral relic might be fun, to add some more importance to the sword. that will also let me add Ki Focus to it without having someone else touch the sword. from there, I was looking at Annointed knight. Both nice choices. My original idea was to be a paladin, so moving into annointed knight doesn't bother me, I had intended to take sacred vow anyways (not VOP - I have no intention of even looking into that as an option). Also, in a twist of misfortune, I'm limited to core for my base classes, but most PrCs are allowed just fine. Is the SRD being allowed as Core? If so, you can play a Paladin of Freedom (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#paladinofFre edomClassFeatures) - its code isn't so restrictive as the Paladin of Honor's, and may more closely fit the wandering swordsman archetype.
Kraz 09-17-07, 02:13 PM	I don't think the PoF would work for him since he's taking levels on monk too. All in all, however, that sounds like a really neat idea. It's a shame your DM isn't allowing noncore classes, you could of asked for the monk type adaptation of the swordsage from ToB...
ChaoticAwesome 09-17-07, 05:49 PM	in one of the FR books (cant remember which one) there is a PrC based on one-handed longsword combat. granted you have to worship tyr and be super justice oriented and pretty much forsake your other hand... but still. i wish i had more info for you, but i dont. sorry
j3st3r 09-17-07, 07:05 PM	in one of the FR books (cant remember which one) there is a PrC based on one-handed longsword combat. granted you have to worship tyr and be super justice oriented and pretty much forsake your other hand... but still. i wish i had more info for you, but i dont. sorry There's always the Duelist, if it's a PrC you're looking for. EDIT: And it seems Alchahest already mentioned using longsword, so lets forget that I said anything :P
Johnathan_Vagabond 09-17-07, 08:26 PM	You know, I totally forget what the hell it was called, but there was a PrC made by a user a while back where, after using your weapon in an undefined way, it came alive, and grew in power. God, I wanna call it the Bond Blade or something like that but I don't think thats it. Basically, you kill a mage and the blood of that wizard brings your sword to life (thats one explanation, I like the sword getting struck by lightning idea myself) and then it becomes a low-function sentient weapon and as you advance in levels the sword gets more power, gains more abilities (as per the sentient item ability list). Theres fun flavor to it too. After a certain point if you use a weapon other than the sword it mopes and refuses to activate for 1 day or something, until you apologize. The class was absolutely the work of brilliance. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than that, but it would fit your dude beautifully.
Jaxgaret 09-17-07, 10:31 PM	You know, I totally forget what the hell it was called, but there was a PrC made by a user a while back where, after using your weapon in an undefined way, it came alive, and grew in power. God, I wanna call it the Bond Blade or something like that but I don't think thats it. Basically, you kill a mage and the blood of that wizard brings your sword to life (thats one explanation, I like the sword getting struck by lightning idea myself) and then it becomes a low-function sentient weapon and as you advance in levels the sword gets more power, gains more abilities (as per the sentient item ability list). Theres fun flavor to it too. After a certain point if you use a weapon other than the sword it mopes and refuses to activate for 1 day or something, until you apologize. The class was absolutely the work of brilliance. I'm sorry I can't help you any more than that, but it would fit your dude beautifully. I am getting visions of a D/Left Hand character using a variant of this class...