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| #1jomotionJun 11, 2010 1:45:30 | I need to create a level 21 character for a campaign, and I'd really like to make a Swordsage. However, I'd also like to keep it mostly a pure swordsage with prestige classing i.e. minimal/no multiclassing. Based on some of the builds I have seen, I think I may want to be a halfling to take advantage of some features for Setting Sun. The two main disciplines I want to focus on are Setting Sun and Shadow Hand since I am kind of looking for a stealthy/rogue type character, but I am obviously open to taking a useful maneuver here and there from other disciplines. As far as prestige classes go, I am kind of looking into Master of Nine, but am less sure on the Prestige classes than on other features of this character. Thinking of TWF with two short swords since they apply to both setting sun and shadow hand favored weapons. Thoughts? Comments? Sample build? Help (please)? |
| #2SenevriJun 11, 2010 5:42:56 | Dual Boost can be quite nice. Mongoose + damage adder boost = nasty. Dips: Monk 2 Ranger 2-3 Bloodclaw Master 2-3 Warblade 1 Crusader 1 Mo9 has lots of crappy requirements, although certain dips can circumvent most of them. You NEED: from shadow hand - flight - teleportation - incorporeality. Also: - Iron Heart Surge! Get it with a feat, if not otherwise! |
| #3jomotionJun 12, 2010 15:12:08 | Thanks for the help, although it seems to be a lot more dipping than I'm looking for. I'm not really sure what the dip into monk is for, other than the bonus feats, and if it's for bonus feats, why not dip into two levels of fighter to get 2 bonus feats as well as help out the swordsage's 3/4 BAB disadvantage? As for the ranger, I'm not sure if it's worth investing two levels into to get combat stance for free two weapon fighting, if that's the reason for that dipping. Bloodclaw Master I like, and may end up using 3 levels of that prestige class instead of Master of Nine. I may also end up using two daggers instead of two short swords so I can benefit more from the Bloodclaw Master while retaining Shadow Hand bonuses. I don't think I will take a level in Crusader, but I do see benefits of taking a Warblade level. I may take that level, but am not sure yet. I like Iron Heart Surge, thanks for the tip. |
| #4SenevriJun 12, 2010 23:42:55 | Oh, I didn't mean to dip ALL of those, they're just potential good dips. Monk nets bonus feats, save bump, unarmed attack and flurry, as well as Being A Monk, which actually helps from time to time, esp. when qualifying for stuff. 2 level dip doesn't help BAB, as a 3/4 progression goes by steps of 4. If you really want to have that extra attack at -15 to hit, you need 4 full BAB levels. |
| #5serenorJun 13, 2010 3:58:54 | You could go the Shadow Sun Ninja path... that is actually the prc that combines perfectly Setting Sun and Shadow hand maneuvers (with a small risk that is quite interesting rp wise...) As for Maneuvers.. depends on what your role is going to be.. Setting sun gives great cc boost to the group (you throw people around... that means that when the enemy wizard is away form your raging barbarian, if you have one, you can try and throw the wizard at him granting him a full attack... plus you ruin charges and can follow an opponent that tries to flee from you) On the other hand Shadow hand is a heavy dmg, debuff path that allows you to strike unnoticed (especially with the use of the tactical Feat it gives you...) Tiger Claw is a HEAVY DMG!!! I do nothing else (oh and also heavy jumping but Shadow hand gives you some sort of flight abilities so you can use them... you are a swordsage after all.. you have plenty) White raven is an epic path (even though I always dumb it so I can increase my dmg, cc abilities since we usually have in the group some sort of Hardcore buffer Healer) it actually boosts the whole mellee group. Stone dragon is out of the Question for you (unless you decide to play a dwarf with a warhammer that can smash even a dragon's leg with one strike...) Desert Wind is an intersting path.. it gives many capabilities, movement, aoe dmg, boosts that actually give your blade a cool-looking flame buff, and also good defense.... And we reach the epic, broken, I pwn all other paths Diamond Mind... it gives... Usage of Skill instead of saves, maneuverability, extra move action, extra attacks, great dmg boost, epic (if played well) defense boost... need I say more?? (actually I would love for my rogue a ring that gives 1 per day the Time stand still... ) A for feats.. Iron heart Surge is good, also give thought of getting punishing stance (since if pleaed well they never turn to hit you...) to get the extra Greatsword dmg on your attacks... Go for the Shadow Hand tactical feat allows you great combos especially if you get also the Shadow striker tactical feat from PHB 2 TWF is not a good option unless you go for a heavy Tiger Claw path... you have mid bab and the extra -2 on attacks is actually a pain (unless you always flank and have them FF) plus if you want to maximize your offensive/defensive capability you don't have the feats to spare ;)
Concider asking from your DM the Unarmed SS variant (which is in tome of battle on page 20 of ToB on the Adaptation paragraph (you actually give your self the Impr Unarmed strike for free ;) )
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| #6jomotionJun 13, 2010 14:43:42 | Thanks for such a comprehensive reply, especially the tips about the Shadow Sun Ninja and unarmed fighting. I did a little digging and found a build that may play right into the character I'm looking for/that y'all have suggested. I'll repost it here.Title: Sinshadow, the enlightened prodigal. |