Part of my character creations concepts regarding to spend CP on skills or not is the character type. Spending CP on skills is relevant for some Classes, especially the more RP focused. I cannot imagine not spending CP on skills for classes like the Student. Those trained dice and specs come in handy more often than not. Classes that tend to be more action oriented, say for instance a "Thug" in my mind, can get by with less skills, as long as characterictic and action cards are available.

Not certain if this works out in practice, but it is something I consider.

More than anything else, like the OP, when creating a character, more than maximizing its power, I think about how I want the character to do things. It really makes the RP experience more enjoyable. Even in combat, because even then, you start to consider the strategy of your character.

I dig it.

I'm bringing this thread back from the dead as I need your help.

You see, I want to do more damage. I've read several posts on this forum that mention Sword Masters doing all kinds of crazy damage, but so far my character's out-put has been less than impressive. I'm averaging 12 damage per hit, and I believe the biggest hit I've thrown down was 18 wounds (pre-soak). I managed that only once in 3 combats. In return, I'm walking away from fights with 7-8 wounds.

So, can any WFRP 3e experts out there help me crank it up a notch in the combat department?

After 7 sessions playing through Eye for an Eye and Winds of Change, I've earned 9 XP and have spent 8 advancements. When I hit 10 XP, I'm thinking of purchasing a 2nd rank in Weapon Skill. I'm also tempted to save up 2 advancements to get First Aid, as no one in our party has that skill (and I'm the one who usually ends up getting hurt the most, especially compared to our Iron Breaker).

Here's what my Sword Master currently looks like:

Kethael
Str 4 (1 fortune)
To 3
Agi 4
Int 3
WP 3
Fel 2

Wounds 14 (+3 from advancements)

Basic Skills (all rank 1): Coordination, Weapon Skill, Discipline, Intuition, Leadership, Observation

Advanced Skills: Education

Specialties: Greatsword (WS), Vigilance (Discipline)

Talents: Quick Wits (focus), Flanking Manoeuvre (tactic), Roll With It (tactic)

Action Cards: Improved Parry, My Life For Yours, Path of the Hawk, Path of the Summer Gale, Riposte, Speed of Asuryan

Weapon/Armor: Greatsword of Hoeth, Ulthuan Scale (defense 1, soak 3)

QUESTIONS
I tried to build up combos to trip my Riposte, but I've found it's hard to pull off even if I throw Improved Parry, Dodge and Speed of Asuryan at a single attack, which then also leaves me pretty vulnerable to a follow-up strike. Would Improved Dodge help all that much (1 challenge vs 2 misfortune), or am I better off with an action card that increases my damage?

I just picked up Flanking Manoeuvre and haven't used it yet, so if my GM allows, I could switch it out for something else. I had considered Twist the Knife. Is that any good? Is there a better focus or tactic talent option?

Other than Final Stroke of the Master, are there other Way of the Sword cards I should get? What is the best combo of Way of the Sword cards to use in combat? Should I start with Path of the Summer Gale to engage a target at close range without using a maneouvre, throw down all of my defense cards in hopes of activating Riposte, attack next with Path of the Autumn Wind and then hit with Final Stroke of the Master (or Path of the Hawk)?

Other action cards I've been looking at, but I'm unsure of, are Reckless Cleave, Thunderous Blow and Duelist's Strike. I initially dismissed them as my character is usually quite deep in the Conservative stance and they seem better on Reckless, but once I wrap up this career I may choose to be a Mercenary and play the red side more.

Speaking of being a Mercenary, my plan was to max out on fortune die, action cards, skills and wounds (which = 10 advancements), as opposed to upping a characteristic. Is this a mistake?

Thanks for any suggestions or criticisms!

Sincerely,

Yipe

Addendum: I'm also looking at Who's Next? and Inspiring Words.

For Who's Next, it seems better in Reckless than in Conservative, but maybe I can help support the other characters in our group (and I'll probably be going Reckless more often in my 2nd career)?

For Inspiring Words, my Fellowship is only 2, but I do have Leadership trained and I'll pick up Coordinate Tactics as my free career specialization. Perhaps investing 4 advancements into Fellowship wouldn't hurt, or should I go the full monty and spend 6 XP on Strength 5?