Here is a link to my level 7 Warblade, Vesuvio Monteverdi. He is a mobile DEX fighter, happy to use a rapier. He is a swashbuckler in spirit, focused on Ironheart, Tiger Claw, and Diamond Mind Maneuvers.
(Obviously I am nerfing him a bunch with no big weapon, low STR, or power attack. That's a campaign/party balance thing. I am completely fine with it as he is a terrifically fun character to play.)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1qzUks8Z9oDlZNM_ULfav1_x50Ui7iKN2YPPUM1Sh5x0/pubhtml#
The original plan was to just take Warblade through all 20 levels.
Inspiration hit! What if I dipped two levels of swordsage at levels 9 and 10!
Here is a preliminary breakdown:
The negatives:
1. Lose out on double warblade stances capstone at 20.
2. d8 hp.
3. Slows down warblade one (or two) levels, (access, maneuvers, stances).
4. Slows down BAB one level.
The small pros:
1. +1 init.
2. Extra stance.
3. Good will and reflex.
4. Weapon focus rapiers.
The big pros:
1. Can have all three concentration save counters ready in addition to regular warblade maneuvers.
2. Get access to my favorite stances, Island of Blades and Assassin's Stance.
Big question:
Is the temporary power boost of all those save counters worth the snubbing of a full warblade?