Crusader suggestions?

[Tyger]

Looking for any suggestions on a human, level 2 crusader. Not looking for ultimate power, and we already have a huge tripper (ye olde half-giant pyschic warrior with a spiked chain) so the battlefield control is covered, and then some.

Was thinking of going Stone Power with a greatsword, just dish out the damage, while not ever going down. We're using the Armor as DR variant from UA, so its going to be tough at low levels to really sustain any serious injuries!

In particular, what should the second feat be? And any tips on manuevers / stances that do not involve dipping into any other classes just yet? May multi-class later, but for now, just plain Crusader.

Sourcebooks is any WotC 3.5 book, subject to DM approval.

[Eldariel]

Second feat: Extra Granted Maneuver. Makes Crusaders SO much more reliable.

[Vortling]

If healing damage isn't going to be a huge concern initially you may want to look over the white raven school, especially the stances and maneuvers that grant extra damage and hit bonuses.

[Sinfire Titan]

As it has been said, your best feats at this level are Stone Power and Extra Granted Maneuver.


If your DM allows Evil characters, there's a Ritual feat in Exemplars of Evil that allows you to heal everyone in the party very cheaply. Also, Elder Evils has some great feats for a Crusader who doesn't have much use for his Swift/Immediate actions (boosts/counters are fairly rare in those three styles).

Note: The Armor as DR house rule doesn't exactly work as written. As it is, it lowers your AC from what it is supposed to be, making it easier to hit you. If the enemies know this, they start using Power Attack more, and all of a sudden that DR becomes worthless.

[Keld Denar]

Martial Spirit is probably the best 1st level stance at the lowest of levels. Its just that useful. For your other stance, you might get some mileage out of Leading the Charge. Ironguard's Glare could also hold potential, if you stand next to your lockdown tripper.

For maneuvers, I'd probably go with:

Vanguard Strike
Crusader's Strike
Leading the Attack
Stone Bones
Dousing the Flames or Charging Minotaur, depending on style. I don't like Chargine Minotaur because its SOOO circumstancial, but Dousing the Flames is kind crappy too. You probably won't initiate these, but you don't really have much choice.

I'd tell you to opt for Power Attack instead of Stone Power. SP is ok at low levels, but quickly loses its oomph due to the cap. If you are doing a fair number of Standard Action strikes, you can get away with adding a fair big of PA since you don't have to worry about iteratives missing. Extra Granted Maneuver should be your other feat.

At 3rd level, Definitely pick up Mountain Hammer or Foehammer. They are pretty much identical, so it doesn't matter too much...but yea, they are good.