Arelith

I have (for no good reason) an affection for deep Fighter builds, so I've been thinking quite a bit about the current deep Fighter bonuses. (no need to convince me that deep Fighter is sub-optimal, I am well aware of the arguments!)

I also have an affection for two-handed builds, greatsword/greataxe/falchion/etc.

Normal trade-off going from sword/shield -> 2H:
+2 AB
+1/2 STR mod to damage
-6 AC (Assume Adamantine Tower Shield)

Fighter 10 trade-off
+2 AB
+1/2 STR mod to damage
-7 AC (Adamantine Tower Shield + 1 Fighter bonus shield AC)

Fighter 25 trade-off:
+2 AB
+1/2 STR mod to damage
-8 AC (Adamantine Tower Shield + 2 Fighter bonus shield AC)

Fighter 28 trade-off:
+2 AB
+1/2 STR mod to damage
-9 AC (Adamantine Tower Shield + 3 Fighter bonus shield AC)

So it seems like deep fighter is really pushing towards sword/shield as opposed to 2H build, because you lose more and more by going 2H, but don't gain more and more.

Some possibilities to rectify that situation:

1) Bonus to shield AC if using a shield OR is using a 2H weapon

2) Additional bonus to damage when using a 2H weapon
-Right now it's +1/+2/+3 damage at levels 23/25/28... I would maybe double this to +2/+4/+6 for 2H

3) Additional AB when using a 2H weapon
-I know AB is probably the least likely option here

Any other thoughts? Or am I completely missing something?

I think you are missing some things. Deep fighter is in a good place. 25ftr/5wm is a strong, if boring build- there are other deep fighter builds that are just as strong and just as boring. Two handing offers a lot of damage at the cost of ac, this is good and as it should be. The only thing I would change is making the fighter bonus go armor, helm, shield rather than armor, shield, helm so that two handed fighters and two weapon fighters can more quickly take advantage of the bonuses.

Curve wrote: Fri Jun 04, 2021 3:40 pm The only thing I would change is making the fighter bonus go armor, helm, shield rather than armor, shield, helm so that two handed fighters and two weapon fighters can more quickly take advantage of the bonuses.

Preach.

Really good point