Meet the barbarian fencer

[Soulheaven]

Yup. So a while ago I started a campaign with the barbarian origin. One of the starting mercs was quite a talent (strong+iron lungs). In the early game, I like getting dodge on barbarians, so they quickly gain lots of MD with a simple shield, to later capitalize on a nimble build, since they already have quite good base stats in terms of HP and INI, and decent FAT and RES (so low need to expend points on these two). However, when leveling, I started getting tons of +5 initiative rolls and started speccing him towards a fencing role. Later on I found a REALLY good famed fencing sword (maximum base dmg and almost maximum armor dmg) and the killing machine started rolling.

Here is his current status, at lvl 23, and he is by far the highest damage dealer of my company. I know the perks are not perfect, and he probably has way too many FAT but, as I said, I did not plan the build beforehand (and I play ironman so any decision stuck). Nimble is at maximum, since armor only weights 14 (4 helmet, 10 body).
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=2776125715

Personally, I have found fencers to be quite fun, and I use them in pairs, both in one of the flanks, so that they can reinforce each other (I found a single fencer would quickly become overwhelmed). I think they are really dependent on having good gear, much more than any other build I have tried.

I would like to ask you about your fencing experience, specially in terms of:
- Have you ever used a fencing tandem?
- Do you think famed gear is required?
- My famed sword has a lot of armor dmg (lunge causes 113-160 armor dmg, with no buffs and 0 fatigue), but I haven't yet found one with extra penetration, which could be really interesting to one-shot even medium-health foes. Any experience in that matter?
- What attributes and perks would you favour?

PS: looking forward to playing the anatomist to experiment with superhumans :D

[Abel]

Absolute beast! The perk selection is great too. You could argue about Overwhelm or Pathfinder but everything else is essential, in my opinion.
You typically raise Melee Skill, Defense and Initiative. But of course, if you're going for very long campaign like you are, you can also invest points in Fatigue or Hitpoints.

I've never used more than one fencer and I don't think named items are ever required in any situation though they can have great effect on the game depending on how they roll and when you get them.

I think the only problem with the fencer is that Lunge does piercing damage and a selection of enemies are very resistant to it. So then you have to either use Slash or change weapons. I guess Overwhelm gives you some extra utility in such circumstances.

[Rat]

terminator brother

[turtle225]

I've personally been more in favor of Qatal Duelists over Fencers these days, but it could be because I tend to build them similarly instead of leaning to the more popular damage focused fencing builds.