[3.5] Battlesmith or Similar

[Thurbane]

Hi all,

Looking for a decent (NPC) build, that meets the following criteria:


Must be able to produce magic arms and armor.
Can't be caster, psionics wielder, incarnum user, invocation user, binder or similar (i.e. mundane class)
Doesn't use UMD.

So far Battlesmith (RoS) seems the best option. I'm aware of Ironsoul Forgemaster, but for story reasons, this cannot be an Incarnum wielder.

Looking for around ECL 6-9.

Cheers - T

[LTwerewolf]

If you're ok with pathfinder, spheres of power has something right up your alley. The artificery feat allows you to treat your ranks in the craft skill (ranks, not total modifier) as your caster level for item creation feats (and gives a +2). Combine it with battlesmith and it's a completely mundane forger of epic things. Add in the improved version to meet any and all spell prerequisites.

[Gildedragon]

problem is that one needs to satisfy other prereqs for forging magic weapons: these prereqs are spells OR need the warlock's or artificer's ability to fake it.

A Magewright (ECS) is an NPC class that is focused around crafting magical items; not very many spells, but they fit the bill

The Forge of Thautam (RoS) can be used to replace the need for the Craft Magic Arms and Armor feat
The Furnace of Flames (RoS) allows one to "have" any fire spells needed for the creation of magic items

The Master class (War of the Lance) can craft weapons or armor with the equivalent of a +3 masterwork bonus by level 8

Wands (eternal wands) and scrolls (minor schemas) can be used to supply the spells for the item creation

[Troacctid]

All you need to make a +1 weapon or armor is a caster level. Anyone can get a caster level. Remember, all spell-like and supernatural abilities have caster levels too--that means anyone with a (Su) ability of any kind can easily qualify for Craft Magic Arms and Armor and use it to craft basic magic items. For example, the Pass Without Trace ability of a forest gnome means that even a forest gnome Fighter 20 can take all the core crafting feats. Okay, they might have problems meeting the spell-based prerequisites on their own, but you can borrow those from a scroll, or from a friend, so it's not a big deal.

Edit: Magic forges (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20040807a&page=6) can also be a big help.

[Telonius]

Not a class, but a race: Midgard Dwarf, from Frostburn.

[weckar]

The Furnace of Flames (RoS) allows one to "have" any fire spells needed for the creation of magic items
Isn't there some feat or ability that allows one to add the fire descriptor to any spell? Which effectively grants this Furnace... any spell?

[ATHATH]

Would an Artificer work?

[Gruftzwerg]

depending on what your are aiming for, kensai could be an option too (weapon and self only limitation).

[Thurbane]

Not a class, but a race: Midgard Dwarf, from Frostburn.

Good call.

Isn't there also some Fey in Frostburn than can make items as well? Domovoi or something?

[Gildedragon]

Not a class, but a race: Midgard Dwarf, from Frostburn.

Thread over; you've won.
Have a cookie.

[Telonius]

Good call.

Isn't there also some Fey in Frostburn than can make items as well? Domovoi or something?

Just looked them up - the picture makes them look like they ought to be shoemaker-elves, but they don't get any particular crafting abilities.

[Thurbane]

Just looked them up - the picture makes them look like they ought to be shoemaker-elves, but they don't get any particular crafting abilities.

Yeah, I think I was partially confusing their abilities with those of the Midgard Dwarf.