Andorax
2011-07-07, 12:54 PM
*Ultimate used in this context only to convey a sense of enthusiasm. Not independantly verified. Your milage may vary. Author not responsible for lost or misplaced corporeal forms. Not valid in Alaska, Hawaii, or Thay.
I've seen a number of different Vow of Poverty builds, and frequent discussion over which classes are suitable candidates (Druids, Sorcerers, etc.) and which are horribly unsuited (Fighters, Wizards without tricks). I've even seen Psionics get mention from time to time, and legitimately so.
However, I think by far the most appropriate, suitable, and effective Vow of Poverty character concept is one who eventually becomes so unfettered by material needs and posessions that even their own material form eventually fades.
Psion 5/Psion Uncarnate 10
I'm open to suggestions for a finishing PRC...going back to Psion isn't a bad call either.
With a DM willing to negotiate a few requirements around, an "Exalted Psion" variation on the Exalted Arcanist PrC could be both appropriate and potent.
Even just at 15th, you wind up with:
2 bonus Psion feats (one of which needs to be Psionic Body to qualify for Uncarnate).
(assuming human or flawed) bonus Exalted feats at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th
(total of 8)
+9 Exalted bonus to AC, +2 Deflection bonus to AC
+2 Resistance bonus to saves
Endure Elements continuously
An incorporeal touch attack (BAB +7, +3 enhancement), dealing 3d6+3 damage, piercing DR magic and good.
No requirement to eat, drink, or breathe
+6/+4/+2 to three ability scores.
Immunity to detect thoughts, discern lies or attempt to determine his alignment.
DR 5/evil
ER 5 (all 5 types)
Continuous freedom of movement
Incorporeality
Ability to assume the appearance of any small-large creature.
Unlimited access to Telekinetic Force effect (DC 14+KAM)
The ability to transport via living beings 1/day (messily, if necessary).
Psion manifesting ability at 12th level.
Arguably, taking the Intuitive Attack feat could allow adding Wis to hit and damage.
And, as is often the case with Vow of Poverty builds, it's just about mandatory to comment on how difficult it is to get a good selection of feats in, and follow it up with a proposed set of new Exalted feats. I wouldn't want to break with tradition, so I offer up the following, largely expansions of the "Nimbus of Light" feat chain. Please feel free to comment on them as well.
Admittedly, MAD may make qualifying for the full selection here difficult, if not impossible, but a focus on the mental stats as a whole makes a certain amount of sense for a character who's planning on giving up his corporeality entirely. As an alternative, using the Wilder (late entry to PrC) or Ardent (limited power selection) class as the base could make it easier.
Nimbus of Light (addendum)
The Nimbus of Light is considered a 0-level "light" spell for the purpose of overcomming, and being overcome by, magical darkness. Each additional [light] feat taken by the PC increases the level of the Nimbus of Light by +1. Holy Radiance is also considered a [light] feat.
Vow of Honesty [Exalted]
You have taken a sacred vow to speak no lies.
Prerequisite: Sacred Vow
Benefit: You gain a +10 perfection bonus to any Sense Motive check that involves determining if someone else is lying or attempting to hide something.
Special: To fulfill your vow, you cannot lie in any way (spoken, written, pantomime, etc.).
You are not compelled to speak...remaining silent is a valid choice, but you may not engage in any form of intentional deception.
Light of Consecration [Exalted, Light]
Blessed is the ground you walk upon.
Prerequisites: Nimbus of Light, Holy Radiance, Cha 15
Benefit: The area currently illuminated by your Nimbus of Light (10', or 20' with Holy Radiance active) is affected as if by the Consecreate spell.
Light of Truth [Exalted, Light]
When the Nimbus of light shines from you, all those standing within it are compelled to speak only the truth.
Prerequisites: Cha 17, Nimbus of Light, Sacred Vow, Vow of Honesty.
Benefit: Whenever your Nimbus of Light is active, anyone within it's direct illumination (5', or 10' with Holy Radiance active) is affected as if by a Zone of Truth with a save DC equal to 10 + 1/2 your Character level + your Charisma modifier.
Light of Discernment [Exalted, Light]
When the Nimbus of light shines from you, all things that would otherwise be invisible are rendered visible.
Prerequisites: Wis 17, Nimbus of Light.
Benefit: Whenever your Nimbus of Light is active, the area of it's direct illumination (5', or 10' with Holy Radiance active) is affected as if by an Invisibility Purge.
Light of Revelation [Exalted, Light]
When the Nimbus of light shines from you, all things are shown to be as they truly are.
Prerequisites: Wis 19, Nimbus of Light, Holy Radiance, Light of Discernment, Sacred Vow, Vow of Honesty.
Benefit: Whenever your Nimbus of Light is active, the area of it's direct illumination (5', or 10' with Holy Radiance active) is visible to any onlookers as if they had True Sight active.
I've seen a number of different Vow of Poverty builds, and frequent discussion over which classes are suitable candidates (Druids, Sorcerers, etc.) and which are horribly unsuited (Fighters, Wizards without tricks). I've even seen Psionics get mention from time to time, and legitimately so.
However, I think by far the most appropriate, suitable, and effective Vow of Poverty character concept is one who eventually becomes so unfettered by material needs and posessions that even their own material form eventually fades.
Psion 5/Psion Uncarnate 10
I'm open to suggestions for a finishing PRC...going back to Psion isn't a bad call either.
With a DM willing to negotiate a few requirements around, an "Exalted Psion" variation on the Exalted Arcanist PrC could be both appropriate and potent.
Even just at 15th, you wind up with:
2 bonus Psion feats (one of which needs to be Psionic Body to qualify for Uncarnate).
(assuming human or flawed) bonus Exalted feats at 1st, 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th
(total of 8)
+9 Exalted bonus to AC, +2 Deflection bonus to AC
+2 Resistance bonus to saves
Endure Elements continuously
An incorporeal touch attack (BAB +7, +3 enhancement), dealing 3d6+3 damage, piercing DR magic and good.
No requirement to eat, drink, or breathe
+6/+4/+2 to three ability scores.
Immunity to detect thoughts, discern lies or attempt to determine his alignment.
DR 5/evil
ER 5 (all 5 types)
Continuous freedom of movement
Incorporeality
Ability to assume the appearance of any small-large creature.
Unlimited access to Telekinetic Force effect (DC 14+KAM)
The ability to transport via living beings 1/day (messily, if necessary).
Psion manifesting ability at 12th level.
Arguably, taking the Intuitive Attack feat could allow adding Wis to hit and damage.
And, as is often the case with Vow of Poverty builds, it's just about mandatory to comment on how difficult it is to get a good selection of feats in, and follow it up with a proposed set of new Exalted feats. I wouldn't want to break with tradition, so I offer up the following, largely expansions of the "Nimbus of Light" feat chain. Please feel free to comment on them as well.
Admittedly, MAD may make qualifying for the full selection here difficult, if not impossible, but a focus on the mental stats as a whole makes a certain amount of sense for a character who's planning on giving up his corporeality entirely. As an alternative, using the Wilder (late entry to PrC) or Ardent (limited power selection) class as the base could make it easier.
Nimbus of Light (addendum)
The Nimbus of Light is considered a 0-level "light" spell for the purpose of overcomming, and being overcome by, magical darkness. Each additional [light] feat taken by the PC increases the level of the Nimbus of Light by +1. Holy Radiance is also considered a [light] feat.
Vow of Honesty [Exalted]
You have taken a sacred vow to speak no lies.
Prerequisite: Sacred Vow
Benefit: You gain a +10 perfection bonus to any Sense Motive check that involves determining if someone else is lying or attempting to hide something.
Special: To fulfill your vow, you cannot lie in any way (spoken, written, pantomime, etc.).
You are not compelled to speak...remaining silent is a valid choice, but you may not engage in any form of intentional deception.
Light of Consecration [Exalted, Light]
Blessed is the ground you walk upon.
Prerequisites: Nimbus of Light, Holy Radiance, Cha 15
Benefit: The area currently illuminated by your Nimbus of Light (10', or 20' with Holy Radiance active) is affected as if by the Consecreate spell.
Light of Truth [Exalted, Light]
When the Nimbus of light shines from you, all those standing within it are compelled to speak only the truth.
Prerequisites: Cha 17, Nimbus of Light, Sacred Vow, Vow of Honesty.
Benefit: Whenever your Nimbus of Light is active, anyone within it's direct illumination (5', or 10' with Holy Radiance active) is affected as if by a Zone of Truth with a save DC equal to 10 + 1/2 your Character level + your Charisma modifier.
Light of Discernment [Exalted, Light]
When the Nimbus of light shines from you, all things that would otherwise be invisible are rendered visible.
Prerequisites: Wis 17, Nimbus of Light.
Benefit: Whenever your Nimbus of Light is active, the area of it's direct illumination (5', or 10' with Holy Radiance active) is affected as if by an Invisibility Purge.
Light of Revelation [Exalted, Light]
When the Nimbus of light shines from you, all things are shown to be as they truly are.
Prerequisites: Wis 19, Nimbus of Light, Holy Radiance, Light of Discernment, Sacred Vow, Vow of Honesty.
Benefit: Whenever your Nimbus of Light is active, the area of it's direct illumination (5', or 10' with Holy Radiance active) is visible to any onlookers as if they had True Sight active.