Could use some help on a Crusader

[Azernak0]

Relevant info:
Feats every 2nd level
40 point buy
Level 10

Naturally, Extra Granted Maneuvers came up first. EWP for a spiked chain and improved trip possibly?

the big problem are the manuevers themselves. The Devoted Spirit one looks good because of all the healing it can do but what else is suggested

[AslanCross]

Devoted Spirit is a staple for crusaders because it's unique to them. It also packs some pretty good tactical maneuvers as well as damage dealers.

If you're going with Spiked Chain, pick up Thicket of Blades when you can, and probably Combat Reflexes (ie: Don't dump Dex) so you don't waste the control power of that build.

[Sinfire Titan]

Stone Power has always been a decent feat to take (effectively DR 10/- every round).

Another few feats to look into are Educated and Knowledge Devotion (for up to a +5 bonus to Attacks/Damage). One of the things I've noticed about mid-level Crusaders is you sometimes have trouble when luck turns sour, so making luck nigh Irrelevant is a good way to optimize them.

I know it's a screwy idea, but have you considered Duskblade/Jade Phoenix Mage levels? Gives you a decent ranged combat option while allowing you to do something when your maneuvers granted doesn't give you what you want.


For your weapon, consider the Vampiric and Vicious (SIC) enhancements. Wrathful Healing too, but that's 3rd party. Grab a couple of Lesser Augment Crystals for additional healing (and I do mean a couple, you'll burn through them).

[Cicciograna]

Spiked Chain + Thicket of Blades + Stand Still (+ Combat Reflexes) for complete battlefield controlling around you.

[Boci]

If you do not mind the flavour attached to the feats or an evil aligment, willing deformity and deformity (tall) will give you a 20ft reach with your spiked chain.

[Azernak0]

uhh, how does Thicket of Blades and Stand still work together? Does it actually burn a move action? if so, than Full Attack + Shift and the enemy will never be able to full attack you assuming you hit and they can't make the ludicrously high save.

[Abd al-Azrad]

uhh, how does Thicket of Blades and Stand still work together? Does it actually burn a move action? if so, than Full Attack + Shift and the enemy will never be able to full attack you assuming you hit and they can't make the ludicrously high save.

Well, recall that taking a 5' step isn't actually a move action, but if they use that option they then cannot take any further movement.

So, yes. Thicket of Blades makes them provoke an AoO for taking any movement. You hit them before they actually change squares, and force a Reflex save with a quite high DC. When they fail, they are stopped from moving, and have wasted their free 5' step AS WELL AS being denied their move action for the round. That's how the build works.