Pathfinderize Fighters

[lovethesuit]

Fighter. As a class, it seems like nothing special. When others have skills to use, spells to cast, or the ability to activate wands, Fighters literally rely on nothing more than manliness and equipment. Typically used as a multiclass with others like Bard, Rogue, or Cleric, the straight Fighter has nothing that makes it a competitive choice.

But in Pathfinder, a game released by Paizo (and colloquially known as D&D 3.75), the Fighter class is given a few unique class abilities that reward the person who stays in the class. They don't change the class to be more like a caster; instead, they simply boost what the Fighter already does: fight.

The first example is called Bravery: "Starting at 2nd level, a fighter gains a +1 bonus on Will saves against fear. This bonus increases by +1 for every four levels beyond 2nd." Fighters walk into a world of dragons and other monsters with literally no magic or special skills. You'd need to be brave as hell to do that. This class ability is the earliest available, and helps to make up for a Fighter's depressingly-low Will save in the one place it really matters.

The second example is called Armor Training: "Starting at 3rd level, a fighter learns to be more maneuverable while wearing armor. Whenever he is wearing armor, he reduces the armor check penalty by 1 (to a minimum of 0) and increases the maximum Dexterity bonus allowed by his armor by 1. Every four levels thereafter (7th, 11th, and 15th), these bonuses increase by +1..." Fighters are a class that needs armor to survive. It stands to reason that of all the classes, they would have the best training with it. This would not be difficult to implement in EfU:M, if excessive Dex points were added as a Dodge AC bonus to the character. The penalty could also be reduced by adding +1 to those skills affected by ACP when wearing any kind of armor. Obviously, the penalty cannot loop around to become a bonus.

The third example is called Weapon Training: "Starting at 5th level, a fighter can select one group of weapons, as noted below. Whenever he attacks with a weapon from this group, he gains a +1 bonus on attack and damage rolls." Groups include Swords, Axes, Bows, Hammers, etc., and the bonus increases by +1 every 4 levels after 5th. The bonus allows a Fighter to have a higher attacking ability than other classes with their favoured weapons, but not so much that it overshadows them. It stands to reason that a Fighter, reliant on his weapon to do anything related to his class, would be one of the most proficient with it.

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Of the four Fighter-type classes (Barbarian, Fighter, Paladin, Ranger), Fighter is the only one for whom Fighting is their entire concept. Barbarians are tied to nature and have skills and Rage to make them competitive. Paladins have access to holy spells (especially Bless Weapon), turning ability, and the use of divine wands. Rangers also have spells and wands, in addition to both high BAB -and- stealth skills, not to mention Favoured Enemy.

Obviously, in a setting like EfU:M, a Fighter can be anything they want to be. Politician. Criminal. Soldier. Bodyguard. Merchant. But there is an ultimate reason why any player chooses Fighter for these concepts as opposed to Rogue or some other non-magical class; because their character Fights. Their talent and their training lies in the ability to kill or to protect. For that concept to come across, it requires a player with high mechanical proficiency, or a lot of luck. This concept will take luck out of the equation, by allowing Fighters to push just slightly ahead in the one thing they are designed for.

In a game system like NWN, with a much more limited number of feats and skills to choose from, I think implementing these changes would not only offer a great variety of Fighters to choose from, but also inspire new characters from the choices that already exist.

[TheMacPanther]

While I am not entirely for the three you mentioned, I do think that pure fighters could use a short list of perks similar to the new rogue perks if they stay pure.

[el groso]

Fighters need some love!

[Bearic]

I think they're okay, myself.

[Keeper of the White Wyrm]

Those sound like perks in and of themselves!

[CaptLars]

Imp Exp ftw

[Wafflecone]

Fighters do get ALOT of feats, though... Maybe something that would exemplify a fighters rigerous training to master all aspects of warfare, however.

[Howlando]

I have to admit I do like BRAVERY, if adjusted. Pure fighters should be courageous!

[Ebok]

I think different styles saves could be really cool, tbh. However the other two are lol nowai broken.

[lovethesuit]

I think different styles saves could be really cool, tbh. However the other two are lol nowai broken.

Explain how those are broken.

[Black_TopHat]

As someone who plays almost exclusively pure fighters I'm very biased to these abilites. It is tough to get by with being near dependent on mages and priests to gird your mind against fear when day in and day out you willingly charge into the teeth of whatever Big Baddy has stomped out of the Mists that day.

[Juzza]

I love this suggestion, well done LTS!

[Kinslayer988]

To me not all fighters should be brave :/

EDIT: A while back we had a fighter perk thread. My imput was to have fighters take a battle style. The styles would be something like Duel Striking (bonuses while duel wielding at a cost), Guardian Stance (Shield gives extra AC) Merciless Blows (when not using a shield and not duel wielding, you gain a bonus to two handed weapons/one handed weapons as two hand), Elegant Strides (Gives Command, bonus to persuade, bluff, and intimidate. Used for political fighters)
These would be picked at a low level and for ever pure level be given bonuses.

[Takenbymadness]

I also adore my pure fighters. Even though we are often overshadowed by buffed Bard/Fighters or Ranger/Fighters or Rogue/fighters in PvM, and by barbarians or mixed class characters in PvP, I just adore the pure fighter. While I do think some of the above abilities might be a smidgen OP, I really would like to see some cool things added for the pure fighters out there.

[TakenByVisions]

Bravery is nice. Weapon classes or whatnot is too strong, but I do think giving a pure 8 fighter an extra AB (can simply give them epic weapon focus) wouldn't be too bad. Armor training I do not think is possible without a HAK.