[OOC] Converting Your Character: Tome of Battle

Any specific character using one of these classes is defined more by his power selection than his class features. The wide range of power options mean that any two swordsages might feel radically different—perhaps even fitting into different class roles. Thus, you should look closely at the disciplines and powers of your particular character when translating him into 4th Edition.

The following list provides some tips on which role or roles each of the disciplines fits best (but note that exceptions abound):

* Desert Wind: Striker
* Devoted Spirit: Defender or Leader (particularly the healing stances and maneuvers)
* Diamond Mind: Striker
* Iron Heart: Defender
* Setting Sun: Striker or Defender (particularly the “throw opponent” maneuvers)
* Shadow Hand: Striker
* Stone Dragon: Defender
* Tiger Claw: Striker
* White Raven: Leader

Crusader
The limited range of power selection for this class (only three disciplines) would seem to make it the easiest of the three martial adepts to convert. However, there are two distinct roles that can be built with the class. If your character feels more like a defender (focusing on personal durability, perhaps preferring Stone Dragon maneuvers), you’re probably best off with one of the paladin builds (Player's Handbook p90). However, if you’re more of a Devoted Spirit/White Raven type of crusader, bolstering your allies whenever possible, then you might find the inspiring warlord build (p144) more to your taste. Either way, multiclassing between paladin and warlord isn’t a bad idea.

Swordsage
These characters most often tend to be strikers, though some lean more toward the defender role. If you lean instead toward striker, look at the two-blade ranger build (p104) or the brawny rogue build (p117). Defender-flavored swordsages should use the great weapon fighter build (p76). Either way, a multiclass feat or two from the other side of the fence isn’t a bad option. If your swordsage uses Desert Wind maneuvers, you might instead want to multiclass as a wizard or warlock to pick up a couple of fiery powers… or just talk to your DM about changing the damage type of a couple of your melee powers to fire.

Note: the swordmage class appearing in the September’s Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide provides another option for swordsages who wish to retain their mix of melee prowess and supernatural powers.

Warblade
Most warblades are probably defenders, but depending on your power selection you might fit better into the striker or even the leader role. I recommend looking at either of the fighter builds (p76), the two-blade ranger build (p114), or the brawny rogue build (p127). Warblades favoring White Raven discipline probably make good tactical warlords (p144). Multiclassing might well help you recapture the specific feel of your character.