Flame of Anor
2015-09-18, 11:29 PM
This is not my work; it's a duplicate of this (http://community.wizards.com/forum/previous-editions-character-optimization/threads/1151211) thread. Since the Wizards forums will be disappearing soon (bad form!) I wanted to preserve a few of these threads. Feel free to continue discussing the thread's topic.
(posted December 17, 2007)
The Aptitude Weapon Enhancement is a +1 Enhancement that can be found on pg. 148, of Tome of Battle that allows you to apply feats that reference a specific weapon to the Aptitude weapon.
If you have those feats for the weapons you are using, you get a small bonus to attack and damage.
Unlike the Warblade ability Weapon Aptitude, this weapon enhancement changes the weapon to match the feats, not the feats to match the weapon. Thus feats where you don't pick the weapon to focus on, such as weapon styles, can be used.
It also references type of weapon, which may mean that this can be applied to feats that reference categories of weapons, such as bows. However the listed example feats suggest otherwise.
Since some spells are a type of weapon (rays), it may be possible to apply feats that effect rays to aptitude weapons.
Since shields can be used as weapons, some feats that reference shields may be useful with aptitude weapons.
Feats and Combos
Possible Uses:
Axespike: RoS Make a full Attack with an Aptitude Weapon, and use armor spikes like a natural secondary weapon at half str.
Boomerang Daze: here (https://web.archive.org/web/20090604135004/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20050408b&page=6) Throw bigger weapons, increase daze dc.
Boomerang Richochet: ECS hit two people, and with the above, daze both of them.
Eagles Claw: SS Get an extra attack that stacks with TWF requires an exotic weapon proficiency
Improved Weapon Familiarity: if your race has racial weapons, slightly better then EWP:Any only because your more likely to get the small bonuses.
Lightning Mace: CW while TWF use a weapon with a larger crit range then a mace.
Hand Crossbow Focus: DotUD Reload any Crossbow (or other weapon that needs to be reloaded) as a free Action, and get a Weapon focus to boot.
High Sword, Low Axe: CW Wording may require you to use two different weapons. Second Weapon focus wasted.
Shield Charge: CW Make a trip attack on a charge with no Aow or return trip. But requires Improved Shield Bash.
Spell Razor: RoS cast and attack with both a melee touch attack spell and an aptitude weapon. Would be good for a gish if it didn't require both Combat Casting and an exotic weapon proficency.
Spinning Halberd: Make a full attack with an aptitude weapon, get +1 dodge AC, and an additional attack at -5 that deals 1d6 + .5 str blugeoning. Combos nicely with a chain fighting build, Combat Rhythm or any number of things, possibly the only wasted feat is TWF which can still be useful.
Stunning Fist: PHB use any aptitude weapons, even ranged weapons, to stun.
The following are unarmed strike or stunning fist related:
Eagle Claw Attack: OA
Earth Fist: RoS
Falling Star Strike: OA
Fist of Iron: CW
Freezing the Life Blood: CW
Pharoh's Fist: SS
Round About Kick: CW Would stack with Lightning Mace
Toothed Blow: SW
Unbalancing Strike: OA
Sugliin Mastery: FB can attack with an aptitude weapon as a standard action or make a full attack as a full round action. Requires a EWP. maybe for aptitude Ballista?
Three Mountains Style: A useful power, works with AoW, but Cleave sucks, and Improved Bullrush may or may not be useful.
Versatile Combatant: DoTUD Can TWF and any aptitude weapons with ranged attacks can avoid provoking attacks of opportunity.
Builds
Note currently these aren't legal builds, as Xeraph's has bab issues for the DoD reqs, and littlefreak's doesn't meet the requirements for lightning mace.
Human
Warblade 11/ Kensai 1/ Disciple of Dispater 8
1 - Warblade 1 Combat Expertise, Power Attack
2 - Warblade 2
3 - Warblade 3 Weapon Focus (Kukri)
4 - Warblade 4
5 - Warblade 5 Combat Reflexes
6 - Kensai 1 Disciple of Darkness
7 - Disciple of Dispater 1
8 - Disciple of Dispater 2
9 - Disciple of Dispater 3 Two-weapon Fighting
10 - Disciple of Dispater 4
11 - Disciple of Dispater 5
12 - Disciple of Dispater 6 Lightning Mace
13 - Disciple of Dispater 7
14 - Disciple of Dispater 8
15 - Bloodclaw Master 1 Improved Two-weapon Fighting
16 - Bloodclaw Master 2
17 - Bloodclaw Master 3
18 - Bloodclaw Master 4 Greater Two-weapon Fighting
19 - Bloodclaw Master 5
20 - Kensai 2
Human
1/Lion Pounce Barbarian (Complete Champion) - Power Attack, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Kukri) (Flaw) Whirlwing Frenzy Variant
2/Fighter - Two-Weapon Fighting
3/Fighter - Disciple of Darkness, Combat Expertise
4/Warblade
5/Warblade
6/Warblade - Ligthning Mace
7/Disciple of Dispater
8/Disciple of Dispater
9/Disciple of Dispater - Improved Critical
10/Disciple of Dispater
11/Disciple of Dispater
12/Disciple of Dispater - Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
13/Disciple of Dispater
14/Disciple of Dispater
15/Bloodclaw Master - Greater Two-Weapon Fighting
16/Bloodclaw Master
17/Bloodclaw Master
18/Bloodclaw Master - Free (Maybe Extra Rage)
19/Bloodclaw Master
20/Warblade
Maybe you dont need that many attacks, you can switch Improved and Greater TWF for Improved Bull rush and Shock Trooper for making a hell of a charge after all its just 2 extra attacks, if you are looking at a threat range of 9-20 with the Aptitude Kukris you dont have to worry that much.
Because it amuses me, the Ballista Joe
This build takes advantage of the fact that heavy ballistas are treated as normal weapons, with a normal attack role, and are aimed at creatures. They do 5d8.
Thus, an Aptitude Heavy Ballista, with a person that has hand crossbow focus and Sulgiin Mastery can use a full action attack as a full round action, doing massive damage with each attack.
It also amuses me to think of shooting ballista bolt after ballista bolt like a mad tank gunner. I figure a few tenser's floating disks should work for transport.
I had extra feats, so I worked in Lightning Mace cheese.
Books:Heros of Battle, Frostburn, Drow of the Underdark, PHBII, Complete Warrior, PHB, Tome of Battle, Complete Mage
Weapon, Aptitude +1Ballista
Human
Fighter 1: EWP: Sugliin, Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus: Light Mace
Rogue 2
Fighter 3:Hand Crossbow Focus, Combat Reflexes
Fighter 4
Fighter 5:Two Weapon Fighting
Fighter 6: Sugliin Mastery
Fighter 7: Combat Casting
Wizard 8 Scribe Scroll, Abrupt Jaunt Variant
Abjurant Champion 9 Lightning Mace
Abjurant Champion 10
Abjurant Champion 11
Abjurant Champion 12: Penetrating Shot
Abjurant Champion 13
Warblade 14
Jade Phoenix Mage 15: Smiting Spell
Jade Phoenix Mage 16
Jade Phoenix Mage 17
Jade Phoenix Mage 18: Improved Critical
Jade Phoenix Mage 19
Jade Phoenix Mage 20
You might also do this with a swiftblade build.
(posted December 17, 2007)
The Aptitude Weapon Enhancement is a +1 Enhancement that can be found on pg. 148, of Tome of Battle that allows you to apply feats that reference a specific weapon to the Aptitude weapon.
If you have those feats for the weapons you are using, you get a small bonus to attack and damage.
Unlike the Warblade ability Weapon Aptitude, this weapon enhancement changes the weapon to match the feats, not the feats to match the weapon. Thus feats where you don't pick the weapon to focus on, such as weapon styles, can be used.
It also references type of weapon, which may mean that this can be applied to feats that reference categories of weapons, such as bows. However the listed example feats suggest otherwise.
Since some spells are a type of weapon (rays), it may be possible to apply feats that effect rays to aptitude weapons.
Since shields can be used as weapons, some feats that reference shields may be useful with aptitude weapons.
Feats and Combos
Possible Uses:
Axespike: RoS Make a full Attack with an Aptitude Weapon, and use armor spikes like a natural secondary weapon at half str.
Boomerang Daze: here (https://web.archive.org/web/20090604135004/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20050408b&page=6) Throw bigger weapons, increase daze dc.
Boomerang Richochet: ECS hit two people, and with the above, daze both of them.
Eagles Claw: SS Get an extra attack that stacks with TWF requires an exotic weapon proficiency
Improved Weapon Familiarity: if your race has racial weapons, slightly better then EWP:Any only because your more likely to get the small bonuses.
Lightning Mace: CW while TWF use a weapon with a larger crit range then a mace.
Hand Crossbow Focus: DotUD Reload any Crossbow (or other weapon that needs to be reloaded) as a free Action, and get a Weapon focus to boot.
High Sword, Low Axe: CW Wording may require you to use two different weapons. Second Weapon focus wasted.
Shield Charge: CW Make a trip attack on a charge with no Aow or return trip. But requires Improved Shield Bash.
Spell Razor: RoS cast and attack with both a melee touch attack spell and an aptitude weapon. Would be good for a gish if it didn't require both Combat Casting and an exotic weapon proficency.
Spinning Halberd: Make a full attack with an aptitude weapon, get +1 dodge AC, and an additional attack at -5 that deals 1d6 + .5 str blugeoning. Combos nicely with a chain fighting build, Combat Rhythm or any number of things, possibly the only wasted feat is TWF which can still be useful.
Stunning Fist: PHB use any aptitude weapons, even ranged weapons, to stun.
The following are unarmed strike or stunning fist related:
Eagle Claw Attack: OA
Earth Fist: RoS
Falling Star Strike: OA
Fist of Iron: CW
Freezing the Life Blood: CW
Pharoh's Fist: SS
Round About Kick: CW Would stack with Lightning Mace
Toothed Blow: SW
Unbalancing Strike: OA
Sugliin Mastery: FB can attack with an aptitude weapon as a standard action or make a full attack as a full round action. Requires a EWP. maybe for aptitude Ballista?
Three Mountains Style: A useful power, works with AoW, but Cleave sucks, and Improved Bullrush may or may not be useful.
Versatile Combatant: DoTUD Can TWF and any aptitude weapons with ranged attacks can avoid provoking attacks of opportunity.
Builds
Note currently these aren't legal builds, as Xeraph's has bab issues for the DoD reqs, and littlefreak's doesn't meet the requirements for lightning mace.
Human
Warblade 11/ Kensai 1/ Disciple of Dispater 8
1 - Warblade 1 Combat Expertise, Power Attack
2 - Warblade 2
3 - Warblade 3 Weapon Focus (Kukri)
4 - Warblade 4
5 - Warblade 5 Combat Reflexes
6 - Kensai 1 Disciple of Darkness
7 - Disciple of Dispater 1
8 - Disciple of Dispater 2
9 - Disciple of Dispater 3 Two-weapon Fighting
10 - Disciple of Dispater 4
11 - Disciple of Dispater 5
12 - Disciple of Dispater 6 Lightning Mace
13 - Disciple of Dispater 7
14 - Disciple of Dispater 8
15 - Bloodclaw Master 1 Improved Two-weapon Fighting
16 - Bloodclaw Master 2
17 - Bloodclaw Master 3
18 - Bloodclaw Master 4 Greater Two-weapon Fighting
19 - Bloodclaw Master 5
20 - Kensai 2
Human
1/Lion Pounce Barbarian (Complete Champion) - Power Attack, Combat Reflexes, Weapon Focus (Kukri) (Flaw) Whirlwing Frenzy Variant
2/Fighter - Two-Weapon Fighting
3/Fighter - Disciple of Darkness, Combat Expertise
4/Warblade
5/Warblade
6/Warblade - Ligthning Mace
7/Disciple of Dispater
8/Disciple of Dispater
9/Disciple of Dispater - Improved Critical
10/Disciple of Dispater
11/Disciple of Dispater
12/Disciple of Dispater - Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
13/Disciple of Dispater
14/Disciple of Dispater
15/Bloodclaw Master - Greater Two-Weapon Fighting
16/Bloodclaw Master
17/Bloodclaw Master
18/Bloodclaw Master - Free (Maybe Extra Rage)
19/Bloodclaw Master
20/Warblade
Maybe you dont need that many attacks, you can switch Improved and Greater TWF for Improved Bull rush and Shock Trooper for making a hell of a charge after all its just 2 extra attacks, if you are looking at a threat range of 9-20 with the Aptitude Kukris you dont have to worry that much.
Because it amuses me, the Ballista Joe
This build takes advantage of the fact that heavy ballistas are treated as normal weapons, with a normal attack role, and are aimed at creatures. They do 5d8.
Thus, an Aptitude Heavy Ballista, with a person that has hand crossbow focus and Sulgiin Mastery can use a full action attack as a full round action, doing massive damage with each attack.
It also amuses me to think of shooting ballista bolt after ballista bolt like a mad tank gunner. I figure a few tenser's floating disks should work for transport.
I had extra feats, so I worked in Lightning Mace cheese.
Books:Heros of Battle, Frostburn, Drow of the Underdark, PHBII, Complete Warrior, PHB, Tome of Battle, Complete Mage
Weapon, Aptitude +1Ballista
Human
Fighter 1: EWP: Sugliin, Point Blank Shot, Weapon Focus: Light Mace
Rogue 2
Fighter 3:Hand Crossbow Focus, Combat Reflexes
Fighter 4
Fighter 5:Two Weapon Fighting
Fighter 6: Sugliin Mastery
Fighter 7: Combat Casting
Wizard 8 Scribe Scroll, Abrupt Jaunt Variant
Abjurant Champion 9 Lightning Mace
Abjurant Champion 10
Abjurant Champion 11
Abjurant Champion 12: Penetrating Shot
Abjurant Champion 13
Warblade 14
Jade Phoenix Mage 15: Smiting Spell
Jade Phoenix Mage 16
Jade Phoenix Mage 17
Jade Phoenix Mage 18: Improved Critical
Jade Phoenix Mage 19
Jade Phoenix Mage 20
You might also do this with a swiftblade build.