When does it become difficult to get full attacks?

[Sutremaine]

By the time Duskblades get their 13th-level ability to channel during a full-round attack, are they going to be able to use it that often?

[Zincorium]

Depends 100% on the campaign. And luck. And player decisions.

Really it's hard to say. Some monsters in that range, like iron golems, will provide you the opportunity for a full attack almost every round, because they're sure as heck taking one on you.

Other things, like spellcasters, will mean you'll be lucky if you even get a standard attack. So you want to deal as much damage as possible with that one, thus the preference of two handed weapons over dual wielding as far as combat effectiveness.

[deadseashoals]

Also, as per the FAQ:


At 13th level, the duskblade's arcane channeling class feature (Player’s Handbook II, 20) says "you can cast any touch spell you know as part of a full attack action, and the spell affects each target you hit in melee combat that round." If you hit the same creature more than once during the full attack action, does the spell affect it each time you hit?

No. The spell affects each target only once.

So, if you're looking to use the duskblade's arcane channeling and discharge your spell multiple times, it's going to be even more difficult. You basically have to start your turn with at least two enemies within your reach.

[Indon]

Oh, but that would be an interesting use of Whirlwind Attack. Heh.

[JoeFredBob]

Technically that wouldn't work with whirlwind attack because that's not a full attack action.

However, this raises the point of the glory of a duskblade dervish.

[Closet_Skeleton]

Technically that wouldn't work with whirlwind attack because that's not a full attack action.

However, this raises the point of the glory of a duskblade dervish.

Why not? It's a full round action that involves attacking?

[Zincorium]

Technically that wouldn't work with whirlwind attack because that's not a full attack action.

However, this raises the point of the glory of a duskblade dervish.

Error: research not done.



Whirlwind Attack [General] Prerequisites

Dex 13, Int 13, Combat Expertise (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#combatExpertise), Dodge (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#dodge), Mobility (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#mobility), Spring Attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/feats.htm#springAttack), base attack bonus +4.
Benefit

When you use the full attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/combat/actionsInCombat.htm#fullAttack) action, you can give up your regular attacks and instead make one melee attack at your full base attack bonus against each opponent within reach.
When you use the Whirlwind Attack feat, you also forfeit any bonus or extra attacks granted by other feats, spells, or abilities.




Whirlwind is a full attack action. Period. It does work. It's an excellent combo.


Accurate research is good for your credibility, sentient.

[Lord Lorac Silvanos]

As Zincorium said it can be very campaign specific. There is not much use of a whirlwinding Duskblade if the DM only puts you up against one big opponent at a time.
The Duskblade part does not contribute much either if the opponents would fall as a result of the whirlwind alone.


Reach and remembering to take your 5 foot step during your full attack helps putting critters down with your spells.
Against a flying caster it gets more difficult, but the other party members needs something to do also.

[Sutremaine]

Depends 100% on the campaign. And luck. And player decisions.
I was hoping for a ballpark figure, but that works for me.


Other things, like spellcasters, will mean you'll be lucky if you even get a standard attack. So you want to deal as much damage as possible with that one, thus the preference of two handed weapons over dual wielding as far as combat effectiveness.
Or keep a quarterstaff handy, once you can afford enchanting a third weapon (quick question: what kind of action is it to switch from TWF to THF with a double weapon?). Or take Dual Strike, but that's another feat.

If I ever DM, either the TWF tree goes or I make one for Power Attack.