True, I might have missed the part about single-weapon, I blame replying while being barely-awake…
Also, bumping AC is…not going to do all that well. Attack bonuses are so much easier too boost.
Kung-fu genious or better, alternate tradition on wuxian sage will also work.
Warblade has many int-dependent static bonuses, it requires some heavier investment to pay off but surely TOB can make such style actually viable.
DUELIST is ….underwhelming, no matter how you look at it, no need to nerf oneself with this sorry excuse of a PRC (for example the int bonus is capped by its level, it is added to dex bonus so its lost while FF etc etc…just don't take it).
Swashbuckler DIP may be quite decent.
But in the end… tis better to simply go 'beshadowed blade' route which is centered around getting various, non-str, bonuses to DMG.
Dex-through shadow blade and Champion of Corellion Larethian (or however that elven creator deity was called), wis via Shiba Protector (needs some HEAVY fluff stretching), int via swashbuckler dip… etc etc.
Sword of graceful strikes (EXPENSIVE it is, arms and euipment guide, costs ~78k gp per weapon) has dex-mod as dmg inbuilt.
Hit and Run fighter variant (drow of the underdark) loses permanently proficiencies in armors heavier than light (not a cost at all in this case) while getting a nice +2 init bump and the ability to ADD dex bonus to dmg against flatfooted-foes (works also for ranged, albeit with 30ft range). Combine it with some skill tricks (like acrobatic backstab) or similar ways to make your foes flat-footed and later you may end up with:
5x Dex bonus to dmg per hit (shadow-blade, sword of graceful strikes, agile enhancement, hit-and-run fighter ability, champion of collerion ability)
1x Int bonus to DMG
Of course, as always… even with our Einhander Buff …. choosing a 'one weapon style' is most of the time detrimental.
TWF benefits greatly from extra DMG sources (be it precise or static, other than power attack though).
A simple, tried out and working, two-handed weapon approach simply works….with decent STR and power attack, possibly some slight PA bumps, but yes…. it may be simply overused at this point.
It is hard to be a viable melee if you aren't classified as at least one of the following:
- Battlefield Control
- Glass Cannon
- Status Effect Inflicter (quite uncommon but doable)
Not sure where a one-handed guy would qualify.
Of course my reply had higher-powered games in mind. But even with less 'naughty' power preference of a given GM… it may be hard to keep with other melee who chose more 'traditional' approach.