Fighter

by Ralsu

Fighters play many roles in Eberron: men-at-arms, mercenaries, bandits, gladiators, and knights. They are highly trained combatants capable of using all but exotic weapons without training and possessing unsurpassed skill in delivering punishing blows. The real-time battle system in Dungeons & Dragons Online (DDO) allows fighters to shine.

Adventuring parties welcome fighters for their ability to withstand hits while providing solid damage. When the party’s scout bumps into a gargoyle around the corner or spiders besiege the cleric, it will be the fighter who rushes in to “clean house.” Players who choose to create a fighter will enjoy the ability to join any fracas and the specialization possible because of the numerous bonus feats fighters receive.

Fighters are a staple in each of the playable races. Drow fighters are cunning and quick. Dwarf fighters take hits well but are less charismatic than most others. Elf fighters make terrific archers because of their dexterous nature and lower constitution. A halfing fighter is weaker than most but benefits from extra dexterity. Humans become well-rounded fighters and get an extra feat at Level 1. Warforged fighters are hearty killing machines with warforged natural armor feats, but have reduced wisdom and charisma.

Motivation
Many fighters adopt the life of an adventurer because someone hires them. When dire rats infest a shopkeeper’s cellar, fighters are the solution to the problem. Sometimes fighters seek adventure as the ultimate method to hone their skills. Regardless of their motivation, all fighters respect combat and enjoy testing their mettle against a powerful opponent.

Class Features
Weapon and Armor Proficiency: Fighters can use all simple and martial weapons proficiently. They can also use any type of armor or shield.

Bonus Feats: All fighters receive a bonus combat-oriented feat at Level 1 and one additional bonus combat feat at each even level thereafter (2, 4, 6, etc.).

Suggested Race

• Dwarf (nice resistances to magic, and hardy people)
  
• Human (it's hard not to love the extra Fets and Skills)
  
• Warforged (armor bonuses and racial Enchancements that add a lot to the barbarian)
  

Key Abilities
Each class begins with 28 points to spend over 6 abilities (Intelligence, Wisdom, Constitution, Dexterity, Strength, and Charisma). Fighters are generally counted on to take the brunt of damage in battle, so Constitution is a high priority. Strength and Dexterity are always important, too—one usually more than the other based on the build. Finally, fighters will want to consider the value of Charisma as the influencing factor on Intimidate skill checks.

Suggested Skills
Class skills for the fighter include Intimidate, Jump, Repair, and Swim. Fighters have very few skill points per level, so sticking with class skills may be best. Intimidate and Swim will both be useful, and warforged fighters should consider Repair.

Suggested Feats
The bonus feats fighters receive allow them access to the best combat skills far earlier than any other class. A fighter’s build determines which feats are best for her. One approach would be a specialization: ranged feats (Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapons), feats that concentrate on damage (Cleave, Power Attack, Slicing Blow), feats that disable enemies (Hamstring, Improved Trip, Sap), or feats than contribute to a better defense (Combat Expertise, Dodge, Improved Shield Mastery).

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More on Fighters
Essentials A Guide to Alignments Fighter Tactics Guide Guide to Fighter Feats Guide to Fighter Enhancements	DDO Builds for Fighters Battlemage Deadly Troubadour Defensive Assaiult Dwarf Destroyer of Horrors Dwarvish Bulwark Highway Bandit Ironclad Zealot Small but Feared Soldier The Jack of all Trades The Swashbuckler