by Karen Hertzberg on Mar 27, 2006
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.
style="font-weight: bold;">Motivation
style="font-weight: bold;">
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
style="font-weight: bold;">
href="http://ddo.tentonhammer.com/modules.php?set_albumName=Exclusive_Screenshots&id=Ajop_buffs&op=modload&name=Gallery&file=index&include=view_photo.php">
alt="Fighter"
src="http://ddo.tentonhammer.com/files/gallery/albums/Exclusive_Screenshots/Ajop_buffs.sized.jpg"
style="border: 2px solid ; width: 267px; height: 200px;" align="right">
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).