Advice on a half dragon fighter

[Greenleaves]

This is my first time making a fighter, all my previous build have been magic users to some extent.

The campaign is starting at level 6, and this is what I am currently thinking of.

Half Dragon (Gold) / Human
Fighter 3 - ECL 6

Str 26
Dex 12
Con 20
Int 12
Wis 10
Cha 10

AC 27 = 10 +9 (+1 Full plate) +4 (+2 heavy shield) +1 dex +4 Nat Arm -1 (Warmace)
HP 38 (but will need to roll on the day, this is just my randomised provisional score)

+ 13 Attack with a +1 Warmace dealing 1d12 + 9 damage

Brreath Weapon 30ft Cone of Fire 6d8 save DC 15. Once per day

Current Feats:
Exotic Weapon Prof (Warmace)
Weapon Focus (Warmace)
Power Attack
Cleave
- Still four more to select

When I reach fighter 6 I will take Dragon Breath feat in Races of Dragon to be able to use the bbreath weapon every 1d4 rounds.

I am tempted to change the half dragon template to Brass (line of fire) and then take one level of Barbarian to get the raging ability. I can then take Shape Breath feat in Draconomicon to change between the line of fire and a cone.

I think those are the salient points. Any thoughts or ideas for either improvements or my remaining feats?

 

[Dandu]

Fighter is bad. Half Dragon is bad. Via the transitive property of mathematics, I postulate that a Half Dragon Fighter is bad.

You lose HP, AB, iteratives, and feats.

You have 36 HP on average as a level 3, ECL 6 Half Dragon Fighter. A level 6 fighter will have 37.5 HP on average... before Con is factored into it.

Your AB is +13. A level 6 fighter can reasonably be expected to have +13 AB from his BAB, weapon, and Strength before feats come into it.

You have one attack on a full attack. A level 6 fighter would have two.

You have 4 feats available at level 3. You do not have 4 more to select. A level 6 fighter would, however, have 8 of them.

Your damage output is higher, but the 4 feats that a level 6 fighter will have over you might allow him to overcome that. (Leap Attack, Shock Trooper, Combat Brute...)

Warmaces are poor exotic weapons if I recall correctly and Weapon Focus is a waste of a feat unless you're using it as a prerequisite for something considerably better. Spiked Chains are exotic weapons which are worth the feat, and you can free up a slot if you're willing to go use a good martial weapon such as a greatsword or guisarme.

Breath weapon 1/day is insignificant. Having it 1d4 rounds is better, but if you're going for a Breath Weapon focused build, the Dragonfire Adept really does do it much better.

If you really want to be a Half Dragon, Dragon Disciple does it much better.

So, what is it you want to do?

 

[Runestar]

I don't think there is anything wrong with a fighter taking the half-dragon template (it is at least a viable alternative to more fighter lvs), but I do feel it is less optimal at lower lvs, when you have so few HD, and so would need every one of them to boost your stats (especially your hp).

Have you considered the dragon tail feat in races of dragon? This nets you 4 attacks at 1d4+8, 1d4+8, 1d6+4, 1d6+4, which can help make up for your lack of iterative attacks (granted you still have to hit). See if you can get a greater magic fang cast on you (the mass option), since I believe an amulet of mighty fists is too costly. Dr/magic will screw you over otherwise.

Then replace 1 lv of fighter for barb (taking pounce variant in complete champion), letting you make a full attack at the end of a charge. Extra rage for more rages, and probably improved multiattack to get rid of your attack penalties. This gives you 4 attacks at +13 each while raging, comparable to a 6th lv fighter. You have no tank (because you have so little hp), but more damage potential, so adjust your tactics accordingly.

You will probably start dipping a little in effectiveness later on though.

 

[Dandu]

Honestly, Barb1/Fighter2/Sorcerer2/Dragon Disciple 4 will have you much better off by level 9, when you start to regularly use the breath weapon. And probably at level 6 as well.

 

[Greenleaves]

I know, but I seem to have got myself fixated on being a Dragon (it is in the name of the game after all).

I can not remember the last time I played a normal human, and nearly all of the races I choose have some form of level adjustment. My favourite was a Good Drow Wizard, but he was also schizophrenic because he was good and whenever he was in a dangerous situation he had to make a save otherwise he reverted to his evil ways. (Incidentally he was killed by a red dragon that h took on solo whilst it was in human form).

I have looked into the Dragon Disciple build as well, what about Warmage rathr than Sorceror. That way with Battlecaster feat I can wear medium armour with no arcane spell failure.

The main aim of this character is to be the fighter of the party, I think. Getting together with the others on Sunday to discuss ideas, if someone else is doing a fighter / tank style then I might go for the Dragon Adept.

 

[Dandu]

I know, but I seem to have got myself fixated on being a Dragon (it is in the name of the game after all).

So's dungeon, but I don't see a reason to fixate on being a defensive structure.

I have looked into the Dragon Disciple build as well, what about Warmage rathr than Sorceror. That way with Battlecaster feat I can wear medium armour with no arcane spell failure.

You are investing a feat to cast first level spells in medium armor. What spells do you see yourself casting?

 

[Greenleaves]

So you would just go with sorceror and take the spell failure chance?

I admit it is tempting as he warmage has no defensive spells.

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

So you would just go with sorceror and take the spell failure chance?

1. Twilight enhancement.

2. Mithral Armor.

3. Spellsword prestige class 1 level dip.

4. Or just use friggin' Mage Armor / Greater Mage Armor / Bracers of Armor

 

[Dandu]

So you would just go with sorceror and take the spell failure chance?

Spells with no somatic components (True Strike, Feather Fall) can be cast in armor. Wands can be used for other things.

 

[Greenleaves]

Hmm.. my fighter character seems to be moving further and further away from fighter.