Combat Roles #1 - Melee Damage

This is perhaps one of the two most basic roles in combat: that of being able to hit something consistently. At low levels, this is a critical role, as the spellcasters don't have enough spells to output enough damage to end combat quickly. In later levels, you turn into a consistent and constant source of damage.

There are two subset roles of this: infrequent swings for huge damage or frequent swings for less damage. Either tactic is completely viable, but they do require specific builds to do well. Both provide a different sort of drama to the combat. The flurry of strikes, bleeding away hit points over time, each one adding up over time, yet each attack possibly missing or the giant swing, cleaving through enemies but lacking in number.

Your feat selections will go a long way towards making the character. If you swing frequently, you want to to focus on being sure you hit every time. If you swing infrequently, you want to make each swing count so you want to improve your damage or effects.

The iconic classes that fit this role are the barbarian and the fighter; each providing different options for flavor. The basic requirements for this role are to have a good BAB, preferably full but 3/4 is certainly workable. The class needs to have a decent Strength score synergy.

If the class you are picking doesn't have the above, you can still function as the Melee Damage; however, it takes work. You need to focus on being able to hit reliable, either with spells or weapons and your damage needs to be decent.