So I created a High Elf Swordmaster and have 3 actions to select, which should I choose? I know that the Swordmaster has access to the way of the sword actions and is primarely and defensive type of character, but what should I choose?

I'm brand new to WFRP 3E, and as my first character I'm playing a Sword Master. So far, I've got 3 sessions under my belt. It's not much, but I'll see if I can help out:

1) Sword Masters are best on offense

With the right combo of cards, you can put down some big hits on your opponents. This is especially nice if your group struggles to significantly hurt high-soak NPCs. However, as an elf with a greatsword, you don't want to be in combat forever (for reasons I'll list below). You need to get in, kill, and get out.

A decent 3-card combo would be Path of the Summer Gale, Path of the Hawk, and then Final Stroke of the Master.

Use Path of the Summer Gale as an opener to engage your opponent. Next, strike with Path of the Hawk. It has decent damage, and it increases the damage you'll do next with... Final Stroke of the Master. By this point, you could be 3 deep into your conservative stance, so I believe a ST 4 Sword Master would inflict a maximum of 17 damage, with at least 1 critical.

If you like, Path of the Autumn Wind can be substituted for Path of the Hawk. It doesn't do as much direct damage, but it can help you defensively, and it can add more recharge counters to a Way of the Sword card, causing your Final Stroke of the Master to hit harder.

Another defensive option is to drop Path of the Hawk and get Speed of Asuryan. This gives an additional active defense card, and as it's played out of turn, will help boost your Final Stroke of the Master. By spending a fatigue to go 3 deep into conservative, with this combo our ST 4 Sword Master would score a max of 20 wounds on his 2nd attack, with a minimum of 1 critical.

One thing to pay attention to when choosing a non-Way of the Sword action is the conservative side of the card. I've found that many of the combat cards are better on the reckless side (like Trollfeller Strike), especially those that require great weapons (see Reckless Cleave). As a Sword Master you'll only have 1 reckless stance at the start, and your Way of the Sword cards are typically superior in conservative, which can limit your options. A good example of this is Who's Next. The reckless side is great, whereas the conservative is good but is a bit more situational.

2) Being a defensive Sword Master

A Sword Master can throw down with the best of them. On the flip side, you're an Elf, so you'll likely begin with a lower wound threshold than most other combat characters. And you'll be using your Greatsword, which means shields are out. Plus, as a starting character you probably won't have enough gold to buy any serious armor. What does all this mean? That you can dish out some real damage, but you can't stick around for a prolonged battle.

If you want to play a more defensive Sword Master, I've found that investing in defense (as opposed to soak) can help you avoid being hit in the first place. Buy armor that offers defense dice, then invest in cards like Speed of Asuryan and Improved Parry. Combined with Riposte, you could not only save yourself some damage but increase how much you do each turn. Just know that WFRP 3E has a pretty high hit rate, so tripping Riposte isn't easy. When it happens, though, it's pretty cool.

As far as talents go, I've found Roll With It to be very useful. Quick Wits and Foresight can be nice too.

That's all I've got for now. I hope that helped.

Sincerely,

Yipe

EDIT: I forgot one thing. The "Way of the Sword" cards aren't restricted to just the Sword Master. Any character can take them. The card's trait is there to play off certain mechanics, not to be used as a restriction for certain careers. For example, your Sword Master could take a card with the Troll Slayer trait, if you were so inclined.

yep Way Of The Sword trait is designed for you character... So catch'em all like pokemons

kk thx all for your advices ! For armor I have a Breastplate and Chain and I have a toughness of 5.