Awakened Skeleton PC, can we optimize it?

[Gullintanni]

What it says on the tin:

I'm curious about playing an Awakened Skeleton and I'm wondering how to get the most out of the character.

I'd like to run an intelligence based character (Psionic or Arcane casters preferrably). I think an Uttercold Assault Necromancer would fit thematically. Theoretically, this skeleton could have a maximum of 15 intelligence, via Empower+Maximized Awaken Undead. So, a few introductory questions:

- What to use as a base creature? We want 1HD, so we're pretty well limited to Humanoids and weaker Outsiders.
- How are ability scores determined? Since this creature probably wasn't a PC in life, at best, the Elite Array should apply, and then modified as per the Skeleton template?
- As a 1HD Skeleton, does the newly minted PCs class level replace the first level of Monster HD, or is this character stuck with Skeleton 1/Wizard 1 etc?
- Does the base creature's LA apply? I know that Skeletons are "LA -", so this character is only viable via DM fiat to begin with, and so this are probably requires a houserule, but I'd like to know how you would answer this question. Skeletons regain (Ex) abilities of the base creature, and in some cases this can confer some pretty serious benefits.

Thoughts?

[JustIgnoreMe]

If I remember right there are some Necromancer-type feats and abilities that make your creations better, tougher, stronger. If you say your Skeleton was crafted by someone with those feats/abilities...

The word Spellstitched sticks in my head for some reason.

[ShurikVch]

Theoretically, this skeleton could have a maximum of 15 intelligence, via Empower+Maximized Awaken Undead.No, not 15 - only 13: 4+d6x1,5; and even that will be cut down to the "average score" for race

So, a few introductory questions:
- What to use as a base creature? We want 1HD, so we're pretty well limited to Humanoids and weaker Outsiders.I'm suggesting Deep Imaskari, Fire Elf, Gray Elf, or Lesser Tiefling - they all have average Int 12 and LA +0

- How are ability scores determined? Since this creature probably wasn't a PC in life, at best, the Elite Array should apply, and then modified as per the Skeleton template?Let's just say it was some really unlucky PC... :smallwink:

- As a 1HD Skeleton, does the newly minted PCs class level replace the first level of Monster HD, or is this character stuck with Skeleton 1/Wizard 1 etc?Neither.
Sentient 1 HD Skeleton already have 1 level in some class

- Does the base creature's LA apply?Yes.
It's how templates work

I know that Skeletons are "LA -", so this character is only viable via DM fiat to begin with, and so this are probably requires a houserule, but I'd like to know how you would answer this question. Skeletons regain (Ex) abilities of the base creature, and in some cases this can confer some pretty serious benefits.Dragon magazine #293 listed ECLs for various standard monsters; Skeleton got 5 - thus either LA +4 or 5

[Thurbane]

For base creature, Wood Elf. +2 Str, +2 Dex; -2 Con is irrelevant for undead. Or just standard elf if you don't want to limit your Int when Awakened.

The feats AMJustIgnoreMe mentons are Corpse Crafter, Bolster Resistance, Deadly Chill, Hardened Flesh and Nimble Bones.

Get created by a Dread Necro 8 in the area of a Desecrate spell for more bonuses.

[ShurikVch]

The feats AMJustIgnoreMe mentons are Corpse Crafter, Bolster Resistance, Deadly Chill, Hardened Flesh and Nimble Bones.

Get created by a Dread Necro 8 in the area of a Desecrate spell for more bonuses.Also: Animation Mastery, Bolster Power, Desecrated Animation, Graveborn Expert, Graveborn Warrior, Heightened Agility, Heightened Strength, Improved Animation, Uncanny Speed
(Dragon #298 & 312)

[InvisibleBison]

No, not 15 - only 13: 4+d6x1,5; and even that will be cut down to the "average score" for race

I'm pretty sure 15 is correct. Awaken Undead gives the undead an Int score of 1d6+4. Maximized, this is 10; empowered, this is (1d6+4) * 1.5; maximized and empowered, this is 10 + [(1d6+4) * 0.5], which is a maximum of 15.

[OldTrees1]

Also: Animation Mastery, Bolster Power, Desecrated Animation, Graveborn Expert, Graveborn Warrior, Heightened Agility, Heightened Strength, Improved Animation, Uncanny Speed
(Dragon #298 & 312)

Plus Fell Energy Desecration

Also the Dread Necromancer 8 flunked out of Necromancer(Enhance Undead) school so they are a Necromancer(Enhance Undead) 1 / Dread Necromancer 8.

[ShurikVch]

I'm pretty sure 15 is correct. Awaken Undead gives the undead an Int score of 1d6+4. Maximized, this is 10; empowered, this is (1d6+4) * 1.5; maximized and empowered, this is 10 + [(1d6+4) * 0.5], which is a maximum of 15.Unfortunately, Empower multiplying only variable effects, thus your calculation is incorrect
(Also, which, exactly, race have average Int 15 and 1 HD?)

[InvisibleBison]

Unfortunately, Empower multiplying only variable effects, thus your calculation is incorrect

The number added to the die is part of the variable effect. look at the feat description (PHB. p. 93); it uses magic missile as an example.

[ShurikVch]

The number added to the die is part of the variable effect. look at the feat description (PHB. p. 93); it uses magic missile as an example.
Except 4 in Awaken Undead isn't variable effect - you get it regardless of roll
Thus, 10 + [1d6 * 0.5], which is a maximum of 13
(And if you meant "+1" of Magic Missile's damage - it just doesn't matter: 0,5 will be rounded down to 0, so it prove nothing)

[InvisibleBison]

Except 4 in Awaken Undead isn't variable effect - you get it regardless of roll
Thus, 10 + [1d6 * 0.5], which is a maximum of 13
(And if you meant "+1" of Magic Missile's damage - it just doesn't matter: 0,5 will be rounded down to 0, so it prove nothing)

You're right, "4" isn't variable. But "1d6+4" is variable - it can be anywhere from 5 to 10.

And you're wrong about the magic missile's +1 being irrelevant; it matters if you roll a 1. Using my reading, that would result in 3 damage (1 rolled + 1 modifier + 1 empowered), while using your reading it would result in 2 damage (1 rolled + 1 modifier + .5 empowered, which rounds to 0).

[Gullintanni]

You're right, "4" isn't variable. But "1d6+4" is variable - it can be anywhere from 5 to 10.

And you're wrong about the magic missile's +1 being irrelevant; it matters if you roll a 1. Using my reading, that would result in 3 damage (1 rolled + 1 modifier + 1 empowered), while using your reading it would result in 2 damage (1 rolled + 1 modifier + .5 empowered, which rounds to 0).

I tend to agree with this reading of "Empower Spell", but from the look of things, the best we can do on a PC so created is a 12 Int, due to the typical intelligence listed in a stat block. Can we do better?

If not, perhaps I'd be better off focusing on a more martial build. It sounds like a Wood Elf is a solid start.

EDIT: I'm aware of the Corpsecrafter feats - let's assume that this character was born in a Desecrated area, with an altar present, +2HP/HD, and nothing further.

[ShurikVch]

I have an idea: Dragon #312 have Soul Reaper - variant of Necromancer-specialist; as obvious from the class name, he got expanded abilities to bind and use souls (such as: instead "normal" Familiar, he got Spiritual Vassal - captured soul); at 15th level, he will be able to Spawn Undead Servitor - "imprint" captured soul on Skeleton or Zombie; from it, Undead Servitor will got soul's BAB, weapon/armor proficiencies, skills, feats, and Int/Wis/Cha
So, how about to play Undead Servitor (or ex-Undead Servitor)?