[OOC] Converting Your Character: Complete Warrior

Swashbuckler

This character is best translated as a trickster rogue (Player's Handbook p117), becoming a true striker rather than an odd (and underpowered) hybrid between defender and striker. Swashbucklers preferring two weapons could also consider the two-blade ranger build (p104), or simply select feats that enhance this fighting style.

Hexblade

This class mixes melee combat with spellcasting, but definitely favors the blade over the hex. Thus, the great weapon fighter build (p76) is probably a good base class/build selection, adding multiclass warlock feats to round out the spellcasting. Call your Combat Challenge class feature a “Hexblade’s Challenge” in order to change its flavor to something a bit more supernatural; or, if your DM is willing to experiment, you could trade Combat Challenge for the paladin’s Divine Challenge, re-flavoring it in the same manner.

Alternatively, you could start with the scourge warlock build (p130), adding multiclass fighter feats, armor training feats, and the like to craft a striker who’s durable enough for melee combat.

Samurai

The archetypal samurai fits best into the defender role, and thus works well as a fighter. Call your greatsword a katana and use the great weapon fighter build (p76) build, or ask your DM if you can treat your off-hand short sword (or wakizashi) as a shield for the purposes of the various powers that go well with the guardian fighter build (p76).

For a slightly off-beat solution, use the two-blade ranger build (p104) and play your samurai as more of a two-weapon-wielding striker. Then use feat selections to add fighter powers and to improve your armor, if desired.