Zethex
2013-11-16, 12:14 PM
After seeing The Giant's Elemental Infiltrator (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=9623257&postcount=8) I got the urge to (ab)use its special movement in a build. I went back and forth between several builds for several elements and have now settled on this:
Swordsage/Planar Ranger/Sneak Attack Fighter/Sworsage/Air Elemental Infiltrator 3.
Using a homebrew Trait made by the DM I am allowed to make one skill always a class skill in exchange of having another one never be. Thus this is the best way I saw to get where I wanted as soon as possible, because the campaign starts at level 1.
Now my questions are: a) Where do I go from there? b) How would be the best way to fight while on the way? c) How should I invest those few Feats I have (I am Human and allowed two flaws but two feats must be Combat Reflexes and Dodge and I don't get any bonus feats)?
Here are a few builds I was thinking of:
The Sneak Attack Sniper
I invest heavily into Hide from my first Elemental Infiltrator level onward and use flight and a shooting weapon to harass my enemies. Maybe take a second level into Planar Ranger for the archery Feat. I could also take another level into the Fighter variant and/or dip a level into Rogue to cheaply increase my Sneak attack. Other than that, I guess sticking to the PrC itself is probably good enough, although if you have other suggestions I'm all ears. Also, I have no idea what weapon would be best to use.
Pros:
Dealing damage while untargetable by melee.
Flight allows easy positioning and +1 height bonus to attack.
Cons:
Style not advantageous during low levels.
Sneak Attack only useful if I have initiative or terrain to hide behind.
Sustained damage low.
Swordsage Maneuvers not used to potential.
The two mandatory prerequisite feats are spent uselessly.
The Desert Wind Warrior
I use the Desert Wind attacks and a two-hander (maybe even one with range) to do sustained damage from above. Investing directly into Swordsage after level 7 seems best for this build. I also have choices ranging from Spring Attack builds to AoO builds with perfect positioning.
Pros:
Doesn't need as many feats to be viable.
Style can be used before flight.
Great mobility.
Cons:
Sneak Attack used sub-par.
The PrC seems to make it weaker instead of stronger.
The TWF Rogue
I stick to normal Rogue melee fighting, using two weapons for double sneak attacks. Similar dips to the archery build for increased sneak attacks are also possible. This build is the one where I have the least clue on how to continue at level 7 though.
Pros
Good use of sneak attack and maneuvers.
Cons
Either MAD or Weapon Finesse.
High feat cost.
Less flight shenanigans.
Many maneuvers don't benefit from using two weapons.
I essence I am asking for any suggestions regarding build, feats, optimization or play style, the only constant being the ability to always fly as early as possible due to the PrC (as opposed something like playing a Raptoran).
Swordsage/Planar Ranger/Sneak Attack Fighter/Sworsage/Air Elemental Infiltrator 3.
Using a homebrew Trait made by the DM I am allowed to make one skill always a class skill in exchange of having another one never be. Thus this is the best way I saw to get where I wanted as soon as possible, because the campaign starts at level 1.
Now my questions are: a) Where do I go from there? b) How would be the best way to fight while on the way? c) How should I invest those few Feats I have (I am Human and allowed two flaws but two feats must be Combat Reflexes and Dodge and I don't get any bonus feats)?
Here are a few builds I was thinking of:
The Sneak Attack Sniper
I invest heavily into Hide from my first Elemental Infiltrator level onward and use flight and a shooting weapon to harass my enemies. Maybe take a second level into Planar Ranger for the archery Feat. I could also take another level into the Fighter variant and/or dip a level into Rogue to cheaply increase my Sneak attack. Other than that, I guess sticking to the PrC itself is probably good enough, although if you have other suggestions I'm all ears. Also, I have no idea what weapon would be best to use.
Pros:
Dealing damage while untargetable by melee.
Flight allows easy positioning and +1 height bonus to attack.
Cons:
Style not advantageous during low levels.
Sneak Attack only useful if I have initiative or terrain to hide behind.
Sustained damage low.
Swordsage Maneuvers not used to potential.
The two mandatory prerequisite feats are spent uselessly.
The Desert Wind Warrior
I use the Desert Wind attacks and a two-hander (maybe even one with range) to do sustained damage from above. Investing directly into Swordsage after level 7 seems best for this build. I also have choices ranging from Spring Attack builds to AoO builds with perfect positioning.
Pros:
Doesn't need as many feats to be viable.
Style can be used before flight.
Great mobility.
Cons:
Sneak Attack used sub-par.
The PrC seems to make it weaker instead of stronger.
The TWF Rogue
I stick to normal Rogue melee fighting, using two weapons for double sneak attacks. Similar dips to the archery build for increased sneak attacks are also possible. This build is the one where I have the least clue on how to continue at level 7 though.
Pros
Good use of sneak attack and maneuvers.
Cons
Either MAD or Weapon Finesse.
High feat cost.
Less flight shenanigans.
Many maneuvers don't benefit from using two weapons.
I essence I am asking for any suggestions regarding build, feats, optimization or play style, the only constant being the ability to always fly as early as possible due to the PrC (as opposed something like playing a Raptoran).