I've got a bit of an itch to try and put together a decent Martial (TOB) Swiftblade for some Gishy fun which at higher levels leads to more fun with multiple standard actions as spells or maneuvers.
The problem seems to be that the combo is likely to eat up a LOT of CL if you really want to have any range of Maneuvers.
As I am putting this together I am mostly looking at low to mid levels and wanting it to be as decent as possible at all levels of play.
I'm also the type that just loves his skill monkeys so I may start with trying to use Beguiler base though that is not critical to this building exercise. Actually probably will end up doing several versions as other caster bases would lend to more self buffing fun and flexibility.
We don't play with flaws so that is out in my designs. I may build in such a way that gives up more CL for cheap feat grabs ala things like 2 levels of Monk variant for Dodge/Mobility and other goodies. This of course would gut CL and Spell Power acquisition but would likely lend itself to an playable/enjoyable character.
I also realize that already in this brainstorming I have mentioned several directions which competes for levels and thus making it more difficult to effectively combine Swiftblade and Martial abilities in poarticular becuase the more stuff outside minimum necessary Swiftblade entry I do will stunt Swiftblade progression...
Caster Bases considered for nowBeguiler 6
Wizard 5 (Probably actually the best in meshing with taking a martial level)
Then, Arcane Strike feat (CW) or Level(s) in Jade Phoenix mage for Arcane Wrath.... for melee goodness Arcane Wrath just might be worth the caster loss?
?
Lets See... I need Dodge and Mobility.
Beguiler Base Progession- 1) Beguiler--- Dodge
2) Beguiler---
3) Beguiler--- Mobility
4) Beguiler---
5) Beguiler---
6) Beguiler--- Feat
7) Swiftblade---
8) Swiftblade---
9) Warblade--- Arcane Strike (also 5IL for 3rd level maneuvers)
10) Swiftblade--- (yay Blurred Alacrity) - Caster level 8, 4th level spells
Wizard Base Progession- 1) Wizard--- Dodge (could trade out Scribe too)
2) Wizard---
3) Wizard--- Mobility
4) Wizard---
5) Wizard---
6) Warblade--- Feat (IL4, 2nd level Maneuvers..Emerald Razor)
7) Swiftblade--- No Caster Level
8) Swiftblade---
9) Swiftblade--- Arcane Strike (yay Blurred Alacrity)
10) Swiftblade--- No Caster Level - Caster Level 7, 4th level spells
So with those two versions end up with 4th level spells. Beguiler has higher Maneuvers and more spells but Wizard has more flexibility and further along the Swiftblade path.
Okay, enough for now. Lunch time. Any feedback and ideas appreciated even if not totally in line with what I have above.