First time Melee...help ??

[MysticMind]

I have played spellcasters of any kind from Wizard and Sorcerer to Dread Necromancer and Shugenja, but on this new campaign i play, i have decided to try something new (Fighter). I see that after a certain level when PrCs are available capping 20 level of Fighter isn't worthy since it doesn't have something like CR to worry about. Any Ideas for a High Damage Fighter Build ??:smallsmile:

[Sgt. Cookie]

If you can use Tome of Battle, play a Warblade instead.

Even if you pick maneuvers that just sound cool, you'll still be decent.

[danzibr]

If you can use Tome of Battle, play a Warblade instead.

Even if you pick maneuvers that just sound cool, you'll still be decent.
And if you do want to play a Fighter 20, Jack B. Quick (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CIoBEBYwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.wizards.com%2Fforumhand ler%3Ft%3D646185&ei=88-jT-r3JIakgwf215zBCQ&usg=AFQjCNE8LX1mTFx3xu5_QG3ycxA7WJ7GgA&sig2=y8Z1u7mMgYlA3SsluTCqlQ) is cool. You could also go a fear-based build using the Zhentarim ACF.

[Malachei]

Crusader with reach weapon and thicket of blades is a good lock-down with Stand Still.

In general, Tome of Battle classes will provide you with tactical options, so you don't need to miss casting that much. Plus, it is super-dippable.

I love the Jack B. Quick build aleady mentioned, but for raw damage, a Leap Attack Shock Trooper, preferably with Pounce might be even better. Also, look at Stormguard Warrior. And then there is the Fighter ACF Overpowering Attack, which is just wonderful on an AoO build.

[Jodah]

Even if you play full fighter, try to get some maneuvers from the feats, but I would recommend as Cookie and Malachei, go warblade or crusader (warblade is especially nice if you were thinking fighter since it allows fighter feats to be taken, grants some bonus feats, and allows you to switch up which weapon you are focused/specialized/etc with).

I might recommend "Warblade 1 / fight 2 / warblade x" until prestige (if you prestige, because warblade 20 is also a solid build).

I will admit, after looking at Jack B Quick, I want to play fight 2 / psy war 2 / fight 16 (misses 1 BAB, paltry HP, and has slightly better saves - also can self buff moderately).

[Person_Man]

Melee Combo Guide (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=127026).

Optimizing Power Attack (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7165087).

Standard Fighter Build Options:

Fighter is actually quite a respectable Tier 4 choice up to ECL 12ish if you know what you're doing. The keys are alternate class features (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=7908) and careful feat selection (see combos above).

At level 1, Fighters get the Tower Shield for free. This in itself is useful. Races of Stone also lets you trade it away for Exotic Shield Proficiency, which has several uses (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6848292). I suggest using it for a Gnome Battle Cloak, which is essentially a shield you wear on your back, which is essentially a free Animated shield. Or you can take the Extreme Shield if you want +3 AC without a To-Hit penalty (but don't care about making shield bash attacks). If you want a mounted build (which is one of your best core-ish options) then I suggest a Riding Shield.

At levels 2 and 6, Dungonscape lets you trade away feats for the Dungeoncrasher ability, which gives you massive damage when you Bull Rush an enemy into a wall or solid object. As others have opined, the easiest way to abuse this is through the Knockback feat. Check out Flaming Homer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=4108954&postcount=22) and the King of Pong (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=107248). If you want to be less abusive and/or don't want to be a Goliath, then I suggest you be a Raptorian or Dragonborn (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20060105b&page=1) for free flight (though it doesn't kick in until ECL 12). This lets you move above enemies, so that you can Bull Rush them into the floor. You can also get free Bull Rush attempts from the Shield of the Severed Hand (Complete Divine pg 102 or MIC) and/or Brutal Surge weapons (MIC). It's also worth mentioning that Dungeoncrasher damage is so high that even a single mundane Bull Rush per turn can kill most enemies.

A nifty web ad on (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060327a) gives you various buffs to your ability to Demoralize. The most important kicks in at 11th level, which lets you Demoralize as a Swift Action. This can be a powerful tool (http://boards-test-dev.wizards.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-911167), especially when combined with the Imperious Command feat (Drow of the Underdark) which makes Demoralized enemies Cower (www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Cowering).

Put that together, and you get respectable defense, strong offense, and two forms of battlefield control (Bull Rush and Fear).

[Righteous Doggy]

Well, if you want a super high damage fighter you can always boost your ability to charge and power attack as high as possible. Its a one trick pony though, you might have more interest in warblade like most people say.

[sonofzeal]

Playing a straight Weapon Focus/Spec Fighter can actually be really fun some times.

For one, it makes you pay more attention to the little things, the situational stuff, the options available to every character that don't depend on your character sheet. In one game I solved an otherwise-awkward encounter by disarming sans Improved Disarm, since their attack was unlikely to beat my AC. In another I dodged a devastating Ranged Touch Attack by combining Cover, Total Defence, and Prone, all off a Readied Action cued to the launching of the attack. In another I used the Total Cover option of Tower Shields while running, to get myself places the enemy didn't expect me to be able to get to, without them being able to counterattack.

Playing a mage is about Real Ultimate Power. Playing a Fighter is about appreciating the little things. It's much harder to solve problems that way, but far more satisfying. And it's great practice for when you go back to your mages, because everything a Fighter can do, a summon can also attempt...... :smallcool:

[Gwendol]

Follow PersonMan's advice... it's very good.

Another often proposed build is the Horizon Tripper, which is a good all-purpose build for a skillful and adaptable fighter (or at least melee combatant).

I noticed in your list of previous classes the omission of cleric. Was that on purpose? Clerics make terrific melee combatants, among other things.

[Righteous Doggy]

Playing a mage is about Real Ultimate Power. Playing a Fighter is about appreciating the little things. It's much harder to solve problems that way, but far more satisfying.

Of course its hard, you have 2 skillpoints per level and a intellect as a common dumpstat. Its easy to be situation when you can't learn how to jump well becuase you wanted to be balanced and good at climbing!