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Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 02:29 PM
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 Friday, July 23rd 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.

Note: After what happened in the last thread, I am going to have to ask the contestants to PM me about any disagreement with the judges. Under no circumstances is a contestant to defend themselves inside the thread, lest the thread come close to being locked again.

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...

The Expanded Psionics Handbook's Pyrokineticist! (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/pyrokineticist.htm)

Allez optimiser!

Judges
aethernox (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8930530&postcount=27)
arguskos (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8930279&postcount=21)
Keld Denar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8929885&postcount=4)
Kesnit (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8932059&postcount=53)
senrath (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8930711&postcount=29)

Contestants
Akal Saris
Amphetryon
Arbitrarity
Chineselegolas
Draz 74
IdleMuse
Ingus
MariettaGecko
Natael
okpokalypse
PId6
ShneekyTheLost
Tavar
the humanity
true_shinken
The Vorpal Tribble
Watchers
WinWin

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)
Iron Chef VI (Master of Masks) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156876)
Iron Chef VII (Green Star Adept) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158633)

Pechvarry
2010-07-15, 02:30 PM
I so approve of this choice.

Zovc
2010-07-15, 02:31 PM
Whoa, deja vu?

Keld Denar
2010-07-15, 02:33 PM
Whoa, deja vu?

Um...bonus points if you use teh Deja Vu power in your build?

j/k

As I stated in the last thread, I'm up for judging if you'll have me.

EDIT:
My Criteria (mostly copied from aethernox)
Originality: Does the submission use unexpected sources or material? Does it avoid over-used qualification methods? Does it use the secret ingredient in an unusual or clever way? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the build is presented.

Power: What tier is this build? Does the inclusion of Pyrokineticst actually make this build more powerful? Is the build well-optimized? Are there any noticable saggy spots where the build underperforms? Is the build versatile (able to respond to a variety of challenges, both combat and non-combat), on top of any specialized tricks it may contain.

Elegance: Does your build progress well? Does it avoid flaws and variant rules (not including published Alt Class Features like Racial Subs)? Do you avoid overly dipping classes like cleric 1 that are obviously for bonus feats/class abilities? Does your build subscribe to various power break points if it doesn't complete a PrC? Do you avoid using Taint and Dark Chaos shuffling? Other judges might, but I have no problem with a player drawing from a multitude of sources. As far as I'm concerned, if material in a source book improves your submission, use it, excluding certain material from books like Savage Species, Ghostwalk, Serpent Kingdoms, and the like, but that's mostly because of the material, not the source that it comes from. This section is the one most effected by your back story and build presentation, but the submission itself is still very important here. PLEASE CITE ALL SOURCES USED!

Use of Secret Ingredient: How important is the secret ingredient in this build? Would you refer to the build as being A <Secret Ingredient>, or are you just splashing the PrC in there? Does the flavor of the build fit that of the PrC? Do you use the PrC in a clever, synergistic or powerful way? Do the special abilities of the secret ingredient augement or are augemented by other abilities in the build? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the build is presented.

true_shinken
2010-07-15, 02:37 PM
AWESOME! Pyrokineticist!
I'm in as a contestant this time around. Hell yeah! Burn, baby, burn!

Excellent choice, Prinny!

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 02:47 PM
I so approve of this choice.


AWESOME! Pyrokineticist!
I'm in as a contestant this time around. Hell yeah! Burn, baby, burn!

Excellent choice, Prinny!

Glad you like it. After the last one, I figured I'd give you something decently powerful. :smallbiggrin:

Akal Saris
2010-07-15, 02:52 PM
Whoa, deja vu

I'm in as a contestant. I could use some practice on my psionics :D

For those without the XPH, it's part of the online SRD: The Pyrokineticist
(http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/SRD:Pyrokineticist)

ex cathedra
2010-07-15, 02:52 PM
I would like to judge, if that's possible.

Dusk Eclipse
2010-07-15, 03:00 PM
I would like to participate in this one, but I have a question that apply specifically to this challenge: Can we use this variants (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040625e)? I think an issue like this hasn't come up in the pas IC challenges....

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 03:03 PM
I would like to participate in this one, but I have a question that apply specifically to this challenge: Can we use this variants (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040625e)? I think an issue like this hasn't come up in the pas IC challenges....

I'm going to say no, since refluffing the class that much strays into the realm of homebrew.

Dusk Eclipse
2010-07-15, 03:05 PM
Fair enough, I was just checking any way.

I think I already have the basis for my build....

true_shinken
2010-07-15, 03:08 PM
Fair enough, I was just checking any way.

I think I already have the basis for my build....

So do I! :smallbiggrin:

ex cathedra
2010-07-15, 03:13 PM
I have a few questions about the class' Fire Lash (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/pyrokineticist.htm#fireLash) ability, if it's alright to discuss it. It's vaguely worded and readily open to interpretation, so I think it's important to get a base line of the ability that both the judges and the contestants agree with.

For example, can you perform iterative attacks with it? Can you wield it in two hands? Do you apply your strength modifier to the attack/damage? Does it grant you a 15 reach, and if so, do you threaten those squares?

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 03:19 PM
I have a few questions about the class' Fire Lash (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/pyrokineticist.htm#fireLash) ability, if it's alright to discuss it. It's vaguely worded and readily open to interpretation, so I think it's important to get a base line of the ability that both the judges and the contestants agree with.

For example, can you perform iterative attacks with it? Can you wield it in two hands? Do you apply your strength modifier to the attack/damage? Does it grant you a 15 reach, and if so, do you threaten those squares?

If you can do it with a whip, you can do it with the fire lash.

Dusk Eclipse
2010-07-15, 03:19 PM
I also want to ask something about another class feature

the Weapon Affire


Weapon Afire (Ps)

At 4th level and higher, a pyrokineticist can activate this ability as a move-equivalent action. Flames that harm neither her nor the weapon engulf one weapon she holds (which can be a projectile such as a stone, bullet, arrow, or bolt). The weapon deals an extra 2d6 points of fire damage on a successful hit. The weapon retains this effect for as long as the pyrokineticist wields it.


By how I am reading this I could spend two move actions to use this ability on two weapons or more if I can wield more weapons, does that work?

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 03:21 PM
I'm going to step back and let someone with stronger Opti-fu answer that one.

true_shinken
2010-07-15, 03:23 PM
I also want to ask something about another class feature

the Weapon Affire


By how I am reading this I could spend two move actions to use this ability on two weapons or more if I can wield more weapons, does that work?

Since nothing says you can't, I believe it works.

Zovc
2010-07-15, 03:23 PM
By how I am reading this I could spend two move actions to use this ability on two weapons or more if I can wield more weapons, does that work?

I don't see why not. I doubt you could use it on the same weapon twice, but I see nothing that would imply that you can't do this to two weapons.

How does this interact with the PK's signature whip? O.o

ex cathedra
2010-07-15, 03:26 PM
Yes, you coat your weapon of flame in flame, and you can coat several weapons in flame for as long as you continually wield them all.

Dusk Eclipse
2010-07-15, 03:27 PM
I
How does this interact with the PK's signature whip? O.o

The pyrokinetist in a game I play in, use greater hand affire on hiw whip all the time, and I think that the RAI were to stack those two abilites

arguskos
2010-07-15, 03:30 PM
Juuuuuuudge! I'm down for the judging, as I always am (you should just put me down when you make the first post). :smallwink:

Also, because of how last contest went down, I have a request for my fellow judges that I think will help a great deal. I am going to post my general guidelines for how I look at each category, and ask Prinny if he'll link this post in the OP under my name as a judge. It might be wise if all of the judges do this, so that contestants know the gist of things. Of course, it's each judge's call. :smallsmile:

My criteria:
Originality: Does this entry use a well known trick or abuse of the PrC in question? Does this entry present a new take on the PrC in question?

Power: Can this entry combat a Wizard 20 on equal footing? Can it combat a Bard 20? Can it combat a Fighter 20? Can it combat a Monk 20?

Elegance: This is the most controversial of all the categories. My read "elegance" as meaning that the build is highly synergistic while avoiding extreme cheese. Your build should strike a balance between power, appearance, and getting the most out of the PrC. This is where I will rate your "presentation", which is the story of your entry, your source list, and all the other trappings of the entry. I won't rate down for any one of these, but taken together, if they don't impress, you might take a hit here.

Use of Secret Ingredient: Do you play to the strengths of the PrC? Do you make it really feel like this build is a <PrC Name> and not Generic Fighter #5 or whatever?

Keld Denar
2010-07-15, 03:33 PM
I'm gonna whip you with my flaming whip of fire. Oh, and see those flames, the ones there on the whip made of fire? They are ALSO ON FIRE!

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 03:48 PM
I'm gonna whip you with my flaming whip of fire. Oh, and see those flames, the ones there on the whip made of fire? They are ALSO ON FIRE!
I love it when fire is on fire. :smallbiggrin:

I am going to post my general guidelines for how I look at each category, and ask Prinny if he'll link this post in the OP under my name as a judge. It might be wise if all of the judges do this, so that contestants know the gist of things. Of course, it's each judge's call. :smallsmile:

Done and done. :smallsmile:

arguskos
2010-07-15, 03:50 PM
Done and done. :smallsmile:
Much appreciated. I feel that such is a good compromise, after last contest. :smallsmile:

The judges are very clear about how they judge, and in return, aren't second-guessed and debated endlessly. Everyone wins. :smallbiggrin:

senrath
2010-07-15, 03:51 PM
I'd be willing to judge, if that's alright.

Akal Saris
2010-07-15, 03:57 PM
Man, my first instinct was to check if a fire elemental would work for this. Sadly, there's not much synergy =/

ex cathedra
2010-07-15, 04:03 PM
For reference,
My criteria:
Originality: Does the submission use unexpected sources or material? Does it avoid over-used qualification methods? Does it use Pyrokineticist in an unusual or clever way? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the build is presented.

Power: What tier is this build? Does the inclusion of Pyrokineticst actually make this build more powerful? Is the build well-optimized? This is probably the most straight-forward part of the rating. This section is where most of the points from the build itself come from.

Elegance: Does your build progress well? Does it avoid flaws and variant rules? Do you avoid overly dipping classes like cleric 1 that are obviously for bonus feats/class abilities? Do you avoid using material from multiple campaign settings simultaneously? Do you avoid using Taint and Dark Chaos shuffling? Other judges might, but I have no problem with a player drawing from a multitude of sources as long as there's no conflicting material presented. As far as I'm concerned, if material in a source book improves your submission, use it, excluding certain material from books like Savage Species, Ghostwalk, Serpent Kingdoms, and the like, but that's mostly because of the material, not the source that it comes from. This section is the one most effected by your back story and build presentation, but the submission itself is still very important here.

Use of Secret Ingredient: How important is Pyrokineticist in this build? Would you refer to the build as being a Pyrokineticist, or are you just splashing the PrC in there? Does the flavor of the build fit that of the PrC? Do you use the PrC in a clever, synergistic or powerful way? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the build is presented.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-15, 04:32 PM
Pyrokineticist? Schweeeet :smallamused:

senrath
2010-07-15, 04:32 PM
Also, a general outline of my judging criteria:
Originality: Is it a combination that I've seen before? And are any of the classes used effectively in a manor that seems to run contrary to their "intended" purpose? Are you using the Pyrokineticist in a manor that none of the other competitors thought of?

Power: How well can it stand up in combat? Also, can it do anything outside of combat? I'm placing much more emphasis on combat abilities, but if a build can be effective both on and off the battlefield, it'll get more points than a build that's only effective on the battlefield (unless said build carries a lot more of a punch).

Elegance: How well do all the classes in the build work together? Do they fit thematically as well as mechanically? Also, how much of each class is used? A build comprised entirely of single level dips won't do nearly as well as a build using only a few classes (barring exceptional circumstances). A few dips are fine, but I'd prefer, say, steak and potatoes over a dish that has half-a-dozen exotic ingredients that compete for the spotlight. Also, while multiclass penalties are assumed to be in use, I don't particularly care. You won't get points off from me for a build that suffers from the penalties.

Use of Secret Ingredient: Does the build really "scream" Pyrokineticist? Does the build really require the Pyrokineticist, or could it use another class with minimal modifications and work pretty much the same?

Amphetryon
2010-07-15, 04:39 PM
I'll participate as a contestant if Prinny will have me.

Amphetryon
2010-07-15, 04:59 PM
:smallconfused: Did I miss the text that makes a Pyrokineticist proficient with his or her fire lash?

Caphi
2010-07-15, 05:02 PM
:smallconfused: Did I miss the text that makes a Pyrokineticist proficient with his or her fire lash?

It behaves as a whip for feat purposes, but to hit something with it you actually make a ranged touch attack built into the ability, so it's not subject to whip proficiency.

arguskos
2010-07-15, 05:58 PM
I'll participate as a contestant if Prinny will have me.
No! We don't want you damn dirty Amphetryon-like people! :smallfurious: Nah, we coo'.

Keld Denar
2010-07-15, 05:59 PM
I updated my first post to include my judging criteria. It may or may not look suspiciously similar to aethernox's criteria, with some small adjustments. *shifty eyes*

Draz74
2010-07-15, 06:11 PM
It behaves as a whip for feat purposes, but to hit something with it you actually make a ranged touch attack built into the ability, so it's not subject to whip proficiency.

By that logic, you shouldn't be able to apply your Strength bonus to Fire Lash damage, either, as the ability description specifies a flat 1d8 damage.

Chineselegolas
2010-07-15, 06:16 PM
Hmm... Psionics aren't my favourite, but the class barely touches them.
Lets give this ago.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 06:26 PM
Hmm... Psionics aren't my favourite, but the class barely touches them.

I know. No manifester progression, easy requirements, new features at every level, decently powerful, fairly overlooked, plus the fact that there's a precedent for this sort of thing. It's absolutely perfect. :smallbiggrin:

Watchers
2010-07-15, 06:33 PM
I was already working on a build for that class. I guess I'll join as a contestant, than.

Also, ew, Dandwiki? :smallyuk:

true_shinken
2010-07-15, 06:58 PM
I was already working on a build for that class. I guess I'll join as a contestant, than.

Also, ew, Dandwiki? :smallyuk:

Is that a joke? I hope it's a joke.

Watchers
2010-07-15, 07:01 PM
Is what a joke?

arguskos
2010-07-15, 07:02 PM
Is what a joke?
D&D Wiki, I'd imagine. You making a build doesn't seem jokish, IMO.

Watchers
2010-07-15, 07:06 PM
That's what I was thinking, but general opinion around here seems to agree with my assessment of Dandwiki, which is why I was confused.

arguskos
2010-07-15, 07:08 PM
That's what I was thinking, but general opinion around here seems to agree with my assessment of Dandwiki, which is why I was confused.
Uh, I've never talked to anyone who felt that Dandwiki is balanced material, suitable for use in a contest like this. It's... yeah. I don't recommend it in contests (also, it being not official is invalid anyways).

true_shinken
2010-07-15, 07:09 PM
Uh, I've never talked to anyone who felt that Dandwiki is balanced material, suitable for use in a contest like this. It's... yeah. I don't recommend it in contests (also, it being not official is invalid anyways).

Totally agree with you, Arguskos. That's exactly what I meant.

Watchers
2010-07-15, 07:12 PM
It's also exactly what I mean by saying "ew" and using the "yuk" emote. I continue to be confused.

senrath
2010-07-15, 07:13 PM
Thankfully, the link to dandwiki is to OGL content, rather than to the horrible, horrible homebrew that infests its pages.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 07:14 PM
Uh, I've never talked to anyone who felt that Dandwiki is balanced material, suitable for use in a contest like this. It's... yeah. I don't recommend it in contests (also, it being not official is invalid anyways).

D&D wiki is linked to because it happens to have exactly the same text for the Pyrokineticist as the Expanded Psionics Handbook. I double and triple checked everything, and that page at the very least is an exact reproduction of official 3.5 material.

The link is there just in case some contestants don't have access to the XPH, and I wouldn't recommend using anything else on that site as part of an entry.

arguskos
2010-07-15, 07:16 PM
D&D wiki is linked to because it happens to have exactly the same text for the Pyrokineticist as the Expanded Psionics Handbook. I double and triple checked everything, and that page at the very least is an exact reproduction of official 3.5 material.

The link is there just in case some contestants don't have access to the XPH, and I wouldn't recommend using anything else on that site as part of an entry.
The Hypertext d20 SRD has the exact same page, and doesn't give the impression that DanddWiki is viable material. I'd highly recommend changing the link, but that's just me. :smallwink:

true_shinken
2010-07-15, 07:17 PM
D&D wiki is linked to because it happens to have exactly the same text for the Pyrokineticist as the Expanded Psionics Handbook. I double and triple checked everything, and that page at the very least is an exact reproduction of official 3.5 material.

The link is there just in case some contestants don't have access to the XPH, and I wouldn't recommend using anything else on that site as part of an entry.

Oh, I believe it includes the fluff text, too?
Thought that was illegal. Otherwise, the online d20 SRD would have flavour text as well.
Not that it matters anyway.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 07:21 PM
Oh, I believe it includes the fluff text, too?
Thought that was illegal. Otherwise, the online d20 SRD would have flavour text as well.
Not that it matters anyway.
No, it didn't have the flavor text. And you're right, that would be illegal.

The Hypertext d20 SRD has the exact same page, and doesn't give the impression that DanddWiki is viable material. I'd highly recommend changing the link, but that's just me. :smallwink:

Good call. Link has been changed.

arguskos
2010-07-15, 07:23 PM
Oh, I believe it includes the fluff text, too?
Thought that was illegal. Otherwise, the online d20 SRD would have flavour text as well.
Not that it matters anyway.
If that's why Prinstar linked to the wiki, ok then. I kinda figured access wasn't something we worried about (anyone interested in entering will figure it out), but fair enough I guess.

ShneekeyTheLost
2010-07-15, 07:47 PM
I will be going in as a contestant on this one, as this is one of my favorite classes.

Before I do, I request some rules clarifications on this:
The lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack

1) It specifies that the Flame Lash is a Ranged Touch Attack. Does this mean it is inelegable for the following: Power Attack, STR to Damage, ability to wield it in two-hands, or does it operate as a Weapon-Like Spell (or in this case, Psi)-Like Ability in all regards?

2) The entry for Flame Lash states that it may do damage to a target within 15'. Does this mean it can strike at 5' and 10' without penalty as well?

3) How would a size increase of the wielder affect the size, reach, and damage of the Flame Lash?

I've already got my build set up, should be fairly unique. I may take a hit on the Power category, but I should make it up in Originality and Elegance.

Kesnit
2010-07-15, 08:16 PM
I've always found this class interesting. Is there room for another judge? I know I haven't appeared much in the threads for previous competetions, but I have kept up with the past several ones and would like to get involved.

Yes, I am "borrowing" my criteria. But they sum up my ideas, so why not? :smallsmile:

My criteria:
Originality: Does this entry use a well known trick or abuse of the PrC in question? Does this entry present a new take on the PrC in question?

Power: Can this entry combat a Wizard 20 on equal footing? Can it combat a Bard 20? Can it combat a Fighter 20? Can it combat a Monk 20?

Elegance: My read "elegance" as meaning that the build is highly synergistic while avoiding extreme cheese. Your build should strike a balance between power, appearance, and getting the most out of the PrC. This is where I will rate your "presentation", which is the story of your entry, your source list, and all the other trappings of the entry. MY ADDITION: I have always found dipping cheesy. While I understand some builds work better with dips, an overabundance of dips will be marked down.

Use of Secret Ingredient: Do you play to the strengths of the PrC? Do you make it really feel like this build is a <PrC Name> and not Generic Fighter #5 or whatever?

senrath
2010-07-15, 08:19 PM
It seems that all of the judges are looking for very similar things. That, or none of us can express ourselves properly.

Draz74
2010-07-15, 08:29 PM
It seems that all of the judges are looking for very similar things. That, or none of us can express ourselves properly.

I'm guessing the latter, judging by how, in most rounds of the contests, there have been some entries that did very well by some judges and very poorly by others. :smallbiggrin:

Watchers
2010-07-15, 08:38 PM
Well, at least I have something to aim for now.

VirOath
2010-07-15, 09:38 PM
Just a quick question, is BoVD counted as 3.5? I can't remember.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-15, 09:43 PM
Just a quick question, is BoVD counted as 3.5? I can't remember.
It's 3.0, but then, I'm not sure why that rule is there considering 3.0 stuff has been discussed and used here before.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-15, 09:59 PM
Just a quick question, is BoVD counted as 3.5? I can't remember.

It's 3.0, but legal for the competition. Iron Chef III used BoVD for the secret ingredient.

Watchers
2010-07-15, 10:02 PM
Is any other 3.0 material legal? Just so I know what options are available.

Tavar
2010-07-15, 10:13 PM
General rule with Wizards stuff is that 3.0 stuff that isn't updated can be used in 3.5. Not sure if the contest is using that ruling, though.

Interested as a contestant, though this will be my first time.

Natael
2010-07-15, 10:24 PM
I'm game to try this thing out, should be interesting since I hardly know psionics at all, guess I have a week to try to catch up on them.

Tavar
2010-07-15, 10:26 PM
Hmm...Under what ability do Natural Attacks fall? Hands Afire, Weapons Afire, or neither?

Also, what are the creation rules? Attributes, HP, Multiclassing, and so on.

the humanity
2010-07-15, 10:40 PM
I'm in. I have an idea.

okpokalypse
2010-07-15, 11:41 PM
I am so in on this one!

WinWin
2010-07-16, 12:39 AM
sign me up. flame on.

Keld Denar
2010-07-16, 02:13 AM
Also, what are the creation rules? Attributes, HP, Multiclassing, and so on.

There are no creation rules, as most of the competition is based on the build. Most previous contestants used either 28 or 32 PB for their examples, and most used average+1 HP for levels after 1st as an example. Alternatively, you can just list stat priority (example: Str > Con > Cha > Wis > Int > Dex) and sum up the HD sizes (example: 3d4 + 10d8 + 7d10) when you discuss HP. Multiclassing falls under the elegance catagory. If you would have any or lots of multiclass penalties, some judges might mark you down, while others might not care. Take penalties at your own risk.

Ingus
2010-07-16, 03:41 AM
I'll join in as a contestant. I'm having good ideas rolling in my head and I just have to check their viability.
That said...


If you can do it with a whip, you can do it with the fire lash.

Shame on you, Prinny, you fetish lover :smalltongue:


Is any other 3.0 material legal? Just so I know what options are available.

As already said, non updated material is generally counted as valid. But, as a suggestion, I'll use it with great attention: you may have missed a secondary book in which your apparently non updated rule is - not a big deal if is practically identical, bad hit if it is different.
Moreover, as another suggestion, if you come out with something really overpowered, expect a plus in power and a minus in elegance. :smallwink:

Watchers
2010-07-16, 03:54 AM
I know the general rule for 3.0 compatibility. The contest, however, specifies 3.5, rather than 3e, so there was a good chance there was a reason for that distinction.

ShneekeyTheLost
2010-07-16, 07:47 AM
I will be going in as a contestant on this one, as this is one of my favorite classes.

Before I do, I request some rules clarifications on this:

1) It specifies that the Flame Lash is a Ranged Touch Attack. Does this mean it is inelegable for the following: Power Attack, STR to Damage, ability to wield it in two-hands, or does it operate as a Weapon-Like Spell (or in this case, Psi)-Like Ability in all regards?

2) The entry for Flame Lash states that it may do damage to a target within 15'. Does this mean it can strike at 5' and 10' without penalty as well?

3) How would a size increase of the wielder affect the size, reach, and damage of the Flame Lash?

I've already got my build set up, should be fairly unique. I may take a hit on the Power category, but I should make it up in Originality and Elegance.

I would still like some kind of an official response to these questions before making my build.

Akal Saris
2010-07-16, 09:03 AM
I know the general rule for 3.0 compatibility. The contest, however, specifies 3.5, rather than 3e, so there was a good chance there was a reason for that distinction.

It was a good idea to ask. So far the judges haven't been too picky about 3.0 material, though I've only really seen Savage Species and the BoVD used. And welcome to the contest!

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 10:11 AM
I'm tempted to enter, so long as I don't end up doing what I did last time and horribly misreading. :smallbiggrin:

Hm. How does Hand Afire interact with Natural Weapons?

Tavar
2010-07-16, 10:24 AM
Hm. How does Hand Afire interact with Natural Weapons?
I asked that question, and haven't yet gotten an official response. The unofficial was that you'd need Weapon Afire, but again, it's unofficial.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 10:29 AM
Eh, that works too. As long as something interacts with natural weapons. :smallbiggrin:

IdleMuse
2010-07-16, 10:34 AM
I'm up for entry as a contestant as well. I have played around with the Pyrokineticist before, never ended up using it in a build yet, so should be interesting.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-16, 10:40 AM
If anyone has questions about psionics give me a ring and I'll be glad to answer them. You could say they're my specialty.

If you plan on using a manifesting class for whatever reason (and keep in mind a couple abilities requires the use of power points), you cannot use more power points in the manifestion/augmentation of a power than your manifester level.

There is a feat and a Wilder ability that alters this, but that is all.

Keld Denar
2010-07-16, 10:52 AM
There is a feat and a Wilder ability that alters this, but that is all.

And a couple items and PrCs...

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-16, 11:18 AM
And a couple items and PrCs...
Yeah, but that's getting more advanced. Starting them out slow :smallwink:

Natael
2010-07-16, 12:04 PM
If you can do it with a whip, you can do it with the fire lash.

Would you then be able to apply feats/effects that only work on melee weapons to it?

Ingus
2010-07-16, 12:36 PM
Rats! My supercool idea either doesn't work or is expected to have around 0 in elegance. With the contest over, I'll ask your help to see if it could be done right.

Tavar
2010-07-16, 01:01 PM
Do multiple sources of fire damage stack?

IdleMuse
2010-07-16, 01:02 PM
Rats! My supercool idea either doesn't work or is expected to have around 0 in elegance. With the contest over, I'll ask your help to see if it could be done right.

Yeah, I just wrote up my build before realising that at level 20 it was about as powerful as a lvl8 fighter.

Back to the drawing board.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 01:07 PM
Generally, yes.

How concerned should we be with overcoming fire resistance/immunity? Is it a major power component, since you kinda need it to beat most mid-high level opponents, or is it mostly irrelevant, since it's almost an automatic weakness?
Is a backup technique acceptable, or do we need full-out counter, that retains most of our power?

Natael
2010-07-16, 01:10 PM
On that note, heat death would technically not be effected by fire immunity, right?

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-16, 04:53 PM
The hardest part about this PrC is I've used it in so many builds I have no idea what would be considered 'original' any more.

5 build ideas and all of them I think 'surely someone else will do this..."

MariettaGecko
2010-07-16, 05:51 PM
I've been reading the other Iron Chef challenges, and think this one would be lots of fun to try to do. I just haven't ever really been that good at optimizing, mostly because I don't know what options there are. I do have an interesting idea, however, so I'm going to give this some thought this weekend. I *MIGHT* submit a build, but I am not yet certain.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-16, 06:49 PM
Hey Gecko, I just moved from Acworth/Kennesaw. Know of almost no Georgians around these forums. Good to meetcha.

Watchers
2010-07-16, 07:51 PM
If you can do it with a whip, you can do it with the fire lash.

So with regards to Str Bonus, Power Attack, etc, it behaves as a real melee weapon, not as a generic Ranged Touch Attack?

PId6
2010-07-16, 08:34 PM
I might actually have a go at this. I've a build idea that is reasonably powerful, and I feel would be fairly elegant, though I'm not sure if it'd count as original. Regardless, I'll try it and see how it goes.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 09:05 PM
My idea is original, but I can't figure out what to do with Heat Death and Conflagration (Heat death, mostly). They're just terrible abilities, due to their DC scaling. DC 10+PrC level+modifier is normal, but 10+1/2 prc level at the time you get them, +modifier is abominable.
I'm having difficulty seeing how to add them usefully into a build that isn't... hmmmm.


Hmmmmm. I bet someone thought of that already. And they still suck.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-16, 09:30 PM
I feel like it's time to answer some questions.


I will be going in as a contestant on this one, as this is one of my favorite classes.

Before I do, I request some rules clarifications on this:

1) It specifies that the Flame Lash is a Ranged Touch Attack. Does this mean it is inelegable for the following: Power Attack, STR to Damage, ability to wield it in two-hands, or does it operate as a Weapon-Like Spell (or in this case, Psi)-Like Ability in all regards?

2) The entry for Flame Lash states that it may do damage to a target within 15'. Does this mean it can strike at 5' and 10' without penalty as well?

3) How would a size increase of the wielder affect the size, reach, and damage of the Flame Lash?

I've already got my build set up, should be fairly unique. I may take a hit on the Power category, but I should make it up in Originality and Elegance.

1) The Fire Lash states that you can use any feat that may normally be used in conjunction with a regular whip. If Power Attack is one of them, it's fair game. Just keep in mind that all extra sources of damage are also fire damage.

2) 5' and 10' are both within 15', and the normal whip can strike in that area as well, so yes, yes you can. But, as with a standard whip, those squares are not considered to be threatened.

3) It would not. If a change in size is not specified by the ability description, I can only assume that a Gnome Pyro and a Goliath Pyro will be doing the same amount.


Hmm...Under what ability do Natural Attacks fall? Hands Afire, Weapons Afire, or neither?

Also, what are the creation rules? Attributes, HP, Multiclassing, and so on.

Weapon Afire for natural attacks.

Character creation standard is 32 point buy. Most entrants assume average HP and multiclassing penalties are in play. I think they're stupid and remove them from all of my games, but this is not the time or place for houserules.

PId6
2010-07-16, 09:53 PM
multiclassing penalties are in play.
Well that forced a rebuild. Ironically, this is going to increase the number of level dips dramatically. :smallfrown:

senrath
2010-07-16, 09:56 PM
Well, I can tell you that I don't care for that particular rule (multiclass penalties, that is), and probably won't be paying attention to it when I judge. For the most part, I'd rather see a build that suffers from the penalties than from one comprised of ten different classes.

I probably should put that in my guideline post.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 10:35 PM
FAQ says:

Can you use a whip with two hands, thus gaining 1.5 x
Strength bonus?

Given that the whip is a one-handed weapon, while it might
appear awkward, the rules of the game are clear that this is
certainly possible.

Can you use the Power Attack feat in combination with
a whip?

Actually yes, this is also possible, since the whip is listed as
a melee weapon.

Because the Pyrokineticist’s Fire Lash creates a whip of
fire that requires only a touch attack, can you apply a Str
bonus to the damage? Can you power attack with this
special weapon?

It would seem so. The wording in the description of this
psi-like ability indicates that you can take advantage of any feat
that would apply to the use of a standard whip. Since one of
those feats is Power Attack, then by reason, you must be able to
apply your Strength bonus to the damage of a fire lash as well.

Seem fair? Because I've just read the 9 page argument about if Fire Lash works with Trip attacks, Disarm attempts, Power Attack, and so forth, and it's really, really annoying. Since it's an RTA, anything that requires a melee attack doesn't function with it, RAW.
Essentially:

Fire Lash would get the benefit it it had the ability to trip, but it doesn't have the ability to trip, and having Improved Trip doesn't grant it the ability to trip. If and when you get the ability to trip with Fire Lash, you will have tangible access to the benefits you've had all along.

NGHHAAAAA. Can we treat it like a whip for all purposes, i.e. melee weapon, except that hits require a ranged touch attack, or what?

Natael
2010-07-16, 10:42 PM
Most importantly, can I apply things that are not feats (like a warblade's maneuvers) to the fire whip?

PId6
2010-07-16, 10:48 PM
Or, for that matter, how does the whip's reach work if you increase your natural reach? Normal reach weapons just double your natural reach, but how does whip's 15 ft work with that?

dextercorvia
2010-07-16, 10:48 PM
I would like to toss my hat in the ring for this one.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 10:48 PM
Literal reading says no, because it's a ranged touch attack, and those really aren't in the purview of the feat exception.

Oh, I assume you can't stack Hand Afire and Weapon Afire (i.e. with Monk Unarmed strike). Because that's broken.

Oooh, can you make more than one Fire Lash at a time?

dextercorvia
2010-07-16, 10:51 PM
Literal reading says no, because it's a ranged touch attack, and those really aren't in the purview of the feat exception.

Oh, I assume you can't stack Hand Afire and Weapon Afire (i.e. with Monk Unarmed strike). Because that's broken.

Actually, that might be legal. There are a lot of abilities which are unclear here.

Can you threaten with the Fire Lash? You normally can't with a whip, but that is only because it deals non-lethal damage.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-16, 11:00 PM
Or, for that matter, how does the whip's reach work if you increase your natural reach? Normal reach weapons just double your natural reach, but how does whip's 15 ft work with that?


Actually, that might be legal. There are a lot of abilities which are unclear here.

Can you threaten with the Fire Lash? You normally can't with a whip, but that is only because it deals non-lethal damage.

I answered both of these questions already at the top of the page.

dextercorvia
2010-07-16, 11:02 PM
Sorry about that. I read that post, but my eyes must have glazed across the part I didn't want to see.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 11:04 PM
No, you don't threaten. The whip explicitly notes it doesn't threaten, which isn't at all related to its property of nonlethal damage. Saps threaten. Whips do not.

I'm going to dig up my ToB.

Ah, here we are. Now, examine the following.


The lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack

This indicates the only allowed form of attack for the lash. That is, the lash is a ranged touch attack.

Examine an arbitrary Strike. It likely has the text "When you use this maneuver, you make a melee attack against a single foe." (Foehammer), or words to that effect ("As part of this maneuver, you make a melee attack") The lash is unable to make melee attacks. Thus, it cannot be used to deliver Strikes.

Natael
2010-07-16, 11:07 PM
No, you don't threaten. The whip explicitly notes it doesn't threaten, which isn't at all related to its property of nonlethal damage. Saps threaten. Whips do not.

I'm going to dig up my ToB.

Ah, here we are. Now, examine the following.



This indicates the only allowed form of attack for the lash. That is, the lash is a ranged touch attack.

Examine an arbitrary Strike. It likely has the text "When you use this maneuver, you make a melee attack against a single foe." (Foehammer), or words to that effect ("As part of this maneuver, you make a melee attack") The lash is unable to make melee attacks. Thus, it cannot be used to deliver Strikes.

Yeah, pretty much figured... now I need to go edit my plans.

dextercorvia
2010-07-16, 11:07 PM
Does anyone know how to make one of those pretty level by level charts? I was going to copy one out of the last contest, but it doesn't quote since it's in a spoiler.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 11:10 PM
Fax Celestis has a helpful guide (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10313)

Don't post in it though, god knows how old it is now.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-16, 11:12 PM
FAQ says:


Seem fair? Because I've just read the 9 page argument about if Fire Lash works with Trip attacks, Disarm attempts, Power Attack, and so forth, and it's really, really annoying. Since it's an RTA, anything that requires a melee attack doesn't function with it, RAW.
Essentially:


NGHHAAAAA. Can we treat it like a whip for all purposes, i.e. melee weapon, except that hits require a ranged touch attack, or what?

I'll leave that up to the judges. If they could weigh in collectively, that would be great. I would say it's a reasonable ruling, but that might just be my RAI sense tingling.

PId6
2010-07-16, 11:15 PM
I answered both of these questions already at the top of the page.
No, you didn't. My question is related to how whip reach works when you increase natural reach, not whether whip can attack within 5 or 10 ft. If, for example, you increase your natural reach to 10 ft, what happens to your whip's reach? A normal reach weapon simply doubles reach, so you'd have 20 ft reach with 10 ft natural reach. Since a whip has nonstandard reach though, what happens then? Would it triple that to 30 ft? Double and then add 5 ft to the end for 25 ft? Not change at all?

senrath
2010-07-16, 11:17 PM
I'll leave that up to the judges. If they could weigh in collectively, that would be great. I would say it's a reasonable ruling, but that might just be my RAI sense tingling.

I would rule that it works, as well.

dextercorvia
2010-07-16, 11:17 PM
In 3), he said size increases would not effect the 15 feet at all.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-16, 11:19 PM
One size is given for the Flame Lash. No change to the size of the wielder is accommodated for by the ability. Therefore, a Flame Lash is always 15 ft. long and deals 1d8 fire damage on a successful ranged touch attack. I can only begin to imagine the ways to break that.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 11:23 PM
So, the lash attack is treated as a melee slashing attack, but resolves as a ranged touch attack. This means that feats applying to whips and ranged touch attacks apply, and that powers and abilities applying to melee attacks and ranged attacks apply?

Sooo... can I use power attack?
Can I use Point Blank Shot? Rapid Shot?
Can I use Diamond Nightmare Blade?
Can I use Slashing Flurry?
Can I use it while Pouncing?
Can I trip?

Eh. I'm not really using much Fire Lash, so I don't care that much. Honestly, Lash is a 1 level dip, and if it's build focus, look carefully to make sure you aren't playing Flaming Homer or similar.

Personally, I'd like to just make it a melee touch attack which uses dexterity to hit and provokes like a ranged attack. Because this is too ambiguous. But that's waaay off RAW.

Also, what do Horizon Goggles (Complete Mage) do to the lash? It looks like they'd increase the range by 50%, which is... interesting.

PId6
2010-07-16, 11:24 PM
In 3), he said size increases would not effect the 15 feet at all.
I thought that was only in relation to damage. Well, time to build that Diminutive whip-wielder I always wanted to make.

Watchers
2010-07-16, 11:27 PM
Since a whip has nonstandard reach though, what happens then? Would it triple that to 30 ft? Double and then add 5 ft to the end for 25 ft? Not change at all?

Or if you have a 20 ft. natural reach, does the whip still just have a 15 ft. reach?

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 11:27 PM
Or if you have a 20 ft. natural reach, does the whip still just have a 15 ft. reach?

Yes. I know it makes no sense. But
The lash deals 1d8 points of fire damage to a target within 15 feet on a successful ranged touch attack is quite unambiguous.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-16, 11:39 PM
Guys, c'mon now. It extends 15 feet from your hand. If you have a 20 foot reach then you extend it 15 more feet. Its simple as that.

Watchers
2010-07-16, 11:44 PM
The fact that what the rules say and what you say are different things is why I am forced to ask these questions. Maybe the judges agree with you, maybe the judges see it the other way. I'd rather know beforehand.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-16, 11:50 PM
Guys, c'mon now. It extends 15 feet from your hand. If you have a 20 foot reach then you extend it 15 more feet. Its simple as that.

No. No it is not. Common sense is confusing, and leads to everyone disagreeing on legality.

Also, your stated example conflicts with the default case of 5 ft reach, which only gives 15 ft reach. Your example would imply 20 ft reach. Should it be revised to grant 30 ft reach, instead of 35 ft? Where is the precedent here? Does it involve a colossal creature using a medium whip?

WinWin
2010-07-17, 12:35 AM
19 contestants! Controversy is obviously an attention grabber lol.:smallwink:

I'm thinking that firelash is a special attack that is treated as a whip. It's actual size is irrelevant. If it was important, it would have been noted in the description. It does the same base damage regardless of whether you are dimunutive or gargantuan. I think that reach will still be in effect though. Whips are unusual weapons. Firelash is consequently an unusual ability.

I forgot. As it is treated as an RTA, it will provoke if used against an adjacent opponent. I do not think that it can be used for AoO either. The Lasher prestige class from 3.0's Sword and Fist had some abilities negating these restrictions from memory.

Wings of Peace
2010-07-17, 02:30 AM
If it's not too late to sign up for it I'm more than willing to judge.

arguskos
2010-07-17, 07:03 AM
For my judgments, I am reading Fire Lash as a 15-ft long, 1d8 fire damage, RTA-based, whip. It can do anything a whip can do, is always 15 ft long, and always does 1d8 fire damage. Makes sense to me (Occam's Razor and all that).

Amphetryon
2010-07-17, 07:07 AM
The Lasher prestige class from 3.0's Sword and Fist had some abilities negating these restrictions from memory.
IIRC, the Lasher is one of the PrCs that Exotic Weapon Master replaced in 3.5, rendering it an illegal choice for this contest.

Kesnit
2010-07-17, 08:11 AM
As I'm reading the Lash, it can hit a creature within 15', regardless of the character's reach. Tiny or gargantuan, the range is still 15'.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-17, 08:20 AM
No. No it is not. Common sense is confusing, and leads to everyone disagreeing on legality.

Also, your stated example conflicts with the default case of 5 ft reach, which only gives 15 ft reach. Your example would imply 20 ft reach. Should it be revised to grant 30 ft reach, instead of 35 ft? Where is the precedent here? Does it involve a colossal creature using a medium whip?
Let me rephrase.

Medium-sized reach weapons extend 10 feet from you. You can reach 5 more feet than your normal reach. With the whip, you can reach 10 more.

I can see why there would be problems, but I'd still say the whip can reach 10 feet more than your normal reach.

true_shinken
2010-07-17, 08:26 AM
Abot the Fire Lash, after dealing extensively with Eldritch Glaive in my guide to melee warlocks and reading a lot of CustServ rulings on glaive, I can say it is pretty much similar to Fire Lash.
This kind of 'spell/power/SLA/PLA-that-creates-a-weapon' has rules different from weapons. Complete Arcane deals with those. Now, the fire lash specifically says it is dealt with as a ranged touch attack and that whip feats apply to it. That makes it pretty clear to me it is not intended to be treated as a melee weapon, otherwise they could just say 'it is a melee attack, but you use your Dex score for that and you provoke when attacking'. Being ranged means you can't use melee shenanigans with it, which is probably what they intended (and by RAW what it works).
Basically, Fire Lash gives you a ranged (mid-ranged, probably) full-attack ability. Target is far away? Fire Bolt him. Target is within 15 foot? Full-attack him with fire lash. Target is closer? Full-attack him with melee weapon.
I think it is a lot safer to not presume on the rules here, since it can and most probably will cost you a lot of points from specific judges.
I recommend reading Complete Arcane and my guide to melee warlocks for more notes on similar effects.

Watchers
2010-07-17, 08:40 AM
I recommend using whatever rules are established here, regardless of what the rules are perceived to be elsewhere.

true_shinken
2010-07-17, 08:46 AM
I recommend using whatever rules are established here, regardless of what the rules are perceived to be elsewhere.

Well, if there were established rules here, I'd agree with you. Even Prinny said he is not sure about this, and he is the chairman.
If there were a set of established rules, I wouldn't mention Complete Arcane or my guide, but since it seems people are trying to establish rules, I think reading about the subject in question helps a lot.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-17, 09:44 AM
Let me rephrase.

Medium-sized reach weapons extend 10 feet from you. You can reach 5 more feet than your normal reach. With the whip, you can reach 10 more.

I can see why there would be problems, but I'd still say the whip can reach 10 feet more than your normal reach.

Fair enough. Does that mean that tiny creatures using a lash have 10 ft reach?

Look, I don't have an issue with trying to adjudicate what's going on, because I don't care so much about the power, and it practically requires interpretation to be usable.
I do care about trying to hash out the most consistent, usable set of rules about how it works, so everyone has a clear understanding about what they can and can't do with the lash. I'd prefer that that set of rules be consistent with the RAW, because otherwise we're not quite optimizing Pyrokineticist, we're optimizing a houseruled pyrokineticist, who has abilities that function differently than the actual class.

Amphetryon
2010-07-17, 09:51 AM
I'd prefer that that set of rules be consistent with the RAW, because otherwise we're not quite optimizing Pyrokineticist, we're optimizing a houseruled pyrokineticist, who has abilities that function differently than the actual class.
The fire lash is ambiguously worded to the point that I'm not entirely convinced that it's possible to create a Pyrokineticist that doesn't rely to some extent on the DM's house-ruling. That's just an observation, based on the combined oddity of functioning like a whip and being a ranged touch attack at the same time. :smallsmile:

EDIT: Food for thought, and nothing more, here. In 3.0, a whip was a ranged weapon. The 3.0 Pyrokineticist's ranged touch attack and verbiage makes sense from that baseline. If, just for instance, there was a copy-pasta error to keep the fire lash as a ranged touch attack like its 3.0 predecessor, things become a wee bit clearer.

However Prinny rules on it is obviously the law of the land for this contest.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-17, 10:19 AM
I said that in the part of my post you cut out :smallbiggrin:

Technically, it only functions like a whip with regards to feats. :smallwink:
Whatever though. I have a single trick for lower levels that can make good use of it, but after that, it's rather redundant.

true_shinken
2010-07-17, 10:26 AM
I do care about trying to hash out the most consistent, usable set of rules about how it works, so everyone has a clear understanding about what they can and can't do with the lash. I'd prefer that that set of rules be consistent with the RAW, because otherwise we're not quite optimizing Pyrokineticist, we're optimizing a houseruled pyrokineticist, who has abilities that function differently than the actual class.

Couldn't agree more with you.

Pechvarry
2010-07-17, 01:44 PM
If 2-3 translations could be set out (and none of them too horrendously overpowered comparatively), maybe contestants could just specify in their entry how they're treating it? It wouldn't be the first time people unveiled builds with parts of the build open to interpretation.

I'm thinking 2 schools of thought: It's a whip that uses dex, or it's a weapon-like spell. I suppose the latter is nearly impossible to powergame, though?

WinWin
2010-07-17, 02:18 PM
IMHO Fire Lash is the least interesting ability. It has some great utility, but loses effectiveness as the build progresses.

Any thoughts on Empowering the pyro's Greater Weapon Afire? Would it apply to all listed abilities? Or would your need Empower Spelllike Ability for each seperate class feature? Would you be able to stack Empowerment with multiple feats on the seperate Psi-Like Abilities?

Private-Prinny
2010-07-17, 02:31 PM
I'm thinking 2 schools of thought: It's a whip that uses dex, or it's a weapon-like spell. I suppose the latter is nearly impossible to powergame, though?

I'm thinking a third. Is XPH 3.0 material? The differences could just be a byproduct of the whip being updated between 3.0 and 3.5.

senrath
2010-07-17, 02:36 PM
Nope. XPH is 3.5, but it was intended as an update to the Psionics Handbook, which was 3.0.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-17, 02:41 PM
Hmm, even though it says 'hand afire' need it be barred from some other natural attack?

senrath
2010-07-17, 02:42 PM
The ruling is (at least for the purposes of this competition) that natural weapons need Weapons Afire, rather than Hand Afire.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-17, 02:47 PM
The ruling is (at least for the purposes of this competition) that natural weapons need Weapons Afire, rather than Hand Afire.
Ah, gotcha.

By the ruling of this competition can only one weapon be afire at the same time?

WinWin
2010-07-17, 02:48 PM
Unfortunately the description of Hands Afire specifies the hand. If you have tentacles, you're out of luck. It does allow the attack to be treated as armed however. I guess it would deal subdual damage + fire damage. It would probably stack with cestus also.

I'm not sure if it would allow grappling without an AoO, but the fire damage should still apply to a successful grapple attempt.

edit: As for Weapons Afire, you can have as many as you can wield Afire. You just need to spend the time to activate the ability. For a chaotic monk...that is a lot of time. Flame on.

senrath
2010-07-17, 02:49 PM
There's no language in the ability that suggests that you can only have one weapon affected at once. You probably can, provided you spend a move action to ignite each one.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-17, 02:51 PM
There's no language in the ability that suggests that you can only have one weapon affected at once. You probably can, provided you spend a move action to ignite each one.
*nods thoughtfully*

Edit: Um... ok, gotta ask. Is the 'fire lash' a weapon? :smallamused:

MariettaGecko
2010-07-17, 03:10 PM
To be honest, I'm not particularly good at optimization. Mostly because I'm not familiar with the options available. As it currently stands, I think the idea I have may actually be way under-powered, and/or not work too well for this challenge. I may go ahead and get it going, but I'm not sure on this one...

Ozymandias9
2010-07-17, 07:23 PM
Ooh-- this is a good one. I'm still buried in family issues, so I'll be unable to judge or compete, but I will be watching and being highly snobby and judgmental in a non-official sense. Best of luck to everyone.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-17, 10:24 PM
Aha, I've found my problem. I optimize too much :smallbiggrin:
Actually though, I have difficulty finding uses for most abilities because I set the bar a bit too high, which makes non-synergistic and not super-powerful abilities (Bolt of Fire, Heat Death) not especially useful.
Sooo... do I drop my external power level and be all "These abilities are awesome!", or do I drop my character concept and focus harder, which leads to less external synergy, probably less originality, and lower power anyways? :smallmad:

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-17, 10:35 PM
Yeah, I can think of a dozen flavorful uses, but optimized... pfffttt.

Pechvarry
2010-07-17, 11:44 PM
but I will be watching and being highly snobby and judgmental in a non-official sense.

Just when I found my niche on these boards...

true_shinken
2010-07-17, 11:48 PM
Just to clear things out. Dragon Magazine is not legal for this contest, right? How about Dragon Compendium? Or Wizards of the Coast official online material, like Swiftblade?

arguskos
2010-07-18, 12:16 AM
Just to clear things out. Dragon Magazine is not legal for this contest, right? How about Dragon Compendium? Or Wizards of the Coast official online material, like Swiftblade?
Dragon Magazine has been confirmed to not be accepted. Dragon Compendium, due to being of fuzzier legality (it's technically an official WotC product, but since it's a compilation of Dragon material, many people dislike it), is debatable, but I won't look badly on it. Online material is acceptable, as far as I know.

Ozymandias9
2010-07-18, 08:42 AM
Just to clear things out. Dragon Magazine is not legal for this contest, right? How about Dragon Compendium? Or Wizards of the Coast official online material, like Swiftblade?

Per prior rulings:
Material published online by WotC is fair game, but please link.
Dragon Magazine is out.
Dragon Compendium is "acceptable."

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-19, 12:18 PM
And the thread fell into thoughtful silence...

Keld Denar
2010-07-19, 12:26 PM
Waiting to follow the worms. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1ysgG3zNUOg)

Amphetryon
2010-07-19, 12:36 PM
And the thread fell into thoughtful silence...
We're just sitting quietly by the flaming whip of fire.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-19, 01:02 PM
I haven't gotten any builds yet, and no questions were being asked. Besides, not having that many posts isn't really a bad thing.

true_shinken
2010-07-19, 01:52 PM
I haven't gotten any builds yet, and no questions were being asked. Besides, not having that many posts isn't really a bad thing.

Actually, Prinny, I kinda wanted to know if you have a ruling on the flaming whip thing, or if each judge is going with his own ruling.

Ozymandias9
2010-07-19, 03:04 PM
I'm thinking a third. Is XPH 3.0 material? The differences could just be a byproduct of the whip being updated between 3.0 and 3.5.

As I have the 3.0 version handy, that version treated the creation of the fire lash as a SLA, which would seem to imply that the lash itself was treated as a weapon. There are, however, some rather significant differences between the 3.0 and 3.5 versions of the class.

arguskos
2010-07-19, 05:12 PM
Actually, Prinny, I kinda wanted to know if you have a ruling on the flaming whip thing, or if each judge is going with his own ruling.
Already gave my opinion and how I'm treating the whip issue. Can't speak for the others, obviously.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-19, 05:59 PM
Already gave my opinion and how I'm treating the whip issue. Can't speak for the others, obviously.

Fortunately, I can.


For my judgments, I am reading Fire Lash as a 15-ft long, 1d8 fire damage, RTA-based, whip. It can do anything a whip can do, is always 15 ft long, and always does 1d8 fire damage. Makes sense to me (Occam's Razor and all that).

This is reasonable, so I'll agree with arguskos. Power Attack is fair game, tripping is fair game, etc.

the humanity
2010-07-19, 06:14 PM
Fortunately, I can.



This is reasonable, so I'll agree with arguskos. Power Attack is fair game, tripping is fair game, etc.

do we have to go get proficiency with it?

ex cathedra
2010-07-19, 06:29 PM
You certainly don't have to, and it is a RTA, but you probably should if you intend to often use it. :smallsmile:

Draz74
2010-07-19, 10:12 PM
This ruling still leaves one rather large ambiguity as far as I can see: whether abilities that augment melee attacks can be used on Fire Lash.

senrath
2010-07-19, 10:14 PM
I'll throw my towel in with arguskos's and Private-Prinny's ruling on the fire lash. If you can do it with a regular whip, you can do it with the lash.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-19, 10:46 PM
This ruling still leaves one rather large ambiguity as far as I can see: whether abilities that augment melee attacks can be used on Fire Lash.

Can you use abilities that augment melee attacks with a standard whip?

Natael
2010-07-19, 11:13 PM
Can you use abilities that augment melee attacks with a standard whip?

Most specifically, ToB maneuvers? I do believe so.

Chineselegolas
2010-07-20, 06:34 AM
I haven't gotten any builds yet, and no questions were being asked. Besides, not having that many posts isn't really a bad thing.So I still have a chance to get by build in first like I have for the last few I've entered...
I'm actually taking a lot of time to write back-story and flavour into the build rather than just making the build and with a light story with it.
It is taking forever to write... And not very good either. Still, my mechanical is done. Will probably give up on fluff sometime this evening.

Ingus
2010-07-20, 11:53 AM
Mine is in, so we don't risk a contest without contestants. :p

I'm wandering if there could be better exploitation and surely it could be: this time the secret ingredient was good, not too difficult to enter and able to sinergize very well with almost everything.

Hope to see other's work soon, since mine is not completely satisfying.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-20, 11:57 AM
Hope to see other's work soon, since mine is not completely satisfying.
Oddly enough for once completely satisfied with build but not with background. Mirror of usual submissions.

Lord Bingo
2010-07-20, 06:48 PM
This is reasonable, so I'll agree with arguskos. Power Attack is fair game, tripping is fair game, etc.

Well, Power Attack is okay as long as one remembers that a base whip does non-lethal damage, meaning that the increased damage that results from using Power Attack is also treated as non-lethal. Even if the whip is enchanted to do 1d8 fire damage it's base damage remains non-lethal. IMO the benefit of Power Attack cannot be added to the damage of an enchantment.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-20, 06:51 PM
Well, Power Attack is okay as long as one remembers that a base whip does non-lethal damage, meaning that the increased damage that results from using Power Attack is also treated as non-lethal. Even if the whip is enchanted to do 1d8 fire damage it's base damage remains non-lethal. IMO the benefit of Power Attack cannot be added to the damage of an enchantment.

Except that it's not an enhancement. The fire lash has a base 1d8 fire damage, meaning that extra damage is also fire damage.

Draz74
2010-07-21, 02:47 PM
19 Competitors just didn't seem like enough reading for the judges :smalltongue: ... so I just sent in an entry.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-21, 03:01 PM
19 Competitors just didn't seem like enough reading for the judges :smalltongue: ... so I just sent in an entry.

Interestingly enough, I've only received 4 submissions, including yours.

Akal Saris
2010-07-21, 04:02 PM
I'll send one in as well if I have time, but unfortunately this has been a very hectic week for me, and tomorrow and Friday are going to be busy as well. Busy in a good way though :)

senrath
2010-07-21, 04:03 PM
Interestingly enough, I've only received 4 submissions, including yours.

Isn't that generally how it goes? More people sign up than actually submit builds?

Amphetryon
2010-07-21, 04:13 PM
Isn't that generally how it goes? More people sign up than actually submit builds?
There's also typically a cascade of submissions on the last day. You'd think we were all procrastinators or something. :smallwink:

the humanity
2010-07-21, 04:20 PM
I want my eventual entry to be perfect...

and I have three useless levels. I'll ask after if anyone has any ideas for what would have been cool for my build, but I'm out.

for the 3rd time >_>

arguskos
2010-07-21, 04:21 PM
I'll send one in as well if I have time, but unfortunately this has been a very hectic week for me, and tomorrow and Friday are going to be busy as well. Busy in a good way though :)
Quick! Hurry! Enter and end the contest, before Akal blows you all away! :smalltongue:


Isn't that generally how it goes? More people sign up than actually submit builds?
Yuppers. Tends to work that way, anyhow. *shrugs* I'm expecting around 6-8 entries, like standard.

Ingus
2010-07-21, 04:59 PM
I want my eventual entry to be perfect...

and I have three useless levels. I'll ask after if anyone has any ideas for what would have been cool for my build, but I'm out.

for the 3rd time >_>

Don't even know if it fits, but... Heir of Siberys from Eberron Campaign Setting?

the humanity
2010-07-21, 05:01 PM
Don't even know if it fits, but... Heir of Siberys from Eberron Campaign Setting?

don't have the book...

IdleMuse
2010-07-21, 05:05 PM
Yeah, my build's pretty much done, but I now have to write it up.

PId6
2010-07-21, 05:17 PM
Not sure I'll have time to write up an entry, but I'll try. Multiclassing penalty is throwing me in for a loop though. :smallannoyed:

woodenbandman
2010-07-21, 05:23 PM
I had an idea but it has been done before.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-21, 08:23 PM
Oh noes. I just abandoned my original idea and started over. At least I'm inspired more, this time. :smallbiggrin:

Woot Spitum
2010-07-21, 08:44 PM
I'd like to sign up as a contestant if it isn't too late.

If it isn't, what are the rules as far as point and buy ability scores and determining hp?

woodenbandman
2010-07-21, 08:45 PM
Can I have multiple whips? I believe that someone said that you can empower multiple weapons with your weapon aflame ability, but can i manifest multiple fire whips? Also, is AEG fair to use?

woodenbandman
2010-07-21, 08:46 PM
Can I have multiple whips? I believe that someone said that you can empower multiple weapons with your weapon aflame ability, but can i manifest multiple fire whips? Also, is AEG fair to use?

Private-Prinny
2010-07-21, 09:45 PM
Can I have multiple whips? I believe that someone said that you can empower multiple weapons with your weapon aflame ability, but can i manifest multiple fire whips? Also, is AEG fair to use?

By the wording of Fire Lash, yes, just remember that you would take the standard TWF penalties. And AEG is legal, but I'd be careful to pick things that weren't updated.

Akal Saris
2010-07-21, 10:52 PM
I'd like to sign up as a contestant if it isn't too late.

If it isn't, what are the rules as far as point and buy ability scores and determining hp?

Point buy: Most use 32 PB
HP: Most do half+1 per level, full at 1st

You'd better hurry though, only 2 days left!

WinWin
2010-07-22, 09:08 AM
I use average hp as suggested in the DMG. So if the hit die is a d8, it is 4 per die, 5 every second level. It should bring the total to an approximate average, factoring in the maximum result from the first die.

I'll try and submit a build, but all my concepts keep tanking. Ive gone through a couple of basic builds, but I'm finding it difficult to come up with something that emphasises the strength of Pyrokineticist, but does not suck for the majority of it's career. Having to start as a spellcaster for the Alchemy prerequisites is only part of the problem...

Draz74
2010-07-22, 12:12 PM
Having to start as a spellcaster for the Alchemy prerequisites is only part of the problem...

In the spirit of healthy competition, I feel I must point out:


To make an item using Craft (alchemy), you must have alchemical equipment and be a spellcaster.

I see nothing in the rules about needing spellcasting to take Craft(alchemy) ranks, only to use them.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-22, 12:30 PM
I use average hp as suggested in the DMG. So if the hit die is a d8, it is 4 per die, 5 every second level. It should bring the total to an approximate average, factoring in the maximum result from the first die.
It's easier, and the way monster making goes, it's 1/2d.5 per HD.

So you have 20d8, it's 20 x 4.5.

dextercorvia
2010-07-22, 03:05 PM
I'm going to have to bow out. I have a build almost finished, but there is no way I'll finish a write up in time. My articulate side moves to slowly. I would like to try again in the future though.

Dusk Eclipse
2010-07-22, 03:07 PM
RL issues prevented me from doing my entry, so I guess I'll have to bow out (again T^T)

Ingus
2010-07-22, 06:16 PM
Hope to see you two at followings contests. By the way, stay tuned and, eventually, after Prinny posted the builds, post your ideas too.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-22, 08:38 PM
I'm presuming Bolt of Fire is based on your Pyrokineticist class level, not "each class level the pyro has", which could mean just your level. Which would be CRAAZY.

senrath
2010-07-22, 08:39 PM
It does indeed refer to your Pyrokineticist level.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-22, 09:34 PM
Just making sure Quicken Spell-like Ability isn't a necessity :D

Private-Prinny
2010-07-22, 09:37 PM
We're officially into the last day of the competition now. I just hope I get that mass influx of last-second PMs that I've come to know and love.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-22, 09:41 PM
Naghhhh. Writing backstory, and filling out stat blocks. I have the build, and the plan, but do I have time to write? Well, with work tommorrow, it's going to be close. Oh well. Worst case scenario, I hand in what I've got.

Woot Spitum
2010-07-22, 10:52 PM
Done. Can't wait to see the other entries.

Amphetryon
2010-07-23, 05:23 AM
Character is submitted, and on fire.

IdleMuse
2010-07-23, 06:00 AM
What time is the deadline, in what time zone? GMT user here...

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 06:49 AM
What time is the deadline, in what time zone? GMT user here...

21:00 GMT -4, or 9 PM EST.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-23, 11:22 AM
9 more hours til the big show.

I swear, it's so hot this week here and entering this just made it feel warmer.

Peaked at 106 yesterday (41 C). And I'm in north Georgia for Pelor's sake.

true_shinken
2010-07-23, 12:17 PM
I'll try to get my submission on time, but I really don't know if I can do it.
This week I've been very very busy with yuyukai being held in my university, not to mention finals. I'd hate to skip on this, so I'll try to get back home as soon as I can to finish my build.

Akal Saris
2010-07-23, 01:19 PM
9 more hours til the big show.

I swear, it's so hot this week here and entering this just made it feel warmer.

Peaked at 106 yesterday (41 C). And I'm in north Georgia for Pelor's sake.

Don't invoke his name!! You'll only make it hotter!!

arguskos
2010-07-23, 01:36 PM
Peaked at 106 yesterday (41 C). And I'm in north Georgia for Pelor's sake.
"The Burning Hate cares not for your troubles, mortal, for such exists to amuse and entertain him."

MariettaGecko
2010-07-23, 02:00 PM
I beat my head against this one for a couple of days and have been unable to come up with a decent concept, let alone a set of synergistic classes and PrCs. On top of that, I have to come up with something at L12 for tomorrow afternoon for my regular D&D game, and I'm having issues coming up with something for that, too. Adding to that the fact that I have entirely too much stuff to do at home, I have to bow out as well.

Unfortunately, the only thing I could think of to do was something like Rogue into Soulknife into the secret ingredient, and that would have been seriously lacking on power, never mind the lack of elegance or synergy. Nope, I'm going to pass this time around and see what everyone comes up with... Hell, maybe I swipe someone's build for use as my character in my regular game, provided the contestants don't mind too much.

WinWin
2010-07-23, 02:22 PM
I ran through 4 different builds before submitting my half finished one. I'll post the basics of my other idea's later.

Unfortunately study is eating up a lot of my time at the moment. It made it hard to get focussed on optimization. However, I think this round was a worthy challenge. The pyro can go in a lot of different directions.

Akal Saris
2010-07-23, 02:35 PM
Yeah, the ingredient wasn't the issue for me so much as cramming it in with everything else in my schedule. After the builds are posted I'll share my idea. It's a single class entry :)

Amphetryon
2010-07-23, 03:38 PM
Hell, maybe I swipe someone's build for use as my character in my regular game, provided the contestants don't mind too much.Speaking for myself only, I'm always seriously honored to hear about my creations making it into someone else's game(s). I only ask that you mention it to me, and any build I post should be considered fair game. :smallsmile:

Arbitrarity
2010-07-23, 04:26 PM
Yeah, the ingredient wasn't the issue for me so much as cramming it in with everything else in my schedule. After the builds are posted I'll share my idea. It's a single class entry :)

I have a single class, but found that an extra PrC probably added to my power. I wonder if we had the same idea....

Ingus
2010-07-23, 05:22 PM
I have a single class, but found that an extra PrC probably added to my power. I wonder if we had the same idea....

Uh, oh. Second time I hear, did it me too... Just hoping we did not the same thing, or our originality score would be: "epic fail"

Arbitrarity
2010-07-23, 07:41 PM
Dammit. I thought I had more time, but between leaving work 2 hours late, and delivering something a half-hour's drive off, I'm really cutting it close.

Draz74
2010-07-23, 08:21 PM
Deadline's technically passed. Are you going to wait for Arbitrarity, Pinny? More importantly, when do I get to see my competition unveiled? :smallsmile:

Arbitrarity
2010-07-23, 08:29 PM
I got it in by 9 (ON THE DOT). It was close, and I'd have preferred to get more items in my statted out builds, since it artificially deflates visible power, but that's fine. I'm confident.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:40 PM
And now for the Big Reveal! Good luck to all of our contestants.

Please do not post until I am done.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:42 PM
I'm sorry... Who?


Name: The Forgotten
Race: Hellbred (Spirit)
Alignment: Lawful Good

{table=head]Class | Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha | BAB | Base Fort | Base Ref | Base Will | Feats | Class Features | Skills
Wilder | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Power Attack, Devil's Favour | Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation | Concentration 4 Knowledge (Psionics) 4 Craft (Alchemy) 4 Jump 4 Intimidate 4
Paladin | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 20 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | | Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Smite Evil 1/day | Concentration 5 Knowledge (Psionics) 4 Craft (Alchemy) 5 Jump 5 Intimidate 4
Wilder | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 20 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | Leap Attack | Elude Touch | Concentration 6 Knowledge (Psionics) 5 Craft (Alchemy) 6 Jump 6 Intimidate 5
Wilder | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 21 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 3 | | Wild Surge +2 | Concentration 7 Knowledge (Psionics) 6 Craft (Alchemy) 7 Jump 7 Intimidate 6
Wilder | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 4 | | Surging Euphoria +1 | Concentration 8 Knowledge (Psionics) 7 Craft (Alchemy) 8 Jump 8 Intimidate 7
Cryokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 21 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 4 | Ordered Chaos | Glacial Ray | Knowledge (Psionics) 8 Jump 9 Intimidate 8
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 21 | 4 | 7 | 5 | 4 | | Fire Lash | Knowledge (Psionics) 9 Jump 10 Intimidate 9
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 22 | 5 | 8 | 6 | 4 | | Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire | Knowledge (Psionics) 10 Jump 11 Intimidate 10
Cryokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 22 | 6 | 9 | 7 | 4 | Improved Bull Rush | Cold Adaptation, Frozen Fist | Knowledge (Psionics) 11 Jump 12 Intimidate 11
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 22 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 5 | | Bolt of Fire | Knowledge (Psionics) 12 Jump 13 Intimidate 12
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 22 | 8 | 10 | 8 | 5 | | Weapon Afire | Knowledge (Psionics) 13 Jump 14 Intimidate 13
Cryokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 23 | 9 | 10 | 8 | 6 | Shock Trooper | Bolt of Cold | Knowledge (Psionics) 14 Jump 15 Intimidate 14
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 23 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 6 | | Nimbus | Knowledge (Psionics) 15 Jump 16 Intimidate 15
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 23 | 11 | 11 | 9 | 7 | | Firewalk | Knowledge (Psionics) 16 Jump 17 Intimidate 16
Cryokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 23 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 7 | Devil's Aura | Weapon Afrost | Knowledge (Psionics) 17 Jump 18 Intimidate 17
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 24 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 7 | | Fear No Fire | Knowledge (Psionics) 18 Jump 19 Intimidate 18
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 24 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 7 | | Greater Weapon Afire | Knowledge (Psionics) 19 Jump 20 Intimidate 19
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 24 | 14 | 13 | 11 | 8 | Ability Focus (Heat Death) | Heat Death | Knowledge (Psionics) 20 Jump 21 Intimidate 20
Pyrokineticist | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 24 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 8 | | Conflagration | Knowledge (Psionics) 21 Jump 22 Intimidate 21
Paladin | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 8 | 25 | 16 | 15 | 12 | 8 | | Divine Grace, Lay on Hands | Knowledge (Psionics) 22 Jump 23 Intimidate 21[/table]

Back-story:
Levels 1 - 5
Born again, The Forgotten sword to never let a chance to do good pass by, and by sheer force of will, manipulated the world around him. Taking up arms and armour, laying around him with brutal blows, The Forgotten became a warrior of the people striving to protect them from anything which threatened. His focus was renowned, his wrath terrible, all the while his eyes glowing red

Level 6 - 19
In touch with himself, The Forgotten drew power from the Frozen Hells and the Boiling Abyss, his inherent contradictory nature of good and evil expanding to law and chaos, hot and cold. Attuning himself to these opposing factors, The Forgotten forges himself into a force of true power, shielding with the strong and striking where they are weak, travelling the world writing wrongs where ever he found them. Much time was spent in the frozen north where few could survive for long, the rest deep in the deserts scorching sun boiling water from the very flesh. From the darkest and deepest underdark The Forgotten wandered seeing through the deepest darkness, finding the light and truth, fostering it and bringing peace and freedom to those downtrodden and enslaved

Level 20
Finally at peace with himself, The Forgotten gains divine grace and is willing to die, knowing he has done his best to atone for his previous life. Continuing to walk the world using all four alignments to further the course of good, his blade of balance defies logic legends grow it, surpassing those of himself

The Fun Stuff
So we have a character that can wield the Concordant Greatsword. Well if the Concordant Killer (MM4) could ever let go of it. So we'll just have to go with a +1 Holy Unholy Anarchic Axiomatic greatsword. Then apply Weapon Afrost and Greater Weapon Afire to it, for +4d6 fire and +1d6 cold. Combined with Shock Trooper Power Attack, we got ourselves a decent amount of damage.
Course that is the end result. Before then is your standard shock trooper build, power attacking with a greatsword, or other two handed weapon of your choice.
Alternatively, use of Devil's Aura for minor crowd control, or Heat Death to make something just die.
At low levels, can even play as a Wilder, using Psionic powers. Sure one is chosen as it is required for Cryokineticist, but the others are free to be whatever floats your boat, so 'till level 6, viable tactic.
A rather serious weakness is the low will save, starts of strong but doesn't grow much until level 20, at which point saves aren't a problem any more.
Oh and he is unaffected by three of the word series, only affected by Blasphemy.

Just a mid range shock trooper build with some oddities

Sources:
Players Handbook
Expanded Psionics Handbook
Frostburn
Fiendish Codex 1: Hordes of the Abyss
Fiendish Codex 2: Tyrants of the Nine Hells
Complete Warrior
Monster Manual

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:44 PM
His skin may be tough, but his soul is on fire.
Varholm Grimhide
Beasthide Shifter Warblade 4/Warshaper 2/Pyrokineticist 4/Kensai 4/Pyrokineticist +6

Quick breakdown of build:
Initial Stats (32pb)
STR 16 +3
DEX 14 +2
CON 12 +1
INT 12 +1
WIS 10 =0
CHA 12 +1

Feats
1| Hidden Talent (Offensive Prescience), Improved Unarmed Strike, Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike)
3| Superior Unarmed Strike
6| Ordered Chaos
9| Combat Expertise
12| Brutal Throw
15| Vestigial Wings
18| Beasthide Elite
Flaws | Weak Will, Unreactive
Traits| Detached, Honest

Stat Increases
4| Int+1
6| Str+4, Con+4
8| Str+1
12| Str+1
16| Str+1
20| Str+1

Skill points
1| Concentration 4, Knowledge (Psionics) 2, Diplomacy 4, Ride 2, Jump 4
2| Concentration 1, Ride 0.5, Jump 1, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Diplomacy 1
3-4| Concentration 1, Ride 0.5, Jump 1, Intimidate 2
5-7| Concentration 1, Ride 0.5, Jump 1
8-10| Concentration 1, Jump 1, Intimidate 1
11-14| Concentration 1, Jump 1, Intimidate 1, Tumble 1
15-20| Concentration 1, Jump 1, Intimidate 1

Maneuvers
1| Wolf Fang Strike, Steel Wind, Charging Minotaur. Stance: Hunter's Sense
2| Leading the Attack
3| Battle Leader's Charge
4| Claw at the Moon, Leading the Attack>Rabid Wolf Strike. Stance: Punishing Stance

Sources
- Core+UA (Brutal Throw is in MM5)
- ECS (Shifter, Beasthide Elite)
- ToB (Warblade, Superior Unarmed Strike)
- CW (Warshaper, Kensai)
- XPH (Pyro, Hidden Talent, Teleporting weapon enchance)
- FCI (Ordered Chaos, Vestigial Wings)

Final Top Stats (without equipment, with buffs)
HP 3d12+12d8+4d10+42 (avg 137) +bonus from shifting
AC (while shifting) 15
STR 32 +11
BAB +15
Attack Unarmed +28 (7d6+12) (+2d6 from various maneuvers).
Concentration +25
Jump +37

Level by level breakdown.

Level 1
Warblade 1 - Weak-willed and Unreactive, Detached and Honest, IUS, WF(US), and Hidden Talent.
Varholm was always a little different. Many of his brothers and sisters had much longer claws, much stronger teeth. His main advantage was his toughhide, but this didn't win him many fights. In the end, he learnt to fight with his fists, despite their lack of a claws, even in wild form. Mostly to avoid being bullied. Being called the runt. Sometimes, this all seemed to well up in him, a surge of emotions, and then, at those times, he knew exactly how to act, how to twist the shoulder of his opponent to floor him, even as if he'd already done it. These were the only fights he won.

Level 2
Warblade 2
Having grown up a little bit, Varholm goes to study with the tribe's Medicine Man, who more or less becomes his Mentor, teaching him how to talk his way out of fights, as well as picking up a little alchemy.

Levels 3 and 4
Warblade 3 and 4 - Superior Unarmed Strike
Despite working with his mentor, Varholm never managed to quiet down the wild and aggressive spirit natural to his kind, and he continues to work hard to overcome the weakness of his flesh, and, because of his role with the Medicine Man, is come to be trusted by the tribe elders, who choose him to lead small raids or hunting parties.

Warblade maneuvers, although ToB overused I know, really just help pump the edge here, and are useful throughout the build. Hunter's Sense is the primary stance, since Scent is somewhat useful and very flavourful for this character.


Level 5 and 6
Warshaper 1 and 2 - Ordered Chaos
It is on one of these missions, while shifting, that Varholm feels a change within him. It's almost like his meditation has had a much greater impact on him than he could ever have imagined; complete control over his body. This gives him the ability to grow what he always though he wanted; claws, horns, teeth. Not sure what this means, he leaves his tribe on a quest to find out more, sure that his newfound resilience will mean he comes to no harm.

The warshaper pump to STR and CON is very nice for Varholm, gives him a strong edge for his level (given I've done this without equipment), and increases both his shifting, hit points, and concentration, which will turn out to be very useful later. At this point, natural Morphic Weapons still deal more damage than his unarmed attacks, and so he should be using them.


Levels 7-10
Pyrokineticist 1-4 - Combat Expertise
A couple of winters after leaving the tribe, while sitting freezing in a cave, trying to meditate, Varholm has a peculiar vision, of himself, with his hands on fire. After a couple of attempts, he realises he can in fact throw a long whip of fire from his hands, although he struggles to maintain his lawful state of meditation to do so; this act seems to be inherently chaotic. Nevertheless, he learns to use this power of fire over the next year, as well as developing an expertise of combat due to having to survive on his own.

These Pyro levels are primarily useful for giving Varholm some ranged attacks, something he previously lacked and could do with at this point. I think it's been stated in the thread you need Weapon Afire for Unarmed Strikes, but to be honest he's still probably better off using Hand Afire until he gets Weapon Afire, since his normal unarmed damage is only 1d8 there.

Levels 11-14
Kensai 1-4 - Brutal Throw
Living out in the wilderness was fine for a while, but Varholm realises it isn't doing much for his 'quest'. That night he pledges a Oath. He prays to his spirit ancestors, and with them as witnesses, he avows never to rest until he learns the source of his now prodigious power of mind over the physical world. These spirits grant him an amazing ability in return. It seems, now that merely by thinking it, Varholm can punch something that is far away from him, transporting his body temporarily there, and then back again to where his mind still rests. He also continues to learn the power of fire, using it frequently in fights against the monsters of the wilderness.

Over the course of Kensai, Varholm develops his fists into +1 Throwing Teleporting Flaming weapons. I realise I'm not the first to do the whole Rayman, thowing-your-fists thing, and a DM might easily look unfavourably given the precise nature of the cheese, but hopefully the fluff above shows there's at least a minor blag possible...

Levels 15-20
Pyrokineticist 5-10 - Vestigial Wings, Beasthide Elite
One night, while shifting back to humanshape, Varholm feels an itch. Reaching back over his shoulders to scratch it, he is greatly startled to feel a pair of wings there, batlike, hanging loose and downwards. "Maybe this is a clue to my peculiar heritage?" he thinks, and trains himself to use them, and although he can't quite learn to fly just yet, they certainly aid his particular style of combat, involving a lot of jumping around.

Growing close to a middle-aged man now, Varholm decides to visit a city. This is where, after a fair bit of research, he learns of people like himself, and after a couple of long conversations with wizards at the arcane university, he comes to the conclusion that is a descendant of a fiendish or abyssal heritage. Horrified, he turns from the path he laid out for himself, forsaking the abilities the spirits granted him, and returns to his tribal village, begging to be dealt with as befits such a monstrosity.

In the search for them, on the way, his attempts at flight finally become frutiful, although not for very long at all, and certainly not more than once a day, the amount it takes out of him. Nevertheless, useful for ascending cliffs and the like, and eventually his finds his people again.

His mentor, now an old man, begs him to reconsider; his experience has made him a much stronger fighter than any in the village, he could lead them when the current alpha dies. After much deliberation, Varholm makes his decision. Going to his mentor, he asks him to intercede on his behalf with the spirits, and he pledges a new Oath. To protect the people of his tribe without prejudice or arrogance. He decided never to lead the tribe, rather, be there whenever they come under threat, and indeed he does. By training young shifters he even gains a better understanding of hsi own shifting powers.

The spirits grant him full Atonement, and set him on a new task, walking the path of flame; rather than simply wielding it, he begins to learn to incite it in others, which leads him to wonder whether the power of fire came from his infernal heritage or not...?

The end of the build. The last two levels are mostly just class-ending fluff-filler, although they are hefty effects for dealing with crowds (Conflagration) and targets immune to fire damage (Heat Death), which he otherwise deals a paltry 2d6+X to.


Sweet Spot Level 18
At this level, Varholm has just returned to the village and Atoned for his break of Oath.

Tactically, this is the point where his full damage comes online, the last two levels really are just flavourful filler to max out Pyro. With Greater Weapon Afire fists that are also flaming and maxed Superior Unarmed Strike, that's 7d6+X damage, where X can be increased by 4 with Power Surge, and although that be used only twice a day, his Concentration is high enough to maintain it a fair while.

Defensively, shifting grants him a lot of temporary hit points, and a fair chunk of natural armour, which is handy given his comparatively low dex. If he's getting low on hp, Combat Expertise comes into play.

Ranged-wise, Bolt of Fire is now an 8d6 weapon, nearly topping his thrown fists, an giving him a reliable source of damage beyond the range he can generally expect to hit things in person.

Out of combat, Ki Projection, a lot of ranks of Intimidate, a fair few in diplomacy, and the charisma bonus he get for being on fire will make him an acceptable conversationalist, nowhere near party face, but not incompetent if that situation comes up.


Sweet Spot Level 13
Here, Varholm is in the middle of his 'Quest', his Kensai levels, and here is where the fist-throwing routine really comes alive, with (at this point) +1 Throwing Teleporting fists (Teleporting is just PsiReturning), and a third iterative attack (BAB+11 at this level), at 2d6+d10+X damage, which can be pumped with Claw at the Moon (which is a very hand 2d6 extra damage). Brutal Throw is also gained at level 12, making Power Surge and his much higher Str than Dex really worthwhile. Before this level, he's usually better just punching people in close combat.


Showcase Level 10
I realise I'm kind of doing these in reverse order. Here, Varholm has a fair amount of Pyrokineticist experience, but as yet still only has 'mundane' hands, albeit ones that are on fire and deal 2d6+1d8+X damage. Again, maneuvers are still very important for the character at this point, although he has just learnt Combat Expertise, which, in combination with his AC from Beasthide shifting, gives him a slightly better defense, although AC is still a weak point. He has access to 4d6 Bolt of Fire now, for when ranged is necessary, filling a useful hole.


Overview, and equipment
I haven't included equipment with this build, mostly because offensively, his main equipment is attached to him, and the fluff is kinda wildernessey, so it didn't make too much sense. Plus there's always the issue with many DMs in that they (perhaps rightfully) think WBL is too high, and it's just true that in many many campaigns you aren't given access to the level and number of high-powered magic/psionic items that you might like.

However, one thing this guy could really do with is a suit of armour, to put that poor AC up; at each level, probably the best he can afford that doesn't grant him too high an AC penalty (for jump checks). None of his classes restrict armour use, and he has all proficiencies theoretically, so he can probably wear full-plate once his jump maneuvers become less usefull (or just absorb the penalty... at levels 15+ a -6 or -7 isn't too much.

Obvious other magic items are stuff like STR+ items, CON+ items, NA+ items.

Overview
Throughout this build, Varholm is a damage-dealer. I used ToB to get some damage-dealing maneuvers, and deliberately ignored the two-levels-of-monk dip, because I liked the idea of attempting an unarmed fighter without it. And plus, this way, no multiclassing penalties! I'm taking enough xp drain from Kensai that under some interpretations I wouldn't hit lvl20, multiclassing penalties as well would hurt.

Unfortunately I had to take flaws to meet the requirements of the PrCs while still taking stuff I wanted. Ordered Chaos is purely a qualification feat, as is Weapon Focus, and Hidden Talent really. Combat Expertise is obviously taken in order to qualify for Kensai, but actually really helps out, as does Hidden Talent to some extent. Without flaws, he'd probably have to drop Superior Unarmed Strike until much later, creating a bit of a power vacuum in the middle, and would probably end up not taking Beasthide Elite or Vestigial Wings, they're probably the most irrelecant ones there. (Vestigial Wings, by the way, is a reference to Rayman's helicopter hair, if you didn't get that; just a bit of fun there :smalltongue:)

Like has been stated before, the main drawback of this character is AC; hopefully high hit points and party support can overcome that, in a campaign sense, plus, you know, even something like mundane Studded Leather is a significant improvement :P

My initial thoughts in designing this were obviously to make use of the Weapon Afire in combination with unarmed attacks, and thus in combination with kensai's possibilitiy of making your hands magical. Reading Power Surge interested me enough to aim for a character with massive top-end strength, which lead me to Warshaper, and then to Shifter as an LA0 qualifier for that.

I've tried to keep the book count fairly low on this one; Core+XPH obviously was required, and I decided fairly early on I wanted to use stuff from CW. I chose to use Ordered Chaos from Fiendish Codex I rather than ask the judges to accept alignment-fudging cheese (the whole atonement thing in the fluff is entirely that; fluff. Buildwise, it's not necessary.), which added that book, and in the end I had to give in and use flaws (UA), and Tome of Battle was pretty necessary for Superior Unarmed Strike, allowing a high damage output unarmed strike without Monk. Warblade is really there because since I was using ToB anyway, I might as well use the powerful base class; this could be something duller, like fighter or ranger. Eberron I obviously had to use for Shifters.


So yeah, thanks for looking at this build! Sorry I haven't presented a MM-style statblock at any point, I have just run out of time.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:47 PM
Flame on? Or just not off?

Tummo of the Three Candles
http://i32.tinypic.com/e6zqxl.jpg
Synad Half-Fiend (Cerebrillith) 4, Bard 1, Soulknife 5, Pyrokineticist 10

Before you stands a creature who some might call fierce beauty. It is not in the body, though it is lithely muscular to an astonishing degree, like flexed cushions of brown leather. It is over seven feet in height, with claws that protrude from supple-fingered hands.

It is not in the handsome face, which is mostly as a man's, with glinting black eyes, and a pronounced, over-bitten jaw of viper teeth. Irregular patches of cranial skin seem to have been cut away revealing an opaque crystalline skull. These patches glow and flicker or pulse like a candle seen through a frosted window, as if the skull were but a housing lantern for the flame. Knobs of bone also stud it and then flow down in and overdeveloped spine that keeps him forever in an alert crouch. In the darkest shadows the faintest, most ghostly visages seems to take form from the light shining from within. One is a horrible countenance all calculating hatred and the other a gentle woman's with shining eyes that spark with alertness and life.

Nor is it quite in it's presence, which is both commanding and defiant. This is a man, in all sense of the word, but one that bows before none, tolerates no master, and wishes no servant. A man who finds grace within, and will be He until the day he dies.

It is a combination of all, a blending of pain and peace, warmth and burning. A flame in man form.


The Epic


I
Hear the woe of Tummo
Child of hell's inner fire and
Bitterborn of the Three Candles
Come was he, from a mother of three
Sides to every speech.
She came from afar did this rare blossom
Where beasts of the mind held full sway
She stepped through a twist, a hole of dark mist
To visit our chill mountain passes.
She wandered the slopes, peering into shadows
Traveling as was her wont
Out of a deep cave, she became a low slave
To a demon, horrible and wise
He spoke with this trio of voices
That debated every move
He was intrigued, and somewhat fatigued
By the way that she minded all thrice.
He gazed into a crystal that hung
And saw what might could be made
Born was a triplet, though only one in it
Both foul fiend and ravaged lady.
His intentions were to open the womb
Like veal emerged for the slaughter
But with a plan levels deep
She stole away while still large
With this progeny of the abyss
Did this resourceful aberrant daughter
She gave birth in the snow while
the storm howled and blew forth like
The ire of her rapist husband
For years they kept low, always on the move
The mother taught kindness to the
Foul kid. Though its origins vile
And the act enough to raise bile
A sweetling was what did emerge
He sung with the howls of the wind
And when the rage threatened to bend
This kindness into a steel rod
She would show him a dance which to prance
That would channel away all the fuel
To something beautiful and bright
In the snow he whirled for his mother
lifted in song. He could do little wrong.
This did not last, as from out of the past
Came the eyes of the terrible fiend.
The mother he broke with an offhanded
Blow and winced as fang tore into
Its hide. The youngling son, now long
in tooth and strong in hide was still
to weak for vengeance to seek against
This dark minded hellion lord.

II
For winters child was both son and beast
Gazed on for sport, of a demonic sort
Demon tried to learn all its deep secrets.
Taught what the Hellfather would want
Then with a callous, backhanded blow
He would beat and slice it deep
But within this fair child was pride
Of a sort that few have seen
Though all that he knew was cold
A fire burned within that soul
He saw things once and he saw them
Twice but third time was the charm
All were himself, but also were three
He was He, who listened to them
Taking wisdom from each and all
One spoke of bravery and was
The center of calm in the storm.
He called it the Warming Hand.
But one that blazed and wished to lay
Waste he called it the Burning One.
No matter the words, or pain brought
To bear from this fiend in form,
and thought. He would be He
Even through He was Three
A CAPTIVE IN MIND HE WAS NOT!

III
Cut and heal, divide and test
Did that horror of the abyss
But the young one did not
Even give it a thought but
Distracted himself from the pain
Though never heard was a sound
He sung in a three voice refrain
One night he found strength beyond
All before, enough to rebel and flee
It followed him quick, though not
As fleet on the slick of the ice
That coated the steep mounts.
Into our country he came from the
deepest of deep the wild ranges
that no man would willingly roam.
Though power had he, even demons
Will not take on a whole town.
The child he hid, only coming out
of the shadows to fetch bread and
meat. He befriended a few of the
young woman who, saw the handsome
yet strange boy that appeared in
the night with a hood showing only
a face, a fearfully comely face.
He haunted the town, taking with
Force what would not be willingly
given. They sent guardsman out to
run him and clout their clubs over
his head. But so stout was the skull
With knobs and bright holes,
That he sent them running in fright.
For several years he was the source of
their fears, but that all changed
one fateful and silent night.


Level 5

Synad Half-Fiend Bard 1

Medium Outsider (psionic)
Hit Dice: 1d6+5 (8 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 14 (+4 natural), touch, flat-footed
Base Attack/Grapple: +0/+4
Attack: Claw +4 melee (1d4+4)
Full Attack: 2 claws +4 melee (1d4+4) and bite -1 melee (1d6+2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Bardic music, countersong, fascinate, psi-like abilities, spells
Special Qualities: Bardic knowledge, collective, damage reduction 5/good, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to poison, inspire courage +1, multitask, naturally psionic (+3 pp), oracle, power resistance 10, resistance to acid 10, cold 10, electricity 10, and fire 10, threefold mind
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +10
Abilities Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22
Skills: Concentration +9, Intimidate +10, Jump +8, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +1, Perform (dance) +10, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +4
Feats: Force of Personality
Challenge Rating: 2
Possessions:
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Advancement: By character level
Level Adjustment: +4

Bard Spells: Caster level 1st. (Spells per day: (2); Save DC 16 + spell level)
0 - Dancing Lights, Flare, Know Direction, Mage Hand

Psi-like Abilities: Manifester level 1st. Save DCs are Charisma-based.
3/day - Ego Whip (1d4, DC 18)

Smite Good (Su): Once per day Tummo can make a normal melee attack to deal 1 extra damage against a good foe.




IV
Warriors studied of combat's way
That was nothing short of sublime
Came down from the far frozen slopes
Stolen away was that demon kin
And all thought he we destroyed.
But though he howled and clawed at the
Prison chambers of the Nine Swords
They did harm in no way nor act
And food and drink were not lacked.
Until came a time, where for no reason
Or rhyme, the food refused to be brought
He grew even fiercer inside of that cell
When a young boy was shoved in as well.
Though another week passed and hunger
Swelled hard in the belly of hell's spawn
He refused to give in, and chomp
On the child they had in sadistic intent
Given him to feast and feed.
Instead he held out, til life was in doubt
The child then stood, though young in look
Was a man of incredible age and thought
This had been a test, to see if molest
Would this part-demon do for repast.

V
Too turned up inside, and filled with pride
To master the way of the Sublime.
They taught him to focus the hate and the fear
Of his yesteryears and the inherited blood
Of that land of the dead and damned.
Though empty was hand and its sharp claw
What he came to saw was a blade made of pain
It was no longer inside, but out.
The edge of the soul in a knife made whole
Was what saved his life for a time.
What the Burning had burnt was soothed
of its hurt by the Warming Hand of his mind(s).
He learned the middle ground of love and war
Balancing the three of his kind.
Together they agreed and began to proceed
To make a man out of this uncut gem.

VI
For quite a long while, he could now smile
And be the being he wished to be.
When he was content, three flames would flick
In the dark, one one each side.
But the brightest of all was the one in the
middle where two flame strengthened the One.
Tummo they named him in small ceremony
The one of the stoked inner fire
But instead of the burn, he now had learned
A balance to inferno and warmth
He would light a candle for each side he
Tamed from day to day
Tummo Three-Candle, an appropriate handle
Was what they would now always say.


Level 10

Synad Half-Fiend Bard 1, Soulknife 5

Medium Outsider (psionic)
Hit Dice: 1d6+5 + 5d10+25 (60 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 22 (+7 armor, +4 natural, +1 monk's belt), touch 11, flat-footed 21
Base Attack/Grapple: +3/+7
Attack: +1 Soulknife +9 (+17 wardance) melee (1d8+5) or Claw +7 (+15 wardance) melee (1d8+4)
Full Attack: +1 Soulknife +9 (+17 wardance) melee (1d8+5) and claw +2 (+10 wardance) melee (1d8+4) and bite +2 (+10 wardance) melee (1d6+2) or 2 claws +7 (+15 wardance) melee (1d8+4) and bite +2 (+10 wardance) melee (1d8+2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Bardic music, countersong, fascinate, free draw, mind blade, psi-like abilities, psychic strike +1d8, shape mindblade, spells, spell-like abilities, throw mind blade
Special Qualities: Bardic knowledge, collective, damage reduction 5/good, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to poison, inspire courage +1, multitask, naturally psionic (+4 pp), oracle, power resistance 10, resistance to acid 10, cold 10, electricity 10, and fire 10, threefold mind
Saves: Fort +10, Ref +10, Will +18
Abilities Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 27
Skills: Concentration +13, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +16, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +14, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7
Feats: Force of Personality, Snowflake Wardance, Weapon Focus (mind blade)(B), Wild Talent(B)
Challenge Rating: 8
Possessions: Armor of the Unending Hunt (21,500 gp), Cloak of Charisma +4 (16,000 gp), Monk's Belt (12,000 gp)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Advancement: By character level
Level Adjustment: +4

Bard Spells: Caster level 6th. (Spells per day: (2); Save DC 18 + spell level)
0 - Dancing Lights, Flare, Know Direction, Mage Hand

Psi-like Abilities: Manifester level 6th. Save DCs are Charisma-based.
3/day - Ego Whip (1d4, DC 20)

Smite Good (Su): Once per day the creature can make a normal melee attack to deal extra 6 damage against a good foe.

Spell-like Abilities: Caster level 6th. Save DC's are Charisma-based.
1/day - Desecrate, Unholy Blight (DC 22)





VII
As those threefold fires were brought
to an ember's inviting warm glow
Something stirred in the ashes
A remnant of the evil done upon
The mind of this horrors son.
A fourth though invaded the Burning One
Whose flames had been dimmed
And stoked them hot, and spoke to Tummo
Of rage and murder and all the
dark passion that he should release
to consume he, the three and all those
who had shown disrespect and disgust
He fought the suggestion with tooth
And he raked himself with his claw
Fought did he, and it was two against
one, but three was as he should be.
In meditations sweet gathering of fires
To burn down all hate and shame
But in this one night, he lost the fight
As the face of a girl radiant and coy
Instead blew his control all to Hell

VIII
He descended from the monastery on high
To make the long journey to the village
And bright death on the air was nigh.
For as he sought his sweet, one with
lily feet and soulful midnight eye.
Her father was not have his daughter
Spoiled by this creature from the waste
An argument erupted in the truest sense
of the word as the blade appeared in hand
He sought even then a control not of men
But as he forged the heat of his head
into the impenetrable blade of the soul
It grew hot in his hand, and all through
the land was seen that great fireball
Where once was a sword was now a great lash
three paces and two in its length
He could not push back, and soul turned black
As Hell woke inside and burned to ash
All that was he, now not three, but a single
indescribable source of abyssal force

IX
For a fortnight he fought with infernal thought
Those he had once given his heart and hand
But Hades only knew what burns in the land of
The damned's ego or what fearsome winds blew
So he kept them at bay through many a battle
until even they could not slake his fire
So instead he climbed to the top of the peak
of the mount and roared his burning ire.
From sky to ground and all around
It echoed like a choir of suffering souls
The clouds burned away in the full sway
of the pitborn's all consuming fury.
Though many heard the cry from up high
Only one fully knew what it meant
From his lowly cave that one held a slave
Came the practioner, father and master

Level 15

Synad Half-Fiend Bard 1, Soulknife 5, Pyrokineticist 5

Medium Outsider (psionic)
Hit Dice: 1d6+5 + 5d10+25 5d8+25 (107 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (+7 armor, +1 insight, +4 natural, +1 monk's belt), touch 12, flat-footed 23
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+10
Attack: +1 Soulknife +12 (+24 wardance) melee (1d8+5) or Claw +10 (+22 wardance) melee (1d8+4)
Full Attack: +1 Soulknife +12/+7 (+24/+19 wardance) melee (1d8+5) and claw +5 (+17 wardance) melee (1d8+4) and bite +5 (+17 wardance) melee (1d6+2) or 2 claws +10 (+22 wardance) melee (1d8+4) and bite +5 (+17 wardance) melee (1d8+2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Bardic music, bolt of fire +5d6 countersong, fascinate, fire lash, free draw, hand afire 2d6, mind blade, nimbus, psi-like abilities, psychic strike +1d8, shape mindblade, spells, spell-like abilities, throw mind blade. weapon afire 2d6
Special Qualities: Bardic knowledge, collective, damage reduction 10/good, darkvision 60 ft., fire adaption, immunity to poison, inspire courage +1, multitask, naturally psionic (+4 pp), oracle, power resistance 10, resistance to acid 10, cold 10, electricity 10, and fire 20, threefold mind
Saves: Fort +6, Ref +6, Will +18
Abilities Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 34
Skills: Concentration +13, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +19, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +14, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7
Feats: Antagonist, Force of Personality, Snowflake Wardance, Spiritual Force, Weapon Focus (mind blade)(B), Wild Talent(B)
Challenge Rating: 14
Possessions: Armor of the Unending Hunt (21,500 gp), Cloak of Charisma +6 (36,000 gp), Cognizance Crystal +7 (16,000 gp), Monk's Belt (12,000 gp), Tome of Leadership and Influence +4 (110,000 gp)
Alignment: Chaotic Evil
Advancement: By character level
Level Adjustment: +4

Bard Spells: Caster level 11th. (Spells per day: (2); Save DC 19 + spell level)
0 - Dancing Lights, Flare, Know Direction, Mage Hand

Psi-like Abilities: Manifester level 11th. Save DCs are Charisma-based.
3/day - Ego Whip (3d4, DC 25), Psionic Dominate (DC 25)
1/day - Crystal Shard (11d6 piercing) or Energy Ray (11d6 energy of choice)

Smite Good (Su): Once per day the creature can make a normal melee attack to deal extra 6 damage against a good foe.

Spell-like Abilities: Caster level 6th. Save DC's are Charisma-based.
1/day - Deeper Darkness, Desecrate, Greater Teleport (DC 26), Unholy Blight (DC 23)





X
A voice in his head spoke in
a tone commanding yet smooth
And up to the fire beaten
Stone hulked the demon of mind
Father spoke to furious son
Of alliances and return to below
The son though would not cave
To the swaying of sweet words
For he smelled the carrion breath
of certain death in its speech.
And finally now he knew why and how
He could never fully vent the rage
For despite all the fights, battles
and spites, this he truly sought
So with a wrath unholy he let out
his fires, for a blood bath but
that worm of a thought had invaded
The Burning One of Three so when he
would fight with all of his might
The fire was extinguished instead
They fought without sleep, til
Time lost all meaning in the fogs
Neither accepting quarter or defeat

XI
How long it raged on, could have
years or decades long, a battle
few have seen out of hell's fires
The rains began to pour, as the
frozen clouds thawed from the
impact of Tummo's inferno blasting
its way through the blizzards high
Then without warning, on an
unsuspecting morning, the demon he
turned and sped off into the snows
Tummo thought he had gone to flee
And so pursued he til they reached
A great slop stiff with century's snow
There the demon of mind, now blind in
one eye from the onslaught of flame
Made his stand right up on the crest
He stood straight and tall, making
son seem small beneath his towering frame
As he through out his chest and called
him by name, the snows began to roar
It began to fall, and it'd bury them all
The town that he'd since been run out
The demon then ran out of its way
As the avalanche began to tumble
Tummo he knew, could save them or pursue
The evil he'd battled so long
In an instant he knew and almost flew
To the bottom of the city's valley

XII
All that stood between crushing the
Town below with the flood of frost white
Was the sputtering flame that'd been
Stolen by the command of the demon lord
But then Tummo realized that what he
truly despised was to be led by a master
The rage had made him a prisoner as
full chained as any slaver and beaten
to blood strips with clubs and whips
that he had crafted by his own hand.
With this knowledge the peace he'd
Once thought he had flowed through him
and he now knew what to do for control
of one's destiny, to finally be free
As that snow came he beat back the
freeze of the parasite that had taken
over the Burning One's power.
Now not with rage, but the wisdom of age
He stoked up those three inner fires.
For though once they had been one, though
each in the son, they were now working
Together in blessed harmony
The fire it flames, burned like midday
in wave after infernal wave it poured
Th snow melted down and fog gathered round
As a thousand tons became sizzling steam
It rose up in hate, and thunderstorm built
The village might get wet, but it had been
saved by Tummo's compassionate heart.
The snow fallen off in the distance, now
revealed a familiar hole in mountainside.
He carefully creeped through a memory
As he examined this past place of dread
But to his surprise, what he found inside
Were the frozen bones of his father
Long ago cracked by monk's sticks and blows
The only demon he'd fought this whole while
Was the one within, he thought with a smile
The worst enemy you'll find, is of the mind
And it takes great strength to fight yourself
This battle he'd won, the enemy undone,
slain by Tummo, of the Three Candles.

Level 20

Synad Half-Fiend Bard 1, Soulknife 5, Pyrokineticist 10

Medium Outsider (psionic)
Hit Dice: 1d6+5 + 5d10+25 10d8+50 (154 hp)
Initiative: +0
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 23 (+7 armor, +1 insight, +4 natural, +1 monk's belt), touch 12, flat-footed 23
Base Attack/Grapple: +10/+14
Attack: +1 Soulknife +18 (+30 wardance) melee (1d8+5) or Claw +16 (+28 wardance) melee (1d8+4)
Full Attack: +1 Soulknife +18/+13 (+30/+25 wardance) melee (1d8+5) and claw +11 (+23 wardance) melee (1d8+4) and bite +11 (+23 wardance) melee (1d6+2) or 2 claws +16 (+28 wardance) melee (1d8+4) and bite +11 (+23 wardance) melee (1d8+2)
Space/Reach: 5 ft./5 ft.
Special Attacks: Bardic music, bolt of fire +10d6, conflagration, countersong, fascinate, fire lash, free draw, hand afire 4d6, heat death, mind blade, nimbus (10 min), psi-like abilities, psychic strike +1d8, shape mindblade, spells, spell-like abilities, throw mind blade, weapon afire 4d6
Special Qualities: Bardic knowledge, collective, damage reduction 10/good, darkvision 60 ft., fire adaption, immunity to poison, inspire courage +1, multitask, naturally psionic (+4 pp), oracle, power resistance 10, resistance to acid 10, cold 10, electricity 10, and fire 30, threefold mind
Saves: Fort +13, Ref +13, Will +23
Abilities Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 37
Skills: Concentration +13, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +19, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +14, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7
Feats: Antagonist, Force of Personality, Heroic Focus, Snowflake Wardance, Spiritual Force, Weapon Focus (mind blade)(B), Wild Talent(B)
Challenge Rating: 18
Possessions: Armor of the Unending Hunt (21,500 gp), Cloak of Charisma +6 (36,000 gp), Cognizance Crystal +7 (16,000 gp), Monk's Belt (12,000 gp), Tome of Leadership and Influence +5 (110,000 gp)
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Advancement: By character level
Level Adjustment: +4

Bard Spells: Caster level 16th. (Spells per day: (2); Save DC 23 + spell level)
0 - Dancing Lights, Flare, Know Direction, Mage Hand

Conflagration (Ps)
Tummo has the ability to create a massive burst of raging flames around himself, burning everything in the area. Once per day, as a standard action, he can use this ability to deal 15d6 points of fire damage in a 30-foot-radius burst emanating from himself. Any creature or object caught in the burst can make a Reflex saving throw (DC 28) for half damage. Anyone failing the Reflex save against the conflagration must also make a Fortitude saving throw (same DC) or die due to extreme shock from the intense heat.

Heat Death (Ps):
Tummo can expend his psionic focus and take a full attack action to raise the internal temperature of one living creature within 30 feet to lethal levels. The target must succeed on a Fortitude saving throw (DC 27) or die horrifically as its blood (or other internal fluid) boils. Even on a successful save, the target takes 4d8 points of fire damage from the heat.

Psi-like Abilities: Manifester level 16th. Save DCs are Charisma-based.
3/day - Ego Whip (4d4, DC 31), Psionic Dominate (DC 31)
1/day - Crystal Shard (no save, 16d6 piercing) or Energy Ray (no save, 16d6 energy of choice)

Smite Good (Su): Once per day the creature can make a normal melee attack to deal extra 6 damage against a good foe.

Spell-like Abilities: Caster level 16th. Save DC's are Charisma-based.
3/day - Unholy Aura (DC 31)
1/day - Deeper Darkness, Desecrate, Horrid Wilting (DC 31), Greater Teleport (DC 30), Unholy Blight (DC 27)



Level Breakdown

Beginning Base Ability Scores
Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22

End Base Ability Scores
Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 26

Feats
(ECL 5) - Force of Personality (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Force_Of_Personality)
(ECL 8) - Snowflake Wardance (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Snowflake_Wardance)
(ECL 11) - Antagonist (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Antagonist)
(ECL 14) - Spiritual Force (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Spiritual_Force)
(ECL 17) - Psionic Meditation (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Psionic_Meditation)
(ECL 20) - Heroic Focus

Languages Known
Abyssal, Common, Synad

{table=head]Level|Class|BAB|Fort|Ref|Will|Skills|Feats|Special Attacks|Special Qualities|Class Features|Psi/Spell-like Abilities

1st|LA +1|+0|+5|+0|+0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|LA +2|+0|+5|+0|+0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|LA +3|+0|+5|+0|+0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|LA +4|+0|+5|+0|+0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|Bard 1|+0|+5|+2|+10|Concentration +9, Intimidate +10, Jump +8, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +1, Perform (dance) +10, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +4|Extra Music, Force of Personality|Psi-like Abilities, Spells|Collective, damage reduction 5/good, darkvision 60 ft., immunity to poison, multitask, naturally psionic (+3 pp), oracle, power resistance 10, resistance to acid 10, cold 10, electricity 10, and fire 10, threefold mind|bardic music, bardic knowledge, countersong, fascinate, inspire courage +1|Ego Whip 3/day

6th|Soulknife 1|+0|+5|+4|+12|Concentration +10, Intimidate +11, Jump +8, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +11, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +4|Weapon Focus (Mind Blade), Wild Talent|-|-|Mind Blade|-

7th|Soulknife 2|+1|+5|+5|+13|Concentration +11, Intimidate +12, Jump +9, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +12, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +6|-|-|-|Throw Mind Blade|Desecrate 1/day

8th|Soulknife 3|+2|+6|+5|+13|Concentration +12, Intimidate +13, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +13, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|Snowflake Wardance|-|-|Psychic Strike +1d8|-

9th|Soulknife 4|+3|+6|+6|+14|Concentration +12, Intimidate +13, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +13, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|-|-|-|+1 Mind Blade|Unholy Blight 1/day

10th|Soulknife 5|+3|+6|+6|+14|Concentration +13, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +14, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +14, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|-|-|-|Free Draw, Shape Mindblade|-

11th|Pyrokineticist 1|+3|+8|+8|+14|Concentration +14, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +15, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +14, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|Antagonist|-|-|Fire Lash|Psionic Dominate 3/day, Crystal Shard or Energy Ray 1/day

12th|Pyrokineticist 2|+4|+9|+9|+15|Concentration +15, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +16, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +15, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|-|-|-|+4 to Fire and Heat Saves, Resistance to Fire 20|Fire Adaption, Hand Afire 2d6|-

13th|Pyrokineticist 3|+5|+9|+9|+16|Concentration +16, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +17, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +15, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|-|-|-|Bolt of Fire 3d6|Deeper Darkness 1/day

14th|Pyrokineticist 4|+6|+10|+10|+16|Concentration +17, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +17, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +16, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|Spiritual Force|-|-|Bolt of Fire 4d6, Weapon Afire 2d6|-

15th|Pyrokineticist 5|+6|+10|+10|+16|Concentration +18, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +17, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +17, Perform (sing) +7, Tumble +7|-|-|-|Bolt of Fire 5d6, Nimbus (5 min)|Greater Teleport 1/day

16th|Pyrokineticist 6|+7|+11|+11|+17|Concentration +19, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +17, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +17, Perform (sing) +8, Tumble +7|-|-|-|Bolt of Fire 6d6, Firewalk, Nimbus (6 min)|-

17th|Pyrokineticist 7|+8|+11|+11|+17|Concentration +19, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +18, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +18, Perform (sing) +8, Tumble +7|Psionic Meditation|-|+8 to fire and heat saves, Resistance to Fire 30|Bolt of Fire 7d6, Fear No Fire, Nimbus (7 min)|Mind Probe 1/day, Unholy Aura 3/day

18th|Pyrokineticist 8|+9|+12|+12|+17|Concentration +19, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +19, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +19, Perform (sing) +8, Tumble +7|-|-|-|Bolt of Fire 8d6, Greater Weapon/Hand Afire 4d6, Nimbus (8 min)|-

19th|Pyrokineticist 9|+9|+12|+12|+18|Concentration +19, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +20, Jump +11, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +20, Perform (sing) +8, Tumble +7|-|-|-|Bolt of Fire 9d6, Heat Death, Nimbus (9 min)|Horrid Wilting 1/day

20th|Pyrokineticist 10|+10|+13|+13|+19|Concentration +19, Craft (alchemy) +1, Intimidate +21, Jump +12, Knowledge (psionics) +2, Martial Lore +2, Perform (dance) +21, Perform (sing) +8, Tumble +7|Heroic Focus|-|-|Bolt of Fire 10d6, Conflagration, Nimbus (10 min)|-

[/table]

Sources

Complete Adventurer
Force of Personality feat

Complete Psionic
Antagonist feat
Spiritual Force feat
Synad race

Expanded Psionics Handbook
Cerebrillith monster
Psionic Meditation feat
Pyrokineticist PrC
Soulknife class

Frostburn
Snowflake Wardance feat

Magic of Eberron
Heroic Focus feat

Player's Handbook
Bard class

Wizards of the Coast Web Enhancement
Half-Fiendish Variety (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060630x)



Build Notes

Charisma Wins All
This build, despite being casting, manifesting and battle based need only one core stat. Charisma.

Classes: The saves to all the pyrokineticist builds is Charisma-based. Bard spells are Charisma-based. Psi-like Abilities are Charisma-based.

Bard may seem a dip, but I wanted him to be something of a kata master.

Feats: Force of Personality boosts your will via Cha instead of Wis. Spiritual Weapon adds Cha to mind blade damage. Snowflake Wardance adds Cha to all attacks.

The result, a class whose every facet is Charisma-based, which is not a common stat that damage/drain is aimed at.

Synad
Synad is a very flavorful race, and it works well as a base creature for this build. As this is an action-hungry build, needing to gain psionic focus, light up weapons, and spend full-round actions, the 1/day multi-task comes in handy. As a swift action he can take an extra mental action. As gaining psionic focus and using almost every aspect of this build is mental, it is extremely useful to be able to flare up at a moment's notice and still have a full round to add to it.

Will bonuses are nice as well.


Half-Fiendish Variety (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060630x&page=1)
First off, I was warned by Prinny that the half-fiend variant might not be well received, but that Wizard site material was allowed, so use at my own risk. I looked into other builds but none of them seemed to have the same flavor or WHAM affect that a Half-Cerebrillith provided.

I'm going to take you through it all and show you how nearly everything is exactly the same as the original template, just more thematically appropriate.

Cerebrillith
This bad boy here is one of the few psionic fiends. Already a very interesting creature in its own right, its psionic and spell-like abilities go right along with a mage/psionicist build.

Speed: This is one of two thing that alters significantly from the original. Tummo has no wings because Cerebrilliths have no wings.

Armor Class: This is the second. Tummo gets a +4 bonus to AC instead of +1. I think this is easily made up for by the lack of winged mobility.

Spell-Like Abilities: As the Cerebrillith has both spell-likes and psi-likes I mixed and matched. The spell/power level matches exactly that of what the original template did. 3rd level spell/power for 3rd level spell.

Breakdown
HD
1-2 Darkness becomes Ego Whip
3-4 Desecrate (unchanged)
5-6 Unholy Blight (unchanged)
7-8 Poison becomes Psionic Dominate
9-10 Contagion becomes Deeper Darkness
11-12 Blasphemy becomes Greater Telport
13-14 Unhallow becomes Mind Probe
15-16 Horrid Wilting (unchanged)

All of the changes are to spells or powers that a Cerebrillith possesses. They are, as mentioned above, exactly the same level. Those that remain unchanged are spells that the Cerebrillith does possess. As such, no change is made in the power level, simply in the flavor. As Tummo matures, so does his abilities near those of his father. This is much more elegant than slapping on random spells that in no way match with the build or parent as the standard MM half-fiend template.

Special Qualities: Unchanged, though Damage Reduction is 5-10/good instead of magic as the texts suggests. This does not alter power level.

Abilities: The original template gives a +16 modifier to stats. Str +4, Dex +4, Con +2, Int +4, Cha +2.
These do not match the Cerebrillith well. So, still staying within the +16 as the alternate the base stats are, they become +6 Str, +6 Con, and +4 Cha.


Attacks
Alright, you may be looking at the BAB and going 'Holy Cow, that's it?'

Yeah, I know, BUT! You mind blade gets a +1 bonus. Your free Weapon Focus gives another +1 bonus. You add your Charisma-modifier and Strength-modifiers to attacks for nearly a +20 bonus to attack by the end of the build. In addition, you have 3 attacks that all get buffed.

Damage
Here's where things really get fun.

Your mind-blade deals 1d8 damage. Then you have Strength and Charisma upping that for nearly 20 extra points. Then 1d8 mental damage. Then 4d6 damage on top of that.

That's just your mind blade.

You then also get claw and tooth. You can then add all that fire onto both

Nimbus then increases your Charisma for even MORE damage and (and attack and save boosts)! Plus the extra fire.

You are doing slashing, piercing, bludgeoning, fire, and mental damage at the same time with a full-round attack. There is practically nothing you can't deal damage to. Even things with regeneration won't survive long because all your attacks are fired up.

Heat Death
The fun keeps coming. By the end of this build you have a instakill each round with a save in the 30's. Not quite on par with an assassin's death attack ability, but it can still be nasty whether you're hiding or not.

Snowflake Wardance
This feat is so special to this build I think it needs a section to it's own.
First off, the irony of a fire user with this feat amuses me.

It is so very important to the build, granting Cha-based bonuses to attacks for a number of rounds equal to their ranks in dance. When he acquires it he can already keep the dance going for 65 total rounds per day by using up all his bardic musics (of which he has 5 thanks to his Extra Music feat). Basically, this is long enough for almost all battles a character will likely get into within 24 hours.

The part that brings an evil smile to my face is thus; though normally you are fatigued at the end of the Snowflake Wardance, when he is wearing his Armor of the Unending Hunt he is immune to fatigue. Thus he may use this feat with impunity.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:49 PM
Let's just hope he doesn't suffer from treevenge.
Aboreal Destruction Experiment #376428
Test subject C
Code Name: "Spiffy"

Excerpt from the Journal of Sssilquarfugz, Project Manager, Illithid Surface Lands Unification and Reclamation Project (ISLURP), Forest Division

Day 1: In an effort to make full use of all resources at our disposal to our advantage, no matter how small, I have determined to begin the weaponization of the humble forest gnome. As per standard weaponization procedure, I have begun testing for psionic potential on several subjects. One, Subject C, seems to have responded strongly, hence I shall focus my experiments on it for the time being.

Spiffy: Chaotic Evil Forest Gnome Wilder 2 / Rogue 3
Abilities: Str 8 Dex 19 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 10 Cha 14 (originally Str 10 (-2 racial) dex 18 (+1 level) con 12 (+2 racial) int 12 wis 10 cha 14)
Racial Traits: +2 Con, -2 Str Small size (+1 AC, +1 Atk, +4 Hide, -4 Grapple) Pass Without Trace (Su) (self only), +1 atk vs. kobolds, goblinoids, orcs, and reptilian humanoids, +4 Hide (+8 in wooded areas)
Saves: Base: Fort +1 Ref +3 Will +4 Total: Fort +3 Ref +7 Will +4
Base Attack: +3
AC: 19 (23 with Force Screen) Base 10, +4 Armor, +4 Dex, +1 Size
Touch AC: 15
Flatfooted AC: 15 (19 with Force Screen)
HP: 32
Speed: 20 Feet
Inititive: +4
Attacks: +1 Dagger: +9 Atk (+3 Base, +4 Dex, +1 Size +1 Enhancement) 1d3+1 Damage (+2d6 with Sneak Attack)
Full Attack: +1 Dagger and Dagger +7/+7 Atk 1d3+1 (+2d6 with Sneak Attack) and 1d3 (+2d6 with Sneak Attack) Damage
Skills: (Without modifiers) Concentrate 8, Hide 8, Move Silently 8, Disguise 4, Knowledge (Psionics) 2, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Disable Device 4, Search 4, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 8
(With modifiers) Concentrate 10, Hide 20, Move Silently 12, Disguise 6, Knowledge (Psionics) 3, Craft (Alchemy) 2, Disable Device 5, Search 5, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 10
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Two Weapon Fighting
Special Abilities: Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch, Sneak Attack +2d6,
Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap Sense +1
Power Points: 8
Powers: Force Screen, Entangling Ectoplasm
Gear: +1 Dagger, Dagger, Mithril Chain Shirt, 898 GP

Comments: Initially, Spiffy will use Entangling Ectoplasm for basic battlefield control, keeping enemies from moving. Wild Surge even allows him to increase his manifester level just enough to augment Entangling Ectoplasm, allowing him to affect large creatures with the power. Once he begins taking rogue levels, he is more than capable of filling both scouting and trapfinding roles.

Excerpt from the Journal of Sssilquarfugz, Project Manager, Illithid Surface Lands Unification and Reclamation Project (ISLURP), Forest Division

Day 104: I have begun referring to Subject C as Ssspifferistezis or "Spiffy" for short. So far the Subject has succeeded enough in basic scouting roles to merit further augmentation. Pending Approval from the Committee for the Advancement of Fiery Doom (CAFD), the subject will enter into the Pyrotechnological Eruption Training Service (PETS).

Spiffy: Chaotic Evil Forest Gnome Wilder 2 / Rogue 3 / Assassin 1 / Pyrokineticist 4
Abilities: Str 8 Dex 22 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 10 Cha 14
Racial Traits: +2 Con, -2 Str Small size (+1 AC, +1 Atk, +4 Hide, -4 Grapple) Pass Without Trace (Su) (self only), +1 atk vs. kobolds, goblinoids, orcs, and reptilian humanoids, +4 Hide (+8 in wooded areas)
Saves: Base: Fort +5 Ref +9 Will +5 Total: Fort +7 Ref +15 Will +5
Base Attack: +7/2
AC: 23 (27 with Force Screen) Base 10, +5 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size + 1 Deflection
Touch AC: 19
Flatfooted AC: 16 (20 with Force Screen)
HP: 59
Speed: 20 Feet
Inititive: +6
Attacks: +1 Flaming Surge Dagger: +15 Atk (+7 Base, +6 Dex, +1 Size +1 Enhancement) 1d3+1 Damage (+3d6 with Sneak Attack, +2d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) or Fire Lash +14 Atk 1d8 Damage (+3d6 with Sneak Attack, Range: 15 Feet) or Bolt of Fire +14 Atk 4d6 Damage (Range: 60 Feet) or Hand Afire +14 Atk 1d2+2d6 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack) or Tentacle +14 Atk 1d3 Damage (+3d6 with Sneak Attack)
Full Attack: +1 Flaming Surge Dagger x2 +13/+13/+8/+8 Atk 1d3+1 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack, +2d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) and 1d3 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack) Damage and Tentacle x2 +10/+10 Atk 1d3 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack)
Skills: (Without modifiers) Concentrate 8, Hide 13, Move Silently 13, Disguise 4, Knowledge (Psionics) 2, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Disable Device 8, Search 7, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 8
(With modifiers) Concentrate 10, Hide 30, Move Silently 18, Disguise 6, Knowledge (Psionics) 3, Craft (Alchemy) 2, Disable Device 9, Search 8, Spot 7, Use Magic Device 10
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Two Weapon Fighting, Aberrant Blood (Bulging Eyes), Deepspawn
Special Abilities: Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch, Sneak Attack +3d6,
Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap Sense +1, Death Attack, Poison Use, Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of fire, Weapon Afire
Power Points: 8
Powers: Force Screen, Entangling Ectoplasm
Spells Per Day: 1st-1
Spells Known: True Strike, Obscuring Mist
Gear: (2) +1 Flaming Surge Daggers, +1 Mithril Chain Shirt, +1 Ring of Protection, +2 Gloves of Dexterity, 898 GP
Comments: Now we get to core of the build, the crazy gnome that sets things on fire. Between Sneak Attack, Poisons, Death Attack, Flaming Surge, and Weapon Afire, Spiffy has huge first strike potential. Even after that though, he still has plenty of things to do in combat with Bolt of Fire and Entangling Ectoplasm (no save ranged touch attacks) allowing him to stay away from enemies while still contributing. Force Screen improves his survivability, while obscuring mist helps him either hide or obscure enemies vision. Flame Lash can serve as a backup weapon should he choose to use his daggers as thrown weapons in the first round. His hide modifier is ridiculous due to his being a forest gnome, which makes things so much easier when trying to get those sneak attacks and death attacks off.

Excerpt from the Journal of Sssilquarfugz, Project Manager, Illithid Surface Lands Unification and Reclamation Project (ISLURP), Forest Division

Day 746: I am continually surprised at the increasingly vicious nature of Subject C. Ordinarily, mind control makes subjects more lethargic and docile, rather than energetic and prone to setting fires at every opportunity. Fortunately, our expanding needs in the area of aggressive reclaimation provide plenty of chances for long term field testing. "Spiffy" has recently been begun showing the results of several experimental procedures designed to introduce positive mutations into its body, and now possesses improved eyesite and a pair of tentacles, the use of which the subject has not yet mastered. Aggressive physical therapy and entrance into the Death to All Terrestrials (DAT) program willno doubt be the next logical steps into the subject's development.

Spiffy: Chaotic Evil Forest Gnome Wilder 2 / Rogue 3 / Assassin 2 / Pyrokineticist 5
Abilities: Str 8 Dex 23 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 10 Cha 14
Racial Traits: +2 Con, -2 Str Small size (+1 AC, +1 Atk, +4 Hide, -4 Grapple) Pass Without Trace (Su) (self only), +1 atk vs. kobolds, goblinoids, orcs, and reptilian humanoids, +4 Hide (+8 in wooded areas)
Saves: Base: Fort +5 Ref +10 Will +5 Total: Fort +7 Ref +16 Will +5
Base Attack: +9/4
AC: 24 (28 with Force Screen) Base 10, +5 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size + 1 Deflection +1 Natural
Touch AC: 19
Flatfooted AC: 17 (21 with Force Screen)
HP: 73
Speed: 20 Feet
Inititive: +6
Attacks: +1 Flaming Surge Dagger: +17 Atk (+9 Base, +6 Dex, +1 Size +1 Enhancement) 1d3+1 Damage (+3d6 with Sneak Attack, +2d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) or Fire Lash +16 Atk 1d8 Damage (+3d6 with Sneak Attack, Range: 15 Feet) or Bolt of Fire +16 Atk 5d6 Damage (Range: 60 Feet) or Hand Afire +16 Atk 1d2+2d6 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack) or Tentacle +16 Atk 1d3 Damage (+3d6 with Sneak Attack)
Full Attack: +1 Flaming Surge Dagger x2 +15/+15/+10/+10 Atk 1d3+1 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack, +2d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) and 1d3 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack) Damage and Tentacle x2 +15/+15 Atk 1d3 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack)
Skills: (Without modifiers) Concentrate 8, Hide 13, Move Silently 13, Disguise 4, Knowledge (Psionics) 2, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Disable Device 8, Search 8, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 15
(With modifiers) Concentrate 10, Hide 30, Move Silently 18, Disguise 6, Knowledge (Psionics) 3, Craft (Alchemy) 2, Disable Device 9, Search 9, Spot 7, Use Magic Device 17
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Two Weapon Fighting, Aberrant Blood (Bulging Eyes), Deepspawn, Multiattack
Special Abilities: Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch, Sneak Attack +3d6,
Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap Sense +1, Death Attack, Poison Use, Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of fire, Weapon Afire, Nimbus, +1 save against Poison, Uncanny Dodge
Power Points: 8
Powers: Force Screen, Entangling Ectoplasm
Spells Per Day: 1st-2
Spells Known: True Strike, Obscuring Mist, Ghost Sound
Gear: (2) +1 Flaming Surge Daggers, +1 Mithril Chain Shirt, +1 Ring of Protection, +2 Gloves of Dexterity, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, 3898 GP
Comments: This is where I think the build goes from useful and playable, to powerful. Multiattack makes the tentacle attacks more accurate, dramatically increasing sneak attack damage. Nimbus kicks in as well, adding yet another source of fire damage.

Excerpt from the Journal of Sssilquarfugz, Project Manager, Illithid Surface Lands Unification and Reclamation Project (ISLURP), Forest Division

Day 927: Subject C has shown admirable progress in the area of hostile extermination, enough so that I believe continued training and development in this area is simply necessary. The subject is, however, becoming very difficult to restrain. "Spiffy" seems incapable of understanding that an order to kill all humanoids in the area does not always mean "burn everything down" as well (granted, sometimes it does, but not always). Perhaps some time spent in the death through restraint and subtlety brigade (DTRSB) will help stabilize the subject somewhat.

Spiffy: Chaotic Evil Forest Gnome Wilder 2 / Rogue 3 / Assassin 5 / Pyrokineticist 5
Abilities: Str 8 Dex 23 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 10 Cha 14
Racial Traits: +2 Con, -2 Str Small size (+1 AC, +1 Atk, +4 Hide, -4 Grapple) Pass Without Trace (Su) (self only), +1 atk vs. kobolds, goblinoids, orcs, and reptilian humanoids, +4 Hide (+8 in wooded areas)
Saves: Base: Fort +6 Ref +11 Will +6 Total: Fort +8 Ref +17 Will +6
Base Attack: +11/6/1
AC: 27 (29 with Force Screen) Base 10, +7 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size, + 2 Deflection, +1 Natural
Touch AC: 18
Flatfooted AC: 19 (23 with Force Screen)
HP: 91
Speed: 20 Feet
Inititive: +6
Attacks: +1 Spell-Storing Flaming Surge Dagger: +19 Atk (+11 Base, +6 Dex, +1 Size +1 Enhancement) 1d3+1 Damage (+5d6 with Sneak Attack, +2d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) or Fire Lash +18 Atk 1d8 Damage (+5d6 with Sneak Attack, Range: 15 Feet) or Bolt of Fire +18 Atk 5d6 Damage (Range: 60 Feet) or Hand Afire +18 Atk 1d2+2d6 (+5d6 with Sneak Attack) or Tentacle +18 Atk 1d3 Damage (+5d6 with Sneak Attack)
Full Attack: +1 Spell-Storing Flaming Surge Dagger x2 +17/+17/+12/+12/+7/+7 Atk 1d3+1 (+5d6 with Sneak Attack, +2d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) and 1d3 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack) Damage and Tentacle x2 +17/+17 Atk 1d3 (+5d6 with Sneak Attack)
Skills: (Without modifiers) Concentrate 8, Hide 18, Move Silently 18, Disguise 4, Knowledge (Psionics) 2, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Disable Device 9, Search 9, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 18
(With modifiers) Concentrate 10, Hide 35, Move Silently 23, Disguise 6, Knowledge (Psionics) 3, Craft (Alchemy) 2, Disable Device 10, Search 10, Spot 7, Use Magic Device 23
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Two Weapon Fighting, Aberrant Blood (Bulging Eyes), Deepspawn, Multiattack, Darkstalker
Special Abilities: Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch, Sneak Attack +5d6,
Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap Sense +1, Death Attack, Poison Use, Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of fire, Weapon Afire, Nimbus, +2 save against Poison, Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge
Power Points: 8
Powers: Force Screen, Entangling Ectoplasm
Spells Per Day: 1st-4 2nd-2
Spells Known: 1st-True Strike, Obscuring Mist, Ghost Sound, Disguise Self 2nd-Alter Self, Darkness, Invisibility
Gear: (2) +1 Spell Storing Flaming Surge Daggers, +3 Mithril Chain Shirt, +2 Ring of Protection, +2 Gloves of Dexterity, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Wand of Fireball, 3648 GP
Comments: Spiffy's sneak attack damage continues to increase. His new Assassin spells, particularly invisibility, continue to make his already formidible stealth capabilities even better. The Darkstalker feat helps him deal with enemies with blindsense and similar abilities.

Excerpt from the Journal of Sssilquarfugz, Project Manager, Illithid Surface Lands Unification and Reclamation Project (ISLURP), Forest Division

Day 1221: Disaster! Subject C has escaped! While it is quite certain that "Spiffy" will wreak havoc wherever he goes, without the guiding hands of the Committee for Organized Weapon Protocol, Ignition, and Execution (COWPIE) I fear that the subject might turn against its creators. Apprehension of the subject is now top priority.

Spiffy: Chaotic Evil Forest Gnome Wilder 2 / Rogue 3 / Assassin 5 / Pyrokineticist 10
Abilities: Str 8 Dex 25 Con 14 Int 12 Wis 10 Cha 14
Racial Traits: +2 Con, -2 Str Small size (+1 AC, +1 Atk, +4 Hide, -4 Grapple) Pass Without Trace (Su) (self only), +1 atk vs. kobolds, goblinoids, orcs, and reptilian humanoids, +4 Hide (+8 in wooded areas)
Saves: Base: Fort +9 Ref +14 Will +8 Total: Fort +11 Ref +21 Will +8
Base Attack: +15/10/5
AC: 32 (36 with Force Screen) Base 10, +9 Armor, +6 Dex, +1 Size + 3 Deflection +3 Natural
Touch AC: 20
Flatfooted AC: 26 (30 with Force Screen)
HP: 126
Speed: 20 Feet
Inititive: +11
Attacks: +1 Flaming Spell-Storing Flaming Surge Dagger: +24 Atk (+15 Base, +7 Dex, +1 Size +1 Enhancement) 1d3+1d6+1 Damage (+5d6 with Sneak Attack, +4d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) or Fire Lash +23 Atk 1d8 Damage (+5d6 with Sneak Attack, Range: 15 Feet) or Bolt of Fire +23 Atk 10d6 Damage (Range: 60 Feet) or Hand Afire +23 Atk 1d2+2d6 (+5d6 with Sneak Attack) or Tentacle +23 Atk 1d3 Damage (+5d6 with Sneak Attack)
Full Attack: +1 Flaming Spell-Storing Flaming Surge Dagger x2 +22/+22/+17/+17/+12/+12 Atk 1d3+1d6+1 (+5d6 with Sneak Attack, +4d6 with Weapon Afire, +2d6 with Flaming Surge usable 2/per day) and 1d3 (+3d6 with Sneak Attack) Damage and Tentacle x2 +22/+22 Atk 1d3 (+5d6 with Sneak Attack)
Skills: (Without modifiers) Concentrate 8, Hide 18, Move Silently 18, Disguise 4, Knowledge (Psionics) 2, Craft (Alchemy) 1, Disable Device 9, Search 9, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 18, Bluff 15
(With modifiers) Concentrate 10, Hide 36, Move Silently 24, Disguise 6, Knowledge (Psionics) 3, Craft (Alchemy) 2, Disable Device 10, Search 10, Spot 7, Use Magic Device 23, Bluff 17
Feats: Weapon Finesse, Two Weapon Fighting, Aberrant Blood (Bulging Eyes), Deepspawn, Multiattack, Darkstalker, Improved Inititive
Special Abilities: Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch, Sneak Attack +5d6,
Trapfinding, Evasion, Trap Sense +1, Death Attack, Poison Use, Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of fire, Weapon Afire, Nimbus, +2 save against Poison, Uncanny Dodge, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Firewalk, Fear No Fire, Greater Weapon Afire, Heat Death, Conflagration
Power Points: 8
Powers: Force Screen, Entangling Ectoplasm
Spells Per Day: 1st-4 2nd-2
Spells Known: 1st-True Strike, Obscuring Mist, Ghost Sound, Disguise Self 2nd-Alter Self, Darkness, Invisibility
Gear: (2) +1 Flaming Spell Storing Flaming Surge Daggers, +5 Mithril Chain Shirt, +3 Ring of Protection, +2 Gloves of Dexterity, Amulet of Natural Armor +3, Wand of Fireball, Ring of Freedom of Movement, 21,648 GP
Comments: As the build comes to a close, we get to some of the Pyro's fun abilities. Greater Weapon Afire continues the damage progression, While Firewalk gives Spiffy Flight. Bolt of Fire now does 10d6 Damage, making ranged combat a viable option, especially considering Spiffy's +36 Hide modifier makes it tough for enemies to spot him even after he's successfully shot them.

Excerpt from the Journal of Sssilquarfugz, Project Manager, Illithid Surface Lands Unification and Reclamation Project (ISLURP), Forest Division

Day 1595: Test Subject C has been recaptured via a clever trap involving a town filled with sawdust, oil, unstable magic items. Post-capture tests indicate the subject's Fire based abilities have increased considerably since its escape. As such, I have begun preparing to begin testing the viability of Subject C as ammuntion for siege weapons, or simply strong-armed slave troops. If all goes well, I hope to see "Spiffys" mass-produced in time for Operation Stubborn Buffalo.

Final Comments:My goal with this build is to combine the PyroKineticist's Fiery Damage Abilities with as many sources of extra damage and effects as possible. Two-Weapon Fighting, Sneak Attack, Death Attack, Poison Use, Tentacles (from the Deepspawn feat) all contribute. The Assassin Spells make hiding easier, while the Wilder Powers (Entangling Ectoplasm and Force Screen) remain useful throughout the game. Rogue abilities allow you to fill scouting and trapfinding roles within the party, while Pyrokineticist increases combat ability and versitility. Furthermore, the build is designed to be viable from the beginning of the game not just the end.

Books Used:
Players Handbook (Rogue class, core feats)
Dungeon Master's Guide (Assassin Prestige Class, Magic Items)
Monster Manual (Forest Gnome, Multiattack feat)
Expanded Psionics Handbook (Pyrokineticist Prestige Class, Wilder Class)
Lords of Madness (Aberrant Blood, Deepspawn, and Darkstalker feats)
Dungeon Master's Guide II (Flaming Surge weapon ability)

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:50 PM
"Time for plan B." "Is that the one where we set something on fire?"
Balko the Farmer


It started as an headache. Sometimes, in the middle of the barley season, it was so intense he had to bow on all fours and cry out. But it was a rare, painful storm. This until the fall of 1370 Dale Reckoning. When all the provisions were stored in mills and warehouse and all leaves were brown and gold, the pulse began to hammer everyday.
Pulse.
Pulse.
Pulse.
Everyday.
His coworkers were pissed off. “Cut it, Balko: your petty excuse doesn’t exent you from work.” He was bitten often, cause no one likes a weak screamer. Expecially one that does not work for it.
One night, Balko was forced outside the Worker’s House – the two story building hosting the workers of the farm – and confronted by three angry workers: “Boy, this is your last chance: no illness here, no shared weight. If the houselord forces us to work for you, then you probably end up getting worst.”
The seven feet tall man bowed on him and slapped his face.
“Understand?”
That was usual, everywere in the farm. This tall guy, Jab he think’s his name, is the self elected sheriff and he calls all the rules. A mobster, one would say, but Jab prefers sheriff.
Balko is about to cry again
“No, don’t do it, crybaby! Don’t even try to…”
Jab’s eyes were wide. Not by the anger flowing in Balko’s veins – a victim often tries (hopes) to react – but by the dissolution of the right arm his fellow was using to keep him at bay.
One moment before, there was an arm, a second after all seemed… “displaced?”… whatever happended, the arm now ended at the armpit.
A scream in the open air and Balko’s eyes turning black… “Is this… just a dream?” asked Jab by himself. He didn’t stay to know.

Voices spread in a common ambient in the same way as farts does: from the near to the far. So, the morning after, at the breakfast time a dozen of workers was glancing at him and by the diner all the house avoided him. Just in case.
Now Balko was alone. Perfect to understand by himself what the hell had happened.

In the following days, last ones before the great winter’s closing, with all his surprise he discovered his mind was able to create amazing exploits. Just thinking, he was able to move quicker, to disappear from the top of the oak tree just to land at its roots, to actually disjoint matter with a simple touch and to move quicker than anyone in the house.
The headache was still here, still a disturbance, but anytime he discharged this strange energy, the pain went out.




Balko the Farmer, 5th level human Ardent.

HD: 5d6 (25 hp on average)
Init.: +3
Speed: 40 feet, 50 feet when psionically focused
AC: 17 (+4 armor, +3 dex)
Base atk: +3
Attack: +7 Dagger, mw, 1d4+1, +4 whip, mw, 1d6+1; +6 touch attacks
Full attack: +5/5 Daggers or +5 Dagger/ +2 Whip.
Attack opt.: Psioncs powers, Shadow Hand Technique – maneuver.
Special Qualities. Freedom Mantle (+10 ft speed); Conflict Mantle (Weapon focus: whip), Destruction Mantle (Improved Sunder), Magic Mantle (magic/psionics transparency, UMD as class skill retroactively);
Saves: Fort 2, Refl 4, Will 5
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: 40 Points; Concentration 9, Craft (alchemy) 1, Hide 10, Knowledge (psionics) 4, Move Silently 8, Psicraft 10, Use Magic Devices 10
Feats: Speed of Thought, Martial Study: Shadow Hand (Shadow Blade Technique)
Possessions: Gloves of the Balancing Hand, Masterwork Dagger x2, Masterwork Whip, Chain Shirt.
Psionic Powers: 1° Dimension Hop, Metaphisic Weapon, Dissipating Touch; 2° Hustle, Psionic Lion’s Charge, Dissolving Weapon.
Maneuvers known: Shadow Blade Technique
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral



Ardent Mantles suggests his philosophy and his alignment. With Freedom, Destruction, Conflict and Magic a gishy soul is suggested. Moreover, Freedom Mantle and Speed of Thought does stack and synergizes well, giving birth to a quicker than the eye character. Few psionic powers are compensate from both good selection and thematic synergies (improving touch and weapon damage is the key). Since Dexterity would be maxed since now, Weapon Finesse is a good choice. Mastial study not only grants a good maneuver, but also make Hide a class skill. It will come at use later.
At now, Balko is specialized to come first to the target and hit hard – especially useful against spellcasters.
He also uses Gloves of Balancing Hand to have Two Weapon Fighting as a possible option against weaker ACs.
Disclaimer: please also note that much of this build will be presented “as is”, mostly without magic weaponry. The resulting AC, to-hit, saves and damages would result lower than expected. This is done to show the inner strength of the build, magic items aside.






Winter’s time is just eat, cover and wait. The next spring the door would be opened again, but the coldest three months all the workers are stocked in the House. Every winter, someone dies. Less from natural causes and more out of hate, claustrophoby, other’s intolerance.
Balko was given death three against one. Either for Jab’s hand or his custom to exit in the hearth of the winter to “cool my mind”.

One night, sitting in the snow, he was whispering “They will kill me, they will kill me, they will….”
“Kill ‘em first, boy”. A voice from nothing.
He jumped on his feet, looking around: “Who’s there?”
“Look down. And seriously, boy, kill ‘em first”.
Balko looked down to see a small creature, something like a Imp of bard’s tales, but entirely covered by flames.
“Who the hell are you.”
“Hell? Not at all!” replied him “Abyss is my place, and I’m Firey”.
“Don’t listen to him!” answered a voice. Balko looked down just to see…
“This is impossible! You are…”
“Yes, a small angel. Yes, just like a shrink Solar. And yes, made of snow.” And it was just like that. “That said, please don’t listen to him. He just wants your soul to be devoured by the Abyss. Don’t do it.”
Balko’s jaw was mid air. “This… this… First of all, this is impossible. And then, guys, this is totally cliché!” One hand pointed at Firey, the other at the strange little angel. “come on! You sure are gonna tell me the story of the good guy and the bad guy, aren’t you?”
“I know, I know” said Firey, stepping in. “But the cliché is something invented to make this contrasts aknowageable even by the simpler of minds.” He smiled “Not everyone is mister smart guy ‘round there”.
“Besides” stepped in the angelic one “except for the cliché part, don’t listen to him: he lies any word he says.”
“I didn’t lied on the cliché thing” replied Firey “so the <he always lies> line is unfair, friend”.
C’mon, don’t start to argue, you know what I meant”
“No, I don’t, and by the way, you…”
Balko managed to win stupor and shouted: “Stop it! I don’t give a damn of your silly feud, just tell me what the hell” pause “Abyss are you come here to tell me”
“You’re gonna got killed.” Started Firey.
“Tonight” added the miniangel.
“Anw we’re here to advice you for the best route to keep”
“Yes, we are” confirmed the angel. “And by the way, I’m Winter’s Bless for the Lonely Ones. But call me Bless”.
“Yes, whatever” replied Balko. “Tell me who’s gonna kill me and why”
Suddenly, a reduced image of Jab and a couple of others strangling someone. Someone that was really similar to him.
“Okay, so what? Is this already written?” Answered him, in shock.
“Not at all, my good friend” answered Bless. “If you run away now, you can manage to…”
Firey stepped in, interrupting: “Yes, run. Run away without any miserable meal, in a wilderness darkness and in the heart of the winter. So you can manage to reach the next city which is… what? Fifty miles away? Sure…”
“It is the best route and besides…” was starting again Bless, but Balko asked Firey: “And so, what do you suggest?”
“Burn them all. Alive.” Managing to shut the protests of Bless, he continued “So you’ll have any resource the stores have all for yourself and you could depart at the end of the winter.”
“But you’ll have the burden fourty men dead by your hands.”
“What the fourty men have done for you, lately?”
The argument went on for half an hour, but at the end Balko asked “How can I start a so good fire?”
“Throw me” answered Firey “and my fire body will put everything on fire.”
And so he did, looking at the fire roaring at night, hearing the chant of the wood and the screams of the poor souls entrapped inside.
Smiling.



Balko the Farmer, 5th level human Ardent, 5th level Pyrokineticist

HD: 5d6+5d8 (52 hp on average)
Init.: +3
Speed: 40 feet, 50 feet when psionically focused
AC: 17 (+4 armor, +3 dex)
Base atk: +6/1
Attack: +10 Dagger, mw, 1d4+1, +7 Whip, mw, 1d6+1; +10 touch Fire Lash 1d8; +9 touch attacks.
Full attack: +8/8/3 Daggers or +8/3 Dagger + 8 Fire Lash or 10/5 Dagger.
Attack opt.: Psioncs powers, Shadow Hand Technique – maneuver, Assassin’s Stance; Bolt of Fire
Special Qualities. Freedom Mantle (+10 ft speed); Conflict Mantle (Weapon focus: whip), Destruction Mantle (Improved Sunder), Magic Mantle (magic/psionics transparency, UMD as class skill retroactively); Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of Fire, Weapon Afire, Nimbus.
Saves: Fort 6, Refl 8, Will 6
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 17, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: 65 Points; Assigned: Concentration 14, Craft (alchemy) 1, Hide 15, Knowledge (psionics) 6, Move Silently 13, Psicraft 15, Use Magic Devices 15
Feats: Speed of Thought, Martial Study: Shadow Hand (Shadow Blade Technique), Martial Stance: Assassin’s Stance, Dodge.
Possessions: Gloves of the Balancing Hand, Masterwork Dagger, Masterwork Whip, Chain Shirt.
Psionic Powers: 1° Dimension Hop, Metaphisic Weapon, Dissipating Touch; 2° Hustle, Psionic Lion’s Charge, Dissolving Weapon.
Maneuvers and Stances known: Shadow Blade Technique, Assassin’s Stance.
Alignment: ?



Let’s look at synergies. Hustle and the buff from Pyrokineticist goes along pretty well: using a swift action (hustle) to gain a move action to use one of Fire Lash, Hand Afire, Weapon Afire and still have the full attack. Now the Fire Lash allows also a trip + damage combo (both are touch attacks).
Moreover, the few psionic powers chosen are focused either on movement or action economy (Dimension Hop, Hustle, Lion’s Charge) or adding extra damage to weapon or touch (Metaphisic Weapon, Dissipating Touch, Dissolving Weapon).
A good rank in UMD grants extra sidekicks and since Magic Mantle grants him complete magic/psionic transparency, he can use UMD even for psionic items. Have fun.
Slowly and painfully (at least for Move Silently), the character is becoming more and more stealthy, useful with Assassin’s Stance.
The hit and run tactics allows him to go for the big fish and retreat once killed, disabled and so.





Alone, in groups, in armies. All the time, Belko is guided by the two figures, the angel and the demon. The demon, pleased by the Worker’s House inferno, tutored him in the secret techniques of handling and exploiting initiate’s fire. His journey led him to the capital of his realm.
“What’s its name again?”
“Telflamm, Balko, Telflamm.” Answered Bless. “don’t kill anyone here, please.”
“No, don’t, he’s right. And, besides, there’s someone here I want you to know” added Firey.




Balko the Farmer, 5th level human Ardent, 10th level Pyrokineticist

HD: 5d6+10d8 (79 hp on average)
Init.: +4
Speed: 40 feet, 50 feet when psionically focused
AC: 19 (+5 armor, +4 dex)
Base atk: +10/5
Attack: +15 Dagger, mw, 1d4+1, +12 Whip, mw, 1d6+1; +15 touch Fire Lash 1d8; +14 touch attacks.
Full attack: +13/13/8 Daggers or +13/8 Dagger + 13 Fire Lash or +15/10 Dagger.
Attack opt.: Psioncs powers, Shadow Hand Technique – maneuver, Assassin’s Stance; Bolt of Fire
Special Qualities. Freedom Mantle (+10 ft speed); Conflict Mantle (Weapon focus: whip), Destruction Mantle (Improved Sunder), Magic Mantle (magic/psionics transparency, UMD as class skill retroactively); Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of Fire, Weapon Afire, Nimbus, Firewalk, Fear No Fire, Greater Weapon Afire, Heat Death, Conflagration.
Saves: Fort 9, Refl 11, Will 8
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 18, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: 90 Points; Assigned: Concentration 19, Craft (alchemy) 1, Hide 21, Knowledge (psionics) 10, Move Silently 18, Psicraft 20, Use Magic Devices 20
Feats: Speed of Thought, Martial Study: Shadow Hand (Shadow Blade Technique), Martial Stance: Assassin’s Stance, Dodge, Blind Fight, Mobility*, Spring Attack.
Possessions: Gloves of the Balancing Hand, Masterwork Dagger, Masterwork Whip, +1 Chain Shirt of Mobility*.
Psionic Powers: 1° Dimension Hop, Metaphisic Weapon, Dissipating Touch; 2° Hustle, Psionic Lion’s Charge, Dissolving Weapon.
Maneuvers and Stances known: Shadow Blade Technique, Assassin’s Stance.
Alignment: ?



More mobility, more versatility, more damage. Spring attack chain, now, combined with Lion’s Charge, allows him to charge, hit and run away from reach, leaving behind him a huge amount of damage (in case of technical difficulties, add Hustle).
The Pyrokineticist is now over, leaving room for the end of the build. What will come next?





A bunch of shadows, which Balko now is, glanced at Bless. He upped his lips to mimic a hiss. His eyes are now telling him to shut up – in a very trivial way, too.
“You’re the only one that can hear me. And, by the way, don’t do it. I tell you anytime: don’t do it. Don’t kill your mark. Don’t do it.”
Balko is not listening. The old, bearded Waterdivian noble was walking just now down the alley. Two hours of wait were coming to a meaning just in that moment. He sprung out of the shadows, smiling a devilish smile and charging towards his mark.



Balko the Farmer, 5th level human Ardent, 10th level Pyrokineticist, 5th leve Telflammar Shadowlord
HD: 10d6+10d8 (106 hp on average)
Init.: +5
Speed: 40 feet, 50 feet when psionically focused
AC: 20 (+5 armor, +5 dex)
Base atk: +13/8/3
Attack: +19 Dagger, mw, 1d4+1, +16 Whip, mw, 1d6+1; +19 touch Fire Lash 1d8; +18 touch attacks.
Full attack: +17/17/12/7 Daggers or +17/12 Dagger + 17 Fire Lash or +19/15/10 Dagger.
Attack opt.: Psioncs powers, Spells, Shadow Hand Technique – maneuver, Assassin’s Stance; Bolt of Fire, Conflagration
Special Qualities: Freedom Mantle (+10 ft speed); Conflict Mantle (Weapon focus: whip), Destruction Mantle (Improved Sunder), Magic Mantle (magic/psionics transparency, UMD as class skill retroactively); Fire Lash, Fire Adaptation, Hand Afire, Bolt of Fire, Weapon Afire, Nimbus, Firewalk, Fear No Fire, Greater Weapon Afire, Heat Death, Conflagration, Shadowsight (Improved Darkvision out of 60 ft), Shadow Jump (100 ft a day), Shadow Blur (20%), Shadow Walk, Shadow Pounce, Shadow Discorporation.
Saves: Fort 10, Refl 15, Will 9
Abilities: Str 12, Dex 20, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 13, Cha 14
Skills: 125 Points; Assigned: Concentration 24, Craft (alchemy) 1, Hide 27, Knowledge (psionics) 10, Move Silently 22, Psicraft 25, Use Magic Devices 25
Feats: Speed of Thought, Martial Study: Shadow Hand (Shadow Blade Technique), Martial Stance: Assassin’s Stance, Dodge, Blind Fight, Mobility*, Spring Attack, Martial Study: Hand of Death.
Possessions: Gloves of the Balancing Hand, Masterwork Dagger, Masterwork Whip, +1 Chain Shirt of Mobility.
Psionic Powers: 1° Dimension Hop, Metaphisic Weapon, Dissipating Touch; 2° Hustle, Psionic Lion’s Charge, Dissolving Weapon.
Maneuvers and Stances known: Shadow Blade Technique, Assassin’s Stance, Hand of Death.
Usual Spells: Invisibility, Shadow Mask, Shadow Spray; Nondetection, Vampiric touch; Darkbolt**
Alignment: ?

** Viable only if this character manages to have another +2 to Intelligence.



Yes, nothing better than Telflammar Shadowlord to end this build. Some entry note is needed. Skill requirements are met by Martial Study: Shadow Hand, which gives Hide as a class skill, and a painful cross class investment in Move Silently. Feat requirements are also regularly met, except for Mobility, which is given by Mobility special ability (“virtual prerequisite” rule). Dimension hop power is practically identical to shadow jump prerequisite (so the “watch the effect, not the name” rule apply). +2d6 sneak attack is met by Assassin’s Stance.
That said, for judges’ sanity, the second PrC adds exceptional taste, more versatility and the always popular shadow pounce, to keep being effective in combat.
A regular first offensive turn now is: swift: Hustle; move from Hustle: Greater Weapon Afire; Standard: Dimension Hop/Shadow Jump near the weaker enemy (spellcaster?) and then full attack thanks to Shadow Pounce. Against tougher ACs he can use Dissipating Touch + Hand afire to a total of 8d6 unnamed damages and 4d6 fire damages. Or, before this, trip attack via Fire Lash. Or, before, Darkbolt the target with 3 bolts.
Hand of Death technique is the icing on the cake, as a final killing move.
This is obviously useless only if you meet a god-like, older than mountains wizard.




Sources



It is not explicitly stated, but the most careful readers should have already noticed that Balko is a Faerunian character. See Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting.

Following, quotation of any non core material

Classes/Prestige Classes

Complete psionics: Ardent
Expanded Psionic Handbook: Pyrokineticist
Unapprochable East: Telflammar Shadowlord

Feats

Expanded Psionic Handbook/SRD:
Speed of Thought

Tome of Battle, Book of Nine Swords:
Martial Study
Martial Stance

Psionic Powers

Expanded Psionic Handbook/SRD:
Metaphisic Weapon, Dissipating Touch, Hustle, Psionic Lion's Charge, Dissolving Weapon

Complete Psionics:
Dimension Hop

Maneuvers

Tome of Battle, Book of Nine Swords

Spells

Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting:
Shadow Mask, Shadow Spray, Darkbolt

Items

Magic Item Compendium:
Gloves of the Balancing Hand
Mobility armor enhancement


An unexpecting end.



The second after he touched the strange, bearded waterdivian, he… He opened the eyes and found himself in a totally empty space. Only a strange, pale figure in thousand and thousand of miles of gray light.
“Well, don’t take it bad sir, but welcome to your afterlife.”
“My what?” coughed Balko, enraged.
“Your afterlife, sir. What did you expect? You attacked Elminster! Even a child knows that is a creative suicide exploitation.”
He spat, rant, cursed every deity in front of the patient figure. Then, calmly, asked: “So, my final destination is Skandakaul’s reign or Mask’s Shadow? I was wandering since the ritual”.
“Well, sir, it seems it would be… Abyss”.
“Abyss? What the…? Why I should go to Abyss?”
“It seems, sir, that you’ve been mischieved to evil acts by a couple of fiends from this plane. So, in accordance with universal rules, your soul is their to use.”
“Wha…? Wait a minute, you said TWO fiends? Two? Who the heck is the second?”
“It seems it is me”. Answered a voice from his back. He turned, but it was not necessary. He knew that voice very well. “Bless?!? Are you sorta kinda kidding me?”
“Not at all, my friend. You said it yourself: a good and an evil advisor is a total cliché. So what if both of them were evil and the “good” one argumented every time with a bit less of persuasion and efficacy than the “bad” one?”
“I suppose the poor advised would slowly and unadvertedly shift toward evil”
“Good point, Firey, good point” Bless nodded to the new come fellow and continued. “So it seems we did a good job, and now your soul is ours.”
“You, bloody damned son of…”
“Yes, yes, but, by the way, aren’t you damned too?”

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:51 PM
Fire is like tape. If it isn't working, you just need more.
Diary of Dalgoth the Bard
War of the Weeping Clouds, Day 194

I awoke this morning and crawled out of my tent promptly, even though it was drizzling again. As usual, cute, golden-brown-skinned MiLaash was already up and cooking some of her delicious spiced apple porridge over a large campfire. One of these days, I have to set an Alarm spell and see if I can wake up before her, so I could check what she does during her night watch before starting to prepare breakfast.

She saw me and a huge smile came over her angular features. “Morning, Dal!” she called brightly. “Come talk?”

I smiled back, in spite of myself, and staggered over to the log opposite her. Her large, deep brown eyes danced between me, the breakfast, and the cloudy sky as she prattled. Prattled about the rain, the three owls that had flown past the camp during her watch, her favorite song that I sometimes played on my flute, and the way Gnorrus the Mage snores.

MiLaash was always a mystery. The most she’d ever told us about herself, really, was that -- contrary to what we all expected -- she claimed to have no elven blood. Normally, we just left it at that. But today, something particularly bothered me about her demeanor. Maybe it was the sheer contrast between her bubbly conversation and her tears yesterday ...

Yesterday was the zenith of the great Battle of the Crumbling Tower, and MiLaash single-handedly burned down a keep full of ice devils. The odd thing is, she sobbed throughout the entire process. If anything, she’s usually a bit vicious in the way she attacks our foes, especially when she gets a chance to burn down one of their strongholds; but yesterday she had sobbed so hard throughout the battle, I was surprised she hadn’t extinguished her own arson. Just being near her had made me feel like it was the worst day of my life; like there was no hope to win this war. Like a little boy whose birthday was spoiled by the ale going sour ... and having a fight with his best friend ... and being scolded by his father over a misunderstanding. And then breaking his arm.

Yet, MiLaash kept fighting valiantly, even though she was apparently experiencing the same level of despair and emotional turmoil. And as the battle raged on, I kept wondering anew: What motivates her? What keeps her passionate? Why is she in this war at all?

Well, it’s not for nothing that I have been carefully making friends with her, morning after early morning, for many months. This morning, I finally dared to broach some questions about her past. “Don’t get me wrong, I’m very glad you’re on our side ... but why? What has involved you in this war in the first place?”

She paused for a long, silent moment before answering. I could tell she was trying to decide if she trusted me enough to answer. “It is my destiny,” she finally replied. “Fighting the Dark Lord Morrann ... beating him ... it’s what I was born for.”

“Born for?” I dared to prompt.

She nodded and was silent for another long moment. “My mother was a celestial of some sort ... an Aasimar, I think they’re called? She did a lot of research before I was born about how and when it should happen -- what day of the year I should be born, and where, and all that, so that I would be a ... a being of power, destined to overthrow the Dark Lord. When I was born in the magic-charged groves of the Fey on midsummer’s eve, it should have prevented this entire war.”

“What went wrong?”

“I was born with horns.”

Me: :smallconfused:

“VelaaVuna, the Fey Queen that my mother mostly consulted with, turned out to be one of the Dark Lord’s spies, an expert in heretical magics. And my birth was actually arranged so that I would be possessed, from birth, by a mad fire spirit. With horns.

“My mother despaired as soon as VelaaVuna’s treachery was discovered. She abandoned me to grow up in the madness of the Fey Court. VelaaVuna, though, was so proud of how I turned out ... she raised me as her own. I know she’s evil, she’s terrible, but ... I love her anyway.”

“But you’re against her in this war?”

MiLaash nodded. “I may still be possessed by mad spirits at times ... like yesterday. I may be the most dangerous sort of warrior, with dark curses lashing from my lips and fire spewing from my sinews. But none of that determines my side in this war.

“What motivates me? Destiny. If I -- no, when I overthrow the Dark Lord, it will validate my existence with my mother the Absent Aasimar, and wrack her with guilt for having abandoned me. And it will show VelaaVuna that, no matter how much she raised me to love her, no matter how much she meddled with my birth, I will never be hers. They shall both pay for how they have wronged me.”

I sat silently to take it all in. The rain pattered against the leaves throughout the campsite.

“Porridge?” MiLaash asked sweetly.


MiLaash
CN Half-Fey Lesser Aasimar LA +2 / Binder 5 / Hexblade 4 / Pyrokineticist 9

Starting ability scores:
Str 13; Dex 12; Con 15; Int 10; Wis 10; Cha 19
Final ability scores:
Str 19; Dex 16; Con 19; Int 10; Wis 12; Cha 38

{table=head]Level | Class | Features | Feats
1 | Binder | soul binding | Hidden Talent (dimension hop)
2 | Hexblade | hexblade’s curse 1/day |
3 | Binder | suppress sign, pact augmentation 1 | Azure Talent {MoI}
4 | Hexblade | arcane resistance |
5 | Binder | |
6 | Pyrokineticist | fire lash | Power Attack
7 | Pyrokineticist | fire adaptation; hand afire |
8 | Pyrokineticist | bolt of fire |
9 | Pyrokineticist | weapon afire | Psycarnum Infusion {MoI}
10 | Pyrokineticist | nimbus |
11 | Pyrokineticist | firewalk |
12 | Pyrokineticist | fear no fire | Psionic Meditation
13 | Pyrokineticist | greater weapon afire |
14 | Pyrokineticist | heat death |
15 | LA (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20040213a) | Dex +2, Cha +2, Con -2, fey type, low-light vision, saving throw bonuses, SLAs |
16 | Hexblade | mettle | Ability Focus (heat death) {MM}
17 | Binder | | Improved Binding
18 | Hexblade | dark companion {PHB2} |
19 | LA (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20040213a) | Wis +2, Cha +2, immunity to enchantment, wings, more SLAs |
20 | Binder | pact augmentation 2 | Shape Soulmeld (lucky dice) {MoI}
[/table]

Skills: Concentration, Intimidate. With a few points dipped in Know(psionics) and Craft(alchemy) for prereqs, Craft(spicy food) for flavor (pun not intended), and Use Psionic Device (because hey, why not?).

Vestiges

At low levels (starting from Level 1), Amon and Aym are both excellent vestige choices. Both play very well with the “fire” theme of the character; Amon gives a breath weapon, while Aym gives resistance and a fire shield halo. Also, at low levels, Amon’s charging ram’s horn attack and Aym’s Halo touch attack are both very powerful abilities.

Naberius is also available from low levels and has several attractive abilities -- most particularly the ability to use Diplomacy and Bluff in combat, which synergizes well with MeLaash’s extremely high Charisma.

At mid-levels, while MiLaash is taking Pyrokineticist levels, there aren’t any amazing vestiges to use (since all their decent offensive abilities scale with effective Binder level, which is punished by multiclassing). Aym is still decent; Malphas has poor combat abilities but his out-of-combat utility (scouting abilities) are pretty cool; and Savnok is probably the best choice overall, with some good defensive abilities.

From Level 17 on, Focalor becomes the standard vestige to bind, mostly for the Aura of Sadness ability. (Incidentally, the diary entry in the “Fluff” section of the build takes place at Level 17, when MiLaash’s ability to bind Focalor is new, and some of her more visible and unusual abilities (Dark Companion and Lucky Dice) haven’t come into play yet.) Paimon is also a viable choice to bind -- Whirlwind Attack with Fire Lash is a fun combo, if not exactly strong at high levels, and a Dexterity boost never hurts.

At Level 20, Andras incidentally becomes available, and gives some decent melee abilities. He’s probably still a worse vestige choice than Focalor most of the time, but if (for example) you expect to be fighting monsters that are immune to Mind-Affecting, he’s a good alternative.


Spells and SLAs

At Level 18, MiLaash learns two Hexblade spells (4/day). Level 1 spells obviously aren’t going to add to her combat power at this point, so they might as well just be useful utilities, like Presitdigitation or Unseen Servant or Detect Magic. The nicest thing about them, really, might be the fact that they allow MiLaash to use whatever ranks she’s picked up in Craft (alchemy), even if your DM enforces the anal restrictions on that skill 100%. :smalltongue:

Spell-Like Abilities from Half-Fey, however, are not nearly so useless. With Charisma-based save DCs, Confusion, Dominate Person, Mass Charm, and Insanity all become fairly viable attacks. And nobody minds having Glitterdust, Faerie Fire, or Protection from Law around, even at high levels.


Tricky Things and Items

By the closest reading of RAW I’ve been able to do, there’s nothing that says that the temporary Power Points granted by Azure Talent go away if the feat no longer has essentia invested in it (i.e. if the essentia “invested” in it was temporary essentia from using Psycarnum Infusion). Therefore, with the investment of a few feats, I’ve essentially given MiLaash a medium pool of Power Points on a per-encounter basis, to power her mobility (Dimension Hop and Firewalk).

Even if you think that’s a dirty trick and you wouldn’t allow it, I hope it doesn’t hurt MiLaash’s Elegance scores too much, since it’s not really crucial to the build overall. I did think it was fun to build a character with a psionic PrC (which depends in a minor way on PP) without taking a single level of any classes that [b]grant PP.

I picked up Lucky Dice at Level 20 to make Psycarnum Infusion get more mileage, and to continue the “theme” of MiLaash being an Incarnum-using character.

I didn’t manage to fit Two-Weapon Fighting into the build. However, it can still be acquired by buying Gloves of the Balanced Hand (MIC). That way, MiLaash can attack with her Fire Lash and punch somebody with Hand Afire (and possibly also use a vestige-granted natural attack) all in the same round.

At later levels, when MiLaash will sometimes be wanting to spend her move action on recovering Psionic Focus, various items from Tome of Battle can still allow her to make more than one attack with her fiery weapons. Novice Tiger Claw Bracers (wolf fang strike) seem particularly appropriate. At very high levels, with lots of wealth, I also encourage buying a Psicrown of the Evader, for manifesting Hustle.

For the record, MiLaash's final ability scores assume the following items:

Tome of Leadership and Influence +5
Str +6
Dex +4
Con +6
Cha +6



General Power Discussion

First, I just want to say that Hidden Talent (dimension hop) is a fantastically useful feat at very low levels, before you can afford Anklets of Translocation.

At low levels, MiLaash should be quite powerful just from her Binder abilities before they’re diluted too much from multiclassing.

The first three Hexblade levels don’t help much offensively (although with MiLaash’s Charisma, the Curse just might stick!), but they’re nice for the d10 Hit Die, Charisma to all saves vs. spells, and Mettle. Speaking of Charisma synergy, remember that it also governs her Binder pact making checks and Save DCs.

Levels 6-13 have no real “trick” about them ... just hit things as much as possible with some combination of a fiery touch-attack whip, a fiery fist (possibly as a touch attack, once you have Nimbus), a vestige-granted natural attack, and any other weapon of your choice (again, on fire, at high enough levels). And Power Attack. I think the combination of all of these, plus excellent mobility and the occasional miscellaneous Vestige power, should keep MiLaash pretty viable through the middle levels.

The real focus of the build, though, is using Heat Death as effectively as possible. A save-or-die ability on a nonspellcaster character, with no limit of uses per day, and a 30-foot range? Not burdened with the [Death], [Fire], [Fear], or [Mind-Affecting] tags? Yes please! :biggrin:

Heat Death should have a DC of 22 when you first get it. That’s a little bit wimpy for Level 14 ... so the rest of the build focuses on increasing it. By Level 20, the Heat Death DC should be 30, which is quite respectable. And that’s before you factor in an extra +2 bonus while using Nimbus, or the way your opponents should have their saves reduced by -4 from Dark Companion and Aura of Sadness. (And occasionally an additional -2 from the Hexblade Curse.)

Against tough opponents like bosses, MiLaash at higher levels should be spamming Heat Death every other round (or every round with Psicrown of the Evader). On the off-rounds, she can regain her psionic focus and either throw out a vestige-based attack ability, or make a Fire Lash Power Attack.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:52 PM
When life gives you lemons, something something something fire.
Taliesin Pyrain

Level Breakdown with references and tricks
Chaotic Evil Lesser Aasimar (Players Guide to Faerun) from Thay. Hexblade 5 (CWar)/Pyrokineticist 10(XPH)/Blackguard 3(DMG)/Hexblade 2

1) Dreadful Wrath (Player's Guide to Faerun)
3) Wild Talent (XPH)
5) Bonus: Combat Casting
6) Imperious Command (Drow of the Underdark)
9) Power Attack
12) Cleave
15) Improved Sunder
18) Ability Focus (Heat Death) (MM)

Swearing to Elder Evil (Elder Evils) (Pandorym): Vile Feats:

1) Willing Deformity (Heroes of Horror)
5) Abominable Form (Elder Evils)
10) Deformity (Madness) (EE)
15) Reflexive Psychosis (EE)
20) Deformity (Face) (EE)

14 (6)
14 (6)
14 (6)
12 (4)
10
18 (10)

1) Hexblade 1: 4 ranks Concentration, 4 ranks Bluff, 4 ranks Intimidate. Hexblade's Curse 1/day, Dreadful Wrath, Willing Deformity
First level is fairly normal. You have 12 hp, decent accuracy and damage, and your AC is decent. You're no pure fighter, but you make up for it with Dreadful Wrath, which means opening battles with a Charge is amazingly good. Every enemy within 20 ft of the charge has to make a DC 14 will save or be shaken for a minute. Only works once per enemy, of course, but it's still a great debuff. Hexblade's curse synergizes nicely with it, with a similar DC, and debuffs pretty much everything. You also have amazing Bluff and Intimidate, thanks to high Charisma, and Willing Deformity. You also have a few resistances, daylight 1/day, and darkvision, which are all nice side benefits.

2) Hexblade 2: 1 rank Concentration, 1 CC rank knowledge (psionics), 1 rank Intimidate. Arcane Resistance.
Synergy bonus to intimidate will come in handy later. You keep doing what you did last level, only now you have +1 to all DC's from your level, and a pretty +charisma to saves against spells/spell-like abilities. Considering spells are the biggest threat that you make saves against, most of the time, this is welcome and awesome.

3) Hexblade 3: 1 rank Concentration, 1 CC rank knowlege (psionics), 1 rank Intimidate. Mettle, Wild Talent
Your Wild Talent lets you become Psionically Focused. At the moment, there isn't much practical application for it, but you need it to qualify for Pyrokineticist. More usefully, you have Mettle, which provides effective Evasion for Fortitude and Will saves. Very useful ability.

4) Hexblade 4: 1 rank Concentration, 1 rank Intimidate, 1 rank Craft(Alchemy), +1 Cha. Dark Companion
Ah! Here we go. Dark Companion is amazing. It debuffs an enemy with -2 to AC and saves, and can move to switch targets as a free action. Synergizes amazingly with your again boosted DC's on Curse and Dreadful Wrath. Dark Companion, followed by a charge activating Dreadful Wrath, forces a DC 16 will save with a -2 penalty against shaken. Following that with Curse forces a DC 16 will save with -4 penalty, for a total penalty to saves of -6. We also get a couple of Hexblade spells, 1/day due to Charisma. Protection from Good and Charm person aren't bad options, since with our decent melee and debuff presence, and poor spell selection, utility spells that expand our abilities are useful. Consider Undetectable Alignment in a mostly good game :D.

5) Hexblade 5: 1 rank Concentration, 2 CC ranks Know(psionics). Hexblade's Curse 2/day, Combat Casting, Abominable Form
Decent level. We finally qualify for Pyrokineticist, and get another use of Hexblade's Curse, which is quite nice for increasing debuff potential. Abominable Form forces more will saves against fear, and interacts nicely with Dreadful Wrath, albeit only on enemies with lower HD (Yaaay, frightens if they fail both saves!). It also gives a larger bonus to Intimidate, which will be amazing next level.

6) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 1: 1 rank Intimidate, Never Outnumbered Skill Trick. Imperious Command (Drow of the Underdark), Flame Lash
Ah, Imperious Command abuse. Build gets pretty amazing here.
Fear effects stack in duration and potency. That is, a short duration fear effect that sets the target to frightened, followed by a long effect that would give shaken, stacks to Panicked for the entirety of the long duration. Imperious Command makes enemies Cower for a round when intimidated in combat, and then frightened for a round. Never Outnumbered lets you intimidate all enemies in 10 ft at once. Stack with Dreadful Wrath imposing a minute of Shaken?
Well. All enemies affected by both are Cowering for the next minute, and are pretty much dead. The problem with this trick is that it's so amazing, you're going to be fighting Undead and other fear-immune creatures, because it's so devastating. Of course, enemies who make their saves, or who you can't intimidate, ignore the effect, but with your solid charisma, that's not exactly easy. Flame Lash provides a short ranged option with serious accuracy, thanks to being a touch attack. Consider using it as an offhand weapon, to provide full-attack capability at a distance next level.

7) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 2: 2 ranks Intimidate, 1 rank Bluff (5 ranks, synergy). Fire Adaption, Hand Afire
Yaay, BAB. With +6 BAB, you can now make iteratives with Fire Lash, which are quite likely to hit. Hand Afire isn't incredibly useful, but if you're using the lash two handed, it makes a good backup weapon to threaten. Alternatively, consider a reach weapon with Hand Afire threatening close range. Synergy bonus to Intimidate from Bluff is nice, and means Imperious Command is even more likely to work. Fire Adaption is a good bit of resistance, and applies to a good range of monsters. Sure, everything resists fire, but almost everything does fire damage, as well.

8) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 3: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Hide +1 cha. Bolt of Fire
Cha boost is a nice bump to almost all your DC's, and gets another first level spell per day if you didn't already get a Cloak of Charisma (you should have). Bolt of Fire provides your mid to long(ish)-ranged option, though it's often outclassed by just attacking. 3d6 damage isn't bad, though, and it quickly scales into the effective range, especially with your strong BAB.

9) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 4: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Hide. Weapon Afire, Power Attack
Weapon Afire and Power Attack mean nice boost to direct attacks. Wielding Flame Lash two-handed isn't a bad option, not when you can power attack for 8 BAB and get +16 fire damage. With your Dark Companion and Curse imposing AC penalties, this can actually remain fairly accurate. Weapon Afire is basically +2d6 fire damage on all attacks, which is pretty awesome.

10) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 5: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Hide. Nimbus, Deformity (Madness).

Ah, Vile feats. Is there nothing you don't make amazing? Madness means you're immune to mind-affecting effects, at the cost of a permanent -4 wisdom. That's ok, you don't really need wisdom right now. If you want Blackguard spells later, buy some Wands or something. They aren't amazing to begin with. It also boosts the DC of Abominable Form to 21, though how often that applies, I am unsure.
Nimbus is an amazing boost for one fight/day. Charisma increase means the DC's on Dreadful Wrath, Hexblade's Curse, and your Intimidate attemps increases nicely, gives extra spells/day from Hexblade, and will later boost your Heat Death and Conflagration abilities.

11) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 6: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Hide. Firewalk.
All right, Firewalk isn't that good. You can't use it more than 1 round a day without losing the ability to Psionically Focus, but it can come in handy on the rare occasion you need perfect aerial mobility, or just want to look really classy for a round.

12) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 7: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Hide, +1 cha. Fear No Fire, Cleave.
Cleave may come up once or twice, but it's mostly a Blackguard prerequisite. Fear No Fire is nice, but not amazing, and means you're almost certainly immune to any fire effect offering a save (between Arcane Resistance and +8, mettle, and fire resistance, you can shrug off fireballs, and block any applicable fort or will saves).

13) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 8: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Hide (6 total). Greater Weapon Afire.
Greater Weapon Afire offers another great boost to your basic melee capabilities, and is combined with a shiny +11 BAB, for another iterative. Huzzah for Flame Lash dealing 1d8+str+4d6 on three attacks!

14) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 9: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Knowledge(Religion). Heat Death.
Heat Death is siiiick. You have amazing Charisma. You have save debuffs. You have a save-or-die that bypasses Fire Immunity, and lets you kill people with your mind (even if 1/encounter, given that recharging Psionic Focus is a full-round action). Stacking your save debuffs yields -6 to saves (Curse, Shaken, Dark Companion), which makes the save against Heat Death effectively 20+charisma modifier (likely around 8 now, buffable with Nimbus), which has an amazing chance at downing low-fort enemies (for example, Astral Devas, who have all good saves, have a mere +14 to fort saves. 65% chance of failure). However, such enemies are likely to make the will save, so we'll keep stacking penalties.

15) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 10: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 CC ranks Knowledge(Religion) (2 total). Conflagration, Improved Sunder, Reflexive Psychosis.
Again with the Vile feats. Reflexive Psychosis is hilarious, as it gives DR 5/- as a swift action, in return for being confused for a round... but wait, we're immune to confusion due to Deformity (Madness), the prerequisite for Reflexive Psychosis. So, free DR 5/-, as long as we have a swift action? SCORE.
Conflagration is decent, even if only 1/day. Reflex save against a lot of fire damage, which if failed, results in a fort save vs death. Not bad, and a neat capstone. We now have the prerequisites for Blackguard, barely (6 ranks hide, 2 ranks Knowledge (religion), Cleave, Improved Sunder, Power Attack)

16) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 10/Blackguard 1: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 ranks Concentration, +1 charisma. Aura of Evil, Detect Good, Poison Use.
Blackguard opens with not much. Aura of Evil doesn't really help, Detect Good is minimally useful, and Poison use is, again, of limited potential application. Poisons aren't bad, given your save debuffs, but aren't exactly amazing at this level. You get a Charisma bonus to an even number, +1 to DC's. Yaaay.

17) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 10/Blackguard 2: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 ranks Concentration. Dark Blessing, Smite Good 1/day.
Smite Good scales better than Smite Evil, since it's based on Character level, but Dark Blessing is a gem here. Charisma to saves? Stacks with Arcane Resistance? Don't expect to fail saves against spells ever again.

18) Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 10/Blackguard 3: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 ranks Concentration. Commad Undead, Aura of Despair, Ability Focus(Heat Death)
So, command and rebuke as a 1'st (16'th?) level cleric? Mediocre, still, since it's too late to get feats making use of it. The star here is Aura of Despair, which debuffs enemy saves in 10 ft by -2, stacking with Dark Companion, Curse, and Shaken, for -8 to saves. Oh, and Ability Focus boosts Heat Death to DC 16+cha. So your opponents get DC 25 fort save with a -8 to saves? Yeah, that's not very likely.

19) Hexblade 6/Pyrokineticist 10/Blackguard 3: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 ranks Concentration. Forced Omens (See Dead Levels article, http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20070227x)
All right, fine. You get a first level spell per day, Prestidigitation 1/day, another spell known, and +1 to the DC of hexblade's curse. It's not that good, all right?

20) Hexblade 7/Pyrokineticist 10/Blackguard 3: 1 rank Intimidate, 2 ranks Concentration, +1 charisma. Greater Hexblade's Curse, Defomity (Face).
Greater Hexblade's curse is quite nice, doubling the penalty from Curse to -4. Still admittedly 2/day, and with a DC of just 13+charisma (+1 if you have Hexbands, +2 with Veil of Allure), but nonetheless useful, stacked with all your other debuffs. Facial scars provide another +2 intimidate.

Items
Cloak of Charisma +x, Belt of Giant Strength +x, Amulet of Health +x, Gloves of Dexterity +x

Standard stat boosters improve your melee and save DC's. Magic Item Compendium lets you add properties to other items at no additional cost, so slap them on other items if possible.

Hexbands (MIC) add 1 to the DC of hexblades curse, and minor action activation (5/day!) adds charisma to damage against Hexed target on all attacks for one round. At 3100 gp, a bargain.

Gauntlets of Energy Transformation (MIC), for a mere 1000 gp, let you change the element of Weapon Afire and Flame Lash to Acid, Cold, or Electricity as a swift action 3/day, letting you bypass resistances and immunties. Excellent item to get.

Sudden Stunning (DMGII) weapons of any sort. Add 2000 gp onto the price of your magic weapon of choice. cha/day, swift action activation on hitting, your opponent makes a reflex save (DC 10+1/2 level+cha) or is stunned for 1d4+1 rounds. Absolutely ridiculous, and amazingly powerful. Especially with your save debuffing capability.

Fearsome (Drow of the Underdark) armor is godly as well. +5 enhancment bonus to intimidate (normal items give competence bonuses), and you can intimidate in combat as a MOVE action. At 5000 gp tacked onto the price, also cheap, and very effective.

Fearsome (MIC) isn't bad, but isn't amazing. 3/day, swift action, all enemies in 20 ft burst make DC 16 will save vs panic. If they succeed, they are shaken for a round. Enemies who failed saves against Fearsome Wrath are thus auto-frightened for a minute, but at 15000 gp, not exactly cheap.

Hat of Disguise, at 1800 gp, is a good deal for something that keeps people from noticing that you're a mutilated monstrosity.

Veil of Allure (MIC) is also pricey, at 14000, but +2 to charisma based DC's is AMAZING. Curse, Fear effects, and Heat Death all benefit significantly.

You can use a few good Wands and Eternal Wands (MIC). Faith Healing is nice for backup healing when you get Blackguard, Undetectable Alignment might not be a bad investment, and other nice spells on your list, like Whirling Blade, are great offensive options. Hound of Doom (Complete Warrior) is pretty pimp as an Eternal Wand, letting you summon a Dire Wolf with your health, BAB, and a nice deflection bonus to AC. At 10800 gp, it's not cheap, but it's a very nice backup beatstick option for enemies immune to fear and/or fire.


Background/Stats at 6, 10, and 18

Fire. It was their weapon against him. Ice and acid, he could endure, but the crackling flames... the brands. Those scarred. They left their mark on a child, twisted him against the world.

The child of an unknown father, Taliesin Pyrain was sold into slavery as a young adult by his mother. Growing up in Thay, Taliesin's unusual heiritage was mostly concealed, but was ultimately irrelevant. When he was infected with the plague, his mother was left with a simple choice: Her son could die of plague, or he could be cured, and live a slave. She had no more means, and thus options than that.

As a young adult, Taliesin didn't take to slavery well. He was branded with the name of his new owner, and punished brutally for transgressions. Fire, manacles, whips, and menial labor were his lot in life, until he finally learned his place.

After he was trained (and thoroughly scarred), Taliesin was sold to a Red Wizard as a menial assistant. From there, they travelled to an ancient Imaskaran ruin, the mage searching for some sort of weapon.

During that time, greatly daring, Taliesin served as a scribe to the Wizard's ramblings, as well as a manual servant. Greatly daring, he remembered and duplicated the Wizard's notes. Together, they spoke of an ancient power, a weapon brought to Faerun to destroy the gods. A power only referred to as "Pandorym".

Filled with anger against the gods who let such tragedy as his own life occur, and against the people who allowed such horror, Taliesin swore an oath to help unleash that weapon, to destroy civilization and possibly the world. There are worse things than death.

As he did so, his latent psionic capabilities awoke. He focused his fear and anger, and formed a flaming whip, a symbol of his oppression. With it, confidence reawoke. He WOULD be free. Dissolving the blaze, he stepped out of the tent towards his "master". With a fierce cry, he leapt at his captor, cursing him, and anticipating death to shortly follow. To his surprise, the wizard was almost... fearful, and his return casting of Blindness was utterly ineffective. Taliesein immediately seared the wizard with a blow to his side, igniting his robes and causing him to fall, rolling to put out the flames. Slowly, and in great detail, Taliesein began to detail what had been done to him as a new slave. The wizard, wracked with too much pain to focus, began to pale as he realized what was about to happen to him.

After dismembering and thoroughly burning his "master"'s body, Taliesein set fire to the encampment, to see it burn, and left.



Taliesein Pyrain, Level 6
Chaotic Evil Male Aasimar Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 1
Humanoid(Planetouched, Psionic)
HP 5d10+1d8+12 (49)
Init +2
Speed 30 ft
AC 16, Touch 12, FF 14
BAB +5/Grapple +7
Attack or Full Attack: +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword, +8 melee, 1d8+3, or Flame Lash, +7 ranged touch, 1d8+2 (range 15 ft).
Stats: Strength 14, Dexterity 14, Constitution 14, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 10, Charisma 21
Special Attacks: Daylight 1/day, Hexblade's Curse 2/day, Flame Lash
Special Qualities: Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Resist 5 Cold, Electricity, and Acid, Darkvision 60 ft, Dark Companion,
Feats: Dreadful Wrath, Willing Deformity, Wild Talent, Combat Casting, Abominable Form, Imperious Command
Saves: Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +4 (+5 to all saves vs spells/spell-like abilities)
Skills: Intimidate +18, Bluff +9, Concentration +10 (+14 casting defensively), Spot +2, Listen +2, Knowledge (Psionics) +3, Craft (Alchemy) +2
Items: Cloak of Charisma +2, Masterwork chain shirt, +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword (DC 18, 5/day), Hexbands, Hat of Disguise

Spells: 2 (DC 16)

1) Protection From Good, Charm Person

PP: 2/day

Hexblade's Curse: Twice per day, as a free action, Taliesein may curse an enemy within 60 ft. The target takes a -2 penalty on attacks, saves, skill checks, ability checks, and damage rolls for 1 hour. A sucessful will save (DC 18) negates the effect.

Dreadful Wrath: When you charge, make a full attack, or cast a spell that either targets an enemy or includes an enemy in its area, you gain the frightful presence ability for that round. Each enemy within a 20-foot radius of you must succeed on a Will save (DC 18) or be shaken for 1 minute. Regardless of its success or failure on the saving throw, any creature exposed to this effect is immune to your frightful presence for the next 24 hours. This is an extraordinary morale effect.

Abominable Form: Living creatures with fewer Hit Dice than you that can see your undisguised form are afflicted by disgust. Each such creature must succeed on a Will save (DC 19) or become shaken for 2 rounds.

Imperious Command: Enemies you demoralize in combat cower for a round, then are shaken for a round.

Level 6 is a serious breakpoint for this build, since its stacking fear effects really come into play.

Fear effects stack in duration and potency. That is, a short duration fear effect that sets the target to frightened, followed by a long effect that would give shaken, stacks to Panicked for the entirety of the long duration. Imperious Command makes enemies Cower for a round when intimidated in combat, and then frightened for a round. Never Outnumbered lets you intimidate all enemies in 10 ft at once. Stack with Dreadful Wrath imposing a minute of Shaken?

Well. All enemies affected by both are Cowering for the next minute, and are pretty much dead. The problem with this trick is that it's so amazing, you're going to be fighting Undead and other fear-immune creatures, because it's so devastating. Of course, enemies who make their saves, or who you can't intimidate, ignore the effect, but with your solid charisma, that's not exactly easy. Flame Lash provides a short ranged option with serious accuracy, thanks to being a touch attack.

Imagine, if you will, an ordinary human surrounded by bandits who suddenly transforms into a terrifyingly scarred angel, summons a whip of fire to his hand, and commands them to bow down. And they do so. He then proceeds to burn them to death with the whip.

Socially, you lack many tricks other than absurdly high intimidate, charm person, and a bit of bluff. Other out of combat capabilities are similarly limited in scope.



Taliesin proceeded to deliver justice to the Red Wizards and slavers. Searching through towns, he burned down many Thayan trading outposts, and the charred remains of the wizards were only occasionally found. Occasionally, there were stories by slaves of a flaming angel that annihilated their captors, but it was never collaborated by any living slavers.

Taliesin fights for what he believes is right. He especially hates slavers and anyone associated with the trade, and won't abide torture of innocents. However, against those he judges guilty, or who oppose, he shows no remorse, maybe even delight, in inflicting unspeakable horrors on them. A quick death is the best you can hope for at his hands.

Over time, however, the horrors he had endured, and those he had inflicted, began to take their toll. Slowly, Taliesin began to slip into insanity.



Taliesein Pyrain, Level 10:
Chaotic Evil Male Aasimar Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 5
Humanoid(Planetouched, Psionic)
HP 5d10+5d8+30 (85)
Init +3
Speed 30 ft
AC 19, Touch 13, FF 16
BAB +8/Grapple +11
Attack: +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword, +12 melee, 1d8+4 and 2d6 fire damage, or Flame Lash, +9 ranged touch, 1d8+3+2d6 fire (range 15 ft) or Bolt of Fire, +9 ranged touch, 60 ft, 5d6
Full Attack: +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword, +12/7 melee, 1d8+4 and 2d6 fire damage, or Flame Lash, +7/2 ranged touch, 1d8+3+2d6 fire (range 15 ft).
Stats: Strength 16, Dexterity 16, Constitution 16, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 6, Charisma 22
Saves: Fort +10 Ref +10 Will +5 (+6 on saves vs spells/spell-like abilities. Immune to Mind Affecting effects)
Special Attacks: Daylight 1/day, Hexblade's Curse 2/day, Flame Lash, Nimbus, Hand Afire, Weapon Afire, Bolt of Fire
Special Qualities: Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Resist 5 Cold, Electricity, and Acid, Darkvision 60 ft, Dark Companion, Fire Adaption.
Feats: Dreadful Wrath, Willing Deformity, Wild Talent, Combat Casting, Abominable Form, Imperious Command, Power Attack, Willing Deformity (Madness)
Skills: Intimidate +31, Bluff +11, Concentration +10 (+14 casting defensively), Spot +0, Listen +0, Hide +5, Knowledge (Psionics) +3, Craft(Alchemy)+2
Items: Cloak of Charisma +2 and resistance +2, Gloves of Dexterity +2 and Energy Transformation, Amulet of Health +2, Belt of Giant's Strength +2, +2 Fearsome chain shirt, +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword (DC 21, 6/day), Hexbands, Hat of Disguise, Eternal Wand of Hound of Doom

Spells: 2 (DC 17)

1) Protection From Good, Charm Person

PP: 2/day

Hexblade's Curse: As previous. DC 19
Dreadful Wrath: As before, DC 21
Abominable Form: As before, DC 21

Hound of Doom makes an alarmingly awesome backup. With 20 AC, your hit points, and a bite at +15 to hit, this minutes/level unique 3rd level spell on your list, castable from a wand, is one of your best bets for dealing with enemies immune to fear and/or fire.
Power Attack is beautiful with Fire Lash, and your solid BAB. Also, your lash can be configured to other elements using the effect of Gauntlets of Energy Transformating, which let you deal Cold, Acid, and Electricity damage.


As he fell deeper into insanity, Taliesin's thinking became focused on the peace of oblivion. Rather than free slaves, he instead killed them. The afterlife awaiting them was better than the life as a human without means. Farmers barely ekeing a living off the land? Their lives were full of meaningless toil. Better that it end. Rumors of villages disappearing in flames, charred ruins of towns, and other catastrophic conflagrations swept the land like wildfire. People began to live in fear, not understanding the peace of the life after.

Taliesin remembered his oath, to free the Godslayer. He has begun searching out sages, and even demons, to learn more about how he can bring about a final end to things.


Taliesein Pyrain, Level 18:
Chaotic Evil Male Aasimar Hexblade 5/Pyrokineticist 10/Blackguard 3
Humanoid(Planetouched, Psionic)
HP 8d10+10d8+90 (184)
Init +5
Speed 30 ft, 60 ft Fly (good)
AC 21, Touch 15, FF 16
BAB +15/Grapple +20
Attack: +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword, +21 melee, 1d8+6 and 2d6 fire damage, or Flame Lash, +20 ranged touch, 1d8+5+4d6 fire (range 15 ft) or Bolt of Fire, +20 ranged touch, 60 ft, 10d6 fire
Full Attack: +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword, +21/16/11 melee, 1d8+6 and 4d6 fire damage, or Flame Lash, +20/15/10 ranged touch, 1d8+5+4d6 fire (range 15 ft).
Stats: Strength 20, Dexterity 20, Constitution 20, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 6, Charisma 30
Saves: Fort +31 Ref +29 Will +21 (+10 on saves vs spells/spell-like abilities. Immune to Mind Affecting effects)
Special Attacks: Daylight 1/day, Hexblade's Curse 2/day, Flame Lash, Nimbus, Greater Weapon Afire, Bolt of Fire, Firewalk, Heat Death, Conflagration, Aura of Despair, Smite Good 1/day, Detect Good
Special Qualities: Arcane Resistance, Mettle, Resist 5 Cold, Electricity, and Acid, Darkvision 60 ft, Dark Companion, Fear No Fire, Dark Blessing, Aura of Despair, Poison Use
Feats: Dreadful Wrath, Willing Deformity, Wild Talent, Combat Casting, Abominable Form, Imperious Command, Power Attack, Willing Deformity (Madness), Reflexive Psychosis, Cleave, Improved Sunder, Ability Focus (Heat Death)
Skills: Intimidate +43, Bluff +11, Concentration +19 (+23 casting defensively), Spot +0, Listen +0, Hide +11, Knowledge (Psionics) +3, Craft(Alchemy)+2

Items: Wings of Flying of Charisma +6 and resistance +5, Gloves of Dexterity +6 and Energy Transformation, Amulet of Health +6, Belt of Giant's Strength +6, +2 Fearsome Mithral chain shirt, +1 Sudden Stunning Longsword (DC 31, 10/day), Hexbands, Hat of Disguise, Eternal Wand of Hound of Doom, Veil of Allure, Tome of Leadership and Influence +1, Ring of Freedom of Movement, Ring of Evasion,

Spells: 3/day (DC 21)

1) Protection From Good, Charm Person

PP: 2/day

Hexblade's Curse: As previous. DC 26
Dreadful Wrath: As before, DC 31
Abominable Form: As before, DC 23
Heat Death: DC 28
Conflagration: DC 27

Combining stacking save penalties with Heat Death results in instakill capacity on many enemies. That DC 28 Heat Death can be combined with a -6 save penalty (shaken, Dark Companion, Aura of Despair), without even cursing, making a very difficult save for even a Balor. Stacking Dark Blessing and Arcane Resistance is utterly brutal, and Ring of Evasion + Mettle rounds out the immunity to most spells. Reflexive Psychosis is effectively DR 5/- any round you have a swift action, and improves survivability a fair bit. Intimidate, of course, is so high that you might be able to scare the Tarrasque.

With about 400000 gold left over, boosting AC and utility capacity shouldn't be difficult, especially since you can use wands of Blackguard and Hexblade spells.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:53 PM
Did you see that?
Mirage. Killoren Pyrokineticist

Synopsis
I struggled with a few different concepts before settling on my final choice. After running through a few options, I finally settled on Druid to start off my Pyrokineticist build. I utilised the Sandstorm and Complete mage ACF's to create a Wasteland Druid with a Fire Elemental companion. Much more suitable than my initial Pyro/Blighter concept. Later I use the Arcane Swordsage adaptation in order to aquire a few fire themed arane spells and Desert Wind Maneuvers. For the purpose of optimization, the Caster Levels of these few spells is the characters Initiator Level; the spells are restricted to personal and touch spells from the arcane Abjuration, Evocation and Transmutation schools. These swordsage spells will also aid in later prestige class qualification. I rounded off the remaining free levels with Sorcerer and Arcane Heirophant. The end result is a fey avatar of the desert that stalks the wastes and blasts her foes with fire. One who takes the form of a Brass Dragon during the day, or Shadow Dragon at night.

The build is presented as a Gish, though it lacks the traditional versatility of a warrior-mage. Obviously, this character focuses on fire and has a number of options available to complement the abilities of Pyrokineticist. Relevant notes are presented with each level snapshot in order to better explain the characters abilities. Unfortunately, due to study, I was unable to finish this build. The basics of each snapshot have been presented, but actual stat blocks have not.

I would rate this character a solid Tier 4. It has great potential as a skirmisher, but lacks the endurance required for grinding. It has a few strengths outside of combat, but they are rather specialised. If you enjoy the hit and run or kiting playstyle, then you might enjoy this build. Resources used incluse the SRD, Completes, Spell Compendium, Magic item Compendium, Sandstorm, Draconomicon and Races of the Wild. 32 point buy and average HP.

Level 1
Mirage, Killoren Druid 1
Feats: Wild Talent
Abilities and tactics.
Mirage has a small Fire Elemental named Sparky as a pet. Sparky loves it when Mirage casts the Raging Flame spell. It makes non magical fires (like Sparky) burn twice as hot. It also means that if Sparky sets something on fire, it burns twice as hot as well. Sparky loves to set things on fire. If enemies get too close to Mirage, she will cast the Sandblast spell. It deals subdual damage and can stun enemies. Sparky is immune to stunning.

Mirage usually takes the Killoren aspect of the Hunter or Destroyer. As she gains levels, she will take the Aspect of the Destroyer more often.


Level 5
Mirage, Killoren Druid 4/Swordsage 1
Feats: Speed of Thought
Abilities and tactics.
Sparky is all grown up. He is now a medium sized Fire Elemental. If he can set an object on fire, Mirage will cast the Animate Flame spell and give him a little friend to play with. His fire damage and Burn DC has increased, increasing the potency of the Raging Flame spell, especially when coupled with Mirage's other fire abilities. The benefit of Raging Flame to magical fire is minor, but one point per die can add up over the course of an encounter.

Mirage has a slightly expanded selection of Druid spells. Flame Blade and Scimitar of Sand are both treated as a scimitar, so they benefit from Mirage's Discipline Focus. Touch Attacks increase the probability of successful manuevers, both spells easily last the duration of a conflict. Produce Flame and Flaming Sphere are other commonly prepared attack spells. Halo of Sand provides only a small bonus to defence, but it has a long duration and can be shared with Sparky.

Mirage has a number of Martial Adept maneuvers available. A fair mix of boosts, strikes, counters and spells. The Heroics (swordsage) spell allows her to adapt her combat style according to her needs, from offence to defence. It can even grant temporary knowledge of a martial maneuver. It would not be a good idea to loop this ability in a game you enjoy. I suggest that the effect has its duration shortened to curb abuse. Balor Nimbus (swordsage) is great for grappling. Both of these spells can be shared with Sparky, via Mirages Druid ability. The Child of Shadow surrounds Mirage with a concealing, shimmering desert heat as she moves, a reflavoured version of the stance. Her other martial abilities enhance her attacks with flame or allow her to unleash a scorching counter attack on foes that strike her.

Level 10

Mirage, Killoren Druid 4/Swordsage 1/Pyrokineticist 4/Sorcerer 1
Feats: Desert Wind Dodge, Scorching Sirocco

Abilities and Tactics
Fire lash is typically wielded in the off-hand. This enables Mirage to relase it easily when she needs to cast a spell. If it is treated as a weapon, then she can utilise her martial manuevers with reach. Both of her hands are almost always benefiting from Hands Afire, so she always has an attack ready. Mirage may suppress this ability so as not to damage objects or clothing. Whenever she is weilding a weapon she will typically use Weapons Afire immediately, even on spell produced weapons if possible. The alchemical items she sometimes uses also benefit from this ability. Flaming alchemists fire!

Bolt of Fire replaces many of Mirage's blast spells. Because of her speed, it is typically used during a surprise round or before closing to melee. It can also be used for kiting some enemies. Due to her passive Fire Adaptation coupled with the Heat Endurance feat, Mirage can freely set a battlefield ablaze with few repercussions to herself. Only immune foes are safe from her flames. Critical Strike and Blades of Fire are swift action Sorcerer spells that can be shared with Sparky, or used to great effect by Mirage alone.

No new martial maneuvers, but new tactics have become available. Desert Wind Dodge encourages mobile attacks, adding a dodge bonus and fire damage to certain attacks. The Scorching Sirocco tactical feat also encourages mobility. Fan the Flames increases the chances of a target being set on fire after taking fire damage and Mark of Fire gives allies a bonus to strike targets hit repeatedly with fire damage.

Level 15
Mirage, Druid 4/Swordsage 1/Pyrokineticist 8/Sorcerer 1/Arcane Heirophant 1
Feats: Natural Spell, Draconic Wild Shape

Abilities and Tactics
Nimbus has fantastic utility. DR, Flaming touch attacks, retributive damage and a Charisma bonus. Great in melee combat, beneficial when casting spells, ultilising Smite attacks and it also effects the save DC's of later Pyrokineticist abilities. Firewalk is a situational flight ability. Combined with Longstrider the distance covered is reasonable. Great for setting up a melee charge on a flying opponent, or even walking to safety during a long fall. Unfortunately, Speed of thought requires Psionic Focus, so it wont apply. Also, Power Points are limited, but a power crystal may be able to extend the duration and leave a precious Power Point remaining to reactivate Mirage's Focus. Fear No Fire and Greater Weapon Afire enhance some of Mirage's lower level abilities, doubling their benefits.

Casting receives a bonus. Dehydrate and Heatstroke are thematic spells. Wild Shape is available, the Natural Spell and Dragon Wild Shape feats allow casting in those forms. Manifesting the majority of your abilities on an animal or dragon form should not be a problem. I can see an ape or dragon using a lash, but it is the DM's discretion whether those tactics are available. Great forms include the Leopard (for charge and grappling), Eagle (overland flight) or the squid (for when Mirage absolutely has to swim). Typically, reserves her use of Wild Shape to take the form of a Brass or Shadow dragon. She gains the extraordinary and supernatural abilities of the form, but is limited to small and medium creatures of the dragon type.

Level 20

Mirage, Druid 4/Swordsage2/Pyrokineticist 10/
Sorcerer 1/Arcane Heirophant 3
Feats: Instant Clarity

Abilities and Tactics
Heat death is an at will ability. The Psionic Focus required can be regained a few times via the Instant Clarity feat. This requires a successful attack with a martial manauver. In this way, Heat Death becomes a great opening move for an encounter and Mirage can alternate between Heat Death and Manuevers for the next few rounds.

Conflagration is a great area of effect power. Only once per day, but a great save or die ability coupled with decent damage. Mirage typically uses Wild Shape in order to position herself for the greatest effect.

Other abilities at this level include up to 2nd level sorcerer spells, up to 6th level manuevers/swordsage spells, up to 4th level Druid spells and no doubt many consumable magical and alchemical items.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:54 PM
Fire for the Fire God!
D. Merwin Elbert (http://www.funtrivia.com/trivia-quiz/Literature/The-Unforgettable-Trashcan-Man-279996.html), CN Human Warmage 4/Swordsage 2/Jade Phoenix Mage 4/Pyrokineticist 10.

"My life for you!"

On 32 points: STR 10 DEX 14 CON 12 INT 14 WIS 14 CHA 15
Always raise CHA with level increases.

Sources Used:
Player's Handbook (PH), Dungeon Master's Guide (DMG), Expanded Psionics Handbook (XPH), Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords (Bo9S), Complete Arcane (CAr)

The priest of Syrul rubbed a nervous hand over her newly shaved pate and carefully checked over her inventory one more time. No untreated cloth or paper, no wooden items, special metallic pen and ink reservoir, no oils or flammable unguents, several waterskins, and a spell of Resist Fire freshly prayed for in her mind. Nodding to herself that everything was in order, she looked through the window of the prisoner's stone door, and saw he was seated, curled up, bare as the day he was born, and fidgeting at his ear obsessively, on the stone platform he had to use as a bed. Such were the precautions when dealing with a follower of Pyremius. She unlocked his cell and walked inside, forcing a calm smile to her face.

"Good morning, Donny. I'm Fabulist Engstrom. I'll be working with you to get you well enough to go home again."

The prisoner's gaze darted frantically around the cell, searching for something neither Fabulist Engstrom nor he seemed likely to spot. He continued to fidget at his ear, rocking back and forth as he spoke, his a voice a raspy ruin from regular exposure to heat and smoke.

"Morning? Good, good morning. Name is Merwin, not Donny. Not, not Donny. Don't call me Donny. Name is Merwin. Merwin, yes. You're not Fabulist Lawry. Where's Fabulist Lawry? We were, I mean I was talking, talking with Fabulist Lawry before. Where's Fabulist Lawry? Morning, good morning. Bumpty bump."

Fabulist Engstrom watched the prisoner's restless eyes and took a deep breath to keep herself calm.

"Fabulist Lawry can't come see you anymore. Remember? You got a little agitated the last time the two of you talked? You had a little moment? All of her notes and some of her skin caught fire, Merwin, so she won't be coming back to talk to you again. We don't want to get you upset. We'll have to start from the beginning again, though, with her notes gone. Is that all right?"

Tell her it's all right, Merwin.

Merwin nodded like a marionette whose puppeteer had a sneezing fit.

"Says it's all right. It's all right. I mean, it's all right. All right. Bumpty bump."

"Who says, Merwin? Is it Flagg? Is he still talking to you, even in here, Merwin?"

You fool! Don't tell her you can still hear me! She'll try to separate us!

Merwin gave a tiny shriek and started to chew at a fingernail already bitten down to the quick.

"Nobody says. I say. I say. Just me. Not Flagg. Flagg's not here. Not here. Gone. I say. Bumpty bump."

"Okay, Merwin. I believe you," Fabulist Engstrom said hurriedly, as she noted his increased distress. "Let's just start at the beginning, okay? Why don't we just start with you talking about how you got your start as a firebug; will that be all right with you?"

Merwin gave another spastic nod in mute reply.

"As far back as I can remember. I can remember. I remember. Fire. Beautiful dancing fire. Warm fire. So pretty," he smiled, his eyes taking on a faraway cast as if watching a memory. His hands stilled, finally, and settled across his bare lap. "I was just a thug then. A thug then. Specialized thief's muscle. A thug. Said I was adaptable. Adaptable. Said I had a spark. Spark. Like fire. Even then I used fire. Called it. Called it to my falchion. Mine. Nobody else's. Mine. Made fire flash in their eyes. Dazzled them. Dazzled by fire. Surrounded by it. So pretty. Used cold, too, some. Just in case. In case. Not as pretty..."

At 1st level:
Swordsage 1. Feats: Adaptive Style (Bo9S 28), Wild Talent (XPH 52); Bonus Feats: Weapon Focus: Desert Wind Weapons (Bo9S). Skills: Concentration 4, Craft (alchemy) 4, Heal 1, Intimidate 4, Knowledge (arcana) 2, Knowledge (history) 2, Knowledge (psionics) 2, Knowledge (religion) 2, Spellcraft 2, Swim 1, Tumble 4. Armor: Leather. Weapons: Falchion, Spear, Light Mace. Maneuvers/Stances: Blistering Flourish (Bo9S 52), Burning Blade (Bo9S 52), Distracting Ember (Bo9S 52), Counter Charge (Bo9S 71), Shadow Blade Technique (Bo9S 78), Stone Bones (Bo9S 84)/Step of the Wind (Bo9S 74).

BAB +0. F: +1 R: +4 W: +4.

Despite average STR and no BAB, Merwin fills the role of a front-liner at 1st level. His weapon choices and foci, abilities to augment damage with fire and cold energy like a minor caster, and ability to create Sneak Attack options for his partners make him an ideal candidate for runs where stealth and quickness are more prized than heavy armor, a big group, or a traditional melee and arcane type.

"Then there was the War College. Very dangerous. War College. Dangerous. Bad. Bad idea. Shouldn't have tried to take money. Take money from War College. It was dangerous. Very bad. Didn't work. They left me!" Merwin screamed in anguish, but continued. "Drafted. I was drafted. They said I was drafted to the War College. Gonna learn to be a Warmage. Had to learn to concentrate very hard. Very hard. Learn and practice. Practice, practice, practice all the time. It was good, though. Taught me how to use a shield. I got a shiny steel shield with a painted flame on it. So nice. Taught me more about fire. Beautiful. Warm. Dancing and warm. So beautiful. I made it. And other things too. I... I made acid and stone and cold again. Don't like cold. Don't. Useful. Still don't like. Made sounds and little lightning too. The sparks were pretty. They danced a little like fire. Beautiful warm dancing fire. The sparks. Like the spark they said was in me. Bumpty bump."

Fabulist Engstrom scribbled as quickly as she could across the treated skins with her metal pen. "Is that when Flagg started talking to you, Merwin?"

You can answer, Merwin. It's ancient history now. It won't tear the two of us apart. We need each other, don't we, Merwin?

Merwin gulped audibly and nodded.

"Yes. Came to me at the War College. While I concentrated. Concentrated and practiced and focused. Focused very very hard and one day Flagg was there. I could hear him. Just me. Said I'm special. Said he was the voice of my spark. Said he was helpful. It's true! Helpful. Sometimes I would get flustered. Flustered. Concentrating so hard. Flagg would just, just step in for me. Speak for me. Through me. Calm me. Help me focus. Help me concentrate. Flagg is helpful. Told me I was special. Had a special purpose. Told me I should teach those thieves. They left me, you know. Left me! Ran away! I went back to them. I did. I went back and I pretended and Flagg helped and I learned more sneaking. I learned. Then I taught them. I. Me. Taught them. Thanks to Flagg. Went to their armory and I taught them. I burned it. Burned it to the ground. Watched, too. So pretty. Beautiful, dancing fire. Then we went back to the War College. Flagg and I. He was with me from then on. With me. My friend. Helpful Flagg. Bumpty bump."

At 5th level:
Swordsage 1/Warmage 2/Swordsage +1/Warmage +1.STR 10 DEX 14 CON 12 INT 14 WIS 14 CHA 16. Feat: Practiced Spellcaster (Warmage)(CAr 82). Skills: Concentration 8, Craft (alchemy) 5, Heal 1, Intimidate 5, Knowledge (arcana) 8, Knowledge (history) 4, Knowledge (psionics) 2.5, Knowledge (religion) 4, Spellcraft 6, Swim 1, Tumble 5. Armor: Leather +1, Small Steel Shield +1. Weapons: +1 Spear, MW Falchion, MW Light Mace. Maneuvers/Stances: Wind Stride (Bo9S 56)/Child of Shadow (Bo9S 76). Advanced Learning Spell: Tenser's Floating Disk.

BAB: +2. F: +2 R: +6 W: +8.

Merwin's Warmage training couple with his WIS to AC benefit in light armor to give a decent little + 3 boost to AC before magic, at a point where AC is still valuable, and Child of Shadow further improves his defenses. He fills out the prerequisites for Pyrokineticist even as his role in the party shifts from front-liner to hard-hitting melee skirmisher, never losing focus on his damaging maneuver/spell choices. If the party needs it, his Warmage spells couple reasonably with his own mobility to do some decent battlefield control, though that's less a primary role than a job he can fill in a pinch.

By now Fabulist Engstrom recognized Merwin's speech patterns enough to sense a break in his monologue. "What about the whip, Merwin? When did you start being able to call the whip?"

Merwin grinned manically. "After I went back to the War College. Flagg got it for me. For me. For a present. When I was good and when I had learned. When I didn't tell about the armory. Flagg said he made it. Made it for me. Just for me. For being good. Flagg helped with the whip. Helped control it. Flagg's my friend. Taught me how to make fires with the whip. It dances too. Dances like the fires. Learned to make fire explode so the people would dance. Spent more time playing with the whip. Learned to make the beautiful fire dance on my hand, too. Then, Flagg said not to forget the Warmages. Said they were still useful. Said they had another trick to teach. Wise Flagg. Learned that next trick. I did. Flagg said I did good. Said now I could be one of the thirteen. Said I could be Jade Phoenix like he once was. Phoenix is a bird, Fabulist Engstrom. A bird on fire. Me. A bird on fire. Made me even better with the whip. It did. Smarter too. Jade Pheonix made me smart. Smart and better. Very fast. Faster than before. Better with magic, better with fire. Better with lightning, too. Flagg said lightning was important. Important. It burns without fire."

At 10th level:
Swordsage 2/Warmage 3/Pyrokineticist 2/Warmage +1/JPM 2. STR 10 DEX 14 CON 12 INT 14 WIS 14 CHA 17. Feats: Explosive Spell (CAr 79), Energy Substitution: electricity (CAr 79). Skills: Concentration 13, Craft (alchemy) 5, Heal 1, Intimidate 5, Jump 4, Knowledge (arcana) 9, Knowledge (history) 5, Knowledge (psionics) 5, Knowledge (religion) 4, Spellcraft 8, Swim 1, Tumble 5. Armor: Leather +1, Cold Resistance. Small Steel Manifester Shield +1. Weapons: Spear +1, Light Mace +1, MW Falchion. Maneuvers: Flashing Sun (Bo9S 54).

BAB: +6/+1. F: +8 R: +9 W: +9

Merwin enters into Pyrokineticist at level 5, the earliest entry without rules abuse. The fact that fire lash is a touch attack makes non-proficiency almost a non-issue. As written, as a ranged touch attack, his DEX is even more helpful. Flashing Sun's extra attack couples well with the fire lash's reach and the Explosive Spell feat to strengthen Merwin's battlefield control, and Hand Afire comes in handy if someone tries to grapple him. The Pyrokineticist and JPM levels shore up Merwin's saving throws. The manifester property on the shield is an investmet for the future. With JPM's Arcane Wrath, the -4 non-proficiency penalty for the fire lash can be completely averted by losing a single spell slot, which will also get even better damage for the attack. As written, Merwin could drop a 0-level spell just for the +4 to hit bonus with his fire lash, which is at least situationally useful. Access to 2nd level spells drastically improves Merwin's damage output, while Energy Substitution allows him to use an uncommon type - electricity - as foes start to have some of the same resistances he's able to manifest. While he's switched primarily to spear + shield for his weaponry, Whirling Blade with a Falchion does nicely against flame retardant enemies. Merwin's varied knowledge skills and decent INT combo reasonably with the Rite of Waking for a limited sage role, while the fact that Warmage is a CHA caster creates some synergies with Pyrokineticist's abilities.

"Flagg said as one of the thirteen I didn't need the War College anymore. Said I was ready. Said I was strong. Needed to show it. Show him. Show how strong I was. Strong with the fire. The beautiful dancing fire and the whip that danced and burned in my hand. Flagg needed me to set fires. Me. Flagg needed me. To set fires. My life's work in beauty. In heat. In flame. I owed Flagg. Owed him so, so much. Burn the world for him. My life for him. Went to a small town to set fires. Saw a water tower. Got scared. Scared. Thought my fire, my wonderful fire and whip, would be stopped. Flagg knew better. Wise Flagg. Took over for me and danced the lightning into the tower so it exploded. KABOOM! Tower fell down and Flagg started. Started burning, through me. The whole town. Lovely fires dancing everywhere, so warm. Not warm enough to hurt me, though. Not with Flagg. Flagg tapped into the fire. Made it shoot from my hands. Fire, fired. Good joke, huh? Made the Falchion burn in my hands. Didn't hurt me, though. Not with Flagg. Set my whole body ablaze in the beauty of fire. It was wonderful.

"Then I learned more. Flagg must have taught me. Must have. Great, wise Flagg. Taught me to run. Run on the fire in the air. The air on fire. Can you imagine? Taught me to combine hitting with burning in new ways. Special ways. Taught me to focus better. Taught me to hit harder when I ran with fire, so I left the ground and danced on fiery air. Taught me to really jump. I learned. I learned well. Learned for Flagg. Wise Flagg. My life for him. Bumpty bump."

At 15th level:
Swordsage 2/Warmage 4/Pyrokineticist 2/JPM 2/Pyrokineticist + 3/JPM +2. STR 10 DEX 14 CON 16 INT 14 WIS 14 CHA 22 (26 in Nimbus). CON +4 and CHA +4 items used. Feats: Psionic Meditation (XPH 50), Sudden Still (CAr 83). Skills: Concentration 18, Craft (alchemy) 5, Heal 1, Intimidate 5, Jump 14, Knowledge (arcana) 9, Knowledge (history) 5, Knowledge (psionics) 5, Knowledge (religion) 4, Spellcraft 13, Swim 1, Tumble 5. Armor: +1 Cold Resistance. Small Steel Manifester Shield + 1, Electrical Resistance. Weapons: +1 Collision Acidic Spear, +1 Cold Iron Light Mace, MW Silver Falchion. Maneuvers: Searing Charge (Bo9S 56).

BAB: +10/+5 F: +13 R: +11 W: +11

The damage is really adding up here. Searing Charge with the spear for 1d8+ 5 + 1d6 Acid +7d6 Fire damage on the first attack, assuming no STR buff. Add in the Empowering Strike ability of JPM 4 to empower the spell cast before the end of next round; empowered Poison, as a good choice against a single target, or empowered Ice Storm, to damage more foes while doing some battlefield control. Bolt of Fire and Searing Charge mean that the various Orb spells previously held in reserve to deal with unexpected flyers can be expended to add damage to weapon strikes via Arcane Wrath. Sudden still is the choice on the off-chance that someone immune to the Nimbus ability gets inside Merwin's Fire Lash, while psionic meditation prepares for the Fire Walk ability that comes online at 16th. The Nimbus ability also makes those empowered spells harder to resist thanks to the CHA increase. The variety of different damage types Merwin can do at this point means he's inconvenienced, but not crippled, against fire immune opponents, and he can still do battlefield control to a degree. Defensively, his saving throws are universally decent, if not spectacular, and easily buffed with a Cloak of Resistance, while he can still generate concealment for himself through his Child of Shadow ability, or through creative use of his spells.

Fabulist Engstrom watched Merwin carefully. His manic gaze had stopped flitting around the room, and was settled on her with a curious intensity. She felt a hint of an itchy, nervous sweat start to steal over her as she, the examiner, was examined.

"The whole town didn't burn, did it, Merwin?" she asked, her throat surprisingly dry.

"The whole town? I don't know. Don't know. Town's enchanter got inside my head somehow. Somehow. Where only Flagg had been with me. Made Flagg go quiet. I got scared. Very scared. Flagg was my friend and he was quiet! They made him go away! They can't DO THAT! CAN'T! NOT ALLOWED! HAVE TO SAVE FLAGG! MY LIFE FOR YOU!"

By the time it took Fabulist Engstrom to incant the Fire Resistance spell in her memory, it was too late. Flagg set her blood boiling out of her skin, for a gruesome death as he engulfed his naked frame in flames, and the metallic walls started to turn cherry-red from the heat.

"My life for you..." he whispered.

At 20th level:
Swordsage 2/Warmage 4/JPM 4/Pyrokineticist 10. STR 10 DEX 14 CON 18 INT 14 WIS 14 CHA 26 (30 in Nimbus). CON and CHA reflect +6 item boosts. Feat: Desert Fire (Bo9S 29). Skills: Concentration 23, Craft (alchemy) 5, Heal 1, Intimidate 6, Jump 23, Knowledge (arcana) 9, Knowledge (history) 5, Knowledge (psionics) 5, Knowledge (religion) 4, Spellcraft 18, Swim 1, Tumble 5. Armor: Leather +1 Manifester; Cold Resistance; Small Steel Shield +1 Manifester, Electrical Resistance. Weapons: +1 Collision Dislocator Acidic Spear, +1 Cold Iron Light Mace, +1 Silver Falchion.

BAB +14/+9/+4 F: +16 R: +14 W: +13

Merwin saved his copper pieces to invest in the Manifester property for these levels. Lacking more than a couple power points of his own, he uses the Manifester items plus a Rainbow Ioun Stone for enough PP to consistently utilize his Firewalk ability. The ability to quickly regain psionic focus, paid with the 15th level feat, is important at these levels, as Firewalk and Heat Death both require its expenditure. Good saves couple with concealment and DR to provide real defenses at a level where AC is rarely worthwhile. Merwin takes the Desert Fire feat mostly for thematic reasons at this stage, as there's little that is both susceptible to his attacks and capable of surviving long against them. Maximizing Jump checks just provides a little extra mileage on Firewalk and Searing Charge. Conflagration can be used to change the battlefield on multiple levels, from creating impassable heat to melting away the walls or floors as he sees fit.

If flaws are used:
With flaws in play, Merwin takes Non-combatant if the DM rules with the RAW that Fire Lash is a ranged touch. Vulnerable is the second choice, regardless. With these flaws, Merwin buys Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Whip along with Energy Substitution: electricity, increasing his options and damage output at crucial low levels and freeing up space for Arcane Disciple or Knowledge Devotion if allowed a larger source list.

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 08:55 PM
That's the last of 'em! On your mark, get set, judge!

Arbitrarity
2010-07-23, 08:59 PM
Interesting. I see a build that contains a few things I had considered including.

MiLaash could have been cheesed out with Unseelie Fey. I guess that was a bit too much, though, especially from a source as risky as Dragon Compendium.

arguskos
2010-07-23, 09:08 PM
I'll judge them properly later, as I've got something to go do. HOWEVER, I do note someone used Cryokineticist, which was ruled illegal early on, as it's a variant, and this contest is about Pyrokineticist, not the variant rules that surround it. :smallannoyed:

Dusk Eclipse
2010-07-23, 09:10 PM
I'll judge them properly later, as I've got something to go do. HOWEVER, I do note someone used Cryokineticist, which was ruled illegal early on, as it's a variant, and this contest is about Pyrokineticist, not the variant rules that surround it. :smallannoyed:

Arguskos: Actualy Cyokinetist is also a separate prestige class found in Frostburn, it is similar to pyrokinetist

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-23, 09:10 PM
HOWEVER, I do note someone used Cryokineticist, which was ruled illegal early on, as it's a variant, and this contest is about Pyrokineticist, not the variant rules that surround it. :smallannoyed:
Did they use a variant or the official class from Frostburn?

Private-Prinny
2010-07-23, 09:11 PM
I'll judge them properly later, as I've got something to go do. HOWEVER, I do note someone used Cryokineticist, which was ruled illegal early on, as it's a variant, and this contest is about Pyrokineticist, not the variant rules that surround it. :smallannoyed:

I thought that at first, too, so I double checked. There is in fact a Cryokineticist class (Frostburn 54) that the entry uses. It is actually legal.

Edit: Double ninja'd.

arguskos
2010-07-23, 09:14 PM
Did they use a variant or the official class from Frostburn?
That is REALLY confusing.

EDIT: Prinny, if you say so. That's... actually kinda aggravating, but at least it's a legal entry. Perhaps better marking was in order.

senrath
2010-07-23, 09:18 PM
Interestingly enough, the Cryokineticist actually has slightly stricter entry requirements. And taking both requires the Ordered Chaos feat (which the build uses) or similar.

Pyro:
Alignment: Any chaotic.

Skills:
Concentration 8 ranks, Craft (alchemy) 1 rank, Knowledge (psionics) 2 ranks.

Psionics:
Must have a power point reserve of at least 1 power point.

Special:
Must have set fire to a structure of any size just to watch it burn.

Cryo:
Alignment: Any lawful.

Skills:
Concentration 8 ranks, Craft (alchemy) 1 rank, Knowledge (psionics) 2 ranks.

Psionics:
Able to manifest the energy emanation power.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-23, 09:18 PM
That is REALLY confusing.
There's a 'variant' rule for all energy types to replace fire, which you mentioned, and then an 'official' PrC that isn't a variant, but an individual PrC in it's own right.

arguskos
2010-07-23, 09:20 PM
There's a 'variant' rule for all energy which you mentioned, and then an 'official' PrC that isn't a variant, but one in it's own right.
I am not thick, and can read what it is you wrote. :smalltongue:

However, the fact that an entry used the official PrC Cryokineticist in an optimization contest about Pyrokineticist that has a well-known energy variant rule and didn't mark it well is pretty damn confusing at first blush, wouldn't you say? :smallwink:

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-23, 09:23 PM
However, the fact that an entry used the official PrC Cryokineticist in an optimization contest about Pyrokineticist that has a well-known energy variant rule and didn't mark it well is pretty damn confusing at first blush, wouldn't you say? :smallwink:
It could be, yeah.

I'm a psionics fanatic so knew well about Cryo so didn't occur to me that it might be a variant till you mentioned it (the variant isn't as well known to me as the official. I took one look at the variant years ago and rolled my eyes).

arguskos
2010-07-23, 09:26 PM
It could be, yeah.

I'm a psionics fanatic so knew well about Cryo so didn't occur to me that it might be a variant till you mentioned it (the variant isn't as well known to me as the official. I took one look at the variant years ago and rolled my eyes).
The variant comes up frequently when the class is mentioned, recommending that folks swap Pyro out for Sono- (sonic damage), to get around resistance/immunities.

ShneekeyTheLost
2010-07-23, 10:55 PM
I notice that none of them found any way to bypass immunity/resistance to fire. Saw a lot of Swordsage, which was rather a given, and Rogue for the Whip proficiency, which was also a given.

My idea, if I wasn't swallowed by RL this past week, would have been a Soulknife/Pyro, using the ACF to trade in Psychic Strike for Bonus Feats. Use the Whip to trip, then go to town, dual-wielding whip and mindblade. With his one power being Expansion, going to a Large size means he threatens 5' and 10' with his Mindblade, and threatens 15' with his whip, so he still has full coverage.

Bladewind + Greater Weapon Afire + other bonus damage = all opponents get hurt badly

Bolt of Fire is also a useful RTA against opponents he cannot close with. Comparable damage with a Warlock, anyways, as long as it doesn't go HFW.

Collision is a fun ability, and will probably be his standard enhancement, however if he knows his opponents are going to be well buffed, Suppression is the flavor of the day. On the rare occasions that he faces off against psionic opponents, he may use Mindcrusher.

The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to bypass fire immunity.

Ozymandias9
2010-07-23, 11:13 PM
Ooh-- the builds look nice. I'm going to try to get some time to look at them closer, even though I won't be able to judge them in a reasonable time-frame this round.

I didn't have time to compete in this one, but I did toy a bit with the concept of PsiWar5/Pyro5/Shadowsmith5 using the using the recommended adaptation of a fire theme for Shadowsmith and a smoke theme for the mysteries. I think it would have panned out as low tier 3.

Arbitrarity
2010-07-23, 11:55 PM
The only thing I couldn't figure out was how to bypass fire immunity.

*coughMICpg102cough*

Draz74
2010-07-24, 12:50 AM
and Rogue for the Whip proficiency, which was also a given.

Except, um, Rogues aren't proficient with whips. AFAIK, Bard is the only class that gets whip proficiency out of the box.

WinWin
2010-07-24, 02:28 AM
My other builds were pretty varied.

Had a human ex druid/pyro/blighter/natures warrior. Flaming undead Dire Tiger silliness.

Thri-kreen Fighter/Ranger/Battle Trickster/Pyro. Multi attack and multiweapon fighting chains. Had something like 17 attacks on a full attack. 14 fire lash, 2 tentacles and a bite.

Derro wilder/Pyro

and finally, a Gityanki shadowmind/pyro concept. Could not find a way to fit in levels of mindspy though.

As an aside, I'm not sure that the Ordered Chaos feat works the way people thinks it does. I was going to use it for Kensai on one of my builds, but noticed that it only allows you to be considered chaotic for Abyssal Heritor feats. Was there some errata or something?

Amphetryon
2010-07-24, 05:03 AM
I looked at a Maenad Bard/Barbarian/Exotic Weapon Master/Pyrokineticist for a while but - perhaps ironically - dismissed it as being too likely to be the combination most used.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-24, 06:52 AM
Had a human ex druid/pyro/blighter/natures warrior. Flaming undead Dire Tiger silliness.

Thri-kreen Fighter/Ranger/Battle Trickster/Pyro. Multi attack and multiweapon fighting chains. Had something like 17 attacks on a full attack. 14 fire lash, 2 tentacles and a bite.

Those were actually two of the first things I thought of, so didn't use'em. :smallwink:

Thri-kreen multi-fun is banned in my games to. It seems every time I run a psionic campaign someone wants to be like a thri-kreen monk doing all sorts of stuff that requires an hour with a calculator just to attack


I'm really surprised nobody used a Catfolk. +4 Dex, +2 Cha and other coolness for +1 LA is nice.

Jaebrin from MMV is also awesome for +2 Cha with quite a few tasty abilities.

ShneekeyTheLost
2010-07-24, 08:05 AM
*coughMICpg102cough*

If you are referring to the Gauntlets of Energy Transformation, there's several problems with that...

1) it only works 3/day. Considering how common Fire is, that's not enough.

2) it only works on weapons you wield. Just fine for Weapons Afire/Greater Weapons Afire, but not for changing the actual Flame Lash, much less any of the other class features

3) It makes it... not fire. This does not bypass fire immunity, it makes you not a pyro. Totally unacceptable.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-24, 08:11 AM
A Searing Spell (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Searing_Spell) equivalent I'm sure has crossed some minds here, but that kinda thing just doesn't seem to go much with the fluff of psionics.

Now, I can completely imagine a psion being able to ramp it up into plasma.

dextercorvia
2010-07-24, 09:06 AM
My build was a Silverbrow Human Bard4/DragonShaman1/Monk2/PsyWar1/Pyro8/SeekeroftheSong4. The illegitimate son of a fire eyed bard and an abstinent monk ice princess. I used Dragon Shaman to turn the Dragonfire inspiration into cold damage, and Versatile Unarmed Strike along with Snowflake Wardance + Knowledge Devotion -- Using the fact that Monk's unarmed strike can be enhanced as natural and manufactured weapons. By level 16 his unarmed strikes did 1d8+7d6[Cold]+8d6[Fire]+KnowDev.

Dragon Shaman's Fast Healing Aura + Song of Life (Wands of CLW earlier) made him sufficient for Out of Combat healing.

WinWin
2010-07-24, 09:23 AM
Think outside of the box. Even a fire immune foe will be affected by a burning building crashing down around them, heat turning the ground into molten glass and potential suffocation from all of the noxious gases produced. Of course that will effect the pyro as well, but if you're gonna play with fire...

Otherwise, spam heat death until they fail their save. It is neither a (fire) or (death) effect. It should be able to take down most everything with a physical form as written, even corporeal undead and elementals.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-24, 09:31 AM
Otherwise, spam heat death until they fail their save. It is neither a (fire) or (death) effect. It should be able to take down most everything with a physical form as written, even corporeal undead and elementals.
Everything with internal fluids that is. As a DM I'd rule out earth and fire elementals. Skeletons too, though zombies should be fair game.

Edit: Undead are immune.

Amphetryon
2010-07-24, 09:37 AM
Everything with internal fluids that is. As a DM I'd rule out earth and fire elementals. Skeletons too, though zombies should be fair game.

Bones burn.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-07-24, 09:39 AM
Bones burn.
Yup, so they take 4d6.

However, since it requires a Fortitude save then they cannot be outright killed by it (outside of the 4d6 fire).

So except for the 4d6, undead and constructs are immune.

Skeletons don't have internal fluids anyways.

WinWin
2010-07-24, 09:42 AM
A couple of extra points. Once you have fire resistance (even one point), you are unaffected by lava and similar fluids. It still poses a drowning hazard.

The elemental rime poison from complete scoundrel, gives targets a vulnerability to cold for a short time. That could potentially override immunity. It is expensive though, so make friends with a Shaper or Conjurer with the creation line of spells. It is described as naturally occuring...Just not on the Prime.

edit: Flesh, Brain and Blood Golems would be succeptable to heat death. Stone and Iron, probably not. All depends on whether the power can effect objects. I can totally see spontaneous combustion...Unfortunately, that is not how it is written.