Fighter AoO'er (3.5e Optimized Character Build)
Introduction
Looking through a fairly comprehensive list of 3.5 feats, I came across a section organized under Attack of Opportunity and another section organized under Combat Reflexes. This sparked the idea of an AoO character which has morphed into the current build.
References
Players Handbook I and II, Complete Adventurer, Complete Warrior, Dragon Magazine (DR317, DR331, DR339, DR340), and Unearthed Arcana.
Game Rule Components
My group allows two Flaws from Unearthed Arcana to gain two additional Feats at first level.
Items
For my 10th level ECL 8 Xvart build I used a Belt of Giant Strength +4 and a +1 keen dwarvencraft adamantine Lucerne Hammer for the options of reach, damage, sundering & x4 critical. However, a Spiked Chain/Weapon Finesse/Gloves of Dexterity may work better...I don't like sparing two Feat slots, but getting a high initiative may be worth it.
Progression
Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments):
Race (Templates): Human or Xvart were my final two choices. Had to throw out Dragonkin because we are not 10th level yet.
Starting Racial Traits:
| ECL | Class/HD/LA | Base Attack Bonus |
Saving Throws | Feats | Class Features |
Special | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fort | Ref | Will | ||||||
| 1st | Fighter | +1 | +2 | +0 | +0 | Deft Opportunist, Combat Reflexes, Backstab, Vexing Flanker | ||
| 2nd | Fighter | +2 | +3 | +0 | +0 | Shorten Grip | ||
| 3rd | Fighter | +3 | +3 | +1 | +1 | Adaptable Flanker | ||
| 4th | Fighter | +4 | +4 | +1 | +1 | Power Attack | ||
| 5th | Fighter | +5 | +4 | +1 | +1 | |||
| 6th | Fighter | +6 | +5 | +2 | +2 | Expert Tactician, Improved Combat Reflexes | ||
| 7th | Fighter | +7 | +5 | +2 | +2 | |||
| 8th | Fighter | +8 | +6 | +2 | +2 | Cleave | ||
| 9th | Fighter | +9 | +6 | +3 | +3 | Leap Attack | ||
| 10th | Fighter | +10 | +7 | +3 | +3 | Power Critical | ||
| 11th | Fighter | +11 | +7 | +3 | +3 | |||
| 12th | Fighter | +12 | +8 | +4 | +4 | Lady's Gambit, Robilar's Gambit -> | ||
| 13th | Fighter | +13 | +8 | +4 | +4 | |||
| 14th | Fighter | +14 | +9 | +4 | +4 | Great Cleave | ||
| 15th | Fighter | +15 | +9 | +5 | +5 | Defensive Sweep | ||
| 16th | Fighter | +16 | +10 | +5 | +5 | Dodge | ||
| 17th | Fighter | +17 | +10 | +5 | +5 | |||
| 18th | Fighter | +18 | +11 | +6 | +6 | Greater Combat Reflexes, Mobility | ||
| 19th | Fighter | +19 | +11 | +6 | +6 | |||
| 20th | Fighter | +20 | +12 | +6 | +6 | Opportunistic Tactician | ||
Other Components
The Feats after 10th are mostly after thoughts. I would love Opportunistic Tactician at a lower level for the maneuverability.
Highlights
At the low levels, group oriented fighting is required. Backstab: gets you the AoO if a creature is beating on another party member. Vexing Flanker: gives you a nice bonus to hit flanked enemies. Deft Opportunist: Because missing an AoO sucks. Shorten Grip: increases the chance for an AoO if an enemy gets up in your face. Adaptable Flanker: helps the others if they can't hit as well as you, or gives more chances for sneak attack. Improved Combat Reflexes: to get an extra AoO on the same enemy. Expert Tactician: for more party whompin' goodness (Improved Initiative or others delaying would help with that tactic). Cleave: because who doesn't want to be able to spread the love? Leap Attack: because the cinematic leaping head crush is cute. Power Critical: Yes, I really want that x4 damage. Lady's Gambit: to make all your attacks for the round extra better for whompin'. Robilar's Gambit: because by then, you really know your a badass. Great Cleave: because it's great to cleave. Defensive Sweep: DANCE BOY! DANCE! Dodge/Mobility/Opportunistic Tactician and Greater Combat Reflexes (3 AoO/target): Becoming Lord of the AoO Dance.
Munchkin-Size Me
Of course, increasing Size/Reach would be nice.
Side Notes
I would like to have been able to squeeze in Improved Initiative, Weapon Focus/Specialization, but the other bonuses were more attractive. Perhaps switching out Dodge/Mobility/Opportunistic Tactician would work. Picking Human for the extra feat and skill points may work out better, but I like the Dex bonus. Didn't take Improved Sunder because with Robilar's Gambit, you want them to try and hit ya.
Limitations
Invisibility & stuff that negates AoO.
DM Counters
Invisibility & stuff that negates AoO.
Miscellaneous
I will be playtesting this shortly, updates may follow. If you base a character off this concept for any form of media including a movie, book, or article, I respectfully request you give me credit :) Thanks! -Travis ____
How exactly do you plan on getting a feat which requires a bab of 12 at 1st level?
Or an Epic level feat (Improved Combat Reflexes) before level 20?
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