[3.5] Crusader Cheese needed

[a typical hero]

Hello,

we're starting a new campaign from lvl 1 and it's going to be a "low-magic/high-optimized/deadly encounters" game.

Im' not familiar with optimizing ToB classes so I ask you for help :smallsmile:

Tier 1 classes are banned (things like Ur-Priest are allowed, though :smallconfused:)
No Flaws
Point-Buy 28
No cheese that would need a DM decision like Bloodlines

I'm set on Crusader because we need a tank in our group and I like to play one, too.

Books: All WotC + Dragon Magazine (please with reference in which one)

[Greenish]

Handbook. (http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19871270/Tome_of_Battle_for_Dummies?post_id=338388890#33838 8890)

TL;DR: Reach weapon + Stand Still (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/psionicFeats.htm#standStill) + Thicket of Blades.

[AslanCross]

While not particularly cheesy, I'd say a Warforged (Eberron Campaign Setting) Crusader/Knight would make a great tank/controller. Take a reach weapon like a glaive or guisarme, then use your slam attack against adjacent enemies. (Your slam gets a x1.5 strength bonus to damage due to it being your only natural weapon.)

[Eloel]

While not particularly cheesy, I'd say a Warforged (Eberron Campaign Setting) Crusader/Knight would make a great tank/controller. Take a reach weapon like a glaive or guisarme, then use your slam attack against adjacent enemies. (Your slam gets a x1.5 strength bonus to damage due to it being your only natural weapon.)

Or go Human and take EWP(Spiked Chain) as your bonus feat. At least now your weapons' enhancement bonuses apply to all your attacks.

[Lycanthromancer]

Warforged with Adamantine body. Stone Power for temp hp, and strikes and stances for healing and additional DR.

Once you go up in levels a bit, Diamond Mind maneuvers to replace saves with Concentration checks.

[Tinydwarfman]

I can't believe no one has mentioned using a 1d2 weapon yet :smallbiggrin:

[Greenish]

I can't believe no one has mentioned using a 1d2 weapon yet :smallbiggrin:Of course, how could we omit the infinite damage loops when someone comes asking for a playable build? :smallamused:

[Flickerdart]

Of course, how could we omit the infinite damage loops when someone comes asking for a playable build? :smallamused:
He did ask for cheese.

Actually, he asked for a tank. The reach stuff is more battlefield control, but they both keep away horrible pain from the squishies so it's all good.

[AslanCross]

Or go Human and take EWP(Spiked Chain) as your bonus feat. At least now your weapons' enhancement bonuses apply to all your attacks.

That's effective, no doubt, but I'm trying to go beyond the expected response.

The warforged gets to save on armor thanks to Adamantine Body, so he can pick up a battlefist for his slam.

I'd also like to add that the warforged is healed fine by Crusader Strikes, since those are (Ex). The warforged only takes half healing from Conjuration (healing) spells.

[Eldariel]

If you're interested in that specific idea, I'm running something quite close to that in the Endless Dungeon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=131558). The Sheet (http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=164574) may be of interest.

[Dienekes]

Of course, how could we omit the infinite damage loops when someone comes asking for a playable build? :smallamused:

Sorry for the quick question, but what's the infinite damage loop?

[Lord of Syntax]

Feat that gives you another attack when you get the highest result on your damage roll + feat that lets you count a natural 1 as a 2, 1d2 damage weapon, win!

[sonofzeal]

Feat that gives you another attack when you get the highest result on your damage roll + feat that lets you count a natural 1 as a 2, 1d2 damage weapon, win!
I believe the later was actually a Cleric spell, but otherwise yes.

[Greenish]

Feat that gives you another attack when you get the highest result on your damage roll + feat that lets you count a natural 1 as a 2, 1d2 damage weapon, win!The former is a crusader stance, Aura of Chaos, though you could take it with two feats.

[Dienekes]

huh, that's funny. Thanks for informing me.

[term1nally s1ck]

There's a flaw, iirc, that lets any natural 20 you roll be treated as a natural 1. What would happen if you had both that and that spell?

[Fortuna]

Since you apply effects in the most beneficial order, the spell wins I believe.

[Temotei]

Don't you have to keep rolling forever though? Like...you can't stop? :smallconfused:

:smalleek:

[absolmorph]

Don't you have to keep rolling forever though? Like...you can't stop? :smallconfused:

:smalleek:
As I recall, there's a "may" in there...
I'm not sure, though, as my knowledge is entirely second/third-hand and from a couple months ago.

[Apropos]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure you can stop it voluntarily.

[Endarire]

Hood (http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19872838/Little_Red_Raiding_Hood:_A_Tale_of_38;_Guide_to_th e_3.5_Dragoon?pg=1). Crusader optional.

[a typical hero]

Hood (http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19872838/Little_Red_Raiding_Hood:_A_Tale_of_38;_Guide_to_th e_3.5_Dragoon?pg=1). Crusader optional.


This is an example of what I was looking for.

Thank you all very much :)

[2xMachina]

As I recall, there's a "may" in there...
I'm not sure, though, as my knowledge is entirely second/third-hand and from a couple months ago.

Why would it matter so much? It's the same as skipping 'rolling for damage' when the target has like 1 HP, and you do 11 minimum. It's a waste of time to roll. I hit it, it receives infinite damage. No roll needed.

[Person_Man]

The Astral Vembraces soulmeld gives you DR 2 + (2 * essentia invested)/magic. So that's DR 4/magic at first level if you have a point of essentia.

Anyone with 13 Constitution can access it at 1st level level with the Shape Soulmeld feat, and get a point of essentia by being any Incarnum race. When combined with Steely Resolve (delays damage), Stone Power (temporary hit points every round), the Martial Spirit stance (heal 2 hit points each time you make a successful melee attack), and a high Constitution, you're pretty much an unstoppable tank.