Martial Adept First Timer

[sambouchah]

Okay questions I have; Which class is right for me, which maneuvers should I have, what is the difference between a stance and a maneuver, what should I steer clear of, prestige class options for each base class?

Some of those questions I may be completely stupid for not knowing but I haven't yet had the time to sit and read the book cover to cover, just glances here and there. My current party consists of a psychic warrior, a monk and a cabalist(like a wizard). I want to be able to dish damage like mad and/or never be hit by anything.

Thanks in advance, Sam.

P.s. Any useful tips would be lovely!:smallbiggrin:

[Grod_The_Giant]

The nice thing about initiators is that it's really hard to mess them up. There really aren't any trap options. Just pick maneuvers that sound cool and you'll be fine. I'll link to handbooks for the three classes below:


The Crusader (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=181655)is the paladin done right. It's an exceptionally tanky class, with ways to delay damage and heal itself.
The Warblade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176968)is a straight-up fighter. Nothing supernatural, but you're probably the most powerful face-smasher in all of 3.5.
The Swordsage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=196531)is the monk done right. It can be flashy with Desert Wind, or sneaky with Shadow Hand, but it's more of a skirmisher than a frontliner.


I guess some good tips are:

Diamond Mind is fantastic. Use Concentration checks instead of AC, saves, or damage rolls? Yes please!
Stone Dragon is probably the weakest school, since you have to be standing on solid ground to use it. Mountain Hammer makes a good lockpick, though-- ignore hardness and DR and pound away.