Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 Omni-Wyvernil Jan 06, 2010 1:17:53	Though many people here have stated that a swordsage (particularly of the unarmed variant) can make a better 'monk' than the actual Monk class, I haven't seen too many monk-flavored builds around (most swordsage builds tend to be the sneaky TWF types). I'm looking for advice on how to make an effective psuedo-monk swordsage (levels in the monk class are not required, since certain manuevers can imitate the flurry of blows ability). Here's the build so far (human might be better optimized due to the extra feat, but this build goes with warforged instead for the flavor of having a kung-fu fighting machine). Warforged Swordsage (Unarmed variant) Level 2 STR 16 DEX 16 CON 16 INT 13 WIS 16 CHA 10 BAB: +1 FORT: 3 RFLX: 6 WILL: 6 Abilities: Quick to act (+1 to Initiative) Discipline focus (Setting Sun) AC bonus (gain WIS mod to AC) Feats: Improved Unarmed Strike Adaptive Style Skills: 6(class)+1(INT)*4 = 28 SP Manuevers: 7 known, 4 readied Burning Blade (boost, deal 1d6+1 fire damage) Wind Stride (boost, move additional +10 ft) Mighty Throw (strike, throw opponent up to 10 ft away) Stone Bones (strike, gain DR 5/adamantine for 1 round) Charging Minotaur (strike, bullrush and deal 2d6 damage) Sudden Leap (boost, jump to new spot as swift action) Wolf-Fang Strike (strike, attack with two weapons) Stances: 2 known (not sure what to put here. Might put in some Shadow Hand stances for use with Shadow Blade for the DEX synergy, but I'm looking for a build that's a bit more 'monk' than 'ninja', so I'd like to avoid too much reliance on Shadow Hand). Future feats to take may include Improved Natural Attack and Superior Unarmed Strike to boost unarmed damage, Snap Kick for the extra attack, and the TWF line to add additional attacks. Shadow Blade/Gloom Razor may also be an option, though those tend to be more for a sneaky monk than an in-your-face monk build. One of the manuevers listed might get swapped out for a Diamond Mind manuever, though the Concentration to Will saves defensive manuever isn't quite as necessary since the swordsage has a good will save. What feats/manuevers would you add to a swordsage psuedomonk build?
#2 dacman Jan 06, 2010 16:09:34	Are you set on going pure Swordsage? I'm currently playing a Monk2/Swordsage3/Shadow Sun Ninja 1, and am getting pretty good mileage out of it. Come to think of it, Shadow Sun Ninja is a pretty good prestige class for what you have in mind, it advances monk abilities and maneuvers at the same time. I see you don't want a stealthy "ninja" character, but maybe Shadow Blade would be worth it. As for manuevers, why not Counter Charge (SS 1)? I'll have some more once I find my books.
#3 meth0dical Jan 07, 2010 3:22:50	I'd just like to point out that if swordsage sneak attacks work the same way as rogue ones do (I still haven't read much ToB) then they're perfectly monk-themed -- you're not necessarily catching them by surprise. You could be overwhelming their defenses to strike vital points with your superior fighting style, for example. The same may apply to other things you've decided to avoid for being "too sneaky" -- flavor can be changed extensively unless you play with a very strange group. If you can be nonlawful I would add a level of barbarian with the whirling frenzy and CChamp Lion Totem (exchange fast movement for Pounce) variants. If you do do that then spending a single feat on Extra Rage would be very helpful, bumping up your frenzies per day from just one.