[RPG] Looking for a fighter-like variant class

classdnd-3.5e

Looking for a fighter-type variant class with some of these possible features (in order of importance):

  • Full BAB
  • Bluff as a class skill
  • Concentration as a class skill
  • Weapon Finesse for free at level 1
  • Reflex saves
  • Sneak attack

Looking for base classes, not prestige, and it doesn't have to be an actual variant class, just something flavor and/or mechanically related to a fighter that has most of those features. Maybe even like a stronger melee rogue without trapfinding.

I am already aware of the Tome of Battle classes as well as the Swashbuckler.

Best Answer

There is one way, but it's highly unlikely to work for you. The generic Warrior gets full BAB, can choose their own class skills and good saving throw progression, and can get Weapon Finesse at level 1, and Sneak Attack at level 2. Note: There are some minor skill requirements to get Sneak Attack.

If you can talk your DM into allowing these and ignoring the advice Unearthed Arcana gives:

If you use these generic classes, you shouldn't also use the standard character classes (or variants of those classes).

Then this does, technically, fulfill all your requirements.

Assuming your DM isn't a goldfish and therefore that's not going to work, you're not going to get any closer than Swashbuckler. It has full BAB, Bluff as a class skill, and free Weapon Finesse at level 1. It also has access to the Daring Outlaw feat, which has Sneak Attack as a prerequisite, but it allows Swashbuckler levels to stack with Rogue for the purpose of sneak attack progression. You can also use the Martial Study feat to gain Concentration as a class skill. As far as I'm aware, there's nothing you can do about the Reflex save, though.

Alternatively, there's the option of combining the Thug and Sneak Attack fighter variants. This is the next closest thing, but it's already pretty far from everything you want. It has full BAB, Bluff as a class skill, and Sneak Attack. You can once again make Concentration a class skill with Martial Study, but you lose the bonus feat that would make Weapon Finesse "free", and there's nothing to be done about Reflex saves here, either.

Our next contender is the Rokugan Ninja. They get full BAB, Sneak Attack, and Bluff as a class skill. It's effectively the same as the Sneak Attack Thug Fighter for your purposes, but you might find it interesting.

Moving on, we have the Compete Adventurer Ninja. It gets both Bluff and Concentration as class skills, and has a good Reflex save. It also gets Sneak Attack...sort of. Sudden Strike is a pretty crappy version of Sneak Attack, but it does count as Sneak Attack for prerequisites if that's why you wanted Sneak Attack. On the other hand, it's 3/4 BAB, which is probably a deal-breaker for you, and it also doesn't get free Weapon Finesse.

One more - the Sleeping Tiger Monk. Yeah, I know. But it does hit some of your requirements that the other suggestions haven't been. It gets Concentration as a class skill, free Weapon Finesse at level 1, and has good Reflex saves. No Sneak Attack, Bluff, or full BAB - it's basically the exact complement to the Thug Sneak Attack Fighter as far as your requirements are concerned.