Fighter AoO'er (3.5e Optimized Character Build)
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Introduction[edit]
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[edit]
Players Handbook I and II, Complete Adventurer, Complete Warrior, Dragon Magazine (DR317, DR331, DR339, DR340), and Unearthed Arcana.
Game Rule Components[edit]
My group allows two Flaws from Unearthed Arcana to gain two additional Feats at first level.
Items[edit]
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[edit]
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[edit]
The Feats after 10th are mostly after thoughts. I would love Opportunistic Tactician at a lower level for the maneuverability.
Highlights[edit]
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[edit]
Of course, increasing Size/Reach would be nice.
Side Notes[edit]
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[edit]
Invisibility & stuff that negates AoO.
DM Counters[edit]
Invisibility & stuff that negates AoO.
Miscellaneous[edit]
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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