The only reason is that there are several unique bastard swords at high level, but not so much other. I could skip it unless I get a really nice bastard sword. A good thing about the bastard sword is that you get glancing blows and you can still use a shield.

I will look at when to add cleave. Could get it earlier and past life paladin later. Past life paladin is for divine favor and +3 to hit and damage.

I guess I need to buy 1000 healing pots on a fighter.