Zinc Saucier XXVIII: Chivalry is not dead!

[dysprosium]

Welcome one and all to the twenty eighth 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 twenty eighth challenge, prove to me that chivalry (and this contest) is not dead; from Player's Handbook II it's the Knight

Our challengers will have about 3 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 Knight without actually using any levels in it.

Entries must be submitted by Monday, 11:59pm GMT, 29 September, 2014. 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 Monday, 11:59pm GMT, 20 October, 2014, to post scores for all dishes.

If there is no or very limited interest expressed either in thread or PMs to the Chairman, this round will be closed early.

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


Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


2nd
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


3rd
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


4th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


5th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


6th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


7th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


8th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


9th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


10th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


11th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


12th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


13th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


14th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


15th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


16th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


17th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


18th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


19th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


20th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities



Code immediately below (spoiler).

Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


2nd
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


3rd
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


4th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


5th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


6th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


7th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


8th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


9th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


10th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


11th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


12th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


13th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


14th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


15th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


16th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


17th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


18th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


19th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


20th
New Class Level
+x
+x
+x
+x
Skills
Feats
New Class Abilities


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)Spells per Day/Spells Known


Level
0lvl
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th


1st
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


2nd
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


3rd
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


4th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


5th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


6th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


7th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


8th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


9th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


10th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


11th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


12th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


13th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


14th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


15th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


16th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


17th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


18th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


19th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


20th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


Code immediately below (spoiler)Spells per Day/Spells Known


Level
0lvl
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th


1st
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


2nd
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


3rd
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


4th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


5th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


6th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


7th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


8th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


9th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


10th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


11th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


12th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


13th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


14th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


15th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


16th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


17th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


18th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


19th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-


20th
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-



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)
Totemist (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16448992#post16448992)
Walker in the Waste (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=322436)
Drunken Master (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=16879574#post16879574)
Cleric (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333648)
Duskblade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=339182)
Psibond Agent (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=346900)
Argent Fist (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=353923)
Fighter (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=360816)
Artificier (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365391)


* 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 and generic classes 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.

Concerning Experience Requirements: Each build is allotted exactly 200,000 EXP. This is roughly 10,000 EXP more than necessary to get to 20th level. Please take note of this when planning your character for circumstances like LA Buyoff, Item Crafting, Magic Use, Multiclassing EXP Penalties, etc. Please note that this is a change from past rounds that dysprosium has been the Chairman. Let's try this out (Thank you to Kazudo, who I lifted this from :smallsmile:)

Definition of Power for scoring: Since this has been a point of contention, let me lay down this guideline. Since the goal is to emulate the Secret Ingredient, achieving much higher power than the Secret Ingredient is capable of is overkill and should be marked accordingly. Likewise if the build cannot match the power of the Secret Ingredient it should be marked accordingly. Individual judges can decide how much is too much for Power scoring, as each judge will have different tastes. The goal here is to prevent all entries being Wizard 20 because "they do it better."

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; 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.

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)

[Sian]

looks interesting ... going to look closer when i get the finishing touches on my Junkyard submission

[cesius]

I'll be submitting something.

[relytdan]

ka-nig-it finally I get to say - NI-

I will see what is what with this one

[dysprosium]

I received the first submission over the weekend.

Will this be a more popular ingredient?

[WhamBamSam]

I have general ideas on how to do this, but nothing super exciting. I'll judge. I should have criteria up by sometime tonight.

[relytdan]

I have general ideas on how to do this, but nothing super exciting. I'll judge. I should have criteria up by sometime tonight.

hey a great judge, for an interesting SI..

[WhamBamSam]

Criteria:

Innovation
Start from a baseline score of 3.

Up to 1 point of bonus or penalty based on how much you surprised me personally. I won't judge originality against the other entries, as that's somewhat meaningless with the lower turnout that the side competitions get. Also note that I won't reward shameless originality grabs. If you pick some oddball race or class and it serves your build or the emulation of some Knight class feature, great. If you're doing it just for the hell of it, you won't get bonus points.

Up to 1 point for cool mechanical tricks or standard optimization fare respectively.

Up to a 0.25 point bonus if I find your fluff to be particularly excellent.

Power
Start from a baseline score of 3.

The point of reference here is the SI, so a 3 is roughly equal in versatility and power. A 5 is a noticeable improvement across the board which still retains the feel of the ingredient. Brute forcing the emulation is poor form. If the SI was Monk and you used a Druid 20 because Druids can do everything, you would see penalties here, even though you would be very powerful. The sweet spot here is around T3 or high T4. The sort of thing you could direct a prospective knight player toward in a party where the standard class might be overshadowed a bit.

Up to 0.5 points for general tier ranking relative to a Knight 20. A T5 build or a T2/T1 build will receive a -0.5. A very low T4 or very high T3 build will receive a 0. A build somewhere in the mid T4 to mid T3 sweet spot will receive a +0.5.

Up to 1.5 points of bonus or penalty for how well you do the things that you do without resorting to T1/T2 power. Are you better at those things than a Knight 20?

Elegance
Start from a baseline score of 4.

Each failure to qualify for a thing results in a 0.5 point deduction.

A rule interpretation which is highly questionable or likely not to fly at the average table will result in a penalty of up to 0.25 points depending on severity. I'm pretty cheese tolerant as judges go though.

Up to 0.75 points of bonus or penalty based on the overall flow of the build. A clean, flowing progression will score more points, whereas something that feels awkward may be penalized. As with cheese, I'm not going to try to be especially punitive toward dipping unless it's really excessive, and indeed, if you do something stupid to avoid dipping (like taking Fighter 3 instead of Fighter 2 as your break point without a compelling reason) I'll penalize you. If you incur multiclass penalties, change alignment mid-build for crunch reasons, or the like, you can expect to be dinged here.

Up to 0.25 bonus points if the build just screams classy.

Ingredient
Start from a baseline score of 1.

I will award bonus points for every class ability or prerequisite that I see emulated in some way. The better the emulation, the larger the bonus. The bonus will either be a +0.25 (a decent emulation), or a +0.5 (an emulation that I feel goes above and beyond the expected in some way). The abilities I'll judge on are as follows.
Fighting Challenge
Test of Mettle
Call to Battle
Daunting Challenge
Bond of Loyalty
Loyalty Beyond Death
Shield Block
Armor Mastery
Bonus Feats, including Mounted Combat
Bulwark of Defense
Vigilant Defender
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally
Impetuous Endurance

If the build really captures the feel of the SI, I'll award an additional 0.25 point bonus.

[dysprosium]

So as of this post we have one entry and one judge.

Plenty of room for more!

[Sian]

If i could just stop jumping between 3 different ideas (although probably to close to each other), each feeling slightly off and a distinct feeling that i should be able to merge them for a more complete 'knight' feel... Then i'd build it right away

[Gwendol]

How long does one have?

[dysprosium]

Entries must be submitted by Monday, 11:59pm GMT, 29 September, 2014. As usual, please submit your entries via private message to the chairman, so as not to influence the other sauciers.

[Gwendol]

Hmm, in flight at that time and a busy weekend. I'll try, but it will be a late entry.

[Sian]

Wham, i notice that my cheat sheet of abilities i want to emulate with my build is longer than yours ... what did Shield block and Armor Mastery do to you to get ignored?

[WhamBamSam]

Wham, i notice that my cheat sheet of abilities i want to emulate with my build is longer than yours ... what did Shield block and Armor Mastery do to you to get ignored?Armor Mastery I just missed in my list, and I failed to notice the scaling of Shield Block and mistook it for being more trivial than it actually is. I'll edit my criteria accordingly.

[MilesTiden]

Oooh, I have a fun idea for this one. I need to see if it'll work out, but I'll try to contribute something for this.

[Irk]

I don't have time to compete, but I just stopped by to say that this is my favorite component, and I'll be watching for sure.

[relytdan]

looks like a little better interest level.. hope we have a good showing

[dysprosium]

Well I'm not too optimistic now.

Not one but two Iron Chef threads active.

But I am willing to be proven wrong.

[relytdan]

hope 2 IC 's dont kill things for entries here... that would be a bummer

[dysprosium]

Checking in to see what's cooking . . .

[crickets]

[Sian]

I've gotten stuck with juggling my skill points but otherwise completely done

[relytdan]

stuck on skills not a bad thing overall...

[MilesTiden]

I'm having skill point difficulties as well. @_@

[relytdan]

hey more chefs - wonder if it can break 5 this round?

[Gwendol]

Is the competition still open then? Was completely swamped last week.

[Sian]

given that OP states that its open for entry submission till Monday 29th at 23:59 GMT, thats a yes

[dysprosium]

Yes indeed the competition is still open!

There is always room for more. :smallsmile:

[Sian]

Finally got around finishing the build and sent it in

[relytdan]

woohoo a submition- heh the ka-nig-its that say NI shall have their shruberry!

[Sian]

what is the submission counter at?

[dysprosium]

We are currently at 2.

I would really like at least one more.

Pretty please?

[Sian]

just got struck with a silly idea ... lets see if i can hash it out in time (if not, i allready made one dish)

[Sian]

second dish is well underway ... got to the point where i only need to weave it into a coherent message and add some fluff

[Sian]

phew ... was just concerned that i couldn't finish the build in time since i'm going to be busy all day today, but noticed that it's first tomorrow that the deadline is ... more than enough time for Skills (odd that they're allways so hard) and Fluffy bits

[cesius]

I'll be sending mine in later today.

[dysprosium]

The count is now three with a couple more interested parties planning on sending them in.

Looks like we will have a better showing than the last round.

[Thurbane]

I'd love to get an entry in, and have a rough build in mind, but literally started a new job today, so unlikely...

[Gwendol]

Likewise. Just not getting a break right now.

[dysprosium]

I'd love to get an entry in, and have a rough build in mind, but literally started a new job today, so unlikely...


Likewise. Just not getting a break right now.

Even if you two don't get entries in, it is nice to know that there was interest in the contest/ingredient.

[Sian]

Going to be interesting to see how many and how different the builds are going to be ...

[dysprosium]

It is past that time so here are our pseudo-Knights!

Please refrain from posting until the all clear is given.

[dysprosium]

Here we got a dinner and a show.

Ser Cleg

LN: Human (Crane): Fighter 5/ Daidoji Bodyguard 5/ Hordebreaker 5/ Knight Protector 5

Background

Background
Ser Cleg a loyal member of the Zhentarim, we honor you today with this feast. Ser Cleg tell us the tale of how you became a knight shouted one amongst the crowd.
Ser Cleg reflected a moment on his life and those he had served and protected, then began the story of his life as a knight. He rose raise a glass to his liege as he began, to my liege I present the tale of ser Cleg, for when I was a lad I had skill with the blade but perhapes it was my ability to scare the pants of many that drove me to it. I took up training as a bodyguard and did as most. Then the great hordes of goblins and orcs came from the east, I went out with the other warriors to break the will of the hordes. It was my loyal service to my liege that must have impressed my liege for after the battle I was knighted and began to serve as a protector to the people of the city. and as he finished his tale there was cheering from those around, as he bowed respecfully to his liege he sat in his chair and began to enjoy the feast before him.



Character Abilities

Abilities
32 point buy
Str 14 Dex 14 Con 11 Int 14 Wis 13 Cha 14
Str+2, Wis+1, Cha+2
L20
Str 16 Dex 14 Con 11 Int 14 Wis 14 Cha 16


Build
Effective Character Levels



Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
Fighter 1
1
2
0
0
Diplomacy 4, Intimidate 4, Ride 4, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 2cc
Endurance, Toughness, Dodge
Bonus feat


2nd
Fighter 2
2
3
0
0
Diplomacy 5, Intimidate 5, Ride 5, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 2.5cc
Power Attack
Bonus feat


3rd
Zhentarim Soldier Fighter 3
3
3
1
1
Diplomacy 6, Intimidate 6, Ride 6, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 3cc
Improved Initiative, Skill Focus (Intimidation)
Bonus feat


4th
Fighter 4
4
4
1
1
Diplomacy 7, Intimidate 7, Ride 7, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 3.5cc
Cleave
Bonus feat


5th
Zhentarim Soldier Fighter 5
5
4
1
1
Diplomacy 8, Intimidate 8, Ride 8, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 4cc
Feats
Extended intimidation


6th
Daidoji Bodyguard 1
6
6
1
1
Diplomacy 9, Intimidate 9, Ride 9cc, Sense Motive: 1, Knowledge (local) 1cc
Great Cleave
Defensive refocus


7th
Daidoji Bodyguard 2
7
7
1
1
Diplomacy 10, Intimidate 10, Sense Motive: 3, Spot 2
-
Defensive awareness (Dex bonus to AC)


8th
Daidoji Bodyguard 3
8
7
2
2
Knowledge (local) 3cc, Spot 4
-
Evasion


9th
Daidoji Bodyguard 4
9
8
2
2
Knowledge (local) 5cc, Ride 11cc
Mounted Combat
Moving the shadow


10th
Daidoji Bodyguard 5
10
8
2
2
Diplomacy 13, Intimidate 13
-
Defensive awareness (can't be flanked)


11th
Hordebreaker 1
11
10
2
2
Diplomacy 14cc, Intimidate 14, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 5cc
-
First horde enemy <goblins>, horde knowledge


12th
Hordebreaker 2
12
11
2
2
Diplomacy 15cc, Intimidate 15, Knowledge (local) 6, Spot 5
Goad
Hold the line


13th
Hordebreaker 3
13
11
3
3
Diplomacy 16cc, Intimidate 16, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 6cc
-
Second horde enemy <hobgoblins>


14th
Hordebreaker 4
14
12
3
3
Diplomacy 17cc, Intimidate 17, Knowledge (local) 8
-
Tough to kill


15th
Hordebreaker 5
15
12
3
3
Diplomacy 18cc, Intimidate 18, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 7cc
Daunting Presence
Third horde enemy <orcs>, anvil of doom


16th
Knight Protector 1
16
12
3
5
Diplomacy 19, Intimidate 19, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 9
-
Defensive stance +2, shining beacon


17th
Knight Protector 2
17
12
3
8
Diplomacy 20, Intimidate 20, Ride 12, Knowledge (nobility and royalty) 10
Iron Will
Best effort +2, Iron Will


18th
Knight Protector 3
18
13
4
8
Diplomacy 21, Intimidate 21, Ride 13, Knowledge (local) 9cc
Diehard
Supreme cleave


19th
Knight Protector 4
19
13
4
9
Diplomacy 22, Intimidate 22, Ride 14, Knowledge (local) 10cc
-
Defensive stance +3


20th
Knight Protector 5
20
13
4
9
Diplomacy 23, Intimidate 23, Ride 15, Spot 5
-
Best effort +3




Knight Emulation

Knight Emulation
HD: 11 (D12) SP:2.5 (2+int)
b20, f13, r04, w09, Init +6 *The Knight has a lower fort save and higher ref & will save than presented in this character*
simple and martial weapons and with all armor (heavy, medium, and light) and shields (including tower shields)
*The Knight does not normally have acces to tower shields*
Knight’s Challenge - Goad
Fighting Challenge - Goad *Move Action not as good as a swift action
Test of Mettle - Goad
Call to Battle - Shining Beacon
Daunting Challenge - Daunting Presence
Bond of Loyalty -
Loyal Beyond Death - Diehard, Tough to kill
Mounted Combat - Mounted Combat
Shield Block -
Bulwark of Defense - Bonuses to AC from Dodge, Defensive stance & Defensive awareness ect.
Armor Mastery -
Bonus Feats - Iron Will, Endurance, Diehard
Vigilant Defender - Hold the line
Shield Ally -
Improved Shield Ally -
Impetuous Endurance - Endurance


Sources

Sources
SRD
Fighter (PH p37)
Zhentarim Soldier (champions of valor acf)
Daidoji Bodyguard (oa p215)
Hordebreaker (silver marches p110)
Knight Protector (cwar p55)

[dysprosium]

Prepare the horde!


Gantsetseg 'the Steel Maiden' of Clan Tsoros

http://www.throneworld.com/lords/lote03/Graphics/Mongolian-Female-Warrior.gif


Gantsetseg looked over the dry steppes and prodded the dusty earth with the end of her lance. The earth was bone dry and hadn't seen anything closer to rain than a spit or a piss for nearly five moons. The drought had even evaporated the river that usually was good for a nice swim, so was shallow enough that the fish had been seperated into small pools of stagnent water.

Gantsetseg looked back at the tent that the her and the rest of her family lived in, in an uneasy peace, between her and her inept brothers, only held together by her Father, the Khans will. Everyone knew that she was the perferred child and heir to rule the Clan Tsoros and the Kerait Tribe that it was the head of, going as far as to paying some vassal raiders, or rather counting it as tribute, for capturing tutors for her from distant civilized countries. He had even gone the unpreceded step appointing her the head of his personal guard and one of the leading military commanders.

Even if she thought that she had proven his will to be sound, some of the more traditional Clanleaders thought that the future Khan of the tribe should either be one of her brothers, as they were deemed easier to control, or even themselves with her as their pliant bride. She snorted at the thought, not that that would ever happen since she had sworn that she would only marry someone that was able to beat her in wrestling and jousting on horseback, putting their most prized horse on the line, and she just couldn't see it happen in the future. Since she had taken that vow she had become the second largest owner of horses in the whole tribe, which her clan ruled, just behind her Father.

She knew that if her Father got his will and managed to make her the leader of both the clan and the tribe, she would likely have to marriage someone to beget heirs with, but that was in the future, and in her opinion there was noone interesting enough to even consider negating her vow.

Anyhows... It was time. Time to leave the steppes that her ancestors had lived on for generations untold. Time for war against the placid civilizied nations some 100 miles downstream in the rivervalleys where there were still water to be had. It was that or the death of the tribe and there had almost been a collective sigh of relief when her Father finally announced that they were going to pull up stakes and move to better pastures, the Shamans of the tribe had tried their best to get more water, but they just couldn't get enough, and none from the sky.

And she was going to lead the tribe to war. May the spirits be with us.
Female LN Human Rogue 4 / Fighter 1 / Crusader 2 / Devoted Defender 1 / Singh Rager 5 / Battle Maiden 7


Str:16
Dex:14
Con:14
Int:10
Wis:10
Cha:14
Ability boosts should go into Strength




Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
Rogue (Martial, Wilderness) 1
+0
+0
+2
+0
Handle Animal 4, Knowledge (Nature) 4, Knowledge (Planes) 4, Listen 4, Ride 4, Search 4, Sense Motive 4, Spot 4, Survival 4
Education, Iron Will, Mounted CombatB
Fighter Bonus Feat, Poison Use


2nd
Fighter 1
+1
+2
+2
+0
Handle Animal 5, Knowledge (Planes) 5, Ride 5
Ride-by AttackB
Fighter Bonus Feat


3rd
Rogue 2
+2
+2
+3
+0
Handle Animal 6, Knowledge (Nature) 6, Listen 6, Ride 6, Spot 6, Survival 5
Alertness, Weapon Focus (Lance)B
Fighter Bonus Feat, Evasion


4th
Rogue 3
+3
+3
+3
+1
Handle Animal 7, Knowlegde (Planes) 7, Listen 7, Sense Motive 6, Spot 7, Survival 7

Spell Sense +1


5th
Crusader 1
+4
+5
+3
+1
Knowledge (Nature) 8, Knowledge (Planes) 8, Ride 8

Furious Counterstrike, Steely Resolve 5


6th
Rogue 4
+5
+5
+4
+1
Handle Animal 9, Knowledge (Nature) 9, Knowledge (Planes) 9, Listen 8, Ride 9, Spot 9, Survival 8
Ki Shout, Improved Shield BashB
Fighter Bonus Feat, Uncanny Dodge


7th
Devoted Defender 1
+6
+7
+6
+1
Listen 10, Spot 10

AC Bonus +1, Harm's Way


8th
Crusader 2
+7
+8
+6
+1
Knowledge (Nature) 10, Knowledge (Planes) 11, Ride 11

Indomitable Soul


9th
Singh Rager 1
+8
+10
+6
+3
Handle Animal 11, Ride 12
Combat Reflexes, Greater Ki ShoutB
Lion's Roar


10th
Singh Rager 2
+9
+11
+6
+4
Handle Animal 13, Ride 13

Lion's Fury 3/day


11th
Singh Rager 3
+10
+11
+7
+4
Handle Animal 14, Knowledge (Planes) 12, Ride 14
Remain ConsciousB
Lion's Courage


12th
Singh Rager 4
+11
+12
+7
+5
Handle Animal 15, Knowledge (Planes) 13, Ride 15
Spirited Charge
Lion's Pounce


13th
Singh Rager 5
+12
+12
+7
+5
Handle Animal 16, Knowledge (Planes) 14, Ride 16

Roaring Strike


14th
Battle Maiden 1
+13
+14
+7
+5
Handle Animal 17, Knowledge (Planes) 15, Ride 17

Special Mount, Ride Bonus +2


15th
Battle Maiden 2
+14
+15
+7
+5
Handle Animal 18, Knowledge (Planes) 16, Ride 18
Stand Still
Burst of Speed


16th
Battle Maiden 3
+15
+15
+8
+6
Handle Animal 19, Knowledge (Planes) 17, Ride 19

Ride Bonus (Initiative)


17th
Battle Maiden 4
+16
+16
+8
+6
Handle Animal 20, Knowledge (Planes) 18, Ride 20

Defensive Riding


18th
Battle Maiden 5
+17
+16
+8
+6
Handle Animal 21, Knowledge (Planes) 19, Ride 21
Planar Touchstone (Catalouge of Enlightment [Pride Domain])
Ride Bonus +4, Ride Bonus (AC)


19th
Battle Maiden 6
+18
+17
+9
+7
Handle Animal 22, Knowledge (Planes) 20, Ride 22




20th
Battle Maiden 7
+19
+17
+9
+7
Handle Animal 23, Knowledge (Planes) 21, Ride 23

Ride Bonus (Attack)


Total Skills:
Handle Animal 23
Listen 10
Knowledge (Nature) 10
Knowledge (Planes) 21
Ride 23
Search 4
Sense Motive 6
Spot 10
Survival 8




Level
Maneuvers Known
Maneuvers Readied
Stances Known
Learned


5
5
5(2)
1
Battle Leader's Charge, Douse the Flames, Mountain Hammer, Shield Block, Vanguard Strike; Iron Guard’s Glare


8
5
5(2)
2
Thicket of Blades




Remain Conscious is somewhat difficult to translate, since it lands in one of the more tricky grammatic changes between 3e and 3.5 jargon.

In 3e there wasn't a seperate move action, rather it being rolled in under a standard action, with Partial Action being half an Standard action (either the bashing someone in the head with a weapon or moving), hence gaining a Partial action and porting it through the 3e -> 3.5 upgrade system, would end up being Standard action, which can be changed for doing an move action instead. So basicly it is Diehard by another name

HD d12 (average 126+con given full at 1st):
4d6+10d10+6d12 (average 101+con given full at 1st), but +4Con from Lion's Fury (3/day) adding another 40 protential hp on top of it, ending up with 15 more than a knight with same statline

Base Attack Bonus 20:
Got BAB 19

Fortitude Save: 6
Ending up with 17

Reflex Save: 6
Ending up with 9

Will Save: 12
Ending up with 7

Skill Points 23*(2+int)
14*(2+int)+2*(4+int)7*(8+int), a fair bit more

Fighting Challenge +4 (Will Save):
Indomitable Soul and Iron Will helps against all opponents. Morale bonus from Lion's Fury add a bit as well.

Fighting Challenge +4 (Attack Bonus):
Furious Counterstrike, Weapon Focus (Lance) and Ride Bonus to Attack (Battle Maiden 7) all helps against all opponents. Strength bonus from Lion's Fury adds a bit as well.

Mounted Combat (And other Bonus Feats):
Taken, and followed up with Ride-by Attack and Spirited Charge, and general build focus on mounted combat

Shield Block +3:
AC Bonus from Devoted Defender and Ride Bonus to AC (Battle Maiden 5) both helps out, while carrying around a shield adds a few bits as well.

Bulwark of Defense:
Thicket of Blades Stance somewhat emulates this, as opponents can't easily enter or leave my threatened area without getting hit with an AoO

Armor Mastery (Medium) + (Heavy):
Not emulated. But as I'm mounted it matters less so.

Test of Mettle:
Harm's Way lets me take the attack an previously appointed ally, as long as said ally is within 5ft of me, and other allies can be helped by Iron Guard's Glare when this is used.

Vigilant Defender:
Thicket of Blades Stance is superior completely stopping tumble checks. Although there is an longstanding debate about it being a question between an unstoppable force and an immovable object.

Shield Ally (Improved):
Harm's Way (see Test of Mettle)

Call to Battle:
Not done

Daunting Challenge:
Greater Ki Shout with the added times per day and the much faster (from Standard to Swift) Roaring Strike Emulates this.

Bond of Loyalty:
Not done directly although Lion's Courage gives me a better save leaving less chance that i fail in the first place

Impetuous Endurance:
Indirectly emulated since Pride Domain lets me reroll natural 1's while rolling Saves
Loyal beyond Death:
Defensive Riding and Remain Conscious halfway emulates this giving me a chance to dodge a lethal attack and taking standard actions while under 0 (but above -10)

Complete Mage - Spell Sense ACF
Drow of the Underdark - Poison Use ACF
Eberron Champain Setting - Education
Expanded Psionic Handbook - Stand Still
Oriental Adventures - Battle Maiden, Singh Rager, Ki Shout, Greater Ki Shout, Remain Conscious
Planar Handbook - Planar Touchstone, Catalogue of Enlightment
Spell Compendium - Pride Domain
Sword and Fist - Devoted Defender
Unearthed Arcana - Wilderness Rogue ACF, Martial Rogue ACF

[dysprosium]

This one comes from humble beginnings.

Sir Ibrin Oakfield
Human (Favored Class: Warblade)
Warblade1 7/Paladin 3/Kensai2 10

Str 15 (+5 over 20 levels)
Dex 12
Con 14
Int 14
Wis 10
Cha 14


Ibrin Oakfield was the son of a lumberjack and miller, born in the lands surrounding Lyrabar, the capital of Impiltur in Faerun. Ibrin was enamored by the tales of Impiltur's many knightly orders told by bards that would stay in the logging camp on their way to Lyrabar and he travelled to Lyrabar for a recruitment tournament when he came of age. Ibrin didn't win but his centered nature and proclivity towards a more intellectual style of fighting drew the attention of a smaller, esoteric order.

The Order of the Black Blades was founded by a Kara-Tur refugee fleeing from the destruction of the Temple of Nine Swords, home to the Sublime Way. He joined the crusade of Imphras I and after Impiltur was founded began his new Order with 12 black adamantine blades and eleven disciples. The order has grown over the years. Initiates train at the chapterhouse in Lyrabar, performing minor tasks in the surrounding countryside, until deemed ready to begin their errantry (levels 1-3 of Warblade training). The errantry period allows for personal growth and development of an initiate's skills as well as greater exposure to Faerun. Those that survive eventually return to Lyrabar to either join the Black Blades or, if they were touched by a deity, to join a Church or Paladin order (levels 4-6 through 10).
Ibrin's errantry brought him to the rescue of a chartered adventuring group where his headlong charge to guard others drew down the power of Helm. The Blue Hippogriff Mercenary Band, a four person enterprise with rather grandious plans, had found the location of a bound ancient horror from theFar Realms but rumors from the area implied it was breaking free. The group discovered a cult in the area, begun by a mad ex-cleric of Selune, that sought to release the being and set in the moon's place. After clearing the area of cultists, descending into the ruins where the horror was bound, and defeating its manifestion, Ibrin returned to Lyrabar.

Ibrin's errantry and the favor of Helm made him a candidate for the Paladin orders which Impiltur is famed for but he decided to continue with the Black Blades. He was one of the three survivors from his generation of errantry and claimed one of the four black blades without a current knight. He made his vows in the hall of his order (Kensai 1):


I swear to be the last of my comrades to leave the field of battle.
I swear to fight those who present the largest threat to others and not to me.
I swear to fight honorably and grant mercy to my opponents.
I swear not to use the secret techniques of the Order on those too weak to resist.
I swear to uphold the orders of my seniors in the Order of the Black Blade.


Knighted, Sir Ibrin rejoined the Blue Hippogriffs and continued his adventuring career. He occassionally would leave them to fulfill a directive of the Order or direct their attention at some quest the Order had made him aware of. Eventually Sir Ibrin was awarded command of a small keep (level 17) with a group of trainees under his command. He expanded the keep to provide a home for the remaining members of the Blue Hippogriffs and their families. They would occassionally handle large threats but for the most part left the adventuring to the younger folks. Sir Ibrin and the Blue Hippogriffs had one last grand adventure with the advent of the Spellplague. Horrendous, mutated dragons attacked the keep but were beaten back and the Blue Hippogriffs tracked the attacks to a nest where a dragon -almost more insect than dragon- was laying eggs at a predigous rate. They defeated the beast and set fire to the nest. Oakfield's Keep, as it came to be known, developed a reputation as being a secure holdfast against the Spellplague (level 19). Sir Ibrin Oakfield died during the successful defense the keep against an army of Banites looking to take advantage of the death of Helm.





Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
Warblade 1
+1
+2
+0
+0
Balance 2, Climb 1, Concentration 4, Diplomacy 4, Intimidate 4, Jump 1, Knowledge (History) 2, Martial Lore1 2, Swim 1, Tumble 4
Combat Expertise, Combat Reflexes
Battle Clarity (Reflex Saves), Weapon Aptitude


2nd
Warblade 2
+2
+3
+0
+0
Balance 3, Climb 1, Concentration 5, Diplomacy 5, Intimidate 5, Jump 2, Knowledge (History) 3, Martial Lore 2, Swim 1, Tumble 5
---
Uncanny Dodge


3rd
Warblade 3
+3
+3
+1
+1
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 5, Diplomacy 6, Intimidate 6, Jump 3, Knowledge (History) 4, Martial Lore 2, Ride 1, Swim 1, Tumble 5
Weapon Focus (Longsword)
Battle Ardor (Critical Confirmation)


4th
Paladin 1
+4
+5
+1
+1
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 6, Diplomacy 6, Intimidate 6, Jump 3, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 1, Martial Lore 2, Ride 3, Sense Motive 1, Swim 1, Tumble 5
---
Aura of Good, Know Greatest Enemy3, Smite Evil 1/day


5th
Paladin 2
+5
+6
+1
+1
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 7, Diplomacy 7, Intimidate 6, Jump 3, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 1, Martial Lore 2, Ride 4, Sense Motive 3, Swim 1, Tumble 5
---
Divine Grace, Lay on Hands


6th
Paladin 3
+6
+6
+2
+2
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 8, Diplomacy 8, Intimidate 6, Jump 3, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 2, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 4, Swim 1, Tumble 5
Hindering Opportunist4
Aura of Courage. Vigilant Aid3


7th
Kensai 1
+6
+6
+2
+4
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 10, Diplomacy 9, Intimidate 9, Jump 3, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 2, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 5, Swim 1, Tumble 5
---
Signature Weapon


8th
Kensai 2
+7
+6
+2
+5
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 11, Diplomacy 10, Intimidate 9, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 3, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 7, Swim 1, Tumble 5
---
Power Surge


9th
Kensai 3
+8
+7
+3
+5
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 12, Diplomacy 12, Intimidate 11, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 4, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 8, Swim 1, Tumble 5
Shield Specialization4
---


10th
Warblade 4
+9
+8
+3
+5
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 13, Diplomacy 12, Intimidate 13, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 4, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 9, Swim 1, Tumble 5

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
---
---


11th
Warblade 5
+10
+8
+3
+5
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 14, Diplomacy 14, Intimidate 14, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 4, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 10, Swim 1, Tumble 7

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
---
Bonus Feat: Unnerving Calm


12th
Kensai 4
+11
+8
+3
+6
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 15, Diplomacy 15, Intimidate 15, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 11, Swim 3, Tumble 7

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
Stalwart Defense4
Ki Projection


13th
Kensai 5
+11
+8
+3
+6
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 17, Diplomacy 17, Intimidate 17, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 12, Swim 3, Tumble 7
Trick: Never Outnumbered5
---
Withstand


14th
Kensai 6
+12
+9
+4
+7
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 18, Diplomacy 18, Intimidate 18, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 14, Swim 3, Tumble 8

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
---
---


15th
Kensai 7
+13
+9
+4
+7
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 19, Diplomacy 19, Intimidate 19, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 18, Swim 3, Tumble 8

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
Perfect Clarity of Mind and Body
---


16th
Warblade 6
+14
+10
+5
+8
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 20, Diplomacy 20, Intimidate 20, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 18, Swim 3, Tumble 12

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
---
Improved Uncanny Dodge


17th
Kensai 8
+15
+10
+5
+9
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 21, Diplomacy 21, Intimidate 21, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 21, Swim 3, Tumble 12

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
---
Instill


18th
Kensai 9
+15
+11
+6
+9
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 22, Diplomacy 22, Intimidate 22, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 5, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 22, Swim 3, Tumble 14

Trick: Never Outnumbered5
Shield Ward4
---


19th
Kensai 10
+16
+11
+6
+10
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 23, Diplomacy 23, Intimidate 23, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 6, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 23, Swim 3, Tumble 15

Trick: Never Outnumbered3
---
Ki Warlord


20th
Warblade 7
+17
+11
+6
+10
Balance 5, Climb 1, Concentration 24, Diplomacy 24, Intimidate 24, Jump 4, Knowledge (History) 4, Knowledge (Nobility & Royalty) 6, Martial Lore 2, Ride 5, Sense Motive 24, Swim 3, Tumble 18

Trick: Never Outnumbered3
---
Battle Cunning (Damage)


Maneuvers Known / Maneuvers Readied / Stances Known


Level
Maneuvers Known
Maneuvers Readied
Stances Known


1st
3
3
1


2nd
4
3
1


3rd
5
3
1


10th
5
4
2


11th
6
4
2


16th
6
4
2


20th
7
4
2





Level
Maneuvers Known
Initiator Level


1st
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind
Steely Strike
Stone Bones
1


2nd
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind, Sapphire Nightmare Blade
Steely Strike
Stone Bones
2


3rd
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind, Sapphire Nightmare Blade
Disarming Strike, Steely Strike, Wall of Blades
Stone Bones (Disarming Strike)
3


10th
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind, Sapphire Nightmare Blade
Absolute Steel Stance, Disarming Strike, Steely Strike (Iron Heart Surge), Iron Heart Surge, Wall of Blades
7


11th
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind, Sapphire Nightmare Blade
Absolute Steel Stance, Disarming Strike, Iron Heart Surge, Lightning Recovery, Wall of Blades
8


16th
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind, Sapphire Nightmare Blade (Ruby Nightmare Blade), Ruby Nightmare Blade
Absolute Steel Stance, Disarming Strike, Iron Heart Surge, Lightning Recovery, Wall of Blades
11


20th
Stance of Clarity, Moment of Perfect Mind, Ruby Nightmare Blade
Absolute Steel Stance, Disarming Strike, Finishing Move, Iron Heart Surge, Lightning Recovery, Wall of Blades
13




A key component having the Knight flavor without the Knight is the expanded skill use for Intimidate in Tome of Battle: a Duel of Wills can be done before initiative is rolled by selecting a single character within 30 feet. The Duel of Wills takes the place of Challenge during play for the character. The feats Unnerving Calm and Perfect Clarity of Mind and Body emphasize this. The former gives a bonus to the Duel of Wills Intimidate check and lets Ibrin use Concentration for the roll which synergizes well with Kensai in terms of the theme that Ibrin's resolve is at the core of his strength rather than physical might. The latter is a tactical feat with two primary uses in the build. Expert Mind gives a bonus to disarm, feint, and trip on the round after a Duel of Wills; the idea is to disarm the opponent (preferably using Disarming Strike maneuver) and, as an honorable knight should, offer them a chance to surrender. Press the Advantage is more of a simple Intimidate debuff (-2 to attack rolls for a round) Ibrin can use as a free action on the turn following damaging, disarming, or tripping his opponent.

The maneuvers and feats chosen resolve around two aspects: challenging and fighting a single enemy and use Attacks of Opportunity to aid allies. I feel these aspects capture the true flavor of the Knight class from the PHB2.

I've already talked about Duel of Wills; let me draw your attention to maneuvers (the subtle spices as it were). Stance of Clarity emphasizes a one-on-one challenge with its +2 AC vs one target and -2 AC against all others. Disarming Strike enables a more merciful ending to a challenge and the Nightmare Blade maneuvers (Sapphire and eventually Ruby) lets Ibrin move in and begin a challenge with a single devastating attack if the foes is one that won't surrender (undead and demons come to mind). Moment of Perfect Mind almost gurantees that he'll be able to resist dishonorable enchantments that would seek to confuse Ibrin or turn him against those he's sworn to protect. Lightning Recover and Wall of Blades help give Ibrin an edge in a challenge on a turn the dice have gone sour towards him while Iron Heart Surge will help aid against magic that seeks to weaken him during the challenge.

Combat Reflexes, Hindering Opportunist, and Stalwart Defender allow you to use Aid Another twice per turn to give an ally +2 AC against an attack from an opponent you threaten. The taste is similar to the Bulwark of Defense, Vigilant Defender, and Shield Ally features of Knight. Absolute Steel Stances aids in getting around the battlefield to be in position to aid allies when you are not partaking of a challenge.
The delightful sauce on top of the above flavors is the substitution level feature Know Greatest Enemy as a Vigilant Eye of Helm (the god of guardians, in my opinion, works well for a chivalrous knight as a patron deity) which allows Ibrin to identify the most dangerous enemy on the battlefield so he can challenge them. Vigilant Aid reduces the action cost of Aid Another (AC Bonus) to a move action which further emphasises helping to defend your allies. The cost of these features is Detect Evil and Divine Health; I feel the loss helps flavor the paladin levels as more holy knight (Ibrin still has Aura of Courage, Divine Grace, and a small Lay on Hands amount which he uses only to stabilize allies if they go down) rather than a hunter of evil.

I was a bit cautious with the inclusion of Shield Specialization and Shield Ward. The Knight class includes bonuses to using a shield and I have chosen to imitate that flavor with the two feats. If one were looking for a more personalized interpretation of the Knight taste then these two feats could easily be replaced.

In contrast, Kensai was a informed risk, much like using cilantro in anything. The bold Kensai flavor is held in check by a firmly defined oath of service which Ibrin has been aware of and striving to uphold since his adventuring began. Ibrin uses Power Surge only in challenges against worthy foes identified by Know Greatest Enemy or to specifically accomplish a portion of his oath of service (such as a strength boost to jump a chasm to interpose between an ally and danger). The skill bonuses from Ki Projection help him act more like a courtly knight skilled in talking with nobles despite relatively low skill point classes and an above average but not primary Charisma stat.


Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge means that a knight of Ibrin's skill doesn't have to worry about dishonorable rogues attempting to flank him or catch him flat-footed as he seeks to challenge.
Signature Weapon ties Ibrin to the Order of the Black Blades. He does not rely on looting items from ruins or buying items like a common grave-robber or merchant but imbues this ancient weapon with his own resolve.
The Warblade class features help to emphasize the well-rounded, intelligent fighting style of a true knight as compared to the brute strength style of a barbarian or brutish wander-sword.
The skill trick Never Outnumbered lets Ibrin face down a horde of goblins, bandits, and other numerous but less skilled malcontents and end the fight before it even begins by demoralizing them all at once.


1) Tome of Battle: Book of Nine Swords
2) Complete Warrior
3) Champions of Valor
4) Player's Handbook 2
5) Complete Scoundrel

[dysprosium]

Remember kids: do not consume alcohol while pregnant!

Commander Bloodbeard
a Neutral Good Dream Dwarf Spirit Lion Totem Wolf Totem Barbarian 2/Fighter 2/Marshal 2/Legendary Leader 2/Crusader 3/Legendary Tactician 5/Frenzied Berserker 4

Bargol Kelazim was the son of a Druid and a Drunken Master. He was always a bit simple (possibly due to his mother's constant tendency to Drink Like a Demon For Medicinal Purposes) but also tough, strong, and willful. As a young dwarf, he was something of a bully. After his angst-ridden teenage years, he joined the military at the request (more likely at the demand) of local law enforcement in the hopes that he would learn some discipline. And he did. Bargol flourished as a soldier. His natural ability earned him the respect of his officers, and he quickly moved up the ranks, eventually being given a command of his own. There too, he excelled, leading by example and being both feared and respected by his troops. He was heralded as a tactical genius, which is ironic considering that he is and always has been an utter moron.

People believe in him though, and much of his success has simply been due to his uncanny ability to get others to do whatever needs to be done. It also helps that he is a brutal and savage fighter whose innate talent has been honed through years of training. He loves the thrill of battle and always leads from the front. He has come full circle channeling the anger and passion of his youth to become an unstoppable juggernaut on the battlefield. He has adopted the name of Bloodbeard and his mere presence can change the tide of wars.


Base: 16 STR 14 DEX 14 CON 8 INT 8 WIS 16 CHA

After Racial modifiers: 16 STR 12 DEX 16 CON 8 INT 8 WIS 16 CHA

With level increases: 16 STR 12 DEX 16 CON 8 INT 8 WIS 21 CHA

While Raging: 20 STR 12 DEX 20 CON 8 INT 8 WIS 21 CHA

While Frenzied: 22 STR 12 DEX 16 CON 8 INT 8 WIS 21 CHA

While Raging and Frenzied: 26 STR 12 DEX 20 CON 8 INT 8 WIS 21 CHA



Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
Spirit Lion Totem Wolf Totem Barbarian 1
+1
+2
+0
+0
Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +4, Survival +4
Intimidating Rage
Pounce, Illiteracy, Rage 1/day


2nd
Spirit Lion Totem Wolf Totem Barbarian 2
+2
+3
+0
+0
Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +5, Ride +1, Survival +5
Improved Trip
Improved Trip


3rd
Fighter 1
+3
+5
+0
+0
Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +6, Ride +1, Survival +5
Iron Will, Mounted Combat
Bonus Feat


4th
Fighter 2
+4
+6
+0
+0
Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +7, Ride +1, Survival +5
Power Attack
Bonus Feat


5th
Marshal 1
+4
+8
+0
+2
Diplomacy +3, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +7, Ride +1, Survival +5
Skill Focus(Diplomacy)
Skill Focus(Diplomacy), Minor Aura


6th
Marshal 2
+5
+9
+0
+3
Diplomacy +6, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +7, Ride +1, Survival +5
Leadership*
Major Aura +1


7th
Legendary Leader 1
+5
+9
+0
+5
Diplomacy +9, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +7, Ride +1, Survival +5
--
Fearless, Hero's Luck +1, Natural Commander, Legendary Reputation


8th
Legendary Leader 2
+6
+9
+0
+6
Diplomacy +9, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +10, Ride +1, Survival +5
--
Greater Command 1/day, Quick Rally


9th
Crusader 1
+7
+11
+0
+6
Diplomacy +12, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +10, Ride +1, Survival +5
Good Karma
Furious Counterstrike, Steely Resolve 5


10th
Crusader 2
+8
+12
+0
+6
Diplomacy +12, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +13, Ride +1, Survival +5
--
Indomitable Soul


11th
Crusader 3
+9
+12
+1
+7
Diplomacy +14, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +14, Ride +1, Survival +5
--
Zealous Surge


12th
Legendary Tactician 1
+10
+14
+1
+7
Diplomacy +15, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +15, Ride +2 Survival +5
Cleave
Leadership Bonus +1


13th
Legendary Tactician 2
+11
+15
+1
+7
Diplomacy +16, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +16, Ride +3 Survival +5
--
Inspire Courage +2 2/day


14th
Legendary Tactician 3
+12
+15
+2
+8
Diplomacy +17, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +17, Ride +4 Survival +5
--
Direct Troops, Leadership Bonus +2


15th
Legendary Tactician 4
+13
+16
+2
+8
Diplomacy +18, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +18, Ride +5 Survival +5
Destructive Rage
Rally Troops


16th
Legendary Tactician 5
+14
+16
+2
+8
Diplomacy +19, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +19, Ride +6 Survival +5
--
Hard March, Leadership Bonus +3, Inspire Courage +3 3/day


17th
Frenzied Berserker 1
+15
+18
+2
+8
Diplomacy +19, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +20, Ride +6 Survival +5
Diehard
Diehard, Frenzy 1/day


18th
Frenzied Berserker 2
+16
+19
+2
+8
Diplomacy +19, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +21, Ride +6 Survival +5
Survivor's Luck
Supreme Cleave


19th
Frenzied Berserker 3
+17
+19
+3
+9
Diplomacy +19, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +22, Ride +6 Survival +5
--
Frenzy 2/day


20th
Frenzied Berserker 4
+18
+20
+3
+9
Diplomacy +19, Handle Animal +4, Intimidate +22, Ride +6 Survival +5
--
Deathless Frenzy



*I know it's banned. Leadership is a prerequisite for Legendary Leader and Legendary Tactician, and the build uses it for nothing other than qualifying for those classes.

Minor Aura: Force of Will
Major Aura: Motivate Care
Maneuvers: Vanguard Strike, Shield Block, Defensive Rebuke, Divine Surge, Leading the Attack, Tactical Strike
Stances: Martial Spirit, Thicket of Blades

The Knight has a higher BAB by 2.

The Knight also has higher HP (20d12 vs 9d8+5d10+6d12) for an average difference of 23 HP. This is offset by raging, in which case Bloodbeard has an average of 14 HP more than the Knight.

Bloodbeard has more skill points ( (2+int mod)*23 vs ((4+int mod)*17)+((2+int mod)*6) )

The saves are off by quite a bit. The Knight has +6 Fort, +6 Ref, and +12 Will, and Bloodbeard has +20 fort, +3 Ref, and +9 Will. Once you add in all of his modifiers, Bloodbeard actually has +24 Fort, +5 Ref, and +21 Will, and a little bit more when raging.

Fighting Challenge: Inspire Courage, only up to +3 bonus, but applies to all enemies and affects allies as well

Mounted Combat: Picked up as a Fighter bonus feat and then completely ignored, just like the Knight's

Shield Block: Motivate Care gives a +1 bonus to AC that also applies to allies. On the other hand, the penalties from Rage and Frenzy are a serious drawback here.

Bulwark of Defense: Thicket of Blades

Test of Mettle: Greater Command: Approach. Enemies still focus on Bloodbeard, but only move towards him rather than attacking. They also provoke AoOs, unlike with Test of Mettle

Armor Mastery: Gained by virtue of being a Dwarf

Bonus Feats: The Knight gets Mounted Combat and three other bonus feats. Bloodbeard gets Improved Trip, Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Skill Focus(Diplomacy), and Diehard as bonus feats. Of those, only Diehard is on the Knight's bonus feat list, although Bloodbeard does take Iron Will which is also on the list.

Vigilant Defender: Thicket of Blades might do this too, but I am uncertain. This ability is likely missing.

Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: Good Karma, limited by luck rerolls

Call to Battle: Rally Troops also lessons the effect on allies who fail their saves

Daunting Challenge: Intimidating Rage has no CR limit, but only affects a single target

Bond of Loyalty: Zealous Surge and Survivor's Luck both grant rerolls on saving throws. Fearless grants immunity to fear effects

Impetuous Endurance: In the case of rolling a 1, Zealous Surge and Survivor's Luck both grant rerolls on saving throws.

Loyal Beyond Death: Deathless Frenzy

Complete Champion - Spirit Lion Totem Barbarian

Complete Scoundrel - Good Karma, Survivor's Luck

Complete Warrior - Frenzied Berserker, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage

Dragonlance Campaign Setting - Legendary Tactician

Heroes of Battle - Legendary Leader

Miniature's Handbook - Marshal

Player's Handbook - lots of things

Races of Stone - Dream Dwarf

Tome of Battle - Crusader

Unearthed Arcana - Wolf Totem Barbarian

[dysprosium]

At least he was able to take a momento with him.


http://i246.photobucket.com/albums/gg81/dwjeff98/Ironforge.jpg
Thraincaxhe Scaleshield, the Male Draconic Desert Dwarf the Lawful Neutral Dragonfire Adept 5 / Fighter 1 / Binder 4 / Crusader 3 / Knight of the Sacred Seal 4 / Squire of Legend 3


Thraincaxhe came from a small mining village in the middle of the desert which centuries past had been settled by the Gold Dragon Dalharnexus. Under guise of a rich Dwarven explorer the dragon had hired a minor clan, which had been effectively exiled following the collaspe of their previous kingdom, to build and run a mining camp finding all sorts of exotic gemstones in the sand. Through time the encampment became a village of which a large part of the dwarves could claim ancestry of Dhalvarexus which were still protective towards the mining villag, including Thraincaxhe, until the day where it was murdered by a usurping Chromatic dragon who had seen the riches the dwarves dug out the earth and wanted it for itself, enslaving the majority of the dwarves forcing them to work for him.

Thraincaxhe was one of the few Dwarves that managed to get out in time, only managing to get a few scant items and a momento, a tooth from the Dragon which he started experimenting with, at one point by accident summoning a vestige from the distant past, ending up (dis)identifying Dahlvar-Nar as the same entity as Dalharnexus.




Ability
Base
Desert Dwarf
Draconic
Total


Strength
12

+2
14


Dexterity
12
-2

10


Constitution
18
+2
+2
22


Intelligence
10


10


Wisdom
10


10


Charisma
12

+2
14

All stat increases should go to Constitution



Level
Class
Base Attack Bonus
Fort Save
Ref Save
Will Save
Skills
Feats
Class Features


1st
Dragonfire Adept 1
+0
+2
+0
+2
Listen 4, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Spot 4, Use Magic Device 4
Additional Favored Class (Dragonfire Adept), DragontouchedB
Breath Weapon 1d6, Least Invocation (Endure Exposure)


2nd
Dragonfire Adept 2
+1
+3
+0
+3
Listen 5, Knowledge (Arcana) 5, Spot 5, Use Magic Device 5

Breath Effect (Sickening Breath), Scales +2


3rd
Dragonfire Adept 3
+1
+3
+1
+3
Listen 6, Knowledge (Arcana) 6, Spot 6, Use Magic Device 6
Constant Guardian
Breath Weapon 2d6, Least Invocation (Magic Insight), LA Buyoff (-3000xp)


4th
Dragonfire Adept 4
+2
+4
+1
+4
Listen 7, Knowledge (Arcana) 7, Spot 7, Use Magic Device 7

Dragonkin


5th
Dragonfire Adept 5
+2
+4
+1
+4
Listen 8, Knowledgde (History) 1, Spot 8, Use Magic Device 8

Breath Weapon 3d6, Breath Effect (Slow Breath),


6th
Fighter 1
+3
+6
+1
+4
Intimidate 2
Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Kusari-Gama), Dutiful GuardianB
Fighter Bonus Feat


7th
Binder 1
+3
+8
+1
+6
Diplomacy 2

Soul Binding (1 Vestige)


8th
Binder 2
+4
+9
+1
+7
Diplomacy 4

Pact Augmentation, Supress Sign


9th
Crusader 1
+5
+11
+1
+7
Diplomacy 6, Knowledge (History) 3
Weapon Focus (Kusari-Gama)
Furious Counterstrike, Steely Resolve 5


10th
Crusader 2
+6
+12
+1
+7
Diplomacy 10

Indomitable Soul


11th
Binder 3
+7
+12
+2
+7
Diplomacy 12




12th
Knight of the Sacred Seal 1
+8
+14
+2
+7
Diplomacy 14
Combat Reflexes
Patron Vestige (Dahlvar-Nar), Aligned Strike


13th
Knight of the Sacred Seal 2
+9
+15
+2
+7
Diplomacy 16

Vestige's Protection


14th
Knight of the Sacred Seal 3
+10
+15
+3
+8
Diplomacy 17, Intimidate 3

Vestige's Protection Aura


15th
Knight of the Sacred Seal 4
+11
+16
+3
+8
Diplomacy 18, Intimidate 4
Stand Still
Vestige's Power


16th
Crusader 3
+12
+16
+4
+9
Diplomacy 19, Intimidate 7

Zealous Surge


17th
Binder 4
+13
+17
+4
+10
Diplomacy 20, Intimidate 8
Improved BindingB
Bonus Feat


18th
Squire of Legend 1
+13
+17
+4
+10
Listen 11, Spot 11
Entangling Exhalation
Paragon's Path (Dardallion), Least Squire's Burden, Save Bonus +1 (Reflex)


19th
Squire of Legend 2
+14
+17
+4
+10
Listen 14, Spot 14

Lesser Squire's Burden, Lesser Invocation (Voidsense)


20th
Squire of Legend 3
+15
+18
+5
+11
Listen 17, Spot 17

Breath Weapon 4d6, Faithful Companion, Greater Squire's Burden, Save Bonus +2 (Reflex)





Level / Initiator Level
Maneuvers Known
Maneuvers Readied
Stances Known
Learned


9 / 5
5
5(2)
1
Defensive Rebuke, Leading the Attack, Mountain Hammer, Shield Block, White Raven Tactics :: Iron Guard's Glare


10 / 6
5
5(2)
2
Thicket of Blades


16 / 7
6
5(2)
2
Flanking Maneuver




Level 5:

Fairly regular Dragonfire Adept, mainly serves as debuffing with Sickening/Slow Breath, (with DC 10+½CL+Con, so at 5th its DC 18) still working, if at a reduced duration even if the save is succeded. Important thing to note is that only Invocations are somatic so if Endure Exposure is cast as need be before dressing for the day and Magic Insight is mainly used out of combat (eating the chance that you might have to wait a few rounds or some), it doesn't matter at all if you are in heavy armor. Feats chosen are taken either for dodging Multiclassing penalty or as prerequsiste for Dutiful Guardian

Level 10:

Things start to get interesting, grabbing proficiency with Kusari-Gama is one of the few ways to get a onehanded weapon with reach, which means that Thicket of Blades are so much more efficient, and Weapon Focus Kusari-Gama to have a better chance to hit (and as a prerequsiste). Dutiful Defender meshes well with Crusader since you can give your opponent a choice. Attack youself (what you want), attack one of your allies in which case you swap place and take the attack, or attack one of the rest of your allies, in which case you can Shield Block them. Pact Augmentation is probably best used for DR 1/-

Level 15:
Binding underway. right off the bat at 11th, 2nd level vestiges is gained from which point Dahlver-Nar is bound at all times, giving two great abilities to support your continued existence as a tank. first is additional stacking Natural armor (giving a total of +7 Natural Armor without any Con enhancers, 2 from scales, 1 from Draconic, and 4 from half Con Mod) making it much harder for your opponents to hit you, and secondly Shield Self which you use to give opponents within 10ft/BL half the damage you take making it more uncomfortable for them to attack (specially since you can to a certain extent force them to do so via Dutiful Guardian). Furthermore Knight of the Sacred seal is taken 1-4, which gives you a number of swift actions which make it a harder to attack allies (Protection Aura giving my Cha Bonus as Insight AC and Reflex 1/5rd) and gives me a good boost in Vestige's Power giving me some quite handy boosts every so often. Combat Reflexes is taken to give more AoOs (although it needs Dex-enhancers to show) while Stand Still makes it very difficult for enemies to get close to my allies and me with my Kusari-Gama.

Level 20:

Last bits, Crusader 3 is taken for Zealous Surge to support Balam's Cunning (further down) and Flanking Maneuver to help allies beat down opponents faster. Binder 4 is taken which together with the Bonus feat (used for Improved Binding) opens for use of Balam to be used together with Dahlver-Nar (as i'm BL 8 i can have 2 vestiges online at the same time) giving me a free gaze attack and even more defensive abilities with rerolls of saves (or attacks if i want to, which i likely won't), and Prescience which gives me a +2 Insight bonus to AC, Initiative and Reflex saves.

Tailend of build is 3 levels of Squire of Legend giving me the ability to manipulate the flanking rules for one encounter a day, the ability to grant allies a reroll, or letting allies move without provoking AoO's ... the last one is unlikely to be used, but it can be used to grant a reroll, which i then can use twice a day. 2nd and 3rd Level also count as Spellcasting class, of which Dragonfire Adept count as, boosting DCs, Breath weapon damage, and invocation access, giving me Voidsense (Blindsense 30ft, and as my breath don't roll attack it can't miss, so i don't care if they have high miss chance). Lastly i grab Entangling Exhalation, for another breath effect which entangles opponents with no save to resist.


HD d12 (average 126+con given full at 1st): 12d8+5d10+3d12 (Average 95+con given full at 1st), although given the build's dependence on Con over everything else (only Charisma is close, and even then only really for binding vestiges without getting a poor pact), it can be focused at with a much higher degree than usual.

BAB 20: 15, although as my primary attacks are breath debuffing with Sickening/Slow Breath and Entangling Exhalation the BAB doesn't matter all that much
Fort 6: 18
Reflex 6: 7
Will 12: 11

Skill Points 20*(2+int): 9*(2+int)+11*(4+int)+3*(6+int)

Fighting Challenge +4 Attack Bonus: Furious Counterstrike and Weapon Focus both helps a bit, but see note at BAB.

Fighting Challenge +4 Will Save: Indomitable Soul and Vestige's Power helps with will saves.

Mounted Combat: Not Done.

Mount focused Bonus Feats: Not Done.

Shield Block (AC Bonus) +3: Scales with Draconic's addition (its explicitly said to improve your Natural Armor), Dahlver-Nar Natural Armor Bonus (which as an enhancement stacks on top of normal Natural armor) and the +2 Insight AC from Balam 'Prescience' all add up to be quite an effective armor bonus beyond items.

Bulwark of Defense: Thicket of Blades

Armor Mastery (Medium) (Heavy): Dwarf.

Test of Mettle: Dutiful Defender lets me take attacks by swapping places with any single preselected ally (selected via Constant Guardian as a Free action doing your action), while Defensive Rebuke and Shield Block helps making it less likely that other allies in front are attacked.

Vigilant Defender: - Thicket of Blades with Stand Still and Slow Breath/Entangling Exhalation makes it unlikely that opponents are getting within reach of allies hanging back.

Shield Ally (Improved): Dutiful Defender

Call to Battle: Lesser Squire's Burden grants an ally a reroll, usable 2/day.

Daunting Challenge: Sickening Breath gives sickened, which is mechanicly quite similar (adds another -2 to weapon damage rolls over Shaken).

Bond of Loyalty Not exactly emulated - but see below.

Impetuous Endurance Between Balam's Cunning and held as a Zealous Surge as failsafe, I should be able to dodge most inconvenient saves that i would otherwise fail.

Loyal beyond Death Not emulated directly, but Shield Self (Dahlver-Nar) helps negate incoming damage and DR 1/- helps negating a wee bit of damage as well, specially if you're up against death of thousand cuts


Complete Champion: Squire of Legend
Dragon Magic: Dragonfire Adept
Drow of the Underdark: Constant Guardian, Dutiful Guardian
Dungeon Master's Guide: Kusari-Gama
Expanded Psionics Handbook: Stand Still
Races of the Dragon: Draconic Template, Entangling Exhalation
Tome of Battle: Crusader
Tome of Magic: Binder, Improved Binding, Knight of the Sacred Seal
Unearthed Arcana: Desert Dwarf, Additional Favored Class (p101)

[dysprosium]

And there you go. Five entries this round.

Thank you to all of you who entered.

Now it is the judges' turn.

[Thurbane]

Nice entries.

Mine would have been Fighter X/Tactical Soldier X/Cavalier X - some mounted combat feats, and feats to intercept damage to others and draw enemies to himself. Not terribly original, and I tip my hat to the superior entries above. :smallwink:

[Curmudgeon]

I was thinking about Undying Way Monk 7/Paladin 8/Dwarven Defender 5 (with Ascetic Knight, of course), but just couldn't make it work to my satisfaction. Mostly the Paladin and Monk options wouldn't come together nicely without Dragon material. (Power of the Self is a customization-friendly Paladin variant (Dragon # 347, page 91).) There are some decent ACFs and substitution levels in Champions of Valor, but I just couldn't get what I wanted.

[Gwendol]

Yeah, I had a fighter/crusader/dwarven defender in mind.

[relytdan]

I see 5 knights that could say -NI- but only 1 may get the shrubberry...

[MilesTiden]

Huh, nobody went with my idea. Mine was a Dvati Crusader/Purple Dragon Knight, using eachother's mounted reach to threaten and lock down a ridiculously large area, using their extra set of move actions to spam Goad on everyone, and doing some... shenanigans with Immortal Fortitude. (Have one ready an action to enter Immortal Fortitude with the condition that he exits the Immortal Fortitude stance, have the other attack normally. They had Steadfast Determination as well.) Effective immortality at level 20, just like Knight-mama used to make. :smalltongue: I liked the flavor too.

Oh yeah, and Strike of Righteous Vitality as well, just for extreme overkill.

[relytdan]

some interesting builds overall - now where did patsy go with my coconuts..

[Sian]

How is our judges doing with getting through the builds? (and do we even have some?)

[WhamBamSam]

How is our judges doing with getting through the builds? (and do we even have some?)I'm about halfway done (two builds down, partway through the third). I was out of town for much of the weekend, which kept me from making any progress yesterday. Hopefully I'll make some more headway tonight.

[dysprosium]

Still plenty of time but just checking in on our judges.

Seems like increasing the time to three weeks netted more entries so maybe the three weeks can get us some more judgings.

And we can begin asking/begging/requesting/speculating on future ingredients.

[ranagrande]

I nominate the Dragon Ascendant from Draconomicon.

[Sian]

Is that even possible without several cheese dairies?

In length though, I'm nominating Dragon Shaman or Dragonfire Adept.

[WhamBamSam]

Still plenty of time but just checking in on our judges.

Seems like increasing the time to three weeks netted more entries so maybe the three weeks can get us some more judgings.

And we can begin asking/begging/requesting/speculating on future ingredients.I'm about 70% done with judging. I'm something of a slow judge. Good thing we've got these side competitions or I'd pretty much only ever submit entries and never give back. That's still sorta the case, but you get the idea.


Is that even possible without several cheese dairies?

In length though, I'm nominating Dragon Shaman or Dragonfire Adept.The quasi-deity status is impossible without ubercheese almost by definition, but the rest of it might be doable.

I'm going to nominate Spellthief again. I've got two versions of the same build basically lined up for it.

[WhamBamSam]

Judgings! There's plenty of dispute time too, so feel free to question anything I said. I went and left a tie for 1st, but maybe a dispute or another judge will settle it.

Ser Cleg – 12
Innovation – 2.75Fighter is pretty standard fare, and none of your feats are really out of left field, but all three of your PrCs caught me by surprise. You come out pretty well on that front. (+0.5)

I don’t really see you doing anything all that innovative though. I get that you’re emulating a class that’s mostly about no-frills front line fighting, but even so, there’s room to do some interesting stuff and you’ve settled for a pretty bog standard front line fighter when all’s said and done. (-0.75)
There’s not enough for fluff points. (0)

Power – 2 I’d peg you as T5. You don’t really elevate yourself far above a standard straight Fighter, and certainly not an optimized one. (-0.5)

You seem generally worse at your role of front line fighting and tanking/battlefield control than a Knight 20 would be. Hold the Line doesn’t really measure up to Bulwark of Defense to keep enemies locked down and you admit yourself that Goad isn’t as good as Test of Mettle most of the time (it’s better in the corner case where you want to draw an enemy of CR less than your character level -2, or only want to draw a single enemy, but in most CR appropriate fights, it’s less useful both in terms of action economy and effectiveness). Your fear-op is also lackluster. You could argue that Imperious Command and Never Outnumbered are overused, but they’re overused for a reason. If you want to intimidate and awe people, you should either have them or something similarly effective. (-0.5)

Elegance – 4.5 You qualify for everything and avoid questionable rules interpretations. (0)

5/5/5/5 is a clean straightforward progression. The only possible objection I could see is Daidoji Bodyguard is slightly tied to Rokugan while Zhentarim Soldier and Hordebreaker are in Faerun books and have some Faerun fluff. I generally don’t care about these things, and I’m not going to penalize harshly, but it keeps you from getting full marks here. (+0.5)

Emulation – 2.75 Fighting Challenge: Goad is mechanically different from fighting challenge. (0)
Test of Mettle: Goad is less effective, but I’ll consider it a decent emulation. (+0.25)
Call to Battle: Shining Beacon is thematically similar and I suppose it accomplishes more or less the same thing. (+0.25)
Daunting Challenge: Daunting Presence is enough for points, but you could’ve done better (both mechanically and in terms of emulation) by sticking with Zhentarim Fighter to 9th or 10th level and taking Imperious Command instead. (+0.25)
Bond of Loyalty: Nope. (0)
Loyalty Beyond Death: Minor nitpick. Diehard and Tough to Kill are redundant. There’s no advantage to having both. Still either one will emulate the ability reasonably well. (+0.25)
Shield Block: You make an effort to get a bunch of little AC bonuses. (+0.25)
Armor Mastery: Nope. (0)
Bonus Feats, including Mounted Combat: You get a bunch of feats off the list, and get a number of bonus feats, some of which overlap, but without any of the better options on the bonus feat list, like Spirited Charge, I can’t really say you go above and beyond. (+0.25)
Bulwark of Defense: Hold the Line sorta, but not really. I don’t feel right giving points here. (0)
Vigilant Defender: There’s some similarity with Hold the Line thematically, but not mechanically. (0)
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: Defensive Stance is sorta close, I guess. (+0.25)
Impetuous Endurance: Endurance is similar in name only. (0)


Gantsetseg – 17.25
Innovation – 3.5 Fighter and its cousin Martial Rogue are standard fare for feat heavy builds, and Crusader/Thicket of Blades was the absolute first thought I had for this SI. Battle Maiden and Devoted Defender occasionally come up in optimization talk and are rather knightly, but weren’t things I expected. Singh Rager was a surprise. I’ll call it a wash. (0)

You use a lot of optimization staples, but I for one think that getting the Pride Domain from Catalogues of Enlightenment for your Impetuous Endurance emulation was rather clever, even if the feat itself is pretty well known, and the Ki Shout stuff is neat. I’ll say that you come out a bit ahead here. (+0.25)

Fluff was short and a little arch but well written. I’ll give you your quarter point for fluff. (+0.25)

Power – 4.75 You look like you’ve got enough lockdown, damage output, and various other tricks to get to somewhere in high T4/low T3 area. (+0.5)

Thicket of Blades+Stand Still+Combat Reflexes is well known for its potency in lock-down builds, as is Spirited Charge for hitting really hard, and you’ve got some defenses and tricks that stack up pretty well against their knightly counterparts in terms of accomplishing the same jobs. Not quite perfect, but close. (+1.25)

Elegance – 4.25 You don’t qualify for Remain Conscious without Endurance, and therefore don’t get the benefit, even if you get it as a bonus feat. Diehard would also have this problem even if you argued that a 3.5 update would replace one with the other. It’s not actually an illegal element in your build, so you won’t receive an Elegance penalty, but you won’t get credit for it elsewhere either. (0)

You have a few dips and bounce around a little bit, but most of that is initiator level juggling and you avoid multiclass penalties. I don’t see a DM finding anything too objectionable. (+0.25)

Emulation – 4.75 Fighting Challenge: Alright, I’ll give you standard credit for the various similar bonuses you’ve got floating around. (+0.25)
Test of Mettle: I’m more inclined to file the stuff you have cited to emulate this under shield ally. (0)
Call to Battle: Nope. (0)
Daunting Challenge: I really liked the Ki Shout stuff. You get the uses up and action down to comparable levels. Full marks. (+0.5)
Bond of Loyalty: I guess I’ll accept save boosting in place of rerolling. (+0.25)
Loyalty Beyond Death: Sadly, you don’t qualify to gain the benefit of Remain Conscious. Defensive Riding on its own isn’t quite enough. (0)
Shield Block: Good enough for me. (+0.25)
Armor Mastery: While you’re right that it doesn’t matter much for mounted characters (I sorta wonder what the purpose of this ability is on a class that pushes you so hard towards the Spirited Charge line). (0)
Bonus Feats, including Mounted Combat: You get a number of bonus feats and a number off the knight’s list, and in many cases you get both at once. You make it to the end of a feat tree available through knight bonus feats which also happens to be one of the best feats on the list. (+0.5)
Bulwark of Defense: The old Thicket of Blades+Combat Reflexes+Stand Still standby is good enough for me in terms of making your threatened area harder to pass through. (+0.5)
Vigilant Defender: Yep, Thicket of Blades is the big bad older brother that keeps Vigilant Defender safe on the playground. (+0.5)
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: You have to specify one ally per combat for Harm’s Way, but it’s still just about as spot on as one could hope for, and the ability to turn on Iron Guard’s Glare helps as well. (+0.5)
Impetuous Endurance: I really like the use of Catalogues of Enlightenment here. (+0.5)


Sir Ibrin Oakfield – 16
Innovation – 4.5 I expected Crusader rather than Warblade, and despite the overlap of flavor, didn’t see Paladin coming. Kensai was unexpected as well. I did expect Never Outnumbered and the Diamond Mind save replacers for the emulation of various things, but those are minor by comparison. You do quite well here. (+0.75)

Duel of Wills optimization and some shield combat shenanigans that are rarely ever used with an obscure Paladin ACF spicing them up. Not mind-blowing, but color me intrigued. (+0.5)

You make a point of trying to make everything fluff nicely and wrote out your little Kensai code for the character to live his life by. Good enough for fluff points in ZS. (+0.25)

Power – 3.25 As suboptimal as sword and board is, maneuvers keep you afloat in at least the high T4 range. (+0.5)

You’ve got a number of decent defensive options, and some of your maneuvers help out, but I’m still a bit worried about your damage output (just finding a way to fit Insightful Strike or its Greater version would’ve helped a lot) and your ability to protect your allies. It’s refreshing to see something other than the usual lockdown trippers, but they come up in every “tank” thread for a reason. They work. I respect what you’re trying to do with this build, but I don’t think you’ve been entirely successful. I’ve got to give you a small ding. (-0.25)

Elegance – 4.75 You qualify for everything and don’t have any questionable rules interpretations. (0)

A Warblade base with just a splash of Paladin and a thematic PrC taken to completion. You bounce in and out of Warblade, but with the way initiator level works, that’s just the way these things are done. Any reasonable DM should be perfectly fine with this at the table from an elegance standpoint. (+0.75)

Emulation – 3.5 Fighting Challenge: You’ve got some save bonuses which are sort of similar, and a sort of nifty little thing to distinguish (if not call out) the highest CR enemy in rare situations where it isn’t clear. I’m torn on whether that should be enough here, but eh, C’s get degrees. (+0.25)
Test of Mettle: Nope. (0)
Call to Battle: I’ve said that save boosting is enough for credit, so Aura of Courage works. (+0.25)
Daunting Challenge: The Duel of Wills stuff and a boosted intimidate check with Never Outnumbered do very well, even in absence of Imperious Command. (+0.5)
Bond of Loyalty: I said save boosting is good enough, so I’ll give credit for Divine Grace. (+0.25)
Loyalty Beyond Death: Nope. (0)
Shield Block: Shield Specialization, Shield Ward, and Stance of Clarity are pretty spot on. (+0.5)
Armor Mastery: Nope. (0)
Bonus Feats, including Mounted Combat: Nope. (0)
Bulwark of Defense: You have some nice things to do when enemies are in your threatened area, but you don’t really lock the area down like Bulwark of Defense does. (0)
Vigilant Defender: See Above. (0)
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: This however, you do and do well. (+0.5)
Impetuous Endurance: You only cover one save with Moment of the Perfect Mind, but it’s still good enough for some credit. I thought we’d see more Diamond Mind save replacers to avoid failing saves on a natural 1. (+0.25)


Commander Bloodbeard – 15
Innovation – 2.5 Wolf Tripper Pouncebarian is a staple of melee optimization, Crusader was an obvious choice this round, and I thought we’d see more dwarves for Armor Mastery emulation. Marshal was a bit of a surprise and Legendary Leader/Tactician were obviously unexpected. I’m not sure what to think about Frenzied Berserker here. We’ll call it a wash on the whole. (0)

You use a lot of conventional melee lockdown optimization bookended with well known “Hulk Smash” fare. There is some stuff here that doesn’t crop up in regular optimization discussion or these contests, but that’s mostly because it all requires Leadership. I gotta ding you here. (-0.5)

Something about fetal alcohol syndrome as backstory doesn’t quite sit right with me. I’m not offended or anything, but you aren’t getting fluff points for it either. (0)

Power – 4.25 Even ignoring the benefits of the Leadership feat beyond qualification, you do the things that mid-op to high-op melee builds do and stay well within the general tier range I’m looking for. (+0.5)

I’d have sorta liked to see Never Outnumbered alongside Intimidating Rage. I guess you could argue that the language of Intimidating Rage’s restriction to demoralizing only one foe makes it a little unclear whether that works, but you abandoned the safe route when you took Leadership. Still, you’re quite good at intimidating, and even better at smashing things and lockdown tripping, though not having Combat Reflexes really hurts the latter. Having some team boosting stuff to compensate for your allies needing to carry around marbles and occasionally fear for their lives is also nice of you. I see a few other places where you could sharpen the axe a little more, but it’s going to take off almost every head you need it to as is. (+0.75)

Elegance – 3.25 Ignoring the Leadership ban, you qualify for everything and avoid questionable rules interpretations. (0)

However, because so much of your build relies on a banned feat (even if you aren’t making use of the power that makes it banworthy), I have to give a minimum score for overall progression. (note that this is only half the Elegance penalty you’d have gotten if I’d treated Leadership, Legendary Tactician, and Legendary Leader as things you don’t qualify for). (-0.75)

Emulation – 5 Fighting Challenge: Inspire Courage and a few other floating bonuses are good enough for credit. (+0.25)
Test of Mettle: Greater Command is more potent, but you’ve only got 1/day. You get credit, but it isn’t quite “above and beyond.” (+0.25)
Call to Battle: Rally Troops is pretty on the nose if I do say so. (+0.5)
Daunting Challenge: Intimidating Rage and standard demoralization only catch individual targets, but they’re still enough for some credit. (+0.25)
Bond of Loyalty: An emulation with actual rerolls. Full marks. (+0.5)
Loyalty Beyond Death: Deathless Frenzy is an essentially perfect emulation. Well done. (+0.5)
Shield Block: As you say, the penalties you incur to AC outweigh the minor bonus. There had to be some place where you didn’t get credit, though I suspect it won’t actually matter. (0)
Armor Mastery: Dwarf. (+0.5)
Bonus Feats, including Mounted Combat: You pick up a few things off the Knight’s list, and some even as bonus feats, though you don’t really do much with them or reach the end of any feat trees. (+0.25)
Bulwark of Defense: Thicket of Blades trip lockdown serves basically the same function, though the lack of Combat Reflexes holds you back a bit. (+0.25)
Vigilant Defender: I’m in the camp that says Thicket of Blades does work against Tumble, though again, Combat Reflexes would’ve made this better. (+0.25)
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: Good Karma is actually pretty clever for this, though the limited uses/day hamper it a bit. As an unrelated aside, I wonder if you can use that to hurt yourself in your confusion and spare your allies in the event of Frenzy going wrong. (+0.25)
Impetuous Endurance: Pretty much (+0.25)

Judge’s AsideIf the chairman has any issue with the way I dealt with the Leadership ban, please voice any concerns to me and I’ll happily reexamine the scores I’ve given.

Thraincaxhe Scaleshield – 17
Innovation – 5 Okay, Crusader was expected, you’ve got a Fighter dip, and I expected more dwarves, but everything else came as a complete surprise. Enough to overcome the things that were anticipated, I think. Full marks. (1)

Dahlver-Nar combined with Dutiful Guardian and AoO and breath weapon crowd control is a weird little tanking cocktail, the like of which I’ve not seen before. You had my curiosity, now you have my attention. (1)

There’s not much to the fluff, and it’s a little difficult to read due to sloppy writing, but you don’t really need fluff points do you? (0)
Power – 3.25 There are a few missteps, and due to its complexity the build has some slight growing pains in the mid-levels, but I don’t think you do anything to drop yourself out of high T4. (+0.5)

You lack the Dex to make proper use of Combat Reflexes unless you add in items or bind Paimon, so your AoO lockdown isn’t as good as it could be. You also delay the most important DFA feat there is until the very end, which isn’t good. The Dahlver-Nar+Dutiful Guardian combo is pretty nice, but I think that you need to get a little bit more optimization oomph behind your ideas. (-0.25)

Elegance – 3.75 Apart from potential issues with Additional Favored Class (see below), you qualify for everything. (0)

I’m not sure how to deal with Additional Favored Class. It’s presented in Unearthed Arcana as a variant rule, though it’s not really part of a system that creates a different playing field in the same way that, say, Skill Knowledge is. I’m going to treat it as a slightly questionable rules interpretation and ding you a quarter point. So less than you would have taken for not qualifying for a feat or incurring multiclass penalties from 6th level onward. (-0.25)

For our purposes, let’s say multiclass penalties are avoided. Your progression does get a little messy in the middle range, but a reasonable DM should be cool with what you’re doing. (0)

Emulation – 5 Fighting Challenge: Even with your unfortunate BAB, I’d say the bonuses you have floating around here are enough to get you the same credit as everyone else. (+0.25)
Test of Mettle: Most of the stuff you cite is more akin to Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally. (0)
Call to Battle: Lesser Squire’s Burden is pretty spot on. (+0.5)
Daunting Challenge: I’m torn on sickened, but you made the case for it well. I’ll let you scrape credit there. (+0.25)
Bond of Loyalty: I actually think your rerolls do a great job here. (+0.5)
Loyalty Beyond Death: Not really. (0)
Shield Block: You manage to toss a lot of extra little bonuses onto your AC. (+0.25)
Armor Mastery: Dwarf. (+0.5)
Bonus Feats, including Mounted Combat: Nope. (0)
Bulwark of Defense: Thicket of Blades+Stand Still+Combat Reflexes, which you should have the Dex for with items. (+0.5)
Vigilant Defender: Thicket of Blades+Stand Still+Combat Reflexes. (+0.5)
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: Emulated in style. (+0.5)
Impetuous Endurance: Your save rerolls basically accomplish this. (+0.25)

[Sian]

Thanks for Judging ...

Seems like a rather tight race, with only Ser Cleg out of running.

Is there another judge in the house?

Second glance... Math issue on Gantsetseg's Emulation ... total says 4.25, but adding it up i get 4.75

[WhamBamSam]

You're right. That means there wasn't a tie after all. I'll edit the judging post accordingly.

[dysprosium]

Thank you for judging WhamBamSam! My inbox tells me there are disputes.




You have a few dips and bounce around a little bit, but avoid multiclass penalties. I don’t see a DM finding anything too objectionable. (0)

Other than Jumping a bit around with Crusader (which you yourself mentioned in another judging is par the course for Initiators) I'm not really bouncing much at all, rather taking classes one at a time (except for sneaking in Fighter early on in my rogue career).

---


You don’t qualify for Remain Conscious without Endurance, and therefore don’t get the benefit, even if you get it as a bonus feat. Diehard would also have this problem even if you argued that a 3.5 update would replace one with the other. It’s not actually an illegal element in your build, so you won’t receive an Elegance penalty, but you won’t get credit for it elsewhere either.
[...]
Loyalty Beyond Death: Sadly, you don’t qualify to gain the benefit of Remain Conscious. Defensive Riding on its own isn’t quite enough. (0)


Exactly because I get it as a bonus feat, I wouldn't need to have Endurance, hence should be able to use it. Otherwise you're basicly ruling that unless the text explicitly states that you don't need previous feats bonus feats don't work, which would negate many bonus feats across the books.

---



Test of Mettle: I’m more inclined to file the stuff you have cited to emulate this under shield ally. (0)
[...]
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: You have to specify one ally per combat for Harm’s Way, but it’s still just about as spot on as one could hope for, and the ability to turn on Iron Guard’s Glare helps as well. (+0.5)

Bit uncertain on this view as Test of Mettle basicly is a flashing 'attack me' sign, so IMHO Iron Guards Glare should fit better under that notation than under Shield Ally.

---



You lack the Dex to make proper use of Combat Reflexes unless you add in items or bind Paimon, so your AoO lockdown isn’t as good as it could be.
[...]
Bulwark of Defense: You’d get full marks if you had the Dex to fuel Combat Reflexes. As is, you get partial credit. (+0.25)
[...]
Vigilant Defender: Thicket of Blades+Stand Still, but again, just one AoO. (+0.25)

I'd say that by the time it becomes relevant, you should be able to scounge up a few dex bonuses from items. So while yes, naked it lacks some dex, but in practical play it shouldn't, specially since Dex items would be fairly high on the shopping list (just behind Con which aims for 'stupidly high'). I would only need a +4 by level 12 and a +6 at level 16, as those are the earliest points that i could get respectively 2 and 3 AoOs (as its tied to BAB)


You also delay the most important DFA feat there is until the very end, which isn’t good.

Highly unfortunate i give you, but i just couldn't get the feats to mix the way i wanted to, and was somewhat uncertain how Entangling Exhalation would work together with my 'debuff' breaths if at all. Could certainly make a case that RAW being that you can't put EE on my Debuff Breaths which is my primary form of attack. (or at least, such a argument would be to strong in my mind to just ignore it in the build and move on hoping that out-of-sight out-of-mind) But as it are hardly the basis of my build, more of a cherry on the top, well...


I’m not sure how to deal with Additional Favored Class. It’s presented in Unearthed Arcana as a variant rule, though it’s not really part of a system that creates a different playing field in the same way that, say, Skill Knowledge is. I’m going to treat it as a slightly questionable rules interpretation and ding you a quarter point. So less than you would have taken for not qualifying for a feat or incurring multiclass penalties from 6th level onward. (-0.25)

Counterpoint would be that i pay up a feat tax instead of muddleing my build even more. And with later classes (post-PHB) being utterly unrepesented as Favored classes (Beguiler for Jaebrin is the only one i can remember off my hat). Sure its a Variant rule but its from the weak end of such, and probably wouldn't raise a eyebrow at any table.



Test of Mettle: Most of the stuff you cite is more akin to Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally. (0)

Point of Test of Mettle is to make people attack you, while (Improved) Shield Ally, takes the attack which is what Dutiful Guardian does (slight aside, kept mixing up Guardian and Defender which appearently snuck in my comparison there), both Defensive Rebuke and Shield block is more of saying to your opponent that its better to attack you than your allies, might not be enough for full marks but between those and simply making the opponents unable to do much with slow/sickening on them...

[WhamBamSam]

Even though I gave some points back I feel like I may have come off a bit abrasive in places. Rest assured, it isn't personal. I really liked both these builds.

@Gantsetseg:

Other than Jumping a bit around with Crusader (which you yourself mentioned in another judging is par the course for Initiators) I'm not really bouncing much at all, rather taking classes one at a time (except for sneaking in Fighter early on in my rogue career).Fair point. I judged inconsistently there, and I really try not to be that guy that harps on you for dipping given my own optimization tendencies. The Fighter and Devoted Defender dips still feel a little off, but I'll give you a quarter point. +0.25 to Elegance


Exactly because I get it as a bonus feat, I wouldn't need to have Endurance, hence should be able to use it. Otherwise you're basicly ruling that unless the text explicitly states that you don't need previous feats bonus feats don't work, which would negate many bonus feats across the books.Unless the class says something about getting the feat even if you do not meet the prerequisites (like Monk Bonus Feats or Ranger Combat Styles do), you still need to meet them in order to gain the benefit. Not to do too much of an appeal to authority thing, but if you ask in the Simple Q&A thread, Curmudgeon will actually give you a stricter ruling, claiming that even Monks and the like don't gain anything from their bonus feats apart from help qualifying for things unless they meet the prerequisites. Score Stands


Test of Mettle: I’m more inclined to file the stuff you have cited to emulate this under shield ally. (0)
[...]
Shield Ally/Improved Shield Ally: You have to specify one ally per combat for Harm’s Way, but it’s still just about as spot on as one could hope for, and the ability to turn on Iron Guard’s Glare helps as well. (+0.5)The way I see it, Test of Mettle is the big flashing "Attack Me" sign, and Shield Ally is what you do when they don't heed that sign. Harm's Way feels more like the latter to me. Defensive Rebuke and Iron Guard's Glare are more of a grey area, because they inform the enemy of the risks of attacking people who aren't you, but I still stand by my decision. Score Stands

@Thrainchaxe:

I'd say that by the time it becomes relevant, you should be able to scounge up a few dex bonuses from items. So while yes, naked it lacks some dex, but in practical play it shouldn't, specially since Dex items would be fairly high on the shopping list (just behind Con which aims for 'stupidly high'). I would only need a +4 by level 12 and a +6 at level 16, as those are the earliest points that i could get respectively 2 and 3 AoOs (as its tied to BAB)That's fair, I suppose, and it's not an unreasonable item to expect. I'm leaving your power score be, because I'm sticking to quarter point increments and with the item requirement it doesn't feel like enough to justify a boost, but I'll give you the same full credit I gave to the other Thicket of Blades+Combat Reflexes+Stand Still builds in those Emulation subcategories. +0.5 to Emulation


Highly unfortunate i give you, but i just couldn't get the feats to mix the way i wanted to, and was somewhat uncertain how Entangling Exhalation would work together with my 'debuff' breaths if at all. Could certainly make a case that RAW being that you can't put EE on my Debuff Breaths which is my primary form of attack. (or at least, such a argument would be to strong in my mind to just ignore it in the build and move on hoping that out-of-sight out-of-mind) But as it are hardly the basis of my build, more of a cherry on the top, well...You're right. Debuff Breath attacks can't be combined with Entangling Exhalation (at least not effectively), since it entangles creatures that take damage. It does seem that lower levels are the ones where you really want Entangling Exhalation, since you don't really have the whole cocktail of AoO/tanking lockdown that gives Sickening the leg up. I see where you're coming from, but I feel this exacerbates the growing pain concerns that I have with this build. Score Stands


Counterpoint would be that i pay up a feat tax instead of muddleing my build even more. And with later classes (post-PHB) being utterly unrepesented as Favored classes (Beguiler for Jaebrin is the only one i can remember off my hat). Sure its a Variant rule but its from the weak end of such, and probably wouldn't raise a eyebrow at any table.I agree. Multiclass penalties are a terrible, terrible rule, and should be ignored at any reasonable table, but they are a rule and for the purposes of these contests are generally going to be treated as if there's some small chance they might be enforced. Score Stands


Point of Test of Mettle is to make people attack you, while (Improved) Shield Ally, takes the attack which is what Dutiful Guardian does (slight aside, kept mixing up Guardian and Defender which appearently snuck in my comparison there), both Defensive Rebuke and Shield block is more of saying to your opponent that its better to attack you than your allies, might not be enough for full marks but between those and simply making the opponents unable to do much with slow/sickening on them...Most of what I said in my response to Gantsetseg. The things you do don't really force attacks on you so much as interfere with attacks on your allies. You might say that's a small distinction, but I'm sticking to it. It doesn't really matter for Thrainchaxe at this point anyway, as you have a 5 in Emulation after the Combat Reflexes dispute. Score Stands

[cesius]

Dragonfire Adept, just because I want to see what others come up with (no ideas at the moment myself).

[Sian]

... do we actually have any other known judges working on judging?

[dysprosium]

I believe WhamBamSam was the only one who had said that he would judge.

So I'm having an open call for anyone else who wishes to judge to step forward.

[Sian]

Dragonfire Adept, just because I want to see what others come up with (no ideas at the moment myself).

actually got inspired by that comment and just sat down hashing out two different ways to get something quite similar to Dragonfire Adept ... and i think i could come up with a 3rd one if i had to

[Sian]

*watches Tumbleweeds passing by, to the sound of crickets*

[dysprosium]

Well considering that no one has said in thread or via PM that more judging was coming, I'm going to call this one early. No real sense in waiting the weekend.

That being said here are your standings.


Entry
Saucier
Score
Place


Gantsetseg 'the Steel Maiden' of Clan Tsoros
Sian
17.25
1st


Thraincaxhe Scaleshield
Sian
17
2nd


Sir Ibrin Oakfield
cesius
16
3rd


Commander Bloodbeard
ranagrande
15
4th


Ser Cleg
relytdan
12
5th



So congratulations to Sian with a one two punch gauntlet strike!

Thank you to WhamBamSam for judging this one!

This round hopefully breathed some new life into our little contest on life support.

A new round will be up soon.

[Sian]

actually quite surprised that both of my characters got that high of a score ... considered it highly likely that those liking one wouldn't be fond of the other, since they are so different from each other.

WhamBam ... the reason you felt that Thraincaxhe was sloppily writen was because i got the idea 2(?) days before deadline, so I just threw paint on the Canvas with an 'excuse-me fluffy bit' and hoped that the unique twist was liked.

[WhamBamSam]

actually quite surprised that both of my characters got that high of a score ... considered it highly likely that those liking one wouldn't be fond of the other, since they are so different from each other.

WhamBam ... the reason you felt that Thraincaxhe was sloppily writen was because i got the idea 2(?) days before deadline, so I just threw paint on the Canvas with an 'excuse-me fluffy bit' and hoped that the unique twist was liked.I liked them both for different reasons. I thought that Gansetseg was a solid build in terms of doing knightly things in a knightly way, while Thraincaxhe was a really out of the box way of accomplishing the same knightly things.

I've been there too. I barely got a few sentences of fluff down for The Spirit of the Marshes back in JWIII. Anyway, I try to make it possible to get to a 5 in Originality without the fluff points, and Thraincaxhe caught me sufficiently by surprise to do just that.

[Sian]

interesting fact ... Gantsetseg (which mix-matching on behindthename.com led me to understand was Mongolian for Steel Flower) was heavily inspired fluff-wise by Khutulun (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khutulun) and the tribe and clan names used in the fluff are all archaic versions of RL Tribes and subtribes