Help!!!! Character level plan for a Hell Breaker and a Shadow Caster

[PowerGamer]

So I decided to actually read through some of books I own and came across two fun seeming classes. Hell Breaker Prestige class (Fiendish Codex II pg. 86) and Shadow Caster class (Tome of Magic pg.109).

Never having played anything like this I would love some help. Would be nice if the Hell Breaker could be as much of a tank as possible and still be able to sneak attack atleast on first hit. (Looked into this because saw the Maplestory Demon Slayer Trailer and looked cool...)

For the shadow caster, the Noctumacer (ToM pg. 125) and the Shadow Blade (ToM pg. 129) prestige classes look fun.

I would appresiate all the help I can get. To make it easier start each post with either HB or SC on a seperate line so I can tell what your helping with

[Psyren]

Shadowcaster Handbook (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=11610.0)

Noctumancer is basically a wizard with tricks, but you can do some fun/creepy stuff and are good at counterspelling. You can even start as a pure Wizard, trade in some levels for Shadowcaster and then PrC into Noctumancer/MT for dual 9s.

Shadowblade and Hellbreaker I know little about. They appear to be rogue PrCs and don't seem very strong at first blush, though I could be missing gems from either or both.

[PowerGamer]

Thank you very much. I understand these are both very uncommmon classes. Thanks for the input

[Dead_Jester]

HB

The thing is, the Hellbreaker is pretty much a spellthief, except they project an aura that makes casting harder. It looks decent, but the prerequisites are pretty harsh, and if you want to use it, I'd recommend a ranged build (you don't want to be in melee with outsiders unless you are a tank or have ton of dpr), such as tossing alchemical items (which has the added benefits of making your attacks target touch ac). However, the level limit on the ability stolen and the fact you can't steal actual spells makes it much less useful at higher levels.

As far as making him a tank, the 2d6 sneak attack required makes it somewhat difficult, although it could be bypassed with the Martial Study feat for Assassin Stance, meaning you could build him as a tank (but you'd need to meet the skills prereqs and manage 5 feats before level 5, with most of them being suboptimal).

SC

If you're interested in the shadowcaster, I'd recommend checking out Realms of Chaos' Descent of Shadows (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74519), as it adds a lot of things to shadowcasters and introduces a few more classes, including the Eventide Magus, which is pretty much a dual caster shadowcaster/wizard.

As for the Shadowblade, it's a pretty bland class, that does not progress any casting (which is bad for this guy) and it ultimately not as good at it's own thing (stabbing things in the dark) as a normal rogue (sudden strike is much less useful than sneak attack).

[PowerGamer]

Ok so at this point things are pointing more toward Shadow caster then. I can ask my DM to work with me to make a better Demon Slayer class. I liked the Noctumancer because I could cancel spells and return fire. But its not necesary. Shadow Blade looked cool because I play Soulknifes.. ALOT.

So currently just looking for a Shadow Caster leveling plan and ideas then.

Thank you for all the help I'm receiving

[0nimaru]

A Noctumancer build is pretty simple overall. Your only goal is to get into the class as early and as easily as possible. Consult your DM and see which, if any, of the mystic theurge early entry techniques they are okay with (heighten/versatile or precocious apprentice come to mind). This means optimal entry is Wiz or sorc 1/Shadowcaster 2/Noctumancer X.

I'm remembering Shadowcaster by RAW having some funky wording for progressing through PrCs, so following Noct 10 you're in more "consult your DM" territory.


The shadowcaster is a fun class, but doesn't pick up until level 7 or so. You're a caster with fewer spells per day than a wizard and fewer spells known than a sorcerer. If your DM is a kind soul, ask them about these options:

Descent of Shadows (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=74519) (Already mentioned)
Complete Shadows (http://forum.faxcelestis.net/viewforum.php?f=21) (Shadowcaster buff, based on PF but easily converted)

Or at least the AUTHOR RECOMMENDED (http://www.enworld.org/forum/general-rpg-discussion/184955-shadowcaster-fixes-mouseferatu.html) buffs

[PowerGamer]

Thanks for the help I worked it out with DM but it's looking like to much work.. I've never been fond of casters and was trying something new. Psions are sooooo much easier.

Thank you anyways. Maybe some other time I'll make a Shadow caster...

I'M SOOOOOO LAZZZZY......:smallcool: