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View Full Version : What would you do with a gaggle of cohorts?



Coidzor
2012-03-02, 04:46 PM
So I was checking out ye olde Homebrew looking for some Marshal fixes when I stumbled across this Marshal (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122811) rebuild by PId6, creator of our fistful of d6s rogue handbook. (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156350)

Of particular interest was the Legionnaire class feature, wherein one acquires what appears to be a (more-or-less) naked(?) NPC warrior cohort that is always equal to one's level, starting at 6th level and then every 4 levels afterward getting an additional one up to 4 at 18th level.

Silly side note: Anyone know of any NPC martial adepts? Or even (sublimely) martial adepts (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/npcClasses/adept.htm)? If such a thing existed, would you think it'd balance out with, say, 1 less of them, and being level-2 to level-4?

I've not had a whole lot of opportunities to get past 6-8th level play, so I'm unfortunately a bit rusty in my knowledge of such areas, but I seem to recall that the pre-requisite christmas tree effect or having to suck up caster buffs to compensate basically skyrockets after about 10th level.

Aside from having a party crafter or seriously tanking one's own gear(and by how much?), how would one see that they were able to make their standard contributions? Or is Vow of Poverty the best idea for them? Would templates be essential? If so, which ones?

Tl;dr: So, what would you do with 1-4 naked Warriors (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/npcClasses/warrior.htm) of your level that were as loyal as cohorts?

The ability in question:

Legionnaire (Ex) (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=6799700&postcount=2): Starting at 6th level, you gain a cohort. This cohort can be of a particular common race and must have an alignment that doesn’t oppose your own on any axis. The cohort has levels in warrior equal to your class level and uses the Elite Array to determine abilities. Any equipment costs for the cohort must come from you. This cohort does not count when determining the party’s XP, and does not gain XP normally. Instead, the cohort’s level is automatically raised when you increase your class level. You attract an additional cohort at 10th, 14th, and 18th levels.

If a cohort is killed or otherwise retired, you may gain a replacement by spending 3 days in a town or populated area to recruit a new one. You still must supply this new cohort with equipment.

Flickerdart
2012-03-02, 04:50 PM
Vow of Poverty wouldn't be a terrible choice if otherwise they couldn't afford anything. They could also take Shape Soulmeld feats, and become semi-Incarnum users, which is a decent replacement for items.

Is templating them allowed?

gbprime
2012-03-02, 05:08 PM
If the DM will let you use retraining rules from PHB2, you're golden. Make them all into Warblades or even just Fighters or Rangers. They support you from the sidelines with whatever they can until you collect enough low level gear for them. Mid level PC's come across tons of masterwork and +1 stuff that they otherwise sell, so you can gear them up in SOMETHING in short order.

Hiro Protagonest
2012-03-02, 05:11 PM
Martial adept NPC classes?

Link (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101731)

I'm positive I saw another one, I think on BG.

Coidzor
2012-03-02, 05:14 PM
Vow of Poverty wouldn't be a terrible choice if otherwise they couldn't afford anything. They could also take Shape Soulmeld feats, and become semi-Incarnum users, which is a decent replacement for items.

Is templating them allowed?

I hadn't thought to ask him when I was PMing him about some other questions. :smallredface: I imagine it'd be up to the DM. Any in particular that you'd recommend? Quasi-lycanthrope? Mineral Warrior? Dragonborn? Feral? Half-Minotaur? Half-Fey? Draconic or something with a heftier LA? Ooo, Tauric!?

I suppose since they auto-advance with you that certain forms of lycanthropy wouldn't be too much of a disadvantage, even if the LA and RHD count against their levels in warrior?


Martial adept NPC classes?

Link (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=101731)

I'm positive I saw another one, I think on BG.

:smallfrown: Unfortunately it seems to be unfinished, since it lacks a table. I'm looking over at BG now. Racing against some severe weather, actually...x.x

Hiro Protagonest
2012-03-02, 05:26 PM
:smallfrown: Unfortunately it seems to be unfinished, since it lacks a table.

The one I linked? That's finished. It just learns maneuvers/stances whenever it gets "Bonus Maneuver/Stance".

Gnaeus
2012-03-02, 05:31 PM
Aside from having a party crafter or seriously tanking one's own gear(and by how much?), how would one see that they were able to make their standard contributions? Or is Vow of Poverty the best idea for them? Would templates be essential? If so, which ones?

Tl;dr: So, what would you do with 1-4 naked Warriors (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/npcClasses/warrior.htm) of your level that were as loyal as cohorts?

The ability in question:

1: Nets. Make a ranged touch attack that he can't miss, to give any target within 1 size category -2 to hit, -4 dex, can't run or charge, 1/2 movement. He is kind of a mobile debuff. This also works for Intimidate.

2. Grapple. Give em improved grapple feat, and with a decent strength they can probably lock down a good range of enemies within 1 size category.

3. Umd. Max cross class ranks. Skill Focus. And a selection of good level 1 wands.

4. Handle Animal abuse (this one is even in class for them)

5. Charge builds. With Shock trooper, they should still be able to hit for real damage. All they need is a 2h weapon.

Coidzor
2012-03-02, 05:36 PM
The one I linked? That's finished. It just learns maneuvers/stances whenever it gets "Bonus Maneuver/Stance".

ah. The references to a non-existent table kept throwing me off then, I guess.

Found Prime32's Soldier (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=49.0) from BG reposted on minmaxboards, for those interested.

Hiro Protagonest
2012-03-02, 05:39 PM
ah. The references to a non-existent table kept throwing me off then, I guess.
I guess it is incomplete. It also doesn't list a recovery mechanic.

Found Prime32's Soldier (http://www.minmaxboards.com/index.php?topic=49.0) from BG reposted on minmaxboards, for those interested.

That was the one.

Coidzor
2012-03-02, 06:26 PM
So, with regards to soulmelds, any particularly notable soulmelds for making up for a lack of gear? What about splitting the difference and having them partially geared and partially using soulmelds, in such a case, what would you focus on for their gear and what would you cover with soulmelds?

Do the feats that allow one to become a mini-Binder offer up anything interesting here?