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Private-Prinny
2010-08-16, 10:28 AM
Basically, a challenge to create an optimized, flavorful 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 Monday, August 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 flavor 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.

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, since it breaks anonymity.

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!

Due to concerns about standardizing entry format, I'd like everyone to try to use the following table for their entry.NAME OF ENTRY
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

2nd|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

3rd|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

4th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

5th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

6th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

7th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

8th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

9th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

10th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

11th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

12th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

13th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

14th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

15th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

16th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

17th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

18th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

19th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

20th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities[/table]

CodeNAME OF ENTRY
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack<br>Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

2nd|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

3rd|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

4th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

5th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

6th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

7th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

8th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

9th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

10th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

11th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

12th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

13th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

14th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

15th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

16th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

17th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

18th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

19th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities

20th|New Class Level|
+x|
+x|
+x|
+x|Skills|New Feats|New Class Abilities[/table]

For entries with spellcasting, use the following table for Spells per day and Spells Known. (Spells Known only if necessary, i.e. Sorcerer or Bard, but not Wizard or Warmage)
Spells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

9th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

10th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

11th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

12th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

13th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

14th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

15th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

16th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

17th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

18th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

19th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

20th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]

CodeSpells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

9th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

10th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

11th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

12th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

13th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

14th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

15th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

16th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

17th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

18th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

19th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

20th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]

For other systems (Psionics, ToB, Incarnum, etc.) keep track of PP/maneuvers/essentia separately, preferably in a nice neat list.

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...

Complete Champion's Mythic Exemplar!

Allez optimiser!

Judges
Amphetryon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9154679&postcount=3)
DaragosKitsune (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9157476&postcount=14)
Keld Denar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9155243&postcount=6)
true_shinken
The Vorpal Tribble (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9156285&postcount=13)

Contestants
cd4
Chineselegolas
DanReiv
Eldariel
kestrel404
OMG PONIES
Ozymandias9
Quirp
T.G. Oskar
Wings of Peace

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)
Iron Chef VIII (Pyrokineticist) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160266)
Iron Chef IX (Animal Lord) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162702)

WinWin
2010-08-16, 10:52 AM
http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20070504a&page=3

linky. Wizards CC excerpt.

I will tentatively nominate myself as an entrant. I have a lot of study and assignments this week, so I may not be abble to complete an entry.

If an extra judge is required, notify me and I will drop out in order to assist.

Amphetryon
2010-08-16, 10:56 AM
I'll sign up to judge this one. :smallsmile:

Criteria:
MY CRITERIA: When more than a single example is given for a score, not all examples need be met to warrant that score.

Originality: Originality looks in part at the established archetypes and builds that the community at large has produced over the years. Characters attempting to perform, yet less adept at performing, as a well-established archetype - for instance, a charger - than typical for that archetype will score lower here than characters attempting to break new ground. Examples of a given score -
5 - A new concept, necessitating the Secret Ingredient featured in the Iron Chef.
4 - A new concept, using the Secret Ingredient featured in the Iron Chef without requiring it to tick.
3 - An unusual concept that has been showcased on gaming forums before, or that is featured in other contest entrants. It’s not new, but it’s not stock standard either.
2 - An old reliable concept, substituting the Secret Ingredient for the one typically used in discussions of builds of this type.
1 - A build either cut and pasted or cobbled together entirely from extant handbooks and other known works. No new ideas are presented.

Power: Power is measured assuming a 1st - 20th campaign. Characters that come to power very late in the progression, or that are somehow ineligible to play at low levels, can expect a deduction here as surely as characters whose power peaks at low-to-mid levels and then relatively diminishes. Examples of a given score, relative to other entrants in the contest -
5 - Easily the most powerful, flexible build presented here.
4 - A powerful character that might need help or additional preparation in specific circumstances to continue to do its job well.
3 - A build that is of average power for the contest, neither significantly stronger nor appreciably weaker overall. It may dominate in niche cases or be rendered weak in other niche cases.
2 - While less powerful than the typical entry for this contest, the character manages to contribute reasonably without relying on help from other party members.
1 - The build struggles to perform to the expectations typical for a character in the role assigned. Either the character relies heavily on help from other party members or requires specific equipment not restricted to the given role in order to be useful.

Elegance: Note that I tie the Elegance score closely to the Secret Ingredient. Shifter Druid 18/Moonspeaker 2 may be simple, but it is not an elegant use of Moonspeaker, to my mind. Note also that my default assumption is that characters presented are being inserted into an already-established world. A character that requires the DM to rewrite or ignore large swaths of existing fluff for your concept to work is unlikely to score highly in Elegance. References to Unearthed Arcana include those aspects of Unearthed Arcana that are included in the Variant section of the SRD. If I have to go hunting through books just to figure out where you got a particular feat, item, template, or obscure skill usage, expect no more than a 2 in Elegance. Examples of a given score -
5 - The Secret Ingredient is entered appropriately early and taken to completion. All class levels, feats, skills, and disclosed items are smoothly tied together and progress the whole concept seamlessly and in a logical order. Favored Class rules are adhered to, and single-level dips are kept to a bare minimum - no more than one. No Unearthed Arcana, templates, LA or Racial HD, or other obvious power-oriented shenanigans were used. One could reasonably expect a majority of DMs to allow both the concept and progression to happen in a typical game.
4 - The Secret Ingredient is entered reasonably early, perhaps delayed a bit or taken piecemeal, but finished. All class levels, feats, skills, and disclosed items are useful, but may not be intuitive choices to augment the presented concept. No Unearthed Arcana, templates, LA or Racial HD, or other obvious shenanigans were used, though Favored Class rules may have been ignored. One might expect to have to explain some bits of the build fairly carefully to a DM and possibly work out some accommodations, but flying books or dice bags are unlikely.
3 - The Secret Ingredient is taken to completion, but entered later than expected or typical of this contest. Class levels, feats, skills, and disclosed items are taken in a disjointed fashion, perhaps indicating power is more important than concept. This character may use a race with a level adjustment for thematic reasons, or be forced to take a flaw or two to fit everything in, or use some other method of grabbing more feats or spells or other features than one would typically expect. One would have to work closely with the DM for some features of the presented build to be available, work as described in the build presented, or come online in a timely fashion, and wouldn’t necessarily expect to get this character approved by a DM that doesn’t know the player well.
2 - The Secret Ingredient is abandoned before reaching its capstone or entered too late to finish before Epic levels. Class levels, feats, skills, and disclosed items do not share a unifying theme or work toward a more powerful whole. A template and LA are both included, possibly with flaws. Without an established rapport with a DM, one would expect the concept to meet with enough resistance that having a Plan B is advised when pitching the idea.
1 - Vivacious Anthropomorphic Dire Were-Squid Half-Fiend Domain Wizard with Frail and Inattentive and... no. Just no. So many discordant templates and feats and ideas have been slapped together that ‘a Wizard did it’ is the only viable explanation for the character’s existence. The Secret Ingredient appears to have been an afterthought to the overall design. You would fully expect the character idea either to be rejected by the DM, or to have come into being entirely through the DM’s meddling with your character, and wouldn’t broach the subject with the DM if dice, books or other potential projectiles were within easy reach.

Use of Secret Ingredient: This is a conglomeration of how well, and how thoroughly, you incorporate the abilities of the Secret Ingredient into the build. Examples of a given score, relative to other entrants -
5 - A fresh, original usage maximizing the particular strengths and minimizing the particular weaknesses of the Secret Ingredient. Every aspect of the Secret Ingredient is utilized in the best way of any entry presented.
4 - A solid, complete usage of the Secret Ingredient. Specific strengths of the Secret Ingredient were emphasized with minimal emphasis taken away from other strengths, or without negating known weaknesses.
3 - Use of the Secret Ingredient was typical for the contest. Synergies were not emphasized especially, and some features of the Secret Ingredient were ignored for the sake of maximizing a particular trick or two.
2 - Others used the Secret Ingredient more thoroughly, but this entry’s usage wasn’t bad. The overall concept works but doesn’t especially synergize with the Secret Ingredient’s strengths well.
1 - The Secret Ingredient is actively hindering the concept presented. Clearly the character would have been stronger with a different Prestige Class, and the Secret Ingredient got shoe-horned in there because of the contest.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-16, 11:24 AM
Definitely competing--I've caught the bug!

So is the new theme prestige classes with a ton of possible options? First Animal Lord, now this--it'll be interesting to see which paths are favored.

Draz74
2010-08-16, 12:14 PM
Contestants will have until Monday, August 25th to create their builds and PM them to the Chairman, Private-Prinny.

Whoa! If we have 4 years to create our entries for this competition, they better be a hundred times more amazing than the previous contests have been!

(I suspect this is a typo, since the next Monday August 25 is in 2014. :smallwink:)

Keld Denar
2010-08-16, 12:34 PM
One thing I'd like to propose for table, is to include which level of each class you are taking at each ECL. If at ECL1 you take a level of Ranger, its easy to pick out that its Ranger1. If you take another 3 levels of ranger at ECL8, ECL10, and ECL14, its a bit tougher to look at the build and know what features you gain at that level. Therefore, in your build table, call out levels at Ranger1, PiousTemplar4, Slayer6 or whatever, especially if you split up classes or alternate classes over a given level span.

My Criteria
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 <Secret Ingredient> 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. Does the build use large amounts of LA and/or RHD that could lead to a slow start? Be as detailed as possible. If there is something your build does that is powerful, yet not completely obvious, you should probably expand upon it. If an important yet subtle feature in your build is missed by the judges, its mostly your own fault.

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. This section is the one most affected 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? If you didn't use all levels of the secret ingredient (and you don't always have to), do you have good reasoning why not, and did you exit at an acceptable power break point? This section is an amalgam of the build itself and how the SI interacts with the rest of the build.

DanReiv
2010-08-16, 12:53 PM
I'm not that much of a chef but I've been willing to give it a shot for some times now. I hate the PrC which is perfect :smallbiggrin:

Count me in. Also english is not my native tongue, so if it's not written like a book, forgive me. I'm definitly not writing a story about how he made it to 20 either : that's pretty much his life with his looting adventuring buddies. I'll provide a background tho, which I hope will be interesting :smallamused:

true_shinken
2010-08-16, 01:06 PM
I'll sign up as a judge again this time.

Person_Man
2010-08-16, 01:22 PM
Note that Mythic Examplar has a roleplaying pre-requisite. You must be a member of the Disciples of Legend. Here's a brief description for those without a copy of Complete Champion:


Disciples of Legend

The Disciples of Legend are students of the past who view the great mythic heroes of bygone ages as models for a life of skill and virtue. While they honor and respect many such ancients, their primary focus is on the legendary Six from Shadow (Dardallion, Imdastri, etc). By studying and emulating these heroes, the Disciples of Legend hope to better themselves and the world around them.


Also, may I suggest that Skills be listed separately at the end by their max rank. Having them in the chart makes the chart ridiculously hard to read.

Draz74
2010-08-16, 01:33 PM
Also, may I suggest that Skills be listed separately at the end by their max rank. Having them in the chart makes the chart ridiculously hard to read.

Heartily agreed.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-16, 02:43 PM
Ok, I'm not feeling this one at all.

I officially volunteer to judge.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-16, 02:45 PM
Whoa! If we have 4 years to create our entries for this competition, they better be a hundred times more amazing than the previous contests have been!

(I suspect this is a typo, since the next Monday August 25 is in 2014. :smallwink:)

Oops. Fixed.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-16, 03:26 PM
How to Impress VT

Originality
This is my favorite part of the judging, so I always look close at it. I look at originality in two ways.

First, the crunch. A race or other classes mixed in that you would not think would add up to something, but does anyway is 'originality'. However, originality for the sake of originality will not net you anything special. If its there to be weird and does nothing for the build but adding this weirdness I'm just going to give you an average score (and then shotgun you in elegance).
Also, there are certain classes that are often used that routinely score high in originality. The fact that they are used often just for that means they are not original. I will judge on a case by case basis, but Pact magic or Incarnum use will not be an automatic bonus to originality simply because its part of the build.

Second, the fluff. This is an optimization contest, which in my opinion stretches to both an optimized build and an optimized background. A story can enhance a build so much, especially if it explains how certain bits get to be used by other certain bits. Using a fighter in and of itself may not seem original, but if the story lets me view it in a unique light I will be sure to reward it

An unoriginal crunch but great story will not save it however. I will be voting on Originality as if it were two criteria, and then averaging each for the final Originality score.

Power
This is also a two-edged sword. Power will be judged both on how strong it is, as well as how I compare it to the other builds. Some PrC's are just inherently weak.

Power comes in various forms. I will be judging each of these criteria segments on their own, and then averaging the scores.

Melee
- How tough this guy is up close.
Ranged
- How tough you are from a distance.
Supernatural
- How strong your casting, manifesting, supernatural abilities or similar are.
Toughness
- HP total, damage reductions, resistances, immunities, etc.
Versatility
- How useful the build is in a wide variety of situations. Knowledge is power, so those with a broad knowledge base to draw from will get a high score here. Skills will also be included in this.

Elegance
Does everything above mesh? Do you read it and feel everything comes together into a flawless whole? Do classes and race make any sense, or do they come across as cheap add-ons? Also, there is a certain 'in the spirit of the contest' unspoken (well, now spoken) rule of mine. If I read it and go, 'Ok, I... guess that could work, but it's really dodgy and not in the spirit of its use', I'm going to hit it on elegance. It may seem beautiful, but if I run my hand over it and get splinters it's just not going to be well viewed.

Keep in mind a well done story can help smooth out the wrinkles in this by helping us understand why anyone would come to play this combination.

Use of Secret Ingredient
Is there any need to add this PrC to the build, or it is just here because the contest required it? That's what this boils down to. It needs to be, in crunch or story (preferably both for maximum scorage) 'necessary' for the concept that is your entry for best results. Does it play to the strengths of the build, for better or worse.


That's mainly it. If anyone takes umbrage at any of the above or has questions/concerns, lay'em on me.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-16, 06:26 PM
I'll judge if there is another open spot.

My Requirements
A character background and tactics description will aid the evaluation and are encouraged.

Originality
My originality score is based on a few things.
1. Is it unique compared to other entrants?
2. Does it include unexpected choices in classes, races, feats, etc. without them being pointless or arbitrary?
3. Is the character fluff impressive and coherent?
The score is based on a standard of 2-2-1, but points may be docked outside this scale if warranted.

Power
Power comes down to, quite simply, how the build would fare in a mid-power campaign. To further clarify, the score will be based on what the build can do. While combat potential and survivability are major facets of this, a build can also gain points in this category via indirect power, such as buffing ability or mobility. However, combat ability will be the main decider of this score, so a character with a lot of indirect ability but no combat ability and no means to correct this may suffer. That being said, having high combat ability but a poor tactical description can also lose points.

Elegance
Elegance is dependent on the clarity of the build, the readability of the build, the cohesiveness of the build, and the ability of the entrant to avoid overusing cheese. Points may be lost for inability to follow the rules given, overuse of multiclassing, overuse of templates without effective explanation, disorganized level progression, lack of sources, and possibly spelling errors if they interfere with the evaluation.

Use of Secret Ingredient
Points will be gained here for the effective incorporation of the secret ingredient. If the secret ingredient is underused, used incorrectly for the build, or entered late in the build, points may be deducted. Points may also be lost if the build does not use the secret ingredient as its focus. Minor loss of focus may be acceptable, but should not be expected.

Oh, and for the sake of clarity, do non-casters gain spell casting from Mythic Exemplar for the purposes of this challenge. I do not believe they do, but would like a second opinion.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-16, 06:37 PM
Oh, and for the sake of clarity, do non-casters gain spell casting from Mythic Exemplar for the purposes of this challenge. I do not believe they do, but would like a second opinion.

This should answer your question. Emphasis on the bold.


Spellcasting: At 2nd, 4th, 6th, and 8th level, you gain new spells per day and an increase in caster level (and spells known, if applicable) as if you had also gained a level in a spellcasting class to which you belonged before adding the prestige class level.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-16, 06:42 PM
Thank you Private-Prinny. I just wanted to make sure of the language in case something weird shows up.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-16, 07:04 PM
In as a contestant for this one.

Wings of Peace
2010-08-16, 07:56 PM
*Throws down the gauntlet* I will be competing.

Eldariel
2010-08-16, 09:28 PM
I've got some ideas running around my head. Elegance is gonna be a huge stumbling stone here to pull off something interesting, but we'll see what people manage.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-16, 09:29 PM
After reading some issues that judges found with entries in previous competitions, I re-read the rules for Domain feats in Complete Champion. Domain feats (The Domain Devotions) don't actually require domains, they do require in-character devotion to the particular domain's traits (so for Travel Devotion, you might need a devotion to the ideal of physical freedom). Clerics can trade in their Domains for Devotions as bonus feats and don't need an in-character devotion to take the any Devotions that they could gain as Domains. Any character can only ever have two devotions. Also, you can't have opposing devotions (i.e. Good and Evil, Fire and Water). Just figured it was a pertinent reminder given the source.

Draz74
2010-08-16, 10:27 PM
I had an idea for Mystic Exemplar ...

... then I realized that there's another PrC, not terribly obscure, that could do everything I was using Mystic Exemplar for, and do it better. :smallsigh:

I have one other idea, but it requires a pretty questionable interpretation that I think would earn large Elegance penalties, so I may just sit back and watch what other people come up with.

gallagher
2010-08-17, 02:11 AM
i am in. i already have a great idea in place, that i think will be quite the fun build

Chineselegolas
2010-08-17, 07:22 AM
And once again, I rise to the challenge.
Though what to do... This class can go so many ways

Edit:
An hour later, I think I have my idea.
Though the one things which ties it all together very nicely tanks my score with two of the judge the criteria posted. *sigh*
Back to the drawing board.

IdleMuse
2010-08-17, 08:47 AM
I'm not comitting myself to entry yet, but it's worth pointing out there's a fairly significant amount of official errata for this class, including adding Perform as a class skill, and setting durations and DCs for several of the abilities.

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/files/Errata_CompleteChampion.zip

Quirp
2010-08-17, 11:21 AM
I think I will join as a contestant, too.
Mythic Exemplar is really interesting, but actually using its own class features might be an issue.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-17, 11:23 AM
Just thought I might mention that a pic or two I've always thought adds that extra zest to an entry.

www.DeviantArt.com is a great place to find'em :smallwink:

T.G. Oskar
2010-08-17, 01:24 PM
Darn...I feel like competing in this one. This would be my first time in the Iron Chef competition, though I've seen one or two. Thing is, it clicked when I saw Mythic Exemplar, since there was a build that was running up in my mind. I don't aim to please, I aim to just participate and see how well my build-fu is.

Now, for the few questions: are the books limited ONLY to 3.5 books? Or 3.0 books are allowed, so as long as the content has not been updated. Also (in spoilers):
Is Races of Faerun allowed? Not sure whether it counts as a 3.0 or a 3.5 book. It's not entirely important, but certainly it could be used.

Adumbration
2010-08-17, 02:04 PM
Signing up as a contestant; maybe this time around I'll get something finished.

Amphetryon
2010-08-17, 02:06 PM
3.0 material that was not expressly updated for 3.5 has been ruled legal in the past, as has the spoilered source book.

Adumbration
2010-08-17, 02:28 PM
I'm not perfectly sure how to ask rules questions, but I'm going to put it in a spoiler, just in case. The question may reveal something of my goal for my build.
Is Leadership banned, if you don't specify/build your cohorts, and it is perfectly according to fluff, and is a requirement for a prestige class, too?

Amphetryon
2010-08-17, 02:31 PM
Yes, it is, even then.

Adumbration
2010-08-17, 02:32 PM
Is Wild Cohort considered a Leadership feat?

T.G. Oskar
2010-08-17, 03:03 PM
Hmm...excellent. This will help a lot with the build and what it can do. Specifically on which options I'll move around. Should be interesting, considering that there's one or two builds I can play with, using the same core concept. I'm going to do a simultaneous cooking to see which concept might work better, but otherwise, it's going to be a nice build done with a lot of love. You'll see what I speak of.

That is, if I remember to post it. To whom I must send the build again?

Keld Denar
2010-08-17, 03:07 PM
Its in the OP, all PMs must be sent to Private-Prinny by August 23th to count.

Fixt.

Dizlag
2010-08-17, 03:18 PM
Its in the OP, all PMs must be sent to Private-Prinny by August 25th to count.

Isn't that Monday, August 23rd?

Amphetryon
2010-08-17, 03:19 PM
Isn't that Monday, August 23rd?

Yup. Originally he put Monday, August 25rd, and Draz pointed out that gave contestants until 2014 to get their builds done.

Edit: Murphy strikes again.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-17, 03:34 PM
I don't know if I should be proud or scared that my build idea is coming together so quickly. I was going back and forth on the last one for days!

Ozymandias9
2010-08-17, 04:56 PM
I'm more or less finished with be core of the build. Just hammering out the WBL stuff right now. Then its just a matter of making it pretty.

Incidentally, I'm having a hard time getting pumped up for this one. Can we pretend I made a "World of Cardboard" speech? If it helps, my middle name
is Clark. Though in this case, when I get my rear handed to me in judging, would Akal_Saris be Darkseid or Luthor?

OMG PONIES
2010-08-18, 09:53 AM
Grr, I may have hit some complications. Prinny, if we have a rules question that we fear will reveal one or more of our ingredients, what is the protocol? Can we PM you our question, or must we rely on the opinion of an outside party? I have two questions that could cause some changes.

Amphetryon
2010-08-18, 10:02 AM
Grr, I may have hit some complications. Prinny, if we have a rules question that we fear will reveal one or more of our ingredients, what is the protocol? Can we PM you our question, or must we rely on the opinion of an outside party? I have two questions that could cause some changes.

Prinny is probably the best arbiter of such rules questions, since his decisions are official, and final, and revealing your intent to him in no way influences the competition.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-18, 10:04 AM
Sounds good. If he okays it, I'll send him a PM with my questions.

IdleMuse
2010-08-18, 10:16 AM
In some ways, the way I consider awkward rules corners is this; if you're relying on something that's not necessarily going to be backed-up by every DM, that's gonna be a hit in elegance.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-18, 10:25 AM
Yeah, I'm definitely trying to stay away from "fuzzy rulings." My main question is a clarification of something I think is clear, but just want to confirm. The more I read it, my secondary question is just wishful thinking. :smallfrown:

Still, I have one question for you, Prinny. Is it ok to PM you?

kestrel404
2010-08-18, 03:16 PM
Build submitted. Not sure if I'm the first one done or not. That was a lot of fun, though.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-18, 04:32 PM
Wow, that was quick. Come on people, where's the trash talking and witty banter?

Keld Denar
2010-08-18, 04:39 PM
Yo moma's build was so weak, I heard it got beat by a level one monk. A halfling monk...

Is that trashy enough for you?

Amphetryon
2010-08-18, 05:28 PM
Quick question: whats the ability array - 32 point buy?

yup. 32 points.

Keld Denar
2010-08-18, 05:28 PM
Most people include an example at 32. If you'd like, you could include several stat buys, 25, 28, 32, and 36 are common.

ShneekeyTheLost
2010-08-18, 09:19 PM
I got nuttin'. The secret ingredient is so universally bland that I can't find anything hot enough to spice it up with. It's not bad, it's just... horridly bland. And so weak that even continuing to advance your base class would be more powerful than using this.

How can anyone get a decent Originality score when literally everything can qualify?

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-18, 09:22 PM
How can anyone get a decent Originality score when literally everything can qualify?
That's why I stressed a bit of storytelling will help things along in my judging thing.

However, with a broad base you can still make very interesting characters potentially. I got high ranks in Originality the last competition, and most of my build was a simple ranger, so I know it's doable, just depends on how it's used.

None of it appealed to me though, which is why I decided to judge to begin with.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-18, 11:13 PM
How can anyone get a decent Originality score when literally everything can qualify?

Go look at the War Chanter entry "Jason the Hellspeaker". It's the 5th competition, and the entry is on page 4.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-18, 11:33 PM
I got nuttin'. The secret ingredient is so universally bland that I can't find anything hot enough to spice it up with. It's not bad, it's just... horridly bland. And so weak that even continuing to advance your base class would be more powerful than using this.

How can anyone get a decent Originality score when literally everything can qualify?

Blahh. I really shouldn't be helping the competition, but...

When you look at the class, even one as broad as Mythic Exemplar, there are going to be expected outlets for both the fluff and abilities presented. In this case, because you have 6 fairly distinct "sub-classes", the pool will be a bit wider, but the principal remains.

If you're aiming for a 5 in originality (though that may not always be the best option for every special ingredient), look for an unexpected outlet for what's presented. You're more or less given the expected way to use the class: look for an avenue that isn't presented.

In this case, you'll likely have to either decide on one of the subclasses first or go through each of them. Keep in mind that an expected thematic application of Sunyarta's abilities will likely seem original for a character that you would normally expect to enter, say, Ktolemange's path.

Akal Saris
2010-08-19, 02:43 AM
I'm more or less finished with be core of the build. Just hammering out the WBL stuff right now. Then its just a matter of making it pretty.

Incidentally, I'm having a hard time getting pumped up for this one. Can we pretend I made a "World of Cardboard" speech? If it helps, my middle name
is Clark. Though in this case, when I get my rear handed to me in judging, would Akal_Saris be Darkseid or Luthor?

I'm totally Lex Luthor. In my alter ego as Akal-Saris, I'm totally banging the shape-shifting alien whose identity happens to be a smoking hot female version of my greatest adversary :smallbiggrin:

On a sidenote, I like the trend towards PrCs that have a variety of possible entries. I'm just having trouble finding a specialization that this PrC would be worthwhile in using for more than a few levels.

Quirp
2010-08-19, 03:20 AM
Something weird I noted (and I have already submitted my build so no guessing which is mine): Orso´s Embody Paragon ability says that the spell level of an impeding spell has to be higher then your character level to affect you. As far as I could see errata didn´t change that.

Chineselegolas
2010-08-19, 03:44 AM
Backstory is almost writing itself now. Just need to sort out my showcase point. Grr equipment.

DanReiv
2010-08-19, 09:17 AM
Well I'm done but far from satisfied, way to classic :smallwink: Let's hope I can find something else interesting by monday.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-19, 04:52 PM
I just need to proof and format it for BBCode now.

On a side note, our contestant pool is a bit small this round. We may need to see if we can reel in some more folks for the next one. Perhaps not doing the Secret Ingredient reveal until we have a pool of X number of people as potential chefs.


I'm totally Lex Luthor. In my alter ego as Akal-Saris, I'm totally banging the shape-shifting alien whose identity happens to be a smoking hot female version of my greatest adversary :smallbiggrin:
You're sleeping with Power Girl? That's a big... commitment. How's the view from the upstairs window?

IdleMuse
2010-08-19, 05:30 PM
On a side note, our contestant pool is a bit small this round.

I have an idea, and it's something that can't necessarily be done better by other classes (something that seems difficult with this... bland... class), and I will submit it if I have time to write it up.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-19, 06:05 PM
On a side note, our contestant pool is a bit small this round. We may need to see if we can reel in some more folks for the next one. Perhaps not doing the Secret Ingredient reveal until we have a pool of X number of people as potential chefs.

Actually, that's just me being lazy. I have two builds already submitted, neither of which are listed in the contestant pool.

ShneekeyTheLost
2010-08-19, 06:47 PM
If you're aiming for a 5 in originality (though that may not always be the best option for every special ingredient), look for an unexpected outlet for what's presented. You're more or less given the expected way to use the class: look for an avenue that isn't presented.

In this case, you'll likely have to either decide on one of the subclasses first or go through each of them. Keep in mind that an expected thematic application of Sunyarta's abilities will likely seem original for a character that you would normally expect to enter, say, Ktolemange's path.

The only problem with that is that in most cases, that simply applies a heavy nerf-bat. For example, for Arcane or Divine casting, if you don't choose the proper casting archetype, you hit yourself in the face with a nerf-bat, and keep yourself from getting 9th level spells, at minimum. Likewise, in every case that I've tried to come up with, using the 'wrong' archetype is in every regard worse than simply continuing the same base class to begin with. So while you may receive a higher score in Originality, your Power score hits rock-bottom. And really, I see nothing Original about screwing your character over. Under-powered does not equal original. It had better have a Vorpal-Tribble-esque backstory to prop it up, or it'll just look lame.

true_shinken
2010-08-20, 09:25 AM
The only problem with that is that in most cases, that simply applies a heavy nerf-bat. For example, for Arcane or Divine casting, if you don't choose the proper casting archetype, you hit yourself in the face with a nerf-bat, and keep yourself from getting 9th level spells, at minimum. Likewise, in every case that I've tried to come up with, using the 'wrong' archetype is in every regard worse than simply continuing the same base class to begin with. So while you may receive a higher score in Originality, your Power score hits rock-bottom. And really, I see nothing Original about screwing your character over. Under-powered does not equal original. It had better have a Vorpal-Tribble-esque backstory to prop it up, or it'll just look lame.
Not always. Remember the Wu Jen from the GSA contest? Both high Power and Originality.


I'm totally Lex Luthor. In my alter ego as Akal-Saris, I'm totally banging the shape-shifting alien whose identity happens to be a smoking hot female version of my greatest adversary :smallbiggrin:
Man, those were the days. Matrix is the best Supergirl EVER.

Amphetryon
2010-08-20, 10:15 AM
Not always. Remember the Wu Jen from the GSA contest? Both high Power and Originality.

See VT's note on using an unusual source just for the sake of trying to increase Originality, though.

T.G. Oskar
2010-08-20, 11:12 AM
Another minor rules question, given that I have a specific flavor I wish to play with and somehow I cannot work it out. I have already chosen the sides to the main course, but there is a problem with one of the ingredients that might need a fix or otherwise feel completely out:

Are flaws allowed? Flaws are technically considered alternate rules, and are a usual ingredient in optimization, but considering the first post speaking of alternate rules such as gestalt forbidden, I figure flaws and traits may be forbidden as well.

Keld Denar
2010-08-20, 11:17 AM
This gets asked just about every contest. You're best bet is to build without them, then, in a spoiler marked "Additional info/tweaks/variants" include what flaws you'd take and what they would provide for your build.

The build that included flaws last round got hit for Elegance pretty much across the board.

cd4
2010-08-20, 11:19 AM
You can use flaws and traits but you will probably get marked down for doing so.

I hope I can join this competion as a competitor. I have just submitted my build.

T.G. Oskar
2010-08-20, 11:19 AM
This gets asked just about every contest. You're best bet is to build without them, then, in a spoiler marked "Additional info/tweaks/variants" include what flaws you'd take and what they would provide for your build.

The build that included flaws last round got hit for Elegance pretty much across the board.

Alright. Screw Elegance. Even if it takes all points towards 0, it is necessary. Flavor issues and everything: I would explain, but it would reveal the course of my build and that would be disastrous, no? I even got a nice pun for it and everything, very cooking related.

P.S.: Sorry if it sounds a bit unnecessary and arrogant; it's the heat of the cooking.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-20, 11:49 AM
You can use flaws and traits but you will probably get marked down for doing so.
Flaw are a definite deduction. As of the first page by Prinny:

"Use of flaws is an automatic point lost in this category."

However, traits are not the same as flaws. There is an equal give and take. I will not penalize traits and no one has marked them down when I used them in builds.

true_shinken
2010-08-20, 11:53 AM
However, traits are not the same as flaws. There is an equal give and take. I will not penalize traits and no one has marked them down when I used them in builds.

I love Traits as much as japanese people love tentacles.

WinWin
2010-08-20, 12:16 PM
I have nothing. Every idea I have could be better done by not using ME. I hope others have better luck finding the strengths of the PrC.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-20, 12:20 PM
I love Traits as much as japanese people love tentacles.
I didn't know there was that much love in the world...

You have opened my eyes to a whole new plane of affection. Cyclopean levels, even.

IdleMuse
2010-08-20, 01:27 PM
Arrg the more I revise the character build the more options I seem to open up for myself. Whereas draft 1 had something like ClassA 1/ClassB 1/ClassC 1/ClassD 2/etc, i'm swinging closer to ClassA X/Ingredient X with every new revision. I suppose this is great for Elegance, I suppose, but I'm worried about Power. I guess straight classes just don't feel very abusive.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-20, 01:36 PM
Okay, I fear my "new" final build may take a hit in elegance and UoSI, but I like it too much to pass up.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-20, 02:20 PM
Man, those were the days. Matrix is the best Supergirl EVER.

Do'oh. I entirely missed the reference (what with being a bit drunk when I was posting yesterday). I always preferred Linda/Matrix to just Matrix, but when it got to that "earthborn angel" thing, I just stopped reading.

true_shinken
2010-08-20, 05:57 PM
Do'oh. I entirely missed the reference (what with being a bit drunk when I was posting yesterday). I always preferred Linda/Matrix to just Matrix, but when it got to that "earthborn angel" thing, I just stopped reading.

Linda/Matrix was amazing. The art was shockingly good for the time.
But the earthborn angel thing... it forced me to give up on Supergirl as well.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-21, 02:12 AM
Build Submitted!
Horray!

Go Team Venture!
er.. I mean Team Me!

Amphetryon
2010-08-22, 08:32 PM
Just under 24 hours to go. No pressure, guys. :smallwink:

OMG PONIES
2010-08-22, 09:16 PM
build sumitted! Technically, it was submitted early this morning, but still. I don't know if I left Prinny much room to comment--most of my edits were to keep it under the 25000 character max.

Thurbane
2010-08-22, 09:25 PM
Unfortunately I have had to withdraw, due to a combination of losing the file I had done all of my build-work in, and real life/DMing commitments eating up my spare time to re-build. :smallfrown:

I wish all the best to those who have submitted, and eagerly look forward to seeing the builds. :smallsmile:

Private-Prinny
2010-08-22, 10:12 PM
build sumitted! Technically, it was submitted early this morning, but still. I don't know if I left Prinny much room to comment--most of my edits were to keep it under the 25000 character max.

Since the character limit for posts is 50000, I don't think I have to worry. :smalltongue:

(Posts can be twice as long as PMs, IIRC)

Wings of Peace
2010-08-23, 01:11 AM
Is it absolutely necessary to list our skills for every level in the tables? It just seems kind of cluttered.

Amphetryon
2010-08-23, 05:47 AM
Is it absolutely necessary to list our skills for every level in the tables? It just seems kind of cluttered.
For myself, I would like to see which skills got improved at every level, at least. Even if skills aren't your character's primary shtick, they're a good measuring stick for secondary or tertiary abilities when "ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!" isn't the right choice.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-23, 09:16 AM
Oh. Well, that makes me feel like my editing was useless, but maybe going over everything with a fine-toothed comb just means it's better now? Ticktockticktock, only time will tell.

DanReiv
2010-08-23, 11:46 AM
Sitting out, my initial idea doesn't pan out as expected, and I couldn't find another decent build in time.

Sorry.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-23, 01:20 PM
So the worst I can do is what now, third? Fourth? I'm already in better shape than the last contest. :smallbiggrin:

Keld Denar
2010-08-23, 01:43 PM
Man, I think this'll be the lowest turnout in ICO history...I guess that kinda proves how ****ty ME really is...

At least judging will be easy this round! :smallcool:

OMG PONIES
2010-08-23, 01:49 PM
Why so much hate for the Exemplar? I've definitely seen WORSE classes used to make amazing builds in these competitions before.

Amphetryon
2010-08-23, 02:16 PM
Why so much hate for the Exemplar? I've definitely seen WORSE classes used to make amazing builds in these competitions before.

Without careful planning, Mythic Exemplar is a tool for imitating a slightly weakened version of a base class. :smallsmile:

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-23, 02:16 PM
Why so much hate for the Exemplar? I've definitely seen WORSE classes used to make amazing builds in these competitions before.
Maybe it's because this one has a much broader base with which to be subpar with :smallwink:

Beats me though, it just has an aura of 'why bother' that I've yet to experience with the other PrC's.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-23, 02:33 PM
I will say, it does have a restrictive feel to it. You pick your paragon, and you're locked in. If you could pick different paragon abilities at each level, or even if you had to (like the slight restriction on domains available to a Sovereign Speaker), I think it would inspire a bit more creativity. I can't tell you how many different ideas I had to nix because they wouldn't work with the right paragon.

WinWin
2010-08-23, 03:00 PM
I'll save my commentary on the PrC and my attempted builds until after the reveal.

I will say that my attempts at making a character drew strengths away from the ME. Only two paragons offered something that could not be better replicated by another class. Even those abilities were limited in scope. That made it difficult for me to create something I would actually consider playing. I am unsure of how to express this, but without that spark, there was no way to breathe life into the ideas I had.

Congratulations to the contestants that came up with something.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-23, 03:40 PM
The way I see it, I could have built my character with other classes. But to be the best at what it does, it had to include Mythic Exemplar.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 03:42 PM
Man, I think this'll be the lowest turnout in ICO history...I guess that kinda proves how ****ty ME really is...

:smallconfused:

I have seven builds submitted and there are still a few hours left. And I have actually seen some creative uses of the paragon gifts...

Twinswords
2010-08-23, 04:06 PM
Build finished. I will also add a build to the contestant pool.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:05 PM
And now it's time for the Big RevealTM! Please do not post until I have finished.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:06 PM
First, a character who uses "I got lucky" as a personal mantra.

Dr. Milo Brushscrubber, the Humble Historian
"To repeat history is not a burden, but a blessing."
Halfling Archivist 3/Church Inquisitor 2/Mythic Exemplar 8/Fortune's Friend 2/Contemplative 1/Luckstealer 4

http://tinyurl.com/2des355


{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Feats|Class Features

1st|Archivist 1|
+0|
+2|
+0|
+2|Mother Cyst|Dark Knowledge (Tactics) 3/day, Scribe Scroll

2nd|Archivist 2|
+1|
+3|
+0|
+3||Lore Mastery (+2 Decipher Script, Know (arcana))

3rd|Archivist 3|
+1|
+3|
+1|
+3|Knowledge Devotion|Dark knowledge 4/day

4th|Church Inquisitor 1|
+1|
+3|
+1|
+5||Detect Evil at will, Inquisition domain

5th|Church Inquisitor 2|
+2|
+3|
+1|
+6||Immune to charms

6th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+2|
+3|
+1|
+6|Good Karma|Paragon's path, Will save +1

7th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
+3|
+3|
+1|
+6||Least paragon's gift (reroll as per Luck domain 1/day)

8th|Mythic Exemplar 3|
+4|
+4|
+2|
+7||Archetype advancement, Will save +2

9th|Mythic Exemplar 4|
+4|
+4|
+2|
+7|Intuitive Attack|Lesser paragon's gift (+4 insight bonus to WIS)

10th|Mythic Exemplar 5|
+5|
+4|
+2|
+7||Archetype advancement, Will save +3

11th|Mythic Exemplar 6|
+6/+1|
+5|
+3|
+8||Greater paragon's gift (temporary immunity to mind-affecting abilities)

12th|Mythic Exemplar 7|
+7/+2|
+5|
+3|
+8|Tempting Fate|Archetype advancement, Will save +4

13th|Mythic Exemplar 8|
+7/+2|
+5|
+3|
+8||Supreme paragon's gift (temporary immunity to necromantic/death effects)

14th|Fortune's Friend 1|
+7/+2|
+5|
+5|
+8||Easy luck, Extra Fortune, More Luck than Skill

15th|Fortune's Friend 2|
+8/+3|
+5|
+6|
+8|Dallah Thaun's Luck, Survivor's Luck|Bonus luck feat

16th|Contemplative 1|
+8/+3|
+5|
+6|
+10||Bonus domain (Luck), Divine Health

17th|Luckstealer 1|
+8/+3|
+5|
+6|
+12||Curse of the Fatespurned, Subtle Magic

18th|Luckstealer 2|
+9/+4|
+5|
+6|
+13|Advantageous Avoidance|

19th|Luckstealer 3|
+9/+4|
+6|
+7|
+13||

20th|Luckstealer 4|
+10/+5|
+6|
+7|
+14||Lucky magic, Desperate recall 1/day[/table]

Spells per day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|4|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|4|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|4|5|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-

9th|4|5|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-

10th|4|5|5|4|3|2|-|-|-|-

11th|4|5|5|4|4|3|-|-|-|-

12th|4|5|5|5|4|3|2|-|-|-

13th|4|5|5|5|4|4|3|-|-|-

14th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

15th|4|5|5|5|5|4|3|2|-|-

16th|4|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|-|-

17th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

18th|4|5|5|5|5|5|4|3|2|-

19th|4|5|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|-

20th|4|5|5|5|5|5|5|4|3|2[/table]

{table=head]Ability|Points|Base|Race|Age|Levels|Enhancement|In herent|Total|Modifier
STR|2|10|-2|-1||+6||13|+1
DEX|1|9|+2|-1||+6||16|+3
CON|3|11||-1||+6||16|+3
INT|10|16||+1|1|+6|+4|28|+9
WIS|8|15||+1|4|+6|+4|30|+10
CHA|8|15||+1||+6|+4|26|+8[/table]

Level 20 Gear List

Circlet of Rapid Casting
Veil of Allure
Cloak of Displacement, minor
Shirt of the Leech
Amulet of Second Chances
Belt of Magnificence
Ring of Spellbattle
Ring of Counterspells (Greater Dispel Magic)
Lucky Charm
Gloves of Fortunate Striking
Luck Blade (0 wishes)
Metamagic rod, quicken (lesser)
Tome of Leadership & Influence +4
Tome of Clear Thought +4
Tome of Understanding +4
Scrolls of Uncertain Provenance
Ioun stone, orange prism
Field guides: Masterwork Knowledge tool x6 (arcana, dungeoneering, local, nature, planes, religion)


Skill ranks at level 20
Concentration 16
Knowledge: Arcana 10
Knowledge: Dungeoneering 12
Knowledge: History 3
Knowledge: Local 12
Knowledge: Nature 12
Knowledge: Planes 12
Knowledge: Religion 16
Profession (gambler) 9
Sleight of Hand 12
Spellcraft 22

Skill Tricks
Collector of Stories
Conceal Spellcasting
False Theurgy
Swift Concentration


The Twisted Tale of the Historian


Benign Beginnings
before adventuring
Six months. Two years. Limited mobility. No chance of walking. The doctors and clerics that visited all had different opinions, but they agreed that young Milo Brushscrubber would not live to his adult years. A large tumor in his lung had created a cyst, which seemed to be spreading. They could attempt to remove it, but the process itself would jeopardize Milo's life, and his parents didn't want to take their chances. Milo's lung collapsed, and while his friends explored, climbed mountains, and went cliff diving, the sickly boy was stuck indoors. His parents would purchase expensive books for him to read to pass the time, and Milo began to devour them. In an ancient history text, he learned of Imdastri the Faithful, a cleric with the power to cure even the most advanced disease. Milo kept reading, and he started praying to Imdastri for help. Strangely enough, it seemed to work. Milo's cyst stopped growing, the tumor was deemed benign, and Milo grew to adulthood. However, he did not rejoin his friends outdoors, choosing instead to keep to his books.


Protecting the Past
Levels 1-5
As soon as he was old enough, Milo joined the Disciples of Legend as a historian, hoping to learn even more about Imdastri. As he worked in the library, he read through the dusty old tomes. He mouthed the words of ancient prayers, pondered the writings of the druids, and read the epic tales of the paladins of various faiths. As he read, he found himself connecting to the stream of divine magic with nothing but his mind and a collection of scrolls.

One day he discovered that a demonic thrall of Jubilex had infiltrated the ranks of the organization. She was determined to use the artifacts found in the Altar of Heroism in a horrid ritual that would allow her to rewrite the past. Milo studied for weeks on end, learning how to detect and confront the intruder. When the time came, he confronted her with a small force of fellow Disciples. The battle ended quickly in a victory, but not before she was able to impale Milo's lung with her spear. While the others extracted it from him, the halfling just laughed--she had a 50% chance to kill him outright, but she had stabbed his already-collapsed lung! It seemed that his cyst had saved his life, rather than ending it.

Archivist 3/Church Inquisitor 2
CL 5, 3rd level spells
Tactics: At this level, Milo lacks the HP or tricks to engage in direct melee combat, so most of his time is spent casting support spells on his party members. Once he acquires Knowledge Devotion, his low BAB can be easily boosted, but he will still stick to ranged attacks. The inclusion of Church Inquisitor allows him to use Detect Evil and provides immunity to charms, both of which can be helpful in and out of combat. Also, he can implant necrotic cysts into key individuals and then use Necrotic Scrying as a second-level spell, opening up a potent tactic at early levels.


Following in the Footsteps of the Faithful
Levels 6-10

After healing, Milo was sent on jobs that progressed steadily in both importance and danger. Disaster seemed to befall Milo wherever he went; in the course of two years, he was petrified twice, shipwrecked four times, stranded in the desert once, captured three times, flogged twice, poisoned once, stabbed countless times, robbed five times, paralyzed once, and he lost two toes.

The other Disciples would always laugh at Milo's misfortune, but he told himself that he had enormous luck to even be alive. He reminded his colleagues that Imdastri the Faithful persevered in the face of adversity, and that he was doing the same. While all those woes had been visited upon him, he hadn't died even one time. Occassionally, his cyst would flare up and cause him great pain, but he thought of it as a reminder of how much worse his life could have been.

Milo continued with the Disciples and, after some time, people stopped laughing. His connection with the divine stream of magic grew, allowing him to harness unknown strength. While many people first regarded him as the nameless historian, now they saw this little halfling joining them on the front lines of battle, trading blows with the enemy. More than one member of the Disciples of Legend now has a story about how their life was saved by this meek little halfling, though none of them can quite explain how. They saw the ray, the arrow, or the halberd headed for them, but then all of a sudden the halfling was just there, taking the blow meant for them. Milo became a hero among the ranks of the Disciples of Legend. However, as his reputation grew, so did his tumor. It pressed against his remaining lung, making breathing difficult. Milo prayed, but to no avail. He tried herbal remedies, but found no relief. It seemed inevitable that his disease was going to catch up to him.

Archivist 3/Church Inquisitor 2/Mythic Exemplar 5
CL 9, 5th level spells
Tactics: Milo becomes a bit more combat-focused at these low-mid levels. Good Karma allows him to take attacks meant for his allies, and he has quite a few tricks up his sleeve to go along with this feat (see "Can't Touch This" below). Also, the inclusion of Intuitive Attack at 9th level comes a level after Milo learns how to cast Divine Power, allowing him to wade into melee (or deliver touch spells) with a full BAB+WIS attack, which can be boosted using his lesser paragon's gift. Also, his necrotic spells now include Necrotic Domination, allowing him to take control of those he implants a cyst into as a 4th-level spell, a whole level earlier than wizards.


Cheating Death is the Only Way to Win
Levels 11-15

Milo's string of heroic bad luck continued. He was trapped on the Astral Sea twice, buried alive three times, burnt at the stake once, impaled twice, lost three fingers, caught frostbite once, and was swallowed whole by four different creatures. However, tales of his heroism continued.

Now those who spoke of his acts weren't just talking about how he redirected arrows, though. Instead, they had tales about how he avoided having his mind controlled, how he shrugged off the effects of spell after spell, and how they saw this halfling take hits that would outright kill a man twice his size. Milo began to become something of a legend, the quiet little halfling who just wouldn't die.

However, the stories would often end in a similar fashion. "But it's catching up with him," the storyteller would inevitably say. "He's got a bubble in his chest the size of his head, and it's gonna burst. I don't know how the poor little guy's going to avoid that."

It was true--the cyst had been growing throughout the years, and it now caused Milo continual discomfort. Swallowing food was difficult, breathing was an epic undertaking itself, and Milo often went nights on end without sleep. He still reminded himself daily that he was lucky to be alive, but it became harder and harder to believe his own words. He decided that chance had favored him long enough that it was time to raise the stakes, and he asked one of the clerics he had spent years traveling with to remove his cyst. However, one of the cleric's needles missed the mark, puncturing Milo's lung and causing it to collapse. He gasped one last wheezing breath, and he was gone.

Archivist 3/Church Inquisitor 2/Mythic Exemplar 8/Fortune's Friend 2
CL 13, 7th level spells
Tactics: Milo continues to mix support casting and melee combat, and he now has the capability to keep a large number of resistances and immunities up. Spells like Superior Resistance ensure that he makes his saving throws more often, while Survivor's Luck allows him to reroll failures even after he has used his paragon's gifts for the day. He continues using Good Karma, but can now couple it with Tempting Fate to avoid death when the blow should kill him. Necrotic Tumor is added to his selection of spells, allowing him to take permanent control of creatures that fail their saves.


Insight from Imdastri
Levels 16-20

A strangely familiar voice floated into Milo's ears as he passed. "Rise, my child. You have one more chance." Opening his eyes, Milo was shocked to see Imdastri himself standing before him. "Your life is not over yet," Imdastri whispered. "Sorry, but I think it is," Milo laughed. "I had a good run, but my luck just ran out." Imdastri smiled and shook his head. "No, my son," the old cleric mused, "I learned long ago that there is no luck, only faith in our own abilities. There is no chance; nothing can happen to us except that which we allow. Now rise."

Milo's lung filled with air, and he took a gasping, gulping breath. He was back, and with new insight. Rather than laughing at his luck, he began to teach others how to influence events through faith, and he found that his tremendous faith could even cause his enemies to falter, thus strengthening himself. Word spread of the halfling who had cheated death once again, but he would just shake his head and smile. "No, no," he still says to this day, "it just hasn't been my time yet. Once it is, I'll be gone without hesitation."

Archivist 3/Church Inquisitor 2/Mythic Exemplar 8/Fortune's Friend 2/Contemplative 1/Luckstealer 4
CL 17, 9th level spells
Tactics: Once Milo becomes a luckstealer, he has the ability to cast a spell (swift action), use a luck reroll (free action, essentially), curse an opponent (move action that allows a DC24 Will save), and cast another spell (standard action) all in the same round. He will move to engage the enemy, but then remain motionless, choosing to keep his luck pool steadily rising by using Curse of the Fatespurned. Necrotic Empowerment and Divine Power will be his go-to combat buffs (especially for the full BAB and 100 temporary HP), and he now has the ability to force foes to reroll damage or attacks against him. At 20th level, he receives 9th level spells, and acquires Choose Destiny by any means necessary. This swift-action spell allows him to roll every attack, save, or check twice (along with the possibility for rerolls on top of that), and he can cast it 4 times per day (2 from base casting+1 bonus spell+1 Desperate Recall).

Using the Secret Ingredient

Least paragon's gift: This power doesn't actually give you the Luck domain--this is why we needed one level of contemplative to qualify for Luckstealer. Still, this allows us to make one more reroll/day. Furthermore, because luck feat rerolls don't count towards our limit of one swift action per round (see "And your Tricks for Free" below), we can make a roll, use a luck reroll to reroll it, and we still have a swift action available to reroll that with the paragon's gift. You aren't allowed to spend luck rerolls to reroll the same roll, but it doesn't mention anything about using this power in that way. Keep in mind that you can also trade in your lesser, greater, or supreme gifts for another daily use of this power. That's up to 4 rerolls a day from this class alone. With the inclusion of our other classes, feats, and items, Milo can make up to 18 luck rerolls per day before he runs out (but see "Something For Nothing," below). He can reroll attacks, saves, skill checks, ability checks, variable numeric effects of his spells, and stabilization checks. He can also redirect enemy attacks towards himself, and make enemies reroll damage and attacks. Of course, the fact that this power takes a swift (and not immediate) action means it won't be of too much use for rerolling saves, hence the inclusion of Survivor's Luck.

Lesser paragon's gift: Usually, an archivist doesn't stand to gain too much from extra Wisdom. The inclusion of Intuitive Strike in this build means that Milo can turn that +4 WIS into a +2 bonus on melee or touch spell attacks. Please note that this insight bonus applies directly to his Wisdom score, rather than his attacks. Because of this, it stacks with the insight bonus on attacks and damage granted by Knowledge Devotion. Of course, you can always trade this in for another reroll instead.

Greater Paragon's Gift: immunity to mind-affecting spells and abilities is always nice, especially when it's available as a swift action. Now, Milo shouldn't have to rely on this too much. His Will save is monstrously high, his two levels of Church Inquisitor render him immune to charms, and at higher levels, Milo gains access to Mind Blank. This power won't be needed then, and can be traded in for another luck reroll or another +4 bonus to WIS.

Supreme Paragon's Gift: by the time you acquire this ability, you've already been casting Death Ward for quite some time. However, it's useful in a pinch if you get dispelled or caught between castings. Alternatively, it can be traded in for immunity to mind-affecting abilities, +4 insight bonus to Wisdom, or another luck reroll.


Highlights and Tricks

Something for Nothing:Since this character is exclusively devoted to luck, he has a large number of rerolls, but they aren't free. The inclusion of Luckstealer allows Milo to acquire a luck pool, and as per the sidebar on Page 73 of Complete Scoundrel, he can fuel his luck feats with points from this pool at a rate of 3:1 without spending luck rerolls. Usually, he won't do this, keeping his luck points for the bonuses they can provide on pretty much any roll on a 1:1 basis. However, if he's ever stuck with 0 rerolls left, he has this ability to fall back on, providing an unlimited source of rerolls. He can curse foes, bystanders, or party members (who can choose to fail their saves). The ability explicitly states the curse can be removed, but you keep the luck points. Also, he or another party member can summon a horde of small monsters, then curse all of them while they can still provide flanking or aid another.

And your Tricks for Free:Okay, so luck rerolls are free, at least to Milo. However, they still take up actions in combat. The inclusion of Fortune's Friend gives us the ability to not count luck rerolls as our one swift/immediate action per round (though we can only reroll the same check once). This basically makes them free actions, and it means two things for us: first, we can reroll against multiple actions per turn. This is especially helpful in high-power campaigns, where combat can often start with the DM saying, "roll 4 Will saves against paralysis," or the like. Secondly, our swift/immediate actions are still free for casting. There are a lot of divine spells that take a swift action to cast, mostly paladin and ranger spells. Access to these spells, along with the historian flavor, is why I opted for archivist instead of a cleric or favored soul.

Can't Touch This: Good Karma, along with Advantageous Avoidance, Tempting Fate, and the supreme paragon's gift, help Milo play the heroic intercessor of the party. Not only can he redirect enemy attacks towards himself (with buffed AC thanks to his archivist casting...Greater Luminous Armor, Shield, etc), but he can also make that foe reroll its attack and/or damage (upon getting Fortune's Friend 1, since luck feats don't count against your swift action limit). If the attack carries a necromantic or death effect rider, Milo may already have his supreme gift or Death Ward activated, rendering him immune to the attack he takes on behalf of his teammate. Furthermore, even if Milo takes an attack that would deal enough damage to obliterate his teammate, he can use Tempting Fate to ensure that he only drops to -9 and makes his stabilization check. A source of fast healing (like a wand of Lesser Vigor) or spell effects that let you function in negative hitpoints (Beastland Ferocity, for example) make this combo even better.

Choose Your Own Adventure: The archivist grants access to domain spells, opening up one of my favorite: Choose Destiny, a swift-action 9th level spell from Races of Destiny. Basically, you get to roll every attack, save, and check twice. I'm unclear on how this stacks with rerolls (do I get to reroll each of my two rolls?) If so, you can have up to 4 rolls for one action. If not, you can still make up to 3 rolls for one action, making critical failures a thing of the past.

Mother Dearest: Mother Cyst was included for roleplaying reasons, as well as its spell selection. Necrotic Cyst is a second-level spell, meaning that it can be quickened. Use your swift action to cast it against an enemy, then use a standard action to cast either one of the necrotic spells, or anything else. However, my favorite spell of the bunch is Necrotic Empowerment. It provides some ability bonuses not usually available pre-epic, boosts Milo's hardiness, and grants him 100 temporary HP per casting. It only lasts 1 round/level, but I think it's one heck of a buff.


Notes

Though my final build originally contained all 10 levels of the secret ingredient (Archivist 3/Church Inquisitor 3/Mythic Exemplar 10/Fortune's Friend 2/Contemplative 2), I contend that this build is stronger due to the inclusion of Luckstealer. While it causes the character to add CHA instead of dumping it, it also provides an unending source of luck points, and thus an unending source of luck rolls. You can curse anybody, friend or foe. Also, the Lucky magic and desperate recall features are a nice capstone--you get a milder version of Magical Fortune which can be used all day (and not just for damage, but all variable components of a spell), along with the ability to retain one 9th-level spell per day. The final two levels of Mythic Exemplar only provided +2 WIS and the ability to spontaneously "lose" spells to cast lower-level luck, protection, and strength spells. When it comes down to it, that just didn't provide Milo as many options as his exit at 8th level did.
This class suffers no multiclassing penalties, as it utilizes only one base class. However, the BAB and saves are a bit skewed. If fractional BAB and save rules were being used, Milo would have a +12 BAB, and saves of +9 FORT, +9 REFLEX, +10 WILL.
A main part of the archivist's power is in his spell selection. Some classes or domains get spells at a lower level than others, and those can come in quite handy. However, your DM may place some restrictions on this. If they do so, you may want to consider going with the build in the note above. Though it lacks a small amount of versatility, you wouldn't need to use Contemplative for the Luck domain, and can instead take Destiny, automatically granting yourself Choose Destiny as a spell known. The domain ability, though limited, is also nice (grant an ally 1 reroll/day).

Sources:
Book of Exalted Deeds (Intuitive Attack)
Complete Champion (Mythic Exemplar, Knowledge Devotion)
Complete Divine (Church Inquisitor, Contemplative)
Complete Scoundrel (Fortune's Friend, luck feats, skill tricks, Lucky Charm)
DMG (Cloak of displacement, Ring of Counterspells, Luck Blade, Metamagic rod, Tomes, Ioun stone)
Heroes of Horror (Archivist)
Libris Mortis (Mother Cyst, necrotic spells)
Magic Item Compendium (Circlet of Rapid Casting, Veil of Allure, Shirt of the Leech, Amulet of Second Chances, Ring of Spellbattle, Gloves of Fortunate Striking, Scrolls of Uncertain Provenance)
Miniatures Handbook (Belt of Magnificence)
PHB (Masterwork tools)
Races of Destiny (Choose Destiny)
Races of the Wild (Dallah Thaun's Luck, Luckstealer)
Spell Compendium (tons of swift action paladin/ranger spells ripe for Archivist plucking)

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:08 PM
They will sing songs about this legendary hero, who sang songs about a man who sang songs.
Regarding skills: what's on the skills section is the number of ranks I've added at each level. As suggested, I will put the full skill list (with each of the bonuses as intended) at the end of each build progression, along spells per level and spells known.

Nuaeral Trakaith/Geoffrey Steelfist
Base Ability Scores (32-point buy): Strength 14, Dexterity 12, Constitution 14, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 10, Charisma 16

At 10th level
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|Bard 1|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+2|Concentration +4, Diplomacy +4, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Knowledge (history) +4, Perform (oratory) +4, Perform (poetry) +4, Spellcraft +4|Draconic Heritage (green dragon; flaw-gained bonus feat), Dragonfire Inspiration, Dragontouched (flaw-gained bonus feat), Frail (flaw), Slow (flaw), Skill Focus (diplomacy)| Bardic Music (Inspire Courage+1), Bardic Knowledge, Healing Hymn (Complete Champion 47, replaces Fascinate), Spellbreaker Song (Complete Mage 35, replaces Countersong)

2nd|Bard 2|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+3|Concentration +1, Diplomacy +1, Knowledge (arcana) +1, Knowledge (history) +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Spellcraft +1|

3rd|Marshal 1|
+1|
+2|
+3|
+5|Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| Power Attack | Minor Aura: Motivate Charisma

4th|Marshal 2|
+2|
+3|
+3|
+6|Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| | Major Aura +1: Motivate Care

5th|Marshal 3|
+3|
+3|
+4|
+6|Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| | Minor Aura : Watchful Eye

6th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+3|
+3|
+4|
+6|Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1|Cleave|Paragon’s Path (Reikhardt), Save Bonus +1 (Will)

7th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
+4|
+3|
+4|
+6|Concentration +1 (CC), Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| |Least Paragon’s Gift (Inspire Courage)

8th|Warrior Skald 1|
+5|
+5|
+6|
+6|||Bardic Music (Countersong, Fascinate, Inspire Competence, Inspire Greatness*, Suggestion*), Dragonscale Husk (Dragon Magic 12, replaces Heavy Armor Proficiency)

9th|Warrior Skald 2|
+6/+1|
+6|
+5|
+6|Diplomacy +1, Hide +1, Move Silently +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1|Song of the Heart|Words of Rejuvenation

10th|Warrior Skald 3|
+7/+2|
+6|
+5|
+7|Diplomacy +1, Hide +1, Move Silently +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1| |Demoralize[/table]
*: Skills chosen as class skills for Mythic Exemplar (Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge [arcana])

Spells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|2/4|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

9th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

10th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-[/table]

Spells Known:
0—detect magic, minor disguise, prestidigitation, resistance, songbird, summon instrument
1st—critical strike, inspirational boost, improvisation

Ability Scores: Strength 15 (+1 to ability score at level 8), Dexterity 12, Constitution 14, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 10, Charisma 17 (+1 to ability score at level 4)

Skills: Concentration +8, Diplomacy +15, Hide +4, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (arcana) +6, Knowledge (history) +6, Move Silently +4, Perform (oratory) +16, Perform (poetry) +16, Ride +6, Spellcraft +8

At level 20
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|Bard 1|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+2| Concentration +4, Diplomacy +4, Knowledge (arcana) +4, Knowledge (history) +4, Perform (oratory) +4, Perform (poetry) +4, Spellcraft +4|Draconic Heritage (green dragon; flaw-gained bonus feat), Dragonfire Inspiration, Dragontouched (flaw-gained bonus feat), Frail (flaw), Slow (flaw), Skill Focus (diplomacy)| Bardic Music (Inspire Courage+1), Bardic Knowledge, Healing Hymn (Complete Champion 47, replaces Fascinate), Spellbreaker Song (Complete Mage 35, replaces Countersong)

2nd|Bard 2|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+3| Concentration +1, Diplomacy +1, Knowledge (arcana) +1, Knowledge (history) +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Spellcraft +1|
3rd|Marshal 1|
+1|
+2|
+3|
+5| Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| Power Attack | Minor Aura: Motivate Charisma
4th|Marshal 2|
+2|
+3|
+3|
+6| Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| | Major Aura +1: Motivate Care

5th|Marshal 3|
+3|
+3|
+4|
+6| Diplomacy +1, Intimidate +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| | Minor Aura : Watchful Eye***

6th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+3|
+3|
+4|
+6| Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1|Cleave|Paragon’s Path (Reikhardt), Save Bonus +1 (Will)

7th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
+4|
+3|
+4|
+6|Concentration +1 (CC), Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| |Least Paragon’s Gift (Inspire Courage)

8th|Warrior Skald 1|
+5|
+5|
+6|
+6|Diplomacy +1, Hide +1, Move Silently +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1||Bardic Music (Countersong, Fascinate, Inspire Competence, Inspire Greatness**, Suggestion**), Dragonscale Husk (Dragon Magic 12, replaces Heavy Armor Proficiency)

9th|Warrior Skald 2|
+6/+1|
+6|
+5|
+6| Diplomacy +1, Hide +1, Move Silently +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1|Song of the Heart|Words of Rejuvenation

10th|Warrior Skald 3|
+7/+2|
+6|
+5|
+7| Diplomacy +1, Hide +1, Move Silently +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1 | |Demoralize

11th|Mythic Exemplar 3|
+8/+3|
+7|
+6|
+8| Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1||Save Bonus +2 (Will)

12th|Mythic Exemplar 4|
+9/+4|
+7|
+6|
+8|Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1|Melodic Casting|Lesser Paragon’s Gift (+4 to Charisma)

13th|Mythic Exemplar 5|
+9/+4|
+7|
+6|
+8|Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| |Minor Aura: Determined Caster, Major Aura: Resilient Troops***, Save Bonus +5 (Will)

14th|Mythic Exemplar 6|
+10/+5|
+8|
+7|
+9|Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1| |Greater Paragon’s Gift: Inspire Greatness

15th|Mythic Exemplar 7|
+11/+6/+1|
+8|
+7|
+9|Diplomacy +1*, Intimidate +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1|Frightful Presence|Save Bonus +4 (Will)

16th|Mythic Exemplar 8|
+12/+7/+2|
+8|
+6|
+9| Knowledge (arcana) +1*, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Skill Trick: Never Outnumbered| |Supreme Paragon’s Gift: Dominate Person

17th|Mythic Exemplar 9|
+12/+7/+2|
+9|
+7|
+10| Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1, Ride +1, Spellcraft +1 (CC)| |Minor Aura: Demand Fortitude***, Major Aura +2

18th|Lyric Thaumaturge 1|
+12/+7/+2|
+9|
+9|
+12| Intimidate +1 (CC), Knowledge (history) +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1|Practiced Spellcaster (Sorcerer)|Bardic Music, Bonus Spell

19th|Lyric Thaumaturge 2|
+13/+8/+3|
+9|
+10|
+13| Intimidate +1 (CC), Knowledge (history) +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1|Captivating Melody|

20th|Lyric Thaumaturge 3|
+14/+9/+4|
+10|
+10|
+13| Intimidate +1 (CC), Knowledge (history) +1, Perform (oratory) +1, Perform (poetry) +1| |Spell Secret (shield, wraithstrike)[/table]
*: Skills chosen as class skills for Mythic Exemplar (Diplomacy, Intimidate, Knowledge [arcana])
**: Acquired once the prerequisite Perform ranks are achieved.
***: The entry on Archetype Advancement for Reikhardt explains "+1 level of a class-based extraordinary ability to grant bonuses to allies", a very ambiguous term that does not explain whether the character gains further auras; only the effective level for purposes of aura strength. On the latter case, the abilities marked are not available for Nuaerel's use and the abilities unmarked are acquired earlier in the same order. Otherwise, these are acquired at the indicated level

Spells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|2/4|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|3/5|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

9th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

10th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

11th|3/6|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

12th|3/6|2/3|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

13th|3/6|2/3|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

14th|3/6|3/4|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

15th|3/6|3/4|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

16th|3/6|3/4|2/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

17th|3/6|3/4|2/3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

18th|3/6|3+1/4|2+1/4|0/2|-|-|-|-|-|-

19th|3/6|3+1/4|3+1/4|1/3|-|-|-|-|-|-

20th|3/6|3+1/4+1|3+1/4+1|2/3|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
+X: Denotes either bonus spell slots gained through Bonus Spell, or bonus spells known via Spell Secret

Spells Known:
0—detect magic, minor disguise, prestidigitation, resistance, songbird, summon instrument
1st—critical strike, inspirational boost, improvisation, phantom threat, shield
2nd—alter self, mirror image, painful echoes, sting ray, wraithstrike
3rd—fear, haste, wounding whispers

Ability Scores: Strength 16 (+1 to ability score at level 8 and 16), Dexterity 12, Constitution 14, Intelligence 12, Wisdom 10, Charisma 19 (+1 to ability score at level 4, 12 and 20)

Skills: Concentration +8, Diplomacy +21, Hide +4, Intimidate +16, Knowledge (arcana) +7, Knowledge (history) +9, Move Silently +4, Perform (oratory) +27, Perform (poetry) +27, Ride +12, Spellcraft +9

Other Information
Racial Traits: As a forestlord half-elf (Dragon Magic 8), Nuaeral/Geoffrey has the following traits: dragonblood subtype, treewalk 3/day (for being a 10th level character), Hide as class skill for all classes, Forestlord Pact (cannot attack green dragon or -1 penalty to attack rolls, caster level and saving throws)

Background: Born from the union of a human military commander and a wandering elven songstress, Nuaeral Trakaith was born from two radically different cultures. His father, Wilfred Steelfist was a ruthless soldier, a young warrior that rose swiftly upon the ranks of the military to become captain of his own unit. During a battle in which he was sent to ransack a series of villages in order to claim the land from the elves, Nuaeral's father confronted the guardian of the land: a fierce green dragon, with whom the elven tribes had struck a truce. His army was defeated, only himself and a band of soldiers remaining after three long days of combat. Wilfred was forced to strike a truce with the dragon to save his remaining men, swearing that he wouldn't conquer the elven lands and that he would relay the message to his liege regardless of the consequences. The negotiation was successful, allowing Wilfred and his men to recover in one of the remaining lands, upon the guise of allies who kept the invaders at bay until the dragon fulfilled the oath with the elves. During the days he and his men recovered, he acquainted with his caretaker, a beautiful elven maiden, healer and speaker of the village named Beswynna Trakaith. The two had a very short relationship (lasting mostly for the week, as Beswynna was considered an enemy in Wilfred's eyes), but the fruit of the relationship bore fruit much later, with Nuaeral's birth. Beswynna named her child with the hope that the small seed would result in a sprout of harmony between the elven villages and their neighboring human lands.

During most of his youth, Nuaeral was trained in his mother's profession, becoming a talented singer with unusual traits that signaled him as a scion of the ancient pacts with the guardian dragons of the forest. However, while Beswynna was graceful and serene, Nuaeral was belligerent and fierce, impatient despite his frail complexion; perhaps it was his frail complexion that caused him to prove to the others that he was no weakling. For indeed, he was strong and resilient, but he was not swift as his peers, and neither bestowed of great resistance to pain.

At his 30th year of life, wishing to travel the world, Nuaeral departed with his mother's blessing, although torn because he couldn't believe his mother refused so deeply to allow him to meet his father. Nevertheless, he departed from his native village, seeking to quell or even indulge on proving his mettle. He also wished to prove whether the rumors of his birth to an enemy commander was true, even though her mother swore that she never related to the enemy. This path took him, without his knowledge, to meet the father he sought so much: yet, he met him unwittingly as the enemy. He was captured by the soldiers of sir Wilfred, taken to the aging man whom at first couldn't recognize his own factions, or those of his once-lover, in the young half-elf's face. However, as they spoke, Wilfred revealed his paternal desires, and embraced his long-lost son warmly. Seeing a strong and skilled man, he endeavored to train his son as a soldier much as he did on his youth, to which his son originally refused. Indeed, he wished to prove his might, but not by becoming the enemy; however, a deep introspection in his own name and Wilfred's long-standing resentment for his failure turning into a singular act of rebellion against his country convinced him of the benefits of becoming a soldier. Wilfred's failure turned into unwilling devotion, as he sought to become the greatest commander of all time, much like a legend upon men; the noble sir Reikhardt, Lord Marshall of Geoff. Indeed, as a last honor his father requested from his son, he sought to know his son as Geoffrey, "(born) from Geoff" in old human tongues. Nuaeral and Wilfred forged a bond that they couldn't forge in years, with Nuaeral healing the old wounds of Wilfred's soul and drawing on his reserves of elven knowledge for clues about Reikhardt, while Wilfred taught his son the art of war and the noble goals of the epic hero. During the next few years, Nuaeral, under the guise of Geoffrey Steelfist, rose as his father did on the ranks of the army and became a lieutenant under the orders of his own father. In battle, "Geoffrey" fought at the forefront, just as his father did, leading his men with his heroic determination and the secrets of his elven heritage, his draconic blood boiling deep within him, and his tricks as a wandering minstrel. He won several victories in his own name, his liege unaware of his birthplace but realizing he would achieve what his father couldn't. (5th level)

Yet, fate was not too kind upon his liege, or to Wilfred. Nuaeral's first major defeat was against a small warband of orcs, fighting fiercely up to the last man, but dealing horrible losses to the young half-elf's company. He would have perished, were it not because the warband second-in-command, a young half-orc warrior-poet praised more for his skill in whipping orcs into frenzy than in his art. It was largely unknown what happened that day, whether the arts bound both performers so as to allow a half-orc to forgive the life of his enemy, and worse, a sworn enemy as an elf, but the half-orc took Nuaeral as a prisoner. His imprisonment didn't last long: the deception of the half-elf's company of realizing that their leader was part of the enemy all along, as well as the orc's disappointment upon their half-orcish kin, forced both to escape in the dark of the night, depending on one another to survive. That was the beginning of a friendship, one that resulted in both trading ways to handle their weaknesses. While the orc refined his tactical knowledge and learned the ways of the military, Nuaeral found his own strength in the bond of his musical talent and his military knowledge, blending song and steel to induce fear and awe upon his enemies. Yet, there was more: the young half-orc was inspired by the tales of "Raakhaat Oguuf", a ballad the young orc had learned from his orc father, and that Nuaeral quickly realized it was a story about Reikhardt. Feeling this as a sign, he sought to follow the path of his exemplar, developing his own strength along the way. (10th level)

With each passing year, Nuaeral grew closer to understand the legend of Reikhardt the Brave. More and more, he realized that there were traits of Reikhardt that were very similar to him: a military commander, an outsider amongst outsiders, one that forged a bond with five other outcasts and became the legendary Six from Shadow. Yet, there was more: his draconic heritage granting him magical power, his performing talent at poetry and oratory granting him the ability to inspire troops even further. He served under many armies, as a mercenary willing to lead troops, under many names; however, Nuaeral and Geoffrey were his best known aliases. At one moment, he could fight upon the side of one army in the guise of an elf; at another, he could fight against the same army in the guise of a human. He fought not for money, fame, skill or position; he fought to understand the mystique of Reikhardt, such was his passion. He met his two closest exemplars one last time: he fought one more time for his father as he was betrayed by his own liege after years of doubt and intrigue, and he fought against his old sparring partner in opposing sides leading a band of elves against a massive orc horde. Both times, his exemplars had died: his father perished days after his son saved him out of a terrible poison, while he was forced to slay his former friend as he was manipulated to fight against his own will, forgiving the half-elf with his last words as he regained freedom of his fading life. These two events struck him to the core, allowing him to understand what drove Reikhardt to forge a relationship with complete strangers after that legendary battle. Nuaeral was now maturing, realizing that Reikhardt's example was one of unity, of forging lasting bonds with people while bridging the chasms that separated them. (15th level)

Much he had learned about his greatest inspiration, learning from experience, from the life of a man who devoted his life to following Reikhardt's example, and from the experience of forgiing bonds with people as Reikhardt must have surely done. He was renowned by people as a legendary commander, and he would have been one step closer to embodying his paragon in life, but just as he was close to, he stopped. Much like the Six from Shadow did, he suddenly disappeared, no longer a mercenary fighting against the chasms of hate, regardless of the source. Now, following one step closer to his mother's footsteps, he has entered a prestigious academy of performing arts training bards deeper into the arts of magic and music. To those who have heard of Nuaeral's story, he must have either embodied Reikhardt's story or abandoned it right at the end; to Nuaeral, or to Geoffrey, he still walks the path towards realizing the final days of his paragon. Perhaps, between the stories of bards he would find his answer, as he surely did in his youth (20th level)

Sources
Miniatures Handbook: information on Marshal, also available here (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20030906b)
Complete Champion: information on Mythic Exemplar (87-90), Healing Hymn (47)
Complete Mage: information on Lyric Thaumaturge (67-68), Spellbreaker Song (35), the Painful Echoes spell (90)
Complete Scoundrel: skill trick Never Outnumbered (87)
Races of Faerun: information on Warrior Skald (186-187)
Dragon Magic: information on Forestlord Elf (8), Dragonscale Husk ACF (12), the Draconic Knowledge, Dragonfire Inspiration and Dragontouched feats (17-19)
Complete Champion errata: added Perform to class skills
Races of the Wild: use of Elven language for Nuaeral's Elven name (30-31)
Spell Compendium: information on spells Minor Disguise, Songbird, Improvisation, Inspirational Boost, Sting Ray, Wounding Whispers (246-248)
Eberron Campaign Setting: information on Song of the Heart feat (also located here (http://www.realmshelps.org/cgi-bin/feats.pl?Song_Of_The_Heart))

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:11 PM
Base classes, who needs 'em?
Name: Alexei
Race: Half Elf

http://www.wizards.com/dnd/images/ManualPlanes/119441.jpg

Progression
{table=head]Level | Class | Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha | BAB | Base Fort | Base Ref | Base Will | Feats | Class Features | Skills
1st | Cloistered Cleric 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Sacred Vow, Protection Devotion, Knowledge Devotion | Turn Undead, Luck Domain, Protection Devotion, Knowledge Devotion | Knowledge (History) 4 Diplomacy 4 Sense Motive 2 Knowledge (Religion) 4 Spell Craft 4 Spot 2 Gather Information 2 Listen 2
2nd | Half Elf Paragon 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | Nymph's Kiss | Bonus Feat, Divided Ancesty (Human), Elven Vision | Knowledge (History) 5 Diplomacy 5 Sense Motive 2 Knowledge (Religion) 4 Spell Craft 4 Spot 2 Gather Information 2 Listen 5 Profession (Librarian) 1
3rd | Human Paragon 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 18 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 4 | Vow of Chastity | Adaptive Learning | Knowledge (History) 6 Diplomacy 6 Sense Motive 3 Knowledge (Religion) 5 Spell Craft 4 Spot 3 Gather Information 3 Listen 6 Profession (Librarian) 1
4th | Human Paragon 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Intuitive Strike | Bonus Feat | Knowledge (History) 7 Diplomacy 7 Sense Motive 4 Knowledge (Religion) 6 Spell Craft 4 Spot 4 Gather Information 4 Listen 7 Profession (Librarian) 1
5th | Squire of Legend 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 5 | | Least Squire's Burden, Paragon's Path (Imdrastri), Save Bonus +1 | Knowledge (History) 8 Diplomacy 8 Sense Motive 6 Knowledge (Religion) 7 Spell Craft 4 Spot 6 Gather Information 5 Listen 8 Profession (Librarian) 1
6th | Squire of Legend 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 12 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 5 | Vow of Obedience | Lesser Squire's Burden | Knowledge (History) 9 Diplomacy 9 Sense Motive 8 Knowledge (Religion) 8 Spell Craft 4 Spot 8 Gather Information 6 Listen 9 Profession (Librarian) 1
7th | Squire of Legend 3 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 19 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 3 | 6 | | Faithful Companion, Greater Squire's Burden, Save Bonus +2 | Knowledge (History) 10 Diplomacy 10 Sense Motive 10 Knowledge (Religion) 9 Spell Craft 4 Spot 10 Gather Information 7 Listen 10 Profession (Librarian) 1
8th | Human Paragon 3 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 22 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 6 | | Ability Boost +2 | Knowledge (History) 11 Diplomacy 11 Sense Motive 8 Knowledge (Religion) 10 Spell Craft 4 Spot 11 Gather Information 8 Listen 11 Profession (Librarian) 1
9th | Mythic Exemplar 1 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 22 | 12 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 6 | Vow Of Abstinence | Paragon's Path (Imdrastri), Save Bonus +1 | Knowledge (History) 12 Diplomacy 12 Sense Motive 9 Knowledge (Religion) 11 Spell Craft 4 Spot 12 Gather Information 9 Listen 12 Profession (Librarian) 1
10th | Mythic Exemplar 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 22 | 12 | 5 | 2 | 4 | 6 | | Least Paragon's Gift | Knowledge (History) 13 Diplomacy 13 Sense Motive 10 Knowledge (Religion) 12 Spell Craft 4 Spot 13 Gather Information 10 Listen 13 Profession (Librarian) 1
11th | Mythic Exemplar 3 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 22 | 12 | 6 | 3 | 5 | 7 | | Archetype Advancement, Save Bonus +2 | Knowledge (History) 14 Diplomacy 14 Sense Motive 11 Knowledge (Religion) 13 Spell Craft 4 Spot 14 Gather Information 11 Listen 14 Profession (Librarian) 1
12th | Mythic Exemplar 4 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 23 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 7 | Touch of Healing | Lesser Paragon's Gift | Knowledge (History) 15 Diplomacy 15 Sense Motive 12 Knowledge (Religion) 14 Spell Craft 4 Spot 15 Gather Information 12 Listen 15 Profession (Librarian) 1
13th | Mythic Exemplar 5 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 23 | 12 | 7 | 3 | 5 | 7 | | Archetype Advancement, Save Bonus +3 | Knowledge (History) 16 Diplomacy 16 Sense Motive 13 Knowledge (Religion) 15 Spell Craft 4 Spot 16 Gather Information 13 Listen 16 Profession (Librarian) 1
14th | Mythic Exemplar 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 23 | 12 | 8 | 4 | 6 | 8 | | Greater Paragon's Gift | Knowledge (History) 17 Diplomacy 17 Sense Motive 14 Knowledge (Religion) 16 Spell Craft 4 Spot 17 Gather Information 14 Listen 17 Profession (Librarian) 1
15th | Half Elf Paragon 2 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 23 | 12 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 8 | Sociable Personality | Persuasion | Knowledge (History) 18 Diplomacy 18 Sense Motive 15 Knowledge (Religion) 16.5 Spell Craft 4 Spot 17 Gather Information 14 Listen 18 Profession (Librarian) 1
16th | Half Elf Paragon 3 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 26 | 12 | 10 | 5 | 7 | 9 | | Ability Boost +2 | Knowledge (History) 19 Diplomacy 19 Sense Motive 16 Knowledge (Religion) 17 Spell Craft 4 Spot 17 Gather Information 14 Listen 19 Profession (Librarian) 1
17th | Mythic Exemplar 7 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 26 | 12 | 11 | 5 | 7 | 9 | | Archetype Advancement, Save Bonus +4 | Knowledge (History) 20 Diplomacy 20 Sense Motive 17 Knowledge (Religion) 18 Spell Craft 4 Spot 18 Gather Information 15 Listen 20 Profession (Librarian) 1
18th | Mythic Exemplar 8 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 26 | 12 | 12 | 5 | 7 | 9 | Nimbus of Light | Supreme Paragon's Gift | Knowledge (History) 21 Diplomacy 21 Sense Motive 18 Knowledge (Religion) 19 Spell Craft 4 Spot 19 Gather Information 16 Listen 21 Profession (Librarian) 1
19th | Mythic Exemplar 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 26 | 12 | 12 | 6 | 8 | 10 | | Archetype Advancement | Knowledge (History) 22 Diplomacy 22 Sense Motive 19 Knowledge (Religion) 20 Spell Craft 4 Spot 20 Gather Information 17 Listen 22 Profession (Librarian) 1
20th | Mythic Exemplar 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 29 | 12 | 13 | 6 | 8 | 10 | | Ability Boost, Embody Paragon | Knowledge (History) 23 Diplomacy 23 Sense Motive 20 Knowledge (Religion) 21 Spell Craft 4 Spot 21 Gather Information 18 Listen 23 Profession (Librarian) 1
[/table]

Squire of the holy cause:
Born in a monestary far to the north, Alexei knew nothing of his heritage, merely following the way of the elders, learning of the books. As he grew, his time amoung the humans made him more one of them than his woodland kin, even more so after a chance encounter with a Nymph while walking in the woods. Veiling her beauty from him, she told him that his great grand sire had saved her in his youth. Not truely understanding, he accepted a kiss from her as payment, swearing to be with no other till he returned to her, such was the mind of a young lad.
Despite it being a hasty promise in the presense of a being more beautiful than any he had seen before, Alexei kept it, her gift turning him into more of a man, his gift with words growing as did his search into the history books to find who his great grandsire was.
On his 18th birthday, a knight of the Disciples of Legends return to the monestary after many hard years of travelling, seeking a squire to follow him. Though many were more apt with the blade or magic than him, the knight choose Alexei out of those viable as soon as his eye fell on him, the knight expression changing viable showing confusion muttering "It can't be".
The pair left shortly after, though the Knight never explained his confusion, he taugh Alexei much about a cleric reveared by the Disciples of Legends known as Imdrastri. Teaching self sacrifice for the greater good, he came to a local chapter house where he swore a vow to follow the teaching of Indrastri wherever he could and discover the missing past.
Travelling with his knight for a few more years, Alexei grew wiser beyond his years with great speed, his skill with words able so sooth confrontation before it began, almost able to read the hearts of others with a short glance.

Level 8
Hit Dice: 7d8+6
Initative: +0
Speed: 30ft
Armour Class: 20 (+7 wisdom, +1 belt, +2 armor), touch 18, flat-footed 20
Base Attack/Grapple: +4/+4
Attack: +12, 1d8 damage, unarmed
Full Attack: +12, 1d8 damage, unarmed
Space/Reach: 5ft/5ft
Special Attacks:
Special Qualities: Low Light Vision, Immunity to Sleep, Luck Domain Re-roll, Sheild Other, Sanctuary
Saves: Fort +2, Ref +4 (+8 vs poisons and drugs), Will +14 (+18 vs charms, phantasms and compulsions), +2 vs enchantments, +1 vs spells
Abilities: Strength 10, Dexterity 10, Constitution 10, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 24, Charisma 12
Skills: Knowledge (History) +13, Diplomacy +18, Sense Motive +15, Knowledge (Religion) +12, Spell Craft +6, Spot +20, Gather Information +13, Listen +20, Profession (Librarian) +8

Equipment: Monk's Belt, Periapt of Wisdom +2, bracers of armor +2
2000gp

An Exemplar of his time:
A chance encounter with a wandering elf revealed so much of who he was to Alexei, for he discovered that the elf was his grandfather, and a one time companion of Imdrastri. Hearing many stories of what Imdrastri did for those around him first hand, Alexei became even move enawed with the greatness which he taught.
Travelling to the Reliquary of the Six, Alexei was introduced to Laldaraat Indlin who took him deep into the vaults of hidden knowledge. Taking out a painting made of six adventures, Alexei was struck with the resemblance of one of them with his father, and as the gnome pointed at it and said who it was, his upbringing, the knights reaction, what the Nymph had told him years ago, it all came together that he was the living heir of Indrastri.
Swearing a final oath to never imbue that which would impare his senses and cause him to reveal what he had learnt, Alexei became in Exemplar of Indrastri, travelling the lands seeking out cults of Tharizdun and Juiblex as well as brave adventures to join him in defeating these cults. Protecting those who travelled with him, his skills with words became greater, guiding even cult members to the light, making them give up their evil ways and seek to aid others.
As he aged and became wiser than most mortals, his understanding began to show, clouds always parted above him, even on the darkness night, and the rays of sun or moon light filtered down an illuminated around him for all to see.

Level 20
Hit Dice: 19d8+26
Initative: +1
Speed: walk 30ft, fly 60ft (good)
Armour Class: 39 (+15 wisdom, +1 Belt, +8 armor, +5 deflection), touch 31, flat-footed 39
Base Attack/Grapple: +19/+19
Attack: +39, 1d6+7 damage, quarterstaff
Full Attack: +35/+30/+25/+20//+31, 1d6+7 damage, quarterstaff
Space/Reach: 5ft/5ft
Special Attacks: Attacks?
Special Qualities: Low Light Vision, Immunity to Sleep, Luck Domain Re-roll, Least Paragon Gift Re-Roll, Sheild Other, Sanctuary, etc
Saves: Fort +7, Ref +9 (+13 vs poisons and drugs), Will +32 (+36 vs charms, phantasms and compulsions), +2 vs enchantments, +1 vs spells
Abilities: Strength 16, Dexterity 10, Constitution 10, Intelligence 18, Wisdom 40, Charisma 12
Skills: Knowledge (History) +28, Diplomacy +34 (+36 vs good) (May re-roll), Sense Motive +36 (+38 vs good), Knowledge (Religion) +26, Spell Craft +9, Spot +41, Gather Information +24 (May re-roll), Listen +42, Profession (Librarian) +17
Equipment: Monk's Belt, Tome Of Understanding +5, Periapt of Wisdom +6, Bracers of Armour +8, Wings of Flying, Ring of Protection +5, Ring of Spell Turning, Pale Green Ioun Stone, Dark Blue Ioun Stone, Headbane of Intellect +4
+4 Intelligent Holy Axiomatic Quarterstaff (Purpose: Defeat followers of Tharizdun and Juiblex. Status at will, 10 ranks knowledge history, 10 ranks sense motic, detect magic at will, dimension door. Ego 26)
5,620gp

Spells active: Divine Power

Combat Tactics:
Uhh... Yeah... Combat...
You have cleric casting as a level 15 cleric at level 20, so can run as a cleric sort of. The rather high wisdom score does make your spells hard to resist, so using your spells to try and disable opponents is fairly effective. With Touch of Healing you can do fairly effective out of combat healing.
Earlier levels you have a fairly low attack bonus until level 4 when it ceases to be +0 and via a combination of the first point of BAB and Intuitive Strike, jumps to +5. Of course when you hit level 20 attack bonus can be as high as +39, but lacking power attack, all this means is you slowly poke opponents to death. Unless they are Chaotic Evil, then there is an extra 4d6+4 damage which will speed things up.
Alternatively, as you have a fairly good Diplomacy modifier, with a re-roll and such anyone who is unfriendly should soon be helpful, and hopefully those hostile to such a holy individual will be friendly.

Weaknesses:
Damage output. Pretty much pointless at high levels. Saves are fairly low too (Except will).

Sources:
Unearthed Arcana:
Cloistered Cleric
Half-Elf Paragon
Human Paragon
Complete Champion:
Squire of Legend
Mythic Exemplar
Protection Devotion
Knowledge Devotion
Touch of Healing
Numbus of Light
Book of Exalted Deeds:
Sacred Vow
Nymph's Kiss
Vow of Chastity
Intuitive Strike
Vow of Obedience
Vow of Abstinence
Races of Destiny
Sociable Personality

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:12 PM
Now if only he could bind Ktolemagne...
Ignatius
Neutral Human Wizard 2/Binder 1/Anima Mage 7/Mythic Exemplar 10
Level 1: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 15
Level 20: Str 8, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 22, Wis 10, Cha 16
Intelligence gets the first four upgrades, Charisma the last one

Sources
PHB(Wizard, Skills, Extend and Quicken Spell, Scribe Scroll), DMG, Tome of Magic(Binder, Anima Mage, Improved Binding, Skilled Pact Making), Complete Arcane(Persist Spell, Practiced Spellcaster, Arcane Mastery, Precocious Aprentice), Complete Champion(Mythic Exemplar, Disciples of Legend)

Level by Level

Ignatius
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|Wizard 1|
+0|
+0|
+0|
+2|Concentration 4, Spellcraft 4, Decipher Script 4, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 4|Scribe Scroll, Extend Spell, Precocious Apprentice(Web)|Familiar

2nd|Wizard 2|
+1|
+0|
+0|
+3|Concentration 5, Spellcraft 5, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 5|-|-

3rd|Binder 1|
+1|
+2|
+0|
+5|Concentration 6, Spellcraft 5, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 5, Intimidate 6|Improved Binding|Soul Binding(1 vestige)

4th|Anima Mage 1|
+1|
+2|
+0|
+7|Concentration 7, Spellcraft 6, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 6, Intimidate 7|-|soul binding +1

5th|Anima Mage 2|
+2|
+2|
+0|
+8|Concentration 8, Spellcraft 7, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 7, Intimidate 8|-|soul binding +2, Exploit Vestige

6th|Anima Mage 3|
+2|
+3|
+1|
+8|Concentration 9, Spellcraft 8, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 8, Intimidate 9|Persist Spell|soul binding +3, Vestigial Awareness

7th|Anima Mage 4|
+3|
+3|
+1|
+9|Concentration 10, Spellcraft 9, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 9, Intimidate 10|-|soul binding +4

8th|Anima Mage 5|
+3|
+3|
+1|
+9|Concentration 11, Spellcraft 10, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 10, Intimidate 11|-|soul binding +5, Vestige Metamagic 1/day

9th|Anima Mage 6|
+4|
+4|
+2|
+10|Concentration 12, Spellcraft 11, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 11, Intimidate 12|Quicken Spell|soul binding +6

10th|Anima Mage 7|
+4|
+4|
+2|
+10|Concentration 13, Spellcraft 12, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana, planes) 12, Intimidate 13|-|soul binding +7(2 vestiges), Vestige Metamagic 2/day

11th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+4|
+4|
+2|
+10|Concentration 14, Spellcraft 13, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 13, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 1, Listen 1, Spot 2, Intimidate 14|-|Paragon´s Path(Ktolemagne), save bonus(will) +1

12th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
+5|
+4|
+2|
+10|Concentration 15, Spellcraft 14, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 14, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 2, Listen 2, Spot 4, Intimidate 15|Practiced Spellcaster(Wizard)|Least Paragon´s Gift

13th|Mythic Exemplar 3|
+6|
+5|
+3|
+11|Concentration 16, Spellcraft 15, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 15, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 3, Listen 3, Spot 6, Intimidate 16|-|Archetype Advancement, save bonus +2

14th|Mythic Exemplar 4|
+7|
+5|
+3|
+11|Concentration 17, Spellcraft 16, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 16, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 4, Listen 4, Spot 8, Intimidate 17|-|Lesser Paragon´s Gift

15th|Mythic Exemplar 5|
+7|
+5|
+3|
+11|Concentration 18, Spellcraft 17, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 17, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 5, Listen 5, Spot 10, Intimidate 18|Arcane Mastery| Archetype Advancement, save bonus +3

16th|Mythic Exemplar 6|
+8|
+6|
+4|
+12|Concentration 19, Spellcraft 18, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 18, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 6, Listen 6, Spot 12, Intimidate 19|-|Greater Paragon´s Gift

17th|Mythic Exemplar 7|
+9|
+6|
+4|
+12|Concentration 20, Spellcraft 19, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 19, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 7, Listen 7, Spot 14, Intimidate 20|-| Archetype Advancement, save bonus +4

18th|Mythic Exemplar 8|
+10|
+6|
+4|
+12|Concentration 21, Spellcraft 20, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 20, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 8, Listen 8, Spot 16, Intimidate 21|Skilled Pact Making|Supreme Paragon´s Gift

19th|Mythic Exemplar 9|
+10|
+7|
+5|
+13|Concentration 22, Spellcraft 21, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 21, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 9, Listen 9, Spot 18, Intimidate 22|-|Archetype Advancement

20th|Mythic Exemplar 10|
+11|
+7|
+5|
+13|Concentration 23, Spellcraft 23, Decipher Script 5, Knowledge (history, arcana) 22, Knowledge (planes) 12, Knowledge (religion) 10, Listen 10, Spot 20, Intimidate 22|-|Ability Boost(Int +2), Embody Paragon[/table]


Ignatius was raised in a monastry dedicated to Boccob. When he grew up he showed great interest in the art of magic and started to train as a wizard. He always wanted to know more than his teachers told him about the multiverse, so he started to search through the monastry´s libraries on his own. One day he found a secret passage behind one of the shelves that led to a small room full of books about the holy writings of other religious orders. After reading through several of the tomes he read a text about vestiges and soul binding. Thinking abou it as just another kind of magic he learned to bind vestiges to his soul, hoping they could tell him more about the world he lived in and guide him to achieve a greater mastery of the arcane arts.

Level 5

Ignatius is a wizard at this stage that is one level behind normal wizards. He covers this weakness by being able to bind one vestige of up to 3rd level and will mostly go with Focalor. In combat he will rely on Focalor´s lightning attack and use his spells to hinder his enemies. He has more staying power than the typical wizard since he can throw his lightning bolts all day long. His problems at low levels are his bad reflex save and his inability to cover the signs of his bound vestige effectively.

After leaving his monastry due to mistrust of the priests and other students (vestige signs), Ignatius traveled the world searching for more information about vestiges and their connection to magic. Always eager to learn from those that traveled his path before him he joined an anima mage coven and worked for its leader, studying under him and searching for old tomes of knowledge to secure them for the coven. After his coven had been attacked by a band of crusading paladins they split up to avoid further attacks. Since the paladins had worshiped Heironeus Ignatius bears a special grudge against this god and his followers.

Level 10

By now Ignatius relies on his two persisted buffs to keep him alife (greater invisibility and overland flight for example). He has now reached his maximal binding ability in this build and can bind two vestiges of up to fifth level (he will bind Acererak and Tenebrous, if he doesn´t know what he will encounter on a given day). In combat he relies on his spells to attack and uses his vestiges to protect himself. His casting abilitise are quite impressive, but his spell choice (mostly debuffs and battlefield control) make him reliant on his allies to kill his enemies. When encountered alone Ignatius tries to avoid combat either by use of his spells or by using intimidation. He has still problems with his reflex save, but his low level spells can be used to cover his signs if he has to.

Now that he was on his own again Ignatius started to make inquiries about a mage he had read about: Ktolemagne. That arcanist seemed to be a worthy subject of his attention since he was said to have been one of the most powerful and knowledgeble mages to have traveled the world. During his search for more information Ignatius stumbled over an adventuring group that had been send by the Disciples of Legend to search through the same tomb Ignatius was heading for. Soon enough they joined forces and traveled to the tomb together. Afterwards Ignatius pledged his assistance to the Diciples of Legend and joined their ranks. He has followed Ktolemagnes path ever since and was often send to track down obscure pieces of knowledge about the Six from Shadow.

Level 15

The Mythic Exemplar class Ignatius began to take levels in gives him more hit- and skill points and improves his ability to use his spells. The lost level of casting progression hurts, but he makes up for it with his vestige granted flexibility. The lost caster levels are covered by the Practiced Spellcaster feat when he reaches 12th level. The least paragon´s gift allows his decipher script skill to stay relevant for some more levels, while the lesser gift can be used against tough enemies to up his save DCs or on difficult knowledge checks to give him an edge.

Following the Disciples of Legend Ignatius continued to track down information about legendary heroes, even traveling to other planes of existance.
Now he has become a legendary hero himself and tries to find worthy Mythic Exemplars who follow the other five from the Six from Shadow to found a group which can rival the long dead heroes. He plans to attack Jubilex with them to finally avenge those that died against a cult of this vile entity.

Level 20

By now Ignatius has gained 9th level spells and the last abilities of his paragon path. In mage duels he can now use his spell resistance to put up an additional layer of defence. His ability to spontaneously cast divination spells makes it hard to surprise him. He can find a solution to most problems on his own, especially if he has enough research time. The skilled pact making feat improves his binding check and improves his chance to get a bonus on his initiative. If he binds Balam instead of Tenebrous his reflex save, AC and initiaive get better.


Spells per Day

{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|3|1|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|4|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|4|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|4|2|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|4|3|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|4|3|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|4|3|4|2|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|4|4|4|2|1|-|-|-|-|-

9th|4|4|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-

10th|4|4|5|3|2|1|-|-|-|-

11th|4|4|5|3|2|1|-|-|-|-

12th|4|4|5|3|3|2|-|-|-|-

13th|4|4|5|4|3|2|1|-|-|-

14th|4|4|5|4|3|3|2|-|-|-

15th|4|4|5|4|4|3|2|1|-|-

16th|4|4|5|4|4|3|3|2|-|-

17th|4|4|5|4|4|4|3|2|1|-

18th|4|4|5|4|4|4|3|3|2|-

19th|4|4|5|4|4|4|4|3|2|1

20th|4|4|5|4|4|4|4|3|2|1[/table]

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:13 PM
"Go to Hell." "Been there, done that."
Arundson Rex
Hellbred Cleric 5/ Mythic Exemplar 10/ Ordained Champion 5

Point buy 32

Starting scores Str 16, Dex 8, Con 14 (after racial adjustment 16) Int 12 (after racial adjustment 10) Wis 16, Cha 10


Arundson Rex
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack[br]Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|Cleric 1|
+0|
+5|
+0|
+5| Intimidate 2, Concentration 4, Knowledge: Religion 4| Proficient: Flail, Weapon Focus: Flail, Devil’s Favour, Extend Spell |Rebuke Undead, Domains: War, Destruction.

2nd|Cleric 2|
+1|
+6|
+0|
+6| Intimidate 2, Concentration 4, Knowledge: Religion 5, Knowledge: History 1 ||

3rd|Cleric 3|
+2|
+6|
+1|
+6| Intimidate 2, Concentration 4, Knowledge: Religion 6, Knowledge: History 2|Persistent Spell|

4th|Cleric 4|
+3|
+7|
+1|
+7| Intimidate 2, Concentration 4, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3|+1 Strength, Devil’s Stamina|

5th|Cleric 5|
+3|
+7|
+1|
+7| Intimidate 2, Concentration 6, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3||

6th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+3|
+7|
+1|
+8|Intimidate 2, Concentration 8, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3|Extra Turning |Paragon Path:Imdastri

7th| Mythic Exemplar 2|
+4|
+7|
+1|
+8|Intimidate 2, Concentration 9, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 1, Listen 1, Spellcraft 1||Least Paragon’s Gift

8th| Mythic Exemplar 3|
+5|
+8|
+2|
+10|Intimidate 2, Concentration 10, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 2, Listen 2, Spellcraft 2|+1 Strength |

9th| Mythic Exemplar 4|
+6/+1|
+8|
+2|
+10| Intimidate 2, Concentration 11, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 3, Listen 3, Spellcraft 3|Divine Metamagic | Lesser Paragon’s Gift

10th| Mythic Exemplar 5|
+6+1|
+8|
+2|
+11|Intimidate 2, Concentration 12, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 4, Listen 4, Spellcraft 4||

11th| Mythic Exemplar 6|
+7/+2|
+9|
+3|
+12| Intimidate 2, Concentration 13, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 5, Listen 5, Spellcraft 5|| Greater Paragon’s Gift

12th| Mythic Exemplar 7|
+8/+3|
+9|
+3|
+13| Intimidate 2, Concentration 14, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 6, Listen 6, Spellcraft 6|Holy warrior, +1 Strength|

13th| Mythic Exemplar 8|
+9/+4|
+9|
+3|
+13| Intimidate 2, Concentration 15, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 7, Listen 7, Spellcraft 7||Supreme Paragon`s Gift

14th| Mythic Exemplar 9|
+9/+4|
+10|
+4|
+14| Intimidate 2, Concentration 16, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 8, Listen 8, Spellcraft 8|Devil’s Sight|

15th| Mythic Exemplar 10|
+10/+5|
+10|
+4|
+14| Intimidate 2, Concentration 17, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 9, Listen 9, Spellcraft 9|Spontaneous Domains, +2 Wisdom| Embody Paragon

16th|Ordained Champion 1|
+11/+6/+1|
+12|
+4|
+16| Intimidate 2, Concentration 18, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 9, Listen 9, Spellcraft 10|Power attack, Cleave, +1 Strength| Bonus Domain: Law, Modified Spontaneous Spellcasting

17th|Ordained Champion 2|
+12/+7/+2|
+13|
+4|
+17| Intimidate 2, Concentration 19, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 9, Listen 9, Spellcraft 11|Diehard |Smite

18th|Ordained Champion 3|
+13/+8/+3|
+13|
+5|
+17| Intimidate 2, Concentration 20, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 9, Listen 9, Spellcraft 12|Practised Spellcaster| Channel Spell, Divine Bulwark

19th|Ordained Champion 4|
+14/+9/+4|
+14|
+5|
+18| Intimidate 2, Concentration 21, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 9, Listen 9, Spellcraft 13||Fist of the Gods, Rapid Spontaneous Casting

20th|Ordained Champion 5|
+15/+10/+5|
+14|
+5|
+18| Intimidate 2, Concentration 22, Knowledge: Religion 7, Knowledge: History 3, Spot 9, Listen 9, Spellcraft 14|+1 Strength|Holy Warrior, Warcaster [/table]


Spells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|3|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|4|3+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|4|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|5|4+1|3+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|5|4+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|5|4+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|6|4+1|4+1|3+1|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|6|5+1|4+1|3+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-

9th|6|5+1|4+1|4+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-

10th|6|5+1|5+1|4+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-

11th|6|5+1|5+1|4+1|2+1|2+1|-|-|-|-

12th|6|6+1|5+1|5+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-

13th|6|6+1|5+1|5+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-

14th|6|6+1|6+1|5+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-

15th|6|6+1|6+1|5+1|5+1|4+1|2+1|1+1|-|-

16th|6|6+1|6+1|5+1|5+1|4+1|2+1|1+1|-|-

17th|6|6+1|6+1|5+1|6+1|5+1|3+1|2+1|-|-

18th|6|6+1|6+1|6+1|6+1|5+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-

19th|6|6+1|6+1|6+1|6+1|5+1|3+1|3+1|1+1|-

20th|6|6+1|6+1|6+1|6+1|5+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-[/table]
Sources:
PHB: Cleric, feats
Tyrants of the Nine Hells: Hellbred, Devil feats,
Complete Champion: Mythic Exemplar, Ordained Champion, Holy warrior, Spontaneous Domains.
Complete Arcane: Persistent Spell
Complete Divine: Divine Metamagic, Practiced Spellcaster

Story:
Arundson Rex lived his first life as paladin of Heironeous, who, among others, was corrupted by an Erinyes. (Case currently sealed by church inquisition under file: The Damned Damsel of Distress. Passcode: Ignorance is bliss for the innocent.) And who would have been a permanent residence of the second layer of hell, if in the final ambush his brother hadn’t been among the combatants. Arundson killed his brother in the heat of the battle and had remorse of his actions just as a volley of arrows slew him.

When his soul arrived on the Shelves of Despond he was not an empty soulshell, but his body and soul were torn between heaven and hell. He became a hellbred. He was still in trouble as devils saw the hellbred and started towards him with ill will. He called out to the gods to save him offering his service to any who saved him. Only one responded: Hextor. Seeing a chance to turn a worshiper of his brother to himself, he gave Arundson a deal eternal battle by serving him or eternal torment by the devils. Arundson took the deal and was transported to small temple of Hextor in the Northern Kingdom.

Here Arundson was formed by the clergy of Hextor, his old life not even a memory. He rose through the ranks quickly using his otherworldly appearance as a benefit. A jealous superior saw his rise as a threat and decided to give the young cleric a hopefully permanent fatal promotion.

When the cult of Tharizdun reared his ugly head once again, the disciples of legend sought out help. They “forgot” to ask the northern kingdom. (Evil empires usually do not help good organizations.) The Northern Kingdom (God blowing up the world is also bad business for the evil empire trying to conquer it.) took exception and with firm diplomatic support, sent some of it rising stars to the disciples.

Arundson took as patron against Tharizdun the cleric Imdastri which served him well in the crusade against the mad god. The lore and wisdom of Imdastri allowed him to better switch his spellcasting to suit his needs against the ever changing plans of the mad god’s cultists.

After the cult’s plans were stopped and he was made as a champion of the church and defended the church until many years later, when he was called to serve his lord in Acheron.

Notes:
Arundson Rex is a good combat cleric, who can swiftly change his role or spells by spontaneous switching his spells. Or to use his class ability to gain advantages, like immunity to mind affecting spells or to sacrifice spells and gain more damage and defenses. He can be outright murder with channel spell, holy warrior, power attack and some boost spells.
The sweet spot of this build is level 15 or higher when he gains the embody paragon ability.
The drawback is that Arundson Rex loses 9th level spells.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:14 PM
Open Hand>Closed Fist, apparently
Aldaris, the Open Hand of Ilmater

Story Presentation:

{From “An Expanded History of the Knightly Order of the Noble Heart,” by Alkriam the Chronicler, servant of Sarvas
Volume 13, page 46}

[…] It was during this period that we begin to see record of Aldaris, who would eventually become known as “The Open Hand of Ilmater.” Since many of the surviving recorded of the Order from this period involve him in some way, it is useful to provide a brief summary of his life (in so far as we know the details).

While the details of what particular conflict brought about the death of his kin, it is know that by the time he was 10 years old, Aldaris had been orphaned and found his way (by some indications, after a less than reputable period attempting to survive on the streets of Calimshan) to a Triad Orphanage in Calimport. By all indications, he adapted well to and prospered in the ecclesiastical environment that characterizes Triad Orphanages. By all available reports, he was an excellent ward: he took particularly to the teachings of Ilmater and remained in the orphanage until he became of age and joined the service of the Knightly Order of the Golden Cup.

As he had not yet distinguished himself, records in this period of his life are minimal. At some point during this period to be assigned to help protect several villages between the River of Ice and the Calim River. There is some indication that this is the area from which the hailed before he was orphaned, but there is not enough detail to say this with certainty. What is certain is that in one conflict with a group of supplicants of Loviatar, Aldaris, several of his comrades and a significant portion of the civilians under their protection were tortured (and many later killed). This affected him deeply, and after a period of recovery, he petitioned the higher clergy of Ilmater to arrange his transfer from the more defensive Knights of the Golden Cup to the more proactive Knights of the Noble Heart.

By all records, he distinguished himself in this service. He quickly noted as an able, if not exceptional tracker. The only note of concern that we find in this period from his superiors regards concern that the torture he endured might have caused enduring issues of hatred and rage. This was, understandably, undesirable in a knightly order devoted to Ilmater, who teaches his followers to suffer nobly. What fragments of Aldaris' own writings survive seem to echo this concern, but also to indicate that is was an element of his life that he was attempting to make peace with.
He seems to have sought guidance not only from his church directly, but from the tales he was told as a youth in the orphanage. In particular, he found solace in the piety and strength of the cleric Imdastri from the historical tale of the Six from Shadow. At some point during this period, he joined the Disciples of Legend, and an organization (still active at the time this is written) devoted to learning from the deeds of the Six from Shadow. By all accounts it was an enduring and positive influence on Aldaris.

As he continued to distinguish himself in this service, he became particularly distinguished in his capacity to channel the divine energies granted him by Ilmater. His own writings attribute this his attempts to learn from his suffering and emulate Imdastri's piety. What we can say for certain is that during this period we have record of several magical feats that are notable as usually being beyond even the most pious of Ilmater's knights (though by no means his less martial reverent priests), which would seem to indicate unusual closeness with his deity. This presumption is supported by some of his later interactions with outsiders.

{The manuscript diverges here into a 23 page discussion of the relative mystical capacity of Ilmater's priestly and knightly orders}


Build Presentation

Level Breakdown
Aldaris, the Open Hand of Ilmater
Lawful Good Human
Regional Background: Ward of the Triad (mechanical benefits of the Regional Background variant were not actually used during in the build)
Paladin 4/Mythic Exemplar 10/ Consecrated Harrier 1/Divine Crusader 1/Divine Disciple 4

{table=head]Level|Class|BAB|Fort |Ref|Will|Skills|Class Features|Feats

1st|Paladin 1|
1|
2(-1)|
0|
0|Knowledge(History) 2 {cc}, Disguise 3, Gather Information 4|Aura of Good, Detect Evil, Smite Evil 1/day|Battlefield Inspiration, Power Attack, City Slicker, Spellcasting Prodigy, Flaw: Inattentive, Flaw: Meager Fortitude^

2nd|Paladin 2|
2|
3(0)|
0|
0|Knowledge(History).5 {cc}, Knowledge(Religion) 2|Divine Grace, Lay on Hands| -

3rd|Paladin 3|
3|
3(0)|
1|
1|Knowledge(History).5 {cc}, Knowledge(Religion) 2|Tenacious Tracker*, Defend the Weak*|Track (as a bonus feat)*, Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike)

4th|Paladin 4|
4|
4(1)|
1|
1|Knowledge(Religion) 3|Turn Undead|-

5th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
4|
4(1)|
1|
1(2)|Disguise 1, Listen 1, Gather Information 1, Diplomacy 1, Concentration 1|Paragon's Path: Imdastri, Save Bonus +1**| -

6th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
5|
4(1)|
1|
1(2)|Diplomacy 1, Listen 1, Spot 1, Concentration 2|Least Paragon's Gift|Divine Might

7th|Consecrated Harrier 1|
6|
4(1)|
1|
3(4)|Search 5|Blessing of Scripture +2, Detect Chaos|-

8th|Mythic Exemplar 3|
7|
5(2)|
2|
4(6)|Knowledge(History) 2, Diplomacy 1, Spot 1, Concentration 1|Save Bonus +2|-

9th|Mythic Exemplar 4|
8|
5(2)|
2|
4(6)|Diplomacy 1, Listen 1, Spot 1, Concentration 1, Survival 1|Lesser Paragon's Gift|Extend Spell

10th|Divine Crusader 1|
8|
7(4)|
2|
6(8)|Concentration 3|Aura of Good and Law, Patron Deity: Ilmater, Suffering Domain|-

11th|Mythic Exemplar 5|
8|
7(4)|
2|
6(9)|Concentration 2, Spot 2, Listen 1|Save Bonus +3|-

12th|Mythic Exemplar 6|
9|
8(5)|
3|
7(10)|Survival 2, Diplomacy 1, Concentration 2|Greater Paragon's Gift|Persistent Spell

13th|Mythic Exemplar 7|
10|
8(5)|
3|
7(11)|Diplomacy 1, Listen 1, Concentration 2, Survival 1|Save Bonus +4|-

14th|Mythic Exemplar 8|
11|
8(5)|
3|
7(11)|Spot 1, Listen 1, Concentration 2, Survival 1|Supreme Paragon's Gift|-

15th|Mythic Exemplar 9|
11|
9(6)|
4|
8(12)|Spot 1, Diplomacy 1, Concentration 2, Survival 1|-|Divine Metamagic (Persistent Spell)

16th|Mythic Exemplar 10|
12|
9(6)|
4|
8(12)|Knowledge(Religion) 1, Survival 1, Diplomacy 1, Listen 1, Concentration 1|Ability Boost, Embody Paragon|-

17th|Divine Disciple 1|
12|
11(8)|
4|
10(14)|Concentration 1, Spellcraft 2|Divine Emissary|-

18th|Divine Disciple 2|
13|
12(9)|
4|
11(15)|Concentration 1, Spellcraft 2|Sacred Defense +1|Practiced Spellcaster (Divine Crusader)

19th|Divine Disciple 3|
14|
12(9)|
5|
11(15)|Concentration 1, Spellcraft 2|Imbue With Spell Ability|-

20th|Divine Disciple 4
15|
13(10)|
5|
12(16)|Concentration 1, Spellcraft 2|Bonus Domain, Sacred Defense +2|-[/table]
The Skills column gives per level expenditures of skill points, not cumulative ranks.
*From Paladin 3 Substitution Levels. See “Class Features” section for details.
** The will save value at any given level with the Mythic Exemplar “Save Bonus” class ability included is noted in the will save column by the number in parenthesis
^The fortitude save value at any given level with the penalty for “Meager Fortitude” is noted in the fort save column by the number in parenthesis

Spells per day
{table=head]Level|Pala. 1st|CH* 1st|CH* 2nd|DC 1st|DC 2nd|DC 3rd|DC 4th|DC 5th|DC 6th|DC 7th|DC 8th|DC 9th

1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|0|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|0|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

9th|0|1|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

10th|0|1|0|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

11th|0|1|0|1|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

12th|0|1|0|2|1|0|-|-|-|-|-|-

13th|0|1|0|2|2|1|0|-|-|-|-|-

14th|0|1|0|3|2|2|1|0|-|-|-|-

15th|0|1|0|3|3|2|2|1|0|-|-|-

16th|0|1|0|3|3|2|2|1|0|-|-|-

17th|0|1|0|3|3|3|2|2|1|0|-|-

18th|0|1|0|3|3|3|3|2|2|1|0|-

19th|0|1|0|3|3|3|3|3|2|2|1|0

20th|0|1|0|3|3|3|3|3|3|2|2|1

10th+bonus|1|1|1|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

16th+bonus|1|2|1|6|5|4|4|3|2|-|-|-

20th+bonus|2|3|2|7|6|6|6|6|5|4|4|3[/table]
(Pala.= Paladin, CH=Consecrated Harrier (Ranger List with supplements per CD), DC=Divine Crusader)
The bottom 3 rows indicate spells per day at the presented level with bonus spells for high ability scores included


Cumulative Skill Ranks at Presented Levels:
{table=head]Skill|Level 10|Level 16|Level 20
Knowledge (history)|5|5|5
Knowledge (religion)|7|8|8
Gather Information|5|5|5
Disguise|5|5|5
Survival|1|7|7
Diplomacy|4|8|8
Listen|3|7|7
Spot|3|7|7
Search|5|5|5
Concentration|8|19|23
Spellcraft|-|-|8[/table]

Ability Scores:
32 PB base, augmented with the example gear for presented levels
{table=head]Score|Base|Lvl 10|Lvl 16|Lvl 20
STR|14|16|18|22
DEX|8|8|8|8
CON|12|12|12|22
INT|10|10|10|10
WIS|12|14|16|22
CHA|18(20)|20(22)|29(31)|34(36)[/table]
The Charisma values given in parenthesis indicate the value including the benefit of the Spellcasting Prodigy feat. See the Feats section for further details.

Divine Crusader Casting Domain Access by Level Range:
{table=head]Level range|Domains
10 to 15| Suffering
16 to 19| Suffering, Luck*, Strength*, Protection*
20| Suffering, Good, Luck*, Strength*, Protection*[/table]
* indicates domains accessible only through the Mythic Exemplar “Embody Paragon (Imdastri)” class feature

Turn Attempts Per Day at Presented Levels
Presumes the example gear
{table=head]Level|Turn Attempts
10|12(14)
16|16(18)
20|19(21)[/table]
The number of turn attempts in parenthesis indicates the total including the Reliquary Holy Symbol, which will not always be equipped.

Class Features

Aura of Good/Aura of Law (Ex): Paladin and DC levels stack for Aura of Good. DC only for Aura of Law.
Detect Evil (Sp): At will
Smite Evil (Su): 1/day
Divine Grace (Su): Charisma Modifier to all save.
Lay on Hands (Su): Can heal paladin level x Charisma bonus HP per day.
Divine Health (Su): Immune to all diseases.
Defend the Weak (Ex): Golden Cup Substitution Level: If Character uses Combat Expertise, Fights Defensively, or takes the Total Defense Action, he may grant the AC bonus from those actions to a single creature standing Adjacent to himself. This Replaces the standard Paladin's Aura of Courage. Cf CoV pg 43.
Tenacious Tracker (Su): Noble Heart Substitution Level: Character gains track as a bonus feat. +10 Competence bonus when tracking those with Loviatar as a patron Deity. Gain's a mental image of someone with Loviatar as a patron Deity when touching someone that person has injured in the past hour. Survival is a class skill for this level. Cf CoV pg 46.
Turn Undead (Su):As a cleric 3 levels lower. Cf SRD Special Attacks entry, Turn or Rebuke Undead Subtopic
Paragon's Path- Imdastri: Character's Mythic Exemplar Class features follow Imdastri's Path.
Save Bonus: Character gains a +1 untyped bonus to his will save at every odd Mythic Exemplar level up to (and including) level 7. Cf. Complete Champion pg. 86-90. This is noted in the table as the number in parenthesis.
Archetype Advancement: (ME levels 3,5,7,9) This is included in the casting progression table, and is thus not listed in the Class Features above
Least Paragon's Gift (Su): Once per day, Character may reroll any one attack roll, save, or check as per the Luck Domain granted power. CF SRD Luck domain and Complete Champion pg. 86-90.
Blessing of Scripture (Su): +2 on Bluff, Listen, Survival, Sense Motive, Spot and Weapon damage rolls against church assigned target.
Detect Chaos (Sp): At will, as a 1st level cleric
Lesser Paragon's Gift (Su): +4 insight bonus to Wisdom, 1/day for rounds equal to Character's Mythic Exemplar level
Greater Paragon's Gift (Su): 1/day, Immediate Action, Character can invoke immunity to mind-affecting spells and abilities for a number of rounds equal to his Mythic Exemplar level. This does not function against effects which have a caster level greater than his character level +4.
Supreme Paragon's Gift (Su): 1/day, Immediate Action, Character can invoke immunity to necromantic and death effects for a number of rounds equal to his Mythic Exemplar level. This does not function against effects which have a caster level greater than his character level +4.
Patron Deity and Domain: Character Serves Ilmater. His Divine Crusader spells are drawn from the Suffering Domain list. He gains the Suffering Domain Granted Power.
Suffering Domain Granted Power: Pain Touch 1/day-- melee touch attack on a living creature to inflict -2 Str and -2 Con for 1 minute. Creatures immune to extra damage from critical hits are immune to this effect.
Ability Boost (Ex): +2 untyped permanent bonus to Wis.
Embody Paragon (Su): Constant, if suppressed can be reactivated at will as swift. Character can loose a prepared divine spell to cast a spell of lower level from the Luck, Protection, or Strength Domains.
Divine Emissary(Ex): Character can communicate telepathically with any outsider within 60 that has the same alignment or serves Ilmater. Character also gains his DD level as a bonus to any Cha based check when dealing with these outsiders.
Sacred Defense (Ex): Bonus to saves against divine spells and the supernatural and spell-like abilities of outsiders
Imbue with Spell Ability (Sp): As the spell, 1/day.
Bonus Domain (Ex): Character gains a bonus domain from along the domains of Ilmater. He gains the Domain Granted power and can prepare those domain spells in his normal slots, but not more than one spell of that domain per level. For the Purposes of this build, the Good Domain is chosen. See Adaptation section for other options

Feats
Flaw-- Inattentive: -4 penalty on listen and spot checks
Flaw-- Meager Fortitude: -3 on Fort Saves (this is noted in parenthesis in the table above)
Spellcasting Prodigy: Character's Charisma is treated as 2 higher for the purposes of determining bonus spells from high ability scores. This is noted in parenthesis in the table above. (PgtF 44, the more recent and less powerful version)
City Slicker: Disguise, Forgery, Gather Information, and Knowledge (Local) are always class skills. (RoD 150)
Battlefield Inspiration: As a free action, you can grant all allies within 30 feet with an Int of 3 or greater a +2 circumstance bonus against fear effects. (MH, 25)
Power Attack: Per SRD
Track: Per SRD. Gained as a bonus feat from Tenacious Tracker
Weapon Focus (Unarmed Strike): Per SRD. Ilmater's Chosen Weapon-- Taken as an entry requirement for Divine Crusader
Extend Spell: Per SRD.
Persistent Spell: A spell with a fixed or personal range, a duration other than instantaneous, and which is not discharged has its duration increased to 24 hours. Uses a slot 6 levels higher than normal. (CArc 81)
Divine Metamagic (Persistent Spell): Character may expend 7 uses of Turn Undead when using a Persistent Spell rather than using a higher level slot. (CD 80)
Practiced Spellcaster (Divine Crusader): Character's caster level is 4 levels higher than his Divine Crusader level when casting Divine Crusader spells. (CArc. 82)

General Notes:
The cornerstone of this build works by combining Divine Crusader's limited casting with the Embody Paragon ability from Mythic Exemplar. In discussion of Mythic Exemplar, Embody Paragon is often pointed out as a reason not to take the final level. For most of the Paragon Paths, it's extremely lackluster. For Imdastri and Ktolemagne, it's somewhat more equitable but still not generally worth the loss of a caster level.
For Divine Crusader casting, however, it's fantastic. Rather than a lackluster capstone that supplies some flexibility, Imdastri's Embody Paragon nearly quadruples your spell list.

I've noted a Regional Background of Ward of the Triad (CoV pg 25), but not actually used it for more than flavor. The only notable mechanical benefit would be the bonus equipment: if that is in play, it will free up the cost of a masterwork greatsword (A Greatsword already being the primary weapon). This will only really be notable at lower levels.

Likewise, while membership in the Disciples of Legend is covered in the story section (since it's required for entry into Mythic Exemplar), I have not presumed the use of membership benefits. I did however, make a point to get the last two Knowledge(history) ranks needed for the bonus to membership rewards for Knowledge(history) 5.

The two Paladin substitution levels at 3rd level represent two different knightly orders, both of which mush serve Ilmater. The fact that they both draw from from the same deity is good, but the fact that they are explicitly called out as separate orders might be problematic. In the accompanying story, I've noted this as him changing orders (from the Knights of the Golden Cup to the Knights of the Noble Heart) and incorporated the thematic shift into the entry into Consecrated Harrier. If, however, it is an issue, the Golden Cup substitution level is interesting but not strictly necessary.

As a note, there are 2 published versions of the Suffering Domain. This build presumes the one printed on page 280 of the Spell Compendium (as it is more recent). The earlier version, however, is likely more powerful in most situations, if only because it ends with Energy Drain.

All stat bonuses from leveling go to Charisma.

Entry:
Entry through Paladin 4 is fairly necessary for the build: Divine Grace allows great synergy with Cha, which is required for Divine Crusader casting. In addition, the builds DMM Persistent Spells, which the paladin's Turn Undead ability fuels.

With the elimination of Consecrated Harrier altogether, Paladin 5 entry would suffice. This, however, would end up stranding 2nd level casting on the Paladin list, rather than 2nd level casting on the Ranger list and 1st on the Paladin list (the Ranger list, as expanded in the Spell Compendium, is notably more useful for Persistent buffs). The merits and drawbacks of eliminating or replacing Consecrated Harrier are covered in the Adaptation section.

Delaying Entry into Mythic Exepmlar much past 5 is not advised, since it would substantially delay the capstone.

Without at least 1 flaw, entering as presented would require dropping Divine Might, which seems ill-advised. The second flaw is used to gain Spellcasting Prodigy, which will eventually net one additional 9th level Spell slot-- a great boon for a class as limited on spells per day as Divine Crusader. I'm hoping that the substantial gain in power here will help to offset the mandatory elegance penalty for flaws.

I had initially thought that “Defend the Weak,” (the Golden Cup Paladin Substitution level) would let the build qualify for entry at level 4, however (despite being Ex rather than Su, which disqualifies bard song from the Melodic Knight ACFs) it does not: AC bonuses are not one of the Ex bonus types called out. Battlefield Inspiration, however, does (and moreover would allow anyone to qualify with four levels, which seems otherwise limited to Marshals and Warchiefs).

Despite this, I've chosen to retain the heavy theme towards Ilmater: it helps to unify the build, which has several elements drawn from Forgotten Realms.
Weapon Focus (unarmed strike) is taken strictly for entry purposes. The build does not make the investment necessary for Unarmed Strike to be a viable combat option. Instead, I've use a Greatsword (which is favored by the regional background) as the primary weapon, enchanting it as appropriate through WBL.

Presentation at Selected Levels

Level 10:
At this level, Character is going to be relying primarily on Power Attack and Divine Might in combat: at this level, Divine Might provides bonus damage and Power Attack can provide up to 8. Blessing of Scrpture provides an effect similar to favored enemy, though possibly more flexible (depending on setting). It also helps to shore him up as a party tracker, if need be. The Suffering Domain granted power (per Divine Crusader) and the Luck Domain granted power (per Least Paragon's Gift) can also be used once per day. Character's Winged Mask gives at will flight: this serves well for dealing with flying enemies or for retreating, but he doesn't have the ranged damage capacity to exploit it well against grounded targets.
Defend the Weak also provides interesting, if not overwhelming, support role in combat.

From a Defensive standpoint, Character's Blurring Elven Chain will give him an AC of 14 and a 20% miss chance (for up to 15 rounds a day). When dealing with spells, Divine Grace's +5 bonus should make saves reasonably reachable against level appropriate enemies (except possibly for reflex saves).

Character has access to a total of 5 spells per day, as noted in the table above. These will generally be used to shore up his combat abilities for more difficult encounters. The two spells drawn from his Divine Crusader level are limited to the Suffering Domain, and thus must be Bane. The 1st and 2nd level Consecrated Harrier spells are drawn from the Ranger List (with specific augmentations as per the Consecrated Harrier entry in Complete Divine). There are several options here, but highlights include, in particular, Spike Growth, Swift Haste, Lion's Charge, and Burrow for the 2nd level slot and Blades of Fire and Entangle for the first level slot. He is also entitled to one first level Paladin. There are several good options, but Rhino's Rush and Vision of Glory stand out. Since caster level is limited, Lesser Paragon's Gift should be used to boost Wisdom when casting against an enemy expected to have a significant chance to save. (Entangle and Spike Growth are SRD content. All other spells listed are from the Spell Compendium.)

Sample gear:
Periapt of Wisdom +2
Gauntlets of Ogre Power +2
Holy Greatsword (2d6 damage, +2d6 damage against evil targets, SRD)
Blurring Elven Chain (Blur 3/day for 5 rounds as the spell, MIC pg. 9)
Winged Mask (face slot, Fly at will as the spell, also carries a Light effect when used, MoF 168)
Nightstick (+4 turn attempts per day, LM pg. 78) As a note, the character is only ever presented with one nightstick. If the DM is ok with them stacking, there is room in WBL to buy more at higher levels.
Reliquary Holy Symbol (neck, +2 turn attempts per day) Not generally worn unless the rest of the turn attempts are already used up.


Level 16:
This is probably the most exciting level of the build. Gaining Embody Paragon effectively gets you the spells of the Luck, Strength, and Protection domain. The big standout here is Righteous Might. Other highlights include Stoneskin, Spell Immunity, Freedom of Movement, and Anti-Magic Field. In addition, by this point the Suffering Domain has netted you Eyebite, Harm, Feeblemind, Enervation, and Bestow Curse. We've also dived a bit further into the Suffering Domain and have some very powerful options there, particularly Harm, Feeblemind, and Enervation.

In addition, you've just received DMM: Persistent Spells and should be able to persist two buffs while still having some uses of Divine Might available for combat. For this purpose, the Reliquary Holy Symbol should now only be worn at the beginning of the day when buffing, and the exchanged for the Periapt of Wisdom. Good candidates for persistent buffs are Swift Haste, Freedom of Movement, Righteous Might, Blades of Fire, and Burrow.

While there are more directly powerful options, Burrow bears particular note, as a burrow speed can be significantly more frustrating when used against enemies without it than an equivalent flight speed. After attacking, you can effectively retreat into full cover between rounds. Boots of Tremorsense are purchased here to more fully exploit this option.

On a less magical note, Divine Might now does 9 extra damage and Power Attack does up to 12. Greater Paragon's Gift and Supreme Paragon's Gift provide some useful, if somewhat narrow, immunities against other casters.

Sample Gear:
Periapt of Wisdom +2
Gauntlets of Ogre Power +4
Holy Surge Greatsword (2d6 damage, +2d6 against evil targets, +3d6 against evil targets damage once per day per charisma modifier. Holy Surge-MIC pg 36, Energy Surge MIC pg 34)
Greater Blurring Elven Chain (As Blurring version, but 10 minutes per use and unlimited uses per day, MIC pg 9)
Winged Mask
Cloak of Charisma +2
Reliquary Holy Symbol
Nightstick
Boots of Tremorsense (Tremorsense 30' for 5 rounds, 3 times per day. MIC 79)
Tome of Leadership and Influence +5
Lesser Metamagic Rod, Quicken

Level 20:
The only fundamental change here is the introduction of the Good Domain from Divine Disciple. Unlike the other domains accessed through Embody Paragon, this domain is actually gained. Following the rules in Complete Divine, Character can now prepare one slot per level with a spell from this domain rather than the Suffering Domain. Imbue With Spell Ability is also an interesting addition, but at this level not a particularly powerful one.

Sample Gear:
Periapt of Wisdom +6
Cloak of Charisma +6
Gauntlets of Ogre Power +6
Greater Dispelling Shocking Frost Holy Surge Greatsword (as above, but +1d6 cold damage, +1d6 electricity damage, and 3/day may activate Greater Dispel Magic upon striking an opponent. MIC pg 33)
Radiant Greater Blurring Elven Chain (as above, but grants 10 resistance against all energy attacks and results in a light effect. MIC pg 13)
Winged Mask
Reliquary Holy Symbol
Nightstick
Boots of Tremorsense (Tremorsense 30' for 5 rounds, 3 times per day. MIC 79)
Tome of Leadership and Influence +5
Manual of Bodily Health +4
Manual of Gainful Exercise +2
Tome of Understanding +2
Lesser Metamagic Rod, Quicken
Metamagic Rod, Quicken


Adaptation:
The most fundamentally adaptable point in the build is the deity and/or base domain used for Divine Crusader casting. Ilmater was chosen here for entry reasons that became irrelevant in later drafts and retained primarily because it provides a nicely unified theme. The suffering domain that this grants access to us a useful option for a domain, but certainly not the most powerful option (that would almost certainly be the magic domain). Most domains are available through some deity or another, so take your pick. It's worth keeping in mind that, for a given domain, there may be a better use of Divine Meta-magic than Persistent Spell (though with the access granted by the Mythic Exemplar capstone, Persistent Spell will always be a viable option). For example, the Suffering Domain could probably do at least as well with Maximize and either Repeat or Chain spell (particularly if the older version with energy drain as the 9th level spell is used instead).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Next on the list of modular element of the build comes the prospect of switching out Consecrated Harrier and/or Divine Disciple for another class. In order to progress both towards the Mythic Exemplar capstone and through the Divine Crusader casting in a timely fashion, you're are essentially limited to full BAB classes with +5BAB entry for replacing Consecrated Harrier (replacing Divine Disciple is a more flexible proposition).

The most straightforward option world be to simply progress paladin casting. In doing so, I would heavily recommend taking Paladin 5 first. Paladin casting, under these circumstances, will cap at 2nd level spells. A good chunk of the Paladin's expanded spell list for 1st and 2nd are focused on improving mount performance, and you don't get a mount till 5. However, since you're not progressing the mount further, it's not an incredibly viable option relative to progressing ranger casting though Consecrated Harrier. It should also be noted that the 2nd level Paladin list has a large number of spells that are particularly less useful with a low casting level (you'll cap at CL 4 under such an adaptation).

The other option for simply progressing paladin casting is to simply remove Consecrated Harrier and reach both Divine Crusader and the Mythic Exemplar capstone one level faster. I wouldn't recommend this if you're actually playing levels 5-10, but if you're creating the character for levels 11 through 15, it's a decent option. A special note here is that if you do this, you will still want to avoid taking the 5th level of Divine Disciple (which you would now have room for). Trading humanoid for outsider is dubious at best.

An interesting adaptation would be to use Prestige Paladin to provide the turning and Divine Grace. This practically any base class an option for entry, however, you will need to burn 2 levels of casting progression from Mythic Exemplar on something before you hit level 8 and enter Divine Crusader. Moreover, one of those has to be spent on a divine casting class. Paladin's out since we're using the variant, and excluding full casters (who would have no incentive to use a build like this), the only other divine casting base class is Ranger. In my experience, a table generally uses either both prestige ranger and paladin, or neither, so I've not used this option. However, if your table is fine with base ranger and prestige paladin, it's fairly mechanically even with the presented build (and a tad more harmonious looking). You will likely have to take Extra Spell (or use the Good Domain) early in your Divine Crusader carrier to meet the “protection from evil as a divine spell” requirement.

Another option is to choose a PRC with accelerated paladin casting. This faces the same basic limitations as progressing Paladin Casting, but allows for a more useful variety of class abilities to supplement it. Keep in mind, however, that you're only really looking at the first level abilities: the rest of the levels will have to go to a “+1 divine spellcasting” class to progress the last bits of Divine Crusader casting. The most viable of these options would seem to be Pious Templar: Mettle has good synergy with Divine Grace for a charisma heavy build. If limited to a core spell list, this is likely the most powerful option.

Another option is to instead choose a +1 BAB class with “+1 divine spellcasting” rather than an accelerated list. Under these circumstances, you're going to be aiming for a build that provides a bonus domain. The best option here is Ordained Champion, which will grant War Domain fairly early on. At high level play, the Ordained Champion class abilities will likely win out over the limited ranger casting for straightforward combat, but the ranger casting will likely be more flexible in creative play. However, since you are stranding paladin casting at first level spells, your Paladin casting will be even more limited than in the other adaptations presented. Moreover, you're presented with an undesirable connundrum: you can finish out Ordained Champion early to make the low and mid-levels more playable (those class abilities are awesome) at the cost of significantly delaying both the Mythic Exemplar capstone and your access to 9th level spells, or you can play what is essentially a nerfed straight paladin till level 12. Despite this, it's worth noting that this is probably the build I would choose if the character were starting at about level 16.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


On the topic of Divine Disciple, we have a significantly more flexible situation. Our only real goal here is to get 4/4 casting out of the last 4 levels and gain a domain. ¾ or full BAB is a plus, but not really a necessity at this point. Divine Disciple is chosen because of the strong Forgotten Realms theme of the build as presented. It also has a bonus of granting you some control over the domain chosen (though for the presented build, the only other option is Law, which looses out to Good simply because the Summon Monster 9 is more limited for a LG character when cast as a Law spell than when cast as a Good spell).

There are, however, several full-casting prestige classes available which grant domains at 1st level rather than 4th. Taking one of them instead will likely be strictly more powerful. Heck, if you want, you can go for broke and take one level in 4 of them.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Its worth noting here that, if it Dynamic Priest (Dragonlance: Legend of the Twins) is available as a feat, it would be advantageous to take it instead of spellcasting prodigy. While it will apply to only one of Paladin or Consecrated Harrier (preferably the later), this means that you can essentially leave wisdom at 12 (you could even leave it at 10 and wait for the Mythic Exemplar Ability boost). This will free up a fairly large chunk of WBL for the character, which will almost certainly offset the loss of a 5th and 9th level bonus spell for most realms of play.


Sources:
I've done my best to cite obscure elements in the text.
“MIC” refers to the Magic Item Compendium.
“LM” refers to Libris Mortis.
“CoV” refers to Champions of Valor.
“RoD” refers to Races of Destiny,
“MH” refers to the Miniatures Handbook.
“CArc” refers to Complete Arcane
“CD” refers to Complete Divine
“PGtF” refers to Players Guide to Faerun


Mythic Exemplar is on page 86 of Complete Champion.
Consecrated Harrier and Divine Crusader are on , respectively, pages 28 and 33 of Complete Divine.
Divine Disciple is on page 51 of Player's Guide to Faerun.

I believe all other non SRD elements are cited in text. I apologize for any oversight.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:15 PM
Let's hope he never meets this guy (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9111595&postcount=107)...
Gauthak Bearkiller Gathakanathi
Basic Stats assuming 32 point buy: Str 16+4 racial, Dex 8-2 racial, Con 16+2 racial, Int 14, Wis 14, Cha 8

Level Abilities
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|Goliath LA|
+0|
+0|
+0|
+0|+2 Racial to sense motive||Powerful build - one size larger for wielding weapons and opposed strength checks, Mountain Movement - accelerated climbing at no penalty, Acclimatised - no penalty at higher elevation.

2nd|Fighter 1|
+1|
+2|
+0|
+0|Climb 4 ranks, Swim 4 ranks, Jump 4 ranks, Tumble 2 ranks cross class|Insightful Reflexes - Intelligence to reflex rather than dexterity|Fighter Feat: Power Attack - may reduce attack to get bonus on damage

3rd|Fighter 2|
+2|
+3|
+0|
+0|Climb 1 rank, Swim 1 rank, Jump 1 rank, Tumble 0.5 rank cross-class||Fighter Feat: Dungeon Crusher substitution level - +2 bonus on saves and AC against traps and +5 strength bonus to break down an obstacle and if you bullrush someone into a wall you deal 4d6+2*Strength damage

4th|Fighter 3|
+3|
+3|
+1|
+1|Intimidate 3 ranks, Tumble 0.5 ranks cross-class|Lightning Reflexes - +2 bonus to reflex saves|

5th|Fighter 4|
+4|
+4|
+1|
+1|Intimidate 3 ranks, Tumble 0.5 ranks cross-class|Ability Boost: Strength|Fighter Feat: Improved Bull Rush - +4 bonus on bull rushes and you do not provoke an Attack of Opportunity

6th|Fighter 5|
+5|
+4|
+1|
+1|Climb 1 rank, Jump 1 rank, Intimidate 1 rank, Tumble 0.5 ranks cross-class||

7th|Fighter 6|
+6|
+5|
+2|
+2|Climb 1 rank, Jump 1 rank, Intimidate 1 rank, Tumble 0.5 ranks cross-class|Knockback - When you hit you can make a bullrush without moving as long as you are using power attack|Fighter Feat: Dungeon Crusher subsitution level - +4 bonus on saves and AC against traps and +10 strength bonus to break down an obstacle and if you bullrush someone into a wall you deal 8d6+3*Strength damage


8th|Cleric 1|
+6|
+7|
+2|
+4|Knowledge(History) 3 ranks, Tumble 0.5 ranks cross-class||Cleric Spells, Travel and Magic Domains, Turn Undead 2 per day, Worship: Golitath Pantheon

9th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+6|
+7|
+2|
+4|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)|Ability Boost: Strength|Paragon Path: Sunyartra, Fortitude Saving Throw +1

10th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
+7|
+7|
+2|
+4|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)|Auspicious Markings - +2 bonus on all charisma based checks dealing with Goliaths and may re-roll a stabalization check once per turn|Least Paragon gift: Sunyartra - once per day can improve weapon critical threat range, +1 Cleric spellcasting level

11th|Mythic Exemplar 3|
+8|
+8|
+3|
+5|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)||Archetype Advancement: Sunyartra - +1 bonus on all opposed strength checks and all strength based skill checks, Fortitude Saving Throw +2

12th|Mythic Exemplar 4|
+9|
+8|
+3|
+5|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)||Lesser Paragon gift Sunyartra - once per day gain +4 to strength or re-use least gift, +1 Cleric spellcasting level

13th|Mythic Exemplar 5|
+9|
+8|
+3|
+5|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)|Markings of the Blessed - 3 times per day roll 2 d20s when making saving throws and choose which to use, Ability Boost: Strength|Archetype Advancement: Sunyartra - +2 bonus on all opposed strength checks and all strength based skill checks, Fortitude Saving Throw +3

14th|Mythic Exemplar 6|
+10|
+9|
+4|
+6|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)||Greater Paragon's gift: Sunyartra - may cast haste on self as a swift action once per day or use a lower gift another time per day, +1 Cleric spellcasting level

15th|Mythic Exemplar 7|
+11|
+9|
+4|
+6|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)||Archetype Advancement: Sunyartra - +3 bonus on all opposed strength checks and all strength based skill checks, Fortitude Saving Throw +4

16th|Mythic Exemplar 8|
+12|
+9|
+4|
+6|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)|Improved Sunder - +4 bonus to sunder a weapon and sundering does not provoke an Attack of Opportunity|Supreme Paragon's Gift: Sunyartra - As a swift action may cast divine power once per day or use a lower gift. +1 Cleric spellcasting level

17th|Mythic Exemplar 9|
+12|
+10|
+5|
+7|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)|Ability Boost: Strength|Archetype Advancement: Sunyartra - +4 bonus on all opposed strength checks and all strength based skill checks

18th|Mythic Exmplar 10|
+13|
+10|
+5|
+7|Spot 2 ranks, Listen 2 ranks, Concentration 2 ranks (from cleric transfer)||Ability Boost: Strength +2, Embody Paragon - Ignore 15 points of damage reduction and 15 points of hardness

19th|Cleric 2|
+14|
+11|
+5|
+8|Concentration 1 rank, Knowledge(Arcana) 3 ranks|Combat Brute - may use any of these abilities: Advancing Blows - if you make a bull rush against someone next turn you gain a bonus on attack and damage against that foe equal to the number of squares you moved him back by. Sundering Cleave - if you successfully sunder a weapon or a shield you may make an immediate attack with the weapon that sundered the item. Momentum Swing - If you charge and then use the power attack next turn you gain a bonus to damage of 1.5 or 3 times your attack penalty depending on your weapon. You must have an attack penalty of at least -5. |+1 Cleric spellcasting level

20th|Cleric 3|
+15|
+12|
+6|
+8|Concentration 1 rank, Knowledge(Arcana) 3 ranks||+1 Cleric spellcasting level[/table]

Spells per day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th

1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

3rd|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

4th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

5th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

6th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

7th|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

8th|3|2+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

9th|3|2+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

10th|4|3+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

11th|4|3+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

12th|4|3+1D|2+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

13th|4|3+1D|2+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

14th|5|4+1D|3+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

15th|5|4+1D|3+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

16th|5|4+1D|3+1D|1+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-

17th|5|4+1D|3+1D|1+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-

18th|5|4+1D|3+1D|1+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-

19th|5|4+1D|4+1D|2+1D|-|-|-|-|-|-

20th|6|5+1D|4+1D|2+1D|1+1D|-|-|-|-|-[/table]

Backstory
Gauthak was born in a normal tribe and grew up to be a normal Goliath. One day while he was out hunting when he was attacked by a mountain bear. The first attack tore a chunk out of his lower leg which would cause him a lot of trouble later. Despite this he managed to kill the bear and took it home as a prize and that is how he earned the name Bearkiller. The wound in the lower leg was not life threatening but it did make him a lot slower than normal so when the tribe moved on he was left behind. Gauthak decided that it would be best to die rather than try and survive with his lame leg.
However a group of Giants found him and decided to take him as a slave. Some time later the giants traded with a circus owner who was looking for unusual creatures to show off. The circus owner wasn't about to spend much money so he put Guathak in a cage barely big enough to contain him. One day a group of adventurers was going through the circus and spotted that the 'animals' were not in a good condition. That night they returned and set about freeing the 'animals'.
Unfortunately they made a lot of noise while doing so and woke up the camp. They had just freed Gauthak when the circus owner attack the group. The circus owner was trying to slow the party down to let reinforcements arrive. Gauthak heard them coming and moved to 'hold the pass' as it were, shoving the approaching reinforcements away from him and the battle. The rest of the party defeated the circus owner and joined him to drive away the few remaining reinforcements.
Now that the party was safe again, they decided that Gauthak would be a useful member of the party and offered him a place in the party. As he had nothing to do he accepted. The party took him to a outpost of the Disciples of Legends to get him healed up by one of the clerics there. He learnt a lot about the disciples while healing and understood how Sunyartra felt. He decided that when he was stronger he was going to imitate her without straying too far from his gods.

Traits
Gauthak is extremely competive like the rest of the goliaths and will always accept a challenge. During the confinement and slavery he grew a deep hatred of giants and slavers. If he meets either he will try and free the slaves often killing those in his way.

Playing Gauthak
Playing Gauthak you need to be a front line fighter. Early on the player should acquire a large weapon, reach is preferable. Heavy Armour would also be a useful investment. One of the best items for this build is the gauntlets of war assuming that your DM allows the pantheon to give the potential for the war domain. The build works best in tight spaces with walls to bullrush enemies into. Once you take the Cleric level at level 8 you can use wands and staves to create your own walls with spells such as Wall of Stone and Stone Shape. After this the Mythic Exemplar levels improve these abilities very well over the course of the next 10 levels. After the Mythic Exemplar levels have finished taking a few more levels in cleric is probably the best way to round of the build. If you are allowed LA buyoff take another level of cleric for more spells per day.

Tactics at the best point in the build
Once you reach level 8 you should buy a few wands of stone shape or wall of stone if you can afford it. Now if you are attacked in open countryside rather than tight corners you can drop a piece of stone and mould it into a wall within range of how far you can push the enemies, or just use the wall of stone to put up a wall behind them. If you have another caster in the party who can cast this even better. Once the wall is in place you just sit there in power attack mode, stopping the enemy from getting to the casters by slamming them into the wall for 8d6+15 damage plus the damage from the power attack bonus and regular weapon damage!

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:16 PM
The other entrants are Exemplar, but this one's the Exemplest.
The Fluff:

Perhaps the oddest member of the Disciples of Legend is Sandhya Dusksong. Famed for her mind and beauty even among her own people in the Yuirwood, and lauded by the western barbarians for her leadership and martial prowess, Sandhya has always been one who is most comfortable in the between places.

Many might considder her to be cold, but in truth she focuses her passion into the past and the future. When she first travelled away from her home in search of knowledge and adventure, she fell in love with the story of the Six Great heroes. Most especially, her studies into the life and deeds of the Marshall Reikhart led her to follow in his footsteps for a time. This, in due course, led her to the doorstep of the Disciples of Legend.

The Disciples of Legend recognized her immediately as a true believer, and welcomed her into the fold. She quickly entered into the circle of those most devoted disciples, the Mythic Exemplars. Her first full mission after her initiation was complete was to infiltrate the cultists of Jubilex and disrupt one of their dark summoning rituals. She was wildly successful in her infiltration attempt - on her first attempt at reconnaisance, she was captured and sent to the ritual chamber to be a sacrifice. Fortunately, her friends rushed to her rescue, and with their help she managed to foil the summoning ritual. Unfortunately...

She did so at the cost of her own life. In the end, she threw herself into the sacrificial fire before all of the runes of protection had been drawn. The resulting explosion wiped out all of the cultists, but did not leave enough of her body intact to allow for magical restoration.

The funeral was attended by only a few - her friends and a few members of the Disciples, with all of her remaining family still in the Yuirwood. Her ashes were interred in the Disciple's private crypt, along with her two most cherished posessions: A magical badge and the sword she won from her sponsor within the disciples upon completing her initiation. A week passed, and her friends were just getting ready to move on to their next adventure when an urgent summons arrived for them from the Disciples.

At the Disciple's chapter house, they were met by the librarian, who was beside himself with fear and frustration. In the library itself, the party came upon a scene that would haunt them to the ends of their days. Literally. Because there, in the lack of flesh, was the ghost of Sandhya Dusksong, berating a terrified junior member of the disciples for not turning the pages of a book fast enough.

Sandhya rejoined her friends on their adventures, and after a bit of argument with the Disciples about the difference (or lack thereof) between resurrection and undeath, was re-instated as a member in good standing of the Disciples of Legend.

When asked why she came back, Sanhya would always say that she was on her way to the court of Corellon Larethian when she was struck by the question of which afterlife Sir Reikhart had gone to. And until she knew for sure, she refused to move on. So she stayed, and her fame grew, until every member of the Disciples knew of the most Exemplary Disciple.




The Crunch: Please read the Fluff first.
The Most Exemplary and Mythical Hero

Sandhya Dusksong
Alignment: TN
Race: Star Elf (Ghost)
Attributes:

32-point buy, after racial boni
Str 14 (6)
Dex 12 (4)
Con 6 (0)
Int 14 (6)
Wis 8 (0)
Cha 20 (16)


{table=head]Level|Class|BAB|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Bard 1|
+0|
+0|
+2|
+2|Diplo 4, Disguise 4, Know(Hist) 3, Perform(Sing) 4, Sense Motive 4, Speak Lang 4, Spellcraft 4, UMD 4, Know(Arc) 1|Melodic Casting|Bardic Lore, Bardic Music
2nd|Bard 2|
+1|
+0|
+3|
+3|Diplo 1, Disguise 1, Know(Arc) 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Sense Motive 1, Speak Lang 1, Spellcraft 1, UMD 1| |
3rd|Bard 3|
+2|
+1|
+3|
+3|Diplo 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Spellcraft 1, Bluff 4, Speak Lang 1|Song of the Heart|Inspire Competence
4th|Marshal 1|
+2|
+2|
+3|
+5|Diplo 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Bluff 1, Speak Lang 1, Know(Arc) 2||Minor Aura (Motivate Charisma), +1 Cha
5th|Mythic Exemplar 1|
+2|
+2|
+3|
+5|Diplo 1, Listen 3, Know(Hist) 2| |Paragon Path(Reikhardt), +1 Will Saves
6th|Ghost Template (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEcQFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wizards.com%2Fdefault.asp%3Fx %3Ddnd%2Fsp%2F20040117a&ei=qTxsTJXtPIqmsQOh84zwBw&usg=AFQjCNHP8NFyosNPrpJ3EPQuXd1CUdn29w&sig2=PvOWyFZASvbmZ8aHyTruWw) LA+1|
+3|
+2|
+3|
+5|-||Ethereal, fly, ghostly equipment, ghost skills +2, manifestation, undeath
7th|Ghost Template (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEcQFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wizards.com%2Fdefault.asp%3Fx %3Ddnd%2Fsp%2F20040117a&ei=qTxsTJXtPIqmsQOh84zwBw&usg=AFQjCNHP8NFyosNPrpJ3EPQuXd1CUdn29w&sig2=PvOWyFZASvbmZ8aHyTruWw) LA+2|
+3|
+2|
+3|
+5|-||Cha +2, lesser ghost powers (Telekinesis), turn resistance +2
8th|Ghost Template (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEcQFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wizards.com%2Fdefault.asp%3Fx %3Ddnd%2Fsp%2F20040117a&ei=qTxsTJXtPIqmsQOh84zwBw&usg=AFQjCNHP8NFyosNPrpJ3EPQuXd1CUdn29w&sig2=PvOWyFZASvbmZ8aHyTruWw) LA+3|
+3|
+2|
+3|
+5|-||Ghost skills +4, rejuvenation
9th|Ghost Template (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEcQFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wizards.com%2Fdefault.asp%3Fx %3Ddnd%2Fsp%2F20040117a&ei=qTxsTJXtPIqmsQOh84zwBw&usg=AFQjCNHP8NFyosNPrpJ3EPQuXd1CUdn29w&sig2=PvOWyFZASvbmZ8aHyTruWw) LA+4|
+3|
+2|
+3|
+5|-||Cha +2, greater ghost powers (Malevolence), ghost skills +6, turn resistance +4
10th|Ghost Template (http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&cd=14&ved=0CEcQFjAN&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.wizards.com%2Fdefault.asp%3Fx %3Ddnd%2Fsp%2F20040117a&ei=qTxsTJXtPIqmsQOh84zwBw&usg=AFQjCNHP8NFyosNPrpJ3EPQuXd1CUdn29w&sig2=PvOWyFZASvbmZ8aHyTruWw) LA+5|
+3|
+2|
+3|
+5|-||Ghost skills +8
11th|Mythic Exemplar 2|
+3|
+2|
+3|
+5|Diplo 1, Listen 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Craft(Alch) 3|Ghostly Grasp|Least Gift
12th|Mythic Exemplar 3|
+4|
+3|
+4|
+6|Diplo 1, Listen 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Craft(Alch) 3||Archetype Advancement, Major Aura +1 (Resilient Troops), +2 Will Saves
13th|Mythic Exemplar 4|
+5|
+3|
+4|
+6|Diplo 1, Listen 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Craft(Alch) 3||Lesser Gift, +1 Cha
14th|Mythic Exemplar 5|
+5|
+3|
+4|
+6|Diplo 1, Listen 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Craft(Alch) 1, Know(Relig) 2|Lingering Music|Archetype Advancement, Minor Aura (Motivate Intelligence), +3 Will Saves
15th|Mythic Exemplar 6|
+6|
+4|
+5|
+7|Diplo 1, Listen 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Know(Relig) 3||Greater Gift
16th|Ephemeral Exemplar 1|
+6|
+4|
+5|
+9|Listen 1, Search 5||Improved Deflection, Turn Resistence
17th|Exemplar 1|
+6|
+4|
+5|
+11|Sense Motive 5, Know(Planes) 5|Extra Music|Skill Mastery (Diplomacy, Spellcraft, UMD), Skill Artistry (Listen), +1 Cha
18th|Mythic Exemplar 7|
+7|
+4|
+5|
+11|Diplo 3, Listen 1,Perform(Sing) 1, Profession(Astrologer) 1||Archetype Advancement, Will Save+4
19th|Mythic Exemplar 8|
+8|
+4|
+5|
+11|Diplo 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Profession(Astrologer) 4||Supreme Gift
20th|Mythic Exemplar 9|
+8|
+5|
+6|
+12|Diplo 1, Perform(Sing) 1, Profession(Historian) 4|Fiery Burst|Archetype Advancement, Minor Aura (Watchful Eye), Major Aura (Hardy Soldiers)
|LA Buyoff|||||||LA+4
20th|Mythic Exemplar 10|
+9|
+5|
+6|
+12|Diplo 1, Profession(Historian) 1, Know(Arc) 4||+2 Cha, Embody Paragon, +1 Cha
[/table]

Spells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd
1st |2|-|-|-|4|-|-|-
2nd |3|0|-|-|5|2|-|-
3rd |3|1|-|-|6|3|-|-
4th |3|1|-|-|6|3|-|-
5th |3|1|-|-|6|3|-|-
6th |3|2|0|-|6|3|2|-
7th |3|2|0|-|6|3|2|-
8th |3|3|1|-|6|4|3|-
9th |3|3|1|-|6|4|3|-
10th|3|3|2|-|6|4|3|-
11th|3|3|2|-|6|4|3|-
12th|3|3|2|-|6|4|3|-
13th|3|3|2|-|6|4|3|-
14th|3|3|2|0|6|4|4|2
15th|3|3|2|0|6|4|4|2
16th|3|3|2|0|6|4|4|2[/table]

Spells Known:

In order learned:
0: Dancing Lights, Detect Magic, Mage hand, Prestidigitation, Ghost Sound, Ghost Harp (SpC)
1: Inspirational Boost (SpC), Summon Monster I, Charm, Grease
2: Minor Image, Suggestion, Silence, Heartfire (SpC)
3: Scrying, Glibness


Equipment

Equipment Notes: An object designated as 'ghostly' was gained before the character's death, was buried with them, and is effectively a permanent part of the character. While they aren't required to use this item, it will re-appear with them whenever they are killed and rejuvenated, so long as their grave is not robbed. If the item is ever taken from their grave, the character will start questing for its return as soon as possible. Equipment designated as 'ethereal' is equipment that the character has had shifted to the ethereal plane (Via the Planeshift spell, prices are adjusted up by +.5k to account for this) so that they can wear it as a ghost. Equipment listed as 'physical' is actually present in the material world, and is used via the 'Ghostly Grasp' feat. Note that ethereal equipment that was on the character when they are killed is effectively dropped where they are killed on the ethereal plane. Getting it back after rejuvenation will probably require some effort, or some forsight on the party's part (if one of them is capable of using Plane Shift).
Noteworthy EQ gained by Level:
@3 Throat: (Ghostly) Badge of Valor: +1 Inspire courage effect 3/day 1.4k
@5 Held: (Ghostly) +1 Stunning Surge Greatsword (8.3 K, MIC 45),
@7 Head: (Ethereal) Helm of Tactics: +2 damage against flanked, or +1 minor aura effect for 10 rounds, 3/day 2.5k
@10 Shoulders: (Ethereal) Cloak of Charisma +6 36.5k
@11 Carried: (Physical) Type I Haversack (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148101) 5.8k
@12 Armor: (Physical) Elven Chain (4.1k) + Blueshine (Immune to Acid & Rust, 1.5k) + Called (summonable, +2k) + Commander (+2 Diplo, +1 will to allies, 2k) +2 (4k), 13.6k
@12 Misc: (Ethereal) Horn of Risilience: DR 5/- to all in 30' or +1 to major aura for 5 rounds, or +50 temp HP with use of Inspire Greatness 2/day 5.5k
@13 Body: (Ethereal) Vest of Legends (DMGII, 272) +5 comp to Diplo & Perform, +1* inspire courage 16.5k
@15 Used: Tome of Leadership and Influence +4 110k
@17 Misc: (Physical) Mithril Heavy Shield (10k) + Blueshine (Immune to Acid & Rust, 1.5k) + Called (summonable, +2k) + Animated +4 (+6, 36k) 49.5k
@18 Held: (Ethereal) Adamantine Scimitar (3K) + Everbright (2k) + Keen + Ghost Touch + Ghost Strike + Harmonizing + 1 + Greater Lifedrinker Crystal (6k) 66k
@20 Waist: (Ethereal) Belt of Magnificence +6 200.5k
@20 Shoulders: Trade Cloak of Charisma +6 (-17.5k) for Cloak of Resistence +5 (25.5k) 8k

From ECL 11+, a generous alchemy budget is allocated for replacing/expanding the Haversack's contents.
From ECL 16+, various wands, scrolls and other minor items are purchased and used as needed.

Item set bonus: Regalia of the Hero collection (MIC 208)
Collection abilities: 1/day +5 insight bonus to 1 ally as immediate action, 1/day grant extra move action as standard action


Vital Statistics by Level
{table=head]ECL|Charisma|Inspire Courage Bonus|Expected Diplomancy|Affiliation Score|Newly Acquired Powers
5th |21|+4|33|6|
10th|31|+4|43|12|Incorpreality, Ethereal at will, Telekinesis at will (DC 22), Magic Jar at will (DC 25), all attacks are touch attacks, flight, +cha to AC
15th|36|+6|59|21|+4 Cha for 6 rounds as a swift action, Power DCs 28, can grant, Grant 50 temp HP + Heroism 1/day, can wear armor & wield weapons while manifested
20th|40|+6|69|30+|Mostly higher Cha and WBL[/table]

Build Notes

The concept behind this build was to incorporate as much 'Mythic' and 'Exemplar' as possible. While there turned out to be several 'Exemplar's available to use, there is only the one 'Mythic' class, and no feats worth mentioning. So, instead, I incorporated 'heroic' and 'legendary' equipment, which worked out fairly well. I also wanted to focus on one of the non-caster paragons. Sure, I could have made a killer 18/20 or 19/20 casting Imdastri or Ktolemagne build, but where's the fun in that?
While making this build, I had two strokes of good fortune. The first was in finding the Star Elf - a race that I couldn't have homebrewed to be better for this build. With +2 cha (the key stat), -2 con (undead, don't care), favored class Bard (it was them or Gnome, and Gnome gets a CON bonus), and the ability to apply Ghost Touch to any weapon they hold (for 12 hours a day, at least).
The other windfall was the Ghost savage species template progression. I really didn't like having a 5-level gap in playability, so finding this made me sure that this was the perfect build.
As for playability, this character should work for any game style except solo combat - not having a party to buff makes combat with this character pretty rough. Stealth? Ethereal. Intrigue? Malevolence. Combat? Buff & touch attacks. Dungeon crawl? Incorporeal & +cha to search/disable rolls. I wanted the character to have things to do both in and out of combat.
A few other rationales:
Ethereal Equipment: I hit upon this idea while trying to figure out how to equip a ghost. I could have just taken Vow of Poverty and been done, but that not only felt cheap, over half of the granted abilities are useless to a ghost (don't need to eat? AC and natural AC bonuses?). Then I took a closer look at the 'ghostly equipment' feature from the Ghost template progression. While it specified that the equipment had to be both on the character at death AND buried with the character, it did NOT specify that new equipment ALREADY ON the ethereal plane could not be used. In fact, since ghosts can explicitly interact physically with anything in the ethereal plane, it becomes self evident that any magic item they find there should work for them. And while there might be a lack of magic shops on the plane itself, the cost for buying the single casting of Plane Shift it would take to get it there is spelled out right in the SRD's Goods and Services table.
Why Alchemy? Because alchemical weapons are mundane - i.e. they may deal ENERGY damge, but it is not MAGICAL. Therefore the character is completely immune. I can take a hundred Fire Eggs and drop them in the same square I'm in, and only my (physically present) armor will care. But the enemies in all of the adjacent squares are toast.
Why use physical armor? Because even Ghost Touch armor only grants its bonus rating, and not its armor value, to AC. But, thanks to Ghostly Grasp, a ghost can wear physical armor and get the physical AC bonus applied to armor rating. This does not in any way negate the 50% miss chance an opponent gets for attacking an incorporeal being, unless they try something nasty like sundering the armor. Both the armor and the shield have the 'Called' property because whenever the ghost un-manifests, passes through a wall, or otherwise acts ghostly (like using Malevolence), the armor would just end up dropping to the ground. So the 'Called' property is there to both retrieve it and put it on quickly. We also need a means for transporting the Haversack(s) around, since ghosts will have a hard time carrying loot otherwise.
Hope you enjoyed the build!

Sources
Ephemeral Exemplar is from Libris Mortis
Star Elf is from Unapproachable East (FR)
Song of the Heart is from Eberron Campaign Setting, but is an entirely generic feat so I feel it's fair game
Ghostly Grasp is from Libris Mortis
Everything else should be listed or obvious.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-23, 08:17 PM
That's the last of 'em. On your mark, get set, judge!

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-23, 09:06 PM
Geeze, Louise... I started judging the moment they were posted and just finished with Dr. Milo after a solid HOUR.

Hopefully I can finish them before bedtime.

And folks, please post sources.

WinWin
2010-08-23, 10:21 PM
yikes. No one used the ideas I had...

1st one was a dungeoncrasher/warlock I had to abandon because of Dragon Mag feats.

2nd was a Binder/Ur Priest/Tenebrous Apostate. I could not find a way to trim the excess CL without dropping ME levels.


In any case I am impressed with all the builds presented. Well done people!

Thurbane
2010-08-23, 11:07 PM
Some nice ideas in these entries. My own was going to be a Marshal 4/M.E. 10/Dragon Lord 6 - concentrating on buffing auras, and Intimidate based debuffs.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-24, 12:00 AM
Meh, thought I could do it tonight, but just too much research involved in them. Will finish the last 3 in the morning.

Draz74
2010-08-24, 01:48 AM
Hmmm, I'm glad I didn't bother. My only idea was an Ardent who used some rules-lawyering and the Magic Mantle to allow Imdastri to advance his manifesting abilities. Imdastri was already the most popular version of Mystic Exemplar to use, and my build wouldn't have turned out as well as the competition anyway.

I'm impressed by these entries ... particularly three of them. One of them for being the most clever mechanical utilization of Mystic Exemplar; one for thinking outside the box all-around; and one for being just a fascinating character whose backstory actually kept me entertained.

Chineselegolas
2010-08-24, 07:00 AM
Some rather interesting builds there.
I think I can place two to the creators, but the others, no idea. Can't wait to find out who made what.

Amphetryon
2010-08-24, 08:00 AM
As a fairly typical judge's disclaimer, I thoroughly enjoyed all the builds here, and appreciate the effort of all the contestants. Having entered several of these myself, I know all the contestants worked hard on these characters. I am impressed, regardless of score.

Milo 11.5/2.875
Originality: The ‘Lucky Caster’ is a relatively unusual archetype, to be sure. 3.5

Power: Archivist casting with access to 9th level spells, but two sub-par saves that rely on the Luck abilities unrelated to Mythic Exemplar. Looks like a 3.5

Elegance: Secret Ingredient abandoned at 8th costs you here. Starting off at a more advanced age reads as an obvious power grab, as does Mother Cyst. Wedging six classes into the build is cumbersome, and makes Milo very MAD. 2.5

Use of Secret Ingredient: Didn’t finish the Secret Ingredient, finished off with what reads as a considerable change in focus away from the Mythic Exemplar. 2

Geoffrey 11/2.75
Originality: It’s Ted the Enabler, done with Mythic exemplar. 3

Power: One of the lowest casting abilities in the contest, but the Diplomacy focus and Bardic Music abilities mean Geoffrey’s generally useful in other ways. 3

Elegance: Flaws hurt. Abandoning the Secret Ingredient at 9th hurts, too, and while I liked the inclusion of the relatively rare Warrior Skald, I disliked the way it jumbled up the level progression. 2

Use of Secret Ingredient: Didn’t finish the Secret Ingredient, which hurt. Most of the emphasis of the build was around the battlefield motivator, though, which is a solid use. 3

Alexei 13/3.25
Originality: VoP Cleric Paragon/Exemplar. That’s different. 4

Power: 15th level Cleric casting is pretty strong, getting you 8th level spells. A spell progression table would have been nice, by the way. Marginally more even saves than Milo, but also reliant on that Luck re-roll. 3

Elegance: Cloistered Cleric instead of PHb Cleric and two Paragon Classes means almost everything in the build requires Unearthed Arcana to function. BoED material is historically risky in Iron Chef competition as well, though I don’t penalize it. 2

Use of Secret Ingredient: With no other significant Class features to speak of, Alexei becomes fairly reliant on his Mythic Exemplar as a matter of course. As with the spell table, I would have appreciated a more listing of the abilities actually acquired. 4

Ignatius 12/3
Originality: It’s a slightly watered-down Anima Mage. 2

Power: Anima Mage is pretty darn powerful, and you’ve got 9th level spells. Arguably the most powerful character presented, but not the clear-cut strongest, to my mind. 4.5

Elegance: The Precocious Apprentice trick has been debated for legality for so long the old Mommy Was An Orc thread on Gleeemax regarding the topic got white-screened. That makes the entry fairly controversial. Otherwise, it’s pretty straightforward, though Ignatius enters into Mythic Exemplar later than most other contestants. 3.5

Use of Secret Ingredient: This is a decent Anima Mage, but not a particularly inspired Mythic Exemplar. 2

Arundson 12/3
Originality: It’s a DMM Cleric. There are a few of those around the boards, here and there. 1.5

Power: Without 9th level spells, Arundson shoots himself in the foot as a DMM Cleric. 3

Elegance: Arundson is about the ‘cleanest’ build presented here - very straightforward, no real shenanigans. 5

Use of Secret Ingredient: Took the Mythic Exemplar to completion, but could have been better with myriad other choices for a better casting progression. By my scale, that makes it simultaneously a 4 and a 1. Split the difference. 2.5

Aldaris 14/3.5
Originality: Paladin was a fairly unexpected path to Mythic Exemplar, especially as a springboard to 9th level spells. 4

Power: 9th level spells, as noted, are among the most powerful features in the game. Aldaris’ choice of spells is sadly limited, though. 4

Elegance: Flaws and mix-and-match substitution levels tear the Elegance score to pieces. Aldaris also exceeded the number of single-level dips I listed as acceptable for my tastes. 2

Use of Secret Ingredient: Pretty much exactly what I listed as a 4 in the category. 4

Gauthak 14.5/3.625
Originality: Goliath Dungeoncrasher Fighter/Cleric, you say? Nifty. 3.5

Power: “Gauthak Smash!” is a niche-case path to domination, which fits neatly into the scale I listed. 3

Elegance: Use of a LA +1 Race hits Elegance a bit. Entrance into Mythic Exemplar is relatively delayed, and the Cleric levels are disjointed. It’s highly unusual to see straight Cleric instead of a PrC to finish out a build. 3

Use of Secret Ingredient: The use of the Sunyartra on a Dungeoncrasher with Powerful Build was fairly ingenious. Gauthak wrung about as much as possible from Mythic Exemplar, earning my ‘best in category.’ 5

Sandhya 10/2.5
Originality: Another CHA-focused Bard/Marshal. 3

Power: Fairly squarely in the ‘niche’ category, and the power takes a hit by being such a big LA, which can make Sandhya difficult to incorporate in a 1 - 20 campaign. 2.5

Elegance: Three single-level dips and a whopping +5 LA smacked into the middle of the progression. This is pretty close to my ‘the only way this character comes about is through the DM meddling with your character’ clause. I can’t see Sandhya successfully pitched as a character concept at any D&D game I’ve ever been invited to, let alone run. 1

Use of Secret Ingredient: The CHA-focus is very solid, and makes a fairly good enabler. 3.5

Private-Prinny
2010-08-24, 08:52 AM
Milo and Sandhya have been kind enough to provide me with a list of sources, which I have edited into the build, since it does not change the build at all mechanically.

If the judges think this is unfair, I will remove them. Discuss.

Amphetryon
2010-08-24, 09:07 AM
Some nice ideas in these entries. My own was going to be a Marshal 4/M.E. 10/Dragon Lord 6 - concentrating on buffing auras, and Intimidate based debuffs.

I sort of expected to see a Dragonfire Adept 4/Dragon Shaman 3/M.E. 10/Dragon Lord 3, honestly. CHA and CON and nothing much else needed.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-24, 10:02 AM
I toyed around with an Adept/Shaman, but Dragon Lord never crossed my mind. I thought others would go that way, and so I dropped it.

However, I had the exact same build idea as one other competitor, and another one that's pretty darn close, before I settled on my final build. Luckily, I decided not to go with either build, fearing that another more skilled competitor would have the same idea, dragging both of our originality scores down in the process.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-24, 11:38 AM
Man alive, but you guys had me scrounging through books I'd never heard of and looking up feats that I'd never used.

I think this is going to be a wide-open competition, with every judge getting something different out of each build.

Dr. Milo Brushscrubber, the Humble Historian 16.75 (4.18 average)

Originality - 4.75
Those are some very interesting combinations. Fortune's Friend and Luckstealer are somewhat obvious, especially with being granted a luck bonus in Exemplar, but when mixed with the rest, I have to bow to it. The story was also unique in its way.

Power - 4
Though this guy isn't the greatest at actual battle statistically, he's got some serious spellage despite the lack of 3 caster levels, along with many useful immunities. Also, that crazy luck ****enzola you got going... that can really help when you do have to do physical battle. Throw in that spell for 100 free HP (DANG, where's that been all my life?) and you got yourself a heavy hitter.

Elegance - 4.5
Everything blends together superbly and I just... LIKED this guy. The story, while brief, was very flavorful and sparked my imagination. I'd love to have him in a game of mine.

UoSI - 3.5
You use the PrC, I'll give you that. It does help the build nicely, but just nothing really special stands out with having used it.

Notes: Dude, where's my Sources list? Killing me here. However, I did like the Stat block. May use that myself in the future.

Nuaeral Trakaith/Geoffrey Steelfist 9.75 (2.43 average)
Originality - 3.25
Well, have to say you used things I've never heard of, as I don't have access to Races of Faerun or Dragon Magic. Would never have though to put them together even if I had most like. The story is long, but kind of like War and Peace long. Doesn't hold my attention well, and doesn't explain much. Where'd the dragon come from? I thought maybe his mother was a shapeshifted one, but I see nothing to indicate that. I'll be glad to change some scores if it can be pointed out where I missed something obvious.

Power - 3
In power I see him neither here nor there. Not a particularly strong physical fighter, and though useful, his spells selection is somewhat meek. Now, he does have nice abilities when it comes to empowering his troops, and has a wide range of skills and potential uses, so gave him a bit of a boost there.

Elegance - 1
Again, while there is synergy between the classes at parts, I don't see anything that meshes in a way to grab my attention. I may have missed a few things though, but as you didn't really highlight any for me, what can I do. It has a vague hint of haphazard arrangement, what with the unexplained dragon bits, as well as you using both Faerun and Eberron feats. Then there is the matter of Flaws that gets an automatic reduction by contest rules.

UoSI - 2.5
Mythic Exemplar is used to a degree, and has its place. Its dominance is more in the story than in the build per se, but its not so bad. I really thought he could have benefited from the last level of the PrC however, and it disappointed me that it wasn't taken, so I removed a .5 for that.


In the end I have nothing against this build, it's solid enough, just seems to lack personality and that spark of the combining classes to really propel it. And again, green dragon... who? What? Where? When? How? The public, and I, want to know!

Alexei 14.25 (3.56 average)
Originality - 3.25
While I don't see many folk using paragon classes, they aren't unheard of, and Squire of Legend is a tad obvious. The story gives some basics of his life and serves that purpose just fine, but nothing beyond that, and its got nothing surprising in it. However, it is a worth a nod of appreciation in how you went about maxing-out Wisdom.

Power - 3
Intuitive Attack is a fine feat to grab, and it definitely helps you out with attacks. As you say, not much damage, but with that AC you'll be able to keep going at it for awhile. I'd only worry about damage reduction. No real magic either, and HP is average. All in all a sturdy meat shield, but what about flying things? Could have enhanced the build so much with Zen Archery and a composite bow.

Elegance - 3
Everything works with each other fairly well, with nothing standing out for good or bad.

UoSI - 5
You've certainly built everything on up with the PrC in mind. Almost obsessively so. Every freaking thing is devoted to half-elvish Imdrastri-cloning.


Note: And it's Intuitive Attack, not Intuitive Strike ;-)

Ignatius 11.75 (2.93 average)
Originality - 2.5
Was somewhat expecting a Binder, as the Exemplars are reminiscent of Vestiges. Though also not particularly enamored of the background tale, I am somewhat amused as you're the only one to have a Mythic Exemplar who instead of practically worshiping the Exemplars is just out to leech off one. However, that is just the individual I'd expect would come out of a binder build.

Power - 3.5
You have some nice casting with this build, but nothing too spectacular. Binding helps a good ways however. The bit about anima mage and persistent spell is also clever.

Elegance - 3
I like the feel of this combination despite being somewhat expected, and background wise it all comes together, though not seeing any really appreciable synergy.

UoSI - 2.75
Though you take all the levels, I'm skeptical that anyone would use this combination outside of the contest. Just doesn't seem needed.

Arundson Rex 14 (3.5 average)
Originality - 3
Hellbred's are always interesting, but otherwise its a pretty strait forward build with no great surprises.

Power - 3.5
Good fighter, good caster, not great, but as strong as should be expected. It has a couple tricks to give it oomph.

Elegance - 3.75
Everything mixes in very well, and builds off the other without really any snags. Only give one synergic example however.

UoSI - 3.75
This is a key part of build and background. It could live without it, but that's neither here nor there. It's in there, it uses it, all good.

Aldaris, the Open Hand of Ilmater 14.5 (3.62 average)
Originality - 3.75
While I expected divine PrC's, I never expected anyone to use half of them, and one I didn't even know existed. The story at least gives a little info, but I'd have liked to hear more about him myself. Changing out bits to get tracker to go with Harrier is also a nice touch.

Power - 4.25
Look up in the sky, it's a bird, it's a plane, no, it's Super Paladin! I'm over here blinking as I see he's got a good BAB and 9th level spells, the latter from a single dip. That was very... optimized of you. Also can serve other functions and has a wide variety of fun.

Elegance - 2.5
Aaaand Super-Paladin crashes to the ground. BOOM! Gotta take off some for the Flaws, contest rules. That dipping is jussst a tad conspicuous, but I'll cast a partially blind eye to it. Everything seems to fit together very well however, though I find myself wondering if its because you melded them so well, or just that all those PrC's seem to be very similar to each other to begin with.

UoSI - 4
The build meshes very well with the PrC and you used all of it to its full potential. Well done.

Gauthak Bearkiller Gathakanathi 12.5 (3.125 average)
Originality - 2.5
Goliaths don't see enough love, but the whole fighter/dungeoncrasher with a powerful build character has been done so many times. I wanted to like him, I really did, but the story really turned me off in addition.

Power - 3.5
He's got a bit of wham, I'll give you that, but he's pretty much a sitting duck to flying creatures, has low casting potential, and in general is only optimized in a narrow scope. I am currently playing in a game with someone who uses a good chunk of this very build and he's usually unconscious within 2 rounds of combat.

Elegance - 4
Everything goes together very well considering, and each enhances the other for what it does.

UoSI - 2.5
You use all the levels, and the strength bonuses provided help the rest of the build, but it gets almost no lip service in the backstory. As well, somehow it manages to come across as the PrC is there to help the fighter. I dozen other PrC's would give you more use out of strength. Just don't think this would have been taken if not for being the focus of the contest.

Note: I wasn't enthusiastic about giving the low scores there, but the entire build just comes across as a minor twist on well established uses.

Sandhya Dusksong 12 (3 average)
Originality - 3.25
Wasn't expecting a ghost, and though officially I'm looking at it skeptically, privately I'm grinning. So I give a 4 to that. However, Bards with marshal dips seem to be obvious to others, and has been used, so a .5 deduction. Story was mildly entertaining, but I think you're like the 3rd character to have died so far so as to come back and pursue more exemplar. Just an average score there, so 3.25.

Power - 3.5
Being a ghost is a real twist in power. Your saves are pretty low, but in general a good bit of what might be thrown at you isn't likely to trouble you much, and your AC might not be great, but you aren't affected a good bit of the time. It just depends on what they come at you with.

Elegance - 2
Despite it all, I'd never have allowed the ghost PrC in except in special circumstances. It's great as an NPC, but not a player I feel. Also not sure how it really plays to the PrC all that much.

UoSI - 3.25
You use all the levels, and I like in the story how she refuses to go til she's found out all she can about her patron. Nothing that jumps at me though.

Draz74
2010-08-24, 12:15 PM
Amphetryon, wow. I'm glad I wasn't in this round of the competition, because I would have been thoroughly frustrated by your judging style! I disagreed with almost half of what you said.

I should probably just say "wow, we have very different opinions and styles," but since I've wished in other rounds of Iron Chef that the spectators would have defended my build a little bit against certain judges, I think I'm going to do the same for them this time. If having your opinion challenged by a bystander will bother you, just don't open the spoiler. The advantage to being a bystander, though, is that I don't see any reason to go through the hassle of PMing Prinny and objecting anonymously ...



Milo 11.5/2.875
two sub-par saves that rely on the Luck abilities unrelated to Mythic Exemplar ...
[snip]
finished off with what reads as a considerable change in focus away from the Mythic Exemplar.
Um, Mythic Exemplar class features do grant the character luck reroll abilities. Up to four/day. I don't understand why focusing on that aspect of the Secret Ingredient is considered a deviation in focus away from said ingredient.


Elegance: Secret Ingredient abandoned at 8th costs you here.
I can understand giving the build a hefty penalty in Use of Secret Ingredient for not finishing it, but double-punishing it in Elegance, too, seems unfair.


Alexei 13/3.25
Elegance: Cloistered Cleric instead of PHb Cleric and two Paragon Classes means almost everything in the build requires Unearthed Arcana to function.
And that's ... bad? :smallconfused:


Gauthak 14.5/3.625
Power: “Gauthak Smash!” is a niche-case path to domination, which fits neatly into the scale I listed. 3
It's an odd scale that gives Gauthak the same Power rating as a 15th-level Clerical caster.


Elegance: Use of a LA +1 Race hits Elegance a bit.
Owch! I could understand this if it was LA +1 from Feral or Half-Minotaur, or a large LA from anything ... but Goliath has minimal LA and is generally considered quite balanced.


Sandhya 10/2.5
Elegance: I can’t see Sandhya successfully pitched as a character concept at any D&D game I’ve ever been invited to, let alone run. 1
I could. It fits really well with the character's story, really ... Maybe I'm a sucker for mechanical oddities being justified by backstories, but this one, I thought, was done pretty well.

WinWin
2010-08-24, 12:53 PM
just...no. I like this competition. I do not want to see a repeat of the GSA thread.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-24, 01:02 PM
just...no. I like this competition. I do not want to see a repeat of the GSA thread.

My thoughts exactly. Draz managed to keep it civil, but please refrain from in-thread defense of a contestant.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-24, 01:31 PM
If anyone wishes to defend another's entry I critiqued please feel free to mail me. These are some of the most convoluted builds I've yet seen here, and if I missed something I want to know about it.

Specifically, how did Aldaris get 9th level spells? Looked it over a number of times and still not sure where they come from.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-24, 01:39 PM
Specifically, how did Aldaris get 9th level spells? Looked it over a number of times and still not sure where they come from.

Divine Crusader has 1 level, 5 levels of advancement from Mythic Exemplar, and 4 levels of advancement from Divine Disciple, and 10th level Divine Crusaders get 9th level spells.

Draz74
2010-08-24, 01:52 PM
just...no. I like this competition. I do not want to see a repeat of the GSA thread.

Me neither ... I steered far clear of that one once it got started. :smalleek: Apologies if I moved anything in that direction. I will edit out what I wrote and send it in an alternative form if the community wishes.

true_shinken
2010-08-24, 03:16 PM
Hello, gentlemen.
Before I begin my judging, let me say I am somewhat unimpressed because the builds are less diverse than I imagined at first. I think the possibility of high level spell shoots all non-casters competing in the heart, which is a shame. It's not a fault of the contestants, it's just the way the D&D system works, but I find it very sad.

I'll begin my judging once I get home.

Amphetryon
2010-08-24, 03:29 PM
I would appreciate any further feedback on my scoring system coming in the form of a PM, to avoid creating a negative atmosphere in the thread itself. Thank you. :smallsmile:

DanReiv
2010-08-24, 03:39 PM
Oh nobody took Dardallion Exemplar. Maybe I should have sent my rogue after all :smallsmile:

Anywho, some nice and solid builds here, gj to all contestants and gl for the judging.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-24, 03:52 PM
I was toying with a Rogue/Wizard/Unseen Seer into a Dardallion Mythic Exemplar, but there was no reason not to take Ktolemagne (or, you know, just more Unseen Seer), so I dropped that idea.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-24, 07:21 PM
just...no. I like this competition. I do not want to see a repeat of the GSA thread.

Until you mentioned it, I didn't actually know what had happened there. I missed all the drama, it seems. And here I was spending a good portion of the last competition wondering why we were playing telephone through Pvt. Prinny...

Private-Prinny
2010-08-24, 09:12 PM
Until you mentioned it, I didn't actually know what had happened there. I missed all the drama, it seems. And here I was spending a good portion of the last competition wondering why we were playing telephone through Pvt. Prinny...

Yeah, it was during your family crisis (which I hope worked out in the end). Contestants started discussing the judging results in the open, sofawall went on a rampage, and then Roland showed up to mass scrub everything. All in all, it wasn't pretty.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-24, 09:23 PM
Okie, Aldaris is complete.

Current Scores

Aldaris - 14/14.5 (28.5)
Milo - 11.5/16.75 (28.25)
Alexei - 13/14.25 (27.25)
Gauthak - 14.5/12.5 (27)
Arundson - 12/14 (26)
Ignatious - 12/11.75 (23.75)
Sandhya - 10/12 (22)
Nuaeral/Geoffrey - 11/9.75 (20.75)


Note: And may I just say, I never want to see this PrC again :smallwink:

Private-Prinny
2010-08-24, 09:35 PM
*opens spoiler*
*looks at margin between 1st and 2nd*
O_o

Thurbane
2010-08-24, 09:48 PM
I really like the flavor of the Disciples of Legend organization, and the concept of The Six in Shadow...but both associated PrCs (Mythic Exemplar, Squire of Legend) are pretty sub par.

I love the concept of a PrC that takes you down one of six paths, but the crunch is just too poor to really make it worthwhile. Basically everything you can get from this PrC, you can get from a different PrC or base class, only a lot more efficiently. Shame. :smallfrown:

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-24, 10:03 PM
I really like the flavor of the Disciples of Legend organization, and the concept of The Six in Shadow...but both associated PrCs (Mythic Exemplar, Squire of Legend) are pretty sub par.
That's exactly how I saw it. Flavor of the organization is great, and folks managed to do well with it, but... yeah, the PrC's can just go away.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-24, 10:12 PM
I really like the flavor of the Disciples of Legend organization, and the concept of The Six in Shadow...but both associated PrCs (Mythic Exemplar, Squire of Legend) are pretty sub par.

I love the concept of a PrC that takes you down one of six paths, but the crunch is just too poor to really make it worthwhile. Basically everything you can get from this PrC, you can get from a different PrC or base class, only a lot more efficiently. Shame. :smallfrown:


I've actually found a couple sitautions where squire is useful, primarily when I'm trying to support a specific new or under-skilled player rather than a group in general. I've used it for such both in combination with marshal and with the Bright Warden of Paladine class from one of the Dragonlance books.


Yeah, it was during your family crisis (which I hope worked out in the end).

There was no real option of it working out well (someone was dying, and a bit sooner than expected). But I did manage to make sure it worked out as pleasantly as possible and without family squabbling on her deathbed about the will (she had been revising it: we were expecting another couple months).

Thank you for asking though: it was most neighborly of you.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-25, 12:29 PM
Thank you for asking though: it was most neighborly of you.
http://www.knowledgerush.com/wiki_image/2/25/Fred_Rodgers.jpg

Akal Saris
2010-08-25, 12:46 PM
I used to live in the apartment by Mr. Roger's old house back in Pittsburgh. If I had arrived about 2 years earlier, I would have been his neighbor =P

Ozymandias9
2010-08-25, 12:50 PM
http://www.knowledgerush.com/wiki_image/2/25/Fred_Rodgers.jpg

I'm really tempted to make a cleric named Rev. McFeely for the next contest now.

Keld Denar
2010-08-25, 04:57 PM
Just as an FYI, I'm working on my judging right now. I reread the whole class (just to make sure I'm not missing anything), and reread all of the entries (2nd time), and am getting ready to put electrons to paper. I'm trying to do a good job, as always, so this might take me through tomorrow, depending on how much I can focus on it, so yea...tomorrow night at the latest I should have this together. Just gotta fill out my little form thingy.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-25, 11:18 PM
I'll do my judging tomorrow, after I get back from school registration.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-26, 03:04 PM
I'm impressed by these entries ... particularly three of them. One of them for being the most clever mechanical utilization of Mystic Exemplar; one for thinking outside the box all-around; and one for being just a fascinating character whose backstory actually kept me entertained.


Some rather interesting builds there.
I think I can place two to the creators, but the others, no idea. Can't wait to find out who made what.

I'm interested in hearing which builds you two are referring to, and I shall reveal the builds I had similar ideas to, once the judging is completed. I'm glad all of our judges have checked in, but the anticipation is killing me! Plus, I'm eager to start the next competition.

Ingus
2010-08-26, 06:04 PM
Oh nobody took Dardallion Exemplar. Maybe I should have sent my rogue after all :smallsmile:


Yeah, it surprises me either, since it was my favourite. I was putting down a binder 3/duskblade 3/Ur Priest 1/Mythic Exemplar of Dardallion 10/(some other) but I had no time left :smallannoyed: (luckily, it was because of too much fun :smallbiggrin:)
I liked much the fluff, with an imaginary alter ego called Tyler Dardallion ('ready heard?) really being Andromalius, but the "what else with the remaining 3 levels" and the final outcome were insuperables.

Congrats to everyone, though, 'cause with the given ingredient, this time was hard.

And, did anyone notice this?


Archetype Advancement (Ex): At 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 9th levels, you gain a class feature that builds on those of your paragon. If your archetype advancement grants bonus feats, you must meet all the normal prerequisites for your selections, unless otherwise noted.


What happened then? Where the bonus feats went? I guess this was a better prestige class at the beginning, but then... bad spell progression (not as bad only with wizard/cleric entry, but a real shame to take it as a full caster), bad to-hit, bad saves, bad skill selections and points: this could definitely being done alot better

IdleMuse
2010-08-26, 06:41 PM
These are all pretty cool. My entry, if it hadn't been prevented by the largest hangover known to humankind, would have been something like Ranger 5/Mythic Exemplar of Orsos 10/Abolisher 5 for the highest possible Favoured Enemy (Aberrations) score I could imagine.

Still, next time huh.

Thurbane
2010-08-26, 06:46 PM
Just on a tangent, has anyone ever had a crack at statting out the Six in Shadow (Dardallion = Rogue, Imdastri = Cleric, Ktolmagne = Wizard, Orsos = Ranger, Raikhardt = Marshal, Sunyarta = Fighter)? AFB at the moment, but wasn't their fluff kinda linked to Greyhawk?

Gametime
2010-08-26, 08:25 PM
Tharizdun is a Greyhawk deity, unless I misremember, so that would make sense.

It'd be tough to stat them out in any way that claims to be accurate, though, since a group of people powerful enough to survive an encounter with a god but weak enough that they couldn't save the literally thousands of others that went in belongs to a very precise power band.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-26, 08:39 PM
Tharizdun is a Greyhawk deity, unless I misremember, so that would make sense.
He's also in Lords of Madness as an Elder Evil

Urpriest
2010-08-26, 08:41 PM
Tharizdun is a Greyhawk deity, unless I misremember, so that would make sense.

It'd be tough to stat them out in any way that claims to be accurate, though, since a group of people powerful enough to survive an encounter with a god but weak enough that they couldn't save the literally thousands of others that went in belongs to a very precise power band.

Couldn't save them...or chose not to...

And the gods they worshipped are hidden...perhaps because they were all actually servants of the Burning Hate! :smalleek::smallbiggrin:

T.G. Oskar
2010-08-26, 11:15 PM
Just on a tangent, has anyone ever had a crack at statting out the Six in Shadow (Dardallion = Rogue, Imdastri = Cleric, Ktolmagne = Wizard, Orsos = Ranger, Raikhardt = Marshal, Sunyarta = Fighter)? AFB at the moment, but wasn't their fluff kinda linked to Greyhawk?

Off the top of my mind:

Imdastri is supposed to have the Luck, Protection and Strength domains, but those rarely combine. Bahamut, Kord, and St. Cuthbert provide at least two of the three deities, but the fact that Imdastri has three domains means Imdastri must have gotten the third somewhere else. No Knowledge and focus on defense and strength means Imdastri couldn't have been a cloistered cleric, though perhaps a Contemplative might work. Given the Luck domain, Imdastri must be at least Chaotic, though Bahamut provides the Luck domain while being a lawful deity, so there's no specific focus. Of course, given their battle, and his domains, Imdastri couldn't have worshipped Tharizdun by any means. Probably NG or CG, given that the title of Imdastri is "of the Heavens", which would seem wrong for an Evil character.

Ktolemagne definitely was a Diviner. The ability to replace one spell to a diviner spell kinda focuses on that. As for which race...dunno.

Orsos definitely has at least 5 levels of ranger, since he had aberrations and chaotic outsiders. That would mean Orsos wasn't a chaotic character, through he might have been non-good either. The increase in speed and the casting ability quite probably made Orsos part-druid, perhaps a few levels to strengthen the animal companion and get the spells. 9 would be reasonable, since Orsos gets Air Walk. Yet, Ranger 5/Druid 9 does not make a focus on Ranger, and pure Ranger doesn't get Air Walk, so probably pure Ranger 10 with Air Devotion?

Reikhardt sounds to me like a Marshal 7/Bard X, likely because of his inspire courage and inspire greatness abilities. Notice that two of the builds in here have Marshal and Bard mixed (Geoffrey and Sandhya), and the class has some spellcasting progression. Quite probably Bard 7 or 10, since you need that to get Inspire Greatness and Dominate Person. However, that would make his Bard levels greater than his Marshal levels, and that isn't a choice. The Marshal 7/Bard 7 is a throwback to one of the various archetypes from the Dungeon Master's Guide II, specifically the Mastermind.

Sunyartra...sounds to me like a Dungeon Crasher Fighter with Inspire Courage. While Sunyartra sounds like a half-orc or savage creature given the description, she sounds to me a bit more like a half-giant.

As for Dardallion....quite a hard choice. Blink and Greater Invisibility would suggest a few levels in magic and Arcane Trickster, or perhaps a Gnome (to fill the idea of illusion magic) who had a high UMD check. Then again, the Blinking, Invisibility and Etherealness probably really meant a Hide check of "I'm not here, not even a box", so the abilities may be actually exaggerations of the actual ability of the character.

Aside from that...no idea whatsoever. Maybe they're pure characters, around level 10-11 much like Order of the Stick, and the abilities you get are exaggerations of the abilities they got?

Thurbane
2010-08-26, 11:28 PM
Nice work T.G. Oskar, I like it!

I might start a new thread on this when I'm back at my books, so as not to derail the Iron Chef thread too much. :smallwink:

true_shinken
2010-08-27, 10:30 AM
Nice work T.G. Oskar, I like it!

I might start a new thread on this when I'm back at my books, so as not to derail the Iron Chef thread too much. :smallwink:

I love threads like those. I approve!
I once tried to stat out the iconic characters, with stuff like 'Mialee is a candle caster' and all.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-27, 10:37 AM
I'll be honest, I saw that true_shinken had posted and thought, "oh good! More judge's results are in!"

I'm a little bid sad.

:smallfrown::smalltongue:

Keld Denar
2010-08-27, 10:49 AM
I'm just delaying posting my judging results because I know exactly how bad its tearing up OMGPONIES inside. Squirm little man, squirm!

:smallbiggrin:

true_shinken
2010-08-27, 10:50 AM
I'll be honest, I saw that true_shinken had posted and thought, "oh good! More judge's results are in!"

I'm a little bid sad.

:smallfrown::smalltongue:

Sorry to disappoint ^^

OMG PONIES
2010-08-27, 11:10 AM
Now I refuse...to...squirmsquirmsquirmsquirmsquirmsquirm .

Now look what you made me do. :smallyuk:

WinWin
2010-08-27, 11:30 AM
Patience is not a virtue. I demand instant gratification. Scores would be nice too :smallcool:

OMG PONIES
2010-08-27, 11:32 AM
Patience is not a virtue. I demand instant gratification.

Yeah, isn't that why Al Gore made the Internet in the first place? :smalltongue:

Amphetryon
2010-08-27, 11:37 AM
"This thing will flash-fry a buffalo in 90 seconds."

"But I want it now."

Keld Denar
2010-08-27, 05:42 PM
1.5 builds left to judge, but I gotta go home. I'll have it posted in a couple hours. Watch this space.

Keld Denar
2010-08-27, 08:31 PM
Done! Enjoy!

Milo

Originality: 4, I’m pleasantly surprised by the inclusion of Archivist. I see them suggested often enough around here, but seldom see people actually playing them. Good combination of luck themed abilities, on top of the pseudo-luck rerolls from Mythic Exemplar.

Power: 4, very interesting. Almost no weak points. Great self/party buffer to increase survivability, and the ability to block attacks against more vulnerable allies is huge. This is a tough nut to crack, and unlike most tanks, performs its duties competently while maintaining versatility outside of combat.

Elegance: 4.5, I’m sorry, I love the story, but Necrotic Cyst just doesn’t seem to fit in the rest of the story. Infecting cancer on your foes just isn’t something that is in the general toolbox of “good” characters. I know Archivist is quintessential “that which shall not be named” class, but it just seems kinda out of place. Powerful, but out of place.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 5, ME really brings a lot to the table. Its another line of defense for a hugely tank based character. He’s gonna need a MASSIVE streak of bad luck to get hit, because good luck is on his side. I like the synergy between ME and Luckstealer and Fortune’s Friend. ME really backs up the other 2, and they rely on ME to back them up. Great.
Geoffrey

Originality: 3, nothing terribly amazing to see here. I figured we’d have at least on Bard/Marshall, but I don’t think this stands out very much from what I was expecting. Dragonfire was a good touch, especially since you bumped it over to [Acid] damage.

Power: 2.5, I’m seeing a +3 IC throughout most of his career, with a +4 IC at ECL 16, if I’ve counted right. This isn’t bad, but its also not great. Granted, Marshall auras help. I’m also seeing a bit of demoralization optimization, especially with Motivate Cha, Never Outnumbered, and Frightening Presence, which is redeeming.

Elegance: 1, great composition, needs MUCH more meat on the actual build. I’m seeing a lot of aura based boosts, but needs more information on things like total Inspire Courage bonus at various levels, and how this relates to party synergy. Also, the heavy dependence on flaws makes the build relatively unplayable in a game that doesn’t use them. Oh, and you have Skill Focus: Diplomacy at 1st, when it should be at 3rd.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 2, mostly because I don’t see a whole lot of what ME brings to this build. It kinda progresses Bardic casting while increasing Marshall auras, but both are so stunted that its barely worth it. You’d be better off with more Bard/LT and maybe a dip in Marshall instead of ME.
Alexei

Originality: 3, decent idea. Squire of Legend kinda goes well in it thematics-wise. Two different Paragon classes is also a neat idea.

Power: 2, Cleric casting is good, but this is stunted and lacks a lot of the really good tricks like Quicken Spell, Divine Spell Power or Divine Metamagic to really bring it back into play. Very fragile (very few HP) without a lot of buffing, and the build lacks buffing acceleration. Not a total waste of space, but very weak. Only redeeming trait is the size of his…diplomacy modifier.

Elegance: 2, ewwwww, Sacred Vow? Really? Decent Wisdom synergy, but probably could have been pulled off better. I’m also confused why your stat-blocks show one fewer HD then your level. I don’t see LA in there anywhere. Your progression table shows 20 levels so…what gives?

Use of Secret Ingredient: 2, again, you’ve failed to explain why ME makes this build better than more levels in Cloistered Cleric. It loses 2 CLs for a +2 stat gain and a bunch of abilities that are pretty crappy standing alone. No synergy between abilities other than a bit of Wisdom focus.
Ignatius

Originality: 4, Anima Mage! Squeeeee!!!! I like the use there. Too bad you can’t bind Ktolemagne…

Power: 4.5, Anima Mage is strong. 8th level really is a sweet spot. Persisting one spell of 4th level or lower is strong, and at 10th level its 2 spells. Improved Invis is good, but another option might be Greater Mirror Image, since it regens images. Mythic Exemplar loses 2 caster levels (3 total, so 9s at level 20). A +2 casting stat is never worth a lost caster level, much less 2.

Elegance: 4, its all tied together well. A little bit of a jerky on the transition, would have been nice if you could have bumped Skilled Pact Making down a few levels, perhaps swap it with Quicken Spell and move everything up one. Nice early entry though. Its strong without being silly. Kudos.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3, like I said, loses spellcaster levels, but doesn’t make as good of use of the loss as say…Milo. Still, the SR is a nice boon and free Spontaneous Divination is generally useful for a full caster.
Arundson

Originality: 3, not bad, but not great. Ordained Champ is a nice touch on Hellbred.

Power: 3, Ordained Champion is good, although getting more of it earlier would have been a stronger start. DMM: Persist is also very strong, although I barely see enough uses to Persist 1 spell. I’d assume Divine Power would be that spell?

Elegance: 1, you could have pulled this off better. Cleric5 is so dead, it’s ridiculous. You could have gotten into Ordained Champion at ECL5 and taken 2-3 levels before heading into ME, finishing the last 2 levels of OC and having a level left over for something like Contemplative. Close, but a little more opti-fu would have served you here. That said, Imdastri’s Wisdom bonus conflicts with your Str focused cleric. Not terrible, but not overly synergistic. You also have absolutely NO information on how your build synergizes with itself or what the strong points are.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 1, ME gives you nothing that you couldn’t get otherwise. It’s so artificially tacked on, both story-wise and optimization wise. You’d be much better served with a PrC like Bone Knight or even just more cleric.
Aldaris

Originality: 5, I was hoping for a fast-progression PrC at some point. Too bad Imdastri advances Wisdom over Str. I feel like Suffering was kinda an odd domain though. I know its in Illmater’s profile, but his suffering tends to focus on bearing the suffering of others, not inflicting suffering on foes. That’s Loviatar’s domain.

Power: 5, very strong, very resilient, very versatile. Not much to say here. This guy kicks butt at most points in his life. Only thing I could see that would make much difference would be to swap Divine Might for Law Devotion. LD is a bit stronger unless you can get a Cha in the 30s, which this build doesn’t really get. That swap is such a minor change it doesn’t have a whole lot of impact though.

Elegance: 2.5, I see a lot of Cha synergy, and this stranded wisdom ability boost that doesn’t do a lot other than boost your rather pathetic pally casting. Also, no mention of using Pearls of Power or Wand Chambers to get more action out of those lowly Pally levels (Rhino’s Rush would be ideal here). Very nice layout and thoughts on adaptation. I was gonna dock you for flaws, but you specified how they would affect your build if removed, and the reduction in power isn’t that significant. Only thing I would have changed would have been bumping down 1 level of Divine Crusader. You had all the prereqs at ECL8, and could have taken your first level at ECL9, but you instead kept with ME progressing lackluster CH casting. By shuffling slightly, you would have netted higher level spells faster. Just a thought.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 5, great way to kill dead levels is to use a fast progression PrC like Divine Crusader or Suel Arcanamach. You still get 10/10 casting by 20, so you don’t feel like you’ve lost anything, and the lost caster levels become much less painful. Also, the application of ME’s capstone to quadruple your spell list is just short of genius. For most casters, it would have been a rather meh side-grade, but for your build it’s a massive boon.

Gauthak

Originality: 3, yay dungeoncrasher. When I read ME, I figured I’d see a dungeoncrasher build, and I’m not disappointed.

Power: 3.5, very good at killing things. A great beatstick all around. Combat Brute suppliments Dungeoncrasher very well. Probably would have been better with a Wizard dip instead of Cleric, and then dumped Wisdom for more Int. Wizard buffs at low levels tend to be gishier, plus you could take a PrC like Abjurant Champion after finishing ME. Travel Domain doesn’t really add a lot at most levels, especially since its granted power is based on cleric level. Probably should have traded it out for Travel Devotion. Would have gotten 2 uses per day. Also, Lightning Reflexes and Auspicious Markings? Wut? Could have used some more refining.

Elegance: 3, decent synergy between dungeoncrasher and ME’s bonus on Str checks. A little MAD with focus on Str, Int, Wis and Con, though. All in all, could have been built better.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3, ME’s bonus to Str checks really helps your bullrushing, and the modest casting increases are better than nothing. I still feel like you could have gotten better results all around from something with full BAB and some other abilities, like Pious Templar.
Sandhya

Originality: 4, you lost a point for being a ghostly singing suit of armor and not mentioning Substitutiary Locomotion ANYWHERE in your post. Fail. :smalltongue: Other than that, LOVE it. Ephemeral Exemplar is a cool class that seldom gets mentioned.

Power: 3, Ghost brings a number of strengths and a number of weaknesses. Turn Resistance will help, but it still leaves you with an effective undead level 1 behind your ECL for most of your career. Any “boss” type cleric is gonna turn or rebuke the hell outa you. Fiery Burst comes way late, and is very low. You could do much better with an 18th level feat. You already have Telekinesis at will, does Fiery Burst really add much? It should also be noted that you can’t affect yourself with your own Inspire Courage, or most of your Marshall abilities. Kinda weird, eh? Starting life might be kinda rough, with a strong windstorm blowing you over, but once those undead traits kick in, its off to the races, especially with Rejuvenation.

Elegance: 4, lots of Cha synergy, nice Diplomancy (especially with Exemplar). The 5 levels where you don’t gain any HP is kinda rough, but bumping all HD up to d12 helps somewhat, especially with that terribly Con.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 4, Marshall is pretty much crap, so ME allows you to kinda progress your Bardic casting and your Marshall auras, albeit at a stunted rate. Still, the party buffs are nice, and the character is no slouch himself when full ghost abilities kick in. The Cha boosts from ME really help out ghost abilities.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-27, 08:44 PM
Current Scores

Aldaris - 14/14.5/19.5 (48)
Milo - 11.5/16.75/17.5 (45.75)
Gauthak - 14.5/12.5/12.5 (39.5)
Ignatious - 12/11.75/15.5 (39.25)
Sandhya - 10/12/15 (37)
Alexei - 13/14.25/9 (36.25)
Arundson - 12/14/8 (34)
Nuaeral/Geoffrey - 11/9.75/8.5 (29.75)



Man, when Keld likes something, he REALLY likes it.

Keld Denar
2010-08-27, 09:05 PM
Eh, when your scoring range is 1-5, you gotta give out some 5s and some 1s. Otherwise your scores end up all being 3 +- 0.5, and you end up with really close scores. If something is good, I'll give it a 5, if its bad, I'll give it a 1. I have no qualms about doing so. I think all my justifications are sound.

That said, I did shaft a couple builds for not including more technical writeup. I go over each level with a fine tooth comb, but I still miss stuff. If you were one of them, check out the builds I scored well in elegance, especially Aldaris. If you lack on your technical description, I'll dock you from Elegance, but if your lack of exposition causes me to miss out on a mechanical strong point or point of synergy, you'll take hits on Power or UoSI as well. If you don't think this is fair, make sure you include a more detailed technical write-up in your next entry. This IS an optimization exercise, afterall.

We are still waiting on DaragosKitsune, right?

Amphetryon
2010-08-27, 09:19 PM
We are still waiting on DaragosKitsune, right?

And True_Shinken, unless he ninja'd up a score while I posted this.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-27, 09:29 PM
Um, Keld, Aldaris used 2 flaws, and mentioned that the feats gained with them were incredibly powerful. A deduction of 2 points from Elegance in that entry is called for, as per the contest rules.

Current Scores

Aldaris - 14/14.5/17.5 (46)
Milo - 11.5/16.75/17.5 (45.75)
Gauthak - 14.5/12.5/12.5 (39.5)
Ignatious - 12/11.75/15.5 (39.25)
Sandhya - 10/12/15 (37)
Alexei - 13/14.25/9 (36.25)
Arundson - 12/14/8 (34)
Nuaeral/Geoffrey - 11/9.75/8.5 (29.75)


We still have an incredibly small margin between 1st and 2nd. This could go either way.

Keld Denar
2010-08-27, 09:37 PM
I thought I addressed this. If the rules dictate that I MUST deduct 2 points, then I will, but I don't feel its justified in this case given that he clearly stated the changes they make, and the consequences of not using them. He's effectively taken them out of his build, except that they are still there. There are no critical feat trees that depend on them, unlike say...Geoffrey.

So, how do you want me to handle this?

Private-Prinny
2010-08-27, 10:20 PM
Hmm... taking a close look at Aldaris, there may be no feat trees, but the creator did note that Divine Might is a huge part of his battle tactics at low-mid levels, and Divine Might would be nearly impossible to fit into that level progression without the use of flaws. City Slicker is needed for entry purposes, as is Battlefield Inspiration, and Power Attack is a must.

I also can't find whatever section it is where he explains what a lack of flaws would do beyond forcing him to drop Divine Might. I stand by the rules of the contest on this one, since Divine Might is constantly cited as a reliable source of bonus damage.

BobVosh
2010-08-28, 12:14 AM
I'm glad Keld linked me to one of these threads, I normally dont go to far into optimization as I lack the finese for it.

Is it too early to PM private prinny for suggestion on the next one?

Private-Prinny
2010-08-28, 12:31 AM
Is it too early to PM private prinny for suggestion on the next one?

No. It is actually too late. I'm actually wondering if anyone wants to take over the position of chairman, and this is a perfect excuse to bring it up.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-28, 12:49 AM
Sorry, life interfered. I should have scores up late tomorrow. Sorry about delays.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-28, 11:21 AM
No. It is actually too late. I'm actually wondering if anyone wants to take over the position of chairman, and this is a perfect excuse to bring it up.
I would only if it'd otherwise die out. Enjoy entering/judging too much, not to mention I already run 3 contests, so nooo thanks.

Wonder if we could get one of the new admins to...

WinWin
2010-08-28, 11:29 AM
I think I would need more experience as a judge and a competitor before I can apply. Maybe I'll volounteer for IC XIII

Ozymandias9
2010-08-28, 02:59 PM
I'll chair the next run if needed.

true_shinken
2010-08-28, 07:03 PM
Here it is. Sorry if it seems somewhat short.

Milo

Originality: 4 - I'm always expecting an Archivist, but your focus on luck feats caught me by surprise. I added a 0.5 because I liked the song references.

Power: 5 - very very solid. Luck feats covers your weaknesses.

Elegance: 5 - I must say I loved the way your build flows.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 4, you really make ME integral to the build. I really wanted to give you a 5, but without taking all 10 levels, it felt kinda wrong.

Geoffrey

Originality: 3 - This is basically what I was expecting.

Power: 3 - Could have been a lot better.

Elegance: 1, Flaws killed you here. What were you thinking?

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3 - This is probably what WotC intended to be done with Reikhardt's path.

Alexei

Originality: 5 - This is not just because of the build, it's because of how you pulled a great trick. You managed to get as few class abilities from outside Mythic Exemplar as possible, therefore making it the core of the build.

Power: 2.5 - Well, Cleric casting is still Cleric casting. But this is a very watered down cleric. All those sacred vows ended up hurting you here. With a few feats, you could get a lot higher.

Elegance: 2.5 - Since I loved your build idea (like I noted on Originality), I really wanted to give you points here... but you really didn't help me. I'm not against material from BoED, but that huge amount of sacred vows means Alexei wouldn't fit in most tables. A custom intelligent item also hurt you here.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 5 - Since you basically lack class features from anything else, ME somehow ends up as the core of the build. I like it.

Ignatius

Originality: 4 - Anima Mage really caught me by surprise.

Power: 4 - You could have gotten a 5 quite easily. Anima Mage packs quite a punch with the free metamagic.

Elegance: 3 - not specially neat, but not specially convoluted as well.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3 - You took all 10 levels, losing on power, so I wanted to give you an extra here - but you enter really late in the secret ingredient.

Arundson

Originality: 2.5, Hellbred is becoming too frequent on Iron Chef.

Power: 4 - A watered down CoDzilla.

Elegance: 3 - I like simple builds and I would likely have given you a higher rating if you took the time to explain your build.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 2 - Mythic Exemplar does not really mesh with the build.

Aldaris

Originality: 5. Didn't think I'd see a Paladin... of a FR god!

Power: 5. Solid, powerful, awesome. Very good.

Elegance: 1. Talk about a mess! Cross-settings, sub levels from different organizations, odd domain choices, ugh!

Use of Secret Ingredient: 5. Really well done. Everything adds something and the build really matures through levels.

Gauthak

Originality: 3. Nothing special here.

Power: 3. Nothing surprising again. Those few Cleric levels in the end hurt. A PrC advancing divine casting would have been a lot better.

Elegance: 3.5. Simple and clean.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3. Nothing really special, again. Th build benefits from ME, but could probably work better without it.

Sandhya

Originality: 5. A star elf ghost?! Gee!

Power: 3. LA killed you.

Elegance: 2.5. Can't see this flying in most groups.

Use of Secret Ingredient: 3.5. I was kinda in doubt here about 3 and 4, so I went for the middle ground. Good synergy.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-28, 07:23 PM
Updated the tally.

Current Scores

Milo - 11.5/16.75/17.5/18 (63.75)
Aldaris - 14/14.5/17.5/16 (62)
Ignatius - 12/11.75/15.5/14 (53.25)
Gauthak - 14.5/12.5/12.5/12.5 (52)
Alexei - 13/14.25/9/15 (51.25)
Sandhya - 10/12/15/14 (51)
Arundson - 12/14/8/11.5 (45.5)
Nuaeral/Geoffrey - 11/9.75/8.5/10 (39.75)


Milo pulls slightly ahead, but the final standings are all in the hands of the last judge.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-28, 07:49 PM
A star elf ghost?! Can't see this flying in most groups.
Actually, that's one thing it would definitely be seen doing :smallamused:

true_shinken
2010-08-28, 08:00 PM
Actually, that's one thing it would definitely be seen doing :smallamused:

lol, I thought that myself as I posted ^^

Keld Denar
2010-08-28, 08:42 PM
Oh come on! Nobody's commented yet on the Substitutiary Locomotion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0rRPU_cvGg&feature=related) joke I made concerning Sandhya?

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-28, 08:49 PM
Oh come on! Nobody's commented yet on the Substitutiary Locomotion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0rRPU_cvGg&feature=related) joke I made concerning Sandhya?
I didn't even notice it...

Consider yourself commented, appreciated, and noted :smallwink:

How I loved that movie.

Edit: HA! Was watching the Portobello Road clip, my favorite in the movie. Gotta love Rated G movies with dancing working girls.

Draz74
2010-08-28, 10:45 PM
Oh come on! Nobody's commented yet on the Substitutiary Locomotion (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z0rRPU_cvGg&feature=related) joke I made concerning Sandhya?

Just because I didn't comment doesn't mean I didn't appreciate it.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 12:28 AM
Spoke with Glyphstone and he says it might be possible for him to run it if need be, but not for a couple weeks yet.

In the meantime looks like we got a volunteer so we're good to go http://www.giantitp.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-29, 02:09 AM
Milo
Originality:4
You use luck abilities, Archivist and Mother Cyst. I saw none of those coming, and not only do you use them, they are effective and make sense. You also clearly track Milo's entire career and keep it interesting. However, you take a hit because you chose Imdastri as your Paragon. Including you, half of the entrants used Imdastri. All of these will take hits.

Power:5
You have created a character who is just too lucky to die. You are immune to a smorgasboard of effects and what you aren't immune to, you can re-roll until you make the save. He has a "Well I say NO" button for everything, including attacks on his party. He can also deal a lot of damage due to the Mother Cyst spells and the inherent flexibility of the Archivist spell selection. You are untouchable, and can dish out the damage.

Elegance:3.5
You took a hit here due to the repeated dips, but your layout was so organized and your ability explanations were so clear that I couldn't justify a 3 or lower.

Use of Secret Ingredient:5
You showed a lot of insight in your notes section. You made Mythic Exemplar an obvious focus, but stopped ME progression before it overstayed its welcome. You didn't complete progression, but used the class more effectively because of that.

Average:4.375


Geoffrey
Originality:3
You are one of two elven Bard/Marshall's who took Reikhardt as their Paragon, and are the less interesting of the two.

Power:3
You won't die quickly. Your save don't suck. Remember how the Player's Handbook describes the Bard as a jack-of-all-trades. That's what this build is. You aren't weak, but there are a lot of better builds out there.

Elegance:2
First, you used flaws. That hurt you a lot. You also have too many feats listed at first level. I understand where 3 of the feats came from (1 for first level and 2 from flaws) but see no listed means of gaining another feat at first level.

Use of Secret Ingredient:3
You got a 3 here for two reasons. Firstly, you didn't finish the Mythic Exemplar progression, which would have been the best choice here. Secondly, this build doesn't make the best use of the ME levels it has. They could have been replaced with another PRC and would have achieved more without losing flavor.

Average:2.75


Alexei
Originality:3
I fully expected the use of Cloistered Cleric and Exalted feats, while Imdastri is overused here. However, you recoup your losses with Squire of Legend and Paragons.

Power:2
For all your originality, you really can't do much. Your build ends up losing 6 caster levels, cutting your casting off at the knees, and your exalted feats give you a lot of rather "meh" bonuses.

Elegance:2
Your build flows and reads very well at first. However, the fluff between Squire of Legend and Mythic Exemplar is contradictory, and you used a lot of UA material.

Use of Secret Ingredient:5
This is where this build shines. Between full Mythic Exemplar progression and Squire of Legend, you are bursting at the seems with hero worship for Imdastri. You make all other exemplars look like they aren't even trying to live like their hero.

Average:3


Ignatius
Originality:4
You used Anima Mage. I didn't even expect a normal binder in this competion, but you went the extra mile.

Power:5
So you have a touch of pact magic, free metamagic, and full wizard casting. With just the full casting, you were powerful. The rest is just a bonus.

Elegance:3
You would have gotten a 4, but you were too linear and too minimalist. Very neat and tidy though.

Use of Secret Ingredient:1
Mythic Exemplar is only here to meet the competition requirements. If anything, the focus class here is Anima Mage.

Average:3.25


Arundson
Originality:2.5
You got points for Hellbred, but immediately lost them. Cleric/Mythic Exemplar/Ordained Champion (the next prestige class in the book) does not an original build make. You then lost points because of Imdastri.

Power:4
You hit things and they die. You do this better than anyone else, in fact, but there's only so much power a cleric tank can have. You have reached that pinnacle, but it's not worth a 5.

Elegance:3
You were very linear and very minimalist. I already gave one 3 for the exact same reasons, so I'll be consistent here.

Use of Secret Ingredient:3
You are a Mythic Exemplar before anything else, but you don't really do much with it. Your use wasn't poor, but the build does give you any room to make let it be a shining feature of the class. It is the core of the build, but that's it. Boring but functional.

Average:3.125


Aldaris
Originality:5
Um, wow. This is the only paladin in the competition (which actually surprised me) and it is the epitome of an Uber-Pally. You lost points to Imdastri, but actually made up for it.

Power:5
It would be faster to list off the things you can't do well. You are a solid caster, a good tracker and guard, tough as nails, a physical powerhouse, have high saves overall, etc.

Elegance:1
You used flaws. That hurt you. The conflict between your worship of both Ilmater and Imdastri cost you as well. So did your use of membership in two separate paladin orders.

Use of Secret Ingredient:4
This was well done, maybe not greatly, but it was a primary contributor to the build.

Average:3.75


Gauthak
Originality: 3.5
Not much of particular note here, but Goliath is kind of neat.

Power:4
Dungeon Crasher is pretty good for Fighters, and you get some magic to help you out. Sunyartra certainly gives you a boost.

Elegance:2.5
Where are your feats? Your sources? The whole thing reads well and gives needed information, but you are missing a lot.

Use of Secret Ingredient:3
There are worse ways to Mythic Exemplar than adding some power to a fighter, but there are prestige classes that make some of the ME levels look tacked on.

Average:3.25


Sandhya
Originality:4
You are a ghost star elf bard. This is unique if nothing else, but loses points due to similarity to another build.

Power:4
You are an untouchable buffer due to ghost traits, and both telekinesis and malevolence give you some ability to fight back.

Elegance:3
The build reads well, and achieves being the most exemplary build it can be, but heavy LA fro ghost lost you some points.

Use of Secret Ingredient:5
Your build is quite effective at being a buffer, which is what it is made for, but most of its points here come from the fact that the fluff causes Mythic Exemplar progression to be the only reason the build is as unique as it is.

Average:4


Wow, that was an ordeal. And yet, I want to do it again. How curious.
Edit: Added average scores.

Keld Denar
2010-08-29, 02:49 AM
Minor nitpick, if it makes a difference:

Geoffrey

You don't qualify for Draconic Heritage, because you aren't a Sorcerer at 1st Level. You also have too many feats listed at first level.

The feat Dragontouched allows him to be counted as a Sorcerer1 for the purpose of qualifying for other stuff.

And he's got exactly as many feats as he should have for the flaws. Mark him down for the flaws, not for both.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-29, 04:06 AM
Geoffrey has four feats listed, but his race does not grant a bonus feat at first level. He should have 1 feat for first level and 2 feats from flaws. Draconic Heritage was the lowest deduction from Elegance, merely a side note. The main issue was flaws and an unexplained extra feat. Yes, I will change scoring slightly to reflect the change though.

Edit: There you go. Explain to me how a variant half-elf gets 4 feats at first level without being in a class that provides a bonus feat and I'll revise further.

WinWin
2010-08-29, 04:15 AM
Spoke with Glyphstone and he says it might be possible for him to run it if need be, but not for a couple weeks yet.

In the meantime looks like we got a volunteer so we're good to go http://www.giantitp.com/forums/images/icons/icon14.gif

I can host a couple as well, I just want a little judging xp before I try my hand at it.

T.G. Oskar
2010-08-29, 05:04 AM
Geoffrey has four feats listed, but his race does not grant a bonus feat at first level. He should have 1 feat for first level and 2 feats from flaws. Draconic Heritage was the lowest deduction from Elegance, merely a side note. The main issue was flaws and an unexplained extra feat. Yes, I will change scoring slightly to reflect the change though.

Edit: There you go. Explain to me how a variant half-elf gets 4 feats at first level without being in a class that provides a bonus feat and I'll revise further.


Geoffrey

Elegance: 1, great composition, needs MUCH more meat on the actual build. I’m seeing a lot of aura based boosts, but needs more information on things like total Inspire Courage bonus at various levels, and how this relates to party synergy. Also, the heavy dependence on flaws makes the build relatively unplayable in a game that doesn’t use them. Oh, and you have Skill Focus: Diplomacy at 1st, when it should be at 3rd.

Read the spoiler and notice how Keld already answered your question before you even answered. So badly it's not even funny...

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-29, 05:07 AM
See, I chose to not read the other judge's scores until I was done. Now it looks like a stupid idea, yet rationalizes my elegance score.

Amphetryon
2010-08-29, 05:22 AM
See, I read Squire of Legend as a natural and intended lead-in Prestige Class to Mythic Exemplar, not a contradictory one.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 10:18 AM
And it looks like we have a winner, not to mention an unexpected jump to 3rd :smallwink:

Final Scores
Milo - 11.5/16.75/17.5/18/17.5 (81.25)
Aldaris - 14/14.5/17.5/16/15 (77)
Sandhya - 10/12/15/14/16 (67)
Ignatius - 12/11.75/15.5/14/13 (66.25)
Gauthak - 14.5/12.5/12.5/12.5/13 (65)
Alexei - 13/14.25/9/15/12 (63.25)
Arundson - 12/14/8/11.5/12.5 (58)
Nuaeral/Geoffrey - 11/9.75/8.5/10/11 (50.25)



See, I chose to not read the other judge's scores until I was done. Now it looks like a stupid idea, yet rationalizes my elegance score.
I think it's a good idea to judge without reading the others. Then once you have your scores, look at the others and adjust if they noticed something you didn't. Keep firm to your opinions though.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-29, 11:09 AM
Final Standings

In 1st place, OMG PONIES with Milo!
In 2nd place, Ozymandias9 with Aldaris!
In 3rd, kestrel404 with Sandhya!
In 4th, Quirp with Ignatius!
In 5th, cd4 with Gauthak!
In 6th, Chineselegolas with Alexei!
In 7th, Twinswords with Arundson!
In 8th, T.G. Oskar with Geoffrey!

Congratulations to everyone, especially our two winners.

Amphetryon
2010-08-29, 11:11 AM
Congratulations, and good show, to every contestant.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 11:17 AM
Aye, very good show, and good to see some names near the top that I've not seen compete before.

*tips his hat to OMG Ponies*

Quirp
2010-08-29, 11:24 AM
Congratulations to all other contestants (especially the winners)!

I seriously didn´t think I would get so good scores, but getting fourth for my first entry.....:smallsmile:

true_shinken
2010-08-29, 11:24 AM
Wow, that is one Iron Chef without Iron Chef regulars, I'd say.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-29, 11:33 AM
edit: Good point. I forgot what happened while I was away.

WinWin
2010-08-29, 11:47 AM
congratulations OMG Ponies

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-29, 12:21 PM
Bravo all contestants for entering.

DaragosKitsune
2010-08-29, 12:23 PM
See, I read Squire of Legend as a natural and intended lead-in Prestige Class to Mythic Exemplar, not a contradictory one.

Squire of Legend describes itself as "the people who want to connect to a Paragon, without basing their life around them like a Mythic Exemplar". To me, it seems like a "one or the other" deal.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-29, 12:53 PM
-Snip-

Let's not get started down this road again. You kept it civil, but things went downhill quickly the last time this happened. Please keep build defenses to yourself, even if the contestants have been unveiled.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 02:50 PM
So what's the plan for the next?

Draz74
2010-08-29, 03:04 PM
Oh good, I was hoping Milo would come out on top this round. :smallsmile: Congrats OMG Ponies, you wrote an incredibly entertaining character -- one who exemplifies the Stormwind Fallacy argument that "An optimized, uniquely powerful build doesn't necessarily hinder good roleplaying."

kestrel404
2010-08-29, 03:30 PM
::Blinks::

Wow. Third? I was just hoping not to come in last. I totally jumped the gun, after submitting my build I came up with a dozen tweaks (some of them obvious, like Words of Creation) that would have made it significantly better.

dextercorvia
2010-08-29, 03:51 PM
Congrats to OMGPonies. I really enjoyed the Luck centered build.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-29, 07:03 PM
Thanks, I had a blast building and writing him. Vorpal, I almost submitted him to your horror game, haha. He might make an appearance with my regular group. Congrats to all contestants!

I had toyed with a pally entry, but the best I could do was the Inspire Courage variant with Battle Blessing and Sword of the Arcane Order entering into Sublime Chord. Aldaris was much more elegant, and the capstone on Divine Crusader casting...bravo!

I also thought of an Anima Mage and a tripper (warblade entry, though) but I tip my hat to the two more elegant builds with those concepts. A great comp all around...itching for the next round. Oz, you're chairing?

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 07:04 PM
A great comp all around...itching for the next round.
I hear that. Judging is well and good, but at heart I'm a playa.

http://i37.tinypic.com/2s0h4yg.jpg


Fine :smallannoyed:

true_shinken
2010-08-29, 07:41 PM
So... who will be chairing the next Iron Chef?

OMG PONIES
2010-08-29, 07:56 PM
So... who will be chairing the next Iron Chef?

I think Ozymandias had volunteered, no?

Ozymandias9
2010-08-29, 10:27 PM
I think Ozymandias had volunteered, no?

If you good folks will have me. I have no problem waiting for Glyphstone if people prefer.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 11:15 PM
If you good folks will have me. I have no problem waiting for Glyphstone if people prefer.
Within a week or two we could have another already done. Go for it!

Ozymandias9
2010-08-29, 11:42 PM
I'll post #11 tomorrow then. Send suggestions if you have them.

Edit: Actually, let's make it two days (that's Tuesday, 8/31 by my clock and calendar).

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-29, 11:54 PM
I'll post #11 tomorrow then. Send suggestions if you have them.
Prinny mentioned having one chosen earlier, might see what he had in mind?

Keld Denar
2010-08-30, 12:37 AM
Hmmmmm, I just noticed Milo was using Intuitive Attack with a spent Luckblade. Luckblades are short swords. Intuitive Attack only works with simple or natural weapons. Hmmmmm.....

mjames
2010-08-30, 03:31 AM
I'll post #11 tomorrow then. Send suggestions if you have them.

Edit: Actually, let's make it two days (that's Tuesday, 8/31 by my clock and calendar).

Awesome, because tuesday is my birthday, and I might actually get to make a build!
(now let's just hope I have the book this one is from.)

OMG PONIES
2010-08-30, 05:04 AM
Hmmmmm, I just noticed Milo was using Intuitive Attack with a spent Luckblade. Luckblades are short swords. Intuitive Attack only works with simple or natural weapons. Hmmmmm.....

I should have mentioned in the notes--without a source of bonus melee damage, Milo would focus primarily on touch spells. The luck blade is there for the +1 luck bonus on saves, as well as the extra reroll per day. Sorry for not being more explicit.

kestrel404
2010-08-30, 06:00 AM
Another one already? Heh, figures. I'm trying to put together a nasty one-shot full of interesting characters and mechanics this weekend (my first time attempting to run a 3.5 game, amusingly enough). If I have time to put forth a fully fleshed out build before the contest ends I'll do so, but that's not likely.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-30, 10:58 AM
Trophies are here!

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u163/The_Great_Strategos/IronChefXGold.png

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u163/The_Great_Strategos/IronChefXSilver.png

Amphetryon
2010-08-30, 11:01 AM
Will you be competing in XI, Prinny, or are you taking an Iron Chef break?

OMG PONIES
2010-08-30, 11:03 AM
Another one already? Heh, figures. I'm trying to put together a nasty one-shot full of interesting characters and mechanics this weekend (my first time attempting to run a 3.5 game, amusingly enough). If I have time to put forth a fully fleshed out build before the contest ends I'll do so, but that's not likely.

We could always use judges.


Will you be competing in XI, Prinny, or are you taking an Iron Chef break?

Compete! Compete!

Draz74
2010-08-30, 11:11 AM
We're due for a Secret Ingredient from Complete Psionic, aren't we? It's the only Complete that hasn't been used yet, I think. (Or has Complete Mage gone untouched, too?)

Also, I would be in favor of splitting up points into a couple more categories, in order to unify what different judges think different categories mean a little bit. For example, I would love to see a separate "Presentation" judging category. Because currently, the way a build is presented factors into Originality for some judges, Elegance for some judges, and sometimes even affects the other two categories (mostly when they say "you didn't do a good job explaining how XXX affects YYY, so I'm grading you down). It's confusing at best.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-30, 11:44 AM
Hmm, I haven't dealt much with pisonics...that would be interesting. However, I'm also in favor of another multi-path class, as they provide some variety.

Now, I'm a relative rookie to the competition, but here's where I think the scores could use some further delineation:

Originality: currently encompasses both mechanics and flavor. However, it should be reserved for the mechanical side. Presentation could be introduced for flavor. Thus, an expected class would still take a hit in originality, but could be saved by having a truly compelling tale. It's okay to submit a wizard to the competition, as long as it's a wizard with a story that's fun to play out. I think this would encourage competitors to think more about the soul of their entry.
Power: As mentioned by one of the judges (true_shinken, methinks), whenever a class allows the possibility for 9th-level spells, anything else will lose out in power by necessity. To combat this, perhaps this could be changed to Comparative Power, or something more original. Basically, how would Milo do in comparison to another divine caster with 9th-level spells? How would Ignatius hold up next to another caster/binder? How is Aldaris next to other paladins? This isn't to be confused with PvP, but how strong the entry is against the same base class if different PrCs had been chosen.
Elegance: This seems to incorporate precision for some judges, but practicality for others. Because of this, maybe we should break it up accordingly? Precision measures whether the build flows through all levels--dead levels, feats taken too early or late to be useful, etc. Practicality would be the "will a real DM allow this?" category--deductions for flaws would fall here, along with high LA, odd templates, cross-setting material, or too many classes.
Use of the Secret Ingredient: I believe that this category can remain unchanged.


So, just to toss in my two cents worth, I propose a scoring system as follows:

Originality: is the build mechanically unique?
Presentation: is the build flavorful and compelling to roleplay?
Comparative Power: is the build stronger or weaker than similar characters?
Precision: is the build a fluid progression of power?
Practicality: is the build realistically allowed at my gaming table?
Use of the Secret Ingredient: is the build defined by the secret ingredient?


So, what do the more seasoned competitors think?

Keld Denar
2010-08-30, 12:42 PM
If you'll notice from the last 3 competitions I've judged, I always do power on a relative scale. I mean, I gave some builds like Fistbear a 5 on power, even though Fistbear can't cast ANY spells (other than an odd Ranger wand). Fistbear is, however, nearly completely self-sufficient as a melee character, bringing most of the resistances and abilities to the table that that most characters rely on casters for. In terms of being a resiliant beat stick, you'd be hard pressed to find a whole lot better without entering into the realms of TO.

Also, your precision thing, I mostly lump that in with power. If there are saggy spots in the build where its waiting for a prime mechanic to kick in, thats a power issue, not an elegance issue. There aren't a whole lot of cases where an awkward spot that is a little mechanically leaky isn't reflected power-wise. One I can think of right off is Aldaris' entry into Divine Crusader. It didn't create a real power gap where it was weak, but it could have been a little better. Thus, I think that that catagory is mostly superfluous, folded primarily into power, with a little bit of leakage into the elegance catagory.

That eliminated, practicality falls back into elegance as well.

Just my thoughts on it. I haven't had any problems while judging keeping catagories seperate. The catagory I have the least love for is origionality. It seems rather arbitrary with no REAL metric. If any catagory was gonna get changed, I'd suggest this one, but I have no idea how to make it better without changing it to something else completely.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-30, 12:46 PM
I definitely agree that Originality is, naturally, the most subjective. I agree with your points on precision/practicality. I think it really comes down to how each judge scores (though I appreciate the individual rubrics the judges provide).

Draz74
2010-08-30, 12:47 PM
Also, your precision thing, I mostly lump that in with power. If there are saggy spots in the build where its waiting for a prime mechanic to kick in, thats a power issue, not an elegance issue.
See, the essence of why I'm suggesting an expansion of categories, is because several judges obviously don't agree with you on this point.


The catagory I have the least love for is origionality. It seems rather arbitrary with no REAL metric. If any catagory was gonna get changed, I'd suggest this one, but I have no idea how to make it better without changing it to something else completely.

:smallfrown: At least half the fun of these contests, for me, is seeing people's efforts to be surprising and creative. I would be very sad to see the Originality category removed.

Keld Denar
2010-08-30, 12:57 PM
I like that people take the effort to come up with strange and unusual takes on things. Its good to foster that creativity! I'm just saying that there is really no metric for judging it. Thats the one catagory that I pretty much asign on impulse, and hate writting justifications for. And then there is the fact that different things are origional to different people. I remember the GSA event that I submitted an entry for. I used Suel Arcanamach in my build. A couple judges made comments like "Suel Arcanamach, thats cool. Never thought to use that, totally unexpected", but then I got the comment from tiny_shinken, who wrote the freakin Suel Arcanamach handbook, who basically said "Suel Arcanamach...meh". I'm not criticising his judgement, just the fact that there is no real metric. It really plays a lot on the experience and interests of the judge. There is almost nothing in 3.5 that I haven't seen. Sure, some things might be combined in an interesting way, but I've pretty much read every class, feat, and item printed by WotC. Nothing is going to truely surprise me, which makes it really hard to say "Oh, that. Thats kinda neat. I've never seen that before."

One judge might really like Psionics, and give a 5 to anyone who uses it. One judge might hate Psionics, and give a 1 to anyone who uses it. This isn't a reflection of the build, but of the judge. On the other hand, power is something that is universally measurable. The build performs, or it doesn't. I bet if you look at the power ratings from previous competitions, most judges probably rated most builds with a +- 1 variation from the average. Its precise. Origionality, however, is not something you can judge precisely.

So yea...we need a metric. Not sure what that metric would be, but we need something.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-30, 01:06 PM
:smallfrown: At least half the fun of these contests, for me, is seeing people's efforts to be surprising and creative. I would be very sad to see the Originality category removed.
I agree.

That reminds me of something I wanted to bring up. Though this may be an Optimization Challenge, Originality matters as much to the build as Strength does. So does Elegance. As such, pure unadulterated hack and slash/caster blasting is not the aim of this contest.

It's not about food that just tastes great, it's about the texture and appearance. Optimization with style.

As such, I'd prefer not to have anyone with stories more than a paragraph be criticized for it. We were getting some longer tales until they were downed and now, though there are some good, condensed ones, the story level has gone way down.

A story lets you know WHY they chose certain elements and explains how it ties in. As said before, Elegance and Originality have nothing to do with Strength, and yet together trump even a weak build. As such, let's encourage a well rounded creation, optimizing all its facets. Optimization in this contest very obviously does not simply mean sheer strength.

Draz74
2010-08-30, 01:31 PM
As such, I'd prefer not to have anyone with stories more than a paragraph be criticized for it. We were getting some longer tales until they were downed and now, though there are some good, condensed ones, the story level has gone way down.

Well, brevity is the soul of wit and all that. While story is an important part of these characters to me, I would prefer that they don't take me an hour to read. "Able to fit entire entry on one Private Message" seems like a reasonable rule of thumb.

OMG PONIES
2010-08-30, 01:51 PM
"Able to fit entire entry on one Private Message" seems like a reasonable rule of thumb.

Haha, harder than it sounds sometimes. However, I found that the process of editing Milo's entry down to one PM meant that I kept the best bits and eliminated a lot of needless junk.

Draz74
2010-08-30, 01:53 PM
Haha, harder than it sounds sometimes. However, I found that the process of editing Milo's entry down to one PM meant that I kept the best bits and eliminated a lot of needless junk.

Sure ... anyone who's tried their hand at creative writing knows that shortening and editiing a story is a lot harder than lengthening it. But the shortening process tends to make the story better anyway.

Keld Denar
2010-08-30, 01:56 PM
Eh, I prefer the short skirt/long jacket rule. Long enough to cover the "topic", but short enough to keep my interest. I've never, in the 3 contests I've judged, consiously marked someone down for being "too long", but I have had my eyes go glassy while reading, which often results in a skip to the crunchy parts that are easier for me to digest. This competition actually did REALLY well in that regard. I refer you again to Milo for a GREAT example of what to do.

That said, mechanical write up is just as important as backstory. Again, reference to Milo or Aldaris as EXCELLENT examples of what content you should include in your mechanical write-up. We the judges are good, but not infalible. If you think someone might overlook a juicy detail of your build, write a short paragraph about why its important from a mechanical PoV, and possibly how it ties in with your story. Milo's Good Karma feat was integral in a lot of ways to his true strength. This might have been overlooked slightly, given that its not a common feat, and its just one feat. But it really is an important lynchpin in the build. OMGPonies did an awesome job of explaining how that feat interacted with nearly every other facet of his build, making it impossible to miss. This is exactly what everyone should do with their write-ups. If its too important to leave to chance, don't leave it to chance.

true_shinken
2010-08-30, 04:14 PM
It's not about food that just tastes great, it's about the texture and appearance. Optimization with style.
Yeah, I think IC is mostly about practical optimization.


As such, I'd prefer not to have anyone with stories more than a paragraph be criticized for it. We were getting some longer tales until they were downed and now, though there are some good, condensed ones, the story level has gone way down.
Well, I'm sorry but this has to be said: not everyone is a good writer. Even if you are a good writer, not everyone will like what you wrote.
I, for once, like heroic characters. It's very, very rare that I find non-heroic characters the least bit interesting. It bores me, sometimes.


A story lets you know WHY they chose certain elements and explains how it ties in. As said before, Elegance and Originality have nothing to do with Strength, and yet together trump even a weak build. As such, let's encourage a well rounded creation, optimizing all its facets. Optimization in this contest very obviously does not simply mean sheer strength.
Yeah, but it does not need to be 5 pages long.



Eh, I prefer the short skirt/long jacket rule. Long enough to cover the "topic", but short enough to keep my interest. I've never, in the 3 contests I've judged, consiously marked someone down for being "too long", but I have had my eyes go glassy while reading, which often results in a skip to the crunchy parts that are easier for me to digest. This competition actually did REALLY well in that regard. I refer you again to Milo for a GREAT example of what to do.
Couldn't agree more.


A couple judges made comments like "Suel Arcanamach, thats cool. Never thought to use that, totally unexpected", but then I got the comment from tiny_shinken, who wrote the freakin Suel Arcanamach handbook, who basically said "Suel Arcanamach...meh". I'm not criticising his judgement, just the fact that there is no real metric. It really plays a lot on the experience and interests of the judge.
I' true not tiny. ^^
But I can see your reasoning. It really dependes a lot on the judge.


There is almost nothing in 3.5 that I haven't seen. Sure, some things might be combined in an interesting way, but I've pretty much read every class, feat, and item printed by WotC. Nothing is going to truely surprise me, which makes it really hard to say "Oh, that. Thats kinda neat. I've never seen that before."
Could happen if we used Dragon, but then it'd be hard to judge, because getting an old Dragon Magazine can be pretty hard.


I bet if you look at the power ratings from previous competitions, most judges probably rated most builds with a +- 1 variation from the average. Its precise. Origionality, however, is not something you can judge precisely.
Actually, I suggest you take a look on the previous competitions. Some builds vary GREATLY from judge to judge in the Power category.


So yea...we need a metric. Not sure what that metric would be, but we need something.
Do we? I think IC works pretty neatly the way it is now. It's kind of random, some judges (myself included) sometimes judge things on a whim, but any kind of contest with judges ends up this way.
We could build more 'standardized' judging criteria, but I find that boring. More detailed rles means more complaining after the judges do their rating, meaning judges need to be even more careful in their judging, meaning it is more of a responsability, meaning it can get less fun, meaning we can get less judges... etc etc.

Amphetryon
2010-08-30, 06:57 PM
Actually, I suggest you take a look on the previous competitions. Some builds vary GREATLY from judge to judge in the Power category. I know I've had scores ranging from 1 - 4 or 2 - 4.5 in one category more than once.

Thurbane
2010-08-30, 07:25 PM
Great to hear about upcoming challenges...psionics really isn't my strong suit, so I'll probably sit the next one out. Still angry at myself that I didn't manage to get one in for this comp. I doubt I would have been on the podium, but still would have been nice to get some feedback.

I'm not a super strong optmizer, but I do like to build thematic characters. :smallsmile:

Ozymandias9
2010-08-30, 10:25 PM
Great to hear about upcoming challenges...psionics really isn't my strong suit, so I'll probably sit the next one out. Still angry at myself that I didn't manage to get one in for this comp. I doubt I would have been on the podium, but still would have been nice to get some feedback.

I'm not a super strong optmizer, but I do like to build thematic characters. :smallsmile:

I'm actually not planning on doing a psionics entry: I like the system, but we've had a numbers lag, so I'd prefer to use something less likely to incline someone to sit a round out.

I would, however, like to do one a bit later.

Private-Prinny
2010-08-30, 10:37 PM
I'm actually not planning on doing a psionics entry: I like the system, but we've had a numbers lag, so I'd prefer to use something less likely to incline someone to sit a round out.

I would, however, like to do one a bit later.

*breathes sigh of relief*

This means I still have a chance of entering the next one.

On more clarified rules: I personally agree with true_shinken on the matter. A more rigid ruleset means that the judges aren't really as involved as they could be. Different opinions exist, and we should respect them.

Let me put it this way. If Build #1 impresses Judge A but not Judge B, Build #2 impresses Judge B but not Judge A, but Build #3 impresses Judge A and Judge B, doesn't Build #3 deserve the win? If you give the position of judge a bit of flexibility, then the build that's capable of pleasing the greatest number of people should come out on top.

The Vorpal Tribble
2010-08-30, 10:41 PM
I'm actually not planning on doing a psionics entry: I like the system, but we've had a numbers lag, so I'd prefer to use something less likely to incline someone to sit a round out.
Aww, oh well.

Wish you could post it tonight, having a strange burst of creativity this evening.

Ozymandias9
2010-08-31, 12:20 AM
On more clarified rules: I personally agree with true_shinken on the matter. A more rigid ruleset means that the judges aren't really as involved as they could be. Different opinions exist, and we should respect them.

Let me put it this way. If Build #1 impresses Judge A but not Judge B, Build #2 impresses Judge B but not Judge A, but Build #3 impresses Judge A and Judge B, doesn't Build #3 deserve the win? If you give the position of judge a bit of flexibility, then the build that's capable of pleasing the greatest number of people should come out on top.

I'll chime in and agree with this one too. Judges, however, shouldn't be discouraged from messaging other current or past judges to look for insight (on judging in general, not particular builds). If, for example, one is having problems differentiating different categories or are confused how to judge power when the scope of the builds is vastly different (say, one melee, one full caster) asking for help isn't a bad thing. The worst that can happen is that you think the other judge's method is silly.

WinWin
2010-08-31, 12:24 AM
I'll have to wait and see the next entry. If I am inspired right away, I'll compete. Otherwise I will be free to judge. I'll use a logorithmic scale for the power category, otherwise I think I'll be fairly generous :smalltongue:.