SouthpawSoldier
2014-06-28, 11:04 AM
Creating a 5th level character, 32 point buy for my group. Low optimization (2 monk-based characters in the party); the DM is letting me use the WBL chart (we normally have low wealth campaigns), so I'm already overpowered relative to the party. Tack on the DM's gift*, and it's just silly.
Right now, they want a glass cannon for ranged damage. Not much use of utility spells or skill monkey going on (or too much of a need; DM tailors challenges to the party). There's pressure on me to use my flight with Eldritch Spear and Entropic Warding to spam 3d6/round (they aren't aware of the items WBL gets me that boost Eldtritch Blast) from long range. The group is also convinced that Warlocks are broken and that 3d6 ranged touch/round is worthwhile at 5th level (also expecting me to waste feats on PBS/Precise Shot chain). I don't want to alienate these guys, as I've finally rebuilt a group with better rapport (last group had lots of issues), but their ideas and perception sucks. It's a boring one trick pony.
I was toying with idea of doing something similar, but with more potential; a Human DFA that spams Strafing Breath (1). Similar damage output, but a strafed 15ft cone or 30ft line means tagging more than one enemy per round, and no attack rolls required. Still a one-trick pony, but a little more effecient action economy. Only suck there is shorter range (2).
In both cases, the problem I'm having is keeping low-tier classes versatile enough to stay interesting. Fluff isn't too much of a problem (I can always ripoff DBZ for giggles with a 'lock), but I'm used to having more options in combat, and to be more useful outside combat (I prefer bards; may not be a wizard, but bards are fun and have less bookkeeping). Other than UMD abuse, or burning a DFA Invocation slot for that +6 to all Knowledge, I don't see much versatility with either character. Spamming Baleful Utterance to rain stalagtites on groups of foes?
*In his setting, there are rare and random mutations. PC's roll a percentile during character creation, and get a power based on a list he drew up. Anything from a couple extra Ability points, to telekinesis, to (my case) Perfect Flight at 2x racial move speed. Plot hook is a cult that hunts down the mutants in society, so we can't overuse the abilites in town.
(1) Dragonlance Setting may be a verboten book, since we aren't in Faerun and some 3.0 material is banned. Go figure, since we're getting the PF unlimited Orision/Cantrip rules.
(2) Is there a way to boost DFA breath range, aside from Metabreath manipulation?
(3) Does anyone know of a list of useful feats that scale by level? I've found a few that apply to a flying 'lock or DFA, but flat+1AC and +2 DC bumps (especially when not using Invocations that allow saves) becomes less valuable over time.
Right now, they want a glass cannon for ranged damage. Not much use of utility spells or skill monkey going on (or too much of a need; DM tailors challenges to the party). There's pressure on me to use my flight with Eldritch Spear and Entropic Warding to spam 3d6/round (they aren't aware of the items WBL gets me that boost Eldtritch Blast) from long range. The group is also convinced that Warlocks are broken and that 3d6 ranged touch/round is worthwhile at 5th level (also expecting me to waste feats on PBS/Precise Shot chain). I don't want to alienate these guys, as I've finally rebuilt a group with better rapport (last group had lots of issues), but their ideas and perception sucks. It's a boring one trick pony.
I was toying with idea of doing something similar, but with more potential; a Human DFA that spams Strafing Breath (1). Similar damage output, but a strafed 15ft cone or 30ft line means tagging more than one enemy per round, and no attack rolls required. Still a one-trick pony, but a little more effecient action economy. Only suck there is shorter range (2).
In both cases, the problem I'm having is keeping low-tier classes versatile enough to stay interesting. Fluff isn't too much of a problem (I can always ripoff DBZ for giggles with a 'lock), but I'm used to having more options in combat, and to be more useful outside combat (I prefer bards; may not be a wizard, but bards are fun and have less bookkeeping). Other than UMD abuse, or burning a DFA Invocation slot for that +6 to all Knowledge, I don't see much versatility with either character. Spamming Baleful Utterance to rain stalagtites on groups of foes?
*In his setting, there are rare and random mutations. PC's roll a percentile during character creation, and get a power based on a list he drew up. Anything from a couple extra Ability points, to telekinesis, to (my case) Perfect Flight at 2x racial move speed. Plot hook is a cult that hunts down the mutants in society, so we can't overuse the abilites in town.
(1) Dragonlance Setting may be a verboten book, since we aren't in Faerun and some 3.0 material is banned. Go figure, since we're getting the PF unlimited Orision/Cantrip rules.
(2) Is there a way to boost DFA breath range, aside from Metabreath manipulation?
(3) Does anyone know of a list of useful feats that scale by level? I've found a few that apply to a flying 'lock or DFA, but flat+1AC and +2 DC bumps (especially when not using Invocations that allow saves) becomes less valuable over time.