The fighter is often acknowledged to be the most versatile of character classes in D&D. On paper, it is a straightforward class, requiring relatively-lesser time to master, and results are guaranteed within the first ten levels. Yet, in reality, this could not be further from the truth. I can assure you that there has been many a time when a high-levelled fighter, armed with a +10 greatsword and protected with an AC 35 dragonscale armour, has been fried to a crisp by a Fireball from a mid-levelled wizard or turned into a skeleton by a low-levelled cleric.
So why are fighters often at a disadvantage as the game proceeds to the higher levels? Why are they able to vanquish dragons and giants, yet helpless against spellcasters who are probably only half their character levels? Is there any cheat/tip/guide that can help fighters alleviate their apparent disadvantage at high levels within the rules of the game?
The fighter basically fights. Yes, d-uh. What many players don’t understand is why they fight and what their chosen class is all about. Everyone wants to be Caramon or Sturm or Legolas or Gimli. But choosing a class based on literary or film influences isn’t exactly the smart thing to do. Not if you’re serious about playing the game and ruling vast acres of land. The fighter may not require brains, but this is no excuse for the player to fling the thinking cap to the corner when playing.
Attribute wise, the fighter banks on Strength, Dexterity and Constitution. Which is where most players dump their high scores when rolling for attributes. This often means that players are happy to use scores like 8,9 or 10 for the Intelligence and Wisdom slots. This automatically puts the fighter at a disadvantage when it comes to spell saves. Almost all spells require an Int or Wis save DC. Failure is not an option, it is a certainty. And this effect will keep snowballing to the latter levels, which is why surviving a Polymorph spell becomes a question of life and death.
Traditionally, the fighter has always been geared up for attacking. This function serves as a double-edged sword, where the downside is that a few bad rolls and you would have not caused any damage, while taking quite a few heavy blows. Imagine this: a fighter trapped in a room with a crazed wizard. Fail the initiative roll, and the swordsman had better hope for divine intervention. Of course, surviving the wizard’s first attack will not be the end of the problem, cause the arcane spellcaster would be wrapped with plenty of protective spells. A couple of failed attacks and wham, bam, you’re finger-lickin’-good, m’aam.
So what to do, what to do? Well, have a plan. No, not a plan to fight like Conan or find the most powerful weapon known to mankind. Going on a killing spree to rack up the XP is not a plan either. Instead, focus on your character goals. Do you want to be a ruler eventually? Do you want to control an army and plunder enemy lands? Or do you want to open a warrior school and train novices to be the best warriors in the land? Do you want to dabble in the politics of Ansalon or Faerun? These are some of the questions that a player choosing the fighter class should ask herself.
Next, and this is the secret ingredient, build up your armoury, not your arsenal. In due time, the fighter gets multiple attacks. In due time, the fighter causes devastating damage with every successful blow. What the fighter doesn’t get in due time is protection against spells. Which necessitates the need for solid protection. An Amulet of Protection against spells, or a Chainmail that gives a +5 bonus against magical attacks is what I have in mind. The fighter should protect herself as much as possible against magical and undead attacks. View the potential of these sorts of magic items, instead of expressing disappointment and tossing them away after discovering a magical chest. Keep an item which enhances the Wisdom and Intelligence scores. Save DCs are dependent on these two attributes, so disregard them at your own peril. A Helm of Protection against undead may seem trivial to a fighter who has an AC of 40, but that AC 40 isn’t going to help you against wraiths and ghouls.
One last piece of advice: always stock up on Potions of Healing. Never leave home/ the inn/ the tavern without them. These potions often decide if you live through a Pyrrhic battle, or start creating a new character.
(Image from www.renstore.com)
