Excels in stealth and infiltration with powerful Shadow Hand maneuvers. Can deliver strong strikes with Shadow Blade.
Limited defense options if discovered while sneaking. Relies heavily on Dexterity and positioning.
Sun-and-Moon-Ninja
Combines mobility and striking power with abilities like Assassin’s Stance and Shadow Jaunt. Effective in hit-and-run tactics.
Vulnerable to well-prepared opponents who can anticipate movements. Limited ability to sustain prolonged combat.
The-Prince-of-Wolves
Leverages animal companion for enhanced synergy in combat. Strong at survival and tracking due to wilderness capabilities.
Dependent on the companion for maximum effectiveness. Can struggle in environments unsuited to wilderness tactics.
Bladesinger
The Bladesinger[1] combines the agility and precision of a Swordsage with the spellcasting prowess of a Duskblade[3] through the deadly Jade Phoenix Mage prestige class. The result is a character that excels in delivering high damage via empowered spellstrikes, while also having the unique ability to resurrect in battle like a phoenix.
Bladesinger[1]’s major strength is its ability to deliver empowered spells through weapon attacks, which maximizes damage output and makes it possible to one-shot even powerful enemies.
The build is heavily reliant on positioning and timing in combat, making it vulnerable to situational disadvantages or missteps, especially given its low Constitution making survivability an issue if caught off guard.
Utilize the Bloodstone Spell Storing Scimitar to cast Vampiric Touch multiple times in a round, healing while dealing massive damage—just make sure you’re in the Firebird Stance for that epic phoenix-style comeback!
Master of the Nine Schools
The Master of the Nine Schools[4] build combines the versatile Swordsage class with the elite Master of Nine prestige to unleash all nine martial disciplines at their peak. This build features unparalleled adaptability in combat maneuvers, allowing for staggering damage and tactical flexibility.
This build excels in versatility, allowing the player to adapt and use any maneuver from the nine disciplines with exceptional efficiency, hitting foes with massive damage or supporting allies with powerful tactics.
The Nine Schools[4] requires a strategic approach due to its limitations with certain abilities depending on feats and stances, which might complicate gameplay for newcomers who aren’t familiar with the complex interactions of the nine disciplines.
Mastery of all nine disciplines allows you to chain maneuvers in innovative ways, such as using a boost to enhance a strike or a clever counter to turn the tide in combat, reflecting the true essence of the Swordsage’s adaptability.
Shadow Hand Specialist
The Shadow Hand Specialist is a Swordsage build focused on dexterity, utilizing the Shadow Hand discipline for increased attack and damage. This build allows access to sneak attack bonuses, making it a highly effective damage-dealer while maintaining versatility with maneuvers from other disciplines.
The build’s major strength lies in its combination of high dexterity and sneak attack capabilities, which enable it to deal significant damage, particularly when exploiting vulnerabilities in enemy defenses using maneuvers.
The primary weakness of the Shadow Hand Specialist is its reliance on positioning and specific circumstances to maximize its sneak attack potential, which can be challenging against highly mobile or aware opponents.
A nifty trick with this build involves using the Craven feat, which adds a substantial damage boost to each successful sneak attack, enhancing the potential for a devastating offense when the situational stars align.
Sun and Moon Ninja
The Sun-and-Moon-Ninja build uses a Kenku Unarmed Swordsage and Shadow Sun Ninja mix for deadly versatility. Combining Setting Sun and Shadow Hand styles, the build excels in dealing burst damage via Sneak Attacks and exploiting weaknesses with unique abilities.
Its biggest strength is the combination of monk-like unarmed strikes and the ability to deal various types of damage, including Constitution and Cold Damage.
A significant weakness is the potential risk of becoming an uncontrollable Vampire NPC if the powers over shadows are abused.
Exploit undead vulnerabilities by utilizing grapples along with Constitution damage, taking full advantage of their typical low Constitution scores.
The Prince of Wolves
The Prince of Wolves[5] build combines the versatility of the Swordsage with the arcane might of a Duskblade[3], expertly blending martial and magical prowess. This build shines in dealing massive damage while boasting impressive resilience, making it formidable against most foes.
The build’s strongest feature is its ability to unleash high burst damage through empowered spells like Vampiric Touch, synergized with maneuvers for overwhelming attacks.
The Prince of Wolves[5]’ major weakness is its reliance on precise timing and positioning to maximize maneuver and spell effectiveness, leaving it vulnerable to disruption.
Utilize the Bloodstone Spell Storing Scimitar to combine spellcasting and weapon attacks, allowing a seamless execution of Vampiric Touch four times in one round, with two empowered for massive healing and damage.
FAQ
What Makes the Swordsage Stand Out Among Martial Classes?
The Swordsage excels in versatility. They combine martial prowess with mystical maneuvers. Their adaptability lets them handle various combat roles, from stealthy strikes to magical defenses. This flexibility makes them invaluable, regardless of party composition. They thrive both as soloists and in teamwork scenarios.
How Do Swordsage Builds Enhance Team Dynamics?
Swordsage builds offer maneuvers that can bolster allies or hinder foes. Some maneuvers increase ally defense or heal, while others debuff or distract enemies. When paired correctly, they magnify party strengths. This synergy can turn tightly contested battles in their favor.
Does Swordsage Require Specific Gear to Perform Optimally?
While armor and weapons are crucial, focus on items that boost maneuvers. Weapons like the Shadow Blade improve damage and accuracy. Magic items that increase Dexterity or Wisdom are also advantageous. Prioritize equipment complementing your chosen disciplines for maximum effectiveness.
Which Disciplines Best Suit a Swordsage Focused on Stealth?
For stealth-oriented Swordsages, Shadow Hand and Setting Sun are ideal. Shadow Hand grants abilities like invisibility and teleportation. Setting Sun provides maneuvers for positioning and enemy control. Together, they enhance sneaky strikes and tactical retreats.
How Does a Swordsage Compare to a Monk in Combat?
Monks excel in mobility and quick strikes, while Swordsages offer broader tactical options. Swordsages leverage magic-infused maneuvers for damage and control. Monks focus on physical combat and defense. Both are agile, but a Swordsage’s versatility often gives them an edge.
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Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
The woman, hunchbacked, with a heavy cloak over her body and head, moved her way toward the palace in the Capital. The guards which were entrusted with guarding the gate, halberds crossed, dropped to a deep slumber. Her simple spell was exceptionally effective against their simple minds.
Unopposed by any further guards, the woman reached the throne room, was met by the hunched and decrepit form of a king much too unstable to be in power. He simply sat hunched in his throne with his fingers wrapped against the solid arm of it. The woman looked him over as she had done many times before. She saw that he was, indeed, as mad as the last time she had seen him.
–“Who dare come into this grand hall and stand before His Majesty without bowing!” He screamed at her, with foam at at the mouth.
–“The woman you once chased away with your evil heart, father.” The hunchback figure said with a mirthful tone.
–“Nonsense! My Daughter is the most beautiful woman in the kingdom, my future bride and heir to the Throne!”
–“She is all of this, and much more.” Said the woman, as the guards slowly stepped towards her, the figures encircled the woman. She did nothing as the guards prepared their weapons.
–“All but one thing. She will never be your bride.” As she said, the woman removed her cloak. She stood tall and revealed all her glory. From where her hump was a pair of fiery wings crowned her red, flamboyant hair. Her beauty unsurpassed, yet her face cold as stone. All the guards fell to their knees as the eyes of the king burnt at the sight of the Phoenix, reborn. This marked her as the true Heir and worthy Queen of Fall.
Race
Avariel
Class
Swordsage 3/Duskblade 7/Jade Phoenix Mage 10 (3 LA Buyback)
You can Cast spells via your weapon, add maneuvers and overall deal downright some of the highest damage you can attain without using shenanigans, and even compete with shenanigans… You can explode in a fiery flame storm only to be reborn the next round, as a true Phoenix, can Empower spells on the fly, and with a Bloodstone Spell Storing Scimitar, can cast Vampiric Touch 4/Round, two of which Empowered, healing you along dealing damage so high you can one shot deities.
As the group had split once more, the two brothers set their sights toward the hidden school.
They’d parted ways to reflect on their hardships against the cult of Tiamat, the dark army, and the discovery of the bigger threat behind all of these happenings. They both needed to hone their combat skills significantly, otherwise they would be subsumed.
Fortunately, they had uncovered rumors of the Shadow Hand, a secret discipline. This Shadow Hand could teach them techniques that would allow them a chance against their elusive enemy.
The two sisters were in the process of examining a lead about potential recruit for their cause. If that person could be convinced…
As one of the three Initiator Classes, you have access to Maneuvers and Stances, making you a very strong asset on the battlefield, and as a Swordsage, you are the most versatile of all three such classes. This build focuses mainly around the Shadow Hand Discipline, allowing you to add Dex both to attack and damage, gaining access to Sneak Attack(and thus Craven) for downright insane damage, while sprinkling maneuvers from other disciplines to round up your abilities as one of the strongest dps classes in the game.
At the Shadow Hand school, the man watched his younger brother get the hang of his new martial techniques. His skills slowly improved, greater and greater as the days passed. Musing to himself, he let out a sigh. His study of shadow magic progressed at a much more lackadaisical pace.
-“You seem disturbed”
The voice made him jump. The man turned to the old man behind him. A firm smile on the elder’s face as he lounged under the shade of the trees.
–“Yeah, sorry, it’s difficult for me to grasp how the shadow weave operates.” He responded, turning back to the book and huffing. The old man smiled opened up.
-“Perhaps, but fear not young nobleman. I have high hopes for you. High hopes indeed…”
You are a great scout, as capable as a rogue or a, well, scout. However, your strength is in your shadow magic, a form of spellcasting that is extremely potent, although highly limited in its scope. With your control over shadows, even when surrounded, no enemy can attack you as retaliation for casting, and your shadow familiar is extremely strong. With the right choice of Paths, your spellcasting can rival the strongest wizards.
The Queen, finally adorned with the crown and taking the reigns of Fall, stood on the balcony above speaking to the gathered people. A lone man in the crowd smiled softly as his eyes appreciated the journey past.
“My student is so grown up,” he thought to himself in silence. The man shrugged and hefted to his shoulder his backpack. The walk would be a long one, his lonely road.
He had taught her well all of the nine secret disciplines, now it was up to her to defend the world against the evil of the Dark Empire of Nethervale. His job was done and, even as he was the strongest swordsman alive, his role was not to fight, but to teach the next generation of heroes…
Race
Human
Class
Swordsage 15/Master of Nine 5
Ability Scores
Str 14/Dex 16/Con 12/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 8
Skills
Balance 10, Concentration 10, Jump 10, Tumble 10
Equipment
A rapier, a Chainshirt
Flaws
Shaky, Murky Eyed
Goal
This takes the concept of the nine disciplines explored in the Tome of Battle, and raises it to its natural conclusion. You can use all nine Disciplines at maximum level, pulling damage rolls of 4d20+23, or adding +100 to damage, or just straight up playing twice in a row, casting Mass Heal on your allies, you are the absolute master of the blade.
The two sisters, as they traversed the slick slopes and ridges of the cavern tunnels, couldn’t help but feel the prickles of fear spreading across the back of their necks. They were inside the domain of a predator much bigger, and likely stronger than the both of them.
–“Hello? Is there someone?” The younger sister timidly called out into the dark, She brought up her torch to illuminate the cavern before them. Her white garb shimmered softly in the light of the fire.
A distance away from the two, a wooden table was set up, simple, yet elegant. Another woman sat, similar in age to the sisters in appearance. She was tall, but lithe, and dressed in simple artisan’s attire. The woman busied her hands by shining a tin cup.
–“No need to be afraid, I know what the two of you are.” She said, he eyes focused on the cup, “sit. We have much to discuss, I imagine…”
Race
Human Werewolf
Class
Lord 6/Swordsage 9/Warshaper 2/Fist of the Forest 3 (2 LA Buyback)
Ability Scores
Str 14/Dex 14/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 16/Cha 14
Skills
Handle Animal 4, Survival 4
Equipment
A shortsword, a Chainshirt.
Goal
You are not just a Werewolf, you are a Werewolf Lord, a Dire Werewolf, an your hybrid form stand 7+feet tall, a true monster from the nightmares of men. Your claws deal tremendous damage and coupled with high level Disciplines as a Swordsage, along with an immense AC boosted by three stats, you are an enemy not to be underestimated. Your claws deal some 2d6 and your bite 2d8, which boosted by say Shadow Hand, Tiger Claws or Diamond Mind Maneuvers, can mean ability drain too, or other stupid shit like 4x Concentration check to damage…
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Werewolf
10
Track, Improved Unarmed Strike, Great Fortitude, Power Attack, Able Learner
Lycanthrope, DR 10/Silver
2
Werewolf
1d8+2
–
–
3
Werewolf
1d8+2
–
–
4
Werewolf
1d8+2
–
+1 Str
5
Werewolf
1d8+2
–
–
6
Werewolf
1d8+2
–
–
7
Warshaper
1d8+2
–
Morphic Immunities, Morphic Weapons
8
Warshaper
1d8+18
–
+5 Str, +4 Con
9
Fist of the Forest
1d10+4
Multiattack
AC Bonus(Con), Primal Living, Feral Trance 1/Day, Fast Movements, Unarmed 1d8
10
Fist of the Forest
1d10+4
–
Uncanny Dodge, Untamed Strike
11
Fist of the Forest
1d10+4
–
Feral Trance 2/Day, Scent, Unarmed Strike
1d10
12
Swordsage
1d8+4
Adaptive Style
Quick to Act +1, Discipline Focus(Weapon Focus), +1 Str
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