Zinc Saucier XIX: this one has soul claws

[dysprosium]

Welcome one and all to the nineteenth Zinc Saucier challenge, where Playgrounders come to test their skill in the art of beautiful and bizarre (and bizarrely beautiful) builds, summoning a savory dish of superb swordplay and sublime sorcery.

The challenge? To come up with a build that has the same abilities and feel as the Secret Ingredient WITHOUT actually using it!

For the nineteenth challenge, get ready to soulmeld your way to victory, from the Magic of Incarnum it's the Totemist

Our challengers will have about 2 weeks to build a complete build up to Effective Character Level 20 using a 32 point buy and all official WOTC D&D 3.5 materials (excluding dragon magazine, but including any WOTC online enhancements) with the abilities and feel of a Totemist without actually using any levels in it.

Entries must be submitted by Sunday, 11:59pm GMT, 1 December, 2013. As usual, please submit your entries via private message to the chairman, so as not to influence the other sauciers.

Judges will then have until Sunday, 11:59pm GMT, 15 December, 2013, to post scores for all dishes.

Contestants will be judged and awarded a score out of 5 in each of 4 categories;

* Innovation (Uniqueness in character concept, race, class, etc)
* Power (How powerful and versatile it is compared to the base class)
* Elegance (What can only be described as how well the build "flows", i.e not using lots of 1-2lv dips, sacrificing flavour for power or using flaws)
* Ingredient (How well the build captures the abilities and feel of the base class)

Presentation would be best in the style of how the iron chef does their presentations, however any style is allowed so long as it is clear on how the build was made.

Recommended style:NAME OF ENTRY
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Copy and Paste:NAME OF ENTRY
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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). For other systems (Psionics, ToB, Incarnum, etc.) keep track of PP/maneuvers/essentia separately, preferably in a nice neat list, similar to this:
Spells per day/Spells Known
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Please do not post details of your build on the board before it is ready, so as not to spoil the surprise for others.

Sauciers may submit as many builds as they want but please don't use leadership, as we don't want to overfeed the judges.

Previous challenges;
Soulknife (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=225187)
Bard (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229736)
Monk (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233749)
Assassin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239294)
Barbarian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243627)
Warlock (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=247169)
Paladin * (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252932)
Warblade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=256004)
Pyrokineticist (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=259654)
Ninja * (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263278)
Druid (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=265347)
True Necromancer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276267)
Dervish (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=280212)
Whisperknife (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=285337)
Epic Infiltrator * (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=289233)
Master of Vipers (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295287)
Ranger * (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298478)
Flayerspawn Psychic (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16076729#post16076729)


* Classes marked with an asterisk have had their original posts updated to reflect the final results.

This competition is inspired by the Playground Iron Chef Competitions and uses mostly identical rules.

Also it comes with double prize money. Why? Because we care!

Allez Sauciers!

[dysprosium]

A few administrative notes:

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. Web-exclusive 3.0 or 3.5 materials by WotC are expressly allowed, but take care to verify that an updated version did not appear in print elsewhere, as this may cause an Elegance deduction at the judges' discretion. 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.

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 loss of one point per flaw 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, may lose you points. Please note the following: a legal source's relative obscurity should not be considered as penalizing Elegance, excepting the aforementioned issues with Unearthed Arcana. Using too many sources may be an Elegance deduction at the judges' discretion, but a book's relative obscurity may not.

What's the minimum score in a category? Assuming an entry is legal, the minimum score in any category is 1. If a judge is convinced that an entry is illegal by the RAW, the judge may give a 0 or decline to score a given entry. Because this contest focuses on Player Characters, an entry that is not technically allowed for a PC, but is viable as an NPC, counts as a legal entry, but may receive a minimum score at the judges' discretion.

Is Dragon Compendium Allowed? Yes, but individual issues of Dragon Magazine are not.

What about 3.0 materials? 3.0 materials, whether online or in printed form, are allowed unless they've been officially updated to a 3.5 edition.

Are Dragonlance, Ravenloft, Planescape, Dark Sun, or Kingdoms of Kalamar allowable sources? The Dragonlance Campaign Setting is allowed, but the subsequent books for Dragonlance are considered 3rd party, and are therefore not eligible, despite the "WotC approved" status of those books. The same holds for Oriental Adventures (1st party) and the subsequent Rokugan books (3rd party). Materials from Ravenloft, Planescape, Dark Sun, and Kingdoms of Kalamar are considered 3rd party for purposes of this contest, and are therefore not allowed.

What about online sources in general? If the online source is a) published by WotC, and b) not replaced by an updated version at a later time, it is eligible. Use it, link it.

Where's the line drawn with "acceptable/unacceptable" for Unearthed Arcana? This will likely vary a bit from Chairman to Chairman. Variant class features and variant character classes are espressly permitted. Item Familiars and Gestalt have always been verboten, since before IC migrated to GitP; don't expect that to change. Flaws have similarly always been noted as warranting a deduction; while I am Chairman, I'm extending that to Traits, though they warrant 1/2 the penalty in Elegance that a Flaw would because they're roughly 1/2 as useful. Alternate spell systems, alternate skill systems and alternate crafting rules all create an uneven playing field, and as such, will be disallowed for as long as I am Chairman. Bloodlines are ripe for abuse, and will be discouraged as long as I am Chairman. Note that judges are allowed to look askance at any use of Unearthed Arcana not specifically mentioned above, at their discretion, and otherwise penalize Elegance according to their preference.

What, exactly, does the ban on Leadership mean? As folks have started to try to work around the edges of this one, I'm forced to spell it out more plainly. No Leadership, Draconic Cohort, or Feats that grant a similar ability are allowed EXCEPT Wild Cohort while I am chairman. Any PrC you choose with Leadership or a Leadership-analog has that ability entirely ignored for this contest, as it may neither be used nor traded away via any means whatsoever.

What's the minimum score in a category? Assuming an entry is legal, the minimum score in any category is 1. If a judge is convinced that an entry is illegal by the RAW, the judge may give a 0 or decline to score a given entry. Because this contest focuses on Player Characters, an entry that is not technically allowed for a PC, but is viable as an NPC, counts as a legal entry, but may receive a minimum score at the judges' discretion.

How the heck do I even do this? Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to select a combination of race, templates, classes, alternate class features, prestige classes, skills, and feats, meld them into a single character that progresses from ECL 1 to ECL 20, that is as close as possible to the secret ingredient as possible in look, feel, class features. How you do it is up to you, I recommend you read previous competitions if you are interested in seeing how others have done it before you. Capture the essence!

A thread for your amusement/edification:

Handy Tips for the Iron Chef in the Playground Noob (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287603)

[WhamBamSam]

Wow, Totemist huh... That's a tricky one.

Are we using the rule from the last few competitions that you get 1exp less than it'd take to get to level 21, or going back to the usual IC way of handling LA buyoff and such?

[relytdan]

well totemist - should be interesting

[dysprosium]

Wow, Totemist huh... That's a tricky one.

Are we using the rule from the last few competitions that you get 1exp less than it'd take to get to level 21, or going back to the usual IC way of handling LA buyoff and such?

Yeah, I took out that part. It seemed like it was a leftover from the Epic Infiltrator competition.

I wanted this go around to go back to what was done here before (like in IC).


On another note, we already have an entry!

[Chronos]

OK, I definitely want to enter this one, as it could be quite interesting... But I have no clue how to pull it off. Let me think about it a bit.

[Curmudgeon]

I've entered Zinc Saucier once (# XVII (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298478)), so it's time to pay back: I'll judge this time.

Building a viable PC in accordance with the rules (of D&D, and of the contest) is the mission. If you want a good score from me, don't assume anything that's not specifically stated in the written rules. Here's how I'll judge illegal builds: If you fail to follow the rules, you'll be dinged for Elegance each time, and I'll reconsider the character after it's stripped of whatever was illegal. You may well get to a minimum score if significant parts of the character are invalid. (I'm not going to try to redo your build to make the illegal parts right and then judge my version of the character.) Failing to follow the rules may cause your build to fall apart. For instance, if you fail to meet the requirements to enter a prestige class, all the levels of that class you don't qualify for will have to be stripped out and you might be left with a build of just a few levels instead of the 20 you're supposed to have. If you choose to use a race which has no level adjustment listed for PCs you'll automatically receive a minimum score in all categories, with no further consideration of the character.

Dot your Ts and cross your Is, Sauciers! Errors can be embarrassing!

Because the Chairman has stated that LA buyoff is not allowed for this round (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16469599&postcount=12), the assumed XP allowance for each build is 190,000.

Innovation
Innovation is half (2.5 points) subjective, and half based on what the other competitors come up with. If you suprise me you're good for the subjective part, but if everyone surprises me with similar ingredients you'll all suffer. (It's probably a good idea to avoid dropping hints about your build elements.) Top marks come when you surprise me and also distinguish yourself from the competition.

Power
The challenge is to make the best version of the contest dish. Slightly better in all respects is perfectly acceptable; that's the ideal recipe. Much more powerful in any one aspect will lose you points, just as adding habanero peppers to a dish that calls for a little cayenne will ruin the meal. More powerful in many ways will send your score toward the minimum; you'll have made something quite zesty, but it won't be the right dish for the competition. You'll receive similar deductions if you fall significantly below the power of the target. If you rely on equipment for essential build elements, expect a deduction of up to .5 per item.

Elegance
Your job is to emulate a class. Coming as close as possible in all respects, including exact names and functions of class features and identical levels for those class features, will net you top marks for the execution of your recipe. Beyond that, a clean plating with all the relevant details explained and all sources cited will display your dish to best advantage. (If you've got details like build and hair color for your character, those had better be relevant to the dish; you can lose Elegance points for excess garnish by making me read more than a paragraph of "fluff" with no bearing on the contest criteria.) You'll also be dinged for anything which isn't legal, as noted above. Class dips (1-2 levels) may cost you in Elegance, but I won't deduct anything for intermixing your class levels to "season" the recipe. Using the provided tables, and tucking everything behind spoiler tags, makes for an elegant presentation. Dumping a wall of text is the equivalent of serving your meal in paper plates and jelly jars. But adding a section which explains how your entry satisfies each of the the Innovation, Power, Elegance, and Ingredient contest criteria will show your culinary skills to maximum effect.

Ingredient
This category is judged by how well you match the class features:
Wild Empathy: .4
Illiteracy: .4
Soulmelds: .75
Essentia: .75
Chakra Binds: .75
Totem features: 1.5
BAB, saves, and everything else: .45 ... adding up to 5 points.
Edit: Update in red to reflect Chairman's rule specification here (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16469599&postcount=12).

[dysprosium]

OK, I definitely want to enter this one, as it could be quite interesting... But I have no clue how to pull it off. Let me think about it a bit.

Well you still have plenty of time . . .


I've entered Zinc Saucier once (# XVII (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=298478)), so it's time to pay back: I'll judge this time.

Thank you for the judging offer Curmudgeon!

[Kuulvheysoon]

I played last time, so let's judge this time. I'll track down my criteria later and edit it in here.

[malonkey1]

I think I'll throw my hat in the ring.

[fluke1993]

I think I have an idea, I'm in.

Edit: Do we have to worry about multi-class XP penalty and how big of a deduction is using LA-Buyoff?

[dysprosium]

I think I have an idea, I'm in.

Edit: Do we have to worry about multi-class XP penalty and how big of a deduction is using LA-Buyoff?

Multiclass XP penalties are left to individual judgings--some might score more leniently than others.

LA buyoff falls within that alternate rule system that is not allowed.

[malonkey1]

Multiclass XP penalties are left to individual judgings--some might score more leniently than others.

LA buyoff falls within that alternate rule system that is not allowed.

My Google-Fu has failed me. How big an XP penalty is the Multiclass penalty?

[Curmudgeon]

My Google-Fu has failed me. How big an XP penalty is the Multiclass penalty?
That's not in the OGL, but it amounts to 20% less XP any time any of your non-favored base classes are 2+ levels apart. So Wizard 2/Cleric 1 is OK, but Wizard 3/Cleric 1 costs you 20% (unless one of those is your favored class). Add more classes that are 2+ levels away from your highest class (such as Wizard 3/Cleric 1/Monk 1) and you get an extra 20% XP reduction for each combination.

[malonkey1]

That's not in the OGL, but it amounts to 20% less XP any time any of your non-favored base classes are 2+ levels apart. So Wizard 2/Cleric 1 is OK, but Wizard 3/Cleric 1 costs you 20% (unless one of those is your favored class). Add more classes that are 2+ levels away from your highest class (such as Wizard 3/Cleric 1/Monk 1) and you get an extra 20% XP reduction for each combination.

Thanks. Now I remember why Pathfinder removed that... (aside from not being OGL).

[relytdan]

saved from page five bump

[malonkey1]

Dysprosium appears to have renamed the thread. Now all I can think of is the theme from Soul Train (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xB17o8n5jjI).

[dysprosium]

I thought I had the soooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuul claws the whole time . . .

[malonkey1]

I thought I had the soooooooooooooooooooooouuuuuul claws the whole time . . .

First, this forum needs a Karma feature so I can give you good karma for that.

Second, that may be true. I'm not sure.

[Vaz]

Originally had a few ideas, but nothing overly unique or especially recreational. I'll post an idea of what I considered and use that as a comparison. I'll dig up a criteria for you; i think it'll be a bit more lenient than last time, however.

[relytdan]

it appears that Curmudgeon , Kuulvheysoon , Vaz have offered to judge
and looks like about 5 chefs maybe more

[dysprosium]

Still plenty of time to get entries in.

That means you! dear thread readers. :smallsmile:

I have to check since I don't know off hand, if there have been three judges before for a Zinc Saucier.

[relytdan]

just a couple more days - mr. chairman can you confirm getting my revised entry

[malonkey1]

Yes, Mr. Chairman, I should probably confirm that you received my entry as well.

[dysprosium]

just a couple more days - mr. chairman can you confirm getting my revised entry


Yes, Mr. Chairman, I should probably confirm that you received my entry as well.

I can confirm that I have received your entries. Thank you!


Maybe other chefs will take this weekend to enter . . . ?

[dysprosium]

There's still time for our Sauciers to enter!

[relytdan]

well unless this was extended like heroic was - Sunday, 11:59pm GMT, 1 December, 2013

current:
12:13 AM Monday, December 2, 2013 (GMT)

[Coidzor]

Looking forward to what's come out for this one. :smallbiggrin:

[dysprosium]

Please refrain from posting until all is revealed!

Drum roll please!

[dysprosium]

This one has a goal in mind.

Grubzak the Wise
Grubzak is a Dragonborn Kobold with a surprising reverence for nature, but also for his draconic ancestors, seeking to emulate them in any way he can. His tribe was not very learned in arcane power, however, so he had to turn to spiritualism, replicating them in spirit and mind, if not in body. Eventually, in his travels to seek the secrets of the dragons whose power he was blessed with, he encountered an ancient drake which awakened in him his true draconic nature as a Dragonborn of Bahamut, granting him the gleaming silvery scales of the ancient deity, and a new purpose: To raise Kobolds out of obscurity into their rightful place alongside the mammals as equals.

For this build, I tried to mostly replicate the thematics of it. Due to the Soul Manifester's hit die (I imagine it was intended for Psions/Wilders and not Psychic Warriors, I fear it may be more fragile than the average totemist, but I feel that the flavor of the character should make up for it. In order to compensate for the lack of "totemic" soulmelds, I tried to focus as closely as I could on draconic soulmelds, which allowed me to replicate the effects of some of them (Claws of the Beast, Wings racial feats, etc.) without needing full access to a Totem chakra. As you can see, I kept dipping to a minimum, and kept the build as straightforward as possible.

DRAGONBORN KOBOLDSRD, RotD:
Humanoid (Reptilian)(Dragonblood)
-4 Str
Small (+1 to AC and Attack, +4 Hide, -4 Grapple, 3/4 encumbrance limits)
30-foot base speed
Darkvision 60, Low-light vision
+2 racial bonus to Craft (trapmaking), Profession (Miner), Search, Concentration
+1 natural armor bonus to AC, +2 dodge bonus vs. dragons
Light Sensitivity (dazzled in birght sunlight or daylight spell)
Immune to Frightful Presence
Draconic Aspect (Heart): Breathe 1d8+1d8/3 HD line out to 5 ft./HD of acid, cold, electricity or fire.
Dragonwrought: Immune to magical sleep, paralysis

Str 13 (17 before adjustments, 20th-level boost), Dex 10, Con 13 (4th, 8th, 12th, 16th-level Boosts) , Int 10, Wis 16, Cha 8

Lawful Neutral, worshiping Bahamut

Build:
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Psychic WarriorSRD/XPH|
+0|
+3|
+0|
+3|Knowledge[Psionics] +4 (4 ranks), Concentration +4 (2 ranks), Search +7 (2 ranks)|DragonwroughtRotD|Bonus Feat (Azure TalentMoI)
2nd|IncarnateMoI|
+0|
+5|
+0|
+5|Knowledge[Psionics] +4 (4.5 ranks), Concentration +5 (3 ranks), Search +7 (2 ranks)|None|Lawful Aura, detect opposition, Meldshaping
3rd|Psychic Warrior 2|
+1|
+6|
+0|
+5|Knowledge[Psionics] +5 (5.5 ranks), Concentration +6 (4 ranks), Search +7 (2 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|Dragon WingsRotD|Mantled Warrior (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070214a)Online (Natural World)
4th|Incarnate 2|
+2|
+8|
+0|
+6|Knowledge[Psionics] +6 (6 ranks), Concentration +7 (5 ranks), +7 Search (2 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Chakra Bind (Crown)
5th|Psychic Warror 3|
+3|
+8|
+1|
+7|Knowledge[Psionics] +7 (7 ranks), Concentration +8 (6 ranks), +7 search (2 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|None
6th|Incarnate 3|
+3|
+9|
+2|
+7|Knowledge[Psionics] +7 (7 ranks), Concentration +10 (8 ranks), +7 search (2 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|Psycarnum Infusion|Expanded Soulmeld Capacity +1, Incarnum Radiance 1/day
7th|Psychic Warrior 4|
+4|
+9|
+2|
+7|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +10 (8 ranks), +8 Search (3 ranks), Jump +10 (1 rank)|None|None
8th|Soul Manifester 1|
+4|
+10|
+2|
+9|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +11 (8 ranks), +9 Search (4 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Psionic Investment 1
9th|Soul Manifester 2|
+5|
+10|
+2|
+10|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +11 (8 ranks), +10 Search (5 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|Improved Natural AttackSRD (Claws via claws of the beast)|None
10th|Soul Manifester 3|
+6/+1|
+11|
+3|
+10|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +13 (10 ranks), +10 Search (5 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Chakra Binds (Crown, Feet, Hands)
11th|Soul Manifester 4|
+7/+2|
+11|
+3|
+11|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +15 (12 ranks), +10 Search (5 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|None
12th|Soul Manifester 5|
+7/+2|
+12|
+3|
+11|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +17 (14 ranks), +10 Search (5 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|Shape Soulmeld (Claws of the Wyrm)MoI|None
13th|Soul Manifester 6|
+8/+3|
+13|
+4|
+12|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +19 (16 ranks), +10 Search (5 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|None
14th|Soul Manifester 7|
+8/+3|
+13|
+4|
+12|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +20 (17 ranks), +11 Search (6 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Psionic Investment 2
15th|Soul Manifester 8|
+9/+4|
+13|
+4|
+13|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +21 (18 ranks), +12 Search (7 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|Entangling Exhalation|Chakra Binds (Arms, Brow, Shoulders)
16th|Soul Manifester 9|
+9/+4|
+15|
+5|
+13|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +22 (18 ranks), +13 Search (8 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|None
17th|Soul Manifester 10|
+10/+5|
+15|
+5|
+14|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +22 (18 ranks), +14 Search (9 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Psionic Distillation
18th|Incarnate 4|
+11/+6/+1|
+16|
+5|
+15|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +22 (18 ranks), +15 Search (10 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|Open Greater ChakraMoI (Waist)|None
19th|Incarnate 5|
+11/+6/+1|
+16|
+5|
+15|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +22 (18 ranks), +16 Search (11 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Rapid Meldshaping 1/day
20th|Psychic Warrior 5|
+11/+6/+1|
+16|
+5|
+15|Knowledge[Psionics] +8 (8 ranks), Concentration +22 (18 ranks), +18 Search (13 ranks), Jump +10 (0 ranks)|None|Bonus Feat (Psionic Fist)[/table]

Psionics and Incarnum:
{table=head]Level|Power Points|New Powers|Max Power Level|Essentia|Melds|Binds
1|3 (1 bonus, 0 base, 2 from Azure Talent)|Claws of the beast|1st|1 (1 from feats, 0 base)|0|0
2|3 (1 bonus, 0 base, 2 from Azure Talent)|None|1st|2 (1 from feats, 1 base)|2|0
3|6 (3 bonus, 1 base, 2 from Azure Talent)|Metaphysical claw|1st|2 (1 from feats, 1 base)|2|0
4|6 (3 bonus, 1 base, 2 from Azure Talent)|None|1st|3 (1 from feats, 2 base)|3|1
5|9 (4 bonus, 3 base, 2 from Azure Talent)|Defensive precognition|1st|3 (1 from feats, 2 base)|2|1
6|13 (4 bonus, 3 base, 6 from Azure Talent)|None|1st|5 (2 from feats, 3 base)|3|1
7|15 (6 bonus, 5 base, 6 from Azure Talent)|Hustle|2nd|5 (2 from feats, 3 base)|3|1
8|20 (7 bonus, 7 base, 6 from Azure Talent)|Strength of my enemy|2nd|6 (2 from feats, 4 base)|4|1
9|26 (9 bonus, 11 base, 6 from Azure Talent)|Power clawsCoPsi|2nd|7 (2 from feats, 5 base)|4|1
10|31 (10 bonus, 15 base, 6 from Azure Talent)|Incarnum FusionMoI|3rd|8 (2 from feats, 6 base)|4|2
11|39 (12 bonus, 19 base, 8 from Azure Talent)|Claws of the vampire|3rd|9 (2 from feats, 7 base)|5|2
12|44 (13 bonus, 23 base, 8 from Azure Talent)|Evade burst|3rd|10 (2 from feats, 8 base)|5|2
13|50 (15 bonus, 27 base, 8 from Azure Talent)|Metamorphosis|4th|11 (2 from feats, 9 base)|5|2
14|59 (16 bonus, 35 base, 8 from Azure Talent)|Energy adaptation|4th|12 (2 from feats, 10 base)|6|3
15|69 (18 bonus, 43 base, 8 from Azure Talent)|Psionic open Chakra|4th|13 (2 from feats, 11 base)|6|3
16|80 (19 bonus, 51 base, 10 from Azure Talent)|Greater stompCoPsi|5th|14 (2 from feats, 12 base)|6|3
17|90 (21 bonus, 59 base, 10 from Azure Talent)|Oak body|5th|15 (2 from feats, 13 base)|7|3
18|90 (21 bonus, 59 base, 10 from Azure Talent)|None|5th|16 (2 from feats, 14 base)|7|4
19|90 (21 bonus, 59 base, 10 from Azure Talent)|None|5th|18 (2 from feats, 16 base)|7|4
20|99 (22 bonus, 67 base, 10 from Azure Talent)|Adapt body|5th|18 (2 from feats, 16 base)|7|4[/table]

Essentia Receptacles:
Azure Talent (4 Essentia)

Melds shaped and bound:
Crown: Crystal Helm (bound, 3 essentia)
Hands: Claws of the Wyrm (5 essentia)
Arms: Astral Vambraces (Bound)
Shoulders: Adamant Pauldrons (Bound)
Waist: Dragon Tail (Bound)
Soul: Incarnate Avatar (4 Essentia)
Heart: Spellward Shirt (2 essentia)

[dysprosium]

Every rose has its thorns . . . and claws and a bite too.


Rose Piper

N Human < Crafty Hunter-Barbarian 1/ Druid 5/ MoMF 10/ Druid 3 >

Background

Background
As far back as Rose could remember, she had lived with her druid mentor, an old elvish woman. Her mentor told her one day when she was older that she was not her birth mother and that she had found her on her doorstep. She also sadly admitted that she didn't know who Rose's real parents were. This made Rose upset when she was first told, yet she soon became determined to find out one day...and so she joined the woman's society and became a druid as well hoping that there may be some clue there. When her basic training was almost done. One morning, Her mentor was dead and gone. She at least took comfort in the fact that her natural time when she left in her sleep.

For a long time Rose sat there, mourned and then contemplated leaving her society. She still didn't know who and where her parents were after all, after all the years of training and meeting other druids, Maybe they would know if her parents were in the big city, or at least a clue to their location. Yes the druids would understand her leaving for that reason.


Human
Female
Alignment: ( N )
Doppelganger Bloodline Traits




Abilities
Abilities
32 point buy
Str 12 Dex 10 Con 12 Int 12 Wis 18 Cha 10

level 4: wis+1
level 8: str+1
level 12: cha+1, cha+1
level 16: dex+1
level 20: dex+1

Str 13 Dex 12 Con 12 Int 12 Wis 19 Cha 12


Build
Effective Character Levels
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features

1st|
Barbarian ACF|1|2|0|0|Handle Animal 4, Ride 4, Survival 4, Intimidate 4, Listen 4, Swim 4|Lightning Reflexes,Iron Will|Fast movement, illiteracy, favored enemy Undead

2nd|
Druid|1|4|0|2|Knowledge (nature) 3, Spellcraft 3|-|Animal companion, nature sense, wild empathy

3rd|
Druid|2|5|0|3|Knowledge (nature) 6, Spellcraft 6|Endurance|Woodland stride

4th|
Druid|3|5|1|3|Knowledge (nature) 7, Spellcraft 7, Handle Animal 5, Ride 5, Survival 5, Intimidate 5|-|Trackless step, +2 on Disguise checks

5th|
Druid|4|6|1|4|Knowledge (nature) 8, Spellcraft 8, Listen 5, Swim 5, Spot 2|-|Resist nature’s lure

6th|
Druid|4|6|1|4|Knowledge (nature) 9, Spellcraft 9, Spot 4, <Disguise 1>|Alertness|Wild shape (1/day)

7th|
Master of Many Forms|4|8|3|4|Knowledge (nature) 10, <Spellcraft 10>, Spot 5, Disguise 3|-|Shifter’s speech, improved wild shape (humanoid)

8th|
Master of Many Forms|5|9|4|4|Knowledge (nature) 11, <Spellcraft 12>, Disguise 6|-|Improved wild shape (giant; Large), Alter self 1/day (Sp)

9th|
Master of Many Forms|6|9|4|5|Knowledge (nature) 12, <Spellcraft 12>, Disguise 9|Frozen Wild Shape|Fast wild shape, improved wild shape (monstrous humanoid)

10th|
Doppelganger Bloodline|6|9|4|5|-|-|-

11th|
Master of Many Forms|7|10|5|5|Knowledge (nature) 13, <Spellcraft 13>, Disguise 12|-|Improved wild shape (fey; Tiny)

12th|
Master of Many Forms|7|10|5|5|Knowledge (nature) 14, <Spellcraft 14>, Disguise 14, Concentration 1|Assume Supernatural Ability|Improved wild shape (vermin), Charisma +1

13th|
Master of Many Forms|8|11|6|6|Knowledge (nature) 15, <Spellcraft 15>, Disguise 15, Concentration 3|-|Improved wild shape (aberration; Huge)

14th|
Master of Many Forms|9|11|6|6|Knowledge (nature) 16, <Spellcraft 16>, Concentration 6|-|Extraordinary wild shape, improved wild shape (plant)

15th|
Master of Many Forms|10|12|7|6|Knowledge (nature) 17, <Spellcraft 17>, Concentration 9|Exalted Wild Shape|Improved wild shape (ooze; Diminutive)

16th|
Master of Many Forms|10|12|7|7|Knowledge (nature) 18, <Spellcraft 18>, Concentration 12|-|Improved wild shape (elemental)

17th|
Master of Many Forms|11|13|8|7|Knowledge (nature) 19, <Spellcraft 19>, Concentration 15|-|Evershifting form, improved wild shape (dragon; Gargantuan)

18th|
Druid|12|14|9|8|Knowledge (nature) 21, Spellcraft 21, Concentration 17|-|Improved Assume Supernatural Ability|Wild shape (2/day)

19th|
Druid|13|14|9|8|Knowledge (nature) 22, Spellcraft 22, Concentration 21|-|Wild shape (3/day)

20th|
Druid|14|15|9|9|Knowledge (nature) 23, Spellcraft 23, Concentration 23, <Disguise 16>|-|Wild shape (Large), Doppelganger affinity +2
[/table]

Level Breakdown
Why the build is the way it is, Totemist - this is an interesting SI to try to emulate and this build is useing shapechange to that end.
while this does have some spell casting it was limited to reflect the number of soulmelds, essentia, chakra binds that the SI have.
the build slightly falls short of the attacks of the totemist but it is felt this is overcome by use of the spells and many shapes available to change into.

the sweetspot for this build is probly around level 15 with the ability to gain SU & EX plus alternate forms into frozen and exalted, eventualy the build sees dragons.

Totemist:
Weapon and Armor Proficiency:-Barbarian -Check
Meldshaping:-Druid,MoMF -Check, useing wild shapeing like meldshapeing
Chakra Binds:-Asume Supernatural Ability & Extraordinary wild shape, to gain and bind (SU & EX) -Check
Totem Chakra Binds:-Frozen Wild Shape & Exalted Wild Shape, gain access to unique forms -Check
Wild Empathy (Ex):-druid -Check
Illiteracy: Barbarian -Check
Totem’s Protection (Ex): Spells & gained SU, EX abilities -Check
Rebind Totem Soulmeld (Su): Fast wild shape, Evershifting form, change forms many times -Check
Totem Embodiment (Su): -Check



Spells Known per Day

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

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

2nd|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

19th|6|4|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-

20th|6|4|3|3|2|-|-|-|-|-
[/table]



Spells & Powers Prepared/Memorized

Spells & Powers Prepared/Memorized
0:Cure Minor Wounds,Detect Magic,Detect Poison,Light,Read Magic,Resistance
1:Summon Nature’s Ally I,Pass without Trace,Entangle,Cure Light Wounds
2:Tree Shape,Restoration, Lesser,Flame Blade
3:Cure Moderate Wounds,Meld into Stone,Water Breathing
4:Dispel Magic,Freedom of Movement



Sources

Sources
(SS 30, 35)
(BoED 42)
(Frost 48)
(UA 22, 58)
(phb 24, 33)
(Cadv 58)

[dysprosium]

And that's it folks! :smalleek:

Only two entries this time around. I'm thinking I picked a really difficult ingredient for my first time around. :smallredface:

If I missed one, please let me know.

Well this round is in the judges' hands now.

[WhamBamSam]

And that's it folks! :smalleek:

Only two entries this time around. I'm thinking I picked a really difficult ingredient for my first time around. :smallredface:

If I missed one, please let me know.

Well this round is in the judges' hands now.It's also a pretty hectic time of year for a lot of people. I considered a few entries, but didn't have time to flesh them out and decided that they were a bit too cheesy.

The first was somewhat similar to Grubzak, except I was planning to go all out with Dragonwrought cheese. Wyrm of War Sovereign Archetype, Epic Incarnum Feats to get more chakra binds, the whole nine yards. I didn't have time to hammer it out in any detail, so I'm not sure how the actual level breakdown would have gone.

The second was just overkill. Warforged Cloistered Cleric 3/Substitute Power Tribal Ardent 2/Landforged Walker 5/Psychic Theurge 10. Wildshape into an Octopus Tree, Persist things, murder other things with tons upon tons of natural attacks.

[fluke1993]

I was gonna do some something involving warshaper, wildshape-ranger and swift hunter, all on a henge-yokai but it never really went anywhere. The goal wasn't so much to replicate the meld abilities word for word but to get similar things from wildshape and warshaper, while swift hunter and a level of barbarian for pounce provide damage.

I ended up not submitting due too the fact that I just could't much in the way of blatantly magical abilities, like the ones granted by the blink shirt or the gorgon mask.

[Kuulvheysoon]

Huh. Only 2? Perhaps I should have entered my Shifter Barbarian idea. It pretty much consisted of stacking the natural attacks via shifter traits, then adding Barbarian, Primeval and Weretouched Master.

I'll start judging these mid-next week.

[dysprosium]

I figured the time of year was going to be a little difficult for some people.

That said I was glad to see that there was interest from others even if they did not get to enter a fleshed out build.

I'm 99% sure of the next ingredient too. Any guesses?

[malonkey1]

I figured the time of year was going to be a little difficult for some people.

That said I was glad to see that there was interest from others even if they did not get to enter a fleshed out build.

I'm 99% sure of the next ingredient too. Any guesses?

Are you thinking...Truenamer?

[malonkey1]

Are you thinking...Truenamer?

Dragonfire Adept?
Crusader?
Jester?

Am I getting warmer? Colder?

[dysprosium]

Are you thinking...Truenamer?

I didn't think my reputation was being that cruel.


Dragonfire Adept?
Crusader?
Jester?

Am I getting warmer? Colder?

I'll say this: It's going to be a prestige class.

I can keep those ideas on the back burner though.

[dysprosium]

Hello!

I was wondering how our judges were progressing.

[malonkey1]

Redaction!

[Kuulvheysoon]

[REDACTED]

Dude, you might want to edit that post out so I don't know which build is yours.

On that note, I'm done judging one build. Gods, this week has been crazy.

What's the schedule for the next ZS looking like, dysprosium?

[Curmudgeon]

I'm about 1/3 through one build, and 2/3 through the other. Early holiday parties are cutting into my free time; I've got one tonight and another on Monday. I'll keep plugging away at the contestant builds, though.

[dysprosium]

Thanks for the updates judges.


What's the schedule for the next ZS looking like, dysprosium?

I do like having ZS flip flopping with IC so I'm thinking of having the next one start around the 29th after all of the builds are in for that.

And that way all of the major holiday stuff can be done before the next ZS starts.

[Vaz]

Are you thinking...Truenamer?

Any class can recreate that; speak a load of gobberish and nothing happens.

[malonkey1]

Any class can recreate that; speak a load of gobberish and nothing happens.

Wait, Wait! Stuff happens. Sometimes. Especially when optimized. If you push your skill bonus, you can still function. But mostly, there's not much consequential stuff happening.

[Vaz]

I suppose thanks to the law of resilience(?), on the off chance something DOES happen,and your surprised teammates say 'bet you can't do that again', it'll,be true.

[relytdan]

wondering what the next zinc challenge might be...

[Kuulvheysoon]

My scoring is done, I just have to prettify it up. Expect it either tonight or tomorrow afternoon.

[dysprosium]

Thank you very much for making your judging pretty for us!

[Kuulvheysoon]

By pretty I mean coherent; right now it's just a jumbled mess.

[Kuulvheysoon]

Apologies for the double-post - but I've got scores!

Scores!

Grubzak the Wise - 11.75
Innovation: Kobold not using the web enhancement? Especially since this is pretty much a Natural Weapon build. Incarnate and Psychic Warrior were, unfortunately, both easily forseen (for true Incarnum access, and the King of Smack is famous. (Technically) Dragonwrought kobold without the cheese, though, is nice to see. Soul Manifester is one of my favorite theurges, and it's nice to see it. 3.5
Power: Normally, I'd dock you points for being Small on a melee natural weapon build, but claws of the Beast don't really care so much for size after a certain point. I'm worried about your damage output, though - without Rapidstrike or something similar, you're only getting 3 attacks per round (claw/claw/tail), and the tail suffers a -5 to hit. You pick up Entangling Exhalation really late, too - you're missing the early game, where it's the most potent. 3
Elegance: Well, you actually have 2 less PP than projected (the jump from 2 to 6 bonus PP from Azure Talent should only be a 2 -> 4 jump). Other than that, it looks pretty solid. 2 base classes, and a single prestige class to theurge them. I don't see this being banned at any tables that allows the books (so no ridiculous tricks or questionable rules interpretations). You do, however, waste a feat on Dragonwrought; the Dragonborn template can be applied to any creature, yes, but it explicitly changes their type to Humanoid [dragonblood]. 2
Ingredient: Well, you actually use essentia, so you get points there. You simulate natural attacks, but only the pair of claws and a tail. Totemists are know for being a tornado of attacks, which you are not. Your powers help out with the flexibility aspect of totemists, which is pretty neat. 3.25

Rose Piper - 11.50
Innovation: I'll admit, I was expecting to see a MoMF for this competition. Although I'm surprised at the distinct lack of Warshaper here. Barbarian was expected (on my part - my theoretical build involved Barbarian) 2
Power: As I'll say below, you didn't choose your ASA, so I can't judge you on that. I can judge you, though, on your full levels of MoMF and various wildshape improving feats, which is a plus. 3.5
Elegance: you know, I was going to call you out on Bloodline usage, but you took it as a point of LA, so I'm fine with a sacrifice of that level. Assume Supernatural Ability refers to a single specific ability - without knowing what that is, it limits what I can give you for Power. 3
Ingredient: You don't quite copy the meldshaping as well as you think you do - the attractive part of it is that you can effectively 'build your own monster'. Here, you chose which monster to become. You do manage to nab Wild Empathy (and Illiteracy for a level, at least). 3

[malonkey1]

Well, I'm pretty happy with that score for my first Saucier. What, pray tell, was the possible maximum?

EDIT: This is in response to your critique (not an argument, and I don't disagree, just perhaps a glimpse into my little mind)

Innovation: Web Enhancement? I was unaware of a Web Enhancement for Kobolds. And yeah, I'll admit it was fairly obvious. I considered building a Azurin Clawlock build, but I wanted to try to remain a little closer thematically, and I felt that PsyWar/Incarnate would be closer.

Power: I admit, the build is underpowered. I've not really done much melee optimization, so I was bound to goof pretty badly. And yeah, EH was added as a bit of an afterthought.

Elegance: RI see my typo. I was doing it in Excel, and my eyes must've gone cross-celled. The Dragonwrought was more for the immunities, but in retrospect, it was probably unnecessary.

Ingredient: Yeah, I felt the Essentia not being there would be a disservice to the build, but yeah, there were admittedly few weapons for the build. I was going mostly for the flexibility. I appreciate your critique, and your score.

[Kuulvheysoon]

Web Enhancement for Kobolds? Coming right up!

Variant Kobold Racial Traits
Natural Weapons: Kobolds have two primary claw attacks that deal 1d3 points of slashing damage plus Strength bonus, and a secondary bite attack that deals 1d3 points of piercing damage plus 1/2 Strength bonus. Despite possibly being the weakest reptilian humanoid, kobolds retain a connection to their feral nature.

Slight Build: The physical stature of kobolds lets them function in many ways as if they were one size category smaller. Whenever a kobold is subject to a size modifier or special size modifier for an opposed check (such as Hide), the kobold is treated as one size smaller if doing so is advantageous to the character. A kobold is also considered to be one size smaller when "squeezing" through a restrictive space. A kobold can use weapons designed for a creature one size smaller without penalty. However, the space and reach of a kobold remain those of a creature of their actual size. The benefits of this racial trait stack with the effects of powers, abilities, and spells that change the subject's size category.

Weapon Proficiency: Kobolds receive the Martial Weapon Proficiency feats for the heavy pick and light pick as bonus feats. Kobolds are born and bred miners, regardless of their actual profession, allowing them to easily wield these weapons.

Weapon Familiarity: Kobolds may treat greatpicks (see below) as martial weapons, rather than exotic weapons.

[relytdan]

malonkey1 - um I am thinking this is probly your first thiung, but generally your supposed to drop disputes or comments to the originator or chairman of said contest then they post them so they are anonymous, though in this round with so few competeing I dunno...

[dysprosium]

Thanks for the scores Kuulvheysoon!


malonkey1 - um I am thinking this is probly your first thiung, but generally your supposed to drop disputes or comments to the originator or chairman of said contest then they post them so they are anonymous, though in this round with so few competeing I dunno...

It's true that disputes/discussions are meant to be sent to the Chairman first to keep the anonymity. In a round with so few entries I imagine that it can be forgiven.

Speaking of disputes/discussions, here is one for you Kuulvheysoon:


Kuulvheysoon discussion/dispute

Power: As I'll say below, you didn't choose your ASA, so I can't judge you on that

Assume Supernatural Ability does not need to selected for the form selected before jumping into said form. thus it was not listed.

Elegance: you know, I was going to call you out on Bloodline usage, but you took it as a point of LA, so I'm fine with a sacrifice of that level. Assume Supernatural Ability refers to a single specific ability - without knowing what that is, it limits what I can give you for Power. 3



Admittedly the ASA does in fact state "You learn to use a single supernatural ability of another kind of creature while assuming its form"

Extraordinary Wild Shape (Ex): Starting at 7th level, a master of many forms gains the extraordinary special qualities of any form she assumes with wild shape.

as MoMF has no specific HD limit - for example the character could change to an Sarrukh <monsterous humanoid> a 14hd creature who just happens to have Maniulate form (SU).
now while an animal companion was not listed, a tiny viper is certainly available to the druid and can be awakened fairly easy through the druids spells, once awares it is still loyal to the druid and can be given the Manipulate Form (SU) then instructed to give the Manipulate form (SU) back to the druid after shifting out of the Sarrukh form, then this also leads to permenantly gaining SU, EX or Spell-like abilities.

this method was not specifically mentioned as it was felt with the useage of the Alter Self, Assume Supernatural Ability, Improved Assume Supernatural Ability and Extraordinary wild shape, the way that Alter self reads in conjustion with the others by asuming a form the character gains which ever SU & EX it wants, and because of how Alter Self reads the character would retain those gained SU & EX and at the next new form be able to select entirely different SU & EX abilities.

[Curmudgeon]

Grubzak the Wise - 7.65

I'm afraid this build falls apart, resulting in just Psychic Warrior 5/Incarnate 5 instead of a 20-level character. From page 26 of Expanded Psionics Handbook:

These bonus feats must be drawn from the feats noted as fighter bonus feats on Table 5–1: Feats, page 90 of the Player’s Handbook, or from the psionic feats in Chapter 3 of this book.
Azure Talent is in neither of those two feat categories.

In the WotC SRD this bonus feat is selectable from all FBFs and psionic feats. However, you cited both the SRD and Expanded Psionics Handbook, so you're stuck with what's legal within the rules in both of those sources. You failed to follow the rule (from post 2 of the competition):

"Use it, link it."


1.25 surprised me partially: another class from Magic of Incarnum was expected; other elements were distinctive
2.5 different from competition

Due in large part to the build falling apart and half the levels being stripped, this character is very weak. The total of Psychic Warrior 5 and Incarnate 5 yields only BAB +5, saves +8/+2/+5. Compared to Totemist 20 with BAB +15 and saves +12/+12/+6 this is way below par in everything except Will saves. One attack per full attack, versus the normal three from a Totemist 20, is seriously below par. Your limited natural attacks are way below what a Totemist 20 would bring to a fight.

You don't take advantage of the Web Enhancement for Kobolds (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060420a). You also waste Dragonwrought, since the Dragonborn transformation (at 1st level, if I've deciphered this correctly) immediately changes your type from Dragon to Humanoid, so you lose any Dragon type benefits. You also lose any traits from your race (Races of the Dragon, page 10). That doesn't leave much.

The lack of any class features, feats, or skills from the missing 10 levels is a severe handicap, and my score here is probably overly generous.
-.1 inconsistency between story and build
-.1 confusing explanation of initial and final ability scores
-.5 missed the bowl: illegal build element (PW 1 bonus feat)
-.2 incomplete ingredient list: sources cited by book abbreviation only, lacking page numbers; no source for Soul Manifester (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20060217a), which comprises half the build; most other items not sourced
-.1 hard-to-read menu: saves and skills by totals rather than base figures
-.25 level 9 feat selection is only legal if a power is manifested at the time level up XP are awarded
-.5 poor plating: no explanation for how recipe satisfies Innovation, Power, Elegance, and Ingredient criteria
-.5 missed the bowl: illegal build element (Soul Manifester 1)
-.5 missed the bowl: illegal build element (Soul Manifester 2)
...
Wild Empathy: 0
Illiteracy: 0
Soulmelds: .35
Essentia: .3
Chakra Binds: .25
Totem features: .25
BAB, saves, and everything else: .15
Rose Piper - 10.35


This build was marred by several feat problems:

@ level 12, Assume Supernatural Ability: no ability specified
Special: You can take this feat multiple times. You cannot apply it more than once to the same special ability in order to improve the Will save DC. Each time you take this feat, it applies to a different special ability.
@ level 15, Exalted Wild Shape: not qualified (Neutral alignment)
From Book of Exalted Deeds, page 39:
Only intelligent characters of good alignment and the highest moral standards can acquire exalted feats, and only as a gift from powerful agents of good—deities, celestials, or similar creatures.
@ level 18, Improved Assume Supernatural Ability: no ability specified
.5 surprised me
2.5 different from competition
The two types of builds I was expecting were (1) another class from Magic of Incarnum; and (2) a Master of Many Forms/Warshaper. The surprise here was that you skipped Warshaper. (I wouldn't call that a good surprise.)
You lost a fair amount here due to three feats stripped from the build. Additionally, you have an Animal Companion class feature, but failed to put it to use by never actually calling any companion.
-.15 sources not cited clearly (poor ingredient list)
-1 Doppelganger Bloodline (Bloodline Traits from Unearthed Arcana are expressly discouraged in post # 2 of the contest)
-.5 per single level dip (Barbarian 1)
-.5 poor plating: no explanation for how recipe satisfies Innovation, Power, Elegance, and Ingredient criteria
-.5 missed the bowl: illegal build element (Exalted Wild Shape)
-.25 missed the bowl: inadequately specified feat (Assume Supernatural Ability)
-.25 missed the bowl: inadequately specified feat (Improved Assume Supernatural Ability)

Wild Empathy: .25
Illiteracy: .05
Soulmelds: .6
Essentia: 0
Chakra Binds: .4
Totem features: .75
BAB, saves, and everything else: .45
Wild empathy is based on 8 levels compared to 20 for Totemist. Illiteracy is for 1 level instead of 20. You have no Essentia, obviously. Your attempt at simulating Chakra Binds and Totem features was marred by improper execution: not selecting abilities for Assume Supernatural Ability and Improved Assume Supernatural Ability, and not qualifying for Exalted Wild Shape.

[Kuulvheysoon]

Dispute - Rose Piper

You even admitted that ASA states that you must pick a single ability (in your dispute). Between that and The Man agreeing with my reading, I'm not going to give it to you. Scoring stands.

I can't in good faith judge you on your possible Sarrukh shenanigans, for the simple fact that it's adding to your entry after the fact. You made no mention of your companion in your entry, so you get no score adjustment based off of that. Again, see above for my opinions on ASA. Scoring stands.

[Curmudgeon]

Is Vaz (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=16494113&postcount=20) going to be judging? I know I had trouble carving out time for the competition due to holiday events this month. If my regular D&D game hadn't gotten cancelled last night (conflicting holiday events, naturally :smallsigh:) I'd have been hard-pressed to finish judging in time. And that's with only 2 entries!

[dysprosium]

Thanks for the scores Curmudgeon! Always nice to have another pair of eyes looking over the entries.

I haven't heard one way or the other if Vaz was definitely judging. If he gets them in before the scheduled deadline then that would be awesome--and the first time more judges than entries.

I completely understand too considering the holidays.

[Vaz]

My Judging is 3/4 complete; however, an early Xmas pressy that I bought myself has been getting in the way. New computer needed everything installing.

I have just booted up to actually start working on it, so shall be in later today before the deadline. Apologies for not keeping you in the loop.

[Vaz]

Sorry for the double post, but here's my judging.

Just a note, when I considered the build it was a Dragonwrought Kobold Wu Jen Master Transmogrifist/Incantatrix/Soul Eater, using Bind Vestige and Improved Bind Vestige in conjunction with the Terrifying/Sickening combination for power and Status effects while using Rapidstrike from Dragontype Kobold for additional power. Wu Jen allowed me to Cooperative Metamagic with the Body Outside Body spell for Persistent Polymorph. Assume Supernatural Ability and Limited Wish (recreating PsyRef) combine to allow me to on the fly change the ability acquired with Polymorphing; alternatively, Shape Soulmeld and Limited Wish (PsyRef). However, I couldn't fit it all in without Flaws and Otyugh Hole, and coming up with fluff wasn't really available; but I am using that as my baseline of what I'd imagine is capable as a Totemist equivalent.

GRUBZAK 12
Originality; Okay, so a Psychic Warrior/Incarnate, with Soul Manifester? Yeah, I'm down with that; completely out the left-field; I was expecting an Incarnate, but I'm a little surprised at the choice of alignments; out of all the alignments available for Totemists, I find the lawful ones the most unlikely - especially a Dragon extolling worshipping Bahamut not having a good alignment somewhere in there; However, props for the unsuprising build. Melee on a Dragonwrought as well? Fair enough; just got to be careful with that low, low BAB and like you mentioned, the low HD. Kobold I hald expected, but for totally different reasons, so no loss there. [/b]3.5[/b]

Power; Early game, you're reasonably viable, but with late Entangling Exhalation access, lack of Rapidstrike, and an inability to just place a flurry of debuffs on an opponent, it drops off from middle to late game. Without some power enhancement, such as Negative Levels, through something like Death Devotion (which a more appropriate god may have allowed you the flexibility to achieve) or a Soul Eater dip, or no debuff routine like Staggering Strike or Terrifying etc (yes, I know that means you would have needed to fit in some method of generating a Sneak Attack, which is hard to do) doesn't help.

Dragonborn actually reduces your capabilities; you lose your typing, and your racial traits. The Web Enhancement not being used is a shame as well; Kobolds were little more than a joke race until all these little tweaks came out. While some are downright cheesy/broken (Dragonwrought abuse being popular), the Enhancement on its own makes the Kobold an underpowered, but still playable race. In regards to Dragonwrought, while you don't abuse it, you've missed out on free +3 to mentals. [/b]1.5[/b]

Elegance; 5/5/10, Dragonwrought without the aging/sovereign types/dragonblood qualification abuse was nice to see as well. No LA or RHD to complicate matters, and no flaws? Only issue I can see is that your PP seems a little high, but that's neither here nor there personally, as an Item can quickly rectify that; however, slight Math error, with that PP, so going to give you 4. Just like to point out that you have wasted a feat; but that's not really here nor there; Dragonborn's aforementioned limits really hurt you; however, I don't want to double dip you for penalties; and while you didn't take the web enhancement, if you did (and I as a DM would have directed you towards it), you would have qualified for the Rapidstrike on the Claws. So, 4.

Ingredient; No Wild Empathy, limited Soulmeld and Bind equivalencies from the Totemist list. You have some Essentia usage; and you get the +11 BAB for 3 attacks. Your table makes it hard to read what your saves etc are. However, you get tons of flexibility from the Incarnate (if not necessarily similar to the Totemists flexibility), and combat potential from the PsyWar, so I'll call it evens. 3.

ROSE; 8
Originality; Druid was expected. Barbarian was expected. MoMF was expected. Human was expected. Standard tricks combined with changing shapes; Frozen Wild Shape, ASA, etc.1

PowerMoMF wastes druid potential. The problem with having a powerful base class is that taking anything out of that is going to limit your potential power; here, Druid 20, or Druid 10/Planar Shepherd 10 would have many of the same abilities that you'd desire, but more powerfully as well; only way I could judge it otherwise would be if it added something new to the base build; it doesn't. Sorry. Lightning Reflexes, Endurance, Iron Will, and Alertness are all feat taxes; while I understand that feat taxes are a part of the game, 4 is hugely limiting. Assume Supernatural Ability doesn't have a listed form to take. Your Animal Companion is wasted. No Natural Spell wastes what spellcasting you have. Your write up specifies shapechange; you don't have shapechange in your repertoire. Having said that, your Wild Shape ability is potent, nonetheless; just not as capable as it could be. 2.5

Elegance; Bloodlines and no chosen ability/monster for Assume Supernatural Ability. Poor description of abilities. You're Neutral, and Exalted Wild Shape requires you to be as good as can be. 1.5

Ingredient; Wild Empathy, Illiteracy (well done on getting that in!), but poor execution of how exactly a Totemist works; a totemist works by getting a range of natural attacks or abilities based on the monster, not actually becoming the monster; you are not both a Blink Dog AND a Gorgon AND a Phoenix AND an etc etc, you are either/or, not to mention your non-selection of chosen target. You have no essentia; while your BAB and Saves and other abilities are close enough to the base to gain the points. 3

[relytdan]

well thanks for the scores judges - with time almost up for this one - time to wonder and speculate on the new one.

[dysprosium]

Thanks for your scores Vaz! I'm glad you were able to get the time to look these over.

And now for the reveal!

{table=head]Entry|Saucier|Kuulvheysoon|Curmudgeon|Vaz|Total|Pl ace
Grubzak the Wise|malonkey1|11.75|7.65|12|31.4|1st
Rose Piper|relytdan|11.5|10.35|8|29.85|2nd[/table]

Congratulations to our Sauciers and many thanks to our judges!

To keep with the tradition of flip flopping with the Iron Chef competitions, the next Zinc Saucier will start in a couple of weeks.

[malonkey1]

Internet handshakes, Relytdan. This was a close match, and you deserve some appreciation. I really didn't think I'd win this one.