Iron Chef Optimization Challenge VI

[Private-Prinny]

Basically, a challenge to create an optimised, flavourful character, using a "Secret Ingredient" of a particular PrC, different for each contest. You will need to present your build at at least one of the following points: 5th level, 10th level, 15th, 20th, and a "sweet spot" that you feel is the high point of the build. Feel free to present as many of these as you like, and please give a rundown of the build's abilities and playability at all of the levels you didn't show. The rules are as follows:

Menu: For most challenges, the "special ingredient" will be drawn from Core plus Completes. There will, from time to time, be special challenges that showcase secret ingredients from other books--for example, the XPH.

Kitchen: Competitors will be free to use any official 3.5 rulebook in constructing their builds. Dragon magazine is disallowed, and Unearthed Arcana is allowed; but see Elegance below. Alternate rule systems from UA such as gestalt are not allowed, as they create a different playing field. Also, item familiars are forbidden because I hate 'em.

Cooking Time: Contestants will have until Sunday 27th June to create their builds and PM them to the Chairman, Private-Prinny. Builds will then be posted simultaneously, to avoid copying.

Judging: Judging will be based on the following criteria, with each build rated from 1 (very poor) to 5 (exemplary) in each area: Originality, Power, Elegance, Use of Secret Ingredient.

Power level is up to you. Cheese is acceptable, but should be kept to a sane level unless you're showcasing a new TO build you've discovered. In the words of one of my predecessors, a little cheddar can be nice, but avoid the mature Gruyere unless you're making a cheese fondue.

Elegance could bear a little elaboration. It basically measures how skillfully you put your build together, and whether you sacrificed flavour for power. We're cooking here - if your dish doesn't taste good, it doesn't matter how well-presented it is. Use of flaws is an automatic point lost in this category. Other things that will cause lost points here are excessive multiclassing, and classes that don't fit the concept - using Cloistered Cleric in a front-line melee fighter, for example, will lose you points.

Presentation: Builds will be posted anonymously, in order to avoid the potential of bias towards a particular competitor. For this reason, please don't put your name in the build, as I'm likely to miss it when anonymising the entries!

Speculation: Please don't post or speculate on possible builds until the "reveal," in order to avoid spoiling the surprise if a particular competitor is producing a build along those lines.

Leadership is banned; we're producing a meal, not a seven-course banquet for a hundred diners.


So! Who wants to sign up as a contestant, and who wants to sign up as a judge? Looking for about 5 judges and as many contestants as feel like playing!

This week's Secret Ingredient is something that I've never seen taken past a one level dip. Let's see what you can do with...

Complete Scoundrel's Master of Masks!

Allez optimiser!

Judges
Akal_Saris
ShneekeyTheLost
arguskos
Ozymandias9
Hand_of_Vecna

Contestants
Amphetryon
Dusk Eclipse
Draz74
Ajadea
true_shinken
the humanity
playswithfire
Ajadea
Octopus Jack
Ingus
Arbitrarity
bigstipidfighte
The Vorpal Tribble

Past Competitions

Iron Chef I (Entropomancer) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142470)
Iron Chef II (Psibond Agent) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146583)
Iron Chef III (Cancer Mage) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148584)
Iron Chef IV (Stonelord) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150595)
Iron Chef V (War Chanter) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152543)

[Amphetryon]

I'm in as a contestant.

[Dusk Eclipse]

Will try to make something this time....

[Draz74]

I just may send in an entry this time.

[Heliomance]

I think I might put my name down as a contestant, actually.

I realise I've run five of these already, and really should know the answer but: What do people think of NPC builds? I've got a really good idea, but it unfortunately relies on an LA - template.

[Private-Prinny]

I think I might put my name down as a contestant, actually.

I realise I've run five of these already, and really should know the answer but: What do people think of NPC builds? I've got a really good idea, but it unfortunately relies on an LA - template.

LA templates have been used before to rather good effect (See Iron Chef IV), so it shouldn't be much of a problem. Just remember that you won't have enough XP to get to level 20 if you use LA buyoff. For negative LA templates, you may lose points in Elegance.

[Akal Saris]

I'm in as a judge for this one.

I love Person_Man's use of Master of Masks for a 1-level dip in his factotum build, so I'm curious what can be done with the class beyond that. Especially when the Chameleon PrC seems to perform the MoM's job much more efficiently.

As far as LA - templates go, I'd rather see something usable by players. For me a lot comes down to whether the flavor of the template fits rather than just throwing 'paragon' onto a creature though.

[Amphetryon]

Could we clarify Elegance a bit, please? For instance, and at the risk of sounding like sour grapes, in the last Iron Chef I avoided UA variant classes and web enhancements because I believed such 'fringe' material would adversely impact my score. (Yes, I know there were other problems with my submission).

A clearer list of things that might negatively affect Elegance seems a useful tool.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

I'm in as a judge for this one.
:smallyuk:



I love Person_Man's use of Master of Masks for a 1-level dip in his factotum build, so I'm curious what can be done with the class beyond that.
*curses*

So much for my idea. I gotta do something original...

[Ajadea]

As far as I can tell, Elegance is judged by how well the classes you take fit the concept, how good your backstory is, and how much power you sacrificed for fluff.

Also, I shall be joining as a chef this round. I like the concept of Master of Masks.

[true_shinken]

I'm in as a contestant.

[Private-Prinny]

Could we clarify Elegance a bit, please? For instance, and at the risk of sounding like sour grapes, in the last Iron Chef I avoided UA variant classes and web enhancements because I believed such 'fringe' material would adversely impact my score. (Yes, I know there were other problems with my submission).

A clearer list of things that might negatively affect Elegance seems a useful tool.

I can't personally vouch for the judges, but to me, Elegance is how smoothly your build is put together. To keep the cooking analogy, a little too much salt or a pinch less sugar is fine, but if small flaws pile up, it ruins your dish.

For negative impacts, I would consider the following:

1. Flaws. When I judged in Iron Chef IV, I took off 1 point each for flaws, because feats are that good.
2. Dead levels. When you submit a character, you're making something that someone would actually want to play. If it has 3 or 4 levels where you just don't get anything, it might cost you a point. (Granted, dead levels from the Secret Ingredient can probably be excused.)
3. Filler. If you have Class X/PrC Y and Class X/PrC Y-1/Commoner 1 will perform just as well, you're doing it wrong. This is like a dead level, but near the top of the chain, where they're especially unacceptable.


I love Person_Man's use of Master of Masks for a 1-level dip in his factotum build, so I'm curious what can be done with the class beyond that. Especially when the Chameleon PrC seems to perform the MoM's job much more efficiently.

Chameleon was actually my first thought, but then I remembered that this class doesn't get enough love. Granted, it probably doesn't deserve a whole lot of it, but I can still think of a couple of tricks.

[the humanity]

I'll try. I poke around all of them anyways, complaining and whatnot. my build will probably suck however.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

I offer my services as a judge for this contest. Should be interesting to see how you can use a lot of levels of this class. Most of the class abilities are mutually exclusive, as you can only wear one mask at a time until the capstone when you can wear two...

[Heliomance]

I'm in as a judge for this one.

I love Person_Man's use of Master of Masks for a 1-level dip in his factotum build, so I'm curious what can be done with the class beyond that. Especially when the Chameleon PrC seems to perform the MoM's job much more efficiently.

As far as LA - templates go, I'd rather see something usable by players. For me a lot comes down to whether the flavor of the template fits rather than just throwing 'paragon' onto a creature though.

Oh, the flavour fits marvellously, but it doesn't have an LA. I'll probably just treat the CR adjustment as LA, if people have no objections.

[playswithfire]

I'll try to put something together for this one.

[arguskos]

Hey! Guess what? I'm judging! Again! TREMBLE IN FEAR BEFORE MY WRATH, YE PEONS! :smallamused:

In case you don't get the subtext here Prinny, sign me up to be a judge.

[Private-Prinny]

It looks like we've got an all-star cast of judges for this round. I hope everyone is cooking up something nice. We just need two more judges, and another couple of contestants couldn't hurt.

[Amphetryon]

I can't personally vouch for the judges, but to me, Elegance is how smoothly your build is put together. To keep the cooking analogy, a little too much salt or a pinch less sugar is fine, but if small flaws pile up, it ruins your dish.

For negative impacts, I would consider the following:

1. Flaws. When I judged in Iron Chef IV, I took off 1 point each for flaws, because feats are that good.
2. Dead levels. When you submit a character, you're making something that someone would actually want to play. If it has 3 or 4 levels where you just don't get anything, it might cost you a point. (Granted, dead levels from the Secret Ingredient can probably be excused.)
3. Filler. If you have Class X/PrC Y and Class X/PrC Y-1/Commoner 1 will perform just as well, you're doing it wrong. This is like a dead level, but near the top of the chain, where they're especially unacceptable.

Thank you. I suppose my concern was partly around ideas like Judge X counting off for dead levels, while Judge Y is counting off for dipping to avoid dead levels. [/worrier]

[arguskos]

If you people don't know by NOW how I judge, well, then just GTFO. :smalltongue::smallwink:

[Octopus Jack]

I wouldn't mind competing, it'll be my first one.

[Ozymandias9]

I'm out of town and won't be able to run as a contestant in this one, so I'd like to throw my hat in the ring as a judge.

[Private-Prinny]

Thank you. I suppose my concern was partly around ideas like Judge X counting off for dead levels, while Judge Y is counting off for dipping to avoid dead levels. [/worrier]

Which may very well happen, since each judge has their own definition of what "Elegant" means. I just provided my own guidelines, which could probably use some clarification.

I define a "dead level" as one where you gain nothing new. No new spells as a caster, no new class features, and no new feats. This would then mean that every 3rd level is automatically not a dead level, since you get a new feat as part of your repertoire. Filler is just additional levels that give you no new notable tricks after your sweet spot. An Ubercharger that has everything that it needs by level 8 and fills the rest with minor boosts would be an example of excessive filler.

[Critical]

I'd love to compete in this one, just got an idea of what to do.

[arguskos]

Because this went over well in the Budget competition, and there is apparently some concern, allow me to elucidate the contestants on what I am looking for as a judge, by category.

Originality: Have I seen it before? Do you do something unique with the ingredient?
Power: How does it fare with a Wizard (Tier 1) as a team member? A Rogue (Tier 3-4)? A Sword and Board Fighter (Tier 5)?
Elegance: Does it flow well, and by that I mean, do all the bits mesh into a seamless whole nicely, or are there things in there that don't DO anything? You are offering me something to judge, everything better work towards your stated goal. You WILL lose points here if you don't tell me what's going on. Entries that are just a stat block get a maximum of 3 points from me here. Gotta give me a story, some tactics, something descriptive here.
Use of Secret Ingredient: Do you take it all the way? If not, is there an AMAZING reason why? Others I guarantee will, so you better either do so, or have a great reason why you're not. It's the Secret Ingredient, it better be prominently present.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

As for myself:

First off, if you give me nothing but a stat block, you won't be getting more than a 3 in anything. Period.

Originality: Is this a clone of a well-known build? Most specifically, can I say 'this is a {x} build with y tacked on'? Or "Yea, I was really expecting this to come out" or "Wow, four others also used this combination...". The most obvious entry method is not always the most original, and everyone can hurt each other's scores by having multiple independently created exceedingly similar builds. All builds similar will be marked down in this category.

Power: How I will score this is based on how you describe how the character is played. Tell me your tactics, how your abilities synergize, what combos do you use. The more I know about what you do and how you do it, the better I can rate this. If you don't mention it, I won't know it, and thus won't score you for it. However, power comes in many forms. Versatility and flexibility can be very powerful, if used properly. And they can be worthless if not used properly. Not merely in potential, but in realization, will I judge Power.

Elegance: Would I have problems with this in a game I ran, or run next to one of my characters in a game? The following will get you points down in this category:

Early Entry Tricks. This includes, but is not limited to, Arcane Thesis Theurges
Flaws. -1 point per flaw used. Period.
Alternative means of getting 'free' things. Examples include: Otyough Hole, Dragonblood Pool, Chaos Shuffle, and others
Rules Exploits. Technically RAW true, but widely not accepted. Including examples such as 'then I dunk his head in water to bring his HP to 0 to save his life'.
LA races may or may not get scored down, but you had damn well better be able to justify it both from a flavor and storyline perspective.
Any generally 'cheesy' builds. See the Test of Spite banned list for a good view of what I consider cheese.
Excessive multiclassing and cherry-picking. If you have eight classes in twelve levels, that's excessive. In general, if your build's class progression takes up more than one line, that's a strong indication that maybe you can be a bit more... streamlined. One or two dips for significant synergistic benefit I can understand. Even three or perhaps four, if you have an absolutely convincing backstory supporting it, and it all ties in, and there's a damn good reason for it.
Use of Secret Ingredient: Not just did you get all 10 levels, although that's going to be a factor, but I will be asking myself the following questions:
How early did you get into it? Not necessarily as early as possible, but if you just kind of tacked the Secret Ingredient onto the end of a reasonable 10 level build... yea, that's gonna cost ya here
How integral is the Secret Ingredient to the concept and character as a whole? Anyone can make Stir Fry out of just about any meat, or tofu, or... well... just about anything. Anything can be 'deep, battered, and fried'. I'm looking for a dish that you could not simply substitute another ingredient for the Secret Ingredient and have a perfectly functional dish.
How well does the rest of the build incorporate and take advantage of the unique blend which the Secret Ingredient provides. How are you maximizing the specific benefits the Secret Ingredient grants?

And again, I cannot read minds, nor am I able to divine information from a stat block. I cannot build bricks with out clay. Data, Data, Data, Mr. Watson. Tell me everything about your character concept, how he works, why it works specifically that way... the more information you give me, the more accurately I can judge your entry. And trust me, I will err on the side of less points, when I am unsure on a point. To get a 5 out of me on a score, you will need to not only be the iconic representation of that category, but explain to me why you are.

[arguskos]

Data, Data, Data, Mr. Watson.
A great quote (one I use IRL frequently), but you got it wrong. The precise quote is "Data, data, data, I cannot make bricks without clay!" Watson was nowhere even remotely nearby in that sequence. :smalltongue:

Also, I agree with much of what else you said, and disagree with plenty of it. For random example, I personally love Theurges, and hate that they aren't really viable without Precocious Apprentice use, so that doesn't get a ding from me. /random

[ShneekeyTheLost]

A great quote (one I use IRL frequently), but you got it wrong. The precise quote is "Data, data, data, I cannot make bricks without clay!" Watson was nowhere even remotely nearby in that sequence. :smalltongue: I was quoting the original stories, rather than the latest (admittedly awesome) movie.


Also, I agree with much of what else you said, and disagree with plenty of it. For random example, I personally love Theurges, and hate that they aren't really viable without Precocious Apprentice use, so that doesn't get a ding from me. /random

I like Theurges, but I strongly dislike cheese. Early entry tricks are something I consider cheese. Using Restoration + level drain cheese will result in even more points off, for example.

[Private-Prinny]

I offer my services as a judge for this contest. Should be interesting to see how you can use a lot of levels of this class. Most of the class abilities are mutually exclusive, as you can only wear one mask at a time until the capstone when you can wear two...

I just looked through the class again, and felt the need to point this out. You can only wear one persona mask at a time, and the capstone is just putting on another mask and switching as an immediate action. Besides, if you get the benefits of 2 masks at the same time, what would your alignment be?

Is there another version of Master of Masks that you might be thinking of?

[arguskos]

I was quoting the original stories, rather than the latest (admittedly awesome) movie.
Ah. Well, I actually much preferred the recent film. I love Robert Downey Jr. He's such an interesting and amusing actor.


I like Theurges, but I strongly dislike cheese. Early entry tricks are something I consider cheese. Using Restoration + level drain cheese will result in even more points off, for example.
I dunno, I don't like cheese much, but when it makes an inviable concept viable, I am willing to overlook mild abuses, specifically the Precocious Apprentice entry. It just isn't a serious issue. It makes a subpar concept possible, and I like that.

Now, if we're talking about roundabout methods involving Drake Helms or the HIGHLY questionable Restoration stuff, ok then we have an issue.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

I just looked through the class again, and felt the need to point this out. You can only wear one persona mask at a time, and the capstone is just putting on another mask and switching as an immediate action. Besides, if you get the benefits of 2 masks at the same time, what would your alignment be?

Is there another version of Master of Masks that you might be thinking of?

Ahh, I had mis-remembered. Looking back at the class, I see it is even less useful than I originally recalled. You have multiple, mutually exclusive, minor benefits.

It has LESS than 1/2 casting, which is already made of fail, and the masks themselves generally don't have too many uses. Gladiator and Assassin are the only two I see as remotely viable as a one-level dip, either for more sneak attack or for EWP: Yes.

Mask Specialist gives a minor bonus to other magical masks. But you can't wear persona masks with other masks, so again, mutually exclusive benefits.

It personifies the quote: "Jack of all trades, master of none". It'll be interesting to see how people use this weakness as a strength in their builds.

[Kesnit]

Originality: Is this a clone of a well-known build? Most specifically, can I say 'this is a {x} build with y tacked on'? Or "Yea, I was really expecting this to come out" or "Wow, four others also used this combination...". The most obvious entry method is not always the most original, and everyone can hurt each other's scores by having multiple independently created exceedingly similar builds. All builds similar will be marked down in this category.

I've seen judges mention this in past challenges, and I understand why you would think that way, but I've always thought it a little unfair. Is it the fault of the competitors if two of them - independently of each other - come up with a similar idea? Even if, under other circumstances, the idea is creative?

To give an example, in the Cancer Mage challenge, someone used a Psion as the entry class. Several of the judges said that was a really creative idea. But if someone else had used a Psion, would that person - who got good marks for creativity - suddenly get low marks because "well, someone else did it, so it must not have been all that original after all?"

[ShneekeyTheLost]

I've seen judges mention this in past challenges, and I understand why you would think that way, but I've always thought it a little unfair. Is it the fault of the competitors if two of them - independently of each other - come up with a similar idea? Even if, under other circumstances, the idea is creative?

To give an example, in the Cancer Mage challenge, someone used a Psion as the entry class. Several of the judges said that was a really creative idea. But if someone else had used a Psion, would that person - who got good marks for creativity - suddenly get low marks because "well, someone else did it, so it must not have been all that original after all?"

If both builds used Psion in the same way, then yes, both would take a hit from this. Just like MY build in that particular competition was marked down because there were other rangers and other warlocks.

[Kesnit]

If both builds used Psion in the same way, then yes, both would take a hit from this. Just like MY build in that particular competition was marked down because there were other rangers and other warlocks.

And that leads back to my opinion... If a build is original, it is original. If people were talking about possible builds in the thread (prior to the cut-off) and then someone submitted a build like one discussed in the thread, that shows low creativity (even if the person did come up with it on their own). In this case, there's no discussion, so penalizing people because they happened to think like someone else seems unfair. It isn't the competitor's fault that someone else came up with a similar idea.

I guess what I am saying is why not judge each entry on its own merits, rather than against each other?

[ShneekeyTheLost]

And that leads back to my opinion... If a build is original, it is original. If people were talking about possible builds in the thread (prior to the cut-off) and then someone submitted a build like one discussed in the thread, that shows low creativity (even if the person did come up with it on their own). In this case, there's no discussion, so penalizing people because they happened to think like someone else seems unfair. It isn't the competitor's fault that someone else came up with a similar idea.

I guess what I am saying is why not judge each entry on its own merits, rather than against each other?Because it is not an individual contest.

Let me try to put it this way: The Olympics judges almost never give a 10 to the first person up. This is simply because they don't know if someone else later on would deserve that perfect score, and would have been better than that first person up.

Likewise, I must judge entries not only of their own merit, but how they stack up against one another. If an entry is much better in a certain quality, then it must, logically, have a higher score. Which means the lower quality entry will not have a 5 in that score, guaranteed. Because they aren't the best at it.

This is why talking about builds and theorizing about potential builds is prohibited in this thread. Because it hurts the Creativity score if someone uses an idea posted here.

[Private-Prinny]

And that leads back to my opinion... If a build is original, it is original. If people were talking about possible builds in the thread (prior to the cut-off) and then someone submitted a build like one discussed in the thread, that shows low creativity (even if the person did come up with it on their own). In this case, there's no discussion, so penalizing people because they happened to think like someone else seems unfair. It isn't the competitor's fault that someone else came up with a similar idea.

I guess what I am saying is why not judge each entry on its own merits, rather than against each other?

In my eyes, the "multiple competitors using the same idea" thing should really only serve as validation for taking points off for obvious concepts.

It shouldn't be "Two other people did it, so I'm taking a point off," it should be "I'm taking a point off. When you see these other two, it seems really obvious in retrospect."

[ShneekeyTheLost]

In my eyes, the "multiple competitors using the same idea" thing should really only serve as validation for taking points off for obvious concepts.

It shouldn't be "Two other people did it, so I'm taking a point off," it should be "I'm taking a point off. When you see these other two, it seems really obvious in retrospect."

This.

If several people came up with the idea, then it probably wasn't a very original idea to begin with.

[arguskos]

This.

If several people came up with the idea, then it probably wasn't a very original idea to begin with.
Yuppers. That's my take on it as well.

Also, I swear, if we see Factotum 10/Master of Masks 10, they're getting nothing but 0's across the board. :smallannoyed: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

[Private-Prinny]

Yuppers. That's my take on it as well.

Also, I swear, if we see Factotum 10/Master of Masks 10, they're getting nothing but 0's across the board. :smallannoyed: YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

Except for power. They might get as much as a 2 there.:smalltongue:

[arguskos]

Except for power. They might get as much as a 2 there.:smalltongue:
I am giving all 0's Factotum 10/MoM 10. I'll also come punch you in the face for being a failure.

YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WARNED.

[Amphetryon]

I am giving all 0's Factotum 10/MoM 10. I'll also come punch you in the face for being a failure.

YOU HAVE ALL BEEN WARNED.

*grumbles and starts a different idea* :smalltongue:

[Heliomance]

*furiously tries to come up with a way to make a new and interesting factotum 10/MoM 10*

[Private-Prinny]

I've had some contestants PM me about what books are allowed. Since I'd like to keep things as clear cut as possible, I'm asking the judges what they think.

Savage Species
Dragon Compendium

Yea or Nay?

[ShneekeyTheLost]

I've had some contestants PM me about what books are allowed. Since I'd like to keep things as clear cut as possible, I'm asking the judges what they think.

Savage Species
Dragon Compendium

Yea or Nay?

As long as you don't use SS for the two or three cheese items there, I don't care. (Feral template, Anthropomorphic animal creation rules, and the feat that turns a SP into a SU being the big three)

Dragon Compendium I do not consider to be a WotC sourcebook, but rather a conglomeration of fan-made homebrew.

[Ingus]

@PrivatePenny: I don't think Chameleon would be a good choice for Iron Chef, if you want to keep it to neglected, underpowered PrC flavour. If someone put it in stocks for any contest, however, I sign in for judge in advance (having stated an entire camarilla of chameleons, I think I'm qualified :smallbiggrin:)


In any case, I sign in as a contestant. Hope to come with something good.

[Person_Man]

Can I enter with a new spin on Haberdash (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5266526), or is that cheating, since I literally wrote the handbook on Master of Masks? Or maybe it would be more appropriate for me to be a judge?

[arguskos]

I actually have no issues with the Dragon Compendium. It is technically an official book, thanks to having the WotC logo all over it.

Savage Species, eh, as long as you don't make me weep from broken stuff, it's fine as well.

[Ingus]

To the common utility, the secret ingredient on WotC.

http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20070105a&page=3

[Ozymandias9]

I've had some contestants PM me about what books are allowed. Since I'd like to keep things as clear cut as possible, I'm asking the judges what they think.

Savage Species
Dragon Compendium

Yea or Nay?

I'd follow the prior ruling on DC: the compendium is in, but it you use elements that are out of step with the less questionable books, you'll likely take a hit in elegance.

On Savage Species: I have no problem with the book in general. It is a 3.0 book, so in some cases attention might be needed to updating. There are a couple elements therein that would follow the general rule for cheese: if you're not presenting a very original and very innovative new TO exercise, you should probably avoid the kind of cheese that will often be outright banned.


Can I enter with a new spin on Haberdash (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5266526), or is that cheating, since I literally wrote the handbook on Master of Masks? Or maybe it would be more appropriate for me to be a judge?
(Disclaimer: I am not the chairman-- I'm just re-posting the relevant answers from the last time this came up).
All builds are submitted anonymously: the judges don't know (and should not attempt to know) if it's you or someone else submitting a revision of one of your prior creations. If you don't feel you can create an adequate entry that is both a substantial improvement and is substantially different from your existing work on the character, judging may be a good option.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

I'm in to judge or compete.

I'll second? third? fourth? that Chameleon would be a horrible class for IC. Chameleon is one of the best PrCs. Not in terms of overall power (though a X 5/ Chameleon 10/ X5 is pretty much automatically high tier 3, so it could be considered "best" in terms of power) but, in that it does exactly what a PrC should. A chameleon 10 has a desireable combination of abilities which can't be gained elsewhere, which is exactly what a PrC should have.

Lower tier entries are boosted and higher tier entries are nerfed.

MoM will be an interesting ingredient though. My main beef with the class (aside from it being chameloen/factotem's weaker cousin) is it's class skill list. There are alot of skills I'd like a Jack of all trades to have that aren't on it. Of course certain masks give bonuses but you'll need a more solid base than than left over ranks from level 1-5 to meet level appropriate DC's.

[Draz74]

Can I enter with a new spin on Haberdash (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=5266526), or is that cheating, since I literally wrote the handbook on Master of Masks? Or maybe it would be more appropriate for me to be a judge?

I think you, and you alone, should be allowed to enter a Haberdash clone without taking massive penalties to Originality.

But then, I am not a judge here.

Also, I imagine Haberdash as-is would score very poorly on Use of Secret Ingredient. I'm interested to see what you could do to increase that, though.

[Akal Saris]

I'm fine with Savage Species and Dragon Compendium. I look forward to the anthropomorphic squid sha'ir/Master of Masks. I think I can see what DC class the contestant was interested in though, and I approve.

Person_Man, you wrote the book on the Master of Masks, there has to be more than 1 trick you can do with one. I expect at least half the competitors to pick up gladiator mask really.

[Arbitrarity]

I shall try to create some sort of functional entry. I have a decent plan, I think... part of it may be obvious, though. :smallsigh:

GODDAMN COMPETENCE BONUSES ARGH. Needs replanning.

[arguskos]

I'm fine with Savage Species and Dragon Compendium. I look forward to the anthropomorphic squid sha'ir/Master of Masks. I think I can see what DC class the contestant was interested in though, and I approve.
It's preeeeetty obvious as a choice: Mountebank, DURR. I mean, what else could there be? Obvious joke is obviously terrible.


Person_Man, you wrote the book on the Master of Masks, there has to be more than 1 trick you can do with one. I expect at least half the competitors to pick up gladiator mask really.
On the topic of Haberdash... actually, that build is WHY Factotum/MoM will score poorly from me: because Haberdash did it better. Yes, he only uses one level of MoM, and that's the trick. If you do a Factotum 10/MoM 10, it says to be "I liked Haberdash, but needed more levels of MoM, so I just took it to 10", which doesn't speak well for that individual. :smallwink: Personally, I'd love to see you do something more creative with MoM. Haberdash is great and everything, but let's leave him lie.

[Person_Man]

On the topic of Haberdash... actually, that build is WHY Factotum/MoM will score poorly from me: because Haberdash did it better. Yes, he only uses one level of MoM, and that's the trick. If you do a Factotum 10/MoM 10, it says to be "I liked Haberdash, but needed more levels of MoM, so I just took it to 10", which doesn't speak well for that individual. :smallwink: Personally, I'd love to see you do something more creative with MoM. Haberdash is great and everything, but let's leave him lie.

Fair enough. If I had held my tongue and not posted Haberdash, I probably could have won this challenge by using him. But since he's essentially the default Master of Masks build at this point, there's no originality to using him. It's sorta like every mob movie after The Godfather. I watched it with a teenage cousin not long ago, and he hated it. "Totally cliche, especially the dialog." Of course, The Godfather INVENTED half of the mobster tropes. But no one watching it for the first time will know that unless they researched the topic beforehand.

I'll see if I can come up with something different. But there's not a lot to work with.

[arguskos]

Actually, I don't think you'd manage to sneak Haberdash by us. :smalltongue: We sorta all know and love Haberdash. Along with a few other builds of yours, you kinda have a reputation with him (Flaming Homer is the other build of yours that I always think of when I read your posts).

I have faith though that there's some other creative things that can be done with Master of Masks. :smallcool:

[Private-Prinny]

So the judges have agreed that both SS and DC are in, but one misstep will cost you some Elegance? Sounds good to me.


(Disclaimer: I am not the chairman-- I'm just re-posting the relevant answers from the last time this came up).
All builds are submitted anonymously: the judges don't know (and should not attempt to know) if it's you or someone else submitting a revision of one of your prior creations. If you don't feel you can create an adequate entry that is both a substantial improvement and is substantially different from your existing work on the character, judging may be a good option.

Bingo. Person_Man, if you jump in with a Haberdash derivative, then everyone will know it's you, and I may not be able to allow it. Also, the last judging slot goes to Hand_of_Vecna if you don't want it, so speak up if you want to judge.


I'll second? third? fourth? that Chameleon would be a horrible class for IC. Chameleon is one of the best PrCs. Not in terms of overall power (though a X 5/ Chameleon 10/ X5 is pretty much automatically high tier 3, so it could be considered "best" in terms of power) but, in that it does exactly what a PrC should. A chameleon 10 has a desireable combination of abilities which can't be gained elsewhere, which is exactly what a PrC should have.

I personally must disagree with the notion that a class has to be weak to be a flavorful Secret Ingredient, as it smells faintly of Stormwind. Sometimes you have to work with cow tongue, but sometimes you get beef.

[arguskos]

Cow tongue is tasty though.... :smallfrown:

[Amphetryon]

Unexpected glitch: figuring out how to explain a weird Master of Masks build within the character limits of a single post. :smallannoyed:

[Ingus]

I personally must disagree with the notion that a class has to be weak to be a flavorful Secret Ingredient, as it smells faintly of Stormwind. Sometimes you have to work with cow tongue, but sometimes you get beef.

If you really want to put a Chameleon in for next secret ingredient (you or everyone else) I sign-in already for the judging place. My favourite character ever was a chameleon and contestants will have to work hard in order to improve it. :smallbiggrin:


Back on topic, I spotted a couple of very, very, very good dynamics in Master of Masks. Totally unexpectedly, he could be on par. Maybe even slightly up, in some level.

[Arbitrarity]

I am having great difficulty believing that. :smallannoyed: Thus far, I have one flavorful trick of questionable legality and functionality that makes a one trick pony, and a build that, while it uses MoM, is certainly easier to make without it.

[Heliomance]

I'm having similar problems, compounded by the fact that the really flavourful LA - race I want to use doesn't have any mechanical synergy with the class.

Not that MoM has synergy with anything much, other than the Assassin's mask.

[Arbitrarity]

I'm trying to get it to work, but most of the time I feel I could just replace the damn class with something else, and get the same result. Sure, it's not as bad as commoner, but it's not a LOT more.

[bigstipidfighte]

I'll go ahead and try this. MoM will be interesting, I have a question though- how would you judges feel about allowing MoM +1 spellcasting levels to apply to things other than casting, like initiating, psionics, the Tome of Magic classes, etc.? Crappy progression in those is much more interesting than crappy progression in casting IMO and if I wanted to use the class I'd certainly try to convince the DM this should be allowed.

[Private-Prinny]

I'm having similar problems, compounded by the fact that the really flavourful LA - race I want to use doesn't have any mechanical synergy with the class.

Not that MoM has synergy with anything much, other than the Assassin's mask.

Faceless and Gladiator are pretty good. Nondetection and EWP(Yes) are nice abilities to have.

[arguskos]

I'll go ahead and try this. MoM will be interesting, I have a question though- how would you judges feel about allowing MoM +1 spellcasting levels to apply to things other than casting, like initiating, psionics, the Tome of Magic classes, etc.? Crappy progression in those is much more interesting than crappy progression in casting IMO and if I wanted to use the class I'd certainly try to convince the DM this should be allowed.
Non-permissible, as it's illegal by RAW. This is not a chance to bend the rules, but work within them.

[the humanity]

that skill list... that's why nobody plays the class. why give a bonus to stuff that's not a class skill?
:smallsigh:

oh well.

I have other ideas.

[Private-Prinny]

Just got the first submission in, and if it's anything to go by, the judges are going to have a good time with this one.

[Akal Saris]

I'll go ahead and try this. MoM will be interesting, I have a question though- how would you judges feel about allowing MoM +1 spellcasting levels to apply to things other than casting, like initiating, psionics, the Tome of Magic classes, etc.? Crappy progression in those is much more interesting than crappy progression in casting IMO and if I wanted to use the class I'd certainly try to convince the DM this should be allowed.

I agree with you in spirit, but unless the class specifically allows you to do so (Shadowcaster), please avoid non-casting entries that require a house-rule to work.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

I personally must disagree with the notion that a class has to be weak to be a flavorful Secret Ingredient, as it smells faintly of Stormwind. Sometimes you have to work with cow tongue, but sometimes you get beef.

You misunderstand me if your sensing stormwind. I believe that Chameleon is so awesome and unique mechanically that it naturally lends itself to creating characters that feel like chameleons. No matter what you do with the other ten levels of the build a chameleon 10 will be an awesome jack of all trades; a fighter 10/chameleon 10 is a chameleon with a high BAB and extra feats, a rouge 10/ chameleon 10 is a chameleon with extra skills and Sneak attack, a bard 10/chameleon 10 is a chameleon with bardic music, and commoner 10/ chameleon 10 is probably functional in a mid-optimization group (and would be interesting for a jack o' the wiles type character).

Chameleon is full of flavor and unique powerful mechanical abilities. Contestents could certainly create interesting characters but there would be 0 mechanical challenge to it.

As for my feelings on the judging criteria.

Originality: Basically I'll take away points for being similar to an iconic build with the secret ingredient forced in and after that I rate on a scale of "how long did/would it take me to think of this". If something comes out of left field and shocks me I certainly won't take credit away because someone else did the same thing by coincidence though like most I will cite similar builds when pointing out that a build ranks low on originality.

Power: I'll rate in a pretty standard fashion though I will frown on a build that is weaker in it's role than a straight core base class at low levels. Also I will be a bit harder on builds that start out in high tier base classes and are brought down by the secret ingredient. (though I'll be much more leniant on that front in this competition, since you either need to have some casting which usually means higher tiers or let the caster level increases go to waste).

Elegence: Mostly I rate this based on how tempted I'd be to smack somebody who leveled this way at the gaming table. This goes both for using cheese/questionable rulings and for shooting themselves in the foot by taking levels in classes that don't help them.

On the otherhand I don't find moderate dipping inelegent and I have no problem with people going back and forth between classes like for example taking a ToB dip every 3 levels to get a higher level manuever with each level.

Use of Secret Ingrediant: Aside from the obvious "how many levels did you take" I also judge based on how vital the levels are both to your character background and to your tactics.

Big note here: Don't lie to me about what the secret ingredient does for you.

Don't try to convince me that the assassin's mask makes you a TWF Sneak Attacker if that 4d6 is all you have. Or explain how useful a once per day spell-like of a fourth level spell is when you can cast 6th level wizard spells. Not only will you get a 1 in secret ingredient from me but I will point this out in my judging post for anyone who wants to to see.

[Private-Prinny]

Chameleon is full of flavor and unique powerful mechanical abilities. Contestents could certainly create interesting characters but there would be 0 mechanical challenge to it.

There are two interpretations that I get from this, one I agree with and one I do not. I think you are saying either A) It's easy to make a Chameleon, which seems similar to Stormwind in that you would be implying that flavor and power are dependent on one another, or B) That Chameleon's have a universal flavor that it's practically impossible to deviate from, no matter what entry you use, so, while flavorful, all applicants would be more or less the same, which is a good point.

I really hope you meant B.

[Heliomance]

Also, the Chameleon hardly qualifies as lesser known/used. Part of the point of these is to showcase the classes that people don't use.

Usually we discover there's a very good reason why, but that's neither here nor there.

[Private-Prinny]

Also, the Chameleon hardly qualifies as lesser known/used. Part of the point of these is to showcase the classes that people don't use.

Usually we discover there's a very good reason why, but that's neither here nor there.

True, but Cancer Mage does have quite the reputation...

Either way, I still feel that MoM was a good pick.

[Heliomance]

Okay, I think I'll drop out of this. I just can't find anything useful for the MoM to do that isn't copying Haberdash. There really is absolutely no point in ever taking more that one level in the class - there aren't enough useful masks and they don't scale well enough,

[Akal Saris]

Bah, cancer mage is mostly known for a 1-level disease immunity dip, same as Master of masks and the glad mask. I think we ended up with some really cool builds in that challenge :)

[Private-Prinny]

Bah, cancer mage is mostly known for a 1-level disease immunity dip, same as Master of masks and the glad mask. I think we ended up with some really cool builds in that challenge :)

And I have faith that we'll see some very interesting builds here as well.

[Ingus]

Okay, I think I'll drop out of this. I just can't find anything useful for the MoM to do that isn't copying Haberdash. There really is absolutely no point in ever taking more that one level in the class - there aren't enough useful masks and they don't scale well enough,

This would be a shame: first challenge in a long time and you're not partecipating. If you want, I'll give you an obscure hint of how mechanically do it efficient. Then, the way shown, we'll fight on the same ground.
Do you mind?

[Amphetryon]

This would be a shame: first challenge in a long time and you're not partecipating. If you want, I'll give you an obscure hint of how mechanically do it efficient. Then, the way shown, we'll fight on the same ground.
Do you mind?

(Disclaimer: not a judge, just spouting opinion)
I'd rather not see 'hints' posted here. It goes against my understanding of discussing builds before the reveal, and could potentially impact the Originality and/or Elegance scores. A hint dropped can make a judge think of a new build s/he hadn't considered before, which, when it shows up in the competition, seems less original and appears to have been created as a result of the hint, rather than the contestant's ingenuity. Things like that.

[Private-Prinny]

(Disclaimer: not a judge, just spouting opinion)
I'd rather not see 'hints' posted here. It goes against my understanding of discussing builds before the reveal, and could potentially impact the Originality and/or Elegance scores. A hint dropped can make a judge think of a new build s/he hadn't considered before, which, when it shows up in the competition, seems less original and appears to have been created as a result of the hint, rather than the contestant's ingenuity. Things like that.

Amphetryon has it right. No speculation about possible builds, and a hint is just that.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

So, I just read over haberdash and I have a question for the other judges.

What would constitute copying haberdash? Maybe missed a particular spoiler but it looked liked haberdash was an incomplete build with dozens of options for filling it out. I'm not saying it's not awsome or anything it just seems much broader in scope than most iconic builds.

Is quickdrawing 3 different exotic weapons copying haberdash?

Using Factotum as a base class?

Iajutsu+Quickrazor's?

Taking lots of skill tricks?

I'm not being sarcastic, I'm honestly asking because the first entry
worthy idea I came up with did all of the above except for use factotum and I'd never read haberdash before.

[Ozymandias9]

So, I just read over haberdash and I have a question for the other judges.

What would constitute copying haberdash? Maybe missed a particular spoiler but it looked liked haberdash was an incomplete build with dozens of options for filling it out. I'm not saying it's not awsome or anything it just seems much broader in scope than most iconic builds.

Is quickdrawing 3 different exotic weapons copying haberdash?

Using Factotum as a base class?

Iajutsu+Quickrazor's?

Taking lots of skill tricks?

I'm not being sarcastic, I'm honestly asking because the first entry
worthy idea I came up with did all of the above except for use factotum and I'd never read haberdash before.

In general, what you're asking about is originality. If your build is primarily reliant on one of those elements, I probably won't dock you unless it appears that you copped the idea from there. If you're looking at 2-3, your originality will probably be docked: I don't necessarily think you're copying the build, but you've presented something less than innovative.

[arguskos]

In general, what you're asking about is originality. If your build is primarily reliant on one of those elements, I probably won't dock you unless it appears that you copped the idea from there. If you're looking at 2-3, your originality will probably be docked: I don't necessarily think you're copying the build, but you've presented something less than innovative.
Indeed. Haberdash to me is the iconic "I am everything" character. If you build a Factotum-based Master of Masks "I am everything"-style character, you have copied Haberdash, IMO.

[Ingus]

Indeed. Haberdash to me is the iconic "I am everything" character. If you build a Factotum-based Master of Masks "I am everything"-style character, you have copied Haberdash, IMO.

I hope you would not be literally so strict, 'cause "I am everything" is also the style of... say... Master of Masks :smalltongue:

[Private-Prinny]

Just got the second submission. Even without Akal participating, the build quality is amazing this time around. Keep 'em coming, because I love seein' 'em. :smallbiggrin:

[arguskos]

I hope you would not be literally so strict, 'cause "I am everything" is also the style of... say... Master of Masks :smalltongue:
You note I specified a heavy Factotum entry. If you seriously do Factotum 5/MoM 10/Factotum +5 you are not original, you are Haberdash minus some effectiveness and plus some more MoM.

[Ajadea]

I have a question. How should I determine my build's stats? Point Buy, or some other way?

[Arbitrarity]

I used 32 pb, not sure about what we're "supposed" to use. Still chugging along to stat out at high point, 15, and 20, and finish up backstory.

[Ozymandias9]

I have a question. How should I determine my build's stats? Point Buy, or some other way?

My 2 bits: 32 point buy is the standard. There have been a couple builds submitted in past contests with 28 point buy, but anything else will likely need to be justified in the presentation (and may quite possibly mean a deduction in either power or elegance).

[Heliomance]

Amphetryon has it right. No speculation about possible builds, and a hint is just that.

Although I do miss the Iron Chef style bantering from the BG threads.

What's that he's putting in there, Jim? Looks like it might be Complete Champion. Interesting choice for this contest, do you think it'll go?

Daring indeed, Bob. Complete Champion's not to everyone's taste. I hope the judges like it!

[Ingus]

@Prinny: as a pathologic curios, I envy you so much :smalltongue:

@Heliomance and others: my hint was pretty simple, pretty generic and it would very unlikely end up on a similar build. To be surer, I step back to a generic, old man hint: read very carefully the text of the secret ingredient, and you'll find a treasure of infinite wisdom, buried in the very heart of Washington D.C.
...no, wait, maybe this is Dan Brown :smallbiggrin:

@Argukos: just kidding around :smalltongue:

[Private-Prinny]

@Heliomance and others: my hint was pretty simple, pretty generic and it would very unlikely end up on a similar build. To be surer, I step back to a generic, old man hint: read very carefully the text of the secret ingredient, and you'll find a treasure of infinite wisdom, buried in the very heart of Washington D.C.
...no, wait, maybe this is Dan Brown :smallbiggrin:

I'm not quite sure if this is supposed to be the hint...

[Arbitrarity]

If it is, I didn't follow. I very carefully reread everything, and apart from some "general" statements that can be abused, but are obviously intended to fit with specific later statements, I can't find anything really sneaky.

Spending gold is difficult. Curse you stat blocks!

[Akal Saris]

you'll find a treasure of infinite wisdom, buried in the very heart of Washington D.C.
:

How did you find where I live?!

[Private-Prinny]

The third submission is in. This is shaping up to be some stiff competition.

[Ingus]

I'm not quite sure if this is supposed to be the hint...

It is, indeed. Well, some may argue it is most of a joke, which is real, but I had my idea carefully reading the PrC text. This happened last time too: reading and knowing the secret ingredient is the key to start to guess how use it in a exotic, useful way.
The hint I intended to give would have been more specific and I'll reveal at the end of the contest (promise), so I wouldn't risk to reveal myself


How did you find where I live?!

Buried in a creepy dungeon in D.C., waiting for someone fit to discover you? Now I know why you're so good in optimizing :smallbiggrin:


The third submission is in. This is shaping up to be some stiff competition.

Good for us

[The Vorpal Tribble]

@Prinny: as a pathologic curios, I envy you so much :smalltongue:
I hear you there. Really want to compare builds.

MoM is a pretty crappy PrC though I have to say. Only its flavor makes it interesting. I see a lot of potential for high scores on originality, but little on power.

[Arbitrarity]

I have power, but my use of secret ingredient is going to suffer like hell. That tends to be the case when I build.

I strongly suspect there are going to be elegance dockings as well. Oh well.

[Critical]

I'm really tired and I don't have time...

I am dropping out of this.

[Amphetryon]

I do hope more than 3 contestants submit builds...

[Arbitrarity]

Still working. I need to finish picking out a few things and integrating them into my level 20 build, then do a quick check. And finalize skill distributions. I also suspect some of my skills might be off slightly (1-2 points) because of initial illegal point-buy, and a LOT of synergy bonuses.

[the humanity]

gotta drop out, have an idea half worked but am being taken on an impromptu Vegas trip.

I'm not picturing this getting done in that time frame...

[Hand_of_Vecna]

Maybe it was a mistake having several of the most consistent contestents (try saying that 5 times fast) judge the same competition.

Edit: Consistent Contestents Constantly Create Capable Characters.

[Akal Saris]

Eh, we still only managed 4 judges volunteering, so maybe it's for the best. 3 submissions isn't bad, there's still 2-3 days to go :)

[Arbitrarity]

Character submitted. Any questions, be sure to PM me.

[Ingus]

Maybe it was a mistake having several of the most consistent contestents (try saying that 5 times fast) judge the same competition.

Edit: Consistent Contestents Constantly Create Capable Characters.

If you remember, even with warchanter there were only 2/3 contestants until the very last day. After the closing it turned out that it has a real flood of contestants

[Private-Prinny]

I do hope more than 3 contestants submit builds...

They have. I just got 2 more submissions today. None of them seem to overlap at all. All very distinct usages.


Eh, we still only managed 4 judges volunteering, so maybe it's for the best. 3 submissions isn't bad, there's still 2-3 days to go :)

Actually, I was waiting for Person_Man to get back to me on judging. The fifth seat belongs to Hand_of_Vecna if he still wants it.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

Ya, I've been planning on judging, I figured the spot was mine when personman didn't respond for 24 hours or so.

[Draz74]

Aaaaand another submission has been turned in (mine).

[Private-Prinny]

Aaaaand another submission has been turned in (mine).

That it has. 6 submissions are in with 2 more days to go.

Edit: I'm also going to start taking suggestions for the next Secret Ingredient. I should probably start thinking of something.

[theos911]

Stormsinger!

[arguskos]

Not sure what to say about the new ingredient honestly. I'll think about it for a day or two.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

That it has. 6 submissions are in with 2 more days to go.

Edit: I'm also going to start taking suggestions for the next Secret Ingredient. I should probably start thinking of something.

Green Star Adept.

[Private-Prinny]

For Secret Ingredient suggestions, please PM me instead of flooding the thread. I probably should've said that in the first place.

[Amphetryon]

Character submitted.

[Ajadea]

How do I create a table in my post?

[Ingus]

How do I create a table in my post?

I don't know and I never did. If you manage to get help soon, good, else I suggest you to message it to Prinny anyway: noone would be hurt :smalltongue:

[Amphetryon]

[ TABLE ] Header | Header 2 |
First bit | First bit, related | [ / TABLE ]

Remove spaces. :)

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Started a thread for things to do in the playground and added these contests:
Activities In the Playground (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=157739)

[Private-Prinny]

24 hours left. Use them well. I will post the submissions at 9 PM tomorrow, EST.

[the humanity]

back, if I get time tomorrow I'll try to finish my guy.

[Ajadea]

Thanks! I'll remember that.

[Arbitrarity]

In retrospect, I could've had more elegance if I dropped my primary combat shtick. Oh well, bit late for that.

[Amphetryon]

We'll just have to see the judges' takes on the builds. :smallsmile:

[Akal Saris]

Last day to submit builds!

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Last day to submit builds!
Last couple hours in fact :smallwink:

[Private-Prinny]

And now for the Grand Unveiling!!! Before we get started, I'd just like to say that all of these are amazing pieces of work and 10x better than anything I could come up with. But, there can only be one winner.

(Note: My witty comments may not be up to snuff today. Bear with me. :smalltongue:)

[Private-Prinny]

"I know the truth." "Nope, I lied." "I know. I found out the real story." "Sorry, that's a lie, too. Keep digging."
Fluff
Genriyon is your typical elven aristocratic gentleman in the great elven empire of Fyrinn. No one knew him growing up, and details of his early life are a little bit vague (but very believable), but there can be little doubt that he has led a typical priveleged life in some obscure corner of the empire.

By day, he dallies with painting, sculpting, and the ladies. In the evening, he is a consistent attendent at the various parties and functions of high society. He is moderately involved in politics, merchandise, and gossip. He is no mighty warrior or mage, though he has demonstrated in various works of theater that he does know how to handle the rare elven courtblade proficiently.

If there is an area in which he excels or occasionally attracts notice, it is in the aforementioned theater: though he shows no signs of formal bardic training, his performances leave warriors weeping and pampered pets without appetite. There is nothing really surprising about this; every dilettante finds his accidental talent somewhere, as the saying goes in Fyrinn court.

One night, Genriyon breaks from his usual routine and invites the Chancellor to a private interview at his mansion the next day. When the Chancellor shows up, after exchanging pleasantries and goblets of fine wine, Genriyon gets down to business.

“I am not Genriyon,” he says.

The Chancellor is still waiting for the punch line, but he dutifully records this first line on his parchment.

“I never have been. Probably everything you think you know about me is a lie. I am an imposter to the core. All these years, I have upheld this role just to make a mockery of your despicable elven manners and customs and superiority. Just to prove it could be done … by anyone.”

“Then … who are you?” the confused Chancellor inquires.

“Here is a diary that should make that clear … after you manage to pick the lock,” Genriyon says, handing the other a tome. “Now, I reveal my secrets only because you will never see me again anyway after I have passed on, so I must be going. Goodbye.”

“You mean, you are expecting to die soon, and this is a deathbed revelation of secrets?”

“Die soon? Ah, yes. Let's go with that theory.”

And with that, Genriyon vanishes. The baffled Chancellor retrieves his gem of seeing and attempts to locate the other, but to no avail.

Genriyon is never heard from again … at least, by that name and guise. But the diary, when cracked and unveiled, has the following tale to tell.
This story covers Levels 12-18.

Gan the changeling was the most expensive assassin in Nureth, the crime-riddled metropolis that feeds nearby Fyrinn's economy on the sweat and blood of its lower classes. Assassins, and jobs for them, were both a-plenty; but few assassins had the resume that Gan had, and therefore could charge the expenses she demanded.

Gan hadn't grown up as a ruffian in the streets like most of the thieves' guild recruits, nor grown up an aristocrat like most of the guild bosses. Being a changeling, she had been brought up by a cruel cleric of a dark god in another city. He intended to use her racial talents to make her his personal agent of death. But one night, his abusive style of leadership had been too much for young Gan, and she managed to leave his jugular wide open as she escaped and stowed away to Nureth.

Gan alone had managed to infiltrate the guild of Kukuar, the paranoid mob boss, and win his trust over the course of four years. She attempted to poison him on numerous occasions, but never with the intention of actually succeeding; each time his usual paranoid routines succeeded in catching the poison attempt (and another cupbearer was hauled off to the mortuary), Gan merely reveled in the poison making him more paranoid. Occasionally she would frame a rival for these deeds, but normally she just let the mystery lie.

Twice, Kukuar had sent her to serve his rivals as a double agent. Normally a double agent position under Kukuar meant death within the week. Both times, Gan avoided this fate by winning her new master's trust in less than a day, then delivering their heads to Kukuar within four days. He could hardly punish her (by execution) for doing such a spectacular job.

But in the end, Kukuar slipped, and Gan slipped—slipped a knife into his momentarily unprotected back, that is.

Being an assassin inevitably breeds enemies. Gan once was set upon by a bounty hunter who was famous for rooting out and finishing off shapeshifters. His shifter's sorrow sword didn't seem to bother her too much, though, and she left him in a shallow watery grave.

This prompted an investigation by Nureth's most clever detective. One night he managed to turn a true seeing gaze on Gan, and found that she was not a changeling at all, but …
This story covers Levels 9-11.

Waris was a half-orc maiden, ugly as sin. But she always hid her face beneath a mask. She said the masks were a representation of her hope that others could look past her physical appearance and appreciate her for who she was. She had a number of masks she would wear during her tavern work, but the most common were a delicate angelic face, and a happy, stately face of fine copper.

She drifted from tavern to tavern, always applying for jobs as a bouncer, but always getting hired as a barmaid instead. She wasn't particularly famous, unless you happened to follow the winners of “Nureth's ugliest barmaid” contests.

Ugly as she was, though, everyone seemed to like her. When a drunk groped her (which was often), it was generally about twelve seconds before a champion volunteered to defend Waris' honor, and another barroom brawl was born.

Which generally led, eventually, to Waris getting fired, and heading off to another tavern to apply as a bouncer.

All in all, it's hard to say whether things in Waris' life were going the way she wanted them to.

She never talked about her past. And nobody really asked. Which was a rather successful cover for someone who didn't want anyone to find out that they had once been …
This story covers Levels 5-8.

Captain Binklewink, Terror of the Seas!

The coast of Fyrinn trembled at the mention of this masked halfling! Trembled!

Unfortunately, all this melodrama wasn't a front to hide a pirate's secret, kind interior. The terror Binklewink might dress in a clownish mask and turn every combat into an overly showy series of quips, but that didn't change the fact that he left gore and mayhem in his wake. He and his crew lived fully by the motto, “We pillage, we plunder, we rifle and loot. Drink up, me hearties, yo ho!”

Why does he wear the mask? Well, pirates wear eye patches all the time anyway, right? It's probably the same sort of thing. Besides, if you start asking too much about it, he might switch to The Black Mask and slip into your quarters tonight. So just shut up and leave port while you still can, ok?

Captain Binklewink, rather large and burly for a halfling, made no secret of his goal (well, his other goal, besides getting filthy rich): revenge against the merchant lord Count Finik, a courtier of Fyrinn. Apparently the Count had once insulted Binklewink's favorite brand of rum. Or something like that.

Don't ask so many questions, ok? You don't want a visit from The Black Mask, do you?
This story covers Levels 1-4.

Jereth's first memories were of the catacombs beneath the opera house. But he figured he had ended up there the same way as all of the other orphans: abandoned by his ragtag, lowlife human mother.

It was something of a tradition in Fyrinn, really. The elves had started using “providing the opera house with performers” as a euphamism for visiting the brothels in the human caravans as they passed through Fyrinn on their nomadic routes.

And like all the other members of this orphaned community, Jereth sang for his sustenance. He vaudeville'd for his vittles. Begging in the streets or pandering to the audience from the stage, it really made no difference.

Of course there were actual elves in the opera house, too. Like Zelin … beautiful Zelin. Once, Jereth had managed to land a lead part, with Zelin as the other lead in the production.

The Tale of the Silver Partridge. About a human woman and an elven lord who fell in love at a masquerade ball, where they couldn't tell each others' race. And though the gender roles were reversed, the bond of love was just as strong in Jereth's heart as it was in this classic opera piece.

Apparently not Zelin's heart, though. Her exquisite singing won her attention from the wealthy Count Finik, and a month after the production ended, Zelin was gone from the opera house for good.

Jereth was shattered. But he hadn't worked so hard to develop his dancing, his singing, his costumes, his fencing, his role-playing for nothing. One night, under cover of a mask stolen from the props room, he, too, left the opera house, in search of his fortune.

Crunch
(Do not read until you have read the fluff! It will spoil the ending!)
Jereth
Chaotic Evil Half-Elf
Half-Elf Paragon 2 / Swashbuckler 3 / Human Paragon 3 / Assassin 2 / Master of Masks 10

Starting:
Str 14, Dex 14, Con 10, Int 16, Wis 8, Cha 15
Final (including items):
Str 18, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 34, Wis 10, Cha 19

{table=head]Level | Class | Features | Feats
1 | Half-Elf Paragon | elven vision, divided ancestry | Human Heritage, Able Learner
2 | Swashbuckler || Weapon Finesse
3 | Human Paragon| adaptive learning | Versatile Performer
4 | Swashbuckler | grace +1 |
5 | Swashbuckler | insightful strike |
6 | Assassin | sneak attack +1d6, poison use, death attack; CL 1 | Power Attack
7 | Master of Masks | persona masks |
8 | Master of Masks | CL 2 |
9 | Master of Masks | mask specialist | Combat Panache
10 | Master of Masks | CL 3 |
11 | Master of Masks | many faces (2, move) |
12 | Master of Masks | hidden mask | Craven
13 | Master of Masks | CL 4 |
14 | Master of Masks | many faces (3, swift) |
15 | Master of Masks | CL 5 | Darkstalker
16 | Master of Masks | many faces (4, immediate) |
17 | Human Paragon | CL 6 | Imperious Command
18 | Human Paragon | ability boost; CL 7 | Martial Study (shadow stride)
19 | Half-Elf Paragon | persuasion; CL 8 |
20 | Assassin | uncanny dodge; CL 9 |
[/table]

Masks
7. Assassin Mask, Jester Mask
8. Lord Mask
9. Angel Mask
10.
11. Gladiator Mask
12.
13. Faceless Mask
14.
15. Archmage Mask
16.

Skills and Skill Tricks

Hide (4), Move Silently (4), Perform (act)(4), Bluff (4), Disguise (2), Intimidate (2), Listen (4), Diplomacy (4), Jump (4)
Hide (5), Move Silently (5), Perform (act)(5), Bluff (5), Disguise (2), Intimidate (2), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1)
Hide (5), Move Silently (5), Perform (act)(6), Bluff (6), Disguise (5), Intimidate (2), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1); assume quirk
Hide (7), Move Silently (7), Perform (act)(7), Bluff (7), Disguise (5), Intimidate (3), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1); assume quirk
Hide (8), Move Silently (8), Perform (act)(8), Bluff (8), Disguise (5), Intimidate (4), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1); assume quirk, second impression
Hide (8), Move Silently (8), Perform (act)(9), Bluff (9), Disguise (8), Intimidate (6), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1); assume quirk, second impression
Hide (8), Move Silently (8), Perform (act)(10), Bluff (10), Disguise (10), Intimidate (8), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1); assume quirk, second impression
Hide (8), Move Silently (8), Perform (act)(11), Bluff (11), Disguise (11), Intimidate (11), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery
Hide (9), Move Silently (9), Perform (act)(12), Bluff (12), Disguise (12), Intimidate (12), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery
Hide (11), Move Silently (11), Perform (act)(13), Bluff (13), Disguise (13), Intimidate (13), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery
Hide (11), Move Silently (11), Perform (act)(14), Bluff (14), Disguise (14), Intimidate (14), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (3), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery
Hide (11), Move Silently (11), Perform (act)(15), Bluff (15), Disguise (15), Intimidate (15), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (13), Move Silently (13), Perform (act)(16), Bluff (16), Disguise (16), Intimidate (16), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (15), Move Silently (15), Perform (act)(17), Bluff (17), Disguise (17), Intimidate (17), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (17), Move Silently (17), Perform (act)(18), Bluff (18), Disguise (18), Intimidate (18), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (1), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (19), Move Silently (19), Perform (act)(19), Bluff (19), Disguise (19), Intimidate (19), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (2), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (20), Move Silently (20), Perform (act)(20), Bluff (20), Disguise (20), Intimidate (20), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (5), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (21), Move Silently (21), Perform (act)(21), Bluff (21), Disguise (21), Intimidate (21), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (8), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (22), Move Silently (22), Perform (act)(22), Bluff (22), Disguise (22), Intimidate (22), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (11), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting
Hide (23), Move Silently (23), Perform (act)(23), Bluff (23), Disguise (23), Intimidate (23), Listen (4), Diplomacy (5), Jump (5), Climb (1), Tumble (1), UMD (14), Sleight of Hand (5), Concentration (1), Spellcraft (1); assume quirk, second impression, social recovery, conceal spellcasting


Spells

(6/day) Critical Strike, Ebon Eyes, Ghost Sound, Silent Portal
(6/day) Absorb Weapon, Darkness, Swift Invisibility, Spider Climb
(6/day) Amorphous Form, Magic Circle against Good, Spider Poison, Wraithstrike
(5/day) Glibness, Modify Memory, Poison

Power Discussion

The focus of the build was to get as close as possible to full spellcasting, of a sort. Of course Assassin spellcasting isn't on the same tier as Wizard spellcasting by a long shot, but I still think 9/10 spellcasting is a pretty strong finish for a Master of Masks build.

Melee damage output is significant. An elven courtblade (via Gladiator mask) allows 2H-Power Attacking while still adding INT to damage via Insightful Strike; a rare combo. With 1d6 Sneak Attack, Craven, three iterative attacks, and (best of all) a Wraithstrike spell, you might be dealing respectable damage at high levels, even with a class as noncombatitive as Master of Masks. Of course this works best against an unsuspecting victim; the build's strongest fighting method is definitely to use its social skills to "be friends" until it sees an opportune moment to attack.

Once Wraithstrike spells have run out, it may be better to switch to the Assassin mask and use a non-exotic weapon. A Rapier can still Power Attack and benefit from Insightful Strike at the same time, though it can't double your Power Attack output.

The Angel, Archmage, Lord, and Jester masks might be somewhat weak, but don't forget them; they are useful contingency abilities to have on hand. Everyone likes easy Flight a few times per day, for example. And of course they're integral parts of the various personas that Jereth has adopted over the course of his career. (The fluff only lists the most persistent personas; of course he has adopted dozens more for short periods of time.) It was nice being able to pick Assassin spells without worrying about ones that are already covered by these Masks (Nondetection, Undetectable Alignment, Feather Fall, etc.)

And of course Jereth also has all the basic building blocks of a standard Fear build at high levels: an awesome Intimidate check, Imperious Command, Never Outnumbered, and he can buy Fearsome armor.

Oh yeah, and the whole build is a Half-Elf. Haven't seen too many of those; and I've never seen Half-Elf Paragon get used. (I thought it would be cool to use a race that, because of racial restrictions, couldn't be a Chameleon ... but I guess with the Human Heritage feat, I failed on that score. Oh well.) It's interesting to see how many good ways there are to try to use Charisma-based skills (and boost them all with items and Half-Elf Paragon). Also, Combat Panache is a nice, medium-power feat that I've never seen used before, thanks to its skill prerequisites. But it fits Jereth like a glove.

[Private-Prinny]

Shen the mask-ed dragon, hides in the alley...
Shen the Masked Dragon
Sources: Complete Scoundrel, Champions of Valor web-enhancement, Races of the Dragon, Dragon Magic, Complete Mage, Spell Compendium
5th-level Silverbrow Human [Zhentarim Soldier, Thug] Fighter 3/Sorcerer 2
Abilities (32-point buy): Str 15 (16 at 4th), Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 14
Base Attack Bonus: +4
Feats: Able Learner (level 1), Combat Expertise (human bonus), Draconic Heritage: battle dragon (level 3), Improved Trip (Fighter 2), Skill Focus: Intimidate (Zhentarim Fighter 3),
Skills: 42 points. Bluff 8, Concentration 7, Disguise 8, Intimidate 5, Perform (acting) 8, Tumble 5, Speak Language 1.
Languages Known: Common is default, plus two from Intelligence, plus one from Speak Language. Could be Common, Chondatan, Draconic and Drow Sign Language.
Spells Known: instant diversion, shield
Relevant gear: wand of heroics, eternal wand of mage armor, heavy flail
Fluff: Shen is a zhentarim legbreaker and bodyguard. He goes around doing the zhents bidding in big cities and more often than not questions his employers, but he longed for life on stage; Shen always wanted to be an actor and took acting classes from an unspecting men at a tavern, a men that at times gave him tips and clues about people in need and had him as somewhat of a spy among the zhents. After a few adventures, sometimes even thwarting his own employers schemes, Shen felt something awaken at him. A new power coarsing through his veins – the power of a dragon. Shen later discovered he was a rare breed indeed, having not one but two different dragon ancestors upon his family tree.
His newfound draconic power was used to supplement his melee ability, making him a threatening presence in the battlefield.
Crunch: Shen uses both the Zhentarim subtitution levels and the Thug alternate class features to get his skill points and complements them with feats. He has pretty decent Bluff and Disguise checks, allowing him to double as party face. On combat, Shen can trip or disarm quite efficiently. He lacks power attack, but makes up for it with the defensive power shield, mage armor and instant diversion give him. If there is a need for extra damage, he can use his wand of heroics to get Power Attack. This way, Shen acts as a support character – tripping enemies for the damage dealers to attack, staying between toughs and the like. He has good Tumble and as such can maneuver quite effectively in the battlefield. Between his social skills, defensive spells and combat feats, he is a very well-rounded character.

10th-level Human Fighter 3/Sorcerer 2/Master of Masks 5
Ability Boosts- Str +1 at 8th
New Feats- Power Attack (6th), Combat Reflexes (9th)
Base Attack Bonus- +6
Fluff: Shen’s mysterious mentor disappears, leaving the would-be actor to his fate. Incorporating his roles into his fighting ability, Shen continues to fight the zhents from within, masquerading himself differently to suit every mission. He uses a lot of different weapons, each outfitted with a different wand within it, gratly confusing his opponents.
New Known Spells: enlarge person, wings of cover
New Gear: persona masks, tigerskull club, 2 broadblade shortswords, spiked chain, dragonsplit, gloves of dexterity +2, wand of mighty wallop (in tigerskull club’s wandchamber), wand of wraithstrike (on spiked chain), vest of defense, 4 least crystals of return
Crunch: At this point, Shen gets his masks. His goal is still to provide support for other characters and he can still achieve the party-face or secondary skill-monky role quite well thanks to Able Learner and the jester, assassin and lord masks. Shen can use the always popular spiked chain with his gladiator mask to help control the battlefield, now more easily since he deals more damage with Power Attack. His more important characteristic, though, is his arsenal of weapons with dungeon chambers. He has mighty wallop on the tigerskull club, for solid damage; a pair of broadblade shortswords for his own defense, one with benign transposition and the other with true strike, allowing him to sub for a companion that is low in HP and to get the trop on tricky opponents that abuse concealment. If he needs to fly, he can always give up the benefit of the gladiator mask for the archangel mask – he still keeps his old heavy flail on him for cases such as this.
His defense is better than ever. With wings of cover, he can negate one hit a round, greatly increasing his durability.

15th-level Human Fighter 3/Sorcerer 2/Master of Masks 10
New Feats: Versatile Spellcaster (12th), Practiced Spellcaster: sorcerer (15th)
Base Attack Bonus: +9
New Known Spells: blade of blood, wraithstrike, ferocity of sanguine rage
New Gear: boots of speed, wand of greater magic weapon
At this level, Shen greatly increases his damage potential with blade of blood and ferocity of sanguine rage. He uses the archmage mask while casting ferocity - an effective caster level of 12, for +6 damage. With wraithstrike as a spell known and Versatile Spellcaster, Shen can cast it as much as he wants it, meaning he can Power Attack with abandon.

20th-level Human Fighter 3/Sorcerer 2/Master of Masks 10/Abjurant Champion 5
New Feat: Arcane Strike
Base Attack Bonus: +14
New Known Spells: 1- nerveskitter, 2- see invisibility, glitterdust, web, 3- haste, greater mighty wallop, greater magic weapon, 4- ruin delver’s fortune, wings of flurry, enervation, 5- draconic might, shadow evocation
New Gear: eternal wand of primal instinct, wand of heart of water, wand of detect thoughts
Now more of a gish than ever, Shen can use his wands for more specialized effects, such as heart of water. With draconic might on, Shen becomes quite the powerhouse and he can burn lower level spells with Arcane Strike and Abjurant Champion’s ability, giving him even more versatility. With the archmage mask, Shen has a total caster level of 20, meaning +10 damage from ferocity of sanguine rage. Since he can change masks as an immediate action, he can even start the turn with archmage on, cast a spell (like a 20d6 wings of flurry) and change to gladiator mask so he can take advantage of attacks of opportunity with a spiked chain.

[Private-Prinny]

"So are you a fighter or an entertainer?" "Yes."
The Masquerade of the Arena

The Masquerade was a brutal fighter brought up in lawless lands where only the strong survive. As a young man he was captured by more “civilised” people and forced to fight in a gladiatorial arena. Here he impressed the locals and developed a great lust, not only for blood but also for the spectacle of performing. He attempted to branch out into every performing job he could, but his focused managed to settle on acting. His natural talent for acting shone forth and melded with his bloodlust, he re-enters the arena and mixes bloodletting with performance making every fight a new show for the audience to enjoy, he has become “The Masquerade of the Arena”

Human
Lion Sprit Totem Barbarian 6
Bard 4
Master of Masks 10

Masks (Assassin, High Priest, Gladiator, Angel, Faceless, Archmage and Dragon)

Feats
1 Power Attack
1 Quick draw
3 Combat Expertise
6 Combat Reflexes
9 Improved Trip
12 Improved Bull Rush
15 Shock trooper
18 Practiced Spell caster

The Masquerades fighting style usually starts off with him performing to the audience and using his bardic magic to make him more prepared for the upcoming fight, when the gates are opened he dons the Gladiator mask and charges attempting to trip his opponent with his long spiked chain. If his opponent goes down easily he switches mask to the assassin and draws a new weapon to deliver a finishing stab. If his opponent poses more of a threat he may switch masks to dragon to test a different defence or to Angel to fly out of reach and cast more bardic spells. His various masks allow him to exploit the weakness of many opponents in the arena, whether he would charge recklessly in or wait on the sidelines blasting with his Archmage magic.

[Private-Prinny]

Do you think my face looks good? I made it myself.
(Now so massive, it needs two posts!!!)
Seera d’Cannith, defrauded heir

The dream is ever the same. Jumping from one roof to another, the fresh wind of Sharn winter in the face and her mother’s lullaby still in mind: “Once was Merrith d’Cannith, strong in mind and strong in spirit; then his son and heir Beris, our sweet home was his; Assia Bearan came the next, then Merrith, then Wilex; Argonnensis was grandfather, Aldous Bearan is your father… then there’s Seera, our sweet heart, we will never be apart.”
That evening Seera were really pissed off: “Mom, you have to cut it!” moaned “I’m sixteen now, I don’t need no silly lullaby animore!”
Seera saw the pain on her face: Maelian d’Cannith wasn’t good in lying, nor in pretendine. Suddenly, Seera tried to add something, but her mother stopped her: “You’re right, my dear.” She woke up from her bed and added “You grew up so sudden and…” Maelian stopped, then stepped out, hiding a tear from her daughter.
Seera was upset, but her excitation was too great to be disturbed by that strange feeling – remorse? – that heavied her chest. She waited all day, boiling in anticipation to try her father’s new tricks.
He found her some night ago trying to climb on house roof. Instead of the stern reproof she was waiting, her father lectured her on the ultimate folly of climbing and swinging on the wall of a palace floating half a mile from the ground. “Sharn is a beautiful city, my dear, but it’s floating on your doom if you don’t prepare properly.”
She looked at him, puzzled. Aldous shook his head: “I’ll give you something to avoid my beloved daughter and only heir to become a questionable art form on city lower levels.”
And he did. She had now a pair of gloves, a pair of boots and a amulet. “To climb better, to keep you there and to save you in event of fall” were the words of her father.
The night was cloudy and thin rain started to fall, anticipating a stormy night. But she was too excited to give up her first excursion with her new toys.
…
“This stuff is amazing” roared her, in delight, defying the hard rain and the rollino thunder. Steady on a flying buttress despite the rain, she dominated the area around Cannith palace. Amazing.
In the platform several feet down, a group of figures was approaching her house. Two large ‘forged and a red robed man. “Uncle Merrix!” shouted her, but the heavy rain covered her words. “Uncle Merr…” He will never listen to her. “He’s going home. I know a shortcut.”
She did, indeed, and rushing from spires and towers, swinging with no fail thank to her magical gear. She arrived in front of her house just when her uncle, Merrix d’Cannith, was entering. She rushed even more, took a great jump and landed on her home’s roof.
“He will meet mom and dad at the diner’s room” guessed, and cautously sneaked in that direction. “I could make a surprise entrance. Maybe from the window”.
And she came to the main window, to make her plan happen. She was about to burst in – no worry for the heavy macical defences: they were set to not harm any family member – but… There was something wrong. Her father, His Carlmness, was… “shouting?”
Yes, shouting at uncle Merrix: “You can’t do that, ‘Forged are people, not constructs! I will never, ever, ever back you in this. And, for the gods’ sake and for the sake of our ancestors, I shall oppose you with any mean.” His wife, on his side, nodded, and so did, with proud, Adamant, their loyal warforged bodyguard
Uncle Merrix grinned at him: “So, this is your final word, Aldous?” His father flaming eyes were clear enough “So be it.” He was about to live the room, but half out, he turned at Aldous and said: “There’s just a minor inconvenience. I’m not gonna do it… it is already done.”
Nonchalant, he lifted a strange dragonshard, carved by runes of power, and pointed it towards Adamant. His eyes suddenly became dark and, in a moment, he turned towards an astonished Aldous.
Adamant was a large, adamantine warforged, crafted with great skill to be strong, utterly strong, and perfected with layers of magic. When his left punch hitted Aldous Bearan d’Cannith, he flyed away like a puppet. This was so wrong, so umpredictable, so… horrific.
Seera standed still, this couldn’t be possibile, this… Her mother, instead, was a quick and skilled wizard. With hate in her eyes, she desperately starter to pronounce power words, rushing to… Adamant was quick. Too damn quick. It was his pride: “Big and quick, lil’ Seera. To protect you all, and you at most, my beloved lil master.” Every time he said so, he lifted her up, with hands so soft that it seemed impossibile they were adamantine.
He was doing the same with her mother, now. It seemed the same, at least, and Seera for a moment, hoped he was about to embrice her, to save her from Merrix betrayal. Then her spine broke, with a sound snap, and her motionless body fell on ground.
“Nooo” she shouted, and a lightning flashed. Merrix saw her, smiled her and said: “Dispatch her, Adamant.”
She saw the warforged monster stepped towards her, through a veil of tears. She shook her head. But the vision didn’t go away. Her father still dead, her mother still dead. She looked at his uncle, void on her eyes. Then she lean on her back and fall.
“Umpfh… she did it by herself.” That side of Cannith palace was the most eyecatching: a proud construction standing a pitfall.
…
Seera wasn’t planning, she just throw herself down, a sudden act of pure despair. But her father was, in effect, smarter than her. Half away the falling, her medallion started to glow. And her fall speed decreased: she was, now, a slow plume floating and gently descending.
The lower layers of Sharn were a dump. A dump of material, a dump of people. When she touched the ground,, she was surrounded by strange humanoids. Goblins, hobgoblins, a towering minotaur, a couple of gargoyles.
They were looking at each other, a pack of wolves decidine who’s gonna give the first bite. Then another lightning, and her dragonmark, the mark of making carved oh her right cheek, glowed in response.
Silence.
Then, a green goblin stepped towards and, cerimoniously, asked: “Do the high Maker Princess need this servant’s help?” Then, aiding her to stand, he whispered: “Come with me, fast.”
She followed him, empty in spirit, not opposing any resistence. She never know what really happened, what she told him, what he did.
The only sure thing was that, at the sunrise she was fighting the sleep on a caravan, her boots, gloves and medallion lost. She was going on.
Fairhaven.



Seera d’Cannith, Rogue 1.
Abilities: (on 32 point buy) Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 16
Skills. Bluff 7 (4 ranks), Craft (any 2) 7 (4 ranks), Disable Devices 7 (4 ranks), Disguise 7 (4 ranks), Hide 6 (4 ranks), Move silently 6 (4 ranks), Perfora (acting) 7 (4 ranks), Search 4 (4 ranks), UMD 7 (4 ranks), [8 points free to assign]
Feats: Able Learner, Least Dragonmark
Class Features: Sneak attack +1d6, Trapfinding.


Nothing much to say: Seera is a runaway defrauded heir. Nothing better than a rogue.
Skill selection has been carefully pondered. Bluff, Disguise and Perfora (act) are mandatory, since MoM has them as prerequisites. Hide+Move silently and Dis. Dev+Search give her a role: ambusher and trap disabler. While not mandatory, this skills would reveal itself very useful. UMD maxed is mandatory too, because of the further advancement. Since the build will soon leave to no regrets the rogue advancement, Able Lerner is mandatory too, to relieve the too painful skill point investment in cross class skills.
Least Dragonmark and the entire dragonmark chain is not core for this build and one can probably find something more optimal. But Seera is a dragonmarked heir (no, not the PrC, the role :p ) and her dragonmark is strongly story-related, so I strongly suggest to keep it in every adaptation.


Fairhaven, port of freedom and, in effect, a fair haven for most people, and for Seera too. Her dragonmark announced her far in advance of her arrival. Her natural destination was Aundair’s outpost of house Cannith. A suspicious baron Jorlanna d’Cannith received her. After less than a hour after, having heard her story, she welcomed her, with commotion, she gave her a place in the house and assigned her to a master crafter, for her proper training.
Since that day, however, baron Jorlanna ordered her to wear a mask: her dragonmark, unusually placed, would be too much revealing. And Lord Merrix, now baron of House Cannith himself, wuold find her out.
To anyone, she was now Beria, unfortunate, disfigured daughter of a l lost cyran side of the family.



Rogue 1, Artificer 4
Abilities: (on 32 point buy) Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 17(+1)
Skills. Bluff 11 (8 ranks), Craft (any 2) 9 (6 ranks), Disable Devices 7 (4 ranks), Disguise 11 (8 ranks), Hide 10 (8 ranks), Move silently 10 (8 ranks), Perform (acting) 11 (8 ranks), Search 8 (8 ranks), UMD 11 (8 ranks) [8 points free to assign]
Feats: Able Learner, Least Dragonmark, Favored in house (Legendary Artisan).
Class Features: Sneak attack +1d6, Trapfinding; Infusions (4,3) Craft Reserve, Artificer Knowledge, Artisan Bonus, Disable Traps, Item Creation, Scribe Scroll, Brew Potions, Craft Woundrous Items, Craft homunculus, bonus feat: Legendary Artisan.


Now it’s easier to understand previous skill selection and the usefulness of Able Learner: without it, it would have been impossible to max the three skill prerequisites for MoM, Hide+Move silently, trap search and destroy and UMD.
Favored in house feat would help Seera, since it would be soon really useful.
Use your craft reserve to build a costumized item: a mask that grants you a bonus on UOM. The mechanics is simple: start to work on it, then stop when the craft reserve is exausted, the start again by reaching new level, then stop. Using almost all Seera’s craft reserve would allow you to build a mask of UOM +7 (200 XP total, multiplied 25 = 5.000, that object would have a base price of 4.900). Since it has no spell prereq, it has no UMD check involved.
It would be counted since level six.

Key equipment: rogue’s tools, Talenta Sharrash weapon (reach, two handed, 1d10 19-20 x4, exotic), a Chainmail, a small collection of scrolls, maybe a wand.


As time went by, Seera became a good artificer. Never leaving the quarterhouse, never letting anyone come too close, never doing anytihng else than crafting – yes, a harsh life, but with good outcome in terms of work.
Then, her 18th birthday.
She intended to keep it secret, to let the day pass by, as any other day. But…
She managed to keep just one memory from her former life. Her ring, the family ring, her one and only heirloom. Her father said her to treasure it, because “he will disclose you the secrets our family trades from generations”. With all lost and uncle Merrix owning all, it seemed now a empty promise.
But that day, that only day, her ring glowed and shed heat. She was alone on her lab, so she didn’t retain the yell and threw away the ring.
The inside was faintly glowing, showing some carefully carved words: “Prove your descendance, have the heirloom”.
She stood still. Then, understanding flow on her like a river destroying a dig. Her mind immediately came back at her mother’s lullaby, her eyes shed bittersweet tears and her mouth started to move by itself: “Once was Merrith d’Cannith, strong in mind and strong in spirit; then his son and heir Beris, our sweet home was his; Assia Bearan came the next, then Merrith, then Wilex; Argonnensis was grandfather, Aldous Bearan is your father… then there’s Seera, our sweet heart, we will never be apart.”.
Nothing happened.
Still in deep commotion, she grinned: “This is so… unpoethic.”
And then tried again: “Merrith, Beris, Assia Bearan, Merrith, Wilex, Argonnensis, Aldous Bearan.”
Suddenly, the stone on the ring – a metalline-like diagram she always thought to simbolize a schema – grew in size, becoming a huge, brilliant schema. She came to it with awe. She started to examine it, still crying.
“It is a… a schema. A project… instructions to craft… masks?”



Rogue 1, Artificer 6, Master of Masks 3
Abilities: (on 32 point buy) Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 18(+2)
Skills. Bluff 11 (8 ranks), Craft (any 2) 9 (6 ranks), Disable Devices 12 (9 ranks), Disguise 11 (8 ranks), Hide 15 (13 ranks), Move silently 15 (13 ranks), Perform (acting) 11 (8 ranks), Search 13 (13 ranks), UMD 26 (13 ranks) Added: Spellcraft 13 (10 ranks) [17 points free to assign]
Feats: Able Learner, Least Dragonmark, Favored in house (Legendary Artisan), Extraordinary Artisan, Lesser Dragonmark.
Class Features: Sneak attack +1d6, Trapfinding; Infusions (4, 4 ,3) Craft Reserve, Artificer Knowledge, Artisan Bonus, Disable Traps, Item Creation, Scribe Scroll, Brew Potions, Craft Woundrous Items, Craft homunculus, bonus feat: Legendary Artisan, Craft Magic Arms and Armors, Retain Essence, Metamagic Spell Trigger; Persona Masks (4), +1 Spellcasting, Mask Specialist.

Seera enters the Master of Masks PrC at level 6. Since it would be useful to take track of what she can craft, she advance this way: MoM 1, Art. 5, MoM 2, Art 6, MoM 3. Basicly, any time she gets a new persona mask, she advance a level in artificer. Why?
As you may have already notice, persona masks are magic items. As the text clearly states, they’re also crafted by you. Artificer+MoM= craft better masks.
Also mind that, with Retain Essence, from 7th level on, you may choose to pay XP cost of crafting items by expending 25 times the price in gold, since you salvage XP from items (read note below)

Let’s see persona mask belonging to Seera level by level:
6th: Gladiator Mask and Assassin Mask.
7th crafted improvements:
Gladiator Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time it is donned, the wearer can choose to activate it’s power (use activation): a Divine Favor spell (Cost: 787,5, 48 XP).
Assassin Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time the wearer strikes a construct (use activate) the mask activate an effect identical to Golem Strike spell. (Cost: 787,5, 48 XP).
8th: Demon maask
9th crafted improvements
Gladiator Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time it is donned, the wearer can choose to activate it’s power (use activation): a Divine Favor spell. Once a day, while donning the mask (use activate), the wearer can call a greater might and activate on himself a Divine Power effect (Cost 2.205, 133 XP)
Assassin Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time the wearer strikes a construct (use activate) the mask activate an effect identical to Golem Strike spell, or, striking a un dead, an effect identical to Grave Strike spell (Cost: 787,5, 36 XP).
(Note that 450 more gold coins are expended, since the total XP expended exceded the craft reserve).
10th: Faceless mask.

Favoured in houwe could help you, now, since asking other artificer to help you could reduce XP cost and then improve her equipment. Since its use is strongly discretionary, it is not counted as granted in this build.

Key equipment: Seera now can afford a magic weapon, a magic armor (suggested a Mithril Full Plate +1) and a small arsenal of scrolls and wands.



[I]A year later, more or less, her researches stopped. The schema was incomplete. She went straight to Jorlanna. This research was too promising to stop in a cul-de-sac and the schema suggested how to know more. It was a hard way, through. It leaded to Xen’drik.



Rogue 1, Artificer 8, Master of Masks 6
Abilities: (on 32 point buy) Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 17(+1), Wis 10, Cha 18(+2)
Skills. Bluff 12 (8 ranks), Craft (any 2) 9 (6 ranks), Disable Devices 17 (14 ranks), Disguise 12 (8 ranks), Hide 20 (18 ranks), Move silently 20 (18 ranks), Perform (acting) 12 (8 ranks), Search 18 (18 ranks), UMD 31 (18 ranks) Spellcraft 18 (15 ranks) [25 points free to assign]
Feats: Able Learner, Least Dragonmark, Favored in house (Legendary Artisan), Extraordinary Artisan, Lesser Dragonmark, Two Weapon Fighter, Double Wand Wielder. (Wand Mastery)
Class Features: Sneak attack +1d6, Trapfinding; Infusions (4, 4, 4, 1) Craft Reserve, Artificer Knowledge, Artisan Bonus, Disable Traps, Item Creation, Scribe Scroll, Brew Potions, Craft Woundrous Items, Craft homunculus, bonus feat: Legendary Artisan, Craft Magic Arms and Armors, Retain Essence, Metamagic Spell Trigger, Craft Wand, bonus feat: Wand Mastery; Persona Masks (5), +2 Spellcasting, Mask Specialist, Many Faces (2 move), Hidden Mask.


You should be familiar with the mechanics, by now.

11th level improvement
Faceless Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, once in a day, where donning this mask (use activation), the wearer can choose to activate an effect identical of Polymorph spell (Cost: 2940, 177 XP). [23 XP of craft reserve free to use]
13th: Dragon mask
15th level improvement
Gladiator Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time it is donned, the wearer can choose to activate it’s power (use activation): a Divine Favor spell. Once a day, while donning the mask (use activate), the wearer can call a greater might and activate on himself a Divine Power effect. Similarly, once a day, in conjunction or indipendently by the previous power, the wearer can activate an effect identical to Righteous Might spell (Cost 2.362.5, 142 XP)
Assassin Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time the wearer strikes a construct (use activate) the mask activate an effect identical to Golem Strike spell, or, striking a un dead, an effect identical to Grave Strike spell. Moreover, once a day, while donning the mask (use activate), the wearer can activate an effect identical to Nightstalker Transformation spell. (Cost 2.362.5, 142 XP)
(Note that 850 more gold coins are expended, since the total XP expended exceded the craft reserve).

At 14th level, the real power comes in. With Many Faces class ability Seera can switch to one mask to another as a move action. If you’ve paid attention, most of the improved masks effects are activable once donned, so switch to one another counts to activate them. This, ladies and gentlemen, is the key ability of this build: breaking action economy.
Let’s try an example: Seera wears Assassin mask, leaving Gladiator mask in one hand. Then, at the first round of a battle, she wears as a standard action the Gladiator mask, activating Divine Favor, Divine Power and Righteous Might. Then, as a move action, she shifts to Assassin mask, activating Nightstalker Transformation too. If she’s smart, she weared Faceless mask too, in advance, since Polymorph has a 10 min/level duration.
So, now she’s a huge War Troll, to hit as a fighter, a huge bonus to Strenght, Constitution and Natural Armor, with a +6d6 sneak attack.

Key equipment: add Sizing to your weapon, since you’ve become a shapechanger, then buy all the scrolls, wands and maybe staves you can afford. Strongly consider Eternal Wands and minor schemas. Have fun with belt of battle, particularily useful, since with a single charge you can take a extra move action to switch a mask.


... continue

[Private-Prinny]

And now for Part II.
What happened in Xen’drik, noone knows. Dwellers of Cannith Fairhaven’s house can only tell that when Beria came back from the expedition… well, she looked different. A huge, intricate Mark of Making spreading on her entire face and down her neck was the minor change. She was strong, confident, scarred and her grey eyes loomed deeply. After a swift parley with baron Jorlanna, she left the house, to not been seen ever again.
…
Sharn, the city of towers. Mightly crafted to express the undying will of mortal beings to reach the sky, floating and moaning and living. One of the most important place of power of this chaotic city is Cannith palace, the home residence of baron Merrix d’Cannith. In front of that huge, outstanding palace, the tiny masked woman seemed insignificant. She passed the main door, plainly ignoring the old man telling her that “Lady… Cannith, mark bearer, wha… hey, please, you can’t… this is not acceptable. This is a private house, please stop and…”
She was home, HER home. She walked the hall straight to the library. The door opened two steps before his coming. “The old bastard didn’t even bothered to change magical protection” grunted her, to the astonished old man. He was left behind bablling, while she walked through a long corridor to the main office – his father’s office – and, finally, to the presence of Merrix d’Cannith, Adamant, a couple of stone golem and a Deneir bodyguard.
Merrix arched an eyebrow and asked: “So… lady, who the heck are you? How did you maneged to… But, first of all, what do you want?”
Seera trembled. Then undid her Faceless mask. Her huge Mark of Making was now visibile, encompassing her deep, enraged gray eyes. A very uncommon trait on Cannith house, that grey eyes were only seen on Merrix brother.
“I am Seera d’Cannith, daugther of Maelian and” she paused “Aldous Bearan d’Cannith. I am here to have my house back, toh ave my title back, toh ave my heirloom back. And to drop you death, uncle Merrix.”
He smiled, heartly amused: “Yes, my dear, for sure.” He hitted with a lazy look the two golems, the bodyguard and the void-eyed warforged and asked: “Would you all mind to dispatch her?”
The constructs and the human were about to come towards her, when she wore the mask again.
Abruptly, she started to… change. After less than a couple of seconds, she were a huge, terrific angelic figure. She spoke with a deep, strong voice: “This is the form of an angel. The angel of revenge calling for your doom.”



Rogue 1, Artificer 9, Master of Masks 10
Abilities: (on 32 point buy) Str 8, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 19(+3), Wis 10, Cha 18(+2)
Skills. No more rated.
Feats: Able Learner, Least Dragonmark, Favored in house (Legendary Artisan), Extraordinary Artisan, Lesser Dragonmark, Two Weapon Fighter, Double Wand Wielder. (Wand Mastery), Greater Dragonmark
Class Features: Sneak attack +1d6, Trapfinding; Infusions (4, 4, 4, 4, 2) Craft Reserve, Artificer Knowledge, Artisan Bonus, Disable Traps, Item Creation, Scribe Scroll, Brew Potions, Craft Woundrous Items, Craft homunculus, bonus feat: Legendary Artisan, Craft Magic Arms and Armors, Retain Essence, Metamagic Spell Trigger, Craft Wand, bonus feat: Wand Mastery, Craft Rod; Persona Masks (5), +4 Spellcasting, Mask Specialist, Many Faces (2 move), Hidden Mask, Many Faces (3 swift), Many Faces (4 immediate).

Welcome to the thin air.

16th: Angel mask
17th level improvement
*Faceless Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, once in a day, where donning this mask (use activation), the wearer can choose to activate an effect identical of Polymorph spell, or, once in a day, identical to Shapechange spell (Cost: 14.179, 850 XP).
(Note that additional 13.750 gold pieces are needed, because the XP cost exceded the Craft Reserve.)
18th: Archmage
19th level improvement
Dragon Mask in addiction to it’s standard power, three times per day, as a swift action (like the spell) when using the mask’s breath weapon, the wearer can cast Breath Weapon Substitution. Moreover, as a swift action, the wearer can cast Stunning Breath, any time per day. (Cost 4725, 284 XP, converted in 7.100 gp cost).
20th level improvement
Gladiator Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time it is donned, the wearer can choose to activate it’s power (use activation): a Divine Favor spell. Once a day, while donning the mask (use activate), the wearer can call a greater might and activate on himself a Divine Power effect. Similarly, once a day, in conjunction or indipendently by the previous power, the wearer can activate an effect identical to Righteous Might spell. Finally, by donning the mask (use activation), the wearer can activate on himself up to five times straight the effect of the Eroics spell, any time per day. (Note that no more than five heroics spells can be active at the same time by the use of this object)** (Cost 19.687,5, 1181,25 XP, interely paid with addictional 29.531,25 gp).
Archmage mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, twice in a day, where donning this mask (use activation), the wearer can choose to activate an effect identical to an Antimagic Field spell (Cost 13.860, 832 XP, interely paid with additional 20.790 gp).

*Shapechange on Faceless mask is the only time in which Favored in house really comes into account. To craft an object that uses Shapechange, the Seera has to find some way to cast it, since her spellcaster level does not suffice. The easiest way would be to find another artificer to work for her, but it would a spellcaster that casts the spell everyday for the duration of the crafting would be enough. It would be thinkable even obtain a schema of Shapechange (price above 6th is not rated, but since it works with spells too and since the costi s spell lever x spellcaster level x 400 it would cost 61.200 gp, totally affordable.

**This is not RAW, but imagining an average DM judging this build, I can’t imagine him/her to read a possible infinite heroics loop and throw some book, laugh, spit on me, ban me forever from the table and so on.

At this time, the mask of UMD shoud be unpractical to wear and bring around. Salvage the XP spent to craft it and spend them to craft a, say, pair of gloves, or ring, or circlet of UMD would be more practical.

Now, look at Archmage mask and think what you can do with it. Got it? Automatic fail of any harmful spell cast on you, twice a day, since you can switch to it as an immediate action. Add shapechange, polymorph, the well known cleric buffs, a fair amount of sneak attack and a other miscellanea.

And, by the way, this is the sweet spot.

Key equipment: In fact, Seera works well by herself. Choosing her equipment is a task as is a task to choose a general 20th level character’s. The only thing that comes to mind is a metamagic rod of extend spell and a metamagic rod of extend spell, lesser, to make some infusion to stand more.



Masks:



Archmage mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, twice in a day, where donning this mask (use activation), the wearer can choose to activate an effect identical to an Antimagic Field spell

Assassin Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time the wearer strikes a construct (use activate) the mask activate an effect identical to Golem Strike spell, or, striking a un dead, an effect identical to Grave Strike spell. Moreover, once a day, while donning the mask (use activate), the wearer can activate an effect identical to Nightstalker Transformation spell.

Dragon Mask in addiction to it’s standard power, three times per day, as a swift action (like the spell) when using the mask’s breath weapon, the wearer can cast Breath Weapon Substitution. Moreover, as a swift action, the wearer can cast Stunning Breath, any time per day.

Faceless Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, once in a day, where donning this mask (use activation), the wearer can choose to activate an effect identical of Polymorph spell, or, once in a day, identical to Shapechange spell

Gladiator Mask: in addiction to it’s standard power, any time it is donned, the wearer can choose to activate it’s power (use activation): a Divine Favor spell. Once a day, while donning the mask (use activate), the wearer can call a greater might and activate on himself a Divine Power effect. Similarly, once a day, in conjunction or indipendently by the previous power, the wearer can activate an effect identical to Righteous Might spell. Finally, by donning the mask (use activation), the wearer can activate on himself up to five times straight the effect of the Eroics spell, any time per day. (Note that no more than five heroics spells can be active at the same time by the use of this object)



Mechanical notes:



Since it is not stated that the quicker switching mask method suppress the slower, one can argue that a level 10 Master of Mask can switch masks as a move action, a swift action and a immediate action. So, doing it 3 times per round, and since wearing a mask is a standard action, to a total of 4.
Taking count of the infinite loop of buffing this would cause is istinctive and I see no logical argument against doing a task that requires a blink of eyes (immediate action) in a longer time (move). You can read the example made under level 15, just imagine an automatic buff in one round.
But even not letting it work this way, which seems totally legal, nevertheless Seera has a good leverage on action economy: potentially one buff a round as an immediate action.
A caster level of 13 for infusions is not outstanding, but good, and probably the best use of +4 caster level. Just to be clear and sure, artificer has a caster level (“They function just like spells and follow all the rules for spells”, you read in Eberron Campaign Settings handbook) and here and there there are other referrals to caster level.

The most obscure mechanic could be the use retain essence to not pay XP cost for items. Retain essence allows to destroy a magic item and “suck” the XP spent to craft it, storing them in artificer’s Craft Reserve. So, to say, destroy an item worth 1.000 Gp would grant the artificer 1.000/25 XP, so 40. In this way, the artificer can pay XP cost to craft items in gold, with a multiplier of 25.
Use of Legendary and Extraordinary Artisan feats optimize the whole crafting thing, to your satisfaction.

Improvements of masks are made by the rules of DMG. The masks are magic items, crafted by the Master of Masks (so you read in the PrC description). This means that its can be improved by the standard rules.
I’ve considered the masks ever an appropriate body slot, since there is a strong tie between the taste of the mask and the power granted. While linked on a mask that works only for the crafter, I’ve counted the 30% discount of “particular race or class”.
For powers added, the “discount” rule for similar abilities applies, stacking with Extraordinary Artisan.
This is not a big deal, however, even for the XP: since the Seera can salvage XP, the only practical impact on this build would be on the budget and, since I’m not going to add all the equipment, it will require only few mathematics and budget adjustments to compensate.



Cheese:



Choosing mask properties has been done with flavour in mind, not power. In fact, the spell selection, with the exception of polymorph and shapechange, would result not optimal. Since the MoM has the ability to switch masks as an immediate acition, the list of situational spells to save the day (wings of cover? time stop?) or to buff yourself, or to blast enemies (gate 2 level up via mask specialist?) are countless. You can also notice that only a minimal part of her budget has been used. This leaves every user the chanche to personalize this build.


Roquefort:



If you want to carve absolute power from a suboptimal PrC, you need a bit of rulelawing. Since persona masks are magic items crafted by the Master of Masks and the PrC text doesn’t explicitly say that it is not impossible (a stern RAW reading, totally against RAI, so be warned), it is possible to apply normal rules of creating magical items to persona masks. Even the possibility to add powers to an existing magic item, maybe with a multiplier of 1.5 for “several, different abilities”. Combine Assassin and Gladiator could make you cry to joy, to a laughable +50 gp cost. And then keep other mask free to use with the main combo.

I refer this possibilità only for completeness’ sake, please don’t use it: I’ve been hit by headache already, just figuring out all the possible implications (what alignment would you show, for example?)



ToB implementations:



Both Gladiator and Assassin persona masks would be excellent items to hold some maneuver or stance. Assassin’s stance and White Raven Tactics comes to mind first, but you can search deep into ToB to more fun. Please note, however, that heroics can be used to obtain Martial Study and Martial Stance.



The end

[Private-Prinny]

He'll beat you to death with his bare hands... peacefully.
Keiji Mutoh, Ninja for Peace
Home: Thrane. Deity: Silver Flame. House: Tharashk

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/Image765.gif
Human LG Ninja 3/Monk 4/Apostle of Peace 4/Master of Masks 9
Monk Variants used: Decisive Strike (PH2); Holy Strike (CCh)
Languages: Common, Celestial, Sylvan, Undercommon

Keiji Mutoh's family was rich, and, being rich, was reviled by their village. Though they strived to do right in the community, jealousy overcame the villagers, and they stormed the manse, burning it to the ground. Keiji barely survived, and stumbled from the village to the twin dojos at the foot of the mountains. He was accepted as a student in both, but swore an oath to never let money come between himself and others again. Some think his vows force him to be little more than a spy, forgetting that spies have many tricks....


Base Stats:
{TABLE]Ability|Stat|End Stat
STR|8|8
DEX|14|16
CON|12|16
INT|13|13
WIS|17|28
CHA|12|20[/TABLE]
Wisdom gets the level increases.

{TABLE]Level|Class|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Feats|Skills|Feature s|Spells: 0|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8
1|Ninja 1|+0|+1|+4|+3|Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Nymph's Kiss|Bluff 4, Concentration 4, Diplomacy 2, Disguise 4, G. Info 1, Hide 4, Move Silently 4, Perform (Act) 2, Speak Language 2|Aura of Good, Trapfinding, Ki Power (+2 Will), Sudden Strike +1d6, WIS to AC, +4 Exalted bonus to AC|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2|Ninja 2|+1|+1|+5|+3|Intuitive Attack|Bluff 5, Concentration 5, Disguise 5, G. Info 4, Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Perform (Act) 2.5|Ghost Step|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3|Monk 1|+1|+3|+7|+5|IUS, Stunning Fist, Subduing Strike|Bluff 5.5, Concentration 6, Diplomacy 3, Disguise 5.5, Hide 6, Move Silently 6, Perform (Act) 3.5|Endure Elements, +5 Exalted Bonus to AC, Decisive Strike|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4|Monk 2|+2|+4|+8|+7|Monastic Training, Vow of Nonviolence|Bluff 6, Concentration 7, Diplomacy 4, Disguise 6, Hide 7, Move Silently 7, Perform (Act) 4.5|Evasion, Exalted Strike|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5|Monk 3|+3|+3|+8|+7|-|Bluff 6.5, Concentration 8, Diplomacy 5, Disguise 6.5, Hide 8, Move Silently 8, Perform (Act) 5.5|Fast Movement +10', Still Mind, Sustenance|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
6|Ninja 3|+4|+5|+8|+8|Superior Unarmed Strike, Vow of Peace|Bluff 7.5, Concentration 9, Disguise 7.5, G. Info 5, Hide 9, Move Silently 11, Perform (Act) 7|Sudden Strike +2d6, Poison Use, +1 Deflection Bonus to AC, +6 Exalted Bonus to AC|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
7|Monk 4|+5|+7|+10|+10|-|Bluff 8, Concentration 10, Diplomacy 6, Disguise 8, Hide 10, Move Silently 10, Perform (Act) 8|Resistance +1, Holy Strike, CHA Enhancement +2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
8|Apostle of Peace 1|+5|+9|+12|+12|Sacred Strike|Concentration 11, Hide 11, Move Silently 11, Spellcraft 2|Turn Undeadx5/2d6+5, NA+1, Mind Shielding|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
9|Apostle of Peace 2|+6/+1|+10|+13|+13|Ascetic Stalker|Concentration 12, Hide 12, Move Silently 12, Spellcraft 4|Pacifying Touch, +7 Exalted Bonus to AC|5|4|1|-|-|-|-|-|-
10|Apostle of Peace 3|+6/+1|+10|+13|+13|Exalted Turning|Concentration 13, Hide 13, Move Silently 13, Spellcraft 6|Exalted Strike +2(good), DR 5/Magic|5|4|2|1|-|-|-|-|-
11|Apostle of Peace 4|+7/+2|+11|+14|+15|-|Concentration 14, Hide 14, Move Silently 14, Spellcraft 8|Censure Fiends, CHA Enhancement +4/WIS Enhancement +2|6|5|3|2|1|-|-|-|-
12|Master of Masks 1|+7/+2|+11|+16|+18|Serpent Fang, Nimbus of Light|Concentration 15, Diplomacy 6.5, Hide 15, Move Silently 15|Persona Mask (Angel)*, Persona Mask (Archmage)*, Exalted Bonus to AC +8, Deflection +2, Greater Sustenance|6|5|3|2|1|-|-|-|-
13|Master of Masks 2|+8/+3|+12|+18|+20|-|Concentration 16, Diplomacy 7, Hide 16, Move Silently 16|Persona Mask (High Priest), Resistance +2, Energy Resistance|6|5|5|3|2|1|-|-|-
14|Master of Masks 3|+8/+3|+12|+18|+20|Vow of Abstinence|Concentration 17, Diplomacy 7.5, Hide 17, Move Silently 17|Persona Mask (Lord), Mask Specialist^, Exalted Strike +3, Freedom of Movement|6|5|5|3|2|1|-|-|-
15|Master of Masks 4|+9/+4|+14|+19|+22|Avenging Strike|Concentration 18, Diplomacy 8, Hide 18, Move Silently 18|Exalted Bonus to AC +9, CHA Enhancement + 6/WIS Enhancement +4/CON enhancement +2, DR 5/evil|6|5|5|5|3|2|1|-|-
16|Master of Masks 5|+9/+4|+14|+19|+22|Touch of Golden Ice|Concentration 19, Diplomacy 8.5, Hide 19, Move Silently 19|NA+2, Persona Mask (Faceless), Many Faces (2, move)|6|5|5|5|3|2|1|-|-
17|Master of Masks 6|+10/+5|+16|+21|+24|-|Concentration 20, Diplomacy 9, Hide 20, Move Silently 20|Hidden Mask, Exalted Strike +4, Resistance +3, Regeneration|6|5|5|5|3|2|1|-|-
18|Master of Masks 7|+10/+5|+16|+21|+24|Fists of Iron, Vow of Obedience|Concentration 21, Diplomacy 9.5, Hide 21, Move Silently 21|Persona Mask (Jester), Exalted Bonus to AC +10, Deflection +3, True Seeing|6|6|5|5|4|3|2|1|-
19|Master of Masks 8|+11/+6/+1|+17|+23|+26|-|Concentration 22, Diplomacy 10, Hide 22, Move Silently 22|Many Faces (3, Swift), CHA Enhancement +8/WIS Enhancement +6/CON Enhancement +4/DEX Enhancement +2, DR 10/evil|6|6|5|5|5|3|2|1|-
20|Master of Masks 9|+11/+6/+1|+18|+23|+27|Vow of Chastity|Concentration 23, Diplomacy 11, Disguise 9, Move Silently 23|Persona Mask (Assassin), Exalted Strike +5, Energy Resistance 15|6|7|6|5|5|5|3|2|1[/TABLE]*Note:Master of Masks requires the use of two (2) sets of one hundred (100) GP materials to make the initial masks on time. This will require begging the materials off of party members (see BoED page 30), or else falling into a loop where XP is expended, and the masks become unavailable, freeing the XP, which is expended, etc. Subsequent masks can be made through the XP expenditure outlined on page 30 of the BoED. Because the masks are of no use to other Masters of Mask, and because no ranks in Craft are required to create them, they would seem to be without material value after their initial creation materials are used. This should mean it is acceptable to be a VoP Master of Masks. Otherwise, wait until 40+ XP are surplus to requirements and use them.

Non-SRD Feats: Monastic Training (Eberron Campaign Setting p57), Serpent Strike (Sandstorm p53), Ascetic Stalker (Complete Scoundrel p73), Fists of Iron (Complete Warrior p99), Superior Unarmed Strike (Tome of Battle p33), Avenging Strike (Tome of Battle p28), Exalted Turning (Book of Exalted Deeds p42), Intuitive Attack (BoED p44), Nimbus of Light (BoED p44), Nymph's Kiss (BoED p44), Sacred Strike (BoED p45), Sacred Vow (BoED p45), Subduing Strike (BoED p46), Touch of Golden Ice (BoED p47), Vow of Abstinence (BoED p47), Vow of Chastity (BoED p47), Vow of Nonviolence (BoED p47), Vow of Peace (BoED p48), Vow of Obedience (BoED p48), Vow of Poverty (BoED p48). In addition, the rules on voluntary poverty are in the BoED, pp29-31.

Spell List Highlights: From PHb or BoED.
0: Cure Minor Wounds, Detect Magic, Detect Poison, Guidance, Mending, Purify Food and Drink, Read Magic, Resistance;

1st: Bless, Command, Comprehend Languages, Cure Light Wounds, Detect Evil, Detect Undead, Divine Inspiration, Endure Elements, Entropic Shield, Eyes of the Avoral, Obscuring Mist, Protection from Evil, Ray of Hope, Remove Fear, Sanctuary, Shield of Faith, Twilight Luck, Vision of Heaven;

2nd: Aid, Augury, Ayailla's Radiant Burst, Bear's Endurance, Calm Emotions, Consecrate, Delay Poison, Eagle's Splendor,Enthrall, Glorious Raiment, Make Whole, Owl's Wisdom, Remove Paralysis, Resist Energy, Lesser Restoration, Shield Other, Silence, Yoke of Mercy, Zone of Truth;

3rd: Blessed Sight, Brilliant Emanation, Celestial Aspect, Dispel Magic, Hammer of Righteousness,Invisibility Purge, Magic Circle against Evil, Magic Vestment, Meld into Stone, Path of the Exalted, Phieran's Resolve, Prayer, Protection from Energy, Remove Blindness/Deafness, Remove Curse, Remove Disease, Water Walk, Wind Wall;

4th: Air Walk, Lesser Aspect of the Deity, Blood of the Martyr, Control Water, Cure Critical Wounds, Death Ward, Divination, Freedom of Movement, Good Hope, Imbue with Spell Ability, Greater Luminous Armor, Neutralize Poison, Lesser Planar Ally, Restoration, Spell Immunity, Sunmantle, Tongues;

5th: Atonement, Break Enchantment, Greater Command, Commune, Mass Cure Light Wounds, Dispel Evil, Hallow, Inquisition, Plane Shift, Raise Dead, Sacred Guardian, Scrying, Sicken Evil, Spell Resistance, True Seeing, Wall of Stone;

6th: Aspect of the Deity, Banishment, Mass Bear's Endurance, Celestial Blood, Mass Cure Moderate Wounds, Greater Dispel Magic, Mass Eagle's Splendor, Exalted Raiment, Geas/Quest, Heal, Mass Owl's Wisdom, Planar Ally, Storm of Shards, Valiant Steed, Wind Walk, Word of Recall;

7th: Channel Celestial, Constricting Chains, Control Weather, Cry of Ysgard, Ethereal Jaunt, Phoenix Fire, Rain of Embers, Regenerate, Repulsion, Greater Restoration, Resurrection, Greater Scrying, Shield of the Archons;

8th: Antimagic Field, Mass Cure Critical Wounds, Discern Location, Dragon Cloud, Greater Planar Ally.

Appetizers: (Levels 1 - 5)
Early levels are rough, especially for a character who has forsworn earthly possessions. Keiji spends his early days as a sneak, working reconnaisance for the ninjas who took him in, and their sister monastary. His focus on staying out of sight allows him to use Sudden Strike and, therefore, approach reasonable damage thresholds when he needs to fight. The early grab for Intuitive Attack is vital to making him a more SAD character, while Subduing Strike pairs naturally with his Vow of Nonviolence. Decisive Strike gives him a better damaging option than Flurry of Blows, so he learns to do that instead. His AC, Evasion, and Saves are more than adequate in the early going. His Simple Weapon is a Dagger, to help deal with those opponents with mobility options he can't easily match. Poison Use is limited to Oil of Taggit, Drow Poison, and the Ravages in the Book of Exalted Deeds according to p34 of that volume, but he uses the advantage of safe Poison Use as best he can.

Salad and Breadsticks: (Levels 6 - 10)
With Superior Unarmed Strike and Sacred Strike, his Unarmed Subdual Damage manages to stay relevant until spells come online. Bless and Obscuring Mist are among the best options for Keiji from his 1st level choices. Owl's Wisdom, Yoke of Mercy, and Calm Emotions are solid choices for influencing the battlefield from the 2nd level list, with Dispel Magic, Wind Wall, and Hammer of Righteousness as go-to choices at 3rd. Turn Undead and a second Sacred bonus to attacks give him other toys to play with, while Pacifying Touch can end fights before they start.

Main Course: (Levels 11 - 15)
Master of Masks' Archmage opens up the ability to Fly, a bit behind his allies' ability to do so but not painfully so, thanks to the buffs he could cast previously. With the High Priest, Apostle of Peace's Caster level - which powers his main spell list - gets a small boost. This is especially useful for the Dispels and limited damaging spells available. Serpent Fang and Avenging Strike make his Unarmed Strikes more powerful and more flexible. With a 4th level spell slot opened up, Lesser Planar Ally comes online, while 5th gets you Plane Shift, and Geas/Quest is available at 6th. Creating the Lord mask starts to make Diplomancy really abusable. Couple it with Pacifying Touch and the Calm Emotions ability, and fights stop before they can start.

Decadent Dessert Menu: (Level 16 - 20)
Touch of Golden Ice allows Keiji to double up on Ravages with his Unarmed Strikes. Cry of Ysgard gets Keiji four CR 9 followers for up to a year, each of whom has their own animal companion. It's as if Keiji got a limited Leadership without the feat. Greater Planar Ally is as worthwhile as ever. Keiji's Vow of Poverty also gives him Regeneration. Overcoming the moral quandaries of donning the Assassin Mask boosts Sudden Strike/Sneak Attack to a respectable 6d8 for circumstances where both apply, and since his Alignment is not changed, merely concealed, this is a viable choice. Even Paladins get Undetectable Alignment, after all. By the end, Keiji's AC is 43, having kept up with or surpassed the AC of those he travels with a while back, yet maintaining viability through support casting and maximizing his Unarmed Strike as much as possible.

Sides and Garnishes: (Suggested flaws and traits)
Traits: Aggressive gets more chances to go first, at a meager AC cost. Keiji's AC is high enough that this is a natural choice. Because Apostle of Peace casts off such a limited list, and caster level is low throughout the build, Spellgifted is an even better fit.
Flaws: Shaky is practically without cost for Keiji, who uses buff spells and melee attacks all but exclusively. Vulnerable is a good choice for the same reason that Aggressive is, and the great early REF save makes Poor Reflexes an acceptable alternative.

If Flaws are used, Versatile Unarmed Strike and Telling Blow further increase the early game viability of Keiji's tactics.

[Private-Prinny]

"Do I have something on my face?" "No, but that's kind of the point..."

(More 2 part madness)
Robert Smith... that name was discarded long ago.

Before The Faceless, there was a boy. A human child, not 11 winters of age. A boy with bright blue eyes. Not the iris, but what is normally the white. The priest called it a blessing, and he could not have been more wrong.

Living on the outskirts of a large town, Robert (Robbie) was constantly tormented by the others. The "normals", they called themselves.

"You think you're better than us?"

"Let's see how 'blessed' you are!"

A litany of taunts, whirling through the mind, throughout the day. Even at home, Robbie was dismissed.

"You'll never amount to anything."

"How do you expect to get a job lazing around!"

He was never taught to read or write, his father dismissing both as "luxuries".

His sole refuge was outside, in the wilderness. Living nearby an elven encampment, Robbie picked up some useful knowledge about the wilderness. This did not particularly help his status with the others, nor at home. ("Knife-ears lover!") Even the elves didn't really accept him, treating him as an infant. Robert did have some talents though, and rapidly picked up what he was taught of the wilds.

The real trouble started when he was 14. A series of escalating "pranks" began. Starting with a knife in his front door through an incomprehensible note, continuing with a group beating, and ending with being stuffed into a sack and wrestled into a cave, unconscious.

Robert awoke groggily. The bruises he could feel covering his body weren't particularly helped by the irregular rock beneath him, nor his lack of clothing. He opened his eyes... and saw nothing. Wherever he was, it was pitch black. "Bastards!" he quietly cursed, then stopped, listening carefully. Hearing nothing but dripping water, he rose to his feet, stumbling slightly in the process. A cautious test to the left, to the right... sharp rocks awaited. Gathering his will, he focused for a minute, then began to cautiously step across the stones. That was about when the tripwire caught him.

Tumbling facefirst onto the jagged mess on the floor, his face was lacerated. Cuts across the forehead, mangled cheekbones, a broken nose, and a slashed upper lip. The yell of pain echoed through the cave, but he still heard no response. Getting to his feet in agony, Robert again focused. Gradually, a shell hardened over his face, dulling the pain. As he opened his eyes, futilely, he was suddenly shocked. He could SEE again. And several feet ahead of him was another tripwire, and a wall. The imagination of his tormenters never ended, it seemed.

Seeing despite the blackness, Robert had little difficult navigating out of the caves, given some time. As he emerged into sunlight, he looked down at his hands... and saw them coated with tiny purple scales. He checked his feet: unscathed. He grinned slightly. Taking a stout branch as protection, he walked back into town, to confront his abductors.

Several terrified boys beaten up later, a few useful items scavenged, and a classical peasant mob formed, complete with pitchforks and torches, and chased him out of town. Robert left gladly. They had paid.

Robert Smith:

CN Male Azurin Totemist 1
Medium Humanoid (Human, Incarnum)
HD 1d8+2
HP 10
Init +2
Spd 30 ft.
AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 17
Base Atk +0, Grp +0
Atk +0 melee (1d6, Club)
SA: None
SQ: Meldshaping, Illiteracy, Wild Empathy, Essentia Pool 2
SV Fort +4, Ref +4, Will +1
Str 10, Dex 14, Con 15, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Trained Skills: Autohypnosis +3, Concentration +6, Heal +7, Knowledge(Arcana) +6, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Listen +5, Spellcraft +6 Spot +5, Survival +10, Use Magic Device +0
Untrained Skills: Appraise +3, Balance -1, Bluff -1, Climb -3, Craft(any) +3, Decipher Script +3, Diplomacy -1, Disable Device +3, Disguise -1, Escape Artist -1, Forgery +3, Gather Information -1, Handle Animal -1, Hide -1, Intimidate -1, Jump -3, Knowledge(other) +2, Move Silently -1, Open Lock -1, Perform -1, Profession(any) +2, Ride -1, Search +3, Sense Motive +2, Sleight of Hand -1, Swim -6, Tumble -1, Use Rope -1
Feats: Able Learner, Expanded Soulmeld Capacity (B)

Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Halfling

Soulmelds shaped: Wormtail Belt (Waist Chakra), Hunter's Circlet (Crown Chakra). 1 point of Essentia invested in each. Switch to 2 points in Wormtail Belt in the event of a fight, for an additional +1 AC.

Possessions: Studded Leather Armor, Club, Wooden Buckler, Flint and Steel, Torch, Backpack, Bedroll, Waterskin, blank mask.


Robert left with little more than the clothes on his back. Still, he was able to survive the wilderness almost effortlessly, thanks to what he had gathered from the elves. He did not seek them out. They were too near the town, too close to his past. Instead, he travelled west, further into the wilderness. He hid from towns, passing through them with a mask, if necessary. They might know, recognize the scars on his face, and take him back. And so, he was treated as another bizarre oddity in a world overfull of such.

Over time, and with practice, he began to master his new capabilities. No longer could he merely alter his skin, but his entire form, growing claws, spines, and other weapons.

Eventually in his trek west, Robert encountered a travelling caravan of entertainers. Some might call them a circus, some might call them gypsies. Whatever they were, they offered a home free of judgement, free of the past. Robert took it. He threw himself wholeheartedly into acting, into assuming the face, the being, of another. When they asked his name, he said only, "I have no name".

Nameless

CN Male Azurin Totemist 2/Factotum 1/Incarnate 2
Medium Humanoid (Human, Incarnum)
HD 3d8+2d6+10
HP 26
Init +2
Spd 30 ft, Fly 10 ft (Good, falls at end of movement)
AC 19, touch 12, flat-footed 17
Base Atk +2, Grp +2
Atk +2 melee (1d6+2, Club) OR 3 attacks +6, (1d6+2, range increment 30 ft, spines)
SA: Spines, Cunning Insight, Detect Law
SQ: Meldshaping, Wild Empathy, Essentia Pool 5, Trapfinding, Cunning Knowledge, Totem Chakra Bind(+1 capacity), Chakra Bind(Crown), Aura,
SV Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +4
Str 10, Dex 15, Con 15, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Trained Skills: Bluff +9 Concentration +7, Disguise +7 (+9 when impersonating another) Heal +5, Knowledge(Arcana) +7, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Listen +6, Perform(acting) +2, Spellcraft +8, Spot +14, Survival +7, Autohypnosis +5, Use Magic Device +1(+3 when using scrolls)
Untrained Skills: Appraise +3, Balance +1, Climb -1, Craft(any) +3, Decipher Script +3, Diplomacy +1, Disable Device +5, Escape Artist +1, Forgery +3, Gather Information -1, Handle Animal -1, Hide +3, Intimidate +1, Jump +7, Knowledge(other) +2, Move Silently +3, Open Lock +4, Perform(other) -1, Profession(any) +2, Ride +2, Search +3, Sense Motive +2, Sleight of Hand +4, Swim -2, Tumble +1, Use Rope +1
Feats: Able Learner, Expanded Soulmeld Capacity (B), Flyby Attack

Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Halfling

Soulmelds shaped: (for combat) Manticore Belt(Waist, Bound to Totem Chakra) (3 essentia invested), Airstep Sandals(Feet), Incarnate Avatar (1 essentia invested), Sighting Gloves (1 essentia invested)

Possessions: Necklace of Natural Attacks +1, Healing Belt, +1 Chain Shirt, +1 buckler, Masterwork Thief's Tools, Masterwork Infiltration outfit (Hide/Move Silently), Cloak of Elemental Protection, Hat of Disguise, Masterwork Blank Mask (bluff), 200 gp

When not expecting (or caring too much about) combat, say... performing, or acting in an urban environment, would use Acrobat Boots, Theft Gloves, and Silvertongue mask to replace Airstep Sandals, Incarnate Avatar, and Sighting Gloves. These give +2 to +4 on Disable Device, Open Lock, Sleight of Hand, Balance, Escape Artist, Tumble, Jump, Bluff, and Diplomacy, and let him treat those as trained. However, they cost his flight, and -1 to hit and damage. Alternatively, depending on situation, he could trade one of those for Airstep sandals (i.e. Theft gloves in a dungeon)

Additionally, this build is right before an enormous breakpoint, at level 6, where those above melds get +2 essentia capacity, and can so give +8 to the above skills (+12 Open Lock at level 6 is... decent, I think). At that point, his extra essentia also means he gets an extra spine attack, and +1 to hit and damage from Incarnate Avatar and Sighting Gloves.


Of course, the idyllic life of an actor and circus freak had to come to an end. At some point in Nameless' 20'th year, the caravan was attacked by Fire Giants, on a trip through the southern mountains. They had no chance. He ran. They all ran. But only he could outrun the giants. Returning, weeping, to the site of the devastation, he found nothing intact but the mask of a hardened warrior. Putting it on, he recognized the power that identity held. He became... Faceless, ever-shifting.

Faceless

CN Male Azurin Totemist 2/Factotum 1/Incarnate 3/Master of Masks 1/Chameleon 2/Master of Masks 1
Medium Humanoid (Human, Incarnum)
HD 3d8+7d6+30
HP 53
Init +5
Spd 30 ft, Fly 20 ft (Perfect)
AC 21, touch 14, flat-footed 17
Base Atk +4, Grp +4
Atk 4 attacks +13, (1d6+2, range increment 30 ft, spines)
SA: Spines, Cunning Insight, Detect Law, Persona Masks (Assassin, Gladiator, Archmage), Sneak Attack 2d6+10
SQ: Meldshaping, Wild Empathy, Essentia Pool 8, Trapfinding, Cunning Knowledge, Totem Chakra Bind(+1 capacity), Chakra Bind(Crown), Aura, Essentia Capacity +1, Incarnum Radiance(Chaos), Bonus Feat, Aptitude Focus 1/day(+2) (Arcane)
SV Fort +11, Ref +15, Will +12(10 vs fear)
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 17, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Trained Skills: Bluff +11 Concentration +9, Diplomacy +10, Disguise +7 (+9 when impersonating another) Heal +6, Hide +18, Knowledge(Arcana) +10, Knowledge(Nature) +5, Knowledge(Religion) +7, Listen +6, Perform(acting) +7, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +16, Spot +16, Survival +7, Autohypnosis +5, Use Magic Device +10(+12 when using scrolls)
Untrained Skills: Appraise +3, Balance +4, Climb +4 (can take 10), Craft(any) +3, Decipher Script +7, Disable Device +5, Escape Artist +4, Forgery +3, Gather Information -1, Handle Animal -1, Intimidate +1, Jump +10, Knowledge(other) +2, Move Silently +8, Open Lock +7, Perform(other) -1, Profession(any) +2, Ride +4, Search +3, Sleight of Hand +7, Swim +0, Tumble +4, Use Rope +4

Feats: Able Learner, Expanded Soulmeld Capacity (B), Flyby Attack, Extra Essentia, Craven, Arcane Disciple(Scalykind)(Floating B)

Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Halfling

Soulmelds shaped: (for combat) Manticore Belt(Waist, Bound to Totem Chakra) (4 essentia invested), Airstep Sandals(Bound to Feet) (1 essentia invested), Incarnate Avatar (Soul, 3 essentia invested), Sighting Gloves, Silvertongue Mask (Throat), Mage's Spectacles (Brow), Phase Cloak(Shoulders)

Spells: 4/4/3/1, Caster Level 8
0) Minor Disguise*2, Caltrops, Sonic Snap
1) Improvisation, Haste (trapsmith list), Grease, ?
2) Heroics, Silence, Shadow Veil
3) Greater Magic Weapon

Possessions: Necklace of Natural Attacks +1, Healing Belt, +1 Githcraft Thistledown Mithral Chain Shirt, +1 buckler, Masterwork Thief's Tools, Masterwork Infiltration outfit (Hide/Move Silently), Masterwork Blank Mask (bluff), Gloves of Dexterity +2, Vest of Health +2 and Resistance +2, Essentia Helm*2, Bracers of the Hunter (Secrets of Xen'drik), 2*Pearl of power (level 1), wand of Sniper's Shot, wand of Swift Invisibility, wand of Vinestrike, wand of Gravestrike, wand of Golemstrike, lesser rod of Extend Spell, Handy Haversack, Shapesand, 950 gp of mundane items and cash.

Investing Essentia in Mage's Spectacles or Silvertongue Mask grants +2 to (Spellcraft, UMD, and Decipher Script), and (Bluff, Diplomacy) per point of essentia, to a maximum of +6. This makes his effective score in those stats considerably higher. In the event of expecting many traps, switching Mage's Spectacles and Sighting Gloves for Theft Gloves and Truthseeker's Goggles gives you +2 to +8 to Search, Sense Motive, Gather Information, Sleight of Hand, Disable Device, and Open Lock, and lets you use each as trained. Improvisation gives a luck bonus of up to +4 to 4 skill/ability checks or attack rolls, which should be enough to get most difficult traps and so forth dealt with. Since he doesn't need to wield a weapon, hands are free for relevant wands to be drawn while moving around.


He proceeded to exact revenge for the attack. Flying through walls and back, around the giants' cave, he slaughtered them with ease. Unable to find any trace of the caravan that had been his home for so long (he suspected they had been digested), he left, tired and lonely.

Sweetspot: Level 12. Boosted essentia capacity and Phase cloak, improved masks, along with extra wealth for splitting, massively improve offensive options. AC is poor, however, which won't be addressed for a few levels.


CN Male Azurin Totemist 2/Factotum 1/Incarnate 3/Master of Masks 1/Chameleon 2/Master of Masks 3

Medium Humanoid (Human, Incarnum)
HD 3d8+9d6+48
HP 84
Init +5
Spd 30 ft, Fly 20 ft (Perfect)
AC 21, touch 14, flat-footed 17
Base Atk +6, Grp +6
Atk 10 attacks +15, (1d6+2, range increment 30 ft, spines)
SA: Spines, Cunning Insight, Detect Law, Persona Masks (Assassin, Gladiator, Archmage, Lord), Sneak Attack 3d6+12
SQ: Meldshaping, Wild Empathy, Essentia Pool 8, Trapfinding, Cunning Knowledge, Totem Chakra Bind(+1 capacity), Chakra Bind(Crown), Aura, Essentia Capacity +1, Incarnum Radiance(Chaos), Bonus Feat, Aptitude Focus 1/day(+2) (Arcane), Mask Specialist
SV Fort +13, Ref +17, Will +13(11 vs fear)
Str 10, Dex 18, Con 18, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Trained Skills: Bluff +13 Concentration +10, Diplomacy +14, Disguise +7 (+9 when impersonating another) Heal +5, Hide +24, Knowledge(Arcana) +10, Knowledge(Nature) +5, Knowledge(Religion) +7, Listen +6, Perform(acting) +7, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +16, Spot +18, Survival +7, Autohypnosis +5, Use Magic Device +16(+18 when using scrolls)
Untrained Skills: Appraise +3, Balance +4, Climb +6 (can take 10), Craft(any) +3, Decipher Script +7, Disable Device +5, Escape Artist +4, Forgery +3, Gather Information -1, Handle Animal -1, Intimidate +1, Jump +12, Knowledge(other) +3, Move Silently +10, Open Lock +6, Perform(other) -1, Profession(any) +2, Ride +4, Search +3, Sleight of Hand +6, Swim +0, Tumble +4, Use Rope +4

Feats: Able Learner, Expanded Soulmeld Capacity (B), Flyby Attack, Extra Essentia, Craven, Open Lesser Chakra(Shoulders) ???(floating bonus feat)

Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Halfling

Soulmelds shaped: (for combat) Manticore Belt(Waist, Bound to Totem Chakra) (5 essentia invested), Airstep Sandals (Bound to Feet), Incarnate Avatar (Soul, 3 essentia invested), Sighting Gloves (Hands), Silvertongue Mask (Throat), Mage's Spectacles (Brow), Phase Cloak(Bound to Shoulders), Totem Avatar (Heart)

Spells: 4/5/4/2, Caster Level 10

0) Minor Disguise*2, Caltrops, Sonic Snap
1) Improvisation*2, Haste (trapsmith list), Grease, Wall of Smoke
2) Heroics, Silence, Align Fang, Veil of Shadow
3) Greater Magic Weapon, Glibness?

Possessions: Necklace of Natural Attacks +1 Splitting, Healing Belt, +1 Githcraft Thistledown Mithral Chain Shirt, +1 buckler, Masterwork Thief's Tools, Masterwork Infiltration outfit (Hide/Move Silently), Masterwork Blank Mask (bluff), Gloves of Dexterity +2, Vest of Health +2 and Resistance +2, Essentia Helm*2, Bracers of the Hunter (Secrets of Xen'drik), 2*Pearl of power (level 1), wand of Sniper's Shot, wand of Swift Invisibility, wand of Vinestrike, wand of Gravestrike, wand of Golemstrike, lesser rod of Extend Spell, Handy Haversack, Shapesand, 9950 gp of mundane items, other wands/scrolls, and cash.

Only two things are important. Phase Cloak's Shoulder bind means any movement as a move action goes Ethereal, i.e. through walls, invisible, perfectly silent. Splitting weapon property doubles attacks. Every turn, you turn ethereal as you move (rendering you invisible to ALL forms of detection but true seeing and See invisibility), fire 10 spikes out of that with Flyby attack, which would let you get sneak attack against anything that can't see invisible. If they can, Veil of shadow gives you concealment (albeit it only works against see invisible, NOT true seeing), and your hide score is ABSURD. Bypass most critical immunities via wands. Bypass range limitations with Sniper's Shot wands. DR/metal or - on sneak-attack-immune critters (not including undead, golems, or plants) may give you trouble. Swap to Gladiator mask for +2 to hit and damage, and invest essentia into Sighting Gloves to boost your damage another 4 points per hit, at the cost of a few spikes and accuracy. 8 spikes at +14, dealing 1d6+9, is pretty respectable. Not as good as 10 spikes at +15 vs flatfooted, dealing 4d6+15, though.

Investing Essentia in Mage's Spectacles or Silvertongue Mask grants +2 to (Spellcraft, UMD, and Decipher Script), and (Bluff, Diplomacy) per point of essentia, to a maximum of +8. This makes his effective score in those stats considerably higher. In the event of expecting many traps, switching Mage's Spectacles and Sighting Gloves for Theft Gloves and Truthseeker's Goggles gives you +2 to +10 to Search, Sense Motive, Gather Information, Sleight of Hand, Disable Device, and Open Lock and lets you use each as trained. Respectable, in my opinion. However, it requires prediction, or 8 hours rest.

Improvisation gives a luck bonus of up to +6 to 4 skill/ability checks or attack rolls, which should be enough to get most problems dealt with. Lord mask gives +4 Diplomacy, and +4 gather information, stacking with Silvertongue mask, and lets you cast Eagle's Splendour and Remove Fear once per day. A +4 enhancement bonus to Cha for a few minutes might be enough to talk your way out of a situation.

If rearranging essentia is inconvenient (you're still making attacks), use a Helm of Essentia. 3 charges, each maxes out a soulmeld for 1 round, and you can spend all of them in a round as a swift action if necessary. Whether its boosting UMD for a critical spell, improving your fly speed to 50 for a round, or giving a quick +3 natural armor, Helm of Essentia can seriously help out in a jam.

[Private-Prinny]

And now for Part II (again).
Since then, Faceless has wandered through the world, assuming personalities as he goes. The roar of the crowd, the confidence of a king, the satisfaction of the perfect kill, all of these are his. Sometimes, he wonders why he does what he does, and where that young boy went. In taking on roles, it may be that he has lost any role of his own.

Probably another sweetspot, really. Two uses of Aptitude focus gives MASSIVE amounts of flexibility, or crazy buffing capabilities. Here, I've opted for the latter.


CN Male Azurin Totemist 2/Factotum 1/Incarnate 3/Master of Masks 1/Chameleon 2/Master of Masks 3/Chameleon 3
Medium Humanoid (Human, Incarnum)
HD 3d8+12d6+60
HP 126
Init +8
Spd 30 ft, Fly 40 ft (Perfect)
AC 34, touch 16, flat-footed 28
Base Atk +8, Grp +8
Atk 10 spines +27, (1d6+13, range increment 30 ft, spines)
SA: Spines, Cunning Insight, Detect Law, Persona Masks (Assassin, Gladiator, Archmage, Lord), Sneak Attack 3d6+15
SQ: Meldshaping, Wild Empathy, Essentia Pool 8, Trapfinding, Cunning Knowledge, Totem Chakra Bind(+1 capacity), Chakra Bind(Crown), Aura, Essentia Capacity +1, Incarnum Radiance(Chaos), Bonus Feat, Aptitude Focus 2/day(+4) (Arcane), Mask Specialist, Mimic Class Feature 1/day, Ability Boon +2 (dex)
SV Fort +16, Ref +21, Will +17(14 vs fear)
Str 10, Dex 22, Con 20, Int 20, Wis 14, Cha 8.
Trained Skills: Bluff +13 Concentration +16, Diplomacy +21, Disguise +9 (+11 when impersonating another) Heal +5, Hide +31, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Knowledge(Nature) +6, Knowledge(Religion) +8, Listen +6, Perform(acting) +7, Sense Motive +7, Spellcraft +18, Spot +18, Survival +7, Autohypnosis +5, Use Magic Device +20(+22 when using scrolls)
Untrained Skills: Appraise +5, Balance +6, Climb +6 (can take 10), Craft(any) +3, Decipher Script +9, Disable Device +7, Escape Artist +6, Forgery +5, Gather Information -1, Handle Animal -1, Intimidate +1, Jump +14, Knowledge(other) +5, Move Silently +8, Open Lock +8, Perform(other) -1, Profession(any) +2, Ride +6, Search +5, Sleight of Hand +8, Swim +0, Tumble +6, Use Rope +6

Feats: Able Learner, Expanded Soulmeld Capacity (B), Flyby Attack, Extra Essentia, Craven, Open Lesser Chakra(Shoulders), Martial Stance(Assassin's Stance) Shadow Blade(floating bonus feat)

Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Halfling

Soulmelds shaped: (for combat) Manticore Belt(Waist, Bound to Totem Chakra) (5 essentia invested), Airstep Sandals (Bound to Feet), Incarnate Avatar (Soul, 3 essentia invested), Sighting Gloves (Hands), Silvertongue Mask (Throat), Mage's Spectacles (Brow), Phase Cloak(Bound to Shoulders), Totem Avatar(Heart)

Arcane Spells: 4/6/5/5/3/1, Caster Level 15
0) Minor Disguise*2, Caltrops, Sonic Snap
1) Improvisation, Haste (trapsmith list), Grease, Wall of Smoke, Fog Cloud, Nerveskitter
2) Heroics, Silence, Align Fang, Veil of Shadow, Battle Hymn, Wings of Cover
3) Glibness, Dragonskin, Find the Gap, Greater Dispel Magic(trapsmith), Blacklight
4) Voice of the Dragon, Ray Deflection, Celerity
5) Contingent Energy Resistance

Divine Spells: Prepared by using Aptitude focus at the start of the day, then swapped for Arcane Focus. This gives access to useful long-duration buffs. CL 14 (buffed to 16 using Sonorous hum with wand of Harmonic Chorus, and to 20 for GMF using Ankh of Ascension)

4/5/5/4/2/0

0) No good long term buffs. Irrelevant.
1) Divine Insight, ????
2) [/s]Cloud Wings[/s], [/s]Barkskin[/s],
3) [/s]Greater Magic Fang, Sonorous Hum, Magic Vestments*2[/s]
4) Greater Resistance, [/s]placeholder[/s](sacrificed by Ankh of Ascension)

Barkskin and Dragonskin are both extended, and Dragonskin is cast after Barkskin expires. This gives 16 hours of natural armor, so is included into stat block. Dragonskin also grants resist energy 20 to an element of choice (not sonic). Default, this will be fire. Other options depend on what expected enemies are.

Cloud wings improves fly speed 30 feet, hours/level. Excellent buff.

Voice of the Dragon gives +10 ENHANCEMENT to intimidate, diplomacy, bluff. This stacks with insight from Silvertongue mask, and competence from Lord mask.

Find the gap makes your first attack each round a touch attack. We make 1 attack each round, with many attack rolls. The implications are obvious, and brutal. Shouldn't need this except against enemies with CRAZY AC though. The only thing that might be challenging to hit between this and etherealness is a dragon using Scintillating Scales.

Possessions: Necklace of Natural Attacks +1 Aptitude Shadow Hand Splitting (72000), +1 Githcraft Thistledown Mithral Chain Shirt (2700), +1 buckler (1000), Masterwork Thief's Tools, Masterwork Infiltration outfit (Hide/Move Silently), Masterwork Blank Mask (bluff) (250), Gloves of Dexterity +4, Vest of Health +4 (32000), Essentia Helm of Intelligence +4 (19000), Bracers of the Hunter (Secrets of Xen'drik) (8500), 2*Pearl of power (level 1) (2000), wand of Sniper's Shot, wand of Swift Invisibility, wand of Vinestrike, wand of Gravestrike, wand of Golemstrike (3750), Eternal Wand of Harmonic Chorus (4320), lesser rod of Extend Spell*2 (6000), Ankh of Ascension (9000), Handy Haversack (2000), Belt of Battle, Shapesand,
23250 gp left over. Maybe more pearls of power, but also, random mundane items.


The Faceless seeks strong personalities and experiences; activities and people, that are vividly alive, or let him feel so. Over the years, his legend has built up: A masked man (woman?), wandering the world seeking the exotic, taking jobs at his whims, and utterly implacable. In some corners, mothers warn their children to behave, lest they be abducted, and in others, his legend is used as inspiration to performance. Utter inconsistency is his hallmark, and for all we know, he might be... behind you.


CN Male Azurin Totemist 2/Factotum 1/Incarnate 3/Master of Masks 1/Chameleon 2/Master of Masks 3/Chameleon 5/Master of Masks 3

Medium Humanoid (Human, Incarnum)
HD 3d8+17d6+120
HP 208
Init +13
Spd 30 ft, Fly 40 ft (Perfect)
AC 44, touch 24, flat-footed 38
Base Atk +10, Grp +10
Atk 12 spines +32, (1d6+17, range increment 30 ft, spines)
SA: Spines, Cunning Insight, Detect Law, Persona Masks (Assassin, Gladiator, Archmage, Lord), Sneak Attack 3d6+20
SQ: Meldshaping, Wild Empathy, Essentia Pool 8, Trapfinding, Cunning Knowledge, Totem Chakra Bind(+1 capacity), Chakra Bind(Crown), Aura, Essentia Capacity +1, Incarnum Radiance(Chaos), Bonus Feat, Aptitude Focus 2/day(+4) (Arcane), Mask Specialist, Mimic Class Feature 2/day, Ability Boon +4 (dex, int), Double Aptitude
SV Fort +31 Ref +34 Will +34(32 vs fear)
Str 10, Dex 28, Con 22, Int 26, Wis 20, Cha 12.
Trained Skills: Bluff +15 Concentration +29, Diplomacy +32, Disguise +17 (+19 when impersonating another) Heal +5, Hide +34, Knowledge(Arcana) +17, Knowledge(Nature) +10, Knowledge(Religion) +16, Listen +6, Perform(acting) +9, Sense Motive +10, Spellcraft +23, Spot +23, Survival +10, Autohypnosis +8, Use Magic Device +21(+23 when using scrolls)
Untrained Skills: Appraise +3, Balance +4, Climb +6 (can take 10), Craft(any) +3, Decipher Script +7, Disable Device +7 (effectively trained), Escape Artist +4, Forgery +3, Gather Information -1, Handle Animal -1, Intimidate +1, Jump +14, Knowledge(other) +2, Move Silently +11, Open Lock +9 (effectively trained), Perform(other) -1, Profession(any) +2, Ride +4, Search +3, Sleight of Hand +9 (effectively trained), Swim +2, Tumble +4, Use Rope +4

Feats: Able Learner, Expanded Soulmeld Capacity (B), Flyby Attack, Extra Essentia, Craven, Open Lesser Chakra(Shoulders), Martial Stance(Assassin's Stance), Shadow Blade, ??(floating bonus feat)

Languages: Common, Elven, Draconic, Halfling

Soulmelds shaped: (for combat) Manticore Belt(Waist, Bound to Totem Chakra) (6 essentia invested), Airstep Sandals (Bound to Feet), Incarnate Avatar (Soul, 2 essentia invested), Sighting Gloves (Hands), Silvertongue Mask (Throat), Mage's Spectacles (Brow), Phase Cloak(Bound to Shoulders), Totem Avatar(Heart), Bluesteel Bracers

All spells CL 20, buffable to Cl 22 or 26 using Harmonic Chorus and/or Ankh of Ascension.

Arcane Spells: 4/6/6/6/6/4/2

0) Minor Disguise*2, Caltrops, prestidigitation
1) Improvisation, Haste (trapsmith list), Grease, Wall of Smoke, Fog Cloud, Nerveskitter
2) Heroics, Wings of Cover, Align Fang, Veil of Shadow, Battle Hymn, Sonorous Hum,
3) Glibness, Find the Gap, Greater Dispel Magic (trapsmith list)*2, Blacklight,
4) Voice of the Dragon, Ray Deflection, Celerity*2, Solid Fog, Modify Memory
5) Contingent Energy Resistance, Teleport, Greater Heroism, Sirine's Grace
6) Superior Resistance/Greater Anticipate Teleport (Each extended, prepared on alternating days), Freezing Fog

4/5/5/5/5/4/1 Divine Spells
0) ??????
1) Divine Favor, Conviction*2(extended each time, 2 castings/day), Towering Oak, Camoflage
2) Cloud Wings, Barkskin*2 (extended each time, 2 castings per day.), Shield of Warding, Divine Insight
3) Greater Magic Fang, Magic Vestments (cast once a day, extended to last 2), Greater Blindsight, Find the Gap, Anyspell
4) Divine Power, Armor of Darkness*2(Each extended, cast twice for all day coverage), Favor of the Martyr, Righteous Aura
5) Divine Agility, Heal, True Seeing
6) Energy Immunity

1/Encounter Iron Heart Surge. Because getting caught by AMF is no fun.

Possessions: +1 Aptitude Shadow Hand Splitting Necklace of Natural Attacks, Wisdom +6, and Health +6, +1 Githcraft Thistledown Soulfire Mithral Chain Shirt, +1 Heavy Fortification buckler, Masterwork Thief's Tools, Masterwork Infiltration outfit (Hide/Move Silently), Masterwork Blank Mask (bluff), Masterwork Disguise kit, Gloves of Dexterity +6, Novice Iron Heart Vest, Essentia Helm of Intelligence +6, Bracers of the Hunter (Secrets of Xen'drik), 12*Pearl of power (level 1), 5*Pearl of Power(Level 2), 2*Pearl of Power(level 3) wand of Sniper's Shot, wand of Swift Invisibility, wand of Vinestrike, wand of Gravestrike, wand of Golemstrike, Eternal Wand of Harmonic Chorus, lesser rod of Extend Spell*2, rod of Extend spell, Ankh of Ascension, Handy Haversack, Belt of Battle, Shapesand*10, Bead of Karma, Portable Hole
Permanent (CL 27) arcane sight, Tongues, See Invisibility, Darkvision, Ring of Freedom of Movement, Mask of Lies, Ring of Spell-battle

252000 gp left over. I have no idea what to spend it on right now. A LOT MORE pearls of power? Inherent stat bonuses? More consumables?


Level rundown

Level 1 is mediocre. You have no real attacks, though your AC is solid. Your best bet is shaping Wormtail belt, pumping your essentia into it, taking a light shield and hide armor, and hitting things with a weapon. Hopefully your 20 AC will be enough to protect you.
28 skill points: 4 concentration, 4 spellcraft, 4 knowledge(arcana), 3 spot, 3 Listen, 4 survival, Knowledge(Nature) 2, Heal 1, Autohypnosis 1, Use Magic Device 1

The build starts being good at level 2. Acquire Manticore Belt. Bind to Totem Chakra. Invest 3 essentia (2 Totemist, 1 Azurin. 1 natural pool, 1 Expanded Soulmeld Capacity, 1 Totem Bind). Begin throwing 3! ranged attacks as a standard action at +3, 1d6+1 damage each. As soon as possible, acquire a Necklace of Natural Attacks(+1).

7 points: 1 Concentration, Spellcraft, Knowledge(arcana), spot, Listen, Survival, Use Magic Device

Level 3: is excellent as well. While the feat is useless at the moment, you get 2 inspiration that you can spend for +3 to damage on your manticore belt, for each hit. This is because Manticore belt functions as a single attack, with multiple attack rolls, like Greater Manyshot. As well, you can get a small boost to your trained skills, and more importantly, you unlock EVERY skill as a class skill, so we can start pumping disguise, bluff, and perform.
9 skill points: 6 bluff, 3 disguise

Level 4: gives a bit more essentia, and MANY more soulmeld options. Especially of note is Incarnate Avatar, which boosts ranged attack rolls, and Sighting Gloves, for more damage. Airstep Sandals will be useful once we can bind them, and/or get more incarnum. +1 dexterity
5 skill points: 1 bluff, 4 disguise

Level 5: hands out the Crown Chakra bind. While there aren't that many great options, Soulspark Helm gives you a bit more power with a familiar with a decent extra attack. Ignoring Charm and Concealment, and dealing Force damage with melee attacks are the other options, each of which has rather focused applications.
5 skill points: 1 bluff, 1 disguise, 3 Perform(acting)

Level 6: AWESOME LEVEL. You get +2 essentia capacity, 1 from level, 1 from Incarnate. This opens up your options offensively (4 spikes from manticore belt? YES PLEASE), and even moreso out of combat. Furthermore, you gain an additional 3 points of essentia (for 9 total), letting you throw around a bit of essentia into utility, like... Airstep sandals. 40 feet fly speed, even if you fall afterwards? Sure! Deflection bonuses to AC? Why not? One of the best early levels.

Oh, and you get a 1/day 1 minute +20 ft increase to land speed. Woohoo. Running away has never been this much fun.
5 skill points: 5 Perform(acting)

Level 7: First level of Master of Masks. Assassin and Gladiator masks are your best bets, since they both offer significant boosts to your spine attacks. Gladiator is probably better to start.
7 skill points: Sense Motive 5 ranks, diplomacy 2 ranks

Level 8: Chameleon entry. Aptitude focus, and second level spells aren't bad at all. You're probably going to be using Arcane Focus a lot, for useful low level spells like Nerveskitter and Invisibility or similar. Improvisation is awesome, if you can snag it.
Hide 3 ranks, diplomacy 1 rank, UMD 2 ranks, Knowledge Religion 1 rank

Level 9: More chameleon. This gives the most abusable feature, the floating Bonus Feat. Awww yeah. Use it to max out your soulmelds, (subject to constitution limit) since after shaping they last forever, to pick up any spells you feel like (improvsation! Trapsmith haste!), to chakra bind your Airstep Sandals with Open Least Chakra (since once bound, they stay bound!) and to pull general shenanigans. You should be using Assassin mask in combat, since adding 1d6+9 damage to each of your spines from sneak attack (Craven awesomeness) is TOO GOOD. You can probably end encounters just by raining 4 2d6+12 spines down, with decent to-hit from Incarnate Avatar and an Inspiration Point. You should also have decent UMD thanks to Mage's spectacles, and this means wands are fairly easy to use. Pick up some Gravestrike, Vinestrike, Sniper's shot, etc. Align Fang will come in handy to bypass some damage reduction, but it's not going to deal with metal types well (e.g. Cold Iron). You can power through these, or get weapon properties to beat DR, such as Transmuting, or Shadow Striking.
Hide 3 ranks, diplomacy 1 rank, UMD 1 rank, Knowledge Religion 2 ranks

Level 10 is another MoM level, progressing Chameleon casting. It also gives another mask. Take Archmage, for the caster level boost. While this won't be useful forever, right now it gives quite a quite nice benefit. You now have an arcane caster level of 8, and third level spells. Use the floating Bonus Feat for Arcane Disciple, and get Greater Magic Fang as an arcane spell, for another +1 to hit and damage. This may be cheesy. Alternatively, hope you have a druid in the party, or lock your bonus feat there until you get Double Aptitude focus. More speed boost from Incarnum Radiance, like you cared.
Hide 3 ranks, diplomacy 1 rank, UMD 2 ranks, Knowledge Religion 1 rank

Level 11 is more MoM, granting a mask (Lord), and Mask Specialist. What's this, Silvertongue mask? You're a mask? So... how does a +12 to Diplomacy sound? Oh, and +10 bluff.
Hide 3 ranks, diplomacy 1 rank, UMD 3 ranks

Level 12 is another GREAT level of MoM, progressing casting (yay!). It also buffs all of your MoM masks, for another 1d6 SA damage. Oh, and +1 essentia capacity. Oh, and you finally have Phase Cloak in Shoulders Chakra. Etherealness on every move, attacking out of it with Flyby attack? Good luck to anything without See Invisibility, cause they're going to be eating sneak attacks all day. Oh, what's that? You can hide from them by going through the floor? And it's impossible to hear you? Even better. And spells give you even more options for hiding, not to mention sneak attacking immune creatures.

Remember that +12 to diplomacy? That's +16 now. Plus synergy. Plus ranks. Plus improvisation, if it comes to that.
Hide 3 ranks, diplomacy 1 rank, UMD 3 ranks

Level 13 is also awesome. You get access to 4'th level spells, with CL 12. Oh, another enhancement bonus to hit and damage from Greater Magic Fang? On a minor note, you also get Mimic Class feature, for a 1/day boost, like Rage, or more Sneak Attack.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 2 ranks, UMD 4 ranks,

Level 14 gives a delicious Ability boon, for more accuracy, or more spells. It also hands out even more spells, so you can buff further.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 1 rank, Concentration 4 ranks, Disguise 1 rank

Level 15 is better though. With Assassin's Stance (qualified for via bonus feat for Martial Study), you now don't have to worry about using Assassin mask for keeping Craven active. It's still probably your best offensive option though. Shennanigans from being able to take 2 aptitude foci/day begin here, so either be flexible, or buff yourself into the stratosphere with divine spells, then swap to arcane. 5'th level spells are nice, but nothing really stands out. A boost to flexibility from more Aptitude focus, and a boost to benefits from it, are tasty additions. Oh, and more Incarnum Radiance speed. I had to say it.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 1 rank, Concentration 4 ranks, Disguise 1 rank

Level 16 gives a nice stat boost, but little more. Mimic Class feature is another little boost, and a few more spells don't hurt.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 2 ranks Concentration 3 ranks, Disguise 1 rank

Level 17 is EXCELLENT. Double Aptitude means you can access delicious Divine spells at the same time, and double up on your (improved) ability boon. 6'th level spells? Check.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 6 ranks

Level 18? Sweet. Natural Essentia capacity keeps giving. Another mask (Jester, perhaps) gives additional flexibility, especially with Many Faces, which makes switching masks easier than ever. Oh, and you get to add your Dexterity modifier to all damage rolls with your spines, assuming you have Aptitude on your Necklace of Natural Attacks.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 2 ranks, Concentration 3 ranks, Disguise 1 rank

Level 19: Mediocre, the first such level in a while. Hidden Mask is cute, but essentially useless. No spellcasting progression, no feat, no masks, no stat boosts. Content yourself with a boost to saves and BAB, and a sprinkling of skill points. About as good as an odd level in fighter.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 2 ranks, Concentration 3 ranks, Disguise 1 rank

Level 20: Excellent. Final spellcasting level gets you another 5'th and 6'th level spell, another mask, CL 20 (+5 Greater Magic fang please), another boost to ALL mask abilities (mmmm. Skill bonuses). You can probably afford some sweet loot. Consider upgrading your Necklace of Natural Attacks, with Collision or Simple, or both. Most importantly of all, you get MORE INCARNUM RADIANCE SPEED. YES.
Hide 1 rank, diplomacy 2 ranks, Concentration 1 rank, Disguise 3 rank

[Private-Prinny]

I'm sorry, who am I right now?
Dagger
http://fc05.deviantart.net/fs42/i/2009/092/1/8/Face_by_robotatomico.jpg

Many think I am a man. Others a woman. I am neither. And both. I am the roll. The lover, the fighter, the mother, the father. I am a blank slate on which emotion, personality, and fate is written, and then erased. I am the mannequin clothed in the needs of the moment.

I was forged for war. Not the war of sword and steel, spell and counter. The war of words, of faith, of existence. I am a diplomat, weaving situations into a silken sack that will one day be pulled over the heads of the gods for their execution. The Priests of Ur designed me. They know the gods are not all knowing, not all powerful. If so, where come the Vestige? Behind the scenes, where the curtain blocks the spotlight of deific vision they scamper. They are hidden, doing unknowable things in unknown places. I am one of those doings.

One high priest of Ur discovered how to crawl behind the curtain. He could not return, except to whisper instructions to the actors on the stage. Then they would whisper back. Knowledge was hoarded behind the backdrops of reality. I read and was taught and trained. Then the puppet was dangled out, with only the thinnest cord attached. I only know this in the vaguest of ways, from piecing bits and pieces together. They stole away the memory of all but my training. What it was for, the purpose, it's hidden away with my heart in that forgotten place.

The Ur when I arrived gave me an outline. Showed me how to plan without plans, to prepare without expectations. Then I killed them. I think they suspected I would, but they never saw it. My hand didn't touch them. They did it to themselves. The knife in my hand was suspicion, and doubt the poison. I planted it in their minds and their souls and they were destroyed. They thought I was as well. Even if they could be brought back for questioning they would think it. The secret was safe. The dagger well planted. I am the Dagger and it will be planted in the vitals of the gods.

Level 5
Factotum 1/Archivist 4

Medium Living Construct
Hit Dice: 1d8 + 5d6 (21 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 10,
Base Attack/Grapple: +2/+2
Attack: Dagger +2 melee (1d4) or Longbow +2 ranged (1d8)
Full Attack: Dagger +2 melee (1d4) or Longbow +2 ranged (1d8)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Dark knowledge (puissance, tactics) 4/day, spells
Special Qualities: cunning insight, cunning knowledge, inspiration, still mind, trapfinding
Saves: Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +7
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 17, Wis 16, Cha 16
Skills: Autohypnosis +12, Bluff +19, Disguise +18, Diplomacy +15, Forgery +11, Gather Information +11, Knowledge (Religion) +16, Listen +7, Perform (Act) +16, Sense Motive +11, Spot +7
Skill Tricks: Social Recovery
Feats: Obscure Personal Truename, Scribe Scroll(B), Unarmored Body
Challenge Rating: 5
Possessions: Bag of Holding, Boots of Elvenkind, Cloak of Elvenkind, Disguise Kit
Alignment: True Neutral
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +0

Languages Known
- Common
- Elven
- Orc
- Sylvan

Archivist Spells: Caster level 4th. (Spells per day: (4/5/4); Save DC 13 + spell level):
0 - All cleric
1st - Augery, Bless Water, Charm Person, Cure Light Wounds, Curse Water, Detect Secret Doors, Hide From Animals, Inflict Light Wounds, Resist Planar Alignment, Silent Image, Summon Monster I
2nd - Consecrate, Cure Moderate Wounds, Desecrate, Divine Insight, Inflict Moderate Wounds, Summon Monster II


I first visited the elven capital. Liger was a scholar. She had memories stretching back a century of her studies and wanderings, a creature with the curiosity of a man with the heart of a wildcat. Her explorations had left her maimed, so she wore a mask and clothed herself fully to hide the horrible maiming. Her beauty was in form and voice and depth of thought and she was loved by the elven people and became one with the tribe after but several decades. She would often disappear, sent on research missions and had learned the languages of a dozen people. Then she brought knowledge, the great war caravans of Gruumsh were massing for battle. Knowing her wild nature would be well received by those brutal people, but tempered by the spirit of Corellon Larethian she went to speak with them and turn them from their war. For a time it seemed they would calm, but then a family of elves were found, brutally massacred by orc waraxes. Lead by Liger, a party was sent to question the orcs, leaving only the diplomat alive to carry back the message. War would come. Atrocities were committed on both sides, and Liger tried her utmost, but there was little each party would consent to. Orc would destroy elf, or elf would destroy orc. That was the way of things, and both races would stop at nothing to eliminate the other. The Dagger had struck, and both gods would be weakened by the slow but inexorable bleeding.

Level 10
Factotum 1/Archivist 4/Master of Masks 2/Spymaster 3

Medium Living Construct
Hit Dice: 1d8 + 9d6 (35 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 10
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+4
Attack: Dagger +4 melee (1d4) or Longbow +4 ranged (1d8)
Full Attack: Dagger +4 melee (1d4) or Longbow +4 ranged (1d8)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Archivist spells, dark knowledge (puissance, tactics) 4/day, persona masks, sneak attack +1d6
Special Qualities: Cover identity, cunning insight, cunning knowledge, inspiration, nystyl's magic aura, quick change, scrying defense, still mind, trapfinding, undetectable alignment
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +9, Will +11
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 18, Wis 16, Cha 20
Skills: Autohypnosis +15, Concentration +16, Bluff +25, Disguise +24, Diplomacy +20, Forgery +14, Gather Information +16, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (Religion) +19, Listen +10, Perform (Act) +22, Sense Motive +14, Spot +10
Skill Tricks: Second Impression, Social Recovery
Feats: Obscure Personal Truename, Practiced Caster, Scribe Scroll(B), Skill Focus (bluff), Unarmored Body
Challenge Rating: 10
Possessions: Boots of Elvenkind, Cloak of Charisma, Disguise Kit, Hat of Disguise, Portable Hole 1700
Alignment: True Neutral
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +0

Languages Known
- Celestial
- Common
- Elven
- Infernal
- Orc
- Sylvan

Archivist Spells: Caster level 9th. (Spells per day: (4/5/4/3); Save DC 14 + spell level):
0 - All cleric
1st - Augery, Bless Water, Charm Person, Cure Light Wounds, Curse Water, Detect Secret Doors, Disguise Self, Hide From Animals, Inflict Light Wounds, Protection From Evil/Good, Resist Planar Alignment, Silent Image, Summon Monster I, True Strike
2nd - Consecrate, Cure Moderate Wounds, Desecrate, Detect Thoughts, Divine Insight, Inflict Moderate Wounds, Invisibility, Silence, Spider Climb, Summon Monster II, Tree Shape
3rd - Bestow Curse, Celestial Aspect, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, Cure Serious Wounds, Inflict Serious Wounds, Know Opponent, Know Vulnerabilities, Obscure Object, Poison, Rage, Speak With Dead, Summon Monster III

Cover Indentity: 1 - Liger the Wild Elf Witch of Corellon Larethian
- Bollit the Howling Hellorc of Gruumsh

Nystyl's Magic Aura (Sp): At will, CL 10th.

Persona Masks (Ex):
- Demon (chaotic evil) Summon monster III
- Faceless (true neutral) (+5 against mind-affecting), non-detection
- High Priest (neutral good) 1/day - bless, cure light wounds, protection from evil

Sneak Attack (Ex): As Rogue +1d6


A lowly acolyte of Heironeous is sent into battle as a priest and healer named Tiberious of a small band that never returned. A year later they find him barely alive in a prison of Hextor. His face has been burned past recognition, an iron mask put over his face while still hot has melded to it horribly so that it cannot be removed. His body hidden, he returns, a hero, never having broken during all his torture. For the next 30 years he rises in rank and marries an orphan he himself found on the streets and took in. Though old enough to be her father she loves him, and they have a child, though the mother dies in childbirth. The child appears bears much resemblance to a known Lord with a pentient for stealing other's wives, but a spell by Tiberious confirms that it is indeed his own. The child grows and becomes a merchant of great wealth and influence, but then his manor is set afire. He is found barely breathing, and taken to the great healer Tiberious. The fire was magic in origin, and Tiberious traces the maker of the horrible elixer that spread the fire to that of a neighboring nation. Knowing well how disfigurement can be, Tiberious fits him with how own mask. Cursing his father for being unable to heal him, his son, Lance, changes his last name and refuses to see his father.

Level 15
Factotum 1/Archivist 5/Master of Masks 4/Spymaster 5

Medium Living Construct
Hit Dice: 1d8 + 14d6 (53 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 22 (+2 deflection, +9 exalted, +1 natural), touch 21, flat-footed 22
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+7
Attack: Dagger +5 melee (1d4) or Longbow +5 ranged (1d8)
Full Attack: Dagger +5 melee (1d4) or Longbow +5 ranged (1d8)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Archivist spells, dark knowledge (puissance, tactics) 4/day, persona masks, sneak attack +1d6
Special Qualities: Cover identity, cunning insight, cunning knowledge, damage reduction 5/evil, dispel scrying, endure elements, freedom of movement, inspiration, nystyl's magic aura, quick change, resistance to acid, cold, electricity, fire and sonic 5, scrying defense, still mind, trapfinding, undetectable alignment
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +14
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 10, Con 10, Int 23, Wis 18, Cha 22
Skills: Autohypnosis +15, Concentration +17, Bluff +28, Disguise +27, Diplomacy +23, Forgery +17, Gather Information +17, Intimidate +8, Knowledge (Religion) +22, Listen +10, Perform (Act) +22, Sense Motive +14, Spot +10, Spellcraft +20
Skill Tricks: Second Impression, Social Recovery
Feats: Obscure Personal Truename, Practised Caster, Sacred Vow, Scribe Scroll(B), Skill Focus (bluff), Unarmored Body, Vow of Poverty
Challenge Rating: 15
Alignment: True Neutral
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +0

Languages Known
- Abyssal
- Celestial
- Common
- Draconic
- Elven
- Goblin
- Infernal
- Orc
- Sylvan

Archivist Spells: Caster level 9th. (Spells per day: (4/6/5/4/3); Save DC 16 + spell level):
0 - All cleric plus Goodberry
1st - Augery, Bless Water, Charm Person, Cure Light Wounds, Curse Water, Detect Secret Doors, Disguise Self, Hide From Animals, Inflict Light Wounds, Protection From Evil/Good, Resist Planar Alignment, Silent Image, Summon Monster I, True Strike
2nd - Consecrate, Cure Moderate Wounds, Desecrate, Detect Thoughts, Divine Insight, Inflict Moderate Wounds, Invisibility, Silence, Spider Climb, Summon Monster II, Tree Shape
3rd - Bestow Curse, Celestial Aspect, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, Cure Serious Wounds, Displacement, Inflict Serious Wounds, Know Opponent, Know Vulnerabilities, Major Image, Obscure Object, Poison, Rage, Speak With Dead, Suggestion, Summon Monster III
4th - Cure Critical Wounds, Dimension Door, Discern Lies, Dominate Person, Enervation, Explosive Runes, Freedom of Movement, Inflict Critical Wounds, Modify Memory, Tongues, Scrying, Summon Monster IV, Tree Stride, Voice of the Dragon, Wrack

Cover Identity:
- Liger the Wild Elf Witch of Corellon Larethian
- Tiberious the Aasimar War Scholar of Heironeous
- Bollit the Howling Hellorc of Gruumsh

Nystyl's Magic Aura (Sp): At will, CL 10th.

Persona Masks (Ex):
- Angel (lawful good)
- Demon (chaotic evil) Summon monster III
- Faceless (true neutral) (+5 against mind-affecting), non-detection
- High Priest (neutral good) 1/day - bless, cure light wounds, protection from evil


Sneak Attack (Ex): As Rogue +1d6


Lance went into parliament, eventually becoming the head adviser of the city. There he delves into the information his father discovered and intercepts documents that have proven the next nation had hoped to burn down all of the city, not just its head of merchants. War is declared. Father then warns son that they have received information in the church that a high priest of Hextor has been found to have advised the burning. Sent to question, Tiberious barely leaves with his life. A holy war has begun. From other churches the followers of Heironeous beg aid. Hextor's forces, seeing a coalition of good has formed, seek their own alliances.

That was the beginning of the great crusade. First I was Liger the Wild Elf, then Bollit the Hellorc, chief of the Orc band by rightful combat. Then I was the father priest of Heironeous, aasimar son of an angelic visitor and a beautiful priestess. My wife had of course lay with that swine Lord at my urging, she would do anything for me. I caused her miscarriage, and when our 'son' gained wealth and influence through my hints and proddings and teachings I set fire to his home and then took his place after his death. I was also the cloaked Kenku war sage, Wex, who found that the church of Heironeous was planning a righteous preemptive attack on their allies.

I was each of them, and all of them, and I felt their fears, their concerns. Then I felt the other. I battled myself, and pointed the finger at my own face in blame. I plunged myself again and again into the heart of the great powers. Maybe someday, in their weakened, lowly states they will even lash out at one another. God against god, power against power. I am that blade that poisoned them against the other, and they will never know. I have no identity to know. Take away a mask and there is but another. Because there is no mask. There is only my face, cold and whetted.

Level 20
Factotum 1/Archivist 5/Master of Masks 7/Spymaster 7

Medium Living Construct
Hit Dice: 1d8 + 19d6 (90 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 25 (+3 deflection, +10 exalted, +2 natural), touch 23, flat-footed 25
Base Attack/Grapple: +9/+19
Attack: Dagger +19 melee (1d4+5) or Longbow +19 ranged (1d8+5)
Full Attack: Dagger +19 melee (1d4+5) or Longbow +19 ranged (1d8+5)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Archivist spells, dark knowledge (puissance, tactics) 4/day, persona masks, sneak attack +2d6
Special Qualities: Cover identity, cunning insight, cunning knowledge, damage reduction 10/evil, deep cover, dispel scrying, endure elements, freedom of movement, hidden mask, inspiration, nystyl's magic aura, quick change, regeneration, resistance to acid, cold, electricity, fire and sonic 15, scrying defense, still mind, trapfinding, undetectable alignment
Saves: Fort +12, Ref +16, Will +19
Abilities: Str 10, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 26, Wis 20, Cha 24
Skills: Autohypnosis +20, Concentration +29, Bluff +31, Disguise +30, Diplomacy +28, Forgery +22, Gather Information +20, Intimidate +17, Knowledge (Religion) +29, Listen +13, Perform (Act) +27, Sense Motive +19, Spot +13, Spellcraft +23
Skill Tricks: Second Impression, Social Recovery
Feats: Holy Radiance (ExB), Intuitive Attack (ExB), Nimbus of Light (ExB), Obscure Personal Truename, Personal Truename Backlash, Practised Caster, Sacred Vow, Scribe Scroll(B), Skill Focus (bluff), Touch of Golden Ice (ExB), Unarmored Body, Vow of Poverty
Challenge Rating: 20
Alignment: True Neutral
Advancement: By character class
Level Adjustment: +0

Languages Known
- Abyssal
- Celestial
- Common
- Draconic
- Dwarven
- Elven
- Goblin
- Infernal
- Orc
- Sylvan
- Undercommon

Archivist Spells: Caster level 12th. (Spells per day: (4/7/5/5/4); Save DC 18 + spell level):
0 - All cleric plus Goodberry
1st - Augery, Bless Water, Charm Person, Cure Light Wounds, Curse Water, Detect Secret Doors, Disguise Self, Hide From Animals, Inflict Light Wounds, Protection From Evil/Good, Resist Planar Alignment, Silent Image, Summon Monster I, True Strike
2nd - Consecrate, Cure Moderate Wounds, Desecrate, Detect Thoughts, Divine Insight, Inflict Moderate Wounds, Invisibility, Silence, Spider Climb, Summon Monster II, Tree Shape
3rd - Bestow Curse, Celestial Aspect, Clairaudience/Clairvoyance, Cure Serious Wounds, Displacement, Firewings, Inflict Serious Wounds, Know Opponent, Know Vulnerabilities, Major Image, Obscure Object, Poison, Rage, Rigor Mortis, Speak With Dead, Suggestion, Summon Monster III, Vigor
4th - Cure Critical Wounds, Dimension Door, Discern Lies, Dominate Person, Enervation, Explosive Runes, Freedom of Movement, Inflict Critical Wounds, Modify Memory, Morality Undone, Pronouncement of Fate, Tongues, Scrying, Song of Discord, Summon Monster IV, Tree Stride, Voice of the Dragon, Wrack

Cover Indentity:
- Liger the Wild Elf Witch of Corellon Larethian
- Tiberious the Aasimar War Scholar of Heironeous
- Wex the Kenku Death Sage of Hextor

Mind Shielding (Ex): Immunity to Detect Thoughts, Discern Lies and any alignment detection.

Nystyl's Magic Aura (Sp): At will, CL 10th.

Persona Masks (Ex):
- Angel (lawful good) At will - Feather Fall; 3/day - Fly (5 rounds per)
- Assassin (lawful evil) 3d6 additional sneak attack
- Demon (chaotic evil) 1/day - Summon Monster V
- Faceless (true neutral) (+5 against mind-affecting), non-detection
- High Priest (neutral good) 1/day - bless, cure light wounds, protection from evil
- Lord (lawful neutral) 1/day - Eagle's Splendor, Heroism, Remove Fear

Sneak Attack (Ex): As Rogue +1d6



-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Overview

Master of Masks and Spymaster of course works very well together, each mask enhancing an equivalent Cover Identity. As Master of Masks is very spell-progression poor, Archivist works best, making up for a lack of higher levels with a broad range of lesser spells. All three of these classes work around Intelligence and Charisma so it meshes well without having to focus on physical feats. Factotum is the perfect 1st level class for one wanting to dabble in various personae and being able to play them out due to its allowance of all skills.

In addition, if you are playing a spy/assassin type both classes work well. Master of Masks provides Nondetection and hefty bonus against mind affects with its Faceless mask, and Spymaster gives you nystyl's magic aura, undetectable alignment and scrying defense. Add to that Deep Cover with the Truename obscuring feats and Magic Circle Against Evil and you are utterly unknowable, untraceable and undominatable. Throw in Invisiblity and Silence and you no longer exist.

I took some borderline allowances, but by the theme of the build and the wording of the masks, Vow of Poverty is possible with this build. When wearing a good-aligned mask Dagger radiates a good aura. That's all that's required to take the feat, and nothing says when he removes the mask that he loses said feats. He also becomes his roll for all intended purposes. He has no actual identity. He is a sentient automaton who plays a role and there is nothing else when he's not that role. That's how he was created.


Sources

Book of Exalted Deeds
Complete Adventurer
Complete Scoundrel
Dungeonscape
Heroes of Horror
Lords of Madness
Player's Handbook
Spell Compendium

[Private-Prinny]

She has no face, but she's more than happy to put one on for you.
Tanitha No-Face

1st-5th:

From the Top
Tanitha Weaver is a young woman from the city streets. She is very headstrong, with high ideals and big dreams. However, she is timid and insecure about her abilities, and possesses a horrible temper. As she grew up, she discovered that her desires and ideals could grant her divine powers, like a priest of a god, but without being forced to devote herself to that specific deity. She liked this idea, and became a cleric. She walks a thin line between neutrality and straight-up evil, and is highly aware of this.
---
I’ll be blunt. Right now, she’s not great. In fact, her multiclassing has cut her power in half. Her versatility is limited, and she has nothing really good, except maybe evasion. Right now, this actually fits her, story-wise. A character with weak powers, high ideals, and the horrid feeling that she’s not going to ever live up to them.


At 5th level:

Tanitha Skinner
TN Human Cleric 3 (Domains: Trickery and Magic)/Rogue 2
Hit Dice: 3d8+2d6+5 (29 hp)
Initiative: +6
Speed: 30 feet
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+3
Space/Reach: 5 ft/5ft
Special Attacks: Sneak Attack+1d6, Rebuke Undead 6/day
Special Qualities: Evasion, Trapfinding
Saves: Fort+4, Ref+4, Will+6
Ability Scores: Strength 10, Dexterity 14, Constitution 12, Int 14, Wis 17, Cha 8
Skills: Bluff +7, Concentration +9, Disguise +7, Hide +10, Move Silently +10, Spellcraft +10, Tumble +4.
Languages: Common, Elven, Celestial
Feats: Improved Initiative, Spell Penetration, Extra Turning

6th-10th:
A Knife in the Darkness
Tanitha walked a dark path, and in the end, it caught up with her. She got in a fight with a friend, and slew him in anger. From this murder, her alignment fell to evil, something quickly verified with a single orison. An assassin noticed this, and offered her a place among their ranks. To qualify, she only had to kill again. She accepted, summoning a monster to slay the assassin. She walks in the shadows now, letting them hide her. And then she can forget what she has become.
---
Ok. She’s an assassin now. Death attack is useful, and it all fits with the direction I want to take her, using the masks to complement this profession. The assassin’s sneak attack augments her existing rogue sneak attack, and uncanny dodge, improved or otherwise, is a very nice class feature. But that’s really all I need from it. It comes at a very nice level, so when she is level 20, she will have just taken her 10th level of Master of Masks.

At 10th:

Tanitha Skinner
NE Human Cleric 3/Rogue 2/Assassin 5
Hit Dice: 3d8+7d6+10 (44 hp)
Initiative: +6
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+6
Space/Reach: 5 ft/5ft
Special Attacks: Sneak Attack+3d6, Rebuke Undead 6/day
Special Qualities: Evasion, Hidden Mask, Many Faces (2, move), Mask Specialist, Trapfinding
Saves: Fort+4, Ref+9, Will+12
Ability Scores: Strength 10, Dexterity 14, Constitution 12, Int 14, Wis 19, Cha 8
Skills: Bluff +12, Concentration +9, Disable Device +5, Disguise +7, Hide +15, Move Silently +15, Perform (act) +7, Search+5, Spellcraft +8, Tumble +7
Languages: Common, Draconic, Elven, Celestial
Feats: Improved Initiative, Spell Penetration, Extra Turning, Practiced Spellcaster, Great Fortitude


11th-15th
And in her time plays many parts
Tanitha enjoyed the new abilities gained from her first mask, a pale porcelain oval, with no features beyond two eyeholes and a few small holes at her nose and mouth. Behind that mask, she was a mystery. She was able to carry out many of her assassinations without ever being discovered. The second mask she made was made from delicate rose quartz, shaped to fit her face like a second skin.

She crafted more masks, one of worn hide and metal chains, one of blackened leather and small studs, and one of hammered bronze and copper. Each gave her power. Each mask was a new identity. Her own self faded permanently. She does not live in shadows anymore, but she is still hiding from herself, and knows it.
---
The versatility of Master of Masks is a decent boost. Faceless, which is the typical mask she would wear outside of combat, makes her near-immune to divination spells. Trying to find her is going to be a pain. The assassin’s mask raises her sneak attack to that of an 11th level rogue at 15th level, keeping her fairly competitive with other assassins, at least when you factor spells in. She can cast as a cleric of 14th level with the high priest mask, or 12th without it. As a character, she is still largely an assassin, using the faceless mask when making her plans, and the assassin’s mask when carrying them out.

16th-20th

Who I Am
The ability to turn her masks invisible was a strange one for Tanitha. She could wear her own face and keep her powers for the first time since she donned her first mask. At first uncomfortable with having her face visible to the world, she began to accept it. She still is nothing but a player in a role. But she no longer has to hide who she is, and what she has become.
---
It’s always interesting at high levels. She can stab and sneak as well as any 15th level rogue with the assassin’s mask. The gladiator’s mask let her take the role of a front-line warrior, to a certain extent. The high priest mask grants her access to 7th level cleric spells. She still has that non-detection effect from her faceless mask, though admittedly it is less effective against the enemies she would face at this point, so late in her adventuring career. All the same, she casts at a decent enough level, and is far stealthier than most clerics out there. And no one expects the cleric who just cast blasphemy to sneak attack you next round.

No one knows she is a master of masks. And that’s just the way she likes it.


At 20th (the sweet spot):

Tanitha No-Face (No Mask)
NE Human Cleric 3/Rogue 2/Assassin 5/Master of Masks 10
Hit Dice: 3d8+17d6+20(96 hp)
Initiative: +6
Base Attack/Grapple: +11/+11
Space/Reach: 5 ft/5ft
Special Attacks: Sneak Attack+4d6, Rebuke Undead 6/day
Special Qualities: Evasion, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Hidden Mask, Many Faces (4, immediate), Mask Specialist, Poison Use, Trapfinding, Uncanny Dodge
Saves: Fort+10 (+12 against poison), Ref+17, Will+16
Ability Scores: Strength 10, Dexterity 14, Constitution 12, Int 14, Wis 21, Cha 8
Skills: Bluff +22, Concentration +9, Disable Device +10, Disguise +12, Hide +25, Move Silently +25, Perform (act) +7, Search +15, Spellcraft +8, Tumble +15
Feats: Scribe Scroll, Spell Penetration, Practiced Spellcaster (2), Improved Initiative, Telling Blow, Great Fortitude, Extend Spell
Masks Worn: Assassin, High Priest, Gladiator, Faceless

Depending on mask, make the following changes (abilities gained override what they overlap with).
When wearing the assassin’s mask: Sneak Attack +8d6, Hide/Move Silently +33
When wearing the faceless mask: Non-detection as a permanent effect, DC to overcome it is 25, +5 competence bonus on saves against mind-affecting spells and abilities.
When wearing the high priest mask: CL 16, spell-like abilities 1/day: bless, cure light wounds, protection from evil, sanctuary, aid, lesser restoration, cure serious wounds, remove curse, death ward, neutralize poison. Caster level 10.
When wearing the gladiator mask: Proficient with all martial and exotic weapons, +4 competence bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

Level Progression
{table]Class Levels|Fort|Ref|Will|BAB|Class Features|Other Notes|Spells Per Day
Cleric 1|+2|+0|+2|+0|Turn Undead|No Deity|As Cleric 1
Clr 2|+3|+0|+3|+1| | |As Cleric 2
Clr 3|+3|+1|+3|+2| |Improved Initiative|As Cleric 3
Clr 3/Rog 1|+3|+3|+3|+2|Sneak Attack+ 1d6, Trapfinding|Speaks 4 Languages, Wisdom 17|As Cleric 3
Clr 3/Rog 2|+3|+4|+3|+3|Evasion| |As Cleric 3
Clr 3/Rog 2
/Assassin 1|+3|+6|+3|+3|Sneak Attack +2d6, Death Attack, Poison Use|Practiced Spellcaster|As Cleric 6
Clr 3/Rog 2 /Assassin 2|+3|+7|+3|+4|+1 save against Poison, Uncanny Dodge| |As Cleric 7
Clr 3/Rog 2 /Assassin 3|+4|+7|+4|+5|Sneak Attack +3d6|Wisdom 18|As Cleric 7
Clr 3/Rog 2 /Assassin 4 |+4|+8|+4|+6/+1|+2 save against Poison|Telling Blow|As Cleric 7
Clr 3/Rog 2 /Assassin 5|+4|+8|+4|+6/+1| Sneak Attack +4d6, Improved Uncanny Dodge| |As Cleric 7
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 1|+4|+10|+6|+6/+1|Persona Masks (High Priest, Faceless)| |As Cleric 7(9 w/ High Priest Mask)|
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 2|+4|+11|+7|+7/+2| Persona Mask (Gladiator)|Wisdom 19, Extend Spell| As Cleric 7(9 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 3|+5|+11|+7| +7/+2|Persona Mask (Assassin), Mask Specialization| |As Cleric 8(10 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 4|+5|+12|+8|+8/+3| | |As Cleric 9 (11 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 5|+5|+12|+8|+8/+3| Many Faces (2, Move), Persona Mask (Lord)|Practiced Spellcaster|As Cleric 13 (15 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 6|+6|+13|+9| +9/+4|Hidden Mask|Wis 20|As Cleric 13 (15 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 7|+6|+13|+9|+9/+4| Persona Mask (Archmage)| |As Cleric 14 (16 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 8|+8|+14|+10| +10/+5|Many Faces (3, swift)|Great Fortitude|As Cleric 14 (16 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 9|+9|+14|+10| +10/+5|Persona Mask (Angel)| |As Cleric 15 (17 w/ High Priest Mask)
Clr 3/Rog 2/Assassin 5/MoM 10|+9|+15|+11|+11/+6/+1|Many Faces (4, immediate)|Wis 21|As Cleric 15 (17 w/ High Priest Mask)[/table]

[Private-Prinny]

That's the last of 'em. On your mark, get set, JUDGE!!!

[Akal Saris]

Wow, 8 entries! That's terrific! I'll start judging them tomorrow, though with so many entries (and some of them taking up 2 whole posts!), it will take me a while to judge them all.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

You're right, it's very interesting how they are almost utterly different in builds.

A level or two dip in Rogue/Factotum is about it beside from the secret ingredient.

[arguskos]

Well well, unique stuff. What I was expecting, it is. :smallamused:

Gimme a few days to grind through everything, and I'll post. I start class tomorrow, so this wasn't the best timing ever, but I'll hammer it out, no worries. :smallwink:

[Ajadea]

I think it's because almost no one wanted levels in bard because that's the classic Master of Masks entry, and for Master of Masks, we need Perform, which frankly, very few classes have. Rogue, monk, bard, and factotum. I'm fairly sure that's it. Unless your character has Able Learner.

[Arbitrarity]

Able learner does nothing about max ranks though, which means you'd have to wait till level 13. Which is far too late. So you need a dip in a perform-granting class. Bard is suboptimal, because you murder your spellcasting and music progression. Rogue isn't bad. Factotum is probably best, though.

[Ajadea]

Really? Because I swear Shen the Masked Dragon is using Able Learner with an interpretation of 'every single skill ever is your class skill'...:smallconfused:

[Arbitrarity]

Well that's a problem, because it means his build is illegal, unless sorcerer grants perform.

[Draz74]

Really? Because I swear Shen the Masked Dragon is using Able Learner with an interpretation of 'every single skill ever is your class skill'...:smallconfused:

Yeah ... yeah, it is. Which is not really legal by RAW. I'm sure that will cost Shen some points from the judges.

[Ajadea]

Probably the lost points will be in Elegance. Maybe in Use of Secret Ingredient due to the fact that by RAW, Shen can't qualify for Master of Masks at all.

[Heliomance]

The build I was trying to make work before giving up involved the Jester from Dragon Compendium. As for the weird race I was talking about? Ragamoffyn, or maybe a Captured One. I thought it would be great fluff to have someone be a master of masks not through choice, but because an animated mask had attached itself to his face and wouldn't let go.

[Amphetryon]

The build I was trying to make work before giving up involved the Jester from Dragon Compendium. As for the weird race I was talking about? Ragamoffyn, or maybe a Captured One. I thought it would be great fluff to have someone be a master of masks not through choice, but because an animated mask had attached itself to his face and wouldn't let go.

Captured One Jester would have been amazing from a flavor perspective.

EDIT: I don't think anyone used it, but Apprentice: Entertainer gives Perform as a Class Skill, and Apprentice: Criminal gives Bluff.

[Ingus]

Oh, totally awesome builds. In my opinion, there are three builds almost equally going for the final win.
Even if noone "killed" the competition like a couple of our judges usually does, I guess we won't miss them too much.

@Heliomance: what gone wrong? Maybe in terms of power it would be' suboptimal (like most of, if not all, the present entries) but it would have a 6 out of 5 in originality and thus aspiring to' the win anyways.

I think judges would need some time. So... why don't develop Helio's idea all together? Do you mind, Helio?

[Heliomance]

Feel free to try and develop it. The reason I gave up is that despite the fact that Ragamoffyn, Jester and Master of Masks work fantastically together fluffwise, I could not find any mechanical synergy between them at all.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

I will probably get a chance to go over the builds in detail and deliver my scores some time this evening, or by Wednesday at the very latest.

[Akal Saris]

I believe Shen's build is legal actually. He took Silverbrow human and the substitution level for sorcerer that trades its familiar for Draconic Heritage. Draconic Heritage: Battle Dragon gives sorcerers perform as a class skill if I recall, so he can reach the max ranks.

[arguskos]

I believe Shen's build is legal actually. He took Silverbrow human and the substitution level for sorcerer that trades its familiar for Draconic Heritage. Draconic Heritage: Battle Dragon gives sorcerers perform as a class skill if I recall, so he can reach the max ranks.
This is correct, so unless he breaks the rules somewhere else, Shen is fine.

[Amphetryon]

This serves as a good reminder to all of us who are or would be contestants to cite materials; I'd hate to see a legal build get points docked because the creator didn't specify how s/he was making something work that isn't legal to a less-than thorough examination. It's a good thing Akal's got such strong op-fu! :smallbiggrin:

[Draz74]

I believe Shen's build is legal actually. He took Silverbrow human and the substitution level for sorcerer that trades its familiar for Draconic Heritage. Draconic Heritage: Battle Dragon gives sorcerers perform as a class skill if I recall, so he can reach the max ranks.

Ah, cool. It's nice to see how many ways people came up with to get Perform, other than Bard/Rogue/Factotum/Monk. Draconic Heritage (battle dragon) feat, Apprentice (entertainer) feat, Half-Elf Paragon class, Jester class. Shame the Jester one didn't pan out.

[arguskos]

Human Paragon class work as well, Draz. I actually really like that entry too, since Adaptive Learner can really help out.

[Akal Saris]

Here’s my feedback on each of the submissions. I was very impressed by the quality of the submissions, and by the range of builds presented. And now, onto the builds themselves!

Jereth
Main thoughts: I loved the never-ending series of back stories! I can just imagine a DM’s face when you hand him a small journal for your backstory and note that the journal is still ignoring a few masks’ stories. Crunch-wise it seems fine as well, you’ve come up with a quintessential melee rogue-type character. Jereth ends up with very strong social skills and stealth skills, with skill tricks and feats to support those abilities and make them relevant to combat, which I appreciated. Outside of the feats, you don’t go out of core+completes either. Overall this seems to be a well-balanced character that is strong from 1-20. Good work!

Originality: 3.5. This is very much what I pictured when I saw the Master of Masks prestige class. But using human and half-elf paragon together with MoM to advance assassin spell-casting was interesting, and I liked your backstory as well.

Power : 4.5. I’d say this is about as high-powered as a non-caster focused on social skills can hit. With a BAB of +12, a +5 weapon, and his final stats, I believe he’ll average about ~70 damage per hit on half power attack with sneak attack (even with wraithstrike, a +12 BAB and a 20 dex won’t hit much on full PA), with a decent array of mobility and AOE assisting SLAs and some reasonably useful assassin spells like glibness and modify memory, as well as imperious command spam and some good hiding skills. That said, I think going half-elf was of questionable value – you waste a feat on human heritage and could probably have done just as well as a Human paragon 1/swashbuckler 4 (picking up seduction)/Assassin 3/MoM 10/human paragon +2.

Elegance: 4.5. Overall well done in my mind, you stick with a small number of base classes and only 2 PrCs, all of which support each other. No big complaints here.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 4.5. Jereth doesn’t have any crazy combos, but he makes use of everything that MoM gives him.

Overall: 4.25

Shen the Masked Dragon
Main thoughts: Looks like a solid, mid-powered gish build to me.

Originality: 3.5. No huge surprises here – you make good use of the gladiator mask along with abjurant champion. The other masks also fill some holes in your spellcasting and help a bit with buffing.

Power : 4. You end up as a gish with a BAB +14 and CL 11 (20). That’s solid, but not overwhelming. Feats-wise, everything is useful, though I’d recommend picking up imperious command as an option. Excellent choices on spells – I’ll add that draconic polymorph and greater mirror image are 2 more terrific gish spells. The build has a weak middle range (at 15th level it has +9 BAB and CL 6 (10)? Yuck!), but is quite solid for the early game and makes a strong recovery once you get into abjurant champion.

Elegance: 3.5 I thought it was very clever how you managed to enter MoM with a fighter/sorcerer build. Able Learner solves the problem with MoM’s horrible skills list, while silverbrow human gets disguise as a class skill for life and qualifies you for draconic heritage, granting perform for life. You forgot to pick up combat casting to qualify for abjurant champion, but you could give up combat reflexes for the feat and then simply cast heroics when you know you will need combat reflexes.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3. You make good use of the archangel, archmage, and gladiator mask, but I think MoM has diminishing returns for the character past level 2-4. You still go all 10 levels for the sake of the challenge though.

Overall: 3.5

The Masquerade:
Main thoughts: Well, there’s nothing wrong with a charger/tripper build, but what does it have to do with master of masks or bard? It still hits BAB +16, so it’s certain to put out a lot of damage, but I don’t see the masks themselves contributing much to the build compared with straight levels of fighter, barbarian, or warblade. Overall it’s a strong start, but unpolished.

Originality: 3. It’s an unexpected build, but I’ve seen shock trooper/tripping builds so often that I sometimes forget there are melees out there who don’t take that path.

Power : 2.5. I think this would be a perfectly good build for a typical game with low to medium optimization, especially if you’re creative with your masks. If the rest of your party is moderately optimized, however, I think it will be difficult to find a niche aside from buffer and charger – and with 14 d6’s of HD, you have a glass jaw from 7-20. There’s also more you could have done within the build to capitalize in what you have – Wolf Totem variant barbarian would have gotten improved trip for free at barbarian 2, saving 2 feats, while the whirling frenzy variant of rage has great synergy with snowflake wardance.

Elegance: 4. No issues here, you’ve got 2 base classes and then 10 levels in MoM. The feats progress in a fairly logical manner, and all you need is core+completes. I would have taken quick draw out and moved all the other feats down 1 in the progression, then at 18 taken a different feat (improved toughness maybe).

Use of Secret Ingredient: 2. In the end I don’t think MoM helped you much beyond a 1 level dip for spiked chains and fly. Warchanter or dervish (with kusari-gamas or spinning swords or whatever else you want from the gladiator mask) would have been good to see in the build.

Overall: 2.875.

Seera

Main thoughts: A very unexpected and interesting build! I liked her story too.

Originality: 5. I was not expecting to see an artificer entry to MoM, and your use of artificer to augment masks was a very original idea.

Power : 4.5. The build has the potential to be an excellent combatant with the right masks. I agree with the interpretation that you keep the older ways to swap out a mask, and with the proper lineup of masks then a few times per day you could have self-buffing potential matched only by an optimized war weaver or cleric. I would have liked to see some more tactics, but since artificers can be so open-ended when it comes to strategies, I can understand when you left it fairly open. Ultimately you have to ask whether this build measures up to artificer 20, and I’d say it does a solid job, though losing 11 levels of craft reserves and 7 levels of infusions is pretty harsh.

Elegance: 2.5. There’s a few issues I wasn’t comfortable with. First, the build requires a lot of DM oversight due to the heavy reliance on self-crafted adjustments to the masks. A conservative DM would be within her rights to rule that the masks clearly follow a unique pricing model of 100g and cannot be modified like other magic items, especially with the use-activated ability being the action to don the mask. Second, I felt like most of the feats were an afterthought. Why go for double wand wielder if you’re going to make a character who buffs and then melees, for example? And the dragonmark chain seems like a trap even for role-playing reasons, given that you can simply craft the spells that the dragonmark series gives you. Finally, the level of rogue for the skill requirements stuck out a bit, though you made good use of it.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 5. Definitely makes strong use of the masks and the ability to swap them out rapidly.

Overall: 4.25

Keiji
Main thoughts: First off, I love the blue-eyed ninja image. It reminds me of Garou Manga. This build is certainly out there though – I really like the way it all fits together for a very strange, but certainly effective, character. Definitely one of my favorites so far!

Originality: 5. This is about as far from the Master of Masks as I could have expected, but it does a great job with it.

Power : 4. Early to mid level I think Keiji is going to struggle a lot, especially as a VoP character. You have +11 BAB at level 20 – not really enough to punch things in the face reliably, and when you do hit somebody, it won’t be for a whole lot of damage. At levels 13+, however, the build really comes together with the masks supplementing the apostle of peace’s spell list and both offsetting the typical weaknesses of a VoP build. A stronger build might have only taken 7 levels of MoM in order to get 9th level casting from Apostle of Peace.

Elegance: 4.5. Overall an elegant build with few mechanical issues. I don’t think Serpent Fang or Nimbus of Light will do much good for the character, and I’d move Touch of Golden Ice up earlier. Also, feats from 12-18 should be going towards spellcasting rather than melee. Everything works pretty well together though.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 4. You make good use of MoM in order to shore up the other weaknesses of the build and to supplement your melee or spellcasting. It’s a late entry and you don’t finish it, but both are excusable.

Overall: 4.375

Nameless
Main thoughts: Ah, Incarnum – is there any build that you can’t improve? I thought this was a very well-assembled build that made good use of the various classes that it used. Thank you for the highly detailed level-by-level rundown, which gave me a much better understanding of how the build worked.

Originality: 4.5. We’ve already had one flying sneak attack build, but this is quite different from the previous one. You made good use of the synergy between most of the class abilities as well.

Power : 4. Seems to be a fairly flexible build that can put out a nice bundle of damage all day long.

Elegance: 3.5 The classes are a bit jumbled, particularly the 1 level of factotum. As a sidenote, to benefit from the splitting property you must have the Precise Shot feat, which you still need. However, the build is strong from 2-20 and doesn’t require any strange rules interpretations to function.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3. Honestly, master of masks seems less important to the build than chameleon and incarnate/totemist. It gives more sneak attack damage and some more bonuses to attacks and a bunch of skills, but nothing that the build really needs. I felt like more levels in incarnate or chameleon might have served just as well.

Overall: 3.75

Dagger:
Main thoughts: Ooh, a spylord! My PCs love this PrC, so I’ll show them this entry so they can drool over the possibilities it opens up. Overall this is a strong entry, with another cool background.

Originality: 3.5. To be honest, this is in line with my expectations for a MoM build. I liked the storyline as well.

Power : 3. Losing 8 CLs from archivist is like taking a punch to the gut, but thankfully the good stealth and scouting spells are all low to mid level. He’s incredibly difficult to find magically (though with no ranks in hide a good spot check can locate him, oddly enough), but that’s not really a useful PC role without the attacks to pack it up. It’s a bit difficult to pin down what Dagger is going to do in most combats though – what is he going to do at 20th level, for example?

Elegance: 3.5. The factotum sticks out a bit, but otherwise the class levels are solid and well distributed. I didn’t particularly care for VoP at the end though.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 4.5. I thought combining MoM’s masks with the spymaster’s cover identities was an excellent idea, since it makes those cover identities much more believable.

Overall: 3.625

Tanitha No-Face
Main thoughts: Wow, another sneak attack build! I didn’t realize the assassin’s mask would be so popular in this contest. Though it looks a little unfocused, you ended up turning MoM into a semi-theurge build at the end.

Originality: 3. Not the only assassin or the only sneak attack build, though cleric was new. I enjoyed the story as well.

Power : 3. You have a wide range of abilities between MoM, assassin, and cleric casting, but none of them really pack a strong punch.

Elegance: 3.5. A very simple and fairly effective entry, then a 10/5 split with the other 2 PrCs. As a note, Practiced Spellcaster does not allow you to apply the feat twice to the same spellcasting, though this did not hurt your score. Some of the feats seem like a waste (Great Fortitude?), which could be replaced with something like Craven or Darkstalker.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3. You take all 10 levels and the masks contribute towards your quasi-theurge abilities, but the whole build still feels slightly unfocused to me.

Overall: 3.125

[Amphetryon]

Thank you, Akal Saris, for getting your judging done so quickly!

*Scribbles notes from the Reigning Champ in an effort to improve in future*

[Ajadea]

Looks like so far Keiji's in the lead. Wonder who entered it?

[Private-Prinny]

Looks like so far Keiji's in the lead. Wonder who entered it?

You'll find out after the other 4 judges give their opinions. :smallbiggrin:

It also looks like Ingus was right. At the moment, it's a three-way battle between Keiji, Seera, and the never-ending backstory.

[Heliomance]

I'm pretty sure I know who Seera is from ^_^

[Private-Prinny]

I'm pretty sure I know who Seera is from ^_^

Me too.:smallbiggrin:

[Heliomance]

Well, yes. He sent it to you! :smalltongue:

[Hand_of_Vecna]

Yeah! That took forever!

Janeth

Power-hmmm well since you dipped several classes that are often considered weak and used your casting progression on a halfcasting PrC the bar is pretty
low and you definately cleared it. 4

Elegence-I'm kind of annoyed that at very low levels the character is basically a weaker swashbuckler, on the other hand your backstory implies he wasn't an adventurer/a character meant to be played at low levels. Any instinct to deduct points for dipping is completely dismissed when I see that the dips make the character the unfocused fop he’s supposed to be and taking their stronger levels feels very appropriate after he’s unlocked his true potential. 4.5

Use of secret Ingredient-Takes all ten levels and is made of fail without it. 5

Originality- While very well written the background and overall concept/feel are very much what I expected to be par for the course, however the mechanically the character being unable to be a chameleon is great. 4

Overall 4.375

Shen

Power- I like the use of multiple wand sheaths (or whatever their called) to make the sorceror dip that should feel like a boost rather than a drain at low levels on the other hand theres enough sorceror casting that I would want to see more at the table. 3

Elegance- MoM feels like it was forced upon what could have been a much stronger gish. 3.5

Use of Secret ingredient- MoM doesn’t seem to do much other than add more skills. I loved the multiple exotic weapons with wand sheaths however it feels like it could have been done with martial weapons. Maybe some synergy’s not seeing with some of the weapons. 2.5

Originality- I wasn’t expecting to see a fighter/sorceror gish but, abjurant champion is pretty much the text book method to make any random build into a decent gish. 3.5

Overall 3.125

Masquerade

Power-Seems like a fairly strong character; enough Barbarian to get what you want out of it, a bard dip for skills/music/minor casting then MoM. Then MoM it seems like you pretty much took all the best masks though it’s a bit disappointing that it seems like he walks around in gladiator 90% of the time and uses it to simulate a single feat. The end result seems significantly weaker than Barbarian 20 or Barbarian 10/Bard 10 2.5

Elegance-The build is simple, and decent. Even though the build was strong for 10 levels then went down hill when you took MoM, I feel like this isn’t due to MoM being ham fisted into a good build but, the build failing to meat your expectatons. 4

Use of Secret Ingredient- Even though as I said MoM drags this character down and te masks other than gladiator are under used I still like your “Use” of the secret ingrediant. 3.5

Origionality- I wasn’t expecting to see a Barbarian build, and Barbarian/Bard/MoM is probably the most original and coolest builds I’ve ever seen for the classic barbarian>slave>gladiator>hero character. 4.5

Overall 3.625

I’d like to say a few things here, first if MoM was a stronger melee class, say medium BAB and two floating feats like chameleon or if gladiator granted 1 or two fighter feats at high levels, your power would be much higher. Also one thing I loved is it made me think of Pro wrestling if that was intentional playing that up could have netted a higher Use of Secret Ingredient and Originality score. Since at level ten you can make masks invisible he could make all but the gladiator mask invisible then use the angel mask to descend from the heavens, then use some bard spells for special effects, then switch to jester for a bonus to perform(weapon drill) bard spells could help here too.

Seera

Power- I’m tempted to go higher however this character is weak for an Artificer and as I said enter the before I grade on a sliding scale based on your class(es) you enter the PrC as. 3.5

Elegence-I really like the way the Artificer levels are mixed in at the new mask levels it’s a very nice melding of crunch and fluff. The items you crafted were great and I think that the cool factor would get them past most DM’s however they would probably regret it later and nerf it. I’m really torn on how to score you here because honestly most of the above negatives are true almost anytime a artificer is involved. 3.5

Use of Secret Ingredient-This MoM build is well a Master of Masks. The use of mask switching to break action economy was great and without that cheese it’s still cool as hell. 5

Originality- I really like the overall character the things you did mechanically are really great. And it’s well Original. 5

Overall 4.25

Kuiji

Power-Well he’s an Apostle of Peace, He can cast high level spells, and can do significant subdual damage and inflict non-damage status effects. This is pretty much standard for an AoP. 3.5

Elegance-The alternating levels of ninja and monk seem to work quite well I could easily see them in Dragon Magazine as the first 7 levels of “Student of the Sister Schools”. Monk/Ninja is a good lead in to AoP but that’s no surprise. MoM feels tacked on at the end also flight comes from angel not archmage but more importantly you already have air walk, which can use your increased speed, from AoP when you take your first level of MoM. 2.5

Use of Secret Ingredient- MoM is tacked on, it feels like it’s most useful ability to this build is advancing it’s 4/10 casting advancement. 2

Originality-I’ve seen plenty of unarmed AoPs but, I didn’t expect one in this competition. 4

Overall: 3.0

Faceless

Power- Chameleon 7 gives you 6th level casting from two lists while incarnum and MoM grant decent constant abilities. 4

Elegance- It all makes sense. Nothing wrong with it but, no great synergy either. Also Chameleon and MoM don’t seem to mesh well, unless MoM is a dip, it feels like it’s taking away chameleon levels that would be better. 3

Use of Secret Ingredient- I meant to say in my post about judging criteria that I’d give a one in Origionality and Use of Secret Ingredient to any build that had MoM+Chameleon levels at or approaching 15. I meant to, but didn’t, so I won’t be quite so harsh. Also he has enough MoM levels tat his masks are a significant boost even though the character is less powerful/versatile the same build with less MoM and more Chameleon. 2.5

Originality-Incarnum and the backstory were cool but wandering jack of all trades chameleon/MoM not original. 2.5

Overall 3

Dagger

Power-Weak for an Archivist but really, spymaster is the most prominent class outside of MoM and dagger is an exceptional spymaster. 4

Elegance- This is definitely a simple elegant build. Factotum 1/Archivist 4 is as good a jumping off point as any. 4

Use of Secret Ingredient- I loved how all the covers were masked for various reasons. MoM goes a long ways towards impersonating figures with vastly different abilities. The advancements to Archivist casting were helpful too without overshadowing the non casting abilities. 4.5

Origionality-MoM as a masked spy, not surprising. However the background was very fresh and I wasn’t expecting spymaster, largely because it’s not a powerful class, but it was very well used. 4

Overall: 4.25

No Face

First, you seem to be under the mistaken impression that caster level boosts grant you better spells per day, sorry they don’t they simply make spells with effects that have “/ lvl” variables more powerful. A level 20 this build will cast as a 7th lvl cleric with a meaning fourth level spells with a caster level of 13. You also cannot take practiced spell caster twice for 1 class.

Power- With 4th level cleric spells, low level assassin spells, MoM abilities probably floating around tier 4-low 3. 2.5

Elegance- Until I figured out the caster level mistake I was seriously scratching my head at this build. Also the Assassin class isn’t especially helpful to you. I believe you’d be better off as a spell thief or lurk 10. Also philosophy clerics are often frowned upon by Dms. I’ll show some leniency though since you thought cleric would be more useful than it is by giving you casting to bump up to high power levels. 2.5

Use of Secret Ingredient-Hard to judge since you thought it was giving you 6 levels of cleric casting. Though I suppose I should rate low for putting poor casting advancment ahead of any other abilities. 2

Originality - A multitalented assassin is one of the first things that comes to mind for MoM and a street child with magical talent is a stereotypical assassin. Also in addition to being suboptimal Assassin levels are also predictable. 2

Overall: 2.25

[Amphetryon]

Again, thank you for your prompt evaluation, Hand of Vecna.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

I'm amused how opposite some of the votes are for the same builds.

[Amphetryon]

I'm amused how opposite some of the votes are for the same builds.
Given how some of the builds make radically different assumptions about the masks, that's sort of expected. :smallsmile:

[arguskos]

Boilerplate Disclaimer: anything said below is a reflection of my personal opinion towards the work presented for my viewing, nothing more. I make no judgments about the presenter, as the level of effort expended to create something for this is absolutely marvelous. Well done, everyone.

Jereth

Originality: 3.5. Lots of Paragon classes was actually something I was really expecting to see. Swashbuckler and Assassin were a bit new, but overall, this is just on the good side of expected.
Power: 3. Seems solid in many areas. Your damage out-put is acceptable, if unexceptional. Jereth seems like a character who can do a lot and is useful in a lot of ways, but can't stand up in any single way for long.
Elegance: 4. This is smoothly executed and well built. I'm impressed, actually, at the synergies you discovered here. Well done.
Use of Master of Masks: 4.5. This feels to me like a textbook case of excellent usage of MoM. I see no flaws in how you used the class.

Total: 3.75. This is a solid, enjoyable build. Your story was creative and well-written, the character was interestingly thought out, I'm pleased with it. Well done.

Shen, the Masked Dragon

Originality: 3.5. I was expecting a gish build. I wasn't expecting it to start with a Thug Zhent Fighter. Creative. I like it.
Power: 4. I think Shen has more raw ability at his fingertips than, say, Jereth, thanks to the better spell list and more focus on the casting (thanks to Abjurant Champion). He's got a lot of tricks and probably a lot of raw power.
Elegance: 3. Something about it rubs me wrong. It feels interesting, but uninspired. It's hard to place, but I'm going with my gut here. This isn't a slam on you, but something about Shen just feels... "eh".
Use of Master of Masks: 3.5. This is a good use of MoM, though not the best. I notice a heavy reliance on Wraithstrike, which I feel is somewhat "eh" especially when you have other gishy things you could be doing. Instead, it's "wraithstrike, PA with a spiked chain" which while GOOD is sorta EH. I like at higher levels how you use the immediate action mask swaps to use the Archmage Mask to do hilarious stuff.

Total: 3.5. Shen's a good solid character. Something puts me off slightly, but since I can't place it, I won't really dock you for it.

The Masquerade

Originality: 3.5. Bard? Ok. Barbarian...? Uh... ok? 6 levels of Barbarian? Ok, you lost me now. Creative indeed.
Power: 2.5. The Masquerade doesn't seem that powerful. He's got the mask tricks, and he's got the barbarian charging, but those don't mix amazingly well really (what with MoM being a half BAB class and Bard not being great either).
Elegance: 3. Well, it's clean. Can't say much more than that really. I mean, Bbn 6/Brd 4/MoM 10 is the cleanest build I've seen yet.
Use of Master of Masks: 2. This isn't a good use really. I hate giving bad scores, I really do, but this is not a good place for the class. It's a cute idea, I like the image of a grandstanding gladiator, but it mechanically doesn't flow well (I think a 1 level dip for the Gladiator mask would be better for this concept).

Total: 2.75. It's a nice image, but not much more. It's playable, but not in a game that uses more than Tier 3-4 classes (and that's probably debatable actually, it's likely better suited for Tiers 4-5).

Seera d’Cannith

Originality: 4. Artificer was not expected. Not at ALL.
Power: 5. You win at everything forever. Artificer is brutally powerful, your reading of Master of Masks is HILARIOUS in its abusability, and this is probably one of the most potentially powerful new builds I've seen in a long time.
Elegance: 2. Eh. I hate giving you this score. However, what you're doing is abusing the custom item creation rules, which, well, is an ABUSE. Those rules are well understood to be easily breakable, and are often not permitted at tables. This character, as much as I like it, is breakable in this regard, and so gets a low score on Elegance from me (relying on a cheesy mechanic is never good for elegance).
Use of Master of Masks: 3? This is tough to judge. On the one hand, it's a great usage of a subpar class. On the other hand, its really just a unique outlet for abuse of the magic item creation rules. I can't really say it's a BAD use of MoM, but I'm not going to call it the best one I've ever seen. It's creative and unique though.

Total: 3.5. The power is off the chain (lolificier helps here), the creativity is pretty good, but the use of the secret ingredient and the abuse of the creation rules mark it down.

Keiji Mutoh
Ok, an introductory note I want to make for Keiji. Something about this dude makes me lol REALLY hard. Can't place why, but damn, dude makes me laugh. Ninja for Peace is hilarious and reminds me of Dr. McNinja, which means I'm happy reading this dude already.

Originality: 4.5. Apostle of Peace+Ninja=/=Master of Masks in my mind's eye. I was blown away. GREAT job with the mindtwist there.
Power: 4. Well, he's an excellent support character, with enough good abilities (I overlooked Cry of Ysgard before, never doing THAT again) to stay relevant for a long while. I fear he might fall out of real usefulness later in his career, but, Planar Ally (much as I hate that line of spells) solves much.
Elegance: 4. It's not the smoothest level progression. It only takes 9 levels of MoM. However, you managed to blend Apostle of Peace, Ninja/Monk, and Master of Masks into a single cohesive whole that is really creative and flavorful. If this isn't the definition of Elegance, I don't know what is. :smallamused:
Use of Master of Masks: 3.5. Gotta ding you. You only took 9 levels, and I feel like that last level would have been GREAT for the build's power (immediate action switching is amazing).

Total: 4. Great build. Highly unexpected, very workable, looks fun. I approve.

The Faceless

Originality: 4. Wasn't expecting to see Incarnum. Probably should have in retrospect.
Power: 4. Seems very capable in many respects. The Faceless looks like you put a large amount of mechanical effort into him, which I respect and like to see.
Elegance: 1.5. Ugh. I HATE scoring like this, but you did a bunch of stuff that just bothered me. Totemist AND Incarnate? 1 random level of Factotum? The same amount of Chameleon as Master of Masks? This is not elegant! It's a mess! Yes, it makes a better character, but dammit, it looks terrible!
Use of Master of Masks: 2. Chameleon. You took 7 levels of MoM AND of Chameleon. You could easily have cut three from the latter and given them to the former, and you didn't, and I have to wonder why. Was it for power? Did you just not like Master of Masks (it's crying itself to sleep tonight because you don't love it enough :smalltongue:)? I don't know what it was, but it saddens me and cheapens a good build.

Total: 2.875. I feel guilty. :smallfrown: It was a good concept, neato story (loved the tripwires, great cruel touch), and pretty solid, but the gaffs with the build just put me off something fierce.

Dagger
A note about Dagger. This build is questionable. The taking of Vow of Poverty is, at best, RAW abuse. See, when you stop meeting the prerequisites of a feat, you lose it. That's how feats work (and this is clarified somewhere, not sure where though, sorry). Also, when you lose an Exalted feat, it is implied it's gone forever (not RAW that I know of, but it's implied VERY strongly and is probably RAI). Thus, I really don't think VoP works here. I am grading it as though VoP is some other, irrelevant, feat (like Toughness).

Originality: 3.5. I LOVED the story, it's masterfully written and very very enjoyable to read. Not what I was expecting at ALL. However, the mechanics weren't that unexpected (I was expecting more Spymaster than we've seen actually).
Power: 3.5. Dagger is pretty competent overall. Not much unique, though he'd be a brutally hard to pin-down opponent.
Elegance: 3.5. It's alright elegance-wise, really hard for me to say anything super interesting or crazily unique about it (but see Use of MoM below).
Use of Master of Masks: 2. STOP DOING THE 7/7 THING! :smallmad: Really guys, make a sacrifice here. Spymaster, while nice and everything, wasn't the secret ingredient here! Master of Masks was!

Total: 3.125. A good, if unexciting, character. The 7/7 thing needs to go away though. :smallannoyed:

Tanitha No-Face

Originality: 2.5. Rogue/Assassin/MoM with a Cleric dip. Ho-hum.
Power: 2.5. Due to Practiced Spellcaster not doing what you seem to think (it only advances Caster Level, NOT Spells Per Day, and doesn't stack besides), this build is pretty underwhelming. It's a fairly bad sneaky rogue with some minor cleric spells. Now, if MoM was advancing Assassin casting and you had a better Int, it might be a little better... but then why have Cleric at all?
Elegance: 3. It's functional, if unexciting. The whole CL=/=Spells Per Day thing is a bad mark though.
Use of Master of Masks: 3. It's a standard use, if subpar IMO.

Total: 2.75. It stabs dudes and they falls downs. Gogo Assassin. You goofed really hard on Practiced Spellcaster, and need to brush up on what that actually does. Otherwise, there's some promise here.

Personal favorite: Dagger, actually. Now, I didn't score him that well, but I LOVED the story and the perspective. It was deliciously twisted and I loved every single god damn minute of it.

Highest Score: The Ninja of Peace, Keiji. He's pretty far and away the best thing here, IMO.

Again, well done one and all.

[Ozymandias9]

Just got my first look at the entries. Will look at them tonight, should have scores up in the next two days.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

Your Welcome, and ya I expected alot of my judging to go against the grain. I tried to explain myself. Also since # levels taken in the secret ingredient has gone up since the first few competitions I was really strict about wanting people to USE the secret ingredient.

Oh, lemme come out and say something now, I got my judging out early for two reasons.

1. To spark discussion since I have some very different thoughts then some and

2. Tossing it out there if I bashed your build mechanically and you think I missed something let me know and I'll take a second look.

[arguskos]

This contest was really excellent. There were a LARGE number of great stories (which are fun to write and to read and make me WAY more interested in judging).

However, there was a massive issue I encountered more than once (how, I don't know): the "lets take equal levels in Master of Masks and something else" syndrome. What's this about folks? I mean, really? This contest is about Master of Masks! Not Chameleon, not Spymaster, not any other class or prestige class, it's about Master of Masks. At least make it the dominant class in your build! This really ticked me off, and I tanked two builds because of it (even my favorite build, Dagger). It says that you didn't really care enough to shuffle stuff around and get MoM as the focus, which doesn't speak well of you, the cook.

Still, that major issue aside, I was very pleased with this contest. There were some great builds, and I'm interested to know who made Dagger specifically. Man, I LOVED him. I've got my guesses, but, yeah.

[Amphetryon]

Thank you for your quick and insightful commentary, arguskos.

[arguskos]

Thank you for your quick and insightful commentary, arguskos.
1. Damn right. :smallcool:

2. Much as I appreciate it, ya don't need to thank me dude. To quote, "We don't do this... thing because we want to. We do it because we're compelled to." :smallamused:

[Arbitrarity]

*takes notes for future contests*

I want another of these soon :D. They're fun.

[Amphetryon]

1. Damn right. :smallcool:

2. Much as I appreciate it, ya don't need to thank me dude. To quote, "We don't do this... thing because we want to. We do it because we're compelled to." :smallamused:

Yeah, but thanking Akal Saris for getting it done so fast means I come across as a bit more of a jerk than usual if I don't extend the same courtesy to the rest of y'all. :smalltongue:

[true_shinken]

Really? Because I swear Shen the Masked Dragon is using Able Learner with an interpretation of 'every single skill ever is your class skill'...:smallconfused:
Except that rule is not like that on 3.5


Skills

If a skill is a class skill for any of a multiclass character’s classes, then character level determines a skill’s maximum rank. (The maximum rank for a class skill is 3 + character level.)

If a skill is not a class skill for any of a multiclass character’s classes, the maximum rank for that skill is one-half the maximum for a class skill.
Emphasis mine.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

*snrks cryptically*


Anyways, I can understand for most classes the problem with using less or equal levels of an alternative class than the secret ingredient (I felt similar pangs judging the last), however, in a build like Master of Masks where there is little improvement with added levels, mainly just more options, I can see where there really isn't all that much need to go the full 10.

Once you get the masks you want that blends best with the rest of the build you might as well say it capped at the point of usefulness as there really is no 'cap' to Master of Masks. No comfortable 'I've graduated' moment. Beyond that you're throwing in levels simply to coincide with the contest, not because it improves the strength or elegance or even creativity.

As well, many PrC's end at levels lower than 10. If the challenge included one of those that only went 5 levels, or, heck 3 levels in a few cases, how would you work that out?

[Private-Prinny]

Except that rule is not like that on 3.5


Emphasis mine.

Except Able Learner doesn't make anything a class skill. If it was cross-class, it has the cross-class rank cap, but the ranks only cost 1 skill point each.

[arguskos]

Anyways, I can understand for most classes the problem with using less or equal levels of an alternative class than the secret ingredient (I felt similar pangs judging the last), however, in a build like Master of Masks where there is little improvement with added levels, mainly just more options, I can see where there really isn't all that much need to go the full 10.
Except that many masks upgrade the longer you take Master of Masks. You get more spells, more bonuses, etc.

I mean, it'd be like going on to Iron Chef America, getting a secret ingredient like, say, an entire pig, and ignoring half the pig. Yeah, you CAN, but it's not very classy.


As well, many PrC's end at levels lower than 10. If the challenge included one of those that only went 5 levels, or, heck 3 levels in a few cases, how would you work that out?
Honestly, not really sure. Probably wouldn't consider such in my rubric in that case, since it'd be highly unfair. I WOULD however heavily advise against using a non 10-level PrC as the ingredient in one of these challenges. 5 or 3 levels are not enough to really build around. It'd be like trying to build around, say, Fist of the Forest. There's not much there to build around really. That's just me though.

[true_shinken]

Except Able Learner doesn't make anything a class skill. If it was cross-class, it has the cross-class rank cap, but the ranks only cost 1 skill point each.

I get Perform from Draconic Heritage: battle dragon. You guys missed on that.

[arguskos]

I get Perform from Draconic Heritage: battle dragon. You guys missed on that.
No, we didn't. Akal Saris caught it at the top of last page. :smalltongue:

I believe Shen's build is legal actually. He took Silverbrow human and the substitution level for sorcerer that trades its familiar for Draconic Heritage. Draconic Heritage: Battle Dragon gives sorcerers perform as a class skill if I recall, so he can reach the max ranks.

Oh, and saying who you entered is a bit frowned upon. :smallwink:

[Akal Saris]

As far as 'USe of the Secret Ingredient' goes, I was more flexible about it than arguskos and Hand_of_Vecna. I'm of the opinion that a good build takes what it needs from a PrC and then gets out, so the 7/7 split builds didn't bother me as long as they actually used the MoM well.

I probably would have graded Keiji higher if he had left MoM 2 levels earlier and gotten 9th level spells from AoP, actually, since that makes more sense than stopping at 9, 1 away from the capstone.

[Heliomance]

*snrks cryptically*


Anyways, I can understand for most classes the problem with using less or equal levels of an alternative class than the secret ingredient (I felt similar pangs judging the last), however, in a build like Master of Masks where there is little improvement with added levels, mainly just more options, I can see where there really isn't all that much need to go the full 10.

Once you get the masks you want that blends best with the rest of the build you might as well say it capped at the point of usefulness as there really is no 'cap' to Master of Masks. No comfortable 'I've graduated' moment. Beyond that you're throwing in levels simply to coincide with the contest, not because it improves the strength or elegance or even creativity.

As well, many PrC's end at levels lower than 10. If the challenge included one of those that only went 5 levels, or, heck 3 levels in a few cases, how would you work that out?

When I was running it, I deliberately didn't use any classes shorter than 10 levels. I assume Prinny will be doing the same.

[Amphetryon]

When I was running it, I deliberately didn't use any classes shorter than 10 levels. I assume Prinny will be doing the same.

IIRC, at least one of the Iron Chefs over at BG was for a shorter PrC.

[Akal Saris]

Yeah, Iron Chef 2 was Ordained Champion (5 levels). Caelic was hosting and completely disappeared though, so the contest was never completed. :smallfrown:

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Except that many masks upgrade the longer you take Master of Masks. You get more spells, more bonuses, etc.
True, but if I recall that was only until 8th level...

Hmm, I didn't notice it increased up to 10th level. Still, not sure the benefits of 3 levels of waiting for them are worth it. Most of the 10th level stuff wouldn't be a whole lot better than just taking 3 more levels of your casting class.


I mean, it'd be like going on to Iron Chef America, getting a secret ingredient like, say, an entire pig, and ignoring half the pig. Yeah, you CAN, but it's not very classy.
I saw it more as you've gone and made this fabulous roast pork dinner and as everyone is finishing up going, 'Well, we got us leftovers, so here's some hog jowls and chitlin's for dessert!'

Still edible, but let's have some pie instead.


IIRC, at least one of the Iron Chefs over at BG was for a shorter PrC.
BG?

[Amphetryon]

BG?Brilliant Gameologists, where I first saw these Iron Chef PrC competitions take place.

[Akal Saris]

The have several subforums, but the important forum is the D&D 3.5 character optimization one. It's where my handbooks are hosted.

[Private-Prinny]

When I was running it, I deliberately didn't use any classes shorter than 10 levels. I assume Prinny will be doing the same.

You got that right. Any less than 10 is hard to devote a build to.

[true_shinken]

Is there any thought on the next secret ingredient?

[Private-Prinny]

Is there any thought on the next secret ingredient?

Yes. Yes there is. I've seen two people independently suggest the same thing, so I'll be going with that unless I find something too good to pass up.

[Akal Saris]

Oh boy, I hope somebody else also suggested Slaad Brooder!

[Amphetryon]

Oh boy, I hope somebody else also suggested Slaad Brooder!
I bet it's Hidecarved Dragon.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Oh boy, I hope somebody else also suggested Slaad Brooder!
Where do you find THAT?

[arguskos]

Where do you find THAT?
Savage Species.

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Savage Species.
Geeze...

That's the one monster book I've never read through... but am now. Know what's the creepiest about that class, is that instead of referring to the base creature as 'she' like most PrC's do, the 'implanter' is a 'He'.

Add on the pseudonatural template and you got yourself a build worthy of any pervy japanese tentacle fic.

[arguskos]

Geeze...

That's the one monster book I've never read through... but am now. Know what's the creepiest about that class, is that instead of referring to the base creature as 'she' like most PrC's do, the 'implanter' is a 'He'.

Add on the pseudonatural template and you got yourself a build worthy of any pervy japanese tentacle fic.
Slaad tend towards male. In fact, I think they're all male.

[Ozymandias9]

Pssh. Silly monster class. I suggested Squire of Legend :P (incidently, about 1/2 way through scoring).

[Private-Prinny]

Pssh. Silly monster class. I suggested Squire of Legend :P (incidently, about 1/2 way through scoring).

Spoiler Alert: I'm not using that. The answer to "What can be done with a 3 level class?" is "Whatever the **** you want."

[the humanity]

well, we already have one Iron Chef with a side of Mindbender... what do you say to making it the main course?

[Private-Prinny]

I will say, right now, that the next secret ingredient will be a 1/2 casting class.

[Ozymandias9]

You got that right. Any less than 10 is hard to devote a build to.

I thought the builds explicitly don't have to be a 20 level character. I was hoping to see some contests where that came into play.

Anyhoo, I have to go grade some oral exams now. I should have the scores posted by tomorrow-- sorry that I'm being a tad slower than the other judges.

[Heliomance]

The idea of the level breakdowns is so that you make a build that's playable at all levels. A lot of level 20 builds are rubbish until they hit 20 and everything suddenly falls into place. The idea behind this contest is that your character be playable all the way from 1 to 20.

[Arbitrarity]

I will say, right now, that the next secret ingredient will be a 1/2 casting class.

Not GSA, not GSA, not GSA.

swiftblade swiftblade swiftblade swiftblade

[Heliomance]

I think it might well be GSA. I did see it mentioned a couple times...

[Arbitrarity]

*cries*
*Starts rolling up a GSA*

[Amphetryon]

I think it might well be GSA. I did see it mentioned a couple times...

I can think of a couple other likely suspects...

[theos911]

lol.... you don't like Great Sea corsair?(ShS 26)

[Ingus]

@Ozy: Don't worry too much: we're used to long wait and this time we're gladly stunned by judges' quickness. So you're not so in late :smallwink:
By the way, I guess we miss another judge

And what the hell is a GSA?

[Private-Prinny]

And what the hell is a GSA?

Green Star Adept. Open your Complete Arcane to page 41 and gaze upon the horror.

Hmm... I wonder what would happen if someone was a Warforged GSA...

[Arbitrarity]

Or go to http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20041105a

[The Vorpal Tribble]

Green Star Adept. Open your Complete Arcane to page 41 and gaze upon the horror.
Actually, was gonna use that PrC in my Stonelord build that I never had time to finish.

May not be fantastic, but it's fun.

[theos911]

phhhfff... green star adept
Should do Great Sea corsair, nobody will have any clue what it is.... and that's only half the fun:smallbiggrin:

[Heliomance]

I have some half-formed ideas for GSA, if it comes up I'll check if they'll work or not.

[Ingus]

Well, I know very well the Green Star Adept and I really tink you can put a great gish out of it. If there will be any contest with GSA, I'll post you in evaluation after the contest the build one of my players is actually playing. I can assure you it is broken: I usually think twice before letting any NPC enemy go close of him, and if I do, is because the other party members are strong as well :smallbiggrin:

[Arbitrarity]

I have a good idea as well.

Inquiry: Can we use UA variant Fractional Saves/BAB?

[Heliomance]

Well, I know very well the Green Star Adept and I really tink you can put a great gish out of it. If there will be any contest with GSA, I'll post you in evaluation after the contest the build one of my players is actually playing. I can assure you it is broken: I usually think twice before letting any NPC enemy go close of him, and if I do, is because the other party members are strong as well :smallbiggrin:

The thing is, the capstone is a horrible nerf. You lose your con score, thus your fort save tanks and so do your hitpoints. This is a Bad Thing for a gish. Also you are no longer a valid target for Enlarge Person. This is another Bad Thing.

[Akal Saris]

The thing is, the capstone is a horrible nerf. You lose your con score, thus your fort save tanks and so do your hitpoints. This is a Bad Thing for a gish. Also you are no longer a valid target for Enlarge Person. This is another Bad Thing.

And that's in addition to the class being actively worse than other gish PrCs. It's a d8 with 3/4 BAB and only will as a good save - that's worse than a cleric!

[Amphetryon]

I'll be amused if all this speculation is about the wrong PrC. :smalltongue:

[Private-Prinny]

I'll be amused if all this speculation is about the wrong PrC. :smalltongue:

TBH, I haven't picked the next Secret Ingredient yet. I just know that I'm going to pick a 1/2 casting class.

[true_shinken]

And that's in addition to the class being actively worse than other gish PrCs. It's a d8 with 3/4 BAB and only will as a good save - that's worse than a cleric!

It does get an added spellcaster level increase, though. It's fun when coupled with Martial Arcanist, illumian sigils and the like.
In my Master Spellthief mini-guide, there is a Green Star Adept with caster level 45, I guess.


TBH, I haven't picked the next Secret Ingredient yet. I just know that I'm going to pick a 1/2 casting class.
Those are very fun, I approve!

[Il_Vec]

phhhfff... green star adept
Should do Great Sea corsair, nobody will have any clue what it is.... and that's only half the fun:smallbiggrin:

That is what, from stormwrack?

[Ozymandias9]

That is what, from stormwrack?

No, it's from Shining South, a FR book (It's also the title of a 2nd edition sub-campaign setting for FR). Except, if I recall, it's really just a dread pirate substitution level.

Edit: Actually, the 2nd edition was Corsairs of the Great Sea


The idea of the level breakdowns is so that you make a build that's playable at all levels. A lot of level 20 builds are rubbish until they hit 20 and everything suddenly falls into place. The idea behind this contest is that your character be playable all the way from 1 to 20.

Then why do we only require presentation at "at least one" of the given levels? I'd always assumed that a build that was presented at, say, level 15 (and only 15) would be a valid entry.

P.S.: and back to work on the scoring.

[theos911]

No, it's from Shining South, a FR book (It the title of a 2nd edition sub-campaign setting for FR). Except, if I recall, it's really just a dread pirate substitution level.

Edit: Actually, the 2nd edition was Corsairs of the Great Sea


1. shh.. your gonna ruin the secret

2.that's funny,lol, it really is:smalltongue:

[Hague]

Green Star Adept is kinda okay... I guess. It's capstone is one of the few non-evil ways of becoming effectively immortal (not that anyone cares about that) other than begging to become an Einherjar. (Or Einheriar, if you hate soft Js)

[Ozymandias9]

SCORES!!!

First off, a note: While I've actually given a few 5s out (I was expecting maybe one, so this was a pleasent surprise), I have noticed that the lower range of my scores is lower than most of the other judges. This is not intended as a slight against the contestants, but rather an indication that I've structured my rubric differently.

Scoring Details
While a great deal of the scoring will be ad hoc, I have done my best to delineate those elements and indicate how I scored them. Moreover, each category has at least some scoring elements common to how I scored all builds:

The default score, before these adjustments are made, is 3.

Originality:

A kind of build I expected to see will loose .5 points (I expected primarily gishes and skill monkies-- particularly with social and stealth skills as a focus)
A specific build I expected to see will loose 1 point (I expected a spymaster and a chameleon)
A particularly unexpected build will net .5 points.
A kind of build I specifically expected not to see will net 1 point (In particular, I didn't expect to see either builds with no casting or builds with more than 4th level spells, except from an alternate full caster).
A iteration of a common, specific CharOp Concept will loose 1 point.
A particularly innovative qualification method for MoM will net 1/2 a point.
While an expected qualification won't itself be penalized, a 1 level factotum dip is so spectacularly expected that it will loose you 1/2 a point (even though other expected dips like rogue and bard will not).


Power: I framed this in two broad elements:

First, given the most dominant non-MoM element of the build presented (full caster, gish, melee, ranged, skill monkey, etc), what tier would I expect this build to fall in. Since in routine play a 4/10 caster class will likely end up at 3 or 4, I awarded .5 points for each tier above 3 and deducted .5 for each tier below 4.
Second, I looked at whether the innovation and synergies of the build presented exceeded (or failed to meet) the expectations for such a build. A significant gain or loss of less than a tier or movement from the lower/upper margin of one tier to another is worth half a point. A gain or loss of a whole tier or more is worth a point.


Elegance:

Fitting the build to the story well (or poorly) is worth 1/2 a point.
A build that progresses in a particularly consistent manner is worth 1/2 a point-- not necessarily all one class then all another, but such that it gives the impression that the breaks or patterns represent something.


Use of Special Ingredient:
Using 9 or 10 levels will net you 1/2 a point.
Using 5 or fewer levels will loose you 1 point.
Using only 1 level (would have) earned minimum points.
A build that gains significantly from MoM nets a default of 1/2 a point (possibly more).
A build that where MoM is central to the build (such that it could not reasonably be replaced) nets 1 point.
A build that would significantly benefit from fewer levels of MoM looses at least 1/2 a point.



Jereth: 15.5 (avg 3.875)
Originality: 3

It's a social obfuscation/stealth build. I was expecting to see at least one of these-we saw 2 (-.5).
Assassin for the casting advancement was unexpected (+.5)


Power: 3.5

This isn't a particularly powerful build in the grand scheme of 3.5 CharOp. Essentially, you set a low goal: this kind of character is usually tier 4. (+0)
Despite this, you've created a character that's slightly better than that-- probably a very high tier 4 or a weak tier 3. (+.5)

Elegance: 4.5

The build fits the back story well, but moreover it creates the impression that either the build or the story could have been created first and the other built to that effect (+1).
Moreover, the story itself would make a good addition to the campaign world (and since it is structured to resemble rumor, it would be easy to introduce for a villain)(+.5).

Use of Special Ingredient: 4.5

You take 10 levels (+.5).
You also have a character build that is heavily centered on MoM (+1).



Shen: 13 (3.25)

Originality: 3

It's a gish: a good standby, but not particularly innovative (especially since you use Abjurant Champion to accomplish it), and moreover somewhat expected when dealing with a 4/10 casting prc. (-.5)
The qualification for MoM, however, represents a creative solution to the problem the secret ingredient presents for gish characters (I was expecting to see gish entries drop to a rogue-level BAB class to enter). That will gain you half a point. (+.5)


Power: 3

You're aiming for a gish which is generally a very high tier 3 or a very low tier 2. This one strikes me as a high 3. You're not setting the bar particularly high or low, nor are you failing to meet or particularly exceeding that bar. (+0)


Elegance: 3.5

There are no elements that glare out at me as questionable. The build fits the story, but the story is wide enough that that's not particularly impressive. (0)
It does, however, progress in a fairly consistent manner, which is worth 1/2 a point. (+.5)


Use of Special Ingredient: 3.5
You take all 10 levels (+.5).
You also benefit significantly from the presence of Master of Masks in the build. (+.5)
However, the build would probably be better off without the full 10 levels-- there are several lower break points that the character would benefit from using if they were actually being played. (-.5)


The Masquerade : 10 (2.5)
Originality: 1.5

It's in iteration of a shock trooper build, one of the more well defined existing builds (-1).
It's a melee build for which the primary interest in the class is from the gladiator mask and uses one the heavily expected entries to meet the skill requirements. While I'm not scoring off for either of these in isolation, both of them together seem significant enough to warrant a deduction (-.5)

Power: 2.5

The build is primarily a shock trooper. That's usually a high tier 5. That sets the bar fairly low (-.5).
Your capacity as a primary melee is going to suffer from the fact that you're loosing a significant amount of BAB and HP from Bard and MoM (-.5).
Moreover, the build has no particular mechanical synergy between classes that I've noticed (and none that you present). (-.5)
The variety of abilities available through the masks, however, will likely knock this build up to a high tier 4 (if you were getting the masks a bit earlier, there might even be a point when the bredth of your SLAs and bard casting would qualify as a very low tier 3-- but since you're delaying MoM until 10, bard casting and the SLAs of your masks will not likely be able to handle an encounter outright if it is significantly outside your area of expertise). None the less, this is a significant gain in ability for a shock trooper build (+1).

Elegance: 3

To start with, you stay well within Core+Completes, which is likely to please Joe McDM: this is a fairly parsimonious option, and it will net you 1/2 a point (+.5).
It progresses in a consistant manner (+.5).
The presentation, however, is fairly bare bones: we don't even have a presentation of important spells you select with your bard casting. That leaves a lot of room for the reader to screw up the build, and will cost you a full point. (-1)


Use of Special Ingredient: 3

Master of masks does give a significant boost in your utility (+1)
It does so, however, at a significant cost to your primary focus (-.5).
The basic mechanical build is probably done better with fewer levels of MoM, if any at all. (-1)
You used all 10 levels. (+.5)



Seera: 16 (4)

Originality: 4.5

I actively wasn't expecting a heavy casting submission other than bard and perhaps cleric, so you surprised me there. (+1).
You also created an innovative new optimization option for the highlighted class (+1).
However, the custom magic item concept and artificer in conjunction isn't particularly new: the solution, while innovative, follows closely from the existing CharOp work that has been done on Artificer(.-5)


Power: 5

Artificer set's the expectations fairly high: the base expectation for this build is a Tier 1 caster that has lost 6 caster levels (+1).
You exceed that expectation (+.5).
I'm also awarding additional points because I think this is likely the most powerful possible use of 10 MoM levels. (+.5)


Elegance: 1.5

You're using custom item creation, which explicitly requires DM adjudication (-.5)
It's also an element that is easily breakable, which may result in an outright ban. (-.5)
Moreover, I would expect that there's a decent chance that if Joe McDM is on the conservative side, he would simply say no to this specific build (-5). I would grade off more for this if it didn't overlap so much with the other deductions.


As a side note, I did like the story: it's well written, and one of the better backstories I've recently read. The distinction here between your story and the one for Jereth is that I feel his (largely do to structure) could add to the campaign world independent of the character presented. Please do not take it as a slight to your story-telling capacity.

Use of Special Ingredient: 5

You make use of all 10 levels (+.5)
The special ingredient is highly central to the build (+1)
You have added a significant innovation to the use of the class as a whole. (+.5-- I would do +1, but we're at the point cap for the category).


Keiji: 14 (3.5)

Originality: 4

I was not expecting Monk/Ninja for MoM qualification (+.5)
I was not expecting a AoP character (+.5)

Power: 4

While I would put most alternate full casters at Tier 1 (though perhaps on the low side because of limited Spells/Day), the restricted list and Vow restrictions of Apostle would incline me to place it as a high tier 2. I am, however, going to err on the side of tier 1: in the absence of DM adjudication an using the to bypass your vows, you still have X Planar Ally and Miracle. (+1)
You seem reach about the point expected too, so no gains or losses there. (0)


Elegance: 3.5
The back story works well to combine ninja and monk (+.5)


I would have scored higher if the Monk/Ninja levels there in were more ordered (or if there were story presentation as to why they are in the order given). As is, it neither fits well for being a student at both dojos at the same time (which would lend itself to alternating levels) or to being a student at one then later the other (ninja to 3 then monk to 4, or the reverse). Neither of those work out numerically with your build. I'm sure other interpretations are possible, but haven't given any interpretation here, so it sticks out a bit.

Use of Special Ingredient: 2.5

You use 9 levels of MoM (+.5)
While the build makes reasonable use of the casting progression and some use of the masks, there doesn't seem enough to actually warrant using MoM (either thematically or mechanically). You could take 4 more levels of AoP and 5 levels in monk or ninja and probably end up close to even. (-1)



The Faceless: 13.5 (3.375)
Originality: 1.5

1 level factotum dip for qualification (-.5)
Chameleon was expected (-1)

(Actually, I expected Factotum 1/Pact-user, Incarnum-user, or initiator 4/ Chameleon and Master of Masks alternating, so I was slightly off).

Power: 4.5

The most dominant element of this build other than MoM is Chameleon, which is a solid tier 2. (+.5)
The choice of focusing on Incarnum classes before MoM/Chameleon entry will improve over that (though still not reach into tier 1) since they scale well with other levels. (+.5)
Moreover, you gave particular attention to making the MoM/Chameleon section progress in a smooth a manner as possible from a power prespective. (+.5)


Elegance: 4

While it is an expected path, I don't think that chameleon is a bad option. MoM is in an awkward place between a generalist and a serial specialist. Pairing it with Chameleon, a serial specialist, not only works very well mechanically, but fits well with the core theme of flexibility the makes Master of Masks what it is. (+1)
The character as presented is not merely anonymous: it is anonymity. This fits well with the idea of incarnum working as the embodiment of concept and with the flavor of Master of Masks itself. (+.5)
The use of both Incarnate and Totemist grates a tad: because of the heavy flavor of Incarnum as a power system, these two classes end up fairly thematically similar. Without any attention to differentiate or unify them (ether through story and/or structuring the progression), they are stuck in an awkward state of in-between. (-.5)
The same can be said of the MoM/Chamelion progression, but I'm not scoring you off twice for it.


Use of Special Ingredient: 3.5

While Master of Masks brings significant benefit to this build. (+.5)
You could reasonably replace at least some of the MoM levels with more Chameleon levels, but I don't believe the build suffers for not doing so.



Dagger: 15 (3.75)
Originality: 2.5

I was specifically expecting a spylord build: the cover-identities fit well with the theme of Master of Masks. (-1)
1 level factotum dip for skill requirements (-.5)
I wasn't expecting to see Archivist: I did expect some primary caster at level 4 or 5, I was betting on cleric if it came up. (+.5)
I was not expecting living construct, and the story you used to present it fits well. (+.5)


Power: 3.5

The most dominant element of the build other than MoM is Spymaster. This defaults to a tier 4-- essentially a more specialized rogue. It's about the default power level I presume a MoM build aims for. (0)
Between the archivist casting and the MoM abilities, you're going this basic expectation, but not my much. The delay in spells is going to mean the character doesn't quite reach tier 3 once you get into the mid-levels and beyond, but it will always be a very high tier 4. (+.5)


Elegance: 5

The Spylord and Master of Masks fit well thematically. There is a reason I was expecting it. (+.5)
The VoP is somewhat questionable by your own admission ("borderline"). It is, however, something that most DMs are quite willing to modify. (-.5)
The use of living construct fits the character concept very well(+.5)
The truename obscuring feats fit the character concept very well (+.5)
The build fits the story well: I could imaging wanting to play this character, and MoM seems a natural way to build such a character (+.5)
With the alternation of classes fits well with the presented concept of the persona masks and cover identities filling the same conceptual role. (+.5)


Use of Special Ingredient: 4

While the character could probably be build without MoM, it benefits immensely from its presence themetically, and to a reasonable degree mechanically. (+1)



Tanitha: 11 (2.75)
Originality: 2.5

It's a little bit of gish and a little bit of skill monkey: pretty much the default for the Master of masks class. (-.5)


Power: 2.5

Not so much as you think, mostly because casting advancement doesn't work quite the way you think . Don't feel too bad about it though, I personally made a much bigger stack of errors in another competition recently.
After level 5 or so, the basic assumption for such a build is tier 4, so no bonus or penalty on score here. (0)
You end up more or less in tier 4, so right on the mark. Again, no bonus or penalty. (0)
You do however, take a dip into assassin that is, from a power perspective, untenable. While I am always a fan of taking a class that fits the concept, this is a CharOp competition and there are a LOT of classes that specifically fit that concept with more power. (-.5)


Elegance: 3.5

You have a fairly large rules error in the build. (-.5)
The classes advance in a consistent and understandable manner. (+.5)
You stick to core+completes, and simplicity is an ends in itself (+.5)

Use of Secret Ingredient: 2.5

You take ten levels of Master of Masks (+.5)
The build would probably have been more powerful without MoM at all. (-1)



Congratulations to all the contestants: all of the builds were a pleasure to read and score.



As a side note, one thing I was hoping to see but did not was a natural attack build focused around the savage mask

[Amphetryon]

Thanks, again, for the input.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

Hey Oz, just wanted to point out that Keiji's method of class alternating was probably inspired by some "classes" presented in Dragon showing how multiclassing could fit different themes. They alternated like that they always kept within one level of each other but each time they evened out they advanced the stronger/thematically cooler side. Here's what Martial Artist looked like. Ya, I'm totally aware this one sucks but, it was early 3.0 there weren't alot of options (I think Sword and Fist was the newest supplament) and people didn't know how to optimize yet.

1 Monk1 Unarmed Strike better skills get the lvl 1 X4, etc.
2 Fighter 1 Bonus Feat
3 Monk 2 Bonus Feat Evasion
4 Fighter 2 Bonus Feat
5 Monk 3 still mind put off dead level
6 Fighter 3 Dead Level
7 Fighter 4 Bonus Feat Specialization
8 Monk 4 ki strike (magic) slow fall 20
9 Fighter 5 Despite being a dead level 5 being a +0 BAB level for monk coupled with BAB +8 opening up alot of feat choices fighters dead level is actually stronger than monk 5
10 Monk 5 Purity of Body
11 Monk 6 +1 all base saves, +1 BAB, bonus feat, and fast movement upgrades
12 Fighter 6 bonus feat
13 Monk 7 Wholeness of Body
14 Fighter 7 Dead Level
15 Fighter 8 Bonus Feat
16 Monk 8 Slow Fall 40ft
17 Monk 9 Improved Evasion
18 Fighter 9 Dead Level
19 Fighter 10 Bonus Feat
20 Monk 10 Ki Strike(Lawful) Slow Fall 50

Of course because it's Monk 10/Fighter 10 it's made of fail but it still illustrates my point that WotC created a precident for leveling that way and planted a seed in some people's heads that this is the best way to level a X 5/Y 6 character.

Note: I was doing this from memory/looking at the monk srd.
level 3 could have gone either way you could consider a fighter bonus feat to be better (at level 3) than improved grapple or stunning fist + evasion adding a another flip/flop. Level 9, though I'm certain my choice was right WotC may have valued purity of body higher than +1 BAB and more options for your lvl 9 open feat. Lvl 15 was another tough choice it was a +1 BAB, +1 all saves, and increased unarmed strike damage vs a fighter feat, monk 8 would have been another flip/flop.

[Ingus]

Hey, correct me if I fail: 8 entries posted, everyone with at least one high score, wonderful overall quality, an head-to-head for the win, 4 judges out of 5 have already voted and the last one is expecting to post this evening (no pressure over that, we're in early advance with schedule) and all judges, altough with largely different opinion, have a solid evaluation system.

..am I mistaking or this is the most successful Iron Chef since now?

@Hand of Vecna: I well remember this way to level-up. It was a try of WotC to demonstrate that dual classing like AD&D was still possible.It were early times, 3.0 was still young, things like optimization were unthinkable and the most broken thing was the 1 level dip method in Ranger and Bard before to go Rogue. :smallbiggrin:
And I was still a high schooler. Wonderful times :smallbiggrin:

[The Vorpal Tribble]

So from my calculations 2 builds are neck and neck for 1st place, and the next two for 3rd, however, the next judge's ruling could change all of that.

[Bigbrother87]

You didn't post your calculations? So, here's what I've got, taking the four judges that have reported so far and averaging the scores:


Jereth - 4.0625
Seera - 4
Kuiji/Keiji - 3.7187
Dagger - 3.6875
Shen the Masked Dragon - 3.3437
Nameless/Faceless - 3.25
The Masquerade - 2.9375
Tanitha No-Face - 2.7187


All of the scores are listed here:

Jereth
4.25
4.375
3.75
3.875
4.0625

Shen the Masked Dragon
3.5
3.125
3.5
3.25
3.3437

The Masquerade
2.875
3.625
2.75
2.5
2.9375

Seera
4.25
4.25
3.5
4
4

Kuiji/Keiji
4.375
3
4
3.5
3.7187

Nameless/Faceless
3.75
3
2.875
3.375
3.25

Dagger
3.625
4.25
3.125
3.75
3.6875

Tanitha No-Face
3.125
2.25
2.75
2.75
2.7187

[Hand_of_Vecna]

For whomever asked, Fractional BAB and saves is a variant rule and is not considered legal by this contest. This question comes up alot usually because somebody wants to get into a class as soon as possible like level 6 for a class that requires 8 ranks in a skill but, requires a combination of abilities that would push qualification with just core classes to a higher level.

Usually there are less standard class combinations that will get you what you need.

On the otherhand you could have a diptasstic character that needs them to not end up with a base save of +2 at lvl 20 or be really needs a higher BAB to be effective in combat. If so, I'd suggest reworking the character because even though I'm generally ok with it alot of the regular judges look down at it.

Subject Change:

I know a few things that can salvage GSA but, they may be considered limburger. Perhaps they'd be considered favorably if well supported in backstory. I have an old character that could have gone this way and his game only went to level 5 so I wouldn't have to change anything that was established.

[Ozymandias9]

Hey Oz, just wanted to point out that Keiji's method of class alternating was probably inspired by some "classes" presented in Dragon showing how multiclassing could fit different themes. They alternated like that they always kept within one level of each other but each time they evened out they advanced the stronger/thematically cooler side. Here's what Martial Artist looked like. Ya, I'm totally aware this one sucks but, it was early 3.0 there weren't alot of options (I think Sword and Fist was the newest supplament) and people didn't know how to optimize yet.

I did actually notice that: it's something I like to see power-wise as it makes an even distribution over the character levels. I was considering awarding 1/2 a point in power like I did for Faceless: ultimately, however, because it was concentrated on the lower levels and didn't manage to avoid two fairly dead levels, I decided against it. (Switching Monk 3 and Ninja three so that some feats lined up with "Fast movement +10, still mind" probably would have been enough to warrant 1/2 a point).

Like I said however: with some additional attention to explaining it in terms of characterization, I would have been willing to award a full point in elegance rather than 1/2.


On the otherhand you could have a diptasstic character that needs them to not end up with a base save of +2 at lvl 20 or be really needs a higher BAB to be effective in combat. If so, I'd suggest reworking the character because even though I'm generally ok with it alot of the regular judges look down at it.

I'm actually very fond of the system, but it's a one of the UA variant systems which (for this contest), your character should not be dependent on.

@ Bigbrother: Having actually slept now, I actually just caught something that I missed on Tanitha. My total score for her went up by half a point (bringing the average up to 2.75)-- she stayed within core+completes, which I decided later in the scoring process warranted 1/2 a point in elegance. I edited my most appropriately.

[Hand_of_Vecna]

@Oz, ya, I wasn't so much harping on you as putting out into the aether something I've been wanting to for awhile.

[Akal Saris]

Although seeing a Monk 10/Ftr 10 build made me gag a little (and how is this DMG build even returning to monk after leaving it?), thanks for explaining that bit.

Personally, I figured there was some CO reason to the alternating levels - start with ninja for skills, then get your unarmed damage going, etc. Usually I structure my multiclass characters by starting with the one with more skills, then advancing whichever I need to fulfill feat prereqs by 3rd/6th (usually that ends up being the class with higher BAB).

[Arbitrarity]

Having learned some important lessons, I'm looking forward to the next one of these :smallbiggrin:
Bring it on!

[Private-Prinny]

Having learned some important lessons, I'm looking forward to the next one of these :smallbiggrin:
Bring it on!

Now now, we still have to wait for Shneeky. :smalltongue:

As for the scores, I'm going to post the composites. 5 judges x 4 categories x 5 points per category = 100 points, which is a nice even number. Right now, out of 80, the scores are as follows:
1st: Jereth, with 65/80.
2nd: Seera, with 64/80
3rd: Keiji, with 59.5/80
4th: Dagger, with 59/80
5th: Shen, with 53.5/80
6th: Faceless, with 52/80
7th: Masquerade, with 47/80
8th: Tanitha, with 43.5/80

As you can see, the scores for 1st and 2nd are far too close to call a winner now, so we need the input of the last judge.

[ShneekeyTheLost]

Jereth
Overall, a wonderful read. I loved how your background story started at level 20, and you slowly peeled the character's background all the way back down to level 1, rather than the reverse. It makes for a much more interesting read, and also points out that your build was certainly viable at all levels, which is a good thing.

Originality 4.0 - I, at least, did not expect Paragon levels, and using MoM to advance Assassin casting was very different. The fact that you made it effective is even more so. I did, however, expect the choice in masks.

Power 4.0 - Surprisingly nasty, both in and out of combat. Using your skill tricks and your spells to maximum benefit, and actually using the masks, depending on the situation.

Elegance 4.0 - A very elegant build which has no dead levels, but neither does it have excessive multiclassing. The story was very convincing, and it all blended together well.

Use of Secret Ingredient 4.5 - You got into it at level 7, you used all aspects of the class, your masks all gain you significant benefits as you level so it is worthwhile to continue going into MoM rather than just straight Assassin levels, and it fits your backstory perfectly.

TOTAL SCORE: 4.125 - A very good read, and a very good build.

Shen
Rather had my brows quirked at several points, but still a solid entry nonetheless. Definitely the most unique entry method, although one I'm not exactly all that fond of. Typically, people go Draconic Heritage: Battle Dragon for DFA as Sonic Damage, so at least you use it differently. Not as much backstory as the previous entry, but still enough to give me a feel for the guy.

Originality 4.0 - From Fighter and Sorcerer, we get Master of Masks? That had me for a complete loop. However, docked points for a traditional gish lockdown build.

Power 4.5 - Yea, with Wands early game, and spells late game, this guy is a very brutal gish. Wraithstrike + Power Attack = damage output. Wings of Cover for defense. He's got almost as many tricks up his sleeve as Batman Wizard.

Elegance 3.0 - Yea. First off, I'm not sure if Zhent and Thug sub levels can stack together. Every time I see Draconic Heritage: Battle Dragon, I cringe. And you're a Gish with only 6th level spells. Then let's get to the point where you are heavily gear and toy dependent. If your GM doesn't let you just purchase Eternal Wands at any local Magic Mart, your entire build is horridly nerfed.

Use of Secret Ingredient 3.0 - You get into it early, probably the earliest entry of all the contestants. But you don't really do anything with it. The only thing you really do is use Gladiator mask for EWP: Spiked Chain and Archmage Mask, which is a real kick to your face since you could have had an even HIGHER caster level with a more standard Gish build. I really don't see what Master of Masks brings to the table you couldn't have gotten anyways.

TOTAL SCORE: 3.625 - A powerful entry, and original entry method, but another Gish build who would probably have done better with more Sorc than MoM...

Masquerade
Well, this is certainly a brief entry. Again, I'm not really seeing the point to MoM for this build. It's simply a Bardarian Charger build built poorly. MoM gives almost nothing to this build that I can see, other than EWP: Spiked Chain. With Shock Trooper, he doesn't need a few paltry d6's from Assassin Mask, and the breath weapon from the Dragon Mask is likewise nearly pointless, since a) he can only use it 1d4 rounds, b) has lower average damage output than his weapons, and c) the saving throw is pathetically easy to overcome. Likewise, the Archmage mask provides almost nothing for this character, other than possible DimDoor to get out of trouble.

Originality 3.0 - Bardarian Tripping Charger. Probably has a lot of IC enhancing toys. The only thing he doesn't have is Leap Attack for the Charge build.

Power 3.5 - Charging is fun, but you don't have Leap Attack. However, it's still more damage output than either the Dragon or Archmage masks could provide, since you've got Pounce.

Elegance 2.5 Just... why? You have one part Gatling Tripper, one part Charger, and one part... 'I want to join this competition'. A more in depth backstory would likely have helped here.

Use of Secret Ingredient 2.5 - This build is functional in spite of, rather than because of, the Secret Ingredient. It seems to have been tacked onto what would otherwise be a Bardarian Tripping Charger. In particular, half the masks are completely pointless. Heck, even Gladiator is only used for EWP: Spiked Chain. A two-level dip in Fighter would have been more beneficial than all 10 levels in MoM.

TOTAL SCORE: 2.875 A poorly done remake of a standard melee build with some MoM levels tacked on to qualify for the competition. The entire class could have been replaced with a couple of feats and a couple of magic items, to the build's extreme benefit.

Seera
Neverending backstory, but the mechanics... yeeesh. I'm not so worried about Dragonmarks so much as how you were playing fast and loose with certain Artificer rules. I know I'd be howling if I saw this show up at a gaming table I was sitting at.

Originality 3.5 - Okay, I'll grant you, Artificer is pretty original entry method.

Power 5.0 - Well... of course. Artificer. Automatic buffs on free-action mask switches. Gravestrike/Golemstrike at-will when Assassin Mask is up. Switching the energy on the breath weapon of the Dragon Mask to something less resisted and Stunning Breath on top of that. Divine Power + Righteous Might in the same free action. Far and away the most powerful entry.

Elegance 1.0 - Just... no. Granted, it was a nice trick. Suitable for the CharOp boards, even. Not suitable for most gaming tables. I'd ban it as the GM, I'd howl if it sat down next to me. It relies on technicalities and poorly worded loopholes to do everything. It's not just optional, it's a central and core part of the build to augment the masks like that. This is about the iconic definition of what Elegance is not.

Use of Secret Ingredient 4.0 - I'll give you this one, no problem. You use it. You abuse it. You leverage it in ways no one has ever before considered.

TOTAL SCORE: 3.375 And a new trick for the CharOp boards to consider. Might have done better had it not been for my allergy to cheese.

Keiji
You know, you just had to go and rely heavily on the one sourcebook I despise more than any other... BoED/BoVD. Exalted feats are banned from my table. On top of that, your heavy use of Known Cheese (Diplomancy and Planar Ally) doesn't help much either. Be glad you listed Flaws as 'optional', because I flat mark down Elegance a full point per flaw. I also don't see how MoM significantly benefits the build.

Originality 3.5 - Ninja/Monk/Apostle of Peace? Didn't see that one.

Power 4.0 - in spite of, rather than because of, MoM. But yea, it's there.

Elegance 2.0 - I may be grading this a bit harshly due to my dislike of anything smacking of Exalted, but really... blatant use of Known Cheese (Miracle, Planar Ally, Diplomancy).

Use of Secret Ingredient 2.0 - You didn't even get your first level until character level 11, which means you never finished it. Your build would have been FAR more powerful without it than with it. And I don't think you really use them at all. You just use it for the casting, which can be done better without it, and that's about it.

TOTAL SCORE: 2.875 - A concept that sounds like it lived next door to the T-Rexes piloting F-16's, and would have been better without getting bogged down by MoM.

Robert Smith
I don't own MoI, so I'm running on ignorance on what the Incarnum do. However, Chameleon and MoM tradeoffs is not only expected, but it keeps you from doing much WITH MoM.

Originality 3.0 - On the one hand, I wasn't expecting Incarnum. On the other, Factorum entry with heavy leavening of Chameleon to create an 'I can be anything' build.

Power 3.5 - I am not too familiar, but I know about Manticore Belt being one of the nastier methods of ranged damage output.

Elegance 4.0 - A very elegant build which is knit together to make a complete whole. The power breaks at 6 and 12 are particularly inclined to increase this score. All too often, we don't see synergies until after 15. I like this. Everything weaves together to form a complete whole.

Use of Secret Ingredient 3.0 - You didn't finish it, in fact you didn't get close. However, you did use what you got. Less Chameleon and more MoM would have scored you better here.

TOTAL SCORE: 3.375 And a very well done entry.

Dagger
An interesting concept. I saw the merest mention of Ur and nearly saw red, until I realized you didn't actually take any levels of Ur-Priest, and I relaxed.

Originality 4.0 - A Warforged was not something I was expecting, and the background story you created was both delightful and unique. I can forgive the Factorum dip for entry purposes.

Power 3.5 - Archivist is a tier 1 class for a reason. Fortunately, you didn't use any of the more extreme abuses you could have put it through.

Elegance 3.0 - Bonus points for Spymaster/MoM synergy, coupled with the Archivist to create a cohesive whole. Penalties for and extremely troublesome qualification method for your Exalted feats. I wouldn't have let it fly, at any rate. In fact, you did play fast and loose with a couple of aspects of the mechanics.

Use of Secret Ingredient 3.0 - On the one hand, you incorporated it into the very core of the build, with every persona the creature assumes being it's own separate mask. Absolutely lovely. However, you didn't bother finishing it, because you were too busy tying it up with Spymaster.

TOTAL SCORE: 3.375 A very well thought out build, lovely backstory, but played a bit fast and loose, and I felt it somehow shorted by the fact that you would rather have had more levels of Spymaster than of MoM.

Tanitha
You misread Practiced Spellcaster. You do not, in fact, get more spells known/per day. All you get is improved caster level. This means you are actually casting as a 3rd level cleric, with +4 CL (and +6 CL with the HP mask on) for purposes of determining level dependent variables.

Originality 3.5 - Cleric, I didn't expect here.

Power 3.0 - I was tempted to give a 0 in this, due to the fact that the entire basis for the power of the build is illegal. However, I felt that would be unnecessarily harsh, so instead, I judged it on it's own merits with the spells known and per day of a 3rd level cleric (I had assumed you advanced Assassin casting with MoM).

Elegance 0 - You are basing your entire concept on a flawed premises. I'd almost call it an illegal build, but the build itself is perfectly legal, even if you don't get 7th level Cleric spells as you assume. No, you can't cast anything higher than a 2nd level spell (divine). If I were the GM, I'd have told you to go back and re-write this character into something that follows the rules, therefore that's what I'm going to do as a judge.

Use of Secret Ingredient 3.5 - Other than the Morbo-esque "Improved Caster Levels Do Not Work That Way" headdesk moment, you do incorporate MoM into the build, do finish it... barely... and do use it extensively.

TOTAL SCORE: 2.5 Due to a poor reading of the rules concerning Caster Level vs Spellcasting Levels.

[IonDragon]

So when's the next one?

[Ingus]

So when's the next one?

Hey, boy, let our chairman proclaim the winner, let him (who at now wuold be known) be congratulated, maybe let us discuss and chit-chat a lil bit more and then there will be a next.
Be patient, young padawan, you'll have a new challenge in a couple of days max, I guess.

[Amphetryon]

I found it interesting that two of the builds required diametrically opposed readings on what exactly the masks were qualified as in order to work.

[Ingus]

I found it interesting that two of the builds required diametrically opposed readings on what exactly the masks were qualified as in order to work.

Are you talking of what entries, exactly? Just for curiosity

[Amphetryon]

Are you talking of what entries, exactly? Just for curiosity

My reading of Seera is a build focused on the masks as magic items, while Keiji expressly cannot count them as magic items due to the VoP.

[Private-Prinny]

And now for the Big Reveal!

*drumroll*

In 1st place, Draz74's Jereth!
In 2nd place, Ingus's Seera!
In 3rd, The Vorpal Tribble's Dagger!
In 4th, Amphetryon's Keiji!
In 5th, true_shinken's Shen!
In 6th, Arbitrarity's Faceless!
In 7th, Octopus Jack's Masquerade!
in 8th, Ajadea's Tanitha No-Face!

Congratulations to Draz and Ingus, and thank you to everyone who participated. I'll probably have the next thread up tonight.

[Amphetryon]

Congratulations, Draz.

Scoring was really all over the map on this one, wasn't it?

[Octopus Jack]

Yay on my first optimization contest and I didn't quite lose. I'm definitely going to be compeating again.

[Ingus]

Congrats to Draz, his was my second favourite, head to head with mine. Dagger was my fav, but judges thought differently. Nevertheless, good job Vorpal, indeed. :smallwink:

I thank all judges for the critics more than for good marks. Don't feel bad for bad scores in elegance: Seera deserved it all :smalltongue:
When I had the idea, it was all of a sudden, all completed, all as-is. I knew in advance I'll hit very bad in elegance, but I really felt that the poor girlie needed a chanche to hit Merrix back (by the way, my most hatred Eberron NPC :smalltongue:)
I'm really glad the backstory has been liked. Since it is my favourite part, I'm very glad.

Allow me just one clarification with Shneekey. Don't take it bad, it is not grudge, but I'm curious on what d'you intend by "It relies on technicalities and poorly worded loopholes". Since this is what I think of Pun-Pun, I'm starting to worry. (Really).
...or maybe you imply that all customized magic items rules fall into this category, in which case you're probably right :smallbiggrin:
(but, in case, please share my guilt with WotC :smalltongue:)

And Prinny: if you can, please reserve me a place as a judge, since I'll probably have no time to build anything and I would like to follow next one

[Ajadea]

Meh. This is what I get for reading the text of Practiced Spellcaster at midnight. And trying to throw a build together in two days. Ah well. It was fun, and I'm definitely entering again, no matter what the secret ingredient is.

Congrats to Draz and Ingus! I really thought Jereth and Seera were interesting, and I know warforged was a racial choice that made me do a slight double-take.

[Draz74]

And now for the Big Reveal!

*drumroll*

In 1st place, Draz74's Jereth!


Woot! That went rather well. Thanks, everyone. That was fun.

Congrats to the other participants, too. Some of those characters definitely had me worried about tight competition.

A few responses to judges' comments that I wasn't able to respond to at the time:


That said, I think going half-elf was of questionable value – you waste a feat on human heritage and could probably have done just as well as a Human paragon 1/swashbuckler 4 (picking up seduction)/Assassin 3/MoM 10/human paragon +2.

Yeah, Human Heritage and Able Learner were actually last-minute additions to the build, and with them added in, you're right that Half-Elf added little to the build's power. (Though it did still fit the backstory, and the "persuasion" ability of Paragon 2 is very flavorful for a social-skills character.) I still feel a little bad about essentially becoming a human instead of a half-elf, but it came down to a power vs. flavor choice essentially. (Without Able Learner, I had to burn a lot of skill points on cross-class skills ... both to qualify for PrCs, and because MoM just doesn't have very good class skills.)


Use of secret Ingredient-Takes all ten levels and is made of fail without it. 5

Heh, well put. :smallamused:



The build fits the back story well, but moreover it creates the impression that either the build or the story could have been created first and the other built to that effect (+1).
Moreover, the story itself would make a good addition to the campaign world (and since it is structured to resemble rumor, it would be easy to introduce for a villain)(+.5).


Jereth
Overall, a wonderful read. I loved how your background story started at level 20, and you slowly peeled the character's background all the way back down to level 1, rather than the reverse. It makes for a much more interesting read, and also points out that your build was certainly viable at all levels, which is a good thing.

Good, I'm glad the backstory was appreciated; I thought it was the best part of Jereth. Especially the common elements that carried over from one alias to the next. And I definitely wrote it with making it workable as an interesting NPC (or even PC, possibly) in an actual campaign.

I'm a little surprised no one commented on the Phantom of the Opera references that I tried to put into the final piece of Jereth's backstory, though. :smalltongue: Too subtle? Or appreciated and just not mentioned? Anyway, I thought it was a good play on the "masks" theme.


Power 4.0 - Surprisingly nasty, both in and out of combat. Using your skill tricks and your spells to maximum benefit, and actually using the masks, depending on the situation.
I think some of the judges had a higher opinion of Jereth's Power than I did. :smallcool: Oh well. I suppose it's fortunate, given Shneekey's strong "cheese intolerance," that Imperious Command happens to be a particular favorite optimization trick of his. :smallbiggrin:
Incidentally, the other idea I had for this contest was a Totemist/Master of Masks (though I guess I would have needed a dip in some other class to get the necessary skills and casting; Bard perhaps). Savage Mask and natural attacks would have been a "Power" element, but the real motivation was to go crazy with the "masks" theme by acquiring all kinds of "Mask" soulmelds. Ultimately I just couldn't get these ideas to work when crammed into one build, though.

[Arbitrarity]

In retrospect, a incarnate 2/Human Paragon 3/MoM/Chameleon would have made people happier. Oh well. I wouldn't have had an offense then. Admittedly, my current offense, which easily kills most level appropriate opponents in a round, may have been overkill. "A nice bundle of damage" hah.

Also, should've remembered to bind Sighting gloves. That gives precise shot. That's what I get for not carefully reading Splitting.