Advice on level progression on a multi-class Swordsage.

[Dracwyrm]

Hi all,

I'm looking to build a Swordsage, but I don't want to go too heavy on the multi-classing. I've been doing a lot of reading on it, and I know I need to take Shadow Blade, Weapon Finesse, and Adaptive Style as early as possible. People suggest dips in fighter to help with BaB and feats, but I'd also like a Rouge dip. However, these suggestions didn't mention the number of levels needed or when to take them. I would like the optimal (aka min-max) progression to take. I was also thinking of multi-classing into the Shadow Sun Ninja prestige class. My goal is to be a very shadowy, sneaky character that springs on the victim without them noticing I'm there until it's too late.

About the game: We are starting at level 7, the DM is providing Player's Guide 1 and 2, Monster Manuals 1 and 2, DM Guide, and the players may add one book to the list we all can use. The added list being: Magic of Eberron, Libris Mortis, Races of Stone, and Tome of Battle.

I was thinking of going human for the bonus feat, extra skills, and no penalty for weapons that small creatures get.

Given those books, is there a better class progression? What levels should I take which classes? Do I need to take multiple fighter levels to be good, as I heard somewhere else that you need 3? So, fighter 3, rouge 1? I would like to be Shadow Sun Ninja by 7 if possible.

I really appreciate any advice on how to maximise this build.

Many thanks,
Drac.

[Skyrock]

For a sneaky character, small size is very good as it means direct boni to hide and move silently.
Don't worry about weapon die size, as a swordsage your damage mostly comes from maneuvers, with weapons as a rounding error. Strongheart Halfling (Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting) with its bonus feat is like a fun-sized human. If you don't want to waste a book on it, Whisper Gnome (Races of Stone) is also extremely good for a sneaky character.

Shadow Blade feat is very nice but not strictly necessary, as said above most damage comes from maneuvers. It is especially interesting as prereq for Gloom Razor. Turning invisible for free after a missed attack is just amazing for a sneaky character.

Only take Fighter levels if you need to for bonus feats. The Warblade from ToB is like the Fighter but comically better (but for delayed access to actual bonus feats), and also provides full BAB. You get to learn other maneuvers from a separate list of disciplines, with a better recovery method.

What do you want to get out of Rogue? Trapfinding? More skillpoints? There may be better ways to achieve either. Psychic Rogue is noteworthy if WotC web articles don't count against the book limit. Expert (DMG) is also surprisingly interesting under your limitations for a character who wants to hit hard from hiding, for the custom skill list with its access to the defunct 3.0 Iaijutsu Focus skill.