Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground CXIII

[The Viscount]

Welcome to Optimization Stadium, the field of combat for our storied competition. Here the contestants will be transmuting lead into gold as we showcase the overlooked, underused, weird, wild, and wonky prestige classes.

I wasn't nearly as clever as I thought I was being with my cryptic clues, as Troacctid instantly saw through my hint. Whether or not everyone else saw the same, it was by far the most popular Jellicle choice of the presented options. Turn to Player's Guide to Faerun and make like Halle Berry, this round we're cooking with Celebrant of Sharess!

Welcome, contestants, judges, and guests to Iron Chef. Here in Optimization Colosseum, contestants will endeavor to create an optimized and flavorful character using a specified D&D 3.5 prestige class as a "Secret Ingredient".

Contestants: You will need to present a full 20-level build for your entry. Also required is a rundown of how your build works at lower levels, to demonstrate that it is a functional character that could be played from 1-20 in a real game. Traditionally contestants give "snapshots" of tactics and abilities at levels 5, 10, 15, and 20. The purpose of these snapshots is not just to showcase your use of the SI, it is to demonstrate that your character is playable at every level. For this reason, it's still worth giving a snapshot before you have entered the SI.

Menu: The "special ingredient" can be drawn from any legal source. Originally, the plan was to mostly use Core and Completes, but that was a long time ago, and we've started running out of interesting classes to use if we restrict ourselves to those.

32 point-buy is the presumed creation method.
If you do use a different point-buy, please make your case for its necessity in your entry. Keep in mind that for using exceptionally large or small point-buys may warrant deductions in elegance and/or power.

Kitchen: 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. Here's a guide to most of what has and hasn't been updated. (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/dnd/20050110x) Alternate rule systems from UA such as gestalt or Generic Classes are not allowed, as they create a different playing field. Also, item familiars are forbidden. Please refrain from using Taint unless it's necessary for the Secret Ingredient.
NB: Official Errata and 3.5 updates to 3.0 content are considered valid regardless of whether their sources would otherwise be legal. This includes the 3.5 update of Oriental Adventures given in Dragon Magazine, and the 3.5 updates of Dragonlance Campaign Setting content given in later third party Dragonlance books.

Cooking Time: Contestants will have until 13:59 GMT on Sunday July 18th, 2021 to create their builds and PM them to the Chairman, The Viscount. You may submit build by email if it is too large for a single PM. Please put the name of your build in the subject line of your PM. Builds will then be posted simultaneously, to avoid copying. Judges will have until 13:59 GMT on Sunday August 1st, 2021 to judge the builds and submit their scores. If no judges have scored by that point, only the scores of the first judge to submit will be counted.

Judging: Judging will be based on the following criteria, with each build rated on a scale from 1 (very poor) to 5 (exemplary) in each area: Originality, Power, Elegance, Use of Secret Ingredient.

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 considered in poor taste, and judges are asked to take a dim view of this option, taking it into account while grading. Other things that will cause penalties here are excessive multi-classing, and classes that don't fit the concept.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 conflicting setting material may result in a penalty to Elegance at the judges' discretion, but a book's relative obscurity may not. In that same vein, drawing solely from the Core 3 (and the d20 SRD) should not be punished for lacking Originality.
Presentation: Builds will be posted anonymously, in order to avoid the potential of bias towards a particular competitor. For this reason, please don't put your name in the build, as I'm likely to miss it when reviewing the entries!

Due to concerns about standardizing entry format, I'd like everyone to try to use the following table for their entry. (A fillable, pre-formatted version found here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BG0-5sq4dL9Ooh7-QfXuyHzO4rXSz-CRcj29t6BeUVE/edit#gid=0))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
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-



For other systems (Psionics, ToB, Incarnum, etc.) keep track of PP/maneuvers/essentia separately, preferably in a nice neat list.
Speculation: Please don't post or speculate on possible builds until the "reveal," in order to avoid spoiling the surprise if a particular competitor is producing a build along those lines.

Leadership is banned; we're producing a meal, not a seven-course banquet for a hundred diners. If your entry includes a prestige class or ACF that grants Leadership or a Leadership-like ability as a bonus feat, the feat should be ignored and is not eligible to be traded away for another feat or ACF through any means.

So! Who wants to sign up as a contestant, and who wants to sign up as a judge? Looking for as many contestants and judges as feel like playing!

We will award 1st through 3rd places, as well as a shout-out for honorable mention. The honorable mention prize is given to the most daring or unexpected build. Judges, contestants and guests alike are invited to vote for honorable mention via PM. If there are no votes, Honorable Mention will go to the chairman's favorite build.

Past Competitions

Courtesy of some wonderful volunteers, there is a handy-dandy spreadsheet guide to all previous builds here (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oyjVU5JmeCnC8YTMqDArDqE5PszHl0Ysadz630kuTGk/edit?ts=59a4835f#gid=0). PM if you'd like to contribute to the spreadsheet for access.

Iron Chef I: Entropomancer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=142470)
Iron Chef II: Psibond Agent (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=146583)
Iron Chef III: Cancer Mage (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=148584)
Iron Chef IV: Stonelord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=150595)
Iron Chef V: War Chanter (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=152543)
Iron Chef VI: Master of Masks (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=156876)
Iron Chef VII: Green Star Adept (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158633)
Iron Chef VIII: Pyrokineticist (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=160266)
Iron Chef IX: Animal Lord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162702)
Iron Chef X: Mythic Exemplar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=164381)
Iron Chef XI: Blade Bravo (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=166539)
Iron Chef XII: War Mind (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=9426386)
Iron Chef XIII: Vigilante (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=172233)
Iron Chef XIV: Seeker of the Song (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=174434)
Iron Chef XV: Drunken Master (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=176049)
Iron Chef XVI: Assassin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178202)
Iron Chef XVII: Ardent Dilettante (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=182492)
Iron Chef XVIII: Unseelie Dark Hunter (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=186097)
Iron Chef XIX: Dread Pirate (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=190607)
Iron Chef XX: Incandescent Champion (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=10976416)
Iron Chef XXI: Ghostwalker (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=198921)
Iron Chef XXII: Dervish (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=206576)
Iron Chef XXIII: Divine Crusader (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=210071)
Iron Chef XXIV: Tactical Soldier (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=214198)
Iron Chef XXV: Scion of Tem-Et-Nu (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=217441)
Iron Chef XXVI: Shadowdancer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=220956)
Iron Chef XXVII: Mindbender (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=224008)
Iron Chef XXVIII: Cryokineticist (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=227304)
Iron Chef XXIX: Consecrated Harrier (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=229688)
Iron Chef XXX: Initiate of Pistis Sophia (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=233346)
Iron Chef XXXI: Shadow Sentinel (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=236908)
Iron Chef XXXII: Temple Raider of Olidammara (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=239786)
Iron Chef XXXIII: Drow Judicator (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=243052)
Iron Chef XXXIV: Dragon Disciple (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246072)
Iron Chef XXXV: Death Delver (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=249542)
Iron Chef XXXVI: Acolyte of the Skin (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=252923)
Iron Chef XXXVII: Justiciar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13865473)
Iron Chef XXXVIII: Hand of the Winged Master (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=255215)
Iron Chef XXXIX: Renegade Mastermaker (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=260333)
Iron Chef XL: Nightsong Infiltrator (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=263173)
Iron Chef XLI: Geomancer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=266709)
Iron Chef XLII: Shadowblade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=270196)
Iron Chef XLIII: Bladesinger (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=274122)
Iron Chef XLIV: Urban Soul (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=279116)
Iron Chef XLV: Talon of Tiamat (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?p=15216595)
Iron Chef XLVI: Cipher Adept (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=287314)
Iron Chef XLVII: Cold Iron Warrior (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=291294)
Iron Chef XLVIII: Shadow Sun Ninja (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297327)
Iron Chef XLIX: Thrall of Orcus (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302487)
Iron Chef L: Corrupt Avenger (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=307823)
Iron Chef LI: Black Flame Zealot (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=312773)
Iron Chef LII: Anointed Knight (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=317934)
Iron Chef LIII: Zerth Cenobite (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=325164)
Iron Chef LIV: Osteomancer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=330890)
Iron Chef LV: Mountebank (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?336373-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LV)
Iron Chef LVI: Dwarven Defender (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?342807-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LVI)
Iron Chef LVII: Darkrunner (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?349040-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LVII)
Iron Chef LVIII: Spellsword (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?357412-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LVIII)
Iron Chef LIX: Fleet Runner of Ehlonna (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?364667-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LIX)
Iron Chef LX: Lasher (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?371835-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LX)
Iron Chef LX(II): Acolyte of the Ego (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?372145-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LX)
Iron Chef LXII: Dungeon Lord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?376810-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXII)
Iron Chef LXIII: Witchborn Binder (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?382632-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXIII)
Iron Chef LXIV: Slime Lord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?387166-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXIV)
Iron Chef LXV: Thunder Guide (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?394981-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXV)
Iron Chef LXVI: Dwarven Chanter (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?400810-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXVI)
Irogn Chef LXVII: Gnome Giant Slayer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?406613-Irogn-Chef-Optimisatiogn-Challegnge-ign-the-Playgrougnd-LXVII)
Iron Chef LXVIII: Fang of Lolth (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?412530-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXVIII)
Iron Chef LXIX: Shiba Protector (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?420165-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXIX)
Iron Chef LXX: Order of the Bow Initiate (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?425634-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXX)
Iron Chef LXXI: Silver Key (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?431484-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXI)
Iron Chef LXXII: Spellfire Channeler (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?439020-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXII)
Iron Chef LXXIII: Flux Adept (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?448596-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXIII)
Iron Chef LXXIV: Crinti Shadow Marauder (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?458711-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXIV)
Iron Chef LXXV: Thief of Life (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?472831-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXV)
Iron Chef LXXVI: Legacy Champion (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?477153-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXVI)
Iron Chef LXXVII: Great Rift Skyguard (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?482249-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXVII)
Iron Chef LXVIII: Risen Martyr (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?487560-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXVIII)
Iron Chef LXXIX: Black Blood Hunter (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?492923-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXIX)
Iron Chef LXXX: Master of Many Forms (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?498359-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXX)
Iron Chef LXXXI: Serene Guardian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?502666-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXI)
Iron Chef LXXXII: Elocator (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?505762-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXII)
Iron Chef LXXXIII: Winterhaunt of Iboorighu (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?510581-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXIII)
Iron Chef LXXXIV: Waverider (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?514631-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXIV)
Iron Chef LXXXV: Astral Dancer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?519296-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXV)
Iron Chef LXXXVI: Twisted Lord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?525401-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXVI)
Iron Chef LXXXVII: Shadowsmith (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?528361-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXVII)
Iron Chef LXXXVIII: Arboreal Guardian (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?533367-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXVIII)
Iron Chef LXXXIX: Thrall of Demogorgon (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?536247-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-LXXXIX)
Iron Chef XC: Bloodstorm Blade (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?542380-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XC)
Iron Chef XCI: Fatemaker (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?550203-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCI)
Iron Chef XCII: Eye of the Xanathar (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?556092-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCII)
Iron Chef XCIII: Hoardstealer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?560330-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCIII)
Iron Chef XCIV: Doomlord (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?564804-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCIV)
Iron Chef XCV: Gnomish Artificer (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?571065-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCV)
Iron Chef XCVI: Oozemaster (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?576075-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCVI)
Iron Chef XCVII: Aerial Avenger (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?579553-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCVII)
Iron Chef XCVIII: Visionary Seeker (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?583331-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCVIII)
Iron Chef XCIX: Life Eater (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?589964-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-XCIX)
Iron Chef C: Swiftblade (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?601292-Iron-Chef-Optimisation-Challenge-in-the-Playground-C)

Iron Chef CI: Night Mask Deathbringer (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?610308-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CI)
Iron Chef CII: Blade Dancer (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?613031-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CII)
Iron Chef CIII: Psion Uncarnate (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?614461-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CIII)
Iron Chef CIV: Atavist (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?615697-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CIV)
Iron Chev CV: Primeval (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?618136-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CV)
Iron Chef CVI: Disciple of Mammon (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?620730-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CVI)
Iron Chef CVII: Insidious Corruptor (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?622560-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CVII)
Iron Chef CVIII: Crimson Scourge (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?624099-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CVIII)
Iron Chef CIX: Tattooed Monk (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?626458-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CIX)
Iron Chef CX: Rage Mage (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?628809-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CX)
Iron Chef CXI: Watch Detective (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?630421-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CXI)
Iron Chef CXII: Spinemeld Warrior (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?632291-Iron-Chef-Optimization-Challenge-in-the-Playground-CXII)

[The Viscount]

FAQ:
Q: What's this even about?
A: I'm glad you asked, actually... (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15415117&postcount=1)

Q: Is Dragon Compendium Allowed?
A: Yes (as well as its Errata), but individual issues of Dragon Magazine are not.

Q: What about 3.0 materials?
A: 3.0 materials, whether online or in printed form, are allowed unless they've been officially updated to a 3.5 edition.

Q: Are Dragonlance, Ravenloft, Planescape, Dark Sun, or Kingdoms of Kalamar allowable sources?
A: 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.

Q: What about online sources in general?
A: 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.

Q: Where's the line drawn with "acceptable/unacceptable" for Unearthed Arcana? This will likely vary a bit from Chairman to Chairman. Item Familiars and Gestalt have always been verboten, since before IC migrated to GitP; 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. In a similar vein, LA buyoff and fractional BAB are also disallowed. Bloodlines and the Retraining options presented in the PHB2 are ripe for abuse, and will be strongly 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.

Q: What, exactly, does the ban on Leadership mean?
A: 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. 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.

Q: What's the minimum score in a category?
A: Assuming an entry is legal, the minimum score in any category is 1. If a judge is convinced that an entry is mechanically illegal by the RAW, the judge may give the build a score of 0 in Elegance, and proceed to judge the entry as if the offending material was not included. Failing to meet a special requirement for a prestige class does not merit a 0, but may qualify for a penalty, at the judge's discretion. 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.

Q: Creatures and templates with no listed LA are playable, right?
A: No. No listed LA is equivalent to LA: -. It is not suitable for PCs. If you use it, expect judges to look extremely disfavorably on it.

Q: So what's the deal with equipment, anyway?
A: There is no official policy on how much equipment you should list. Historically, judges have frowned upon "item dependent" builds, but unfortunately the definition of that has been applied to mean anything from builds that don't function if you remove one very specific item, to builds that so much as mention a particular weapon. Builds that don't list gear should be assumed to buy useful generics - items to boost their primary stats, cloaks of resistance, appropriate magical weapons and armor, and so forth. If a build would find particular items useful, they should be listed, but experience suggests that the more generic you keep them, the more favorably judges are likely to look upon them, as a build being shut down because the Thundering Bagpipes of Urist McTrumpetbritches were unavailable is considered a weakness. Similarly, requiring items in order to be able to qualify for things tends to be frowned upon.

Q: Do you have any other rules and guidelines on how to judge?
A: We do, actually, designed to try and avoid unpleasantness we've encountered in past contests. The things we've come up with to avoid repeating this are given below.

One Mistake, One Penalty

Judges are only allowed to penalise once for a given mistake. If someone messes up their skills and doesn't qualify for a PrC, ding them as hard as you like. Once. In one category. You don't then get to declare that because they didn't qualify for that PrC, they don't get those levels, and thus don't qualify for anything else. If Ranger is a common ingredient, ding them for Originality. Once. Don't also take off points for Two-Weapon-Fighting being a common ingredient.

Non-exhaustive list of examples:

Skills

Allowed:

Giving a penalty for miscalculating the number of skill points gained
Giving a penalty for not having enough ranks to meet a prerequisite
Increasing the harshness of a skill miscalculation penalty if it affects critical skills including prereqs


Not allowed:

Giving separate penalties for miscalculating skill points and for non-qualification where the non-qualification is solely caused by the miscalculation



Prereqs

Allowed:

Giving a penalty for not meeting prereqs
Scaling the penalty depending on how important the item that the build failed to qualify for is
Giving minimum score in UotSI for not qualifying for the SI
Not giving credit for (note: not the same as penalising for) tactics using feats or classes other than the SI that were not qualified for (but see below)


Not Allowed:

"Cascading" failures to qualify - declaring that because a build doesn't qualify for a feat, for example, it also doesn't qualify for anything using that feat as a prereq
Treating a build as having fewer levels than it does because of FtQ for classes



Other general things that are no longer allowed:

Penalizing because someone has chosen to build a tribute to an existing creative work
Deciding that a backstory has not met a fluff prerequisite well enough, or because its method of meeting it is "unrealistic". You may penalize if a fluff prereq is not addressed at all, but not for how well it is addressed.
Please don't base your scores off the scores of another judge.


Note that these are protections, not licenses. Deliberately taking a feat that you know you don't qualify for hoping to just suck up the judging penalty for a feat that you couldn't normally take is not okay, and may lead to your build being disqualified.

Q: Do you have any contest house rules or clarifications to ambiguous rules?
A: Some that have come up in previous contests and needed answers to:

All creatures are proficient with any natural weapons they may have or acquire.
Bonus feats that are granted even if you do not meet the prerequisites do not require you to meet the prerequisites in order to use.
Able Learner's benefit applies to the level you take it.
Weapons from soulmelds are considered to be magic weapons for the purpose of overcoming DR.
Unarmed Swordsage grants Improved Unarmed Strike at level 1.
Not finishing Savage Progression is subject to a penalty to Elegance
One dispute per entry. Submit disputes by PM to the Chair.
Ghostwalk ghost is banned
Gold, silver, and bronze are awarded regardless of ties (e.g., 2 silvers does not preclude bronze)
Spelltouched feats are legal and can be taken just like any other feat when you meet the prerequisites and have the feat slot available.

Q: Can I submit more than one entry?
A: You may submit up to two entries into a given competition.

[Venger]

Wow, I've never even heard of this one. Tentatively in to cook.

[Beni-Kujaku]

Ah crap, this ingredient is pretty cool, but I don't think I'll have the time to cook

[loky1109]

Vow of Purity
To fulfill your vow, you must avoid all contact with dead creatures, including meat cooked for food.
Can I eat somebody alive?


Furry of the Tigress (Ex): ... This ability functions exactly like a barbarian's rage.
Is Furry of the Tigress counts as Rage? If I have some Rage improving feats or if I need Rage as prerequisite.

[Beni-Kujaku]

Can I eat somebody alive?

I'm pretty sure it's dead in your belly and still touching you

[The Viscount]

At some point during the process, that creature dies (and eating meat is forbidden) so no.

[ciopo]

Are fascinate and Inspire desire the only flirtation abilities?

is Inspire desire duration:permanent?

can inspire desire be used on a creature that's been fascinated with the bard fascinate?

[mattie_p]

The Viscount, you may link the google doc (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1BG0-5sq4dL9Ooh7-QfXuyHzO4rXSz-CRcj29t6BeUVE/edit?usp=sharing) I've been advertising for assisting in building all the necessary tables for this (and other) competitions of this nature, if you desire. Tabs for pretty much everything a competitor might need, pre-formatted for the BBCode used here.

[Khatoblepas]

Oh I love classes like this, it's such a mess. I think I have a build stub that might work.

Some questions though:

Does Flirtation count as bardic music for the purposes of feats (such as Extra Music for extra uses) and prerequisites?
Does Sanctuary use a use of Flirtation? The other abilities say:

A celebrant of Sharess can use her flirtation ability to...
but Sanctuary does not say that you use her flirtation ability to do this ability.

[H_H_F_F]

This class is so weird. I'll try to figure out something interesting.

I really like how wide open the prereqs are.

[WhamBamSam]

Just vomit them back up before they die.

I find myself actually sort of liking this class. Excited to cook.

[The Viscount]

Thank you for that code, mattie_p. I've posted it up in the OP.

As for the questions.

Fury of the Tigress "functions exactly like a barbarian's rage." No other qualifiers besides the ones printed in the class feature.

Fascinate, Sanctuary, and Inspire Desire are all flirtation abilities. Sanctuary mentions "unaffected by that use of the flirtation ability, so we can call this one sloppy editing. This way we also know the daily use limit for Sanctuary.

Flirtation does not count as bardic music for the purpose of feats and prerequisites.

So long as you have fascinated the creature beforehand, Inspire Desire does not care about the source of that fascinate.

Inspire Desire is permanent.

[Voldine]

This PrC is a hot mess, offering spellcasting as a bard, but not stacking with existing bard spellcasting and access to even fewer levels of spells. It offers some nice, desirable abilities for those who are in need of more ways to execute a full-attack, but then cripples that with 0.5/level BAB progression.

This is a great example of a prestige class that is only good after epic levels so that classes that have their full iterative attack array can dip in for five levels to get pounce without sacrificing part of what pounce allows them to DO with it.

That being said, it does offer the unique opportunity of being one of the few prestige classes you can take as your level 5 class, then have a level 20 familiar at level 14, dip one level of bard if you didn't use bard to enter, then five levels of Sublime Chord for more powerful spells...provided you simply don't care how low your BAB will be.

[ciopo]

Yeah i'm seconding that opinion, at first I was "ooooh, pounce!" but then "poor BAB, d6, what the heeeeellll?"

that permanent duration scares me, isn't it basically leardship+ ? I suppose the CG alignment prevents the "I mind control the whole city/region/nation" obvious endgame

[H_H_F_F]

So, I just read the fluff and realized that this was supposed to be semi-Egyptian, and that this was probably supposed to be a version of Bast (could be Sekhmet as well I guess, given dual nature, but Bast seems like a better analogue, given "enemy of Set" and not "punisher of man".)

Either way, giving a major Egyptian goddess a chaotic alignment is one weird choice. Is this a consistent thing with this Mulhorandi pantheon?

Anyway, I doubt I'll come up with anything clever. All the stuff I find myself thinking of is pretty generic, or just random - no real synergy.

[loky1109]

Another Q.
[Redacted question]

[H_H_F_F]

Another Q.
[Redacted question]

I would recommend deleting this question and PM the chair. We generally try to not talk specifics about builds we're considering - it makes it easier to know which submission is who's, and it sucks for everyone (including you!) who had similar ideas which may now be considered unoriginal or less surprising, given that they were discussed in the post. It also means if an idea is good, it's more likely to be copied. There are reasons for the speculation rules in place, and I'd say your question is at least bordering on breaking them.

[Voldine]

Another Q.
Can [redacted] take Vow of Purity[not redacted, it's a prerequisite for the PrC]?

As a DM I would say that it depends on how they became [redacted] but a far better fit would be the opposite of this type, introduced in the Book of Exalted Deeds. They're powered by the opposite energy from the type you asked about.

[mattie_p]

I have an idea for this. If I can pull it off I'm in to cook. If I'm not satisfied with it I'll judge.

[ciopo]

Anyone interested in doing a collaboration?

[Zaq]

So lemme get this straight.

Gotta be a vegetarian.
With a cat.
Who’s very flirtatious and alluring.
But who’s prone to fits of rage, oh noes.

…this is just some dev’s ex, isn’t it? *shudder*

[Karl Aegis]

"A character must have the DM’s permission to take an exalted feat. In many cases, a ritual must be performed; often this simply amounts to a character swearing a sacred vow, for example, in the presence of a celestial being." -Book of Exalted Deeds page 39

Book of Exalted Deeds is here to strike you down! You need some way to make contact with celestial beings in order to take the Exalted Feats to take levels in the class. Oh, and we have to ask for permission. Do we have permission to take exalted feats?

[The Viscount]

Yes, you can take exalted feats. I'm not interested in making the builds mechanically engender an encounter with a celestial, this class is punishment enough.

[Voldine]

Yes, you can take exalted feats. I'm not interested in making the builds mechanically engender an encounter with a celestial, this class is punishment enough.

Considering the class has the prerequisites of Sacred Vow and Vow of Purity this question shouldn't have even been brought up. Both prerequisite feats are [Exalted] feats, so the assumption should be that every entrant has done whatever is necessary to have gained them. That's just common sense.

[daremetoidareyo]

Considering the class has the prerequisites of Sacred Vow and Vow of Purity this question shouldn't have even been brought up. Both prerequisite feats are [Exalted] feats, so the assumption should be that every entrant has done whatever is necessary to have gained them. That's just common sense.

These competitions do not use common sense! Common sense doesn’t win. Only through brutal, ruthless, RAWyering does one even get close to clutching the golden crown of triumph.

[AvatarVecna]

What would people think of either Zinc Saucier coming back, a PF version of Zinc Saucier, or a PF version of Iron Chef?

[mattie_p]

What would people think of either Zinc Saucier coming back, a PF version of Zinc Saucier, or a PF version of Iron Chef?

Someone else asked about ZS as well. My thinking is that there's already, what, 5 active D&D 3.5 competitions (IC, E6, Junkyard, Monstrous Mayhem, Villainous)? I don't know there's appetite for any more in 3.5. Pathfinder is a different story, that's not my thing so I don't have an opinion on it.

[Venger]

What would people think of either Zinc Saucier coming back, a PF version of Zinc Saucier, or a PF version of Iron Chef?

It would be great to see 3.5 zs come back.

[Xei_Win_Toh]

What would people think of either Zinc Saucier coming back, a PF version of Zinc Saucier, or a PF version of Iron Chef?

I don't know what's involved in ZS, but I'd love to see Pathfinder contest(s).

[Zaq]

I would like to request a Chair ruling on the duration of sanctuary, s’il vous plait.

I assume it’s a number of rounds equal to effective CL (since it references the spell and the spell is rounds/level), but is the effective CL equal to class level, HD, or something else?

[ciopo]

It's a flirtation ability, so my reading on it is "until the performance ends, then 5 more rounds"

[Zaq]

It's a flirtation ability, so my reading on it is "until the performance ends, then 5 more rounds"

I don't see anything in the text of the flirtation ability that would support that particular reading.

[ciopo]

Mh, fair. I've read too much into the "it's similar to bardic music".

[The Viscount]

I would like to request a Chair ruling on the duration of sanctuary, s’il vous plait.

I assume it’s a number of rounds equal to effective CL (since it references the spell and the spell is rounds/level), but is the effective CL equal to class level, HD, or something else?

The class is extremely unhelpful here, so we'll have to fall back on default rules.

The sanctuary effect lasts for a number of rounds equal to your HD.

[mattie_p]

One entry submitted. And with another week now I can work on my other idea.

[Thurbane]

So lemme get this straight.

Gotta be a vegetarian.
With a cat.
Who’s very flirtatious and alluring.
But who’s prone to fits of rage, oh noes.

…this is just some dev’s ex, isn’t it? *shudder*

I lol'd :smallbiggrin:

Some features of this class are just...lets just say for an allegedly good aligned class, some of it's stuff really isn't PG13. :smallconfused:

[Voldine]

I lol'd :smallbiggrin:

Some features of this class are just...lets just say for an allegedly good aligned class, some of it's stuff really isn't PG13. :smallconfused:

Sex isn't evil. Non-pg13 isn't evil.

The thing that makes me question the allegedly-good alignment is the 'force you to love something forever' power. That just reeks of Cosby, or Epstein.

[daremetoidareyo]

Sex isn't evil. Non-pg13 isn't evil.

The thing that makes me question the allegedly-good alignment is the 'force you to love something forever' power. That just reeks of Cosby, or Epstein.

It’s not like the class gets modify memory

[loky1109]

Sex isn't evil.

Sex is good! We all are live because of sex. )

[Thurbane]

I don't have an issue with sex.

Some aspects of the Inspire Desire ability, in particular, raise issues that I won't discuss on a PG rated forum.

I'll just leave it at that and move on.

[mattie_p]

And got an entry in just under the wire. I'm looking forward to seeing what everyone submitted.

[loky1109]

I have one stupid idea and have no time to give it some flesh.

[Paragon]

Wassup ? :D

[The Viscount]

Sorry about the radio silence. I received a message from a chef asking for an extension and forgot to post that I was extending.

[daremetoidareyo]

This round is gonna be a mess

[mattie_p]

A beautiful mess, hopefully

[Zaq]

My build sure is a mess. I broke so many of my own rules. It’s mostly held together by unfiltered stubbornness.

[The Viscount]

The wait is over, it's time for the reveal! (Please wait until the all clear to post)

[The Viscount]

Time's up!


Prologue

The Spoiler contains an uncomfortable scene of harassment. This is a thing happens and it is wrong. I am not making light of a terrible thing - I tried to handle the scene with respect to the reader. If you do not want to read I understand.
Vance walked down the hall, pausing at the entrance to the library stacks. He glanced inside, and, as expected, saw Kirsten sitting at a desk, reading a parchment. Tomes, books, and scrolls were heaped on the desk where she studied.

"Another late night?" he asked. "It's nearly sundown, me and some friends are heading to the festhall for drinks and dancing. You should join us."

Kirsten looked up from her parchment, eyes glazed from staring at the ancient scribbles. "Oh, umm, hi, err, Vance. I'm glad you said something, as it is I'll almost be late for prayers and meditations."

She started carefully gathering the reading material for storage.

"Again?" he said. "You can take a night off. It's expected in this church, after all. All work and no play does not a follower of Sharess make. Relax and let your hair down for once!"

Kirsten dropped a book as her hands went to her head, checking the tightly wrapped bun of hair. "What's wrong with my hair? I like it exactly as it is?"

Vance sighed and shook his head. "It's an expression, Kirst. Gods above. Look, me and the boys were talking. I'm worried about you. So let me give you some advice."

He sat down on the desk and pulled her back into her chair.

"To make it anywhere in this church you gotta go with the flow. You give a little to get a little. You give a lot," and he cupped her chin and pulled her face so they could see eye to eye, "you get a lot. You know what I mean? So smile more, get to the festhall, and have some fun. Sharess understands."

He stood up and started walking out.

Kirsten sat quietly for a moment, then stood and packed up her materials. She took her time to replace them carefully on the stacks where they belonged. After putting away the final scroll, she knelt in place.

"Sharess, Vance is wrong. I know that you expect more from us than just fun and games. We once served a purpose, and I feel that purpose in my bones. But he's also right. I won't be going anywhere in this church. It's uncomfortable just being around him now. So I'll be taking my leave of this place. Once I find my place in your service, I will return and put him in his place. This is my Sacred Vow."

Kirsten Augestina

CG Forestlord Half-Elf Cloistered Cleric 3 / Ranger 4 / Beastmaster 1 / Wildrunner 1 / Arcane Hierophant 1 / Celebrant of Sharess 10

https://i.pinimg.com/564x/f2/67/76/f267761e3384f1f1e15f6278eef24ff8.jpg
Courtesy of DeviantArt, found on Pinterest. Sorry I couldn't find one with swords.

AbilitiesInitialRace / TemplateLevel 4Level 8Level 12Level 16Level 20
Str10101010101010
Dex15151516 (+1)161616
Con14141414141414
Int14141414141414
Wis12121212121212
Cha141415 (+1)1516 (+1)17 (+1)18 (+1)

LevelClassBase Attack BonusFort SaveReflex SaveWill SaveSkillsFeatsClass Features
1stCloistered Cleric 1+0+2+0+2Diplomacy 4, Handle Animal 2, Hide 2, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) 4, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 1, Knowledge (The Planes) 1, Move Silently (cc) 1, Perform (Comedy) 4, Survival 4Apprentice (Entertainer)Turn Undead, Knowledge Domain, Pleasure Domain, Travel Domain, Lower-Class Background
2ndCloistered Cleric 2+1+3+0+3Diplomacy (+1) 5, Handle Animal (+1) 3, Hide (+1) 3, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 5, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 5, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 1, Knowledge (The Planes) (+1) 2, Move Silently 1, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 5, Survival (+1) 5
3rdCloistered Cleric 3+1+3+1+3Diplomacy (+1) 6, Handle Animal (+1) 4, Hide (+1) 4, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 6, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 6, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) (+1) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 1, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 6, Survival (+1) 6Sacred Vow, Knowledge Devotion (Arcana) (b), Travel Devotion (b)Knowledge Domain, Travel Domain
4thRanger 1+2+5+3+3Diplomacy (+1) 7, Handle Animal (+1) 5, Hide (+1) 5, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 7, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 7, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+1) 2, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 7, Survival (+1) 7Track (b)Rival Organization: Church of Set, Track, Wild Empathy, Champion of the Wild
5thRanger 2+3+6+4+3Diplomacy 7, Handle Animal (+2) 7, Hide (+2) 7, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 8, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 8, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+1) 3, Perform (Comedy) 7, Survival (+1) 8Two Weapon Fighting (b)Combat Style
6thRanger 3+4+6+4+4Diplomacy 7, Handle Animal (+1) 8, Hide (+2) 9, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 9, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 9, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+2) 5, Perform (Comedy) 7, Survival (+1) 9Vow of Purity, Endurance (b)Endurance
7thCelebrant of Sharess 1+4+6+4+6Diplomacy (+2) 9, Handle Animal (+1) 9, Hide (+1) 10, Knowledge (Arcana) 9, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) 9, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 5, Perform (Comedy) (+2) 9, Survival (+1 cc) 10 Fascinate, feline familiar, flirtation
8thCelebrant of Sharess 2+5+6+4+7Diplomacy (+2) 11, Handle Animal (+2) 11, Hide (+1) 11, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 10, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) 9, Knowledge (Psionsics) 1, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 5, Perform (Comedy) (+2) 11, Survival 10Fury of the Tigress 1/day
9thCelebrant of Sharess 3+5+7+5+7Bluff (+2) 2, Diplomacy (+1) 12, Handle Animal (+1) 12, Hide (+1) 12, Knowledge (Arcana) 10, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 1, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) 9, Knowledge (Psionsics) (+1 cc) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 5, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 12, Survival 10Skill Focus (Handle Animal)
10thRanger 4+6+8+6+7Bluff 2, Diplomacy 12, Handle Animal (+1) 13, Hide (+1) 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 10, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) (+1) 2, Knowledge (Local) (+2) 4, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 10, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+2) 7, Perform (Comedy) 12, Survival 10Weapon Finesse (b)Animal Companion, Bonus Feat
11thBeastmaster 1+7+10+8+7Bluff 2, Diplomacy 12, Handle Animal (+1) 14, Hide (+1) 14, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 11, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) (+2) 6, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 11, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 7, Perform (Comedy) 12, Survival 10Animal Companion, Wild Empathy
12thWildrunner 1+8+12+10+7Bluff 2, Diplomacy 12, Handle Animal (+1) 15, Hide (+1) 15, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) 6, Knowledge (Nature) (+1) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+2) 9, Perform (Comedy) 12, Survival 10Natural BondFast Movement, Trackless Step
13thCelebrant of Sharess 4+9+12+10+8Bluff (+2) 4, Diplomacy (+2) 14, Handle Animal (+1) 16, Hide (+1) 16, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 9, Perform (Comedy) (+2) 14, Survival 10 Suggestion
14thArcane Hierophant 1+9+12+10+10Bluff 4, Diplomacy (+2) 16, Handle Animal (+1) 17, Hide (+1) 17, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 9, Perform (Comedy) 14, Survival 10, + Collector of Stories Companion Familiar, Ignore ASF, Wild Shape (ignored), +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class (Advancing Celebrant of Sharess), +1 level of existing divine spellcasting class (Advancing Cleric)
15thCelebrant of Sharess 5+9+12+10+10Bluff (+1) 5, Diplomacy (+2) 18, Handle Animal (+1) 18, Hide (+1) 18, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 9, Perform (Comedy) (+3) 17, Survival 10, Collector of StoriesMartial Study (Cloak of Deception)Pounce of the Tigress
16thCelebrant of Sharess 6+10+13+11+11Bluff 5, Diplomacy (+1) 19, Handle Animal (+1) 19, Hide (+1) 19, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 9, Perform (Comedy) (+2) 19, Sense Motive (+3) 3, Survival 10, Collector of Stories Fury of the Tigress 2/day
17thCelebrant of Sharess 7+10+13+11+11Bluff 5, Diplomacy (+1) 20, Handle Animal (+1) 20, Hide (+1) 20, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) (+2) 8, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently 9, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 20, Sense Motive (+2) 5, Survival 10, Collector of Stories Sanctuary
18thCelebrant of Sharess 8+11+13+11+12Bluff 5, Diplomacy (+1) 21, Handle Animal (+1) 21, Hide (+1) 21, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) (+2) 10, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+1 cc) 10, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 21, Sense Motive 5, Survival 10, Collector of StoriesMartial Stance (Assassin's Stance)Swiftness of the Tigress
19thCelebrant of Sharess 9+11+14+12+12Bluff 5, Diplomacy (+1) 22, Handle Animal (+1) 22, Hide (+1) 22, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) (+2) 12, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+1 cc) 11, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 22, Sense Motive 5, Survival 10, Collector of Stories --
20thCelebrant of Sharess 10+12+14+12+13Bluff 5, Diplomacy (+1) 23, Handle Animal (+1) 23, Hide (+1) 23, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 2, Knowledge (Local) (+2) 14, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Psionsics) 2, Knowledge (Religion) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Move Silently (+1 cc) 12, Perform (Comedy) (+1) 23, Sense Motive 5, Survival 10, Collector of Stories Fury of the Tigress 3/day, Inspire Desire


LevelClassCleric 0thCleric 1stCleric 2nd---Celebrant 1st (Known)Celebrant 2nd (Known)Celebrant 3rd (Known)Celebrant 4th (Known)
1stCloistered Cleric 131+1 ---
2ndCloistered Cleric 242+1 ---
3rdCloistered Cleric 342+11+1---
4thRanger 142+11+1---
5thRanger 242+11+1---
6thRanger 342+11+1---
7thCelebrant of Sharess 142+11+1---0 (Charm Person, Hypnotism)
8thCelebrant of Sharess 242+11+1---1 (Tasha's Hideous Laughter)
9thCelebrant of Sharess 342+11+1---20 (Alter Self, Cat's Grace)
10thRanger 442+11+1---20
11thBeastmaster 142+11+1---20
12thWildrunner 142+11+1---20
13thCelebrant of Sharess 442+11+1---3 (Lesser Confusion)1 (Heroism)
14thArcane Hierophant 153+12+1---320 (Good Hope, Charm Monster)
15thCelebrant of Sharess 553+12+1---33 (Rage)1 (Refreshment)
16thCelebrant of Sharess 653+12+1---3320 (Blinding Beauty, Rainbow Pattern)
17thCelebrant of Sharess 753+12+1---333 (Confusion)1 (Dominate Person)
18thCelebrant of Sharess 853+12+1---3332
19thCelebrant of Sharess 953+12+1---3333 (Hold Monster)
20thCelebrant of Sharess 1053+12+1---3333

Kirsten had a lower class background, from a poor farm family who scraped by raising herd animals (Lower-class background gives Handle Animal and Knowledge (Local) as class skills forever). Forestlord half-elves gain Hide as a permanent class skill, and a supernatural ability to Treewalk as a move action. Treewalk is weird. It is a move action but it essentially ends her turn, because she leaves the second tree at the beginning of her next turn. So with some skill at manipulating enemies to stay near trees we can set up some ambushes. This grants some flexibility with positioning on the battle map early in her career, and number of uses per day grows as she levels.

Kirsten begins her career as a cloistered cleric, seeking an intellectual understanding of things that, perhaps, can only be experienced, and not learned. She takes night classes at a local comedy club as an apprentice entertainer. At 3rd level she trades Knowledge and Travel Domains for the respective devotion feats, gaining a permanent to-hit bonus and swift-action movement ability that is recommended to mostly everyone. (C. Champ p53 allows clerics to trade domain access for the devotion feats. We do this at step 9 of level advancement (PHB p59), after she has selected skills at level 3).

After she learns that the church is no longer her place, she sets out into the world and into the wilderness. She becomes a Ranger and using the knowledge she learned from her church studies, she adopts the Church of Set as her Rival Organization and seeks to stamp their influence from her homeland. Rival organization offers different bonuses than FE, we lose the weapon damage bonus (mitigated by KD) and instead pick up an AC bonus, which is useful for the under-armored Kirsten.

She already has spellcasting ability so forgoes forever her ability to cast Ranger spells in her zeal. She can buff herself with low-level cleric spells and uses one or two-weapon fighting supplemented with her boosts from knowledge devotion to not have a completely miserable attack bonus. Knowledge Devotion gives a guaranteed +1 to hit and damage against everything, +2 on a die roll of 13 or above against anything, and +3 against arcana/nature foes on a 16 or above by level 5.

There are several useful low level spells, although Kirsten doesn't get a lot of them. Cleric 1: Bless, CLW, Divine Favor, Magic Weapon, Protection from Evil, Shield of Faith, Lesser Vigor. Cleric 2: Bull's Strength, CMW, Eagle's Splendor, Lesser Restoration (to mitigate the damage from sanctified spells), Luminous Armor (BoED), Close Wounds.

At level 6, Kirsten takes her 3rd level of Ranger and also adopts a Vow of Purity, qualifying her for Celebrant, which she enters at level 7. Kirsten isn't the best front-liner, taking advantage of her hide skill to flank and use comedy from hiding to fascinate enemies. See, the class ability says that "each creature to be fascinated must be within 90 feet of the celebrant and must be able to see, hear, and pay attention to her. It distinctly does not say "must see her," just be able to. So Kirsten will not blind nor deafen her enemies, (as they are no longer able to see at all). Kirsten continues to focus on her animal handling skills, and takes another level of Ranger to get the animal companion class feature and pickup the Weapon Finesse feat (from Champion of the Wild), which also helps her attack bonus.

Her Fascinate/Flirtation DC at level 10 is d20+14, so call it average 24. BAB is +6 so 1st iterative comes online with the animal companion, knowledge devotion is still getting boosted and she can get a +4 bonus against select enemies on occasion. Kirsten will often fight with a single weapon until situational advantage allows her to enter her Fury and TWF. She can still treewalk (3/day) and use travel devotion to set up flanking with her wolf. Treewalk is still weird, and I think the way it works is that Kirsten can start/maintain fascinate flirtation as a standard, then use her move to treewalk next to them. Because Kirsten performed that round, creatures are still fascinated, right until she appears next to them. For Celebrant spells she has a single level 2, 3 level 1 daily, which essentially matches her cleric spells available.

Kirsten probably started off with a wolf animal companion, which didn't get along well with her feline familiar too well (they got along as well as cats and dogs, you know what? never mind. Kirsten took skill ranks in comedy, doesn't mean her writer did too). Kirsten adopts the Beastmaster prestige class, quickly boosting her Effective Druid Level (EDL) from 2 (1/2 Ranger Level) to 6, and quickly dismissing the wolf in favor of a cheetah (because cats).

At level 12 she takes a level in Wild Runner, gaining trackless step (helps her hide), fast movement (helps with pounce). Kirsten also takes Natural Bond, boosting EDL to 9, so she upgrades to a Tiger companion, giving her a powerful melee companion who can help with flanking or tanking. We grab another level of Celebrant to ensure we have active 2nd level spells (with level-up ability boosts CHA is already high enough but better safe than sorry).

At ECL 14 She takes Arcane Hierophant. This does several useful things. One, she can dismiss her feline familiar (finally!) removing a squishy walking bag of potential lost XP. It also upgrades the intelligence of her tiger companion. Arcane Hierophant will advance Beastmaster companion, boosting her EDL to 10, allowing her to give some bonus hit dice to her tiger. All in all this is a great upgrade. This is also probably the first time in history that anyone has used Arcane Hierophant to advance both Cleric and Celebrant of Sharess spellcasting, but that's Iron Chef for you. The way I'm reading this, AH doesn't stack familiar levels (due to the clause in Celebrant of Sharess feline familiar), but it does allow us to borrow the int bonus and the other familiar special abilities. Sadly the NA bonus is excluded by the wording of AH, but I'll take a Tiger with 8 Hit dice, up to 15 Int, up to SR 25, and +2 NA bonus over a kitty with a +10 NA that costs me XP loss if it di
es.

She also grabs the Skill Trick Collector of Stories here to boost her knowledge devotion bonus (Kirsten now receives between +1 to (potentially) +5 against select foes). At level 15, she gains pounce herself (she only had pseudo-pounce earlier from travel devotion), matching her tiger. Martial study picks up a boost to give her invis 1/encounter as a swift. 4/day move action treewalk. Fascinate DC is now d20+20 so pretty decent.

Kirsten rounds out her last feat with Assassin's stance, giving her +2d6 Sneak Attack dice. With her ability to hide and a built-in flanking partner this is definitely achievable. And if necessary she burns her boost to accomplish it.

In general Kirsten is not the scout, but her companion tiger can be. Once a potential enemy is found, she can self-buff to an extent and then attempt to fascinate or flirt her way out of trouble. If that fails, she and her tiger set up flanking (travel devotion, Fast movement + swiftness of the Tigress, treewalk 5/day, etc), activate fury, and pounce from both sides. Flanking combined with weapon finesse, knowledge devotion, and two-weapon fighting (+ extra attack from the Haste effect) should get a couple of hits in, and the KD + SA should help with damage and overcome a low strength score.

So I wrote Kirsten into a corner with Inspire Desire. She has the ability but due to her background she will not use it. She stands quite firm on this and will not be budged. It's save DC of (24 + whatever extra CHA bonuses she scores) is the exact same as suggestion, which has fewer implications. Judges, you may dock points if you wish for blatantly ignoring a class feature. Kirsten and I are just fine without this ability.

This build assumes no multi-class penalties are in play. If they were, staggering levels of cleric and ranger would eliminate any multiclass penalties (it only applies at ECL 4 anyway). But I feel it makes a better story to start completely as a cloistered cleric and then move on from there.

Cleric domains are awesome (as everyone knows), and really enhance not just the power but also the flavor of a character. Knowledge comes by default for a cloistered cleric, and I loved the idea of someone who instead of, you know, engaging in pleasure, elected to study it academically instead. Out of the available domains for Sharess, I chose Travel because it is so incredibly useful as a devotion (and to get survival as a class skill for a couple levels), and also Pleasure (listed as an option on p189 of PGtF), both for the immunity to charisma damage or drain and the aforementioned imagery of intellectual understanding of pleasure (rather than intimately partaking in it). Another good choice would be the Charm domain, which boosts charisma by an untyped +4 as a free action once a day (for 1 minute), but although it would have added some oomph, I feel it didn't fit the character as well. Many lists also suggest that Envy, Lust, and Sloth domains are available to Sharess.
The only printed source I found which listed this came from Dragon Magazine 323, an article entitled "Seven Deadly Domains," so I felt they were out of scope for the competition, despite the domains being listed in Spell Compendium. Lust would have been very useful both for 2nd level invisibility and also to highlight the dichotomy between the chaste and shy Kirsten and the domains she selected. All other domains I felt were off-limits as well, as in the Forgotten Realms, clerics must be devoted to a particular deity. If this were in a different campaign world, and the class were adapted to "Celebrant of Cats" or something, then many more options open up.

I knew from the beginning of this concept that I was going to take Arcane Hierophant with Ranger. Taking Ranger to level 8 would have granted 2nd level ranger spellcasting but cost an additional level when compared to Cleric 3 / Ranger 4. I almost went with the Wasteland Ranger ACF from Sandstorm in order to get a Tressym (winged cat magical beast) companion. I elected not to because the ACF also forced Heat Endurance instead of regular Endurance (and doesn't count as Endurance), which was a requirement for Wildrunner, which was a pre-requisite for Arcane Hierophant. Also, after running some numbers on all the available feline animal companions, a Tiger seemed like the best bet for a melee companion. I do give up some benefits of a level 20 familiar (namely the bonus NA) but get the intelligence boost and all the other familiar benefits. If Heat Endurance counted as Endurance, I probably would have pursued Tressym instead because winged cats are amazing, and would have
taken Exalted companion and given the Tressym Vow of Poverty. Companion Spellbond was considered but ultimately discarded, as we have limited self-buffs anyway. It would be useful if we had more feats as Kirsten and her tiger are further than 5' away from each other more often than not.

I considered but discarded Vow of Poverty for Kirsten herself. I don't reference any key equipment but really there's only a few key exalted feats to consider. Vow of Chastity fits thematically, as Kirsten doesn't indulge herself. Nymph's Kiss doesn't technically disqualify Chastity but you'd really have to hand-wave a lot. Vow of Obedience is right out (due to the opening scene she would never take a vow like that). Touch of Exalted Ice and Exalted Companion would work. Anyway, I didn't see a lot of juice out of the bonus feats in this character or I might have gone there.

Rival Organization is not Favored Enemy, but I almost erred and took Improved Favored Enemy at Ranger 4. If it counts in your campaign might be a fun option to look at. As it stands for Kirsten, Weapon Finesse provides a +3 to hit against everything. Would Improved FE provide +5 AC with Rival Organization or would it just provide extra damage? I don't need to find out.


Book of Exalted Deeds: Sacred Vow Feat p45, Vow of Purity Feat p48, Pleasure Domain p87, Spells.
Cityscape: Lower-Class Background (optional rule) p59.
Cityscape Web Enhancement (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070228a): Ranger Rival Organization ACF.
Complete Adventurer: Beastmaster Prestige Class p26, Natural Bond Feat p111.
Complete Champion: Ranger Champion of the Wild ACF p50, Knowledge Devotion Feat p60, Travel Devotion Feat p62.
Complete Scoundrel: Collector of Stories Skill Trick p85.
Dragon Magic: Forestlord Half-Elf p8.
Dungeon Master Handbook II: Apprentice Feat p176 (175-178).
Faiths and Pantheons: Sharess and her Domains p105.
Monster Manual/SRD: Tiger p281.
Player's Guide to Faerūn: Celebrant of Sharess Prestige Class p178.
Player's Handbook/SRD: Cleric, Ranger, Feats, Skills, Spells.
Races of the Wild: Arcane Hierophant Prestige Class p108, Wildrunner Prestige Class p139.
Spell Compendium: Cleric Spells.
Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords: Martial Stance / Study Feats p31, Assassin's Stance p75, Cloak of Deception p76.
Unearthed Arcana/SRD: Cloistered Cleric p50.

Epilogue
Vance walked into the atrium of the festhall, wondering what all the commotion was about. He saw a large crowd gathered, listening carefully as someone was talking. As he approached, he heard the crowd laugh at some anecdote, and then he noticed the tiger behind him. It followed him closely, encouraging him to move to the front. He wove deftly through the throng, and as he approached he recognized the woman at the center of all the attention.

"Oh, umm, hi, err, Kirsten! Long time no see! Looking great! It's been a while sinnnnn...." He drifted off as she said something he wouldn't remember.

Vance was captivated just looking at her, listening to her speak. He laughed, but he didn't know at what. Before he knew it, he was walking out the front of the temple. He paused, and suddenly what Kirsten had just said snapped right into his memory.

"Vance, you deserve worse but in accordance with the will of the Goddess I will give you better than you deserve. I suggest you leave the temple now, and keep walking."

Vance kept on walking, and never looked back.

--Fin.

[The Viscount]

Tigu'er Tigu'er bu'urning bri'ight


Welcome to this mad concept!

The thought process was very simple : "mmmm it's cha based and has a seductress vibe, battle dancer would fit right in!"
"ohhh, fist of the forest for double X to AC!"
"uh, power attack and great fortitude uh?, oh another 'rage by another name' feature, hey! let's get rage too while we're at it!"
"can I fit any more 'rage-but-not' stacking? maybe shifter?"
"Ooooh, if I go vow of poverty, it fits with fluff with the fist of the forest primal living thingy, and now I have extra feat, I could get that exalted prc that adds rage AND gives me divine grace while avoiding making it a paladin dip, sweet!"
"Ok, how can I round this up... Oh I know, MORE CATS!"

CG Human Battle Dancer 1 / barbarian 3 / Beastmaster 1 / Celebrant of sharess 10 / Champion of Gwynharwyf 2 / Fist of the forest 3
Str 18 (14 +4 exalted), Dex 16 (14 +2 exalted), Con 20 (14 +6 exalted), Int 10, Wis 12 , Cha 28 (15 +5 level +8 exalted)

HP 8 +4d10 +5d12 +10d6 + 83 (177)

Saves Fort 24, Ref 17 , 13; +9 divine grace, +1 vs SLA and spells, +2 heroism

AC 10+ 3Dex +10Armor +2Natural +3Deflection +9untyped +5untyped = 42, touch 30, flat footed 30

Combat alter self form : Crucian, for 8 extra natural armor
RP alter self form : catfolk, d'uh
flight alter self form : Avarial, but we can just have the animal companion alter self to a pegasi or something instead

All the rage
Rage 2/day +4STR +4CON +2will -2 AC
Fury 3/day +4STR +4CON +2will -2 AC
Trance 2/day +4DEX +2unarmed damage and extra 1d6+STR bite attack on full attack action


LevelClassBase Attack BonusFort SaveRef SaveWill SaveSkillsFeatsClass Features1stBattle Dancer 1+1+0+2+0Diplomacy +4, Handle Animal +2(4), Perform(dance) +4, Survival +2(4) Tumble +4Sacred Vow, Martial Study(Leading the attack)Human, Improved Unarmed StrikeBattle DancerAC Bonus, Unarmed Strike2ndBarbarian 1+2+2+2+0Diplomacy 4+1, Handle Animal 2+2, Perform(dance) 4+1(2), Survival 2, Tumble 4ToughnessACFBear Totem , Rage 1/day3rdBarbarian 2+3+3+2+0Diplomacy 5+1, Handle Animal 4, Perform(dance) 5+1(2), Survival 2+2, Tumble 4Vow of Poverty, Improved GrappleACF4thBarbarian 3+4+3+3+1Diplomacy 6+1, Handle Animal 4, Intimidate +2, Perform(dance) 6+1(2), Survival 4, Tumble 4Vow of PurityVoP, Great FortitudeACF5thCelebrant of Sharess 1+4+3+3+3Diplomacy 7+1, Handle Animal 4+1(2), Intimidate 2, Perform(dance) 7+1, Survival 4, Tumble 4+3Fascinate, Feline Familiar, Flirtation6thCelebrant of Sharess 2+5+3+3+4Diplomacy 8+1, Handle Animal 5+2(4), Intimidate 2, Perform(dance) 8+1, Survival 4, Tumble 7+2Wild Cohort, Nymph's kissVoPFury of the Tigress 1/day7thCelebrant of Sharess 3+5+4+4+4Diplomacy 9+1, Handle Animal 7+2(4), Jump +1, Intimidate 2, Perform(dance) 9+1, Survival 4, Tumble 9+18thCelebrant of Sharess 4+6/+1+4+4+5Diplomacy 10+1, Handle Animal 9+2(4), Jump 1+1, Intimidate 2, Perform(dance) 10+1, Survival 4, Tumble 10+1Celestial FamiliarVoPSuggestion9thCelebrant of Sharess 5+6/+1+4+4+5Diplomacy 11+1, Handle Animal 11+1(2), Jump 2+3, Intimidate 2, Perform(dance) 11+1, Survival 4, Tumble 11+1Power AttackPounce of the Tigress10thFist of the forest 1+7/+2+6+6+5Diplomacy 12+1, Handle Animal 12+1, Jump 5, Intimidate 2+2, Perform(dance) 12, Survival 4, Tumble 12Righteous WrathVoPAC bonus, Fast Movement, Feral Trance 1/day, Primal Living11thFist of the forest 2+8/+3+7+7+5Diplomacy 13+1, Handle Animal 13+1, Jump 5, Intimidate 4+2, Perform(dance) 12, Survival 4, Tumble 12Uncanny Dodge, Untamed Strike12thFist of the forest 3+9/+4+7+7+6Diplomacy 14, Handle Animal 14+1, Jump 5, Intimidate 6+3, Perform(dance) 12, Survival 4, Tumble 12Skill Focus(Handle Animal), Knight of StarsVoPFeral Trance 2/day, Scent13thChampion of Gwynharwyf 1+10/+5+9+7+6Diplomacy 14, Handle Animal 15+1, Jump 5, Intimidate 9+5, Perform(dance) 12, Survival 4, Tumble 12Detect Evil, Rage 2/day, Smite Evil 1/day14thChampion of Gwynharwyf 2+11/+6/+1+10+7+6Diplomacy 14, Handle Animal 16+1, Jump 5, Intimidate 14+3, Perform(dance) 12, Ride +2, Survival 4, Tumble 12Gift of GraceVoPDivine grace, furious casting15thBeastmaster 1+12/+7/+2+12+9+6Diplomacy 14, Handle Animal 17+1, Jump 5, Intimidate 17, Perform(dance) 12, Ride 2+5, Survival 4, Tumble 12Natural BondAnimal companion, wild empathy16thCelebrant of Sharess 6+13/+8/+3+13+10+7Bluff +1, Diplomacy 14, Handle Animal 18, Jump 5, Intimidate 17, Perform(dance) 12+7, Ride 7, Survival 4, Tumble 12Exalted CompanionVoPFury of the tigress 2/day17thCelebrant of Sharess 7+13/+8/+3+13+10+7Bluff 1+4, Diplomacy 14+3, Handle Animal 18, Jump 5, Intimidate 17, Perform(dance) 19+1, Ride 7, Survival 4, Tumble 12Sanctuary18thCelebrant of Sharess 8+14/+9/+4+13+10+8Bluff 5+3, Diplomacy 17+4, Handle Animal 18, Jump 5, Intimidate 17, Perform(dance) 20+1, Ride 7, Survival 4, Tumble 12Combat Panache, Animal FriendVoPSwiftness of the tigress19thCelebrant of Sharess 9+14/+9/+4+14+11+8Bluff 8+6, Diplomacy 21+1, Handle Animal 18, Jump 5, Intimidate 17, Perform(dance) 21+1, Ride 7, Survival 4, Tumble 1220thCelebrant of Sharess 10+15/+10/+5+14+11+9Bluff 14+6, Diplomacy 22+1, Handle Animal 18, Jump 5, Intimidate 17, Perform(dance) 22+1, Ride 7, Survival 4, Tumble 12Touch of Golden IceVoPFury of the Tigress 3/day, Inspire Desire
A are arcane slots from Celebrant levels, D are divine slots from Champion levels.
Bonus slot from Charisma/Wisdom are included
LevelCaster Level (A/D)New Spell known (A)1st level slots2nd level slots3rd level slots4th level slotsVow of Poverty nonfeat bonuses3rd-/------AC bonus +5, Endure Elements4th-/------Exalted Strike +1 (magic)5th1/-Ray of Hope, Tasha's Hideous laughter1A---Sustenance6th2/-Disguise Self2A---AC bonus +6, deflection +17th3/-Elation, Heroism3A1A--Resistance +1, Ability Score Enhancement(2CHA)8th4/-Charm person, Alter Self4A2A--Natural Armor +1, Mind Shielding9th5/-Glibness, Confusion4A3A1A-AC bonus +710th5/--4A3A1A-Exalted Strike +2 (good), Damage Reduction 5/magic11th5/--5A3A1A-Ability Score Enhancement(4CHA, 2CON)12th5/--5A4A1A-AC bonus +8, Deflection +2, Greater Sustenance13th5/1-5A+1D4A1A-Resistance +2, Energy Resistance 514th5/2-5A+2D4A1A-Exalted Strike +3, Freedom of Movement15th5/2-5A+2D4A2A-Ability Score Enhancement(6CHA, 4CON, 2STR), AC bonus +9, Damage Reduction 5/evil16th6/2Ray of hope->Remove Fear, Calm Emotions, Charm Monster5A+2D5A3A-Natural armor +217th7/2Blinding Beauty, Mass suggestion5A+2D5A4A1AExalted Strike +4, Resistance +3, Regeneration18th8/2Slow, Modify Memory5A+2D5A5A2AAC bonus +10, Deflection +3, True Seeing19th9/2-5A+2D5A5A4AAbility Score Enhancement(8CHA, 6CON, 4STR, 2DEX), Damage Reduction 10/evil19th10/2Hold Monster5A+2D5A5A5AExalted Strike +5, Energy Resistance 15

ECL 6-8ECL 9Wild Cohort Bonuses (absolute, ECL-3):1HD, 1 NA, 1 Trick, Evasion3HD, 3 NA, 1STR/DEX, 2 Tricks, Evasion, HD feat (Improved toughness)Name(Creature):Pulce(Leopard) (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/leopard.htm)Size/Type:medium AnimalHit Dice:4d8+12 (30)6d8+24 (51)Initiative:+4+5Speed:40 ft., climb 20 ft.Armor Class (Cumulative):16 (+4 Dex, +2 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 12+1 Dex,+2 naturalBase Attack/Grapple:+3/+6+4/+7Attack:Bite +7 melee (1d6+3)Bite +9 melee (1d6+3)Full Attack:Bite +7 melee (1d6+3) and 2 claws +2 melee (1d3+1) and 2 rake +7 melee (1d3+1)Bite +9 melee (1d6+3) and 2 claws +4 melee (1d3+1) and 2 rake +9 melee (1d3+1)Space/Reach:5 ft./5 ft.Special Attacks:Improved grab, pounce, rake 1d3+1Special Qualities:Low-light vision, scentSaves:Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +2Fort +8, Ref +10, Will +3Abilities (Cumulative):Str 16, Dex 19, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6+1 Str, +1 DexSkills (extra ranks):Balance +12, Climb +11, Hide +8*, Jump +11,
Listen +6, Move Silently +8, Spot +7(1)(+1 Listen, +1 Spot)Default feats:Alertness, Weapon FinesseECL 10-11ECL 12-14ECL 15-17ECL 18-20Wild Cohort Bonuses (absolute, ECL-6):1HD, 1 NA, 1 Trick, Evasion3HD, 3 NA, 1STR/DEX, 2 Tricks, Evasion, HD feat (Improved toughness)5HD, 5 NA, 2STR/DEX, 3 Tricks, Evasion, HD feat (Improved toughness)7HD, 7 NA, 3STR/DEX, 4 Tricks, Evasion, Devotion, HD feats (Improved toughness,Mage Slayer)Name(Creature):Lince(Tiger) (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/tiger.htm)Size/Type:Large AnimalHit Dice:7d8+21 (52)9d8+45 (85)11d8+55 (104)13d8+65 (123)Initiative:+2+3+4Speed:40 ft.Armor Class (Cumulative):15 (-1 size, +2 Dex, +4 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 13+1 Dex,+2 natural+2 natural+1 Dex,+2 naturalBase Attack/Grapple:+5/+14+6/+16+8/+18+9/+20Attack:Claw +10 melee (1d8+6)Claw +12 melee (1d8+7)Claw +14 melee (1d8+7)Claw +16 melee (1d8+8)Full Attack:2 claws +10 melee (1d8+6) and bite +5 melee (2d6+3) and 2 rake +10 melee (1d8+3)2 claws +12 melee (1d8+7) and bite +7 melee (2d6+3) and 2 rake +12 melee (1d8+3)2 claws +14 melee (1d8+7) and bite +9 melee (2d6+3) and 2 rake +14 melee (1d8+3)2 claws +16 melee (1d8+8) and bite +11 melee (2d6+4) and 2 rake +16 melee (1d8+4)Space/Reach:10 ft./5 ft.Special Attacks:Improved grab, pounce, rake 1d8+3Special Qualities:Low-light vision, scentSaves:Fort +8, Ref +7, Will +3Fort +10, Ref +9, Will +4Fort +11, Ref +10, Will +4Fort +12, Ref +12, Will +5Abilities (Cumulative):Str 23, Dex 15, Con 17, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6+1 Str, +1 Dex, +1 Con+1 Str, +1 Dex+1 Str, +1 Dex, +1 IntSkills (extra ranks):Balance +6, Hide +3*, Listen +3, Move Silently +9, Spot +4(1), Swim +11+1(2) spellcraft+1(2) spellcraft+1(2) spellcraftDefault feats:Alertness, Improved Natural Attack (bite), Improved Natural Attack (claw)
"it's just a cat (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/cat.htm)", they said.
Well, from level 8 onward it's actually a celestial (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/celestialCreature.htm) cat!
At 15th level it will be a tiger (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/tiger.htm), from 16th level onward it will be a Unicorn (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/unicorn.htm)
As said in the intro, the core idea started from stacking battle dancer with fist of the forest, then stacking rage with rage with rage.
I didn't initially intend for vow of poverty, but I feel it cheekily fits well with fist of the forest primal living, so that's that.
Originally this didn't have champion of Gwynharwyf, and was instead barb 4 / silverwood outrider 1, because junkwar XXXI is influencing me, but when I started tinkering around with "what can I spend my extra exalted feats on", I liked that I could use them for another PrC prerequisites, AND the unlocking of features let me grab more other uses for those feats.
Beastmaster is kinda samey, this used to be a lonely warblade level, taken late for the charge stance and white raven tactics, but I wasn't liking dipping a base class, meanwhile I feel dipping PrC are slightly less not elegant. So I went beastmaster because I felt I would be a failed cat lady if I didn't try to maximixe the cats.

That I took a unicorn as animal companion is still smarting me, but it plays well in the imagery of "maiden of the forest", and it's like, our only source of healing
Oh look, it's TarzanTigu'er being raised by monkeystigers in the jungleforest!
Ok in slighty more seriousness amazonian tribe (read=many fists of the forest, hello fluff requirement!) minding their own new age business, maybe occasionally selling their service as matchmakers? I mean it takes just two uses of Inspire desire to make a purrfect match, My consent awareness is cringing very hard at this class.

moving on...

Level 1-5
we're a dancing barbarian, I don't know what you want me to say? Our Ac is well above average for the levels, and we "capstone" at level 5 with the unlocking of our first level of celebrant, i.e. WE GOT A CAT! (offtopic : I have 4 cats, plus 2 more that are "of the courtyard") We got diplomacy to do a bit of face things, our AC is above average (20) for those levels, but that's that

Level 6-10
A chunk of spellcasting, do remember that we share spells with our familiar, I'm sure you all know about the bits of shenanigans you can get with Alter self. Or with sharing heroism. he's passably durable thanks to celestial template, do remember that for everything HD related the cheeky little girl is "twice the celebrant level", so her smite evil is +10 damage, her energy resistance is 10 and her DR is 5/magic

After getting pounce, it's time to pump up our BAB to make full use of it, so let's get started with the full BAB classes before going back to celebrant.

We also get our sisterly tiger! Do remember it's a move action to handle her, but it's fine to leave her with the standing order to "defend"; then she should hopefully attack hostiles of her own accord, but won't start the hostilities herself, win-win with the flavor that celebrant has!

Level 11-15
Divine Grace, and both rage and trance are up to 2/day, plus a couple lonely divine slots which I feel are best used for lesser restoration. Plus another tiger, one with whom we can share spell!

Level 16-20
and so we fill out the SI. Sanctuary is nice, since it doesn't take concentration to mantain, so long that we're "dancing". Combat Panache mostly to use that Intimidate manouver, an untyped malus of 9 to attack rolls is kinda big.

the unicorn is our healing dispenser,but by way of share spell Alter self it can get any medium to huge magical beast with 5 or less HD
The "combat" choice is probably a 5 heads hydra (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/hydra.htm), but from an utility point of view, Alter self to a Pegasi or something for flying

Also, free haste! too bad we can't share it around.

The rest is playing into the role Celebrant sets us on, cats and beauty and love and happyness, but rue the day you tick her off!

I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable waxing poetics about Inspire desire, so I'm going to shortcut it to "You know how leadership is banned? well, this is leadership, but uncapped, enjoy fightning my army of (anything not immune to mind affecting effects)". Sure, they get two saves, but the DC is 33-52 and we can probably diplomacy our way into them willingly fail their saves, so...
I can't think of any for the things I've chosen, joy!
Wait, actually there is one, by RAW we could pick the dire tiger at 19th level as our wild cohort, AND improve it by 11HD, I refer to this post (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25107054&postcount=13) as the reasoning why I'm "houseruling" myself to a lower power cohort. Another possible reading is that I don't get to change it at all, in which case it'd be a leopard advanced by 11HD
Dragon compendium: Battle dancer
Unearthed Arcana (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#bearTotemClassFeatures ): bear totem warrior ACF
Tome of battle: martial study feat, Leading the attack manouver
Book of exalted deeds:Exalted feats, Champion of Gwynharwyf
Wild cohort (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20031118a)
Complete Adventurer: Beastmaster PrC, Natural bond feat
Complete Champion: Fist of the Forest PrC
Player Handbook II: Combat Panache feat
player guide to Faerun: Secret Ingredient
Races of Faerun: Avarial
Miniature Handbook: Crucian, Catfolk

[The Viscount]

Gives wildcat a whole new meaning.



Tisa'a Chesara

CG Human (Afflicted and Cured) Were-Cougar
Bard 1 / Celebrant of Sharess 10 / Sublime Chord 9

Ability Scores
Str - 13
Dex - 12
Con - 14
Int - 12
Wis - 8
Cha - 17 (+1 at 4th, 8th, 12th, 16th, and 20th levels)

Background and Heritage
Tisa'a the bard revered Sharess her entire life. As a young woman does (if she chooses), especially adhering to the Goddess of Hedonism, she loves often, and is loved in return, and generally has a good time. Early in her career, she has a particularly passionate encounter with someone who did not fully disclose their full status on the Faerûn version of Tinder, and becomes afflicted with lycanthropy by a fellow follower of Sharess (modified Were-cat from LEoF 179). This the story of Tisa'a Chesara.
LevelClassBase Attack BonusFort SaveReflex SaveWill SaveSkillsFeatsClass Features
1stBard 1+0+0+2+2Bluff 4, Diplomacy 4, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Listen 4, Perform (Dance) 4, Profession (Astrology) 4, Spellcraft 4, Sleight of Hand 4Sacred Vow, Vow of PurityBardic Music, Bardic Knowledge, Countersong, Fascinate, Inspire Courage +1
2ndAfflicted Were-Cheetah 1+0+2+4+2Bluff 4, Diplomacy (+1 cc) 5, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Listen 4, Perform (Dance) (+1 cc) 5, Profession (Astrology) 4, Spellcraft 4, Sleight of Hand 4
3rdAfflicted Were-Cheetah 2+1+3+5+2Bluff 4, Diplomacy (+1 cc) 6, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Listen 4, Perform (Dance) (+1 cc) 6, Profession (Astrology) 4, Spellcraft 4, Sleight of Hand 4Extra Music
4thAfflicted Were-Cheetah 3+2+3+5+3Bluff 4, Diplomacy (+1 cc) 7, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Listen 4, Perform (Dance) (+1 cc) 7, Profession (Astrology) 4, Spellcraft 4, Sleight of Hand 4
5thLA +1 ------
6thLA +2 ------
7thCelebrant of Sharess 1+2+3+5+5Bluff (+1) 5, Diplomacy (+1) 8, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 5, Listen (+1) 5, Perform (Dance) (+1) 8, Profession (Astrology) (+1) 5, Spellcraft (+1) 5, Sleight of Hand 4 Fascinate, Feline Familiar, Flirtation
8thCelebrant of Sharess 2+3+3+5+6Bluff 5, Diplomacy (+1) 9, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 6, Listen (+1) 6, Perform (Dance) (+1) 9, Profession (Astrology) (+1) 6, Spellcraft (+1) 6, Sleight of Hand (+1) 5Melodic CastingFury of the Tigress 1/day
9thCelebrant of Sharess 3+3+4+6+6Bluff 5, Concentration (+1) 1, Diplomacy (+1) 10, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 7, Listen (+1) 7, Perform (Dance) (+1) 10, Profession (Astrology) 6, Spellcraft (+1) 7, Sleight of Hand 5 --
10thCelebrant of Sharess 4+4+4+6+7Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 11, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 8, Listen (+1) 8, Perform (Dance) (+1) 11, Profession (Astrology) 6, Spellcraft (+1) 8, Sleight of Hand 5, Conceal Spellcasting Trick Suggestion
11thCelebrant of Sharess 5+4+4+6+7Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 12, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 9, Listen (+1) 9, Perform (Dance) (+1) 12, Profession (Astrology) 6, Spellcraft (+1) 9, Sleight of Hand (+2) 7, Conceal Spellcasting TrickVersatile SpellcasterPounce of the Tigress
12thCelebrant of Sharess 6+5+5+7+8Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 13, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 10, Listen (+1) 10, Perform (Dance) (+1) 13, Profession (Astrology) 6, Spellcraft (+1) 10, Sleight of Hand (+2) 9, Conceal Spellcasting Fury of the Tigress 2/day
13thCelebrant of Sharess 7+5+5+7+8Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 14, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 11, Listen (+1) 11, Perform (Dance) (+1) 14, Profession (Astrology) 6, Spellcraft (+1) 11, Sleight of Hand 9, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy Trick Sanctuary
-3HD, -2LA, ECL 8Afflicted Lycanthopy Cured-2-3-3-1Diplomacy -3 Ranks, Perform (Dance) -3 RanksLose Extra Music
8thCelebrant of Sharess 7+3+2+3+7Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy 11, Knowledge (Arcana) 11, Listen 11, Perform (Dance) 11, Profession (Astrology) 6, Spellcraft 11, Sleight of Hand 9, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy Trick
9thCelebrant of Sharess 8+4+2+4+8Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 12, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 12, Listen (+1) 12, Perform (Dance) (+1) 12, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive (+2) 2, Spellcraft (+1) 12, Sleight of Hand 9, Conceal Spellcasting, False TheurgyExtra MusicSwiftness of the Tigress
10thCelebrant of Sharess 9+4+3+5+8Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 13, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 13, Listen (+1) 13, Perform (Dance) (+1) 13, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive (+2) 4, Spellcraft (+1) 13, Sleight of Hand 9, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy
11thCelebrant of Sharess 10+5+3+5+9Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 14, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1 cc) 14, Listen (+1) 14, Perform (Dance) (+1) 14, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive (+1) 5, Spellcraft (+1) 14, Sleight of Hand (+1) 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy Fury of the Tigress 3/day, Inspire Desire
12thSublime Chord 1+5+3+5+11Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 15, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 15, Knowledge (Nobility) (+1) 1, Listen (+1) 15, Perform (Dance) (+1) 15, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 15, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False TheurgySkill Focus (Perform)Bardic Lore, Bardic Music
13thSublime Chord 2+6+3+5+12Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 16, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 16, Knowledge (Nobility) (+1) 2, Listen (+1) 16, Perform (Dance) (+1) 16, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 16, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy Song of Arcane Power
14thSublime Chord 3+6+4+6+12Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 17, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 17, Knowledge (Nobility) (+1) 3, Listen (+1) 17, Perform (Dance) (+1) 17, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 17, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy
15thSublime Chord 4+7+4+6+13Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 18, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 18, Knowledge (Nobility) (+1) 4, Listen (+1) 18, Perform (Dance) (+1) 18, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 18, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False TheurgySpell Focus (Conjuration)
16thSublime Chord 5+7+4+6+13Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 19, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 19, Knowledge (Nobility) (+1) 5, Listen (+1) 19, Perform (Dance) (+1) 19, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 19, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy
17thSublime Chord 6+8+5+7+14Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 20, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 20, Knowledge (Nobility) 5, Listen 19, Perform (Dance) (+1) 20, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 20, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy, Collector of Stories Trick Song of Timelessness
18thSublime Chord 7+8+5+7+14Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 21, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 21, Knowledge (Nobility) 5, Listen (+2) 21, Perform (Dance) (+1) 21, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 21, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy, Collector of StoriesAugment Summons
19thSublime Chord 8+9+5+7+15Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 22, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 22, Knowledge (Nobility) 5, Listen 21, Perform (Dance) (+1) 22, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 22, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy, Collector of Stories, Listen to This Trick
20thSublime Chord 9+9+6+8+15Bluff 5, Concentration 1, Diplomacy (+1) 23, Knowledge (Arcana) (+1) 23, Knowledge (Nobility) 5, Listen (+2) 23, Perform (Dance) (+1) 23, Profession (Astrology) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft (+1) 23, Sleight of Hand 10, Conceal Spellcasting, False Theurgy, Collector of Stories, Listen to This



Spells per Day:
LevelClassBard 0thCelebrant of Sharess 1stCelebrant of Sharess 2ndCelebrant of Sharess 3rdCelebrant of Sharess 4thSublime Chord 4thSublime Chord 5thSublime Chord 6thSublime Chord 7thSublime Chord 8thSublime Chord 9th
1stBard 12--------------------
2ndCelebrant of Sharess 120------------------
3rdCelebrant of Sharess 221------------------
4thCelebrant of Sharess 3220----------------
5thCelebrant of Sharess 4231----------------
6thCelebrant of Sharess 52320--------------
7thCelebrant of Sharess 62331--------------
8thCelebrant of Sharess 723320------------
9thCelebrant of Sharess 823331------------
10thCelebrant of Sharess 923332------------
11thCelebrant of Sharess 1023333------------
12thSublime Chord 12333321--------
13thSublime Chord 22333322--------
14thSublime Chord 323333321------
15thSublime Chord 423333332------
16thSublime Chord 5233333321----
17thSublime Chord 6233334332----
18thSublime Chord 72333344321--
19thSublime Chord 82333344332--
20thSublime Chord 923333444321

Spells Known:
LevelClassBard 0thCelebrant of Sharess 1stCelebrant of Sharess 2ndCelebrant of Sharess 3rdCelebrant of Sharess 4thSublime Chord 4thSublime Chord 5thSublime Chord 6thSublime Chord 7thSublime Chord 8thSublime Chord 9th
1stBard 14 (Light, Prestigitation, Read Magic. Songbird (SpC))--------------------
2ndCelebrant of Sharess 142 (Charm Person, Hypnotism)------------------
3rdCelebrant of Sharess 243 (+ Tasha's Hideous Laughter)------------------
4thCelebrant of Sharess 3432 (Eagle's Splendor, Enthrall)----------------
5thCelebrant of Sharess 444 (+ Remove Fear)3 (+ Cat's Grace)----------------
6thCelebrant of Sharess 54432 (Charm Monster, Good Hope)--------------
7thCelebrant of Sharess 6444 (+ Hypnotic Pattern)3 (+ Glibness)--------------
8thCelebrant of Sharess 744432 (Break Enchantment, Dominate Person)------------
9thCelebrant of Sharess 84444 (+ Warcry (BoED))3 (+ Rainbow Pattern)------------
10thCelebrant of Sharess 944443------------
11thCelebrant of Sharess 1044444 (+ Hold Monster)------------
12thSublime Chord 1444443 (Greater Invisibility, Freedom of Movement, Sirine's Grace (SpC))1 (Greater Dispel Magic)--------
13thSublime Chord 2444444 (+Ruin Delver's Fortune (SpC))2 (+ Summon Monster V)--------
14thSublime Chord 344444421 (Nixie's Grace (SpC))------
15thSublime Chord 44444443 (+ Greater Blink)2 (+ Summon Monster IV)------
16thSublime Chord 5444444321 (Transfix (SpC))----
17thSublime Chord 64444444 (+ Overland Flight)3 (+ Bite of the Weretiger (SpC))2 (+ Summon Monster VII)----
18thSublime Chord 74444444321 (Mind Blank)--
19thSublime Chord 844444444 (+ Cat's Grace, Mass)3 (+ Greater Teleport)2 (+ Fierce Pride of the Beastlands (SpC))--
20thSublime Chord 944444444321 (Shapechange)



So yes, we're doing this. Celebrant of Sharess can normally be entered as early as ECL 5 (4 hit dice for the skill points and 2 required feats). The two feats can be obtained with a single hit die, so later on Tisa'a will cure herself of the affliction and retroactively enter at ECL2, self-qualifying via skill ranks originally obtained using cheetah racial hit dice.

I could spend time laying out the savage progression for the lycanthropic hit dice and LA but it is going away anyway. Bardic music is weird, right? It is called music but doesn't actually require music. Tisa'a is a free spirit and she is going to dance. She's also a vegan cheetah. Because that's a thing, right? It is now. We chose were-cheetah because cats are Sharess's thing, and there's some clerics of Sharess that are also were-cats in LEoF. Cheetahs are cats with more hit dice, so we're keeping that concept and giving enough hit dice to qualify for Celebrant.

First couple of levels is tough. She has some benefits from Lycanthropy but not much in the way of abilities. She takes extra music so she can still contribute via Inspire Courage if nothing else to the fights she is in. Her were-form gives +6 Str, +8 Dex, and +4 Con so she can also do some melee, probably saved by the skin of her teeth many times though by her DR. I don't really recommend playing these levels but here we are.

Tisa'a enters Celebrant of Sharess at ECL 7 with only a single class level in bard. Charisma is decent (HD boosts get it up to 20 in this block of levels). Pounce and Fury are probably more useful as a were-cheetah than they will be once she is cured. She takes Melodic casting (to save on concentration checks) and versatile spellcasting (more flexibility) as well. At ECL 13, Tisa'a gets C of S level 7 and picks up 4th level spells, one of which is break enchantment. Tisa'a cures herself of lycanthropy (she took glibness as a 3rd level spell to convince the DM to permit this) and loses 3 hit dice, as well as 2 LA, dropping to ECL 8. Because she has 3 extra ranks in Diplomacy and Perform (from her animal levels), those are lost. As well she will lose the Extra music feat from those levels. She still has enough ranks to qualify so takes the remaining levels of Celebrant. She will re-take the Extra music feat at ECL 9.

I didn't include bonus spells from Charisma in the chart above, but has at least 1 bonus of every level due to natural charisma and probably has a Cloak of Charisma by now, so probably more bonus spells. There's some decent utility spells on the spell list so she takes a couple good ones from the pile. I could include all the ways that we use whatever class ability or make people love one another but there's 9 levels left and you know where this is going.

Tisa'a is sitting around with 9 level to go until epic and realizes she qualifies for Sublime Chord and decides to go for it. She can probably nab better feats but she's breaking the curve on power here anyway and I don't think a judge is going to give me any extra elegance points for unique and flavorful stuff so the last feats will be basic. Skill Focus (Perform) and Spell Focus Conjuration. Tisa'a chooses spells from either the bard or wizard/sorc lists for the remainder of the levels. She chooses based on utility (Things like Greater Invis, Freedom of Movement), ability enhancement (Sirine's Grace, Nixie's Grace), and relationship with cats (Summon Monster V let's her summon 1d3 celestial lions).

Final feat is augment summons, which affects her celestial kitties. More utility spells, more cat spells (Fierce Pride of the Beastlands has a 10 minute casting time? Really? Tisa'a better plan ahead.) And she gets Shapechange. Probably twice or 3 times a day (1 for Sublime Chord 9, 1 for CHA bonus (22 with +6 Cloak and +4 tome = 32), maybe 1 via versatile spellcaster).
TL;DR:
Step 1: Afflicted Were-Cheetah
Step 2: ????
Step 3: Shapechange
Step 4: Profit!!

Book of Exalted Deeds: Sacred Vow - 45; Vow of Purity - 48; Warcry Spell.
Complete Adventurer: Extra Music - 109.
Complete Arcane: Sublime Chord - 60-62.
Complete Mage: Melodic Casting - 44-45.
Lost Empires of Faerun: Lycanthrope, Werecat - 179-181 (Mostly for alignment and compatibility with Sharess).
Monster Manual: Lycanthrope Template - 175-179; Cheetah - 271.
Player's Guide to Faerun: Celebrant of Sharess - 178-181.
Races of the Dragon: Versatile Spellcaster - 101.
Spell Compendium: Songbird, Sirine's Grace, Ruin Delver's Fortune, Nixie's Grace, Bite of the Weretiger, Transfix, Fierce Pride of the Beastlands.

[The Viscount]

Perform (dance (shuffling side to side))



https://i.pinimg.com/originals/00/e0/81/00e081edfd75849fded5bb76ebf1f2a4.jpg
Mataff-Crott, the Hammer
CG Lupin Warblade 5/Fighter 2/Celebrant of Sharess 2/Uncanny Trickster 3/Legacy Champion 8


You Can’t Touch This
You Can’t Touch This
You Can’t Touch This
You Can’t Touch This
Ability Scores
16 Str, 12 Dex, 14 Con, 14 Int, 8 Wis, 14 Cha

Build Table


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


1st
Warblade 1
+1
+2
+0
+0
Diplomacy 4, Ride 4, Perform (Dance) 2cc, Knowledge (History) 4, Tumble 4, Balance 4
Sacred Vow
Battle Clarity (Reflex Saves), Weapon Aptitude


2nd
Fighter 1
+2
+4
+0
+0
Diplomacy 4, Perform (Dance) 2, Ride 5, Knowledge (History) 4, Tumble 5, Balance 4, Dismount Attack
Power AttackB
Skilled City-Dweller (Ride for Tumble)


3rd
Darksong Knight Fighter 2
+3
+5
+0
+0
Diplomacy 4, Perform (Dance) 6, Ride 5, Knowledge (History) 4, Tumble 5, Balance 4, Dismount Attack
Vow of Purity, Improved Bull RushB
Dancing Feint


4th
Warblade 2
+4
+6
+0
+0
Diplomacy 7, Perform (Dance) 7cc, Ride 5, Knowledge (History) 4, Tumble 5, Balance 5, Dismount Attack
-
Uncanny Dodge


5th
Celebrant of Sharess 1
+4
+6
+0
+2
Diplomacy 7, Perform (Dance) 7, Ride 8, Knowledge (History) 4, Tumble 5, Balance 5, Bluff 3, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge
-
Fascinate, Feline Familiar, Flirtation


6th
Celebrant of Sharess 2
+5
+6
+0
+3
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 7, Ride 8, Knowledge (History) 4, Tumble 5, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery
Mounted Combat
Fury of the Tigress 1/day


7th
Warblade 3
+6
+6
+1
+4
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 7, Ride 8, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand
-
Battle Ardor (Critical Confirmation)


8th
Uncanny Trickster 1
+6
+6
+3
+4
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 7, Ride 10, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Spellcraft 4, Hide 8, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded DanceB
-
Favored Trick (Dismount Attack)


9th
Uncanny Trickster 2
+7
+6
+4
+4
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 11, Ride 12, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 12, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble ChargeB
Shock Trooper
Favored Trick (Shrouded Dance), +1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features


10th
Uncanny Trickster 3
+8
+7
+4
+5
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 13, Ride 12, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3cc, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely MisdirectionB
Least Legacy (Scarab of Aradross*)B
Favored Trick (Twisted Charge), Tricky Defense, +1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features (Suggestion)


11th
Legacy Champion 1
+8
+7
+4
+7
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 14cc, Ride 14, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 2, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
Lesser Legacy (Scarab of Aradross)B
Reduced Ritual Cost (Lesser), Bond of Lore


12th
Legacy Champion 2
+9
+7
+4
+8
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 15cc, Ride 15, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 5, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
Improved Familiar
Replace Legacy Ability (Arcane Health with Perform (Dance) Bonus +5**), +1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features (Pounce of the Tigress)


13th
Legacy Champion 3
+10
+8
+5
+8
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 16cc, Ride 16, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 8, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
-
Extra Legacy Ability Use (Winged Range 3rd), +1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features (Fury of the Tigress 2/day)


14th
Legacy Champion 4
+11
+8
+5
+9
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 17cc, Ride 17, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 9, Use Magic Device 2, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
Channel LegacyB
+1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features (Sanctuary)


15th
Legacy Champion 5
+11
+8
+5
+9
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 18cc, Ride 18, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 10, Use Magic Device 4, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
Quicken Spell-Like Ability (Sanctuary)
Replace Legacy Ability (Winged Range 6th with Dispel Magic***), +1 Level of Celebrate of Sharess Features (Swiftness of the Tigress)


16th
Legacy Champion 6
+12
+9
+6
+10
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 19cc, Ride 19, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 10, Use Magic Device 7, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
-
Extra Legacy Ability Use (Dispel Magic), +1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features


17th
Legacy Champion 7
+13
+9
+6
+10
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 20cc, Ride 20, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 9, Use Magic Device 10, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
-
Reduced Ritual Cost (Greater)


18th
Legacy Champion 8
+14
+9
+6
+11
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 21cc, Ride 21, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 10, Use Magic Device 13, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
-
[/td]
Martial Study (Shadow Stride), Transfer LegacyB
+1 Level of Celebrant of Sharess Features (Fury of the Tigress 3/day, Inspire Desire)


19th
Warblade 4
+15
+10
+6
+11
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 22cc, Ride 21, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 17, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 10, Use Magic Device 13, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
-
-


20th
Warblade 5
+16
+10
+6
+11
Diplomacy 8, Perform (Dance) 23cc, Ride 22, Knowledge (History) 5, Tumble 8, Balance 5, Bluff 8, Hide 20, Knowledge (Arcana) 3, Concentration 9, Use Magic Device 13, Dismount Attack, Twisted Charge, Social Recovery, Nimble Stand, Shrouded Dance, Nimble Charge, Timely Misdirection
Blind FightB
-

*Founding your own legacy – perhaps on a warhammer designed for creatures with more than two hands or a stylish pair of baggy magical pants - is always going to be preferable if you can get away with it. Alternatively, if your DM will let you alter the Bloodcrier’s Hammer, Unfettered, or Blade of the Last Citadel to be usable with more than two hands, any of them could be a reasonable alternative to the Scarab.
**If you have or expect to be able to get a higher bonus competence item for perform, take Mount instead for an extra body from which to execute Dismount Attacks.
***In some campaigns, the value of extending Dominate Monster (so that effectively twice as many people can be kept on its leash) may be useful enough to warrant not trading out the ability.

Maneuvers


Level
Maneuvers Known
Maneuvers Readied
Stances Known


1st
Steel Wind, Charging Minotaur, Douse the Flames
3
Leading the Charge


4th
Steel Wind, Charging Minotaur, Douse the Flames, Wall of Blades
3
Leading the Charge


5th
Steel Wind, Charging Minotaur, Douse the Flames, Wall of Blades, White Raven Tactics
3
Leading the Charge


18th
Steel Wind, Charging Minotaur, Douse the Flames, Wall of Blades, White Raven Tactics, Shadow Stride
3
Leading the Charge


19th
Steel Wind, Charging Minotaur, Douse the Flames, Wall of Blades, White Raven Tactics, Shadow Stride, Order Forged From Chaos
3
Leading the Charge, Press the Advantage


19th
Steel Wind, Douse the Flames, Wall of Blades, White Raven Tactics, Shadow Stride, Order Forged From Chaos, Manticore Parry
3
Leading the Charge, Press the Advantage



Spells per Day/Spells Known


Level
1st
2nd
3rd
4th


5th
0/2
-
-
-


6th
1/3
-
-
-


9th
2/3
0/2
-
-


10th
2/4
0/3
-
-


12th
2/4
1/3
0*/2
-


13th
2/4
2/4
0/3
-


14th
2/4
2/4
1/3
0*/2


15th
2/4
2/4
2/4
0/3


17th
2/4
2/4
2/4
1/3


18th
2/4
2/4
2/4
2/4

Does not count bonus spells/day from a high Cha score, but does count the spell slots lost to the personal costs of the Scarab of Aradross. An asterisk denotes a level at which you have zero spells before bonus slots and at which the scarab takes a slot of that level, so it will take the first bonus slot.

Spells Known
1st: Charm Person, Hypnotism, Remove Fear, Ray of Hope
2nd: Alter Self, Tongues, Elation, Heroism
3rd: Glibness, Charm Monster, Crushing Despair, Slow
4th: Dominate Person, Modify Memory, Break Enchantment, Blinding Beauty


My My My My
Music Hits Me So Hard
Makes Me Say Oh My Lord
Thank You For Blessing Me
With A Mind To Rhyme and Two Hyped Feet

Level 5Lupins always get ride as a class skill, so Warblade not getting it for some reason, and even Skilled City-Dweller trading it away to get Tumble don’t impede investing in it to snag Dismount Attack on time, which will be important later. The Darksong Knight ACF requires Eilistraee as a patron deity, but that’s actually fine, as 1) the SI doesn’t actually require that you worship Sharess, 2) Elistraee is also a lust goddess who loves cats and even a different type of good-aligned special snowflake not-werewolves, and 3) the rules restricting having a racial deity as the patron of a different race only apply to Clerics. That covers Perform as a class skill, allowing for on-time entry into Celebrant of Sharess with some important bonus feats and full BAB.
Level 10Ducking out of the SI after two levels for a Warblade level hits initiator level 5 for White Raven Tactics and gets to level 7, when the maximum skill tricks for a character is sufficient to qualify for Uncanny Trickster without the Rage and Pounce SI’s own chassis causing any further BAB hemorrhaging. Uncanny Trickster grants progression of SI features with at least medium BAB and also gives an additional use per encounter of a few Skill Tricks, most notably Dismount Attack and Shrouded Dance. Dismount Attack allows for attacking an adjacent enemy as if they’d been charged as a standard action immediately after a fast-dismount from a mount that’s moved at least 10 ft that round. Assuming no action was necessary to direct said mount where it needed to be – which will be more reliably true in coming levels – that leaves a move action free to use on something like Shrouded Dance, which grants concealment with a successful DC 20 Hide check. That concealment and Wall of Blades being able to block another attack per round relatively reliably help shore up defenses when taking AC penalties from using Shock Trooper and Fury of the Tigress. Celebrant of Sharess casting is now up to 2nds, including the classic Charm Person+Hypnotism face combo for use in social situations along with Fascinate and Suggestion and the always useful Alter Self. Lupins are monstrous humanoids, which opens up some utility forms, generally better than what regular humanoids can pull off, and of particular interest here, the Thri-Kreen with its extra arms. Extra arms from Alter Self don’t allow for more advantageous two-weapon attacks, but the spell lacks a similar restriction for attacks with single weapons designed for creatures with extra hands, as described in Savage Species. A warhammer designed for a creature with four arms can still be wielded two-handed when in natural form, but adds 2.5*Str instead of 1.5 when used four-handed to get some extra juice out of the bonus from raging (the language regarding such weapons is characteristically unclear for Savage Species, but if it’s ruled that a weapon designed for a creature with more arms can still be wielded with as few as two, Anthropomorphic Octopus form can take this even further). Forming a bond with the Scarab of Aradross bites into CL a bit, but Thri-Kreen is only 2 HD, personal costs explicitly only affect level-dependent variables only rather than the ability to cast the spell, and the Scarab makes up for the reduced duration by granting what is effectively the ability of a Lesser Rod of Extend.
Level 15Legacy Champion, like Uncanny Trickster, progresses Celebrant of Sharess features without the Celebrant of Sharess chassis that actively works against them. Pounce and Swiftness of the Tigress are online, making Shock Trooper charges more devastating, and with a Hippogriff from Improved Familiar, which, being large and intelligent, can serve as a mount without more than talking as a free action being necessary to direct it, being able to charge as a standard with Dimount Attack (the DC 20 check for fast dismounting can now be hit on a 1 without items even with the penalty from Scarab of Aradros as lupins have a racial +2) will reliably free up a move action for Shrouded Dance, or simply for tactical movement. Sanctuary is also now online, and due to its low spell level and the CL for (Sp) abilities defaulting to character level, can be Quickened as soon as a feat becomes available with which to do so. So after delivering an ubercharge, it only takes the swift for that round to impose the ability and prevent anyone who can’t beat its high save DC from being able to make a counterattack to take advantage of Shock Trooper’s AC penalty. This stop in the action will last for up to rounds per level or until it becomes advantageous to resume hammer time by making an attack, possibly taking a round to feint, which can be done with another Perform (Dance) check thanks to Darksong Knight, if an enemy’s Dex bonus to AC is proving particularly bothersome.

On the face side of things, the SI’s casting provides Glibness, which not only makes it easy to lie as usual, but makes up for ranks being tight on Diplomacy as well through Social Recovery.

While Legacy Champion is primarily here to progress the SI, and the Legacy Item itself is a bit of an afterthought which could be replaced by any item that doesn’t actively interfere with the build’s tactics, the Scarab does end up pulling its weight. An extra extend each day from Legacy Champion makes it easy to keep Alter Self up reliably. The Concentration bonus makes up for the personal costs’ skill penalty to trivialize the DC 16 Concentration check to use Sanctuary defensively with relatively little investment in ranks. A few temporary HP each day isn’t very impressive, but Legacy Champion swaps that out for either a competence bonus to Perform in a game where a similar item isn’t reliably available, or a backup mount to leapfrog for Dismount Attacks in a game where such an item is. Similarly, the only spell above 3rd level for which Extend matters is Dominate, and only then for the potential to keep more people on the leash at once than is going to be necessary or useful for most games. Replacing the Lesser version of the Winged Range ability with Dispel Magic grants an important utility spell (including for countering enemy Dispels which could get rid of Serenity) to which the Scarab provides a modest boost. The net positive to saves and the energy resistance from Survive Any Extreme protect against AoE attacks that enemies might use to get around Sanctuary. Channel Legacy also allows for the use of legacy abilities to boost attack rolls, saves, or skill checks for a round. While the feat’s swift action activation isn’t compatible with Quicken, the skill boost can be used to increase the Perform-based DC on a non-Quickened Sanctuary.
Level 20Continuing to Legacy Champion 8 finishes out the SI’s features – completing the familiar and spell progressions and granting a third use of Fury of the Tigress and the powerful Inspire Desire capstone – just in time to miss the fifth level of lost BAB which would have meant no fourth iterative. Completing the build with two more levels of Warblade ensures that this effort doesn’t go to waste, hitting BAB +16 at level 20. Order Forged From Chaos from Warblade and Shadow Stride from Martial Study give additional uses for the move action freed up by charging with Dismount Attack. Martial Study also makes Hide a class skill, making it easier to hit the number of ranks necessary to trivialize the Shrouded Dance check without items. Manticore Parry is an upgraded Wall of Blades, and can offer a way to deal damage without breaking Sanctuary, should an enemy succeed on the save and be able to attack, by redirecting their attack to another nearby enemy (possibly one drawn by the influence of Inspire Desire).

Transfer Legacy also deserves passing mention. While the Legacy abilities are useful and limited enough that sharing them too freely with friends and lovers isn’t practical, but there will certainly be times when it is beneficial and passing off the action cost of Dispelling onto the Hippogriff familiar by putting the ability on its barding instead of the Scarab will be a reliably good tactic.


It Feels Good When You Know You're Down
A Super Dope Homeboy From the Oaktown
And I'm Known as Such
And This is a Beat, *Uh*, You Can't Touch
I Told You, Homeboy
You Can't Touch This
Yeah, That's How We Livin', and Ya Know
You Can't Touch This
Look in my Eyes, Man
You Can't Touch This
Yo, Let Me Bust the Funky Lyrics
You Can't Touch This

Book of Exalted Deeds: Sacred Vow, Vow of Purity, Blinding Beauty, Elation, Ray of Hope
Champions of Valor: Darksong Knight
Cityscape Web-Enhancement (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070228a): Skilled City-Dweller
Complete Scoundrel: Uncanny Trickster, Skill Tricks
Complete Warrior: Improved Familiar (Hippogriff), Shock Trooper
Dragon Compendium: Lupin
Monster Manual III: Thri-kreen
Player’s Handbook: Rules for racial deities
Player’s Guide to Faerun: Celebrant of Sharess
Savage Species: Anthropomorphic Octopus, Weapon rules for creatures with extra hands
Tome of Battle: Warblade, Martial Study, Maneuvers, Blade of the Last Citadel, Unfettered
Weapons of Legacy: Legacy Champion, Channel Legacy, Least Legacy, Lesser Legacy, Transfer Legacy, Bloodcrier’s Hammer, Scarab of Aradros, Legacy Item rules



Fresh New Kicks and Pants
You Got It Like That
Now You Know You Wanna Dance
So, Move Outta Your Seat
And Get a Fly Girl
And Catch This Beat
While It’s Rolling

[The Viscount]

Moar. Cats.


My other entry, Tigu'er, left me unsatisfied that I wasn't maxing out the "cat potential", so here we are!

Core idea : familiar+animal companion+wild cohort, all of them felines!
follow up : Tigu'er is as high BAB as possible, so let's go full caster this time around
second follow up : we got many cats, let's get animal growth!!

Anyway the imagery is of this maiden, riding a tiger, flanked by another tiger, with a cat, suddenly, dragonbreath from all of them! meme picture of cats breathing fire/lightning/rainbow here, but instead of ONE cat, it's 3 of them!, plus the caretaker.
Not enough? BOOM the cats are now gargantuan! SUDDENLY DINOSAURS, ON FIRE!

CG Human, Sorcerer 4 / Celebrant of Sharess 5 / Silverwood Arcanist 5 / Sorcerer 5 / Beastmaster 2 / Celebrant of Sharess 8
Str 9, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 14, Wis 8, Cha 22 (17+5 level up)
HP 4 + 9d4 + 8d6 + 2d10 + 40 (105)

LevelClassBase Attack BonusFort SaveRef SaveWill SaveSkillsFeatsClass Features1stSorcerer 1+0+0+0+2Concentration +4, Diplomacy +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4, Knowledge(Nature) 1(+2), Perform(Acting) +4, Ride 2(+4)Apprentice(Entertainer), Sacred VowAnimal Companion2ndSorcerer 2+1+0+0+3Concentration 4+1, Diplomacy 4+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 4, Knowledge(Nature) 1(2), Perform(Acting) 4+1, Ride 2(4), Spellcraft +23rdSorcerer 3+1+1+1+3Concentration 5+1, Diplomacy 5+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 4, Knowledge(Nature) 2(2+2), Perform(Acting) 5+1, Ride 2(4), Spellcraft 2Vow of Purity4thSorcerer 4+2+1+1+4Concentration 6+1, Diplomacy 6+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 4+1, Knowledge(Nature) 2(4), Perform(Acting) 6+1, Ride 2(4), Spellcraft 2+15thCelebrant of Sharess 1+2+1+1+6Concentration 7+1, Diplomacy 7+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 3(4+2), Perform(Acting) 7+1, Ride 3(4+2), Spellcraft 3+2Fascinate, Feline Familiar, Flirtation6thCelebrant of Sharess 2+3+1+1+7Concentration 8+1, Diplomacy 8+1, Handle Animals 1(+2), Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 4(6+2), Perform(Acting) 8+1, Ride 4(6+2), Spellcraft 5Wild CohortFury of the tigress 1/day7thCelebrant of Sharess 3+3+2+2+7Concentration 9+1, Diplomacy 9+1, Handle Animals 2(2+2), Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5(8+2), Perform(Acting) 9+1, Ride 5(8+2), Spellcraft 58thCelebrant of Sharess 4+4+2+2+8Concentration 10+1, Diplomacy 10+1, Handle Animals 2.5(4+1), Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5(10), Perform(Acting) 10+1, Ride 5.5(10+1), Spellcraft 5, Tumble +4Suggestion9thCelebrant of Sharess 5+4+2+2+8Concentration 11+1, Diplomacy 11+1, Handle Animals 3(5+1), Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5(10), Perform(Acting) 11+1, Ride 6(11+1), Spellcraft 5, Tumble 4+4Mounted CombatPounce of the Tigress10thSilverwood Arcanist 1+4+2+2+10Concentration 12+1, Diplomacy 12+1, Handle Animals 3+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 12+1, Ride 6+1, Spellcraft 5, Tumble 8Fast Handling, Skilled rider11thSilverwood Arcanist 2+5+2+2+11Concentration 13+1, Diplomacy 13+1, Handle Animals 4+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 13+1, Ride 7, Spellcraft 5, Survival +1, Tumble 5Cohort trick12thSilverwood Arcanist 3+5+3+3+11Concentration 14+1, Diplomacy 14+1, Handle Animals 5+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 14+1, Ride 7, Spellcraft 5, Survival 1+1, Tumble 8Practiced Spellcaster (Sorcerer)Mounted Casting13thSilverwood Arcanist 4+6/+1+3+3+12Concentration 15+1, Diplomacy 15+1, Handle Animals 6+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 15+1, Ride 7 Spellcraft 5, Survival 2+1, Tumble 8Cohort trick14thSilverwood Arcanist 5+6/+1+3+3+12Concentration 16+1, Diplomacy 16+1, Handle Animals 7+1, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 16+1, Ride 7, Spellcraft 5, Survival 3+1, Tumble 8Share spells15thSorcerer 5+6/+1+3+3+12Concentration 17+1, Diplomacy 17+1, Handle Animals 8, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 17+1, Ride 7+2, Spellcraft 5, Survival 4, Tumble 8Skill focus (Handle Animal)16thBeastmaster 1+7/+2+5+5+12Concentration 18, Diplomacy 18, Handle Animals 8+4, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 18, Ride 9+2, Spellcraft 5, Survival 4+1, Tumble 8Animal Companion, wild empathy17thBeastmaster 2+8/+3+6+6+12Concentration 18, Diplomacy 18, Handle Animals 12+7, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 18, Ride 11, Spellcraft 5, Survival 5, Tumble 8Alertness18thCelebrant of Sharess 6+9/+4+7+7+13Concentration 18+3, Diplomacy 18+3, Handle Animals 19, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 18+3, Ride 11, Spellcraft 5, Survival 5, Tumble 8/natural BondFury of the Tigress 2/day19thCelebrant of Sharess 7+9/+4+7+7+13Concentration 21+1, Diplomacy 21+1, Handle Animals 19, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 21+1, Ride 11+6, Spellcraft 5, Survival 5, Tumble 8/Sanctuary20thCelebrant of Sharess 8+10/+5+7+7+14Concentration 22+1, Diplomacy 22+1, Handle Animals 19, Knowledge(Arcana) 5, Knowledge(Nature) 5, Perform(Acting) 22+1, Ride 17+6, Spellcraft 5, Survival 5, Tumble 8/Swiftness of the Tigress
S are sorcerer slots, C are Celebrant slots. the number inside elipses () is with a +2/4/6 charisma item, +2 from 8th level, +4 from 14th level, +6 at 20. Bonus spell slot are otherwise included. Keep in mind that the cat familiar HD is considered to be twice the Celebrant caster level. This is relevant for polymorph purposes.
Only the sorcerer will have cantrips
LevelCharisma(+item)Caster level (S/C)New Sorcerer Spells learnedNew Celebrant Spells learned0th lvl slots1th lvl slots2th lvl slots3th lvl slots4th lvl slots5th lvl slots1st171/-0th: Mage hand, Message, Prestidigitation, Detect Magic
1st: Grease, Light of Lunia-54S----2nd172/-0th: Light-65S----3rd173/-1st: Burning hands-66S----4th184/-0th: Mending
2nd: Light of Mercuria-67S4S---5th184/1-1st: Disguise Self, Tasha's Hideous Laughter67S+1C4S---6th184/2-1st: Charm Person67S+2C4S---7th184/3-2nd: Elation, Heroism67S+3C4S+1C---8th19(21)4/4-1st: Remove Fear
2nd: Alter Self67(8)S+4(5)C4S+2C---9th19(21)4/5-3rd: Glibness, Slow67(8)S+4(5)C4S+3C1C--10th19(21)5/51st: Shield
2nd: Blur-67(8)S+4(5)C5S+3C1C--11th19(21)6/50th: Ghost Sound
3rd: Dragon Breath-67(8)S+4(5)C6S+3C4S+1C--12th20(22)11/51st: Enlarge Person
2nd: Invisibility
3rd: Greater Mage Armor-68S+5C7(8)S+3(4)C5S+1C--13th20(22)12/50th: Detect Poison
4th: Polymorph-68S+5C7(8)S+3(4)C6S+1C4S-14th20(24)13/52nd: Balor Nimbus
3rd: Dispel Magic
4th: Greater Mirror Image-68S+5C7(8)S+3(4)C7(8)S+1(2)C5S-15th20(24)14/50th: Read Magic
5th: Animal Growth-68S+5C7(8)S+3(4)C7(8)S+1(2)C6S4S18th21(25)14/6-2nd: Calm Emotions
3rd: Charm Monster68S+5C7(8)S+4(5)C7(8)S+2(3)C6S4S19th21(25)1 4/7-4th: Blinding Beauty, Mass suggestion68S+5C7(8)S+4(5)C7(8)S+3(4)C6S+1C4S20th2 2(28)14/8-3rd: Crushing Despair
4th: Rainbow pattern68(9)S+5(6)C8S+5C7(8)S+4(5)C6(7)S+2(3)C4(5) S

Without eating away a lot of characters just to repeat things, the cohort is exactly the same as Tigu'er. The most relevant thing to know here is that at his best it has 13HD, which matters for polymorph purposes
Hello cat! What is this you're saying you want to be polymorphed too? well you're 16HD equivalent, so no problem here!
Name(Creature):Pippa(Serval)Size/Type:Small AnimalHit Dice:1d8+1 (5)Initiative:+3Speed:40 ft.Armor Class:15 (+1 Size, +3 Dex, +1 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 12Base Attack/Grapple:+0/-3Attack:Claw +4 melee (1d3+1)Full Attack:2 claws +4 melee (1d3+1) and bite –1 melee (1d4)Space/Reach:5 ft./5 ft.Special Attacks:Improved grab, pounce, rake 1d3Special Qualities:Low-light vision, scentSaves:Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +1Abilities:Str 12, Dex 17, Con 13, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 7Skills:Balance +7, Climb +7, Hide +11*, Jump +17, Listen +9, Move Silently +7, Spot +3Default feats:Weapon FinesseName(Creature):Fuffa(Leopard)Size/Type:Medium AnimalHit Dice:5d8+15 (37)Initiative:+5Speed:40 ft., climb 20 ft.Armor Class:17 (+4 Dex, +3 natural), touch 14, flat-footed 13Base Attack/Grapple:+3/+6Attack:Bite +8 melee (1d6+3)Full Attack:Bite +8 melee (1d6+3) and 2 claws +3 melee (1d3+1) and 2 rake +8 melee (1d3+1)Space/Reach:5 ft./5 ft.Special Attacks:Improved grab, pounce, rake 1d3+1Special Qualities:Low-light vision, scentSaves:Fort +7, Ref +8, Will +2Abilities:Str 17, Dex 20, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 12, Cha 6Skills:Balance +12, Climb +11, Hide +8*, Jump +11, Listen +6, Move Silently +8, Spot +6, (Tumble +1(2))Default feats:Alertness, Weapon Finesse
At 17 we have "Medium", which is a baseline tiger (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/tiger.htm), no adjustment

Name(Creature):Toothy(Saber-toothed Tiger)Size/Type:Large AnimalHit Dice:9d8+27 (67)Initiative:+2Speed:40 ft.Armor Class:15 (–1 size, +2 Dex, +4 natural), touch 11, flat-footed 13Base Attack/Grapple:+6/+17Attack:Bite +12 melee (2d6+7/x3)Full Attack:Bite +12 melee (2d6+7/x3) and 2 claws +7 melee (1d6+3) and 2 rake +12 melee (1d6+3)Space/Reach:10 ft./5 ft.Special Attacks:Augmented Critical, Improved grab, pounce, rake 1d6+1Special Qualities:Low-light vision, scentSaves:Fort +9, Ref +8, Will +5Abilities:Str 24, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 2, Wis 14, Cha 6Skills:Balance +6, Hide +2*, Jump +15, Listen +8, Move Silently +6, Spot +8Default feats: Alertness, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack
These are the dangerous levels, what poor HP we have! , I don't think there's much to say about 1-4, we're a sorcerer doing sorcerer things, grease is like the goto battlefield control spell and burning hands the signature low level aoe, the only unusual choice is the "Light of X" spells, simply because 1-4 we double dip it by sharing it with the animal companion, and 4d6/8d6 is solid for a 1st level slot. at 5th level we even triple it out with the cat familiar, making our 2nd level slot a nice nova of 12d6 (or 24d6), which is excellent at that level, and there's even the option to split it out on more than one enemies, lovable!

Plus, I like the imagery that it brings to the cat lady, mistical maiden etc
leopard then tiger is a solid pouncer, and once we get 3rd level slot we can start our work on the silverwood arcanist, which will let us share spells with the cohort too. Sadly the animal companion lags behind here, at least until we unlock alter self, but even then it has very low hp, at least there's no penalty if it dies ( :'( ) . A bit more buff and debuffs for us, but unlike Tigu'er we're very much a backliner, it won't be until we get polymorph that we can start making actual use of fury of the tigress and the pounce
here's where we're flowering!, now that we share spell with the cohort too, we can start the romp that we intended to do! The build is built around share spell, and the spell picked reflects that.

The dragon breath spell usually don't see much use, because it has the problem of "standard action to cast it, then standard action to use it", which is a nono from an action economy point of view, but for us it means, assuming we taught the relevant "take a deep breath!" trick to our animal companion/wild cohort, that the turn we cast it our menagerie of cats do three breaths, and we can even choose different effects to cover our bases! Baseline it's 9/12d8 damage or 3/4 saves, scaling up to 21/28d8 area damage, which I feel is a good value for third level slots.

The defensive buffs don't really need an explanation.

Balor nimbus, despite the description, doens't have the evil descriptor, all the felines have the improved grab and are grappler, so adding buckets of 6d6 at a time for 2nd level slots seems like an okay fallback plan for when the cat gang will become effective in melee.

Polymorph and animal growth, when we unlock them, are of course our bread and butter combo, at these levels the familiar is capped at 10HD, and the cohort will be at 9HD when we unlock polymorph and 11HD when we unlock animal growth, polymorph will get his own section since it's "so frigging versatile", but the core combo is here, Polymorph then animal growth, or viceversa, with whatever prebuff stacked, since we share it with them all with ease. there is a bit of crowding problem since they all have ot stay within 5 feet of us, but that's as simple as "Ride the cohort, be flanked by 2 other felines", be prepared for a grapple galore when you all pounce :D. I want to make a note on how Enlarge person remains relevant even after we unlock animal growth : when we polymorph the kitties in something that isn't an animal, we can't animal growth them anymore :( But we can still cast enlarge person on ourselves, and the share spell feature specifically ignores type restriction, so we can still size them up that way! For when you need to release the krakenshydras

Now that we've unlocked Animal growth and can share spells with the cohort too, the next goal is getting some much needed Equivalent Druid levels, otherwise what is the poor animal companion supposed to do with his 5 HP!? So enter beastmaster and natural bond, bringing it up to 9HD. we could push him to 14HD if we selected a dire tortoise as an animal companion, but that's no cat! no sirs! what manner of cat lady has anything else but felines !?
After having taken care of that, it's more celebrant, for higher familiar HD-equivalence. I'm also lowkey happy that I can avoid the cringey inspire desire

I do want to point out that Celebrant of Sharess sanctuary feature is solid, it doesn't require concentration, our perform is acting. So I will "act like myself", giving us the benefit of a very high DC sanctuary basically all the time we can sanctuary just ourselves if we're worred of being the weak link, given the chair ruling that the duration is based on our HD and not on mantaining the performance, we can then snuggly buff the kitties without worries while under the safety of sanctuary. If we don't extend it to include the kitties/our allies, then it doesn't get broken when the kitty mauls at 'em!
For story, I'm sticking to felines, or feline-adjacent, I don't want to open the can of worm that having access to "all the forms" is, but if you want to consider that accessibility when evaluating power, I won't object! down that way lies hydras (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/hydra.htm), many many hydras, it's always nice to limit ourselves to thematic choices but still have the backup silver bullet, eh? :)

Anyway, the operating ranges are, from when we start being able to share it with the cohort, too:
ECL 14-15, CL 13-14, 9-11HD cohort, 1HD animal companion, 10 HD familiar
ECL 16, 11HD cohort, 5HD AC, 10HD familiar
ECL 17, 11HD cohort, 9HD AC, 10HD familiar
ECL 18-20, 13HD cohort, 9HD AC, 12-16HD familiar

let's start with some 9HD forms for the animal companion or early cohort, perhabs familiar.

Unsurprisingly, the sabertooth is the cattiest if we are to stay within the concept, and it's already what the AC is ending up being. it does not outperform an advanced tiger however,so big sis changes not. The other noteworthy "cat-adjacent" creature we could have our menagerie be polymorphed into at this HD is the Hieracosphinx (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/sphinx.htm#hieracosphinx), because flying is a thing and that opens up diving charge shenanigans

By extension, at 10HD it's going to be a Criosphinx (https://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/sphinx.htm#criosphinx) instead

There is a surprising dearth of big cats at HD between 11-14. the familiar can become a Rage drake at HD14 since it's described as feline, but we're otherwise limited to more or less copypaste the cohort statline to the familiar with polymorph, if we want to stay within the bounds of "cats". there is the 10HD Lion topiary guardian if we want to be fancy with some type immunities, but the "just why!?" seems a natural question.

unless we go dinosaurs, the 10HD Allosaurus is the worthy one, but it's a "side" step, basically trading pounce for huge size and trample. There is a fair bit of appeal in riding a sabertooh while being flanked by two huge-size theropods I'll grant you, but are they "kitty-like" enough? and there is a bit of iffyness in defining the "are they no more than 5ft away from me?" . At the end of the day we want stuff with pounce and improved grab, and that's the cats we already have!

I'm using Celebrant 3rd levle slot to qualify for silverwood arcanist, but then use silverwood arcanist to advance sorcerer casting. This is RAW legal but there might be some frowns at this, since it's probably intended for PrC that advances casting to be used to advance the casting of the classes used ot unlock the PrC

Same comment as with Tigu'er about how the RAW of wild cohort technically allows us to have a dire tiger and advance it by 11HD

There is a big elephantkitty in the room : we can technically first cast animal growth on the cohort+animal companion, and only THEN polymorph them to different critters, the FAQ says the target-legality is checked only upon casting, so that would work. Personally I don't agree with that but if you do, more power to us :)

Some might feel that we can't choose a different result/effect from polymorph/resist energy/dragon breath like these when we share it with our kitties. This is clarified by Skip williams here (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/rg/20040518a). You may find that to be "not official rules". Do consider that if you enforce "must polymorph to the same shape", then you're allowing me to give a 14HD shape to all of my cats, because *I* am a valid target for a 14HD polymorph, and what I share with them is shared "even if it isn't a legal target". that would also make draconic polymorph preferable, and we could drop beastmaster for full celebrant

On Entertainer apprentice feat : I am ignoring the "call a fan" feature. Because of IC rules on cohorts. At most let's mention it as a possible source of crafting some low CL items, since it caps out at CL 10 at our 20th level and stays around for CHAMOD days, so a little crafting, but not much
DMG II: Apprentice feat
Book of exalted deeds: Sacred vow, Vow of purity feats; Elation, blinding beauty spells
Player guide to Faerun: Celebrant of Sharess
Wilderness companion ACF (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm)
Wild Cohort (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20031118a)
Silverwood Arcanist (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/re/20031209a)
Complete Arcane: Practiced spellcaster
Complete Adventurer: Beastmaster, Natural bond
PHB II: Greater mirror image
Spell Compendium : all other cited noncore spells
Sandstorm : Serval
Frostburn : Sabertooth, Dire tortoise
MM II : Allosaurus
MM III : Rage drake

[The Viscount]

Rage, rage against the features of this class.



Unnamed
CG Dragonborn(Heart) Lesser Aasimar Variant Rogue 1/Totemist 5/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Totem Rager 4

“It don't matter what my name is
I don't got one I'm not famous, no
And I don't hate it, no”
“I’m not famous” by AJR


Excerpt from a research paper from Hariendo Sevanee, Elven Wizard and alchemist, titled: The Purification Wars: Expelling the forces of the Vile Gods and Tiamat, published in 1797DC
The transformation of the Dark Forest of Tiwark, a realm where evil dragons, demons, and their thralls performed all sorts of dark rituals, to the Bountiful Forest of Tiwark, was a gradual and slow process. A key player in this was an unnamed dragonborn humanoid who had angelic features.
His first appearance that is known was in 1293DC, where he was sighted fighting alongside a group of other dragonborn, nymphs, and other divine and natural beings in the First Battle of the Tainted River, shaping soulmelds. The exact soulmelds that he shaped were lost to history, but it’s been confirmed his soulmelds are based on animals, and thus we can deduce he was a totemist. This is from the first-hand account of the elven ranger Tythenel Yeson’san, page 158 of his memoir On Bows and Bears: The Tiwark Purification Wars.
The second confirmed appearance, according to the Sacred Manuscripts of Adan-Adzan, was in 1337DC, where he was involved in the Second Battle of the Sacred River. This time acting with a completely different skill set, using powers of flirtation and spells to dissuade the enemy, with similarly shaped soulmelds for this purpose. Because of these wildly different skills, large time gap, and the general death rate of the Tiwark Purification Wars, most believed this to be an entirely different individual, but a similar physical description, similar clothing, and most importantly mostly the same shaped soulmelds allowed me to connect the dots.
Beyond these two events, there are minor mentions of a “green and brown-scaled dragonborn” or a “celestial-seeming dragonoid” in various epics or dramas focused on the main heroes of the war. Based on these, it can be determined he showed up to most of the major battles, and a few of the minor ones. I will list the epics and dramas he appears in with the rest of the sources.
After the war, very little is known of this person. An Exalted Text of Bahamut references a dragonborn shaping soulmelds, using seduction tactics, and entering a strangely controlled rage assuming the role of the main protector of the north zone of the Bountiful Forest of Tiwark in 1404DC. Nymphs were said to hang around the edge of the northern Bountiful Forest of Tiwark because people were almost instantly falling for them, and they apparently used this ability to redeem evildoers. This is based on the personal testament from Arzoan Kyyr, the former Paladin of Slaughter turned Paladin of Freedom, and he described a “surprisingly handsome dragonborn in the forest who charmed him to fall in love with the next person he meets.” This description was given in 1421DC, three years before he was killed by the Mystigulum Triskelion. Various other accounts were given by a variety of formerly evil individuals, the lastest of which was a warrior by the name of Ijiemar Harrejn, who described his encounter similarly, taking place in 1447DC. Beyond this, attacks on the Bountiful Forest were much reduced, and by 1457DC, this territory was so far in the Light’s territory that records of evil characters visiting the forest are either undocumented, or I have not acquired it yet by either mundane or magical means.
Based on the lifespan of a dragonborn, this unknown person might be still alive, although I have no evidence of this. I trekked through the northern Bountiful Forests of Tiwark for days, and I was unable to find any evidence of their existence. I will attempt to use additional divination magic, although with such a vague description, most divination magic is unable to find him. If anyone has any additional evidence of this person’s existence, contact the Sylazhad Academy.
Level 5 summary:
Summary of the Totemist Soulmeld Lessons, told orally for generations until written down by Inieko Sallu, 2119DC:
There’s a specific Totemist that I’d like you to consider. A former rogue with celestial ancestry, transformed into a dragonborn to fight in the Purification Wars, who was well-known for his skill with soulmelds. His primary strategy appears to be involving the Manticore Belt, striking out from his hidden location, and then keeping out of reach, also adding in some breath attacks in the mix of it. Unlike Hariendo Sevanee, I was able to acquire a lot of information about this mysterious person (which despite this I still have not acquired a name), and managed to acquire a list of the soulmelds shaped and essentia invested, based on analysis from the elven wizard Illu Yanell, who fought alongside this guy for the majority of the war, and for whom I am basing the majority of these lessons on:
Manticore belt [waist](2)
Kruthik Claws[hands] (1)
Beast Tamer Circlet[crown]
Lammasu Mantle[shoulders]
These are rarely shifted or changed, as acting as medium-range support seems to be the role this unnamed dragonborn carved out for himself.
Level 10 summary:
Excerpt from: On the Mysterious Dragonborn: Compiling the life and mysteries of an unknown figure. Written by Dzaneil Kanon, human researcher, 2097DC. Personal record compiled by Edric Delon, human druid, unknown year.
I had gotten the great opportunity to patrol the northwestern parts of the Bountiful Forest of Tiwark with this one really cool guy. I have no idea where he comes from, he’s got some strange magic allowing him to shoot out spines from that tail of his that’s covered in spines, he’s got a breath attack like a couple of other dragonborn I knew, and even has a few cool conventional spells. There’s this ray he fires that makes Drahl [Edric’s wolf animal companion] and sometimes myself feel pretty hopeful, and that makes us fight and resist effects harder for a short while [Identified as the spell Ray of Hope]. Cause Fear, a spell I recognize from my cleric buddy, Charm Person, used to turn away a hunter that wandered in, and Sleep, which was used primarily on wild animals. And as slightly more potent spells, he also used a spell to make me and Drahl faster and stronger [Identified as the spell Elation], and Suggestion, although one day he used Hold Person. And when he apparently runs out of spells, he uses his strange dancing instead to achieve the same effect. And when combat got serious, the rage he exuded was barbarian-esque in ferocity and power.
[Addendum: Shaped Soulmelds:
Manticore belt [waist](3)
Kruthik Claws[hands] (1)
Beast Tamer Circlet[crown]
Lammasu Mantle[shoulders]
Level 15 Summary:
Notes scribbled on the back of a used Scroll of Shrink Item, purportedly from Hareg of Eternal Nightfall, a very practiced Rogue. Date unknown.
Combat notes on… Anonymous, Dragonborn Aasimar with Draconic Aspect Heart.
Skill Set: A friendly individual with immense skill in a strange dance, an expert in stealth and survival. Some spellcasting, some meldshaping.
Meldshaping:
Wormtail Belt [Waist] {0 in non-combat, 3 in daytime combat, 1 in nighttime combat}
Lammasu Mantle [Shoulders]
Basilisk Mask {2 in non-combat, 0 in combat, except at night.}
Kruthik Claws [Hands] (bound to totem chakra) {4}
Behir Gorget (also bound to totem chakra) {1}
Incarnum Feats:
Cobalt Rage {0, 2 when raging}
Spellcasting:
1st level- Cause Fear, Charm Person, Ray of Hope, Sleep
2nd level- Elation, Suggestion, Hold Person
3rd level- Charm Monster, Deep Slumber
Abilities:
Rage (or a similar ability): 2/day. This ability is enhanced with some form of ability, granting him extra essentia when raging.
Breath attack: Range 75ft. [Deals 6d8 damage]
Various abilities based around his flirtation skills.
Strategy:
Most of the time this guy encounters hunters or animals far weaker than him, using his skills in wild empathy, spellcasting, and flirtation abilities to deal with the animals or other weak creatures that cross his path. However, when he’s facing enemies of similar strength, he has an array of attacks that come from his soulmelds, because of the unique feat of binding two soulmelds to his totem chakra. Two claws and a bite would be an attack you’d expect from any old monster, but this time they’re enhanced with elemental damage. Also the breath weapon is not to be underestimated as well.
Level 20 Summary:
A scroll purportedly from the unknown dragonborn himself, found in a box of other dusty scrolls in an iron chest that was found in the backroom of a random bakery.
I was asked about how I fight, and it’s pretty simple. Well, sort of. I base my method of engagement on who I’m up against. Some wild magical beast or weak hunter treading where they don’t belong?I use suggestion to make them leave. But when it comes to powerful evil creatures, I first try to inspire desire in them, and if that doesn’t work I don’t hold back, striking with all the attacks I have available until they decide to leave from injury.
Spells that I know:
1st level- Cause Fear, Charm Person, Ray of Hope, Sleep
2nd level- Elation, Suggestion, Hold Person, Heroism
3rd level- Charm Monster, Deep Slumber, Good Hope, Lesser Geas
4th level- Hold Monster, Dominate Person, Rainbow Pattern, Mass Suggestion
Soulmelds that I shape:
Wormtail Belt [Waist] {0 in non-combat, 2 in daytime combat, 0 in nighttime combat}
Lammasu Mantle [Shoulders]
Basilisk Mask[Brow] {2 in non-combat, 0 in combat, except at night.}
Kruthik Claws [Hands] (bound to totem chakra) {5}
Behir Gorget (also bound to totem chakra) {1}
Incarnum Feats:
Cobalt Rage {0, 2 when raging}
Abilities:
Rage 4/day. This ability is enhanced with some form of ability, granting him extra essentia when raging.
Breath attack: Range 100ft. [Deals 7d8 damage]

[th][B] Level Class Base Attack Bonus Fort Save Reflex Save Will Save Skills Feats Class Features Vow of Poverty Features
1st Variant Rogue 1 +0 +0 +2 +0 Diplomacy +4, Perform(sensual dance) +4, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +4 Sacred Vow, Power Attack Fighter Bonus Feat, Trapfinding
2nd Totemist 1 +0 +2 +4 +0 Diplomacy +5, Perform(sensual dance) +4, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +4, Survival +1 Wild Empathy
3rd Totemist 2 +1 +3 +5 +0 Diplomacy +5, Perform(sensual dance) +5, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +4, Survival +2 Vow of Purity Chakra Bind (Totem), totem chakra bind +1 capacity
4th Totemist 3 +2 +3 +5 +1 Diplomacy +6, Perform(sensual dance) +5.5, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +4, Survival +2 Totem's protection
5th Totemist 4 +3 +4 +6 +1 Diplomacy +7, Perform(sensual dance) +6, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +4, Survival +2
6th Totemist 5 +3 +4 +6 +1 Diplomacy +7, Perform(sensual dance) +7, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +4, Survival +3 Vow of Poverty, Resounding Blow Chakra Bind(Crown, feet, hands) AC bonus +6, deflection +1, Bonus Exalted feat, Sustinance, Exalted Strike +1 (Magic), Endure Elemants
7th Celebrant of Sharess 1 +3 +4 +6 +3 Diplomacy +7, Perform(sensual dance) +8, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +5, Survival +4 fascinate, Feline Familiar, flirtation Resistance +1, Ability score enhancement +2
8th Celebrant of Sharess 2 +4 +4 +6 +4 Diplomacy +8, Perform(sensual dance) +10, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +5, Survival +5 Nymph's Kiss Fury of the tigress 1/day Natural Armor +1, mind shielding, bonus exalted feat
9th Celebrant of Sharess 3 +4 +5 +7 +4 Diplomacy +8, Perform(sensual dance) +10, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +5, Survival +8 Cobalt Rage AC bonus +7
10th Celebrant of Sharess 4 +5 +7 +9 +4 Diplomacy +10, Perform(sensual dance) +12, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +5, Survival +9 Righteous Wrath Suggestion Exalted Strike +2 (good), damage reduction 5/magic, bonus exalted feat
11th Totem Rager 1 +5 +8 +10 +4 Diplomacy +10, Perform(sensual dance) +12, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +4, Listen +4, Intimidate +5, Survival +10, Knowledge(Nature) +3 Totem rage Ability score enhancement +4/+2
12th Totem Rager 2 +6/+1 +8 +10 +5 Diplomacy +10, Perform(sensual dance) +12, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +5, Listen +4, Intimidate +5, Survival +12, Knowledge(Nature) +4 Bonus Essentia, Sanctify Natural Attack Extra Rage AC bonus +8, deflection +2, greater sustinance, bonus exalted feat
13th Totem Rager 3 +7/+2 +9 +11 +5 Diplomacy +10, Perform(sensual dance) +12, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +5, Listen +5, Intimidate +5, Survival +12, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +3 Damage reduction 1/- Resistance +1, energy resistance 5
14th Totem Rager 4 +8/+3 +9 +11 +6 Diplomacy +10, Perform(sensual dance) +12, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +6, Intimidate +5, Survival +13, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4 Animal Friend Exalted Strike +3, freedom of movement, bonus exalted feat
15th Celebrant of Sharess 5 +8/+3 +9 +11 +6 Diplomacy +13, Perform(sensual dance) +15, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +6, Intimidate +5, Survival +13, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4 Double Chakra(Totem) Pounce of the Tigress AC bonus +9, ability score enhancement +6/+4/+2, damage reduction 5/evil
16th Celebrant of Sharess 6 +9/+4 +10 +12 +7 Diplomacy +16, Perform(sensual dance) +18, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +6, Intimidate +5, Survival +13, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4 Nimbus of Light Fury of the Tigress 3/day natural Armor +2, bonus exalted feat
17th Celebrant of Sharess 7 +9/+4 +10 +12 +7 Diplomacy +20, Perform(sensual dance) +20, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +6, Intimidate +5, Survival +13, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4 Sanctuary Exalted Strike +4, resistance +3, regeneration
18th Celebrant of Sharess 8 +10/+5 +10 +12 +8 Diplomacy +21, Perform(sensual dance) +21, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +10, Intimidate +5, Survival +13, Knowledge(Nature) +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4 Multiattack, Holy Radiance Swiftness of the Tigress AC bonus +10, deflection +3, true seeing, bonus exalted feat
19th Celebrant of Sharess 9 +10/+5 +11 +13 +8 Diplomacy +22, Perform(sensual dance) +22, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +10, Intimidate +5, Survival +13, Knowledge(Nature) +6, Knowledge(Arcana) +4 Ability score enhancement +8/+6/+4/+2, damage reduction 10/evil
20th Celebrant of Sharess 10 +11/+6/+1 +11 +13 +9 Diplomacy +23, Perform(sensual dance) +23, Hide +4, Move Silently +4, Spot +6, Listen +10, Intimidate +5, Survival +14, Knowledge(Nature) +6, Knowledge(Arcana) +5 Touch of Golden Ice Fury of the Tigress 4/Day, Inspire Desire Exalted Strike +5, energy resistance 15, bonus exalted feat


Abilities Initial (32 point buy) Dragonborn(Heart) Lesser Aasimar Level 4 Level 7(VoP) Level 8 Level 11(VoP) Level 12 Level 15 (VoP) Level 16 Level 19 (VoP) Level 20
Str 16 16 16 16 16 18(+2) 18 20(+2) 21(+1) 23(+2) 24(+1)
Dex 14 12(-2) 13(+1) 13 14(+1) 14 14 16(+2) 16 18(+2) 18
Con 14 16(+2) 16 16 16 16 16 16 16 18(+2) 18
Int 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8 8
Wis 8 10(+2) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Cha 16 18(+2) 18 20(+2) 20 22(+2) 22 24(+2) 24 26(+2) [td] 26


[tr][th][B] Level Class [B] Soulmelds (Totemist) essentia Chakra Binds Celebrant of Sharess 1st level Celebrant of Sharess 2nd level Celebrant of Sharess 3rd level Celebrant of Sharess 4th level 1st level spells known 2nd level spells known 3rd level spells known 4th level spells known
1st Wilderness Rogue 1 0 0 0
2nd Totemist 1 2 1 0
3rd Totemist 2 3 2 1
4th Totemist 3 3 2 1
5th Totemist 4 4 3 1
6th Totemist 5 4 3 1
7th Celebrant of Sharess 1 4 3 1 2 2
8th Celebrant of Sharess 2 4 3 1 3 3
9th Celebrant of Sharess 3 4 4 1 4 1 3 2
10th Celebrant of Sharess 4 4 4 1 5 2 4 3
11th Totem Rager 1 4 4 1 5 3 4 3
12th Totem Rager 2 5 7 2 5 3 4 3
13th Totem Rager 3 5 8 2 5 3 4 3
14th Totem Rager 4 5 8 2 5 3 4 3
15th Celebrant of Sharess 5 5 8 2 5 4 1 4 3 2
16th Celebrant of Sharess 6 5 8 2 5 5 3 4 4 3
17th Celebrant of Sharess 7 5 8 2 5 5 4 1 4 4 3 2
18th Celebrant of Sharess 8 5 8 2 5 5 5 2 4 4 4 3
19th Celebrant of Sharess 9 5 8 2 5 5 5 3 4 4 4 3
20th Celebrant of Sharess 10 5 8 2 5 5 5 5 4 4 4 4


Sources:
Races of Destiny p92 Aasimar
Races of the Dragon p8 Dragonborn
Player’s Handbook p50 Rogue
Player’s Handbook p52-3 Cat Familiar bonuses
Unearthed Arcana p58 Rogue ACF
Magic of Incarnum p29 Totemist
Magic of Incarnum p36 Incarnum Feats
Magic of Incarnum p58 Totemist Soulmelds
Magic of Incarnum p135 Totem Rager
Player’s guide to Faerun p179 Celebrant of Sharess
Player’s guide to Faerun p191 Lesser Aasimar
Book of Exalted Deeds p31 Benefits of Vow of Poverty
Book of Exalted Deeds p40 Exalted Feats
Monster Manual p304 Multiattack


Prerequisites:
Celebrant of Sharess-
Perform(7 ranks) [Achieved at level 6]
Diplomacy(7 ranks) [Achieved at level 6]
Alignment: Chaotic Good [Achieved at level 1]
Sacred Vow [Achieved at level 1]
Vow of Purity [Achieved at level 3]
Totem Rager-
Base Attack Bonus +5(Achieved at level 10)
Intimidate 5 ranks (Achieved at level 7)
Survival 9 ranks (Achieved at level 10)
Feat: Cobalt Rage (Achieved at level 9)
Ability to bind soulmelds to totem chakra (Achieved at level 3)
Rage class feature (Achieved at level 8)

[The Viscount]

When they said "you can't stop the beat" they meant it.




https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/647393639886094337/862738812362293298/iNNANA-e1466369771292.jpg
Inanna, Queen of the Heavens
CG Kenku, Fey Bard 2/Unarmed Swordsage 3/Marshal 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Virtuoso 3

Advice . . . . grief, bitterness . . . Inanna . . . mercy . . . compassion . . . I am yours! This will always be so! May your heart be soothed towards me! May your understanding . . . compassion. May . . . in front of you, may it be my offering. Your divinity is resplendent in the Land! My body has experienced your great punishment. Bitter lament keeps me awake with . . . anxiety. Mercy, compassion, care, lenience and homage are yours, and to cause flood storms, to open hard ground and to turn darkness into light.
-In-nin ša-gur-ra, “A Hymn to Inanna (Inana C). c. 2334-2218 BC, Akkadian Empire.





https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/647393639886094337/862738812647374848/download.jpeg
They dance.

Lights flash and pulse, spin through the air. Above a bird flies, its wings spread in ecstasy, beating against the air. Below a cat twines between their legs. They, too, are part of the dance. All are part of the dance. I am part of the dance, and they dance.

My heart beats in time with the pulsing lights. I cannot look away. They dance, and though my feet do not move, I dance too. I dance with them. My heart and blood beat a rhythm that is not their own. My head swims. They dance.

They are beautiful. They are everything. I see them in many guises, wearing many veils. I know these are illusory, I catch glimpses of the crow-man dancing beneath the veils in plain homespun clothes but somehow this seems less real than the forms that flash before my eyes, gaudy, extravagant, divine. I cannot look away. They dance.

They dance, and I dance with them. They are the Queen of the Heavens. They are everything. They dance.



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


1st
Fey Bard 1
+0
+0
+2
+2
Bluff 4 ranks, concentration 4 ranks, diplomacy 4 ranks, intimidate 2 ranks (cc), knowledge (arcana) 1 rank, knowledge (nobility & royalty) 4 ranks, knowledge (religion) 3 ranks, perform (dance) 4 ranks
Sacred Vow
Bardic music, spellbreaker song, healing hymn, animal companion, nature sense, wild empathy


2nd
Fey Bard 2
+1
+0
+3
+3
Bluff 5 ranks (+1), concentration 5 ranks (+1), diplomacy 5 ranks (+1), knowledge (nobility & royalty) 5 ranks (+1), knowledge (religion) 5 ranks (+2), perform (dance) 5 ranks (+1)




3rd
Unarmed Swordsage 1
+1
+0
+5
+5
Diplomacy 6 ranks (+1, cc), concentration 6 ranks (+1), intimidate 5 ranks (+2), perform (dance) 6 ranks (+1, cc)
Improved Unarmed StrikeB, Vow of Poverty
Quick to act +1, discipline focus (tiger claw - weapon focus), unarmed strike


4th
Marshal 1
+1
+2
+5
+7
Bluff 7 ranks (+2), diplomacy 7 ranks (+1), intimidate 6 ranks (+1), perform (dance) 7 ranks (+1)
Skill Focus (diplomacy)B, Vow of PurityVoP
Skill Focus (diplomacy), minor aura (motivate Charisma)


5th
Celebrant of Sharess 1
+1
+2
+5
+9
Bluff 8 ranks (+1), concentration 8 ranks (+2), diplomacy 8 ranks (+1), intimidate 7 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 8 ranks (+1)

Fascinate, feline familiar, flirtation


6th
Celebrant of Sharess 2
+2
+2
+5
+8
Bluff 9 ranks (+1), concentration 9 ranks (+1), diplomacy 9 ranks (+1), intimidate 9 ranks (+2, cc), perform (dance) 9 ranks (+1)
Shape Soulmeld (soulspark familiar), Nymph’s KissVoP
Fury of the tigress 1/day


7th
Celebrant of Sharess 3
+2
+3
+6
+9
Bluff 10 ranks (+1), concentration 10 ranks (+1), diplomacy 10 ranks (+1), intimidate 10 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 10 ranks (+1), sense motive 2 ranks (+2)




8th
Unarmed Swordsage 2
+3
+3
+7
+10
Bluff 11 ranks (+1, cc), concentration 11 ranks (+1), diplomacy 11 ranks (+1, cc), intimidate 11 ranks (+1), perform (dance) 11 ranks (+1, cc)
Exalted CompanionVoP
AC bonus


9th
Celebrant of Sharess 4
+4
+3
+7
+11
Bluff 12 ranks (+1), concentration 12 ranks (+1), diplomacy 12 ranks (+1), intimidate 12 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 12 ranks (+1), sense motive 4 ranks (+2)
Share Soulmeld
Suggestion


10th
Celebrant of Sharess 5
+4
+3
+7
+11
Bluff 13 ranks (+1), concentration 13 ranks (+1), diplomacy 13 ranks (+1), intimidate 13 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 13 ranks (+1), sense motive 6 ranks (+2)
Touch of Golden IceVoP
Pounce of the tigress


11th
Celebrant of Sharess 6
+5
+4
+8
+12
Bluff 14 ranks (+1), concentration 14 ranks (+1), diplomacy 14 ranks (+1), intimidate 14 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 14 ranks (+1), sense motive 8 ranks (+2)

Fury of the tigress 2/day


12th
Celebrant of Sharess 7
+5
+4
+8
+12
Bluff 15 ranks (+1), concentration 15 ranks (+1), diplomacy 15 ranks (+1), intimidate 15 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 15 ranks (+1), sense motive 10 ranks (+2)
Ascetic Mage, Righteous WrathVoP
Sanctuary


13th
Virtuoso 1
+5
+4
+8
+14
Bluff 16 ranks (+1), concentration 16 ranks (+1), diplomacy 16 ranks (+1), intimidate 16 ranks (+1), perform (dance) 16 ranks (+1), sense motive 11.5 ranks (+1.5, cc)

Bardic music, virtuoso performance (persuasive song)


14th
Virtuoso 2
+6/+1
+4
+8
+15
Bluff 17 ranks (+1), concentration 17 ranks (+1), diplomacy 17 ranks (+1), intimidate 17 ranks (+1), perform (dance) 17 ranks (+1), sense motive 13 ranks (+1.5, cc)
Animal FriendVoP



15th
Celebrant of Sharess 8
+7/+2
+4
+8
+16
Bluff 18 ranks (+1), concentration 18 ranks (+1), diplomacy 18 ranks (+1), intimidate 18 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 18 ranks (+1), sense motive 15 ranks (+2)
Versatile Spellcaster
Swiftness of the tigress


16th
Celebrant of Sharess 9
+7/+2
+5
+9
+16
Bluff 19 ranks (+1), concentration 19 ranks (+1), diplomacy 19 ranks (+1), intimidate 19 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 19 ranks (+1), sense motive 17 ranks (+2)
Celestial FamiliarVoP



17th
Celebrant of Sharess 10
+8/+3
+5
+9
+17
Bluff 20 ranks (+1), concentration 20 ranks (+1), diplomacy 20 ranks (+1), intimidate 20 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 20 ranks (+1), sense motive 19 ranks (+2)

Fury of the tigress 3/day, inspire desire


18th
Marshal 2
+9/+4
+6
+9
+18
Bluff 21 ranks (+1), concentration 21 ranks (+1), diplomacy 21 ranks (+1), intimidate 21 ranks (+1, cc), perform (dance) 21 ranks (+1)
Versatile Performer, Gift of DiscernmentVoP
Major aura +1 (resilient troops)


19th
Unarmed Swordsage 3
+10/+5
+7
+9
+17
Bluff 22 ranks (+1, cc), concentration 22 ranks (+1), diplomacy 22 ranks (+1, cc), intimidate 22 ranks (+1), perform (dance) 22 ranks (+1, cc), sense motive 20 ranks (+1)




20th
Virtuoso 3
+10/+5
+8
+10
+17
Bluff 23 ranks (+1), concentration 23 ranks (+1), diplomacy 23 ranks (+1), intimidate 23 ranks (+1), perform (dance) 23 ranks (+1), sense motive 22 ranks (+2, cc)
Vow of ChastityVoP
Virtuoso performance (sustaining song)






32 point buy:
Str 14 / Dex 10 / Con 13 / Int 12 / Wis 10 / Cha 17 (before racial mods)
Str 12 / Dex 12 / Con 13 / Int 12 / Wis 10 / Cha 17 (after racial mods)

Raise Charisma at every 4th level. Vow of Poverty bonuses are +8 Charisma, +6 Strength, +4 Dexterity, +2 Intelligence, taken in that order.

Final ability scores:
Str 18 / Dex 16 / Con 13 / Int 14 / Wis 10 / Cha 30



Final Skill Layout
Bluff 23 ranks
Concentration 23 ranks
Diplomacy 23 ranks
Intimidate 23 ranks
Perform (dance) 23 ranks
Sense motive 22 ranks
Knowledge (nobility & royalty) 5 ranks
Knowledge (religion) 5 ranks
Knowledge (arcana) 1 rank

Skill Progression Explanation
Inanna’s core skills are bluff, concentration, diplomacy, intimidate and perform (dance), and they max them at every available opportunity. Sense motive is also useful, though not required, but it is a good place to spend extra skill points once the primary skills are maxed. (This could easily be gather information if that is more useful in a given campaign, but in general sense motive seemed to fit better with the character concept.) A handful of knowledge skills provide synergy bonuses and general insight, including the required rank in knowledge (arcana) that Inanna requires to qualify for spellbreaker song.



Maneuvers/stances:
1- Sapphire nightmare blade, distracting ember, moment of perfect mind, wolf fang strike, sudden leap, stone bones, child of shadowstance
3- Insightful strike, assassin’s stancestance
6- Greater insightful strike

Bard spells known:
0- Daze, detect magic, prestidigitation, dancing lights, ghost sound, summon instrument (3/day)
1- Undersong, cure light wounds, silent image (2/day)
2- Animate instrument, dimension leap (0/day)

Celebrant spells known:
1- Charm person, ray of hope, disguise self, remove fear (3/day)
2- Alter self, tongues, detect thoughts, heroism (3/day)
3- Charm monster, glibness, slow, fear (3/day)
4- Modify memory, blinding beauty, break enchantment, mass suggestion (3/day)

Note that spells per day do NOT include bonus spells due to a high Charisma. A Charisma of 30 provides three bonus 1st-level spells, three bonus 2nd-level spells, two bonus 3rd-level spells and two bonus 4th-level spells per day for both bard and celebrant spells.





https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/647393639886094337/862738990766882827/tumblr_inline_nkjooq7NoK1sol07k.jpg

Levels 1 - 5
Fey bard 2/unarmed swordsage 1/marshal 1/celebrant of Sharess 1

You start off with a hodge-podge of classes that may not seem like they’ll fit together, but stick with it, I promise. Fey bard is great in the lower levels - it may seem blasphemous to give up inspire courage, but getting a disposable bonus fighter as a class feature is incredible - your animal companion is excellent in these levels. A wolf or riding dog is typically the best pick here, but don’t forget that you can replace it in 24 hours, so don’t be afraid to switch things up as needed. You also have the best wild empathy around thanks to your Charisma focus, and with marshal letting you double dip on Charisma, you are great at influencing others, be they animal, humanoid or monster. (And when all else fails, there’s always charm person!) While you dropped fascinate for healing hymn, celebrant of Sharess gives it right back, with a kitty cat familiar to boot. Since this cat is intelligent and shares your skills, it should have no trouble aiding you as you dance, dance, dance your way through life. And as a kenku, you get an extra bonus when aided, meaning your familiar can essentially provide a +3 bonus on just about any skill check you can make - between your marshal aura (which boosts your kitty as well as yourself) and the fact that it shares your skill ranks, it should rarely have trouble succeeding.

In combat, the low BAB may seem intimidating, but you’re stronger than the average kenku and have two claws as primary natural weapons, so the low BAB doesn’t actually hold you back much. It’s boosted even further by being a kenku, meaning you get +4 instead of +2 while flanking. Between distracting ember, an animal companion and a familiar, plus the rest of the party, flanking should never be an issue for you. Defensively you’ve got +5 to AC from VoP and child of shadow plus some swift action movement for concealment, and stone bones to grab some quick DR in a pinch. You’re a pretty face, not a primary combatant, but you do well enough for the levels to contribute.

Levels 6 - 10
Fey bard 2/unarmed swordsage 2/marshal 1/celebrant of Sharess 5

A few choices here may seem odd, but bear with me. Shape Soulmeld (soulspark familiar) allows you to create a soulspark, basically a floating disco ball that can occasionally shoot out rays of light. Add on Share Soulmeld so that your kitty and your animal companion can create one two, and you’ve got three of these disco balls ready to party. Speaking of your animal companion, Exalted Companion means you upgrade to a celestial version. By this level a wolf or riding dog has stopped being impressive, so switch to a celestial hawk or eagle that can stay near you but out of harm’s way.

So what do you do with your new celestial hawk and your three floating disco balls? Well, those disco balls are intelligent and all affected by motivate Charisma, as is your animal companion thanks to the celestial template. At these levels this means they should all auto-succeed on aid checks. So start up your dance routine, and collect +15 in bonuses thanks to your light show and backup dancers. Talk about a heck of a flirtation…

Of course, your flirtation abilities aren’t the only things that are boosted by an insane perform check. With undersong (which you can cast 2/day at this level thanks to bonus spells from your high Cha), that perform check can also substitute for a concentration check, which is why you jump back into unarmed swordsage for a level to pick up insightful strike. With a perform bonus of +40 (13 ranks, +5 Cha, +5 motivate Cha, +2 Nymph’s Kiss, +15 aid), that’s some serious damage.

And for the rounds when you aren’t using insightful strike and undersong to dish out upwards of 60 damage in a single hit, you’ve got a few other nice tricks as well. You may have the BAB of a wizard, but you’ve also got pounce, fury, a pair of primary natural weapons and sneak attack, which plays nicely with the fact that you’re surrounded by allies and get a hefty +4 bonus on flanks. Again, you’re not a primary damage dealer, but put it all together and you’re talking about making a pair of claw attacks with a +16 attack bonus, doing 1d4+5+2d6 and forcing saves against golden ice. That’s not too shabby for a noncombatant face build.

Levels 11 - 15
Fey bard 2/unarmed swordsage 2/marshal 1/celebrant of Sharess 8/virtuoso 2

Things begin to accelerate rapidly in these levels, as lots of earlier decisions start fully paying off. Let’s start with some basics: Ascetic Mage, despite the name, does NOT require monk levels and works just fine with an unarmed swordsage’s AC bonus, giving you Cha to AC. With a Charisma of 26 by this point, you’re looking at an AC of 32. You also pick up Righteous Wrath as a VoP feat to add another rider on your attacks - despite the different name, fury of the tigress explicitly functions exactly as a barbarian’s rage, so it should apply here. And with three daily castings of undersong (or more with Versatile Spellcaster) and a perform bonus of +51, your insightful strike is quite nasty as well.

But your dancing is dangerous for a LOT of reasons, not just for feeding insightful strike. Just take a look at the absolutely incredible sanctuary ability of the celebrant. How many enemies do you know that can make a DC (1d20+51) Will save? I’d guess not many, given that the strongest creature in the Monster Manual (great wyrm gold dragon) only has a Will save of +33… and as this is a non-mind-affecting abjuration effect, there is very little most enemies can do about this. Enjoy having your entire party protected from attacks while you get into position, set up, debuff, etc. Don’t forget that there are lots of actions that will NOT break the sanctuary, such as summoning, so your party can all find ways to chip in as well.

And since you’re locking people out for long periods of time, why not go even further? The Epic Level Handbook has rules for using perform in place of diplomacy to influence attitudes. (Note: the figures in d20srd.org for this are incorrect - they seem to have copied over the diplomacy table, while the perform DCs are significantly higher; see the ELH for the correct figures). With a DC 55 perform check, which you hit with a 4 or better, you can convert hostile enemies to friendly. So go ahead, set up a sanctuary and start turning foes into friends. Oh, but what’s that? You want to do better than just “friendly?” No problem, that’s where virtuoso comes into play. While it can’t be used on hostile audiences, persuasive song uses the diplomacy table for DCs instead of the higher perform table. You auto-succeed on the DC 40 check required to go from unfriendly to helpful, and if your audience is already friendly, you only need a 9 to hit the DC 60 check required to convert them to fanatic.

Levels 16 - 20
Fey bard 2/unarmed swordsage 3/marshal 2/celebrant of Sharess 10/virtuoso 3

You’ve already got your main schtick going, so these last five levels are all about improving them as much as possible so that they stay effective even in these high levels. Case in point: you now have greater insightful strike, which combined with undersong and a +60 bonus to perform checks will do an average of 141 damage a pop. You also get some very nice additional ways of influencing enemies, such as the fact that you now auto-succeed on making hostile targets friendly or friendly targets fanatic via perform (don’t forget that a charmed enemy is friendly!), or the addition of spells like blinding beauty and mass suggestion, or the ability to fascinate enemies and then make them pass a DC 30 Will save or fall in love.

Meanwhile, with your virtuoso levels, you pick up sustaining song (eh) and advance your bard spellcasting to include 2nd-level spells (nice!). This allows you to cast *checks notes* animate instrument? Wait, what the hell? Aren’t you a dancer?

Wait, don’t run away! I promise this is going somewhere. Yes, you are a dancer… but thanks to Versatile Performer, you can now use those dance ranks in other performances as well. I’m particularly fond of the ghungroo, which are strings of bells of varying sizes typically attached to the leg and ankle. I highly recommend watching some performances with ghungroo, as they do some incredible things when combined with dance. You are still bound by your vows of poverty, but thankfully summon instrument is a cantrip and can grab you the instrument that you need on demand. Versatile Performer lets you play the ghungroo as well as you can dance, and even gives you a +2 bonus for combining the two (as you traditionally would), bringing your perform bonus up to +62. Now add in animate instrument, which allows your instrument to continue playing even when you are not. It will explicitly continue a performance or music effect that relies on the use of a musical instrument, even one that requires concentration, freeing you up to do what you’d like. As for what performances… how about your virtuoso performances, or your flirtation? Fascinate and persuasive song are ordinarily hampered by the fact that they require maintaining concentration for extended periods to be effective, but with animate instrument you can pass them off to your bells while you continue to act.

You get two 2nd-level castings a day, which might be enough for your animate instrument trick (it’s not the kind of thing you absolutely need to bust out every combat), but just in case it isn’t, don’t forget about Versatile Spellcaster. A fun little quirk of the feat is that you can expend two 1st-level spell slots to cast a 2nd-level spell you know… but they do NOT have to be from the same spell list! This means that you can feed your underwhelming 1st-level celebrant spells into additional uses of your bard spells. This should allow you to get a couple of extra castings of animate instrument a day, letting you use it every combat if necessary.

All told, you end up with fantastic skills, a performing troupe of cats, birds and floating disco balls to provide you huge bonuses to your social skills, lots of defensive and offensive utility (including an AC of 38 and saves of +12/+16/+20, damage reduction, energy resistance, freedom of movement, etc.), a plethora of ways to bypass the drawbacks of your vow of poverty (such as alter self to access things like flight) and some really potent perform-based shenanigans that take advantage of your +60 (or +62 with ghungroo!) bonus to perform.

Chef’s note: the second level of marshal may seem incredibly underwhelming at this level, but unfortunately it is required to avoid facing multiclassing penalties when you take your 3rd level of unarmed swordsage. If you are not playing with multiclassing penalties, as is common among many tables, an additional level of unarmed swordsage or virtuoso would be a significant improvement in its place.



For five days Inanna has danced, and for five days I have been there, dancing with them. Five days, and every second is the best second of my life so far.

I love them. What a word, love! Before it was a word that felt so dull, a boring monosyllable that felt heavy in my mouth. Now I can feel the word sing, feel the word pulse like the lights pulsing around Inanna, surrounding them as they dance.

Sometimes the dance is silent, just limbs and hands and torso writhing to the rhythm those orbs of light flash out. Other times the ghungroo, the rings of bells around Inanna’s ankle, play out a song so beautiful I can hardly stand it. Only they could play such a song. Only they could make such a song unnecessary, a mere afterthought to the dance.

The girl to my left passes out, hyperventilating. The boy to my right falls to his knees, eyes rolling back in his head. But Inanna is not even looking at them. Inanna is looking at me. I swear, Inanna is looking right at me.

They smile. At me. Infinity passes.

I’m blessed. I’m blessed. Inanna loves me. I feel it, feel it thrumming through me. They love me just as I love them. They love us all, and such is their love that it is enough, enough to share with everyone who has come here, come here to watch Inanna dance.

Three times now, someone has attempted to interrupt the dance, charging up to where Inanna spins and sways. It is impossible. One might as well attempt to stop the flow of a river by standing in the middle of it. Two of the three succumb to the dance before they get within five paces of Inanna. The third charges through, I see a flash of steel… and then Inanna strikes them, just once. Their dance doesn’t even change. The motion of their striking arm is as much a part of the dance as everything else has been. The would-be assaulter drops to the ground, gasping. And still Inanna dances.

I don’t want to leave. I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to. My feet, my bones, will dance with Inanna, with the Queen of the Heavens, for the rest of my life, and it will be a good life. A great life. A blessed life.

Inanna dances, and I dance with them. Forever.



Is it just me or is this class… kind of decent? It’s not knock-your-socks-off good, but it has some actually unique aspects without being terrible. Familiars are great (especially on a skill-focused character) and the flirtations are quite nice, with the sanctuary ability being quite strong and inspire desire being extremely fun to say out loud a relatively rare ability in 3.5. Granted, it has some oddities - the spell list really struggles to stand out as compared to a straight bard, the rage ability actively conflicts with the rest of the class and the melee focus in general has to struggle with half BAB. But overall, this contest has seen much, much worse. I’ll take a somewhat underpowered class that actually gets interesting and unique abilities over the blandness of spinemeld warrior any day.

I’ve been wanting to build a mini-nanobots build that used multiple Share Soulmeld targets for lots of soulspark familiar vectors for a while, and with this class granting a familiar and several fun uses for a buffed perform skill, this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I played with a few different versions, including some that packed a whole army of floating disco balls, but settled on this version because it felt clean and in character with the celebrant of Sharess.

Since you cannot have multiple familiars, that meant going with an animal companion or special mount to get an extra Share Spells buddy. Druid was right out - the skills were terrible and it would require Ordered Chaos to qualify - but fey bard was an intriguing pick. Getting a druid-caliber animal companion was great, and giving up most bardic music was a lot easier to swallow with celebrant’s flirtations picking up the slack. Better yet, going bard opened up undersong, which gave even more opportunities to put an impressive perform skill to work.

Celebrant of Sharess, then, was the balancing act, the perfect fit to bring the whole build together. All told, here is what the secret ingredient provided:

Entry requirements: While not strictly something the build offers, the entry requirements are incredibly easy for a dance-based Vow of Poverty build to meet, especially one focused on social skills. Being able to enter after only 4 levels was a great help in fitting all of the build’s elements together.
Spellcasting: I’ll be honest, I find the celebrant’s spell list a bit disappointing. It’s got a lot of gems on it (disguise and alter self, the charm and fear lines, glibness, modify memory, etc.), but it does very little to distinguish itself from the bard list. Still, all of these are spells that Inanna loves to use, and thanks to a quirk in Versatile Spellcaster’s wording they can use the lower level celebrant spells to power their more unique bard spells like animate instrument.
Feline familiar: Familiars are always great, and this is especially true for skillful characters. This was especially true for Inanna, who specifically used familiars as Aid Another and soulspark vectors in creating their dancing light show in order to put out incredibly high perform checks. The fact that this familiar advances at double progression makes it even better still, allowing Inanna to speak with their familiar after only three levels and access high level abilities such as spell resistance and scrying more easily.
Flirtation - fascinate: The flirtation abilities are a nice way to add back in bardic flavor, since Inanna gives up most of their music for access to a druid’s animal companion and wild empathy. Unlike bardic music they can be activated by dance as well, which makes this an especially nice fit. Fascinate is an underrated bard ability in general, and with Inanna’s incredible perform checks, the DC should be almost impossible to beat. It gets even better once Inanna can use animate instrument to maintain the fascination while doing other things.
Fury of the tigress: What is a half-BAB face build doing in combat? Well, you can’t talk your way out of every encounter, and the wrath of Inanna needs to manifest in many ways. Fury helps make up for the poor BAB here - between the use of natural weapons to ignore the need for iterative attacks, the kenku’s racial bonus while flanking, discipline focus and the Strength bonus from fury, they can bridge the gap. Fury also acts “exactly as rage,” meaning Righteous Wrath (picked up as a VoP bonus feat) should apply as well, giving a Charisma-based debuff while raging.
Flirtation - suggestion: Suggestion is a powerful compulsion, usually held back by the fact that as a low level spell, it typically comes with a low DC. Thankfully this DC scales with celebrant level, meaning it is a DC 30 save for Inanna.
Pounce of the tigress: Again, pounce with half BAB? Natural weapons come to the rescue here, and with two primary claws on their base race (or other natural weapons accessed via alter self) Inanna can properly take advantage of this, especially in concert with their child of shadow stance for concealment anytime they move more than 10’ in a round.
Flirtation - sanctuary: One of the strongest abilities we’ve seen in an Iron Chef in some time. With a perform bonus of +60 or higher, most enemies will find it quite literally impossible to attack Inanna or Inanna’s allies with anything less than a natural 20, allowing Inanna to set up, convert them using perform and persuasive song or otherwise engage on their own terms.
Swiftness of the tigress: Again, the poor BAB means that Inanna cannot rely on iteratives for bonus attacks, and so haste and natural weapons become their primary way of multiplying damage. While not a primary damage dealer, every little bit helps, especially with things like sneak attack and debuffs from golden ice/Righteous Wrath added on to the attacks.
Flirtation - inspire desire: Hey, look at that, an actually unique capstone! Inspire desire is very interesting, and I don’t know of many other abilities like it. With a DC 30, this can be rather potent, and Inanna has the ability to use things like silent image, modify memory and detect thoughts to particularly tailor this ability to their targets. At a minimum it can be treated as a permanent, non-restricted charm-like effect that you can target at creatures other than yourself. (Also, apparently being exalted doesn’t mean you necessarily find the idea of forcing a creature to want to fall in love or become physically intimate with someone else at all problematic. I’ll… unpack that one another time. Honestly, in any actual game, I’m not touching this ability with a ten foot pole. Remember, kids, even murderhobos should care about consent!)


https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/647393639886094337/862738812857745428/images.jpeg
Inanna, caring about consent. Be like Inanna, friends!



SOURCES:

Fey bard: Unearthed Arcana/SRD
Healing hymn bard ACF: Complete Champion
Spellbreaker song bard ACF: Complete Mage
Unarmed swordsage, maneuvers: Tome of Battle
Marshal: Miniatures Handbook
Shape Soulmeld, Share Soulmeld, soulspark: Magic of Incarnum
Virtuoso,Versatile Performer, Ascetic Mage: Complete Adventurer
Versatile Spellcaster: Races of the Dragon
Gift of Discernment: Champions of Valor
All other Exalted feats, poverty rules: Book of Exalted Deeds
Image and fluff inspiration: The Wicked + The Divine, Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie, Image Comics




https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/647393639886094337/862739851606491146/images_1.jpeg

[The Viscount]

What, you thought the SI was feminine?



Korson d'Kundarak

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(Citation: "Kilted Dwarf," RogierB, DeviantArt (https://www.deviantart.com/rogierb/art/Kilted-Dwarf-605341241). Used without permission. Because of Vow of Purity, assume that the skull is a replica made of wood and the leather is made of tree bark. The feathers are leaves.)


Dwarf, CG
Rogue 1 / Shadowcaster 7 / Trapsmith 1 / Silver Key 2 / Celebrant of Sharess 9




Stat

Base (points)

Racial

Levels

Total at 20



STR

10 (2)





10



DEX

14 (6)



4

15



CON

12 (4)

+2



14



INT

16 (10)





16



WIS

8 (0)





8



CHA

16 (10)

-2

8, 12, 16, 20

18








Level

Class

BAB

Fort

Reflex

Will

Skills

Feats

Stuff

Mysteries (bold = change at that level)



1

Rogue 1

+0

0

2

0



Hide 4
Search 4
Diplomacy 4
Perform Dance 4
DD 4
Sleight of Hand 4
Open Lock 4
C Traps 4
K Arc & Eng 2 cc
Conc 2 cc
C Poisonmaking 4


Sacred Vow, Dodge (bonus)

Trapfinding, fighter bonus feat (UA pg. 58)

N/A



2

Shadowcaster 1

+0

2

2

2



Disable Device +1 cc (5)
Perform Dance +1 cc (5)
C Traps +1 (5)




Fundamentals, mysteries

Spell (1x):


Quicker than the eye

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




3

Enchanter 1 (will be traded out with Creeping Darkness at ECL 4)

+0

0

2

4



Diplomacy +2 (6)
Perform Dance +1 cc (6)
C Traps +1 (6)


Vow of Purity

Social proficiency, familiar (ignore), spells

Spell (1x):


Quicker than the eye

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




3

Shadowcaster 2 (post-Creeping Darkness at level 4)

+1

3

2

3



Diplomacy +2 (6)
Perform Dance +1 cc (6)
C Traps +1 (6)
Note: This does not change from when ECL 3 was enchanter instead of shadowcaster.


Favored Mystery [quicker than the eye] (bonus), Vow of Purity (same before and after Creeping Darkness)

Bonus feat

Spell (1x):


Life fades

SLA (2x):


Quicker than the eye

Su (3x):


Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




4

Shadowcaster 3

+1

3

3

3



Diplomacy +1 cc (7)
Perform Dance +1 cc (7)
C Traps +1 (7)




Umbral sight

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails

SLA (2x):


Quicker than the eye

Su (3x):


Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




5

Celebrant 1

+1

3

3

5



C Traps +1 (8)
DD +1 cc (6)
Open Lock +1 cc (5)
Search +2 cc (6)




Fascinate, feline familiar, flirtation, spells

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails

SLA (2x):


Quicker than the eye

Su (3x):


Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




6

Celebrant 2

+2

3

3

6



Perform Dance +2 (9)
DD +2 cc (8)
Conc +3 (5)


Favored Mystery (quicker than the eye)

Fury of the tigress 1/day

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




7

Trapsmith 1

+2

3

5

6



K Arc & Eng +2 (4)
C Traps +2 (10)
DD +2 (10)
Sleight of Hand +3 (7)




Trap sense +1, booby traps, master disarmer, spells (1 + 1 /day, never advances)

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




8

Silver Key 1

+2

3

7

8



C Traps +1 (11)
DD +1 (11)
Sleight of Hand +4 (11)
Conc +3 (8)




Armored abjuration, heir's mark, trap master +1, warder's keys, wardsense

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




9

Silver Key 2

+3

3

8

9



C Traps +1 (12)
DD +1 (12)
Sleight of Hand +1 (12)
Conc +4 (12)
Perform Dance +1 cc (10)


Master Pickpocket

Crafty hands

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured




10

Shadowcaster 4

+4

4

8

10



Conc +1 (13)
DD +1 cc (13)
Sleight of Hand +1 cc (13)




Bonus fundamental

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




11

Shadowcaster 5

+4

4

8

10



Conc +1 (14)
DD +1 cc (14)
Sleight of Hand +1 cc (14)




Sustaining shadow (1 meal/week),

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




12

Celebrant 3

+4

5

9

10



Conc +1 (15)
Perform Dance + 5 (15)
DD +1 cc (15)
Sleight of Hand +1 (15)


Extraordinary Concentration



Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




13

Celebrant 4

+5

5

9

11



Conc +1 (16)
Perform Dance +1 (16)
DD +1 cc (16)
Sleight of Hand +1 (16)
C Traps +4 (16)




Suggestion

Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




14

Shadowcaster 6

+6

6

10

12



Conc +1 (17)
DD +1 cc (17)
C Poisonmaking +2 (6)






Spell (1x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

SLA (2x):


N/A

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




15

Shadowcaster 7

+6

6

10

12




Conc +1 (18)
DD +1 cc (18)
C Poisonmaking +2 (8)


Craft Magic Arms and Armor

Initiate mysteries (apprentice mysteries become spell-like)

Spell (1x):


N/A

SLA (2x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye (+1, 4 total)
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




16

Celebrant 5

+6

6

10

12



Conc +1 (19)
Perform Dance +3 (19)
DD +1 cc (19)
Sleight of Hand +3 (19)




Pounce of the tigress

Spell (1x):


N/A

SLA (2x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye (+1, 4 total)
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




17

Celebrant 6

+7

7

11

13



Conc +1 (20)
Perform Dance +1 (20)
DD +1 cc (20)
Sleight of Hand +1 (20)
C Poisonmaking +4 (12)




Fury of the tigress 2/day

Spell (1x):


N/A

SLA (2x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye (+1, 4 total)
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




18

Celebrant 7

+7

7

11

13



Conc +1 (21)
Perform Dance +1 (21)
DD +1 cc (21)
Sleight of Hand +1 (21)
C Poisonmaking +4 (16)


Plant Bloodline

Sanctuary

Spell (1x):


N/A

SLA (2x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye (+1, 4 total)
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




19

Celebrant 8

+8

7

11

14



Conc +1 (22)
Perform Dance +1 (22)
DD +1 cc (22)
Sleight of Hand +1 (22)
C Poisonmaking +4 (20)




Swiftness of the tigress

Spell (1x):


N/A

SLA (2x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye (+1, 4 total)
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured




20

Celebrant 9

+8

8

12

14



Conc +1 (23)
Perform Dance +1 (23)
DD +1 cc (23)
Sleight of Hand +1 (23)
C Poisonmaking +3 (23)
C Traps +1 (17)






Spell (1x):


N/A

SLA (2x):


Life fades
Flesh fails
Trail of haze
Umbral touch
Umbral touch
Umbral touch

Su (3x):


Quicker than the eye (+1, 4 total)
Umbral hand
Umbral hand
Sight obscured
Sight obscured








Level

1sts

2nds

3rds

4ths



5


—

—

—



6

1

—

—

—



12

2


—

—



13

3

1

—

—



16

3

2


—



17

3

3

1

—



18

3

3

2




19

3

3

3

1



20

3

3

3

2






Level

Spell learned

Why's it cool?



5

charm person

The eternal classic for out-of-combat utility.



5

ray of hope (BoED pg 105)

An actual numerical bonus for a 1st level spell. Not bad.



6

hypnotism

This only works on low-level targets, but unlike charm person, the subject retains a friendlier attitude towards you with regard to a specific request even after the spell ends. You might not cast it on the king's guards, but it's great on low-level bureaucrats and other folks who might need some prompting to do you favors.



7

dispel magic (trapsmith)

With CL 1 on your trapsmith spells, this isn't going to do much when cast normally, but it can qualify you to make magebane weapons and so on. Feel free to pick another spell if you don't intend to craft weapons like that.



7

knock (trapsmith)

This is a hard counter to a certain class of problem. You won't need it every day, but you'll be an absolute hero when it comes up.



12

alter self

This spell basically does it all. Crucian (Sandstorm pg. 144) for natural armor, varag (MM4 pg. 168) for movement speed, avariel (Races of Faerun pg. 32) for flight, mongrelfolk (RoD pg. 98) for SoH bonuses, aquatic goblin (UA pg. 7) for DD bonuses, etc. And of course, out of combat it's just useful for getting into all sorts of fun trouble. Share it with your familiar to get some magical beast action as well!



12

hold person

Little bit of nice combat effectiveness. Classic save-or-lose.



13

remove fear

Not a high-priority item, but when it comes up it's darned nice to have.



13

tongues

You have language-dependent abilities in the form of suggestion, so you may as well make sure that you can handle that.



16

glibness

We don't have many ranks in Bluff, but with this spell we don't really need them. (Bonus points: if you share it with your familiar, they can always convince someone that they haven't been fed yet and they definitely deserve both dinner and an extra treat for waiting so patiently!)



16

fear

Not only is this a solid save-or-suck, it's also useful for crafting a surprisingly large number of weapons and/or armors.



17

cat's grace

All but the most item-poor campaigns will probably let you have an actual enhancement bonus by now if you want one, but this is also useful for crafting several armors, such as twilight (MIC pg. 15)



17

charm monster

This is useful for the same reason as charm person. It's just bigger.



18

endure elements

This is from Plant Bloodline. It's mostly forgettable but it's not why you took the feat.



18

false life

Another Plant Bloodline spell. Maybe you can make a heartening buckler (MIC pg. 12) with it? Yeah, I dunno, man.



18

water breathing

Another Plant Bloodline spell. Not really the reason we took this feat. I guess if you need to go underwater and you've got allies who don't have alter self, this can help?



19

warcry

Actual save-or-lose! Cast it normally or stick it in a spell storing bolt trap.



19

break enchantment

Another hard counter spell. When you need it, nothing else will do. (Note: this, dominate person, and minor creation all come a level sooner if you have a CHA-boosting item of any size.)



19

dominate person

The classic mind-binder spell. Stick it in a trap or just bend someone to your will.



19

hold monster

Once again, stick it in a trap or just cast it. Either way, it's powerful.



19

minor creation

This is the reason for taking Plant Bloodline! This is the good stuff for making poisons.




Let's just dig in.

Celebrant is a fascinating class as far as baffling design goes. Rage, pounce, and haste, but on a poor BAB chassis. Rage isn't compatible with flirtation or with your spells. In fact, flirtation also isn't compatible with your spells. Two of the big flirtation abilities break if anyone on your team does anything aggressive, and yet you've got abilities that only work when you're attacking. Which, as stated, you aren't good at because of the whole BAB thing. None* of the abilities are bad in a vacuum. There's nothing that makes me say "no character can legitimately use this." It's just that it's really hard to use most of these abilities together. But I think that Korson has managed it, or as close as we're going to get.

(* The exception to my statement of none of the abilities being bad is the capstone. And it's bad not in the sense of "mechanically suboptimal" but in the sense of "morally gross." I chose not to take CoS 10 because, to be blunt, the ability makes me deeply, deeply uncomfortable and I just plain don't want to be involved with it. Especially on a nominally capital-G good—nay, Exalted!—character, but honestly I wouldn't even really want to be in a game where a capital-E Evil character was actually using that. It's just got way more in the way of unfortunate implications than I can stomach. As proof that I'm not simply trying to get out of taking the SI, though, I offer the fact that this build takes CoS 9, which is a level that offers no new abilities and doesn't actually shine much compared to a lot of the other levels; it's not useless (it does progress flirtations/day, max flirtation duration, hasted rounds/day, spells/day, and spells known) but it's not a power move on its own. But anyway, think what you wish; even if I were to take CoS 10, I would refuse to use it because it just plain does not make me feel good, and that's that.)

Anyway, to put together what we're looking at with CoS, let's kind of work backwards. Rage, pounce, and haste all assume that you're attacking, though the BAB means that it won't be trivial to do that, so getting touch attacks that you can activate prior to flipping the rage switch seems like the ideal workaround. Let's stick a pin in that.

What are some things we can do while we've got people fascinated or while we're safe under sanctuary? I spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I came to the conclusion that one of the best options is simply stealing stuff with Sleight of Hand.

These two considerations let me naturally to shadowcaster, even if shadowcaster is a somewhat unusual choice in a vacuum. Quicker than the eye allows for a huge bonus to SoH and also lets you make SoH checks at range (through umbral hand), making it perfect for stealthy theft on fascinated targets. (Especially since fascinate applies a penalty to their reactive checks, such as Spot.) Umbral touch (not to be confused with umbral hand, which is a component of theft at range, or umbral fist, which is a mystery I didn't take but that allows for combat maneuvers at range… thanks for the clear and easy-to-remember naming scheme, WotC) is a nice buff that should last most of the encounter and that lets us make easy touch attacks to do a nice pile of damage and force a save against a nasty slow effect, so it plays very nice with rage and pounce (and haste). Sure, you have to invoke umbral touch first and then rage, but that's easy to do.

Shadowcaster, maddeningly, doesn't get nearly any of the skills we care about. A level of rogue seems entirely necessary just to raise the cap on Perform, Diplomacy, Sleight of Hand, and some others. Even with that, though, our skill points just don't quite work out around ECL 3 or so if we go directly through shadowcaster, so we've got to take a detour. Enchanter, using the Social Proficiency option on pg. 61 of Unearthed Arcana, gets Diplomacy (and others) in-class for that level… and then we use the Creeping Darkness option on pg. 115 of Tome of Magic to "sacrifice a preexisting level of sorcerer or wizard, in exchange for an additional shadowcaster level." We are also instructed to "leave skills gained at that level as they are," so we don't have to retroactively pay more for those Diplomacy ranks or anything. (Don't bother summoning a familiar during your stay in enchanterville. I guess just use the Immediate Magic variant on pg. 68 of PHB2 or something? Or just ignore that until you get your proper familiar.)

So shadowcaster is a good fit for a lot of our goals! Now, sidebar, I had originally planned on sharing quicker than the eye, umbral hand, and probably sight obscured (which provides another, stacking bonus to SoH) with the feline familiar, since the familiar still has their actions free while Korson is busy concentrating on fascinate. Unfortunately, that turned out to be illegal. The share spells ability explicitly doesn't work with SLAs and it doesn't say anything about supernatural abilities, and even if I were to balance my shadowcaster progression to keep quicker than the eye as an arcane spell (which, I would argue, could indeed still be shared), umbral hand starts out as supernatural and therefore probably can't be shared. So that's really disappointing and it's something I'd houserule away in a real game (especially, but not only, if someone were to take the Shadow Familiar feat, which that version of the build had), but hey, might as well stick to RAW if we can.

Anyway, familiars share your skill ranks, so our kittycat can still use SoH against fascinated targets—it just won't have massive additional bonuses. This is fine, but it does mean that we'd like a way to free up Korson's actions, don't you think? Enter the very important feat Extraordinary Concentration, from Complete Adventurer, which allows concentration on a spell as a move action (or a swift action if you roll well enough). Fascinate, of course, is a spell-like ability, and per Monster Manual pg. 315, "Spell-like abilities are magical and work just like spells." Just like spells? Just like spells. I argue that this text, plus the presence of occasional text that clarifies exceptions to it (such as PHB pg. 53 specifying that you can share spells but not SLAs with a familiar), means that abilities that affect spells affect SLAs in the same way when applicable, except as specified otherwise. Nothing specifies otherwise here. With maxed concentration, it should be pretty reliable to free up at least your standard action. (Also note: since fascinate doesn't work in combat, by definition you aren't being threatened when you use it, so you should be able to take 10; there's no rule in Concentration that says otherwise.)

Now that we've got standard actions free while a target is fascinated, it's time to start doing something with them. As mentioned, this is mostly going to involve Sleight of Hand. With the Master Pickpocket feat from pg. 95 of City of Stormreach, there's a lot that Sleight of Hand can do for us! "You can take anything the character has on his or her person provided it is not held in hand." Anything is a pretty broad word. This is going to be very nice. Quicker than the eye (and, on occasion, sight obscured) will bump up the bonus, and the cat can help too!

That said, Sleight of Hand alone feels like a good start but an unsatisfying finish, wouldn't you agree? Korson should be able to do more while doing his flirtatious dance. There's a wonderful table on pg. 140 of City of Stormreach that shows that Disable Device can be used to sabotage an opponent's gear. I've included this for easy reference.

https://media.discordapp.net/attachments/647393639886094337/866038203316174898/unknown.png?width=601&height=702

Now, rigging an opponent's armor to fall apart or rigging their weapon to suck is just obviously hilarious, but what if we could do it from across the room? That would fit with the theme of using deleterious skills from range, as quicker than the eye allows. This, of course, is a job for silver key. Silver key's 2nd level ability, Crafty Hands, allows you to make Disable Device checks from up to 60 ft away. (Interestingly, it's a move action to turn it on, but it has no duration; you might be able to say that you only need to activate it once and then you simply possess the ability. Even if you have to turn it on every encounter, though, it's usable at will, so this is not a concern.) So now while the targets are mesmerized by our graceful flirtatious movements, we can be stealing their stuff and sabotaging their gear from up to 60 ft away!

Silver key leads us, somewhat indirectly, to another batch of tricks. See, one of the prereqs for silver key is trap sense +1. Trap sense +1 can be obtained with three levels of rogue or three levels of barbarian, but that's kind of a lot of levels! I was already committed to investing one level in rogue for skills (and trapfinding; without ranks in Search, Korson isn't actually good at finding traps per se, but silver key demands trapfinding, so that's that), but in searching for a way to get trap sense with just one more level of investment rather than two more, I stumbled across trapsmith, which grants trap sense right away. As a side benefit, trapsmith gives the ability to, well, smith traps! That doesn't (directly) target an enemy at all, and so it definitely won't break fascinate.

You might be wondering how well Korson can use a full-round action to lay down a booby trap when he's potentially spending a move action on flirting. Naturally, if you get concentrating down to a swift action, this is a moot point, but if you only have a standard action available, check out pg. 142 of the PHB: a standard action can be used to start or to complete a full-round action! This is slower than is usually ideal in combat, but if you've got the enemies fascinated, that's not an especially big cost. (Remember, by definition, if you're using fascinate you aren't actually in combat yet.)

One really cool thing about trapsmith traps (in contrast with, for example, combat trapsmith traps) is that the DC and/or the effectiveness is based not on your class level but rather on your Craft results, so the traps continue to scale as you level even without taking more levels in trapsmith itself.

As for making the traps nastier, Craft Magic Arms and Armor can be used to cheaply make magical ammo for crossbow traps. For example, spell-storing requires no specific spells known (the CL requirement is met by the CL for shadowcaster fundamentals, which, as supernatural abilities, have CL = to Korson's HD), and we can load umbral touch or hold person or similar nasty surprises into them during downtime. You can also craft domineering ammo (MIC pg. 33) magebane (MIC pg. 38) ammo, ammo with simple enhancement bonuses on it, and so on. (Separately, don't forget about crafting yourself and your allies some nice cheap armor!) Furthermore, Plant Bloodline adds minor creation to the spell list, and that's useful for crafting poisons. You know the old trick of using psionic minor creation to make poisons? This is the same thing, except it doesn't take your first-level feat and therefore doesn't delay your entry into the SI. Make greensickness (Dungeonscape pg. 129, referencing MM3 pg. 124) and put it into a drop trap. Make black lotus extract (DMG pg. 297) and add it to the crossbow traps. Or if you want less expensive options for plant-based poisons, you might look at sasson juice (BoVD pg. 44), terinav root (DMG pg. 297), and so on. And of course, trip rope traps are always effective. (If you can get away with using arbitrarily large crossbows in your bolt traps, that's also an option, but many GMs find that to be a little silly.) Furthermore, while suggestion is fabulous out of combat, it can also be used to initiate combat after you've set up your traps—just suggest that the poor sap walk down your pre-rigged gauntlet of tripwires!

There's a clause in the flirtation ability that deserves some attention. "Even while using a flirtation ability that doesn't require concentration, a celebrant cannot cast spells or activate magic items by spell completion (such as scrolls) or command word (such as wands)." So sanctuary, while very very useful, cannot be used to cast spells (to buff and so on). Similarly, we can't use spells while using fascinate, even if we've got actions free. This is why Korson takes two instances of Favored Mystery (one from HD and one as a bonus feat from having two paths) for quicker than the eye, because you know what can be used while flirting? Supernatural abilities. We carefully set up so that we can still use our cool SoH buffs even while flirting. Shadowcaster keeps being weirdly appropriate here!

Sanctuary is amazing, and basically everything that's useful during fascinate is also useful during sanctuary. Sanctuary is, in some ways, lower-maintenance, but it's also lower-payoff in a certain regard: the fascinated enemy isn't buffing, moving tactically, readying actions, or otherwise prepping for when you break the sanctuary effect. Still, read the room! It's good to have both options on tap. Sometimes you just want to only spend one action on your time-out feature, and there's nothing wrong with that.

Skills on this character are super tight. We do everything we can to keep our core skills up while doing our best to not cross-class more than is necessary, which does result in occasionally making large investments in skills all at once (especially if they haven't been in-class for a few levels and we have some catching up to do). Still, every effort is made to smooth things out and to not spend points unnecessarily.

So to sum up, Korson sets the terms of the battle by flirting with the enemy. While he does that, he uses supernatural and also mundane abilities to steal anything good from the target, to deeply sabotage any gear he doesn't want to steal, and to set up a bunch of hard-to-find traps, potentially including crossbow traps with spell-storing bolts dipped in poison. He doesn't have to get anywhere close to the targets in order to do any of this. His faithful cat familiar is also good at stealing and at disabling. Once everything is set up the way he likes it, he uses umbral touch, gets really angry (and, on any turn when he's making a full attack, really fast), and charges, pouncing at the enemy and repeatedly poking them with a surprisingly nasty and damaging effect until they're no longer his problem. His celebrant spells are useful both in combat (fear. alter self, anything in a bolt, etc.) and out of combat (glibness, charm, knock, etc.). He circumvents the limitations of the secret ingredient to use buffs while flirting and to pounce meaningfully with poor BAB. His suggestion ability can be used to avoid a combat (by simply suggesting that someone go away or otherwise do what Korson wants) or to initiate one (by suggesting that the target walk into all the prepared traps). There's an awful lot going on, but it works!




Category

Element

Book

Page



Class

Shadowcaster

Tome of Magic

111



Prestige class

Celebrant of Sharess

Player's Guide to Faerun

179



Prestige class

Trapsmith

Dungeonscape

53



Prestige class

Silver key

Dragonmarked

120



ACF

Fighter feat rogue

Unearthed Arcana

58



ACF

Social proficiency enchanter

Unearthed Arcana

61



Alternate leveling structure

Creeping darkness

Tome of Magic

115



Feat

Sacred Vow

Book of Exalted Deeds

45



Feat

Vow of Purity

Book of Exalted Deeds

48



Feat

Favored Mystery

Tome of Magic

136



Feat

Master Pickpocket

City of Stormreach

95



Feat

Extraordinary Concentration

Complete Adventurer

109



Feat

Plant Bloodline

Dragon Compendium

104



Path

Night's Long Fingers (quicker than the eye, trail of haze)

Cityscape Web Enhancement

http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070307a




Note: Build elements from the PHB are not specifically cited. Other game elements referenced in the write-up are cited in-line.

[The Viscount]

Why stop with just a cat?



Magic Girl Helga and the Marvelous Mr. Bristlejynx




https://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/large_239.png
”No, Mister Bristlejynx, not a Gauntlet Guardian! A Celestial badger! We need to dig our way out, not punch our way in!


Chaotic good Changeling wizard 5/ultimate magus 3/fleshwarper 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10

Abilities


Abilities

Score
4th
8th
12th
16th
20th


STR
8




+1


DEX
12


+1
+1



CON
14







INT
18







WIS
8







CHA
14
+1
+1











BUILD



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


1st
drakken familiar (Dragon Magic p.12), wasteland familiar(sandstorm p.49), aquatic familiar (stormwrack p.52), frostfell familiar (frostburn p.49), wizard
0
0
0
2
(2+4)*4+2=22 ranks: Diplomacy 4, Handle Humanoid 2(cc),Heal 2(cc), K. Arcana 4, Perform (wind instruments) 4, Spellcraft 4,
apprentice (entertainer)(DMG2 p. 176) , Sudden Extend (Complete Arcane, p. 83) (flaw), sacred vow (BOED p.45)(Flaw), scribe scroll (bonus)
Summon Frostburn/stormwrack/wasteland Familiar, Drakken Familiar, scribe scroll


2
wizard
1
0
0
3
2+4: 6: Diplomacy 4+1, Handle humanoid 2+.5, Heal 2+.5, k. Arcana 4+1, perform (wind instruments) 4+1, spellcraft 4+1




3
wizard
1
1
1
3
2+4: 6: Diplomacy 5+1, Handle humanoid 2.5+.5, Heal 2.5+.5, k. Arcana 5+1, perform (wind instruments) 5+1, spellcraft 5+1
alacritous cogitation (Complete Mage p.37)



4
wizard
2
1
1
4
2+4: 6: Diplomacy 6+1, Handle humanoid 3+.5, Heal 3+.5, k. Arcana 6+1, perform (wind instruments) 6+1, spellcraft 6+1




5
changeling wizard (Races of Eberron p.123)
2
1
1
4
4+4: 8: Handle humanoid 3.5+.5, Heal 3.5+.5, k. Arcana 7+1, perform (wind instruments) 7+1, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 2, spellcraft 7+1
Oath Hammer (CoV p.67): vow of purity (BOED p.48)
morphic familiar, limited spell knowledge, 2 extra skill points, add sleight of hand to skills


6
ultimate magus (wizard 6)(complete mage p.77)
2
1
1
6
2+4: 6: concentration 0+4, Handle humanoid 4+.5, Heal 4+.5, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 8, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 2, spellcraft 8,
improved familiar (tome and blood p.40, complete scoundrel p.78, Complete Warrior p.100, Races of Faerun p.165, PGTF p.39, Serpent Kingdoms p.146)
arcane spell power +1


7
ultimate magus 2 (wizard 8)
3
1
1
7
2+4: 6: concentration 4+2, Handle humanoid 4.5+.5, Heal 4.5+.5, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 8+2, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 2, spellcraft 8,

expanded spell knowledge


8
ultimate magus 3 (wizard 10)
3
2
2
7
2+4: 6: concentration 6+2, Handle humanoid 5+.5, Heal 5+.5, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 10+1, Perform (string) 1, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 2, spellcraft 8

augmented casting


9
Celebrant of sharess 1 (PGTF p.178)
3
2
2
9
6+4: 10: concentration 8+2, Handle humanoid 5.5+.5, Heal 5.5+.5, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 11+1, Perform (string) 1+3, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 2+2, spellcraft 8
Dragon familiar (Draconomicon p.104)
Fascinate, feline familiar, flirtation


10
Celebrant of sharess 2
4
2
2
10
6+4: 10: concentration 10+3, Handle humanoid 6+.5, Heal 6, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 12+1, Perform (string) 4+2, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 4+3, spellcraft 8
Hewards hall adaptation (Complete scoundrel 146): graft flesh (lords of madness p.216)
Fury of the tigress 1/day


11
Fleshwarper (wizard 10) (lords of madness p.189)
4
4
2
10
4+4: 8: concentration 13+1, Handle humanoid 6.5+.5, Heal 6+4, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 13+1, Perform (string) 6+1, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 7, spellcraft 8

aberrant familiar (size increase), graft reserve 500


12
Fleshwarper (wizard 11)
5
5
2
10
4+4:8:concentration 14+1, Handle humanoid 7+.5, Heal 10+4, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 14+1, Perform (string) 7+2, perform (weapon drill) 1, Sleight of Hand 7, spellcraft 8
feat
elder secret (cloaker), graft reserve 700


13
Celebrant of sharess 3
5
5
2
10
6+4: 10: concentration 15+1, Handle humanoid 7.5+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 15+1, Perform (string) 9+1, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 0+4, Sleight of Hand 7+2, spellcraft 8




14
Celebrant of sharess 4
6
6
3
11
6+4: 10: concentration 16+1, Handle humanoid 7.5+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 16+1, Perform (string) 9+1, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 0+4, Sleight of Hand 9+2, spellcraft 8

suggestion


15
celebrant of sharess 5
6
6
3
11
6+4: 10: concentration 17+1, Handle humanoid 8+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 17+1, Perform (string) 10, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 4+3, Sleight of Hand 9+3, spellcraft 8+1
feat
pounce of the tigress


16
celebrant of sharess 6
7
7
4
12
6+4: 10: concentration 18+1, Handle humanoid 8.5+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 18, Perform (string) 10, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 7+3, Sleight of Hand 12+3, spellcraft 9+1, tumble 0+1

Fury of the tigress 2/day


17
celebrant of sharess 7
7
7
4
12
6+4: 10: concentration 19+1, Handle humanoid 9+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 18, Perform (string) 10, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 10, Perform (tea ceremony) 0+3, Sleight of Hand 15+2, spellcraft 10, tumble 1+3

sanctuary


18
celebrant of sharess 8
8
7
4
13
6+4:10: concentration 20+1, Handle humanoid 9.5+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 18, Perform (string) 10, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 10, Perform (tea ceremony) 3+3, Sleight of Hand 17+2, spellcraft 10, tumble 4+3
feat
swiftness of the tigress


19
celebrant of sharess 9
8
8
5
13
6+4: 10: concentration 21+1, Handle humanoid 10+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 18, Perform (string) 10, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 10, Perform (tea ceremony) 6+4, Sleight of Hand 19+2, spellcraft 10, tumble 7+2




20
celebrant of Sharess 10
9
8
5
14
6+4:10: concentration 22+1, Handle humanoid 10.5+.5, Heal 14, k. Arcana 8, perform (wind instruments) 18, Perform (string) 10, perform (weapon drill) 1, Perform (sing) 10, Perform (tea ceremony) 10, sense motive 0+8, Sleight of Hand 21, spellcraft 10, tumble 9

Fury of the tigress 3/day, inspire desire









Wizard BASE Spells per Day


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


1st
3
1
-
-
-
-
-


2nd
4
2
-
-
-
-
-


3rd
4
2
1
-
-
-
-


4th
4
3
2
-
-
-
-


5th
4
3
2
1
-
-
-


6th
4
3
3
2
-
-
-


7th
4
4
3
3
2
-
-


8th
4
4
4
3
3
2
-


9th
4
4
4
3
3
2
-


10th
4
4
4
3
3
2
-


11th
4
4
4
3
3
2
-


12th
4
4
4
4
3
2
1


Celebrant
of
Sha
ress
-
Spells
per
day


9th
0
-
-
-
-
-
-


10th
1
-
-
-
-
-
-


11th
1
-
-
-
-
-
-


12th
1
-
-
-
-
-
-


13th
2
0
-
-
-
-
-


14th
3
1
-
-
-
-
-


15th
3
2
0
-
-
-
-


16th
3
3
1
-
-
-
-


17th
3
3
2
0
-
-
-


18th
3
3
3
1
-
-
-


19th
3
3
3
2
-
-
-


20th
3
3
3
3
-
-
-



SPELLS
Wizard

0: All of them!
1: color spray, magic missile, mage armor, benign transposition (Spell Comp. p.27), spiderform lesser (DotU p.63), Blockade (Comp. Scoundrel p.95), weaponshift (Spell Comp p.237), silent image, protection from winged flyers (shining south p.48)
2: augment familiar (Spell Comp. p. 17), clothier’s closet (magic of eberron p.94), luminous armor (BOED p.102), crystalline memories (complete mage)
3: fly, mass snakes swiftness (spell comp. 193), Giant’s wrath (spell comp p.105), enhance familiar, fortify familiar, bestow curse
4: animate with the spirit (champions of valor p.52), celerity (PHB2), wingbind (spell comp 240)
5: inquisition (BOED) animal growth, shadow evocation, permanency
6: masters lament (heroes of horror p.131), imbue with spell ability (spell comp p.120)

Celebrant of Sharess

1:ray of hope, tasha’s hideous laughter, lesser confusion, hypnotism, benign transposition (from ultimate magus)
2:eagle’s splendor, rage, alter self, heroism
3: warcry, deep slumber, confusion, slow
4: blinding beauty, modify memory, break enchantment, hold monster



Witchipedia

Disambiguation: Magical Girl (genre),

Plot: In a land of Make-Believe, there lives a little girl named Helga. She is a magic girl who studies magic, and she travels the land cleaning the world of the evil baddies from the land of the Dark Path. Helga is best friends in the whole wide world with her cat, the Marvelous Mr. Bristlejynx! They have so many adventures! They found the oath hammer! They learned the secrets of flesh crafting after finding hewards surgery hall! And most impressively, they travelled to the magic Goodnesstimestwoland where Mr. Bristlejynx poured the charm on the cat fairy, Bast.


Sure, Helga has her flaws, but is ever working towards self improvement and self expression. Eventually, just being around the marvelous Mr. Bristlejynx rubs off on Helga!

Magic girl Helga is best known for her non canonical story where she combined the pain mastery of the savage species, the toad familiar and the hero of horrors’ “master lament” in an endless loop of infinite healing, but those stories are at best apocryphal.

Mr. Bristlejynx has been recorded by the completists as shapeshifting into the following shapes (shameless stolen from the Magic Girl Helga Weavespeak page) Sorry about the formatting, they switched from one PHP system to another:

Albatross Page 165 Master gains a +1 bonus on Spot checks
Eel Page 166 Master gains a +3 bonus on Escape Artist checks
Fish owl Owl Master gains a +3 bonus on Spot checks in shadows
Octopus Octopus Master gains a +3 bonus on grapple checks
Parrot1: Raven Master gains a +3 bonus on Appraise checks
Sea snake Page 170 Master gains a +3 bonus on Bluff checks
horned lizard: +2 will saves (sandstorm)
Arctic fox Ch. 6 Master gains +3 bonus on Move Silently checks
Gyrfalcon Hawk Master gains +3 bonus on Spot checks
Lemming Rat Master gains +2 bonus on Listen and Spot checks
Snowy owl Owl Has low-light vision; master gains +3 bonus on Move Silently checks
Penguin: Master gains +2 bonus on Fortitude saves
Puffin Raven Master gains +2 bonus on Swim and Survival checks
Rat Master gains +2 bonus on Fortitude saves
Raven Speaks one language
"Air elemental, small N 5 Tome and Blood
Badger N 3 Complete Scoundrel
Beguiler N 7 Shining South
Blade guardian N 11 Complete Warrior
Cat, tressym N 5 FRCS
Celestial hawk NG 3 Tome and Blood
Celestial standard familiar NG 3 Tome and Blood
Earth elemental, small N 5 Tome and Blood
Fire elemental, small N 5 Tome and Blood
Gauntlet guardian N 9 Complete Warrior
Gem scarab N 5 Monster Manual V
Hippogriff N 7 B Complete Warrior/MM
Homunculus N 7 Tome and Blood
Krenshar N 3 Complete Warrior/MM
Lizard, spitting crawler N 3 Serpent Kingdoms
Lynx N 3 Races of Faerun
Mephit, any N 7 Complete Scoundrel
Mephit, glass N 7 Sandstorm/CS
Mephit, ice N 7 Tome and Blood
Mephit, sulfur N 7 Sandstorm/CS
Mlarraun N 5 Serpent Kingdoms
Monstrous centipede, small N 2 Complete Scoundrel
Monstrous scorpion, small N 3 Complete Scoundrel
Monstrous spider, small N 4 Complete Scoundrel
Pseudodragon NG 7 Tome and Blood
Sailsnake N 5 Monster Manual IV
Shocker lizard N 5 Tome and Blood
Snake, flying N 3 Races of Faerun
Snake, glacier N 3 Serpent Kingdoms
Snake, whipsnake N 3 Serpent Kingdoms
Spark guardian N 7 Complete Warrior
Viper, medium N 3 Complete Scoundrel
Watchspider CN 3 City of Splendors
Water elemental, small N 5 Tome and Blood
Starsnake CN 12 Shining South
Stirge N 5 Tome and Blood"
copper dragon wyrmling10
brass dragon wyrmlings 9

Second best remembered for the character development driven musical episode, entitled after its rousing musical centerpiece, “Master’s Lament” saw Magic Girl Helga battle the “Heroes of Horror,” where she learned that you can still be exalted, worthy of Goodnesstimestwoland’s boons of the spirit while being corrupted by strong forces of the earthly realm. Some Magic Girl Helga nerdscholars say that this lesson is the real reason for the recipients of Bast’s boon: The macguffin necklace called the “the celebrant of sharings.” Below are the lyrics of this episode of Helga’s journey, as provided by the producers of “Podcasts of Mililenium.”


This spell strengthens the bond between master and familiar. For the duration of the spell, any damage or magical effect (charm,energy drain, etc.) taken by the master is also taken by the familiar, and vice versa. If the effect allows a save, both master and familiar roll their saves separately. This spell can be cast on either the master or the familiar. Corruption Cost: 1d6 points of Charisma damage.

The fleshwarping season saw Helga Magical girl increase Mr. Bristlejynx’s size to battle the Demo-Daniels of DemoHarpy. In the post credit aftercut, we can see Magic Girl Helga sew a cloaker onto herself while humming the tune to master’s lament. From that episode forward, Mr. Bristlejynx had a talking cloak. In later episodes of this mini-arc, we see Helga commissioning the wand of undersong from Flocklychen Banjo-crew. She applied this liberally during a new song medley called “half-golem - half diamond mind” Where three lietmotifs crescendo into yet another entire episode of Helga’s story seeming possessed by performances.

Criticisms:

The final arc in the Helga Magical Girl Series is often panned by critics as the overuse of the connection between Helga and Mr. Bristlejynx transforming them both into autonomous constructs with intelligence, or even baby dragons to solve most of their problems. Some people who pursued master’s degrees in the study of the Magical Girl Helga story have written entire treatises that this was ultimately where every magical girl story ends up: oversaturated across multiple mediums, or even larges, or tinies.

Some people take issue with the capitalist bent of some of the early parts of Helga’s story. Where she uses masterwork alphorns and caveharps to extend the range of people that she was trying to entertain in exchange for money to donate to the dwarfanage in return for the Oathhammer, which was the key to the Bastion of Bast.

The hewards surgery hall episode was derided as obtuse working around fleshwarper. The editors seemed to want to make fleshwarping happen, but didn't look at the prerequisites of the prerequisites for fleshwarping as a subject. The loss of a caster level in the story, also seems to have delayed the cool epic familiar advancement and the ability to put 8th level spells in Mr. Bristlejynx. The need for the fleshwarping chapter was also in question as the fairie Goddes Sharess specifically banned any class from advancing Mr. Bristlejynx, while the fleshwarper absolutely demonstrated that it could stack with anything. To some people this is comparable to "what happens when the unmovable object meets the unstoppable force" conundrum that occurs in fantasy comics.

Other’s dislike Helga’s flaws, saying that the cheesy overwraught nature of them really made it a “love it” or “leave it” magical girl story.



Did you see that giant list of familiars?
You get to have all of them.
Want a buddy who can squirt blood out his eyes?

Some remarkable familiar forms are found in complete warrior: These are the construct forms, which have real hit dice. That means that they might get feats if they have an int score. Probably best to do a single feat load out and get it approved by the super strict GM who lets you have two flaws, a way out of wbl item for a free vow of poverty feat and access to a specific adaptation of a magical location.

The beguiler is good for the truesight. And the neat thing is that on some of the magical animal forms you might be able to add the celestial template from the improved familiar list.

And that watch spider from waterdeep, how cool is it to shoot out some webs?! With some of the con-boosting spells and whatnot, that poison actually doesn’t scale at all, nevermind.

Does that say, mephit any? Yes it does. Mirror mephit exists somewhere in a source, and i bet Mr. Bristlejynx knows about them.

I absolutely love the gem scarab form. Any level zero spell from any list 6 times a day...but your morphic familiar can switch forms as a full round action. Fine tuning from the bard list is super cool for making your instruments masterwork, which unlocks all sorts of fun tricks. Like the alphorn allowing you to “flirt” for 1d10 miles. Or the cave harp, whose sounds can reach 1 to 6 miles underground. So a one night performance with a performance check will somehow net you a lot of funds. That sanctuary effect can protect a whole kingdom.
We trade that share spells ability with drakken familiar which is super sweet. Once per hour, Mr. Bristlejynx can breath fire in a 15’ cone equal to 1d6+2xarcane caster level calculation for the familiar.

I am gonna refluff the problematic capstone, and say it gives the people affected something called “the cuddles.” The cuddles is fundamentally the same as the capstone, but if they are rebuffed by the object of their desire, they mope away from the situation for a few hours.

Fleshwarper allows the familiar to be advanced by a size category which allows for them to possibly gain feats with increasing Hit dice. This will in turn allow you to synergize Mr. Bristlejynx with Helga. So I just filled in crafting feats for helga’s final two feats, but Mr. Bristlejinx has a caster level at level 19, and imbue familiar with spell ability spell grants one as well. So, you know, Mr. Bristlejynx is a bit of a shapeshifting chameleon, and with variable HD, and possibly variable feats, he might very well be able to take these feats, freeing Helga to take blazing berzerker and arcane strike, or toughness and pain mastery.

The moment of the perfect mind is there to be paired with master’s lament, some sort of access to a caster who casts undersong a total of six times. Then, we can carve off dragon legs from mr. Bristlejynx’s dragonforms, turn into a spark guardian for fast healing, then craft those dragonlegs into grafts for Mr. Bristlejynx to become a half dragonflesh golem (found here) http://archive.wizards.com/default.a...d/we/20020803a. The progressively more difficult save DC can then be replaced with a concentration check via martial study, which can be replaced with a perform check via undersong, and by my calculations, it appears that you only need an extra +15 worth of perform modifiers, some of which come by way of eagles splendor, and mr. Jynx using expert aid-other rules. Then we can make Mr. Bristlejynx a half dragonflesh golem, which is a fun template to have on top of being a shocker lizard or starsnake or something. And if master’s lament is up, it’s almost like you’re applying your cool new magical effects to yourself.

Star snake is amazing (Shining south p.70). And it gets up to huge with the fleshwarper size increase, granting it a massive bump in Hit Dice, which in turn might grant you feats to choose.

The sanctuary ability will allow you to put your starsnake form to bed so that it can turn into something else as a full round action. And if you pre-cast master’s lament, that means that you change too. And maybe you can attack your buddy with an electric spell, so that it arcs 3d10 at you but because you are the same race you just get healed HP from the dragonflesh immunity.

The dragonforms grant 2 wonderful SLA’s: unlimited speak with animals as well as spiderclimb.

Anyway, don’t get me started on master’s lament and how it operates. Turning into a toad familiar grants you 3 hp as a magical effect, which grants your familiar a +3, which goes on and on and on. So most DM’s are gonna limit that stuff to affecting yall once. Which is nice, cuz if you take damage, you both take infinite damage. And we don’t want to do calculus for when we turn into a toad.

And all of this, of course is on top of alter self, offered by the celebrant list. We have, construct, magical beast, dragon, vermin and elemental forms available to us.

The highpoint of this build begins at 12 and just keeps growing.

And then, i think we all need to notice this fabulous cats line: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd%2Ffools%2F20030401c


An ordinary cat from the Monster Manual has few options when it comes to feats. It receives Weapon Finesse (bite) and Weapon Finesse (claw) as bonus feat by default, but you could easily substitute any of the feats below that better fit the individual cat you have in mind.
Variant: If you want to make the feline familiars in your game more exciting, consider letting them gain additional feats at the same rate as their masters do (at master levels 3rd, 6th, 9th, 12th, 15th, and 18th). In this way, a 10th-level human sorcerer could have a cat familiar that possessed four feats.
Feline: Feats of the feline type are available only to cats and other feline creatures, including Cheshire cats (see below), lions, rakshasas, tigers, tressym (Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting), and other feline creatures.
Yes, allow us to put feats on Mr. BristleJynx! I choose the following
3: healing chi (fabulous cats)
6: draconic aura (fast healing) (dragon magic p.26 &86)
9: obtain familiar (comp arcane p.81)
12: dragon familiar
15: spell linked familiar (PHB2)
18: versatile performer (complete adv. P. 112)

That means, of course, that Mr. Bristlejynx can, in turn, choose Magical Girl Helga as their familiar, because with masters lament, both of them can be dragons at the same time! This goes further with spell linked familiar, with your familiar granting 0 level spells from being a gem scarab while, they, themselves getting spell linked to the same spells as they transform due to master’s lament. Healing chi and draconic aura let you heal up. And with the fleshwarper ability online, who knows what happens.

Please enjoy the mess of the possibility!

[The Viscount]

Is the Dragonsong the theme from Dragon Tales? You decide.



Tythenel Dragonsong
CG Draconic Star Elf Bard 4/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Sublime Chord 5
“I have two different goals in my life that seem to be completely unrelated, but in actuality, this is all part of a large plan. I don’t know what exactly the game is, or what piece I am, but there’s a great evil brewing in the land, and I’m working to oppose it the best I can, using all of my skills, even if the law is against it. That’s all you can expect any decent person to do, and when enough people do it, there’s no way evil people can get a foothold.”

-Tythenel Dragonsong, when asked about opposing evil.

The ancient stone crunched underneath his boots as he walked among the ruins. This fortress had decayed long before he was born, back when Sharess was more than a god of revelry and feasting to the common crowd. The latest human cleric of Sharess he’d communicated with told him that their latest reformist temple had been burned down during a particularly destructive party as a part of the Summer’s End Celebration. An accident, surely, because what else would it be?
He ground a small stone underneath his plain leather boot, angry at himself. He’d gotten attached, hadn’t he? When the elders had asked for volunteers to scout out the Yuirwood, he’d readily volunteered, the Sildeyuir always made him feel uneasy, although maybe it had to do with his extreme beliefs. But forty years and three more waves of scouts later, it was obvious exactly how separated he’d become when he’d met up with a group of three people coming from the latest wave. (“Oh, it’s a natural part of being a Dragonsong” his mother had said).
But Varele, Gensan, and Faerinal didn’t really seem to care about all of that, only finding ways to use his abilities for good. (And the fact that he was a spellcaster who fights well was just a boon)
“Oi! Tythenel! I think I found something of interest!” Varele called out. He looked to where she was pointing, it was a monster he didn’t recognize that was destroying trees.
“I think that’s more than something of interest. We should get Gensan and Faerinal here, and then we’ll engage.”
“There’s no time, and it looks like we can take it together. C’mon let’s go!”
Before he could say another word, Varele drew her bow and fired off three arrows at the beast, which only seemed to enrage it. ‘Well, here we go.’ He thought, readying his spells.

The beast was easy to defeat, but not ten minutes later they encountered a very angry hunter who was apparently tracking down this beast. Varele drew her bow, ready to fire, but he held up his hand. “Calm down, Varele. We can solve this without violence.” He said, and then began to sing. The hunter stopped in his tracks, probably confused why he’d started singing, but then he sat down on a log and was intently watching him sing. Perfect, now he can continue his work.
“I suggest you leave the Yuirwood.” He spoke, his words charged with magical power. And sure enough, the hunter got up and walked away.
“I sometimes forget you wasted a quarter century of your life in some pleasure and decadence cult.” Varele said after the hunter had left.
“Well, no… that’s not what the Celebrant’s practice. Sure I’ve… experienced earthly pleasure, but the main goal of a Celebrant is to be a champion of celestial good.”
“If you say so. It’s not like me or the Elders care all that much. We all knew you were different, Tyth.”
“Let’s talk about something else, like finding Gensan and Faerinal. We should check out the nearby village, maybe they’re there.” Conversations about the past were not anything he really wanted to talk about. He much preferred to talk about the present and the future.
“Sure, let’s go check it out.”
He’ll have to check in with Tanren sometime soon, to check to see if their new temple is still around.


Tythenel mainly uses his morningstar at this point, combining it with his bardic music which comes from him clapping and singing, and spellcasting, which revolves around charms and illusions.
Spells known (bard)
0th- ghostharp, prestidigitation, dancing lights, summon instrument, mage hand, lullaby,
1st- Tasha’s hideous laughter, cure light wounds, improvisation
2nd- Mirror image, hold person


With a wide repertoire of spells, Tythenel uses the spells and abilities he possesses before any physical fighting, but still uses his morningstar and rage ability if combat is absolutely required.
Spells known (bard)
0th- ghostharp, prestidigitation, dancing lights, summon instrument, mage hand, lullaby,
1st- Tasha’s hideous laughter, cure light wounds, improvisation
2nd- Mirror image, hold person
Spells known (Celebrant of Sharess)
1st- Sleep, cause fear, charm person, disguise self
2nd- Calm emotions, alter self, suggestion
3rd- charm monster, lesser geas


When first hearing about the spells Tythenel uses, many people would assume he’s an evil wizard, but he takes great care to ensure he uses the magic for good, preventing people from doing evil.
Spells known (bard)
0th- ghostharp, prestidigitation, dancing lights, summon instrument, mage hand, lullaby,
1st- Tasha’s hideous laughter, cure light wounds, improvisation
2nd- Mirror image, hold person
Spells known (Celebrant of Sharess)
1st- Sleep, cause fear, charm person, disguise self
2nd- Calm emotions, alter self, suggestion
3rd- charm monster, lesser geas, deep slumber, slow
4th- break enchantment, dominate person, mass suggestion, modify memory


A master of spontaneous magic, Tythinel is rarely left without a charm or illusion spell to befuddle an enemy, and can utilize quite a few special abilities as well. And if all else fails, he has a select few combat spells he can use, or send out bursts of fire endlessly.
[*for the purposes of caster level, Tythinel’s Sublime Chord levels will stack with his Celebrant of Sharess levels]
Spells known (bard)
0th- ghostharp, prestidigitation, dancing lights, summon instrument, mage hand, lullaby,
1st- Tasha’s hideous laughter, cure light wounds, improvisation
2nd- Mirror image, hold person
Spells known(Celebrant of Sharess)
1st- Sleep, cause fear, charm person, disguise self
2nd- Calm emotions, alter self, suggestion
3rd- charm monster, lesser geas, deep slumber, slow
4th- break enchantment, dominate person, mass suggestion, modify memory
Spells Known(Sublime Chord)
4th- Orb of Fire, Dominate person, Displacer Form, Assay spell resistance
5th- Teleport, Sending, Mislead
6th- Lesser Dragonshape, Dirge
7th- Solipsism




Level Class Base Attack Bonus Fort Save Reflex Save Will Save Skills Feats Class Features
1st Draconic Template - - - - - - Celestial-attended birth
2nd Bard 1 +0 +0 +2 +2 Perform(singing) +4, Diplomacy +4, Knowledge(Arcana) +4, Profession(Astrologer) +4, Listen +4, Spellcraft +4 Sacred Vow Bardic Knack ACF, Inspire Courage, fascinate, bardic music, countersong
3rd Bard 2 +1 +0 +3 +3 Perform(singing) +5, Diplomacy +5, Knowledge(Arcana) +5, Profession(Astrologer) +5, Listen +5, Spellcraft +5
4th Bard 3 +2 +1 +3 +3 Perform(singing) +6, Diplomacy +6, Knowledge(Arcana) +6, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +6, Spellcraft +6 Vow of Poverty Inspire competance
5th Bard 4 +3 +1 +4 +4 Perform(singing) +7, Diplomacy +7, Knowledge(Arcana) +7, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +7, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +2 Vow of Purity
6th Celebrant of Sharess 1 +3 +1 +4 +6 Perform(singing) +8, Diplomacy +8, Knowledge(Arcana) +8, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +8, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +3 Feline familiar, fascinate, flirtation
7th Celebrant of Sharess 2 +4 +1 +4 +7 Perform(singing) +9, Diplomacy +9, Knowledge(Arcana) +9, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +9, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +4 Fey Heritage, Intuitive Attack Fury of the tigress 1/day
8th Celebrant of Sharess 3 +4 +2 +5 +7 Perform(singing) +10, Diplomacy +10, Knowledge(Arcana) +10, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +10, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +5
9th Celebrant of Sharess 4 +5 +2 +5 +8 Perform(singing) +11, Diplomacy +11, Knowledge(Arcana) +11, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +11, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +6 Righteous Wrath Suggestion
10th Celebrant of Sharess 5 +5 +2 +5 +8 Perform(singing) +12, Diplomacy +12, Knowledge(Arcana) +12, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +12, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +7 Fey Legacy Pounce of the tigress
11th Celebrant of Sharess 6 +6/+1 +3 +6 +9 Perform(singing) +13, Diplomacy +13, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +8 Defender of the Homeland Fury of the Tigress 2/day
12th Celebrant of Sharess 7 +6/+1 +3 +6 +9 Perform(singing) +14, Diplomacy +14, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +10, Gather Information +2 Sanctuary
13th Celebrant of Sharess 8 +7/+2 +3 +6 +10 Perform(singing) +15, Diplomacy +15, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +12, Gather Information +4 Melodic Casting, Sanctify Natural Attack Swiftness of the tigress
14th Celebrant of Sharess 9 +7/+2 +4 +7 +10 Perform(singing) +16, Diplomacy +16, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +12, Gather Information +8
15th Celebrant of Sharess 10 +8/+3 +4 +7 +11 Perform(singing) +17, Diplomacy +17, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +14, Gather Information +10 Nimbus of Light Fury of the tigress 3/day, inspire desire
16th Sublime Chord 1 +8/+3 +4 +7 +13 Perform(singing) +18, Diplomacy +18, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +16, Gather Information +10 Practiced Spellcaster(Sublime Chord) Bardic music, bardic knack
17th Sublime Chord 2 +9/+4 +4 +7 +14 Perform(singing) +19, Diplomacy +19, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +16, Gather Information +11 Gift of Faith Song of arcane power
18th Sublime Chord 3 +9/+4 +5 +8 +14 Perform(singing) +20, Diplomacy +20, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +16, Gather Information +12
19th Sublime Chord 4 +10/+5 +5 +8 +15 Perform(singing) +21, Diplomacy +21, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +16, Gather Information +13 Fiery Burst, Nymph's Kiss
20th Sublime Chord 5 +10/+5 +5 +8 +15 Perform(singing) +22, Diplomacy +22, Knowledge(Arcana) +13, Profession(Astrologer) +6, Listen +13, Spellcraft +6, Concentration +17, Gather Information +14



Abilities Initial (32 point buy) Star Elf Draconic Template Level 4 Level 7 Level 8 Level 11 Level 12 Level 15 Level 16 Level 19
Str 8 8 10(+2) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Dex 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 14(+2)
Con 12 10(-2) 12(+2) 12 12 12 14(+2) 14 16(+2) 16 18(+2)
Int 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Wis 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 14 16(+2) 16 18(+2)
Cha 18 20(+2) 22(+2) 23(+1) 25(+2) 26(+1) 28(+2) 29(+1) 31(+2) 32(+1) 34(+2)



Level Class Bard cantrips Bard 1st level Bard 2nd level Celebrant of Sharess 1st level Celebrant of Sharess 2nd level Celebrant of Sharess 3rd level Celebrant of Sharess 4th level Sublime Chord 4th level Sublime Chord 5th level Sublime Chord 6th level Sublime Chord 7th level
1st -
2nd Bard 1 2
3rd Bard 2 3 2
4th Bard 3 3 3
5th Bard 4 3 4 2
6th Celebrant of Sharess 1 3 4 2 2
7th Celebrant of Sharess 2 3 4 2 3
8th Celebrant of Sharess 3 3 4 2 4 2
9th Celebrant of Sharess 4 3 4 2 5 3
10th Celebrant of Sharess 5 3 4 2 5 4 2
11th Celebrant of Sharess 6 3 4 2 5 5 3
12th Celebrant of Sharess 7 3 5 2 6 5 4 2
13th Celebrant of Sharess 8 3 5 2 6 5 5 3
14th Celebrant of Sharess 9 3 5 2 6 5 5 4
15th Celebrant of Sharess 10 3 5 2 6 5 5 5
16th Sublime Chord 1 3 5 3 6 6 5 5 4 3
17th Sublime Chord 2 3 5 3 6 6 6 5 4 4
18th Sublime Chord 3 3 5 3 6 6 6 5 5 4 3
19th Sublime Chord 4 3 5 3 6 6 6 5 5 5 4
20th Sublime Chord 5 3 5 3 6 6 6 6 6 5 4 3



Level Class Bard cantrips Bard 1st level Bard 2nd level Celebrant of Sharess 1st level Celebrant of Sharess 2nd level Celebrant of Sharess 3rd level Celebrant of Sharess 4th level Sublime Chord 4th level Sublime Chord 5th level Sublime Chord 6th level Sublime Chord 7th level
1st -
2nd Bard 1 4
3rd Bard 2 5 2
4th Bard 3 6 3
5th Bard 4 6 3 2
6th Celebrant of Sharess 1 6 3 2 2
7th Celebrant of Sharess 2 6 3 2 3
8th Celebrant of Sharess 3 6 3 2 3 2
9th Celebrant of Sharess 4 6 3 2 4 3
10th Celebrant of Sharess 5 6 3 2 4 3 2
11th Celebrant of Sharess 6 6 3 2 4 4 3
12th Celebrant of Sharess 7 6 3 2 4 4 3 2
13th Celebrant of Sharess 8 6 3 2 4 4 4 3
14th Celebrant of Sharess 9 6 3 2 4 4 4 3
15th Celebrant of Sharess 10 6 3 2 4 4 4 4
16th Sublime Chord 1 6 3 3 4 4 4 4 3 1
17th Sublime Chord 2 6 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 2
18th Sublime Chord 3 6 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 2 1
19th Sublime Chord 4 6 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 2
20th Sublime Chord 5 6 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 3 2 1



Sources:
Unapproachable East p9 Star Elf
Champions of Valor p22 Celestial-Attended Birth
Champions of Valor p26 Defender of the Homeland
Races of the Dragon p74 Draconic Template
Player’s Handbook p26 Bard
Player’s Handbook p52-3 Cat Familiar bonuses
Player’s Handbook II p35 Bardic Knack ACF
Forgotten realms campaign setting p34 Discipline
Complete Arcane p60 Sublime Chord
Complete Divine p82 Practiced Spellcaster
Complete Mage p38 additional magic feats
Player’s guide to Faerun p179 Celebrant of Sharess
Book of Exalted Deeds p31 Benefits of Vow of Poverty
Book of Exalted Deeds p40 Exalted Feats


Prerequisites [Level Achieved]
Celebrant of Sharess-
Perform 7 ranks [level 4]
Diplomacy 7 ranks [level 4]
Alignment: Chaotic Good [level 1]
Sacred Vow [level 1]
Vow of Purity [level 4]
Sublime Chord-
Knowledge(Arcana) 13 ranks [level 10]
Listen 13 ranks [level 10]
Perform 10 ranks [level 7]
Spellcraft 6 ranks [level 3]
Profession(Astrologer) 6 ranks [level 3]
Ability to cast 3rd level arcane spells [level 9]
Bardic music ability [level 1]

[The Viscount]

Well, I suppose someone had to go there.



Courtney Coue, the Coure Cougar
CG Middle-Aged Major Celestial Bloodline Human Spellthief 6/Bard 1/Celebrant of Sharess 10
https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51V3fV-btUL.jpg

Drindrin Crimsonscale walked disappointedly across the quad toward his dorm room alone, his stylish polo and salmon shorts a bit less crisp after a long night of partying, and his ostentatious sundark glasses had slid an inch or so down his draconic snout, though in the wee hours of the morning even a kobold’s sensitive eyes didn’t need them. He was drunk enough to have lost spell slots, costing him his last Fly after a long night of burning them in lieu of his usual lower-level standby of Alter Self. For all the virtues of wyrmling forms, the face of a literal infant had not been the one he’d sought to present to the world that night. It was welcome week at Moldrake’s School of Wizardry, after all, and considerations of optimization could wait until the following tenday.

Not that the face he had been presenting had been overly mature. In retrospect, the line “girl, you’re in my heart and it’s getting me Asharda-long” had not been a very good one. Maybe “an Asharda-longing in my heart” would have been better? In Drindrin’s current state he didn’t have the confidence to let out too large a sigh, but he really hoped he hadn’t screwed up too badly with Eimabi. Though he hadn’t done much to resist the impulses of his dragon’s blood toward the pursuit of other partners, Drindrin had been smitten with the tiefling girl for most of the previous term, devoting his time in Evocation 101 to trying to catch her eye instead of paying attention to the course, much to the chagrin of its professor, the elder red wyrm Alfred who happened to be Drindrin’s distant uncle and had never quite forgiven his kobold descendent for banning the school. But unlike Drindrin, Eimabi was a specialist in the subject, and had been too engaged with the material for him to get anywhere, at least until the final project when they’d been assigned to the same group, but even then, much as he’d enjoyed her company, pulling his weight in the subject had necessitated working his tail off (almost literally in one near-accident) in order to pull even his small-sized weight.

He'd have to walk a line between such limited communication and the overly direct approach, Drindrin thought, though just at the moment he was having trouble walking any kind of straight line at all. He stumbled a bit and swerved left, directly into the path of an older human woman he hadn’t noticed passing by. She tripped over the little kobold, causing both to fall to the ground.

“Oh gods, I’m so sorry!” Drindrin said, getting back to his feet and with somewhat strained concentration, transmuting a hand into a Fist of Stone that would have the strength to help her up and extending it. “Are you alright, ma’am?”

“Ma’am? That hurts worse than the fall!” She was definitely older, but very attractive. There was a touch of the upper planes about her, and perhaps that rendered her beauty more eternal. She reached out her hand and allowed herself to be pulled to her feet. “Still getting hard though, I see. I like a good firm handshake in a man,” she quipped flirtatiously, steadying herself in her heels and attempting to dust off her dress. “Mother of Cats. And I’m out of Prestidigitations. I don’t suppose you’ve got one left?”

“No, unfortunately. I’m out as well.”

“Hmm. Well, I simply cannot be seen in this state.”

The night was still but for the two of them. She made another motion to brush herself off, but more than anything else it looked as if she were showing off her figure. Cottoning on, Drindrin grinned a hungry dragon’s grin. “Well ma’… er… Ms…?”

“Oh, how rude of me. Courtney Coue, at your service.” She dipped into a slight courtesy, extending one hand down to where Drindrin could reach to kiss it.

“Well, Ms. Coue, as I was saying. My dorm isn’t far from here, and you are welcome to stay until I can prepare spells in the morning.”

“A gallant offer that I shall indeed take you up on.” She stepped past him so close that her long leg brushed up against him and her dress fluttered in the night air over his head. Drindrin’s eye flickered up over the rim of his sundark glasses. “Lead the way.”

***

Drindrin awoke with his head throbbing and the sun hurting his eyes more than usual. He shielded them with one claw and groped for his sundark glasses with the other. Finding them and putting them on, he turned to look for his spellbook, only to find it missing. The night’s events flooded back into his aching head, and he swore, launching himself out of bed, throwing on the first robe he could find and scrabling to gram his messaging stone as he rushed out toward the door. Monty would let him borrow his book to prep spells, but the damned gnome would never let him hear the end of it and he’d be the laughingstock of campus if Drindrin didn’t get his own back before word got out.

Rushing out from the bedroom Drindrin heard the sound of something sizzling coming from his kitchen. Running over, he saw Ms. Coue in his chef’s apron, and – whether because it was the only magical article of clothing that would resize to fit a medium creature she’d found or for effect – nothing else. She was bent, seemingly seductively, over the stove sized for small creatures, cooking eggs in the frying pan with one hand, and holding Drindrin’s spellbook up to a floating ball of light to read from with the other.

“Aren’t you a bit old to be cooking breakfast in some frat boy’s dorm room?” The light asked in a high, feminine voice.

“Oh don’t give me that,” Ms. Coue snapped back as she flipped the eggs. “As if you won’t reap the benefit too. And eggs don’t break the Vow, so you can’t take issue with that either.”

To the extent that a ball of light could appear ready to fire off a retort, that was how it looked, but noticing Drindrin in the doorway it stopped short and instead said drily, “the slumbering dragon has awoken, and appears distressed over his hoard. I do hope you found something good in there.”

“Oh yes,” Ms. Coue replied, shutting the book and touching the magical sensor that turned off the burner. “Mr. Crimsonscale is clearly an excellent student and has scribed a wide range of spells in the lower valences.” She scooped the eggs onto a pair of plates and set them down on the nearby table.

“I don’t think I ever gave you my name,” Drindrin said from the doorway, trying to maintain his cool. He watched the ball of light took the form of a sprite-like creature and turn to look him over disapprovingly and scowled slightly. A Coure Eladrin familiar indicated a relatively powerful spellcaster. What did she want with his spellbook? What would he be able to do without spells if she wouldn’t give it back willingly? He’d sobered up enough that he could cast his last Fly spell from yesterday. Would that be enough to grab the book and get to safety to prepare spells? Where should he even go? Uncle Alfred would probably be cross with him, but his office might be the safest option…

Ms. Coue preempted these thoughts by handing him the book freely before gesturing toward one of the plates of eggs. “You have a clear resemblance to the old Spellhoarder,” she said, caressing one of his horns as he stowed the tome away in the robe that he’d donned. “But I am grateful that some measure of charm and consideration has worked its way into the family in the intervening generations. You would do well to make more use of it when interacting with women of your own age. I don’t doubt that they’d find you as charming as I if you’d treat them with the same courtesy instead of ill-conceived pick-up lines.”

How did she know about that? What had she been after with his spellbook? Thinking about these questions was making Drindrin’s head hurt. He sprinkled some salt over his eggs in the hope that it would help, and began to dig in. “I can’t imagine that you slept with me just so you could impart life lessons. I hope that you got what you needed out of my spellbook,” he said between bites.

“I certainly did. As I said, you’re clearly a model student, and your knowledge proved very valuable. But assuming my charms have not wholly quashed your feelings for the tiefling girl, I do hope that you’ll take my advice to heart sometime before you reach the age where you can no longer curse yourself to greater mental faculties and find yourself alone in your wizard’s tower and, if I may, Mr. Crimsonscale, sleeping with you was its own reward, and I would not mind doing so again if you are not too indisposed from last night.” She finished her eggs, set her plate into the sink, and sauntered off back toward the bedroom. Drindrin finished his own plate, and, against the instincts of his wizardly parranoia, followed after her.

32 Point-Buy: Str 11, Dex 11, Con 13, Int 15, Wis 8, Cha 17
After Adjustments for Middle-Age: Str 10, Dex 10, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 9, Cha 18
Major Celestial Bloodline increases Wis at 3 HD, Cha at 9 HD, and Con at 15 HD
All stat increases from levels go to Cha.
Final Stats Before Items: Str 10, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 16, Wis 10, Cha 23


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


1st
Spellthief 1
+0
+0
+0
+2
Diplomacy +2cc (2), Perform (Dance) +2cc (2), Use Magic Device +4 (4), Bluff +4 (4), Spellcraft +4 (4), Concentration +4 (4), Listen +4 (4), Sleight of Hand +2cc (2)
1 HD: Sacred Vow, Human: Vow of Purity
Sneak Attack 1d6, Steal Spell (0th or 1st), Trapfinding


2nd
Bloodline 1
+0
+0
+0
+2
-
-
-


3rd
Bloodline 2
+0
+0
+0
+2
-
-
-


4th
Fey Bard 1
+0
+0
+2
+2
Diplomacy +5 (7), Perform (Dance) +5 (7)
Major Celestial Bloodline 2: Alertness
Animal Companion, Wild Empathy, Nature Sense, Fascinate


5th
Celebrant of Sharess 1
+0
+0
+2
+6
Diplomacy +1 (8), Perform (Dance) +1 (8), Bluff +4 (8), Concentration +3 (7), Spellcraft +1 (5)
3 HD: Craft Wondrous Item
Fascinate, Feline Familiar, Flirtation


6th
Celebrant of Sharess 2
+1
+0
+2
+7
Diplomacy +1 (9), Perform (Dance) +1 (9), Bluff +1 (9), Concentration +2 (9), Listen +1 (5), Sleight of Hand +4 (6)
-
Fury of the Tigress 1/day, Protection from Evil 1/day


7th
Celebrant of Sharess 3
+1
+1
+3
+7
Diplomacy +1 (10), Perform (Dance) +1 (10), Bluff +1 (10), Concentration +1 (10), Listen +2 (7), Sleight of Hand +3 (8)
-
Celestial Affinity +2


8th
Celebrant of Sharess 4
+2
+1
+3
+8
Diplomacy +1 (11), Perform (Dance) +1 (11), Bluff +1 (11), Concentration +1 (11), Listen +3 (10), Sleight of Hand +2 (10)
6 HD: Master Spellthief
Suggestion, Smite Evil 1/day, Steal Spell (6th)


9th
Celebrant of Sharess 5
+2
+1
+3
+8
Diplomacy +1 (12), Perform (Dance) +1 (12), Bluff +1 (12), Concentration +1 (12), Listen +2 (12), Sleight of Hand +2 (12), Spellcraft +1 (6)
-
Pounce of the Tigress, +2 on Concentration Checks


10th
Celebrant of Sharess 6
+3
+2
+4
+9
Diplomacy +1 (13), Perform (Dance) +1 (13), Bluff +1 (13), Concentration +1 (13), Listen +1 (13), Sleight of Hand +1 (13), Spellcraft +4 (10)
-
Fury of the Tigress 2/day, Resistance to Electricity 5, Steal Spell (7th)


11th
Celebrant of Sharess 7
+3
+2
+4
+9
Diplomacy +1 (14), Perform (Dance) +1 (14), Bluff +1 (14), Concentration +1 (14), Listen +1 (14), Sleight of Hand +1 (14), Spellcraft +4 (14)
9 HD: Celestial Familiar (Coure Eladrin)
Sanctuary


12th
Spellthief 2
+4
+2
+4
+10
Perform (Dance) +1cc (15), Use Magic Device +8 (12)
-
Detect Magic, Spellgrace +1, Steal Spell Effect, Steal Spell (8th), +2 on Saves Against Poison


13th
Spellthief 3
+5
+3
+5
+10
Perform (Dance) +1cc (16), Bluff +2 (16), Use Magic Device +4 (16), Concentration +2 (16)
-
Steal Energy Resistance 10, Celestial Affinity +4


14th
Bloodline 3
+5
+3
+5
+10
-
-
Steal Spell (9th)


15th
Spellthief 4
+6
+3
+5
+11
Perform (Dance) +2cc (18), Bluff +2 (18), Use Magic Device +2 (18), Concentration +2 (18)
12 HD: Godsblood Spelltheft
Resistance to Cold 5


16th
Spellthief 5
+6
+3
+5
+11
Perform (Dance) +1cc (19), Bluff +1 (19), Use Magic Device +1 (19), Concentration +1 (19), Listen +3 (17), Spellcraft +2 (16)
-
Sneak Attack 2d6, Steal Spell-Like Ability, +2 on Listen Checks


17th
Celebrant of Sharess 8
+7
+3
+5
+12
Perform (Dance) +1 (20), Diplomacy +6 (20), Bluff +1 (20), Concentration +1 (20), Sleight of Hand +1 (15)
Major Celestial Bloodline 14: Improved Initiative
Swiftness of the Tigress


18th
Celebrant of Sharess 9
+7
+4
+6
+12
Perform (Dance) +1 (21), Diplomacy +1 (21), Bluff +1 (21), Concentration +1 (21), Sleight of Hand +3 (18), Spellcraft +2 (18), Listen +1 (18)
15 HD: Etch Schema
-


19th
Celebrant of Sharess 10
+8
+4
+6
+13
Perform (Dance) +1 (22), Diplomacy +1 (22), Bluff +1 (22), Concentration +1 (22), Sleight of Hand +4 (22), Spellcraft +1 (19), Listen +1 (19)
-
Fury of the Tigress 3/day, Inspire Desire, Resistance to Acid 5


20th
Spellthief 6
+9
+5
+7
+14
Perform (Dance) +1cc (23), Bluff +1 (23), Use Magic Device +4 (23), Concentration +1 (23), Spellcraft +1 (20), Listen +1 (20)
-
Celestial Affinity +6

*Middle Age is assumed to be reached sometime after 1st level, but sometime before ECL 4 when Ms. Coue gets her second HD.

Bard Spells per Day/Spells Known


Level
0lvl


1st
2/4


Spells Known
0th: Mage Hand, Message, Detect Magic, Daze

Spellthief Spells per Day/Spells Known
[table="class:head alt1 alt2"]

Level
1st


15th
0/2


20th
1/3

*Does not count bonus spells/day from a high Cha score.

Spells Known
1st: Hoard Gullet, True Strike, Fist of Stone

Celebrant of Sharess Spells per Day/Spells Known


Level
1st
2nd
3rd
4th


5th
0/2
-
-
-


6th
1/3
-
-
-


7th
2/3
0/2
-
-


8th
3/4
1/3
-
-


9th
3/4
2/3
0/2
-


10th
3/4
3/4
1/3
-


11th
3/4
3/4
2/3
0/2


17th
3/4
3/4
3/4
1/3


18th
3/4
3/4
3/4
2/3


19th
3/4
3/4
3/4
3/4

*Does not count bonus spells/day from a high Cha score.

Spells Known
1st: Charm Person, Hypnotism, Tasha’s Hideous Laughter, Remove Fear
2nd: Alter Self, Tongues, Detect Thoughts, Daze Monster
3rd: Glibness, Charm Monster, Slow, Warcry
4th: Dominate Person, Modify Memory, Break Enchantment, Mass Suggestion

Bloodline levels make Ms. Coue a bit frail in the early going, but at least they count toward the skill cap so they don’t set back her entry into the SI, and they progress level-dependent abilities, which will turn out to be most of the ones she cares about. Face skills can help her avoid combat she doesn’t want a part in, and these are still levels where taking 20 on untrained Trapfinding Search checks and hiding behind a riding dog – which a Fey Bard dip helpfully provides along with the necessary class skills and skill points to enter Celebrant of Sharess and a backup pool of Fascinates from Bardic Music which can be used to set up SI abilities and uses of which Bloodline levels progress – remain relatively viable. Bloodline Levels also increase CL, allowing Ms. Coue to meet the CL 3 requirement for Craft Wondrous Item on her third character level, and her effective level for familiar abilities, which in conjunction with Celebrant’s fast familiar progression, makes her Feline Familiar’s abilities equivalent to those of a 6th level Wizard’s right off the bat.
6 levels into Celebrant of Sharess gives Ms. Coue a respectable array of spells, comparable to a Bard of her level including the classic Glibness and finally some combat ability by way of a few SoL spells which are a meaningful threat thanks to her high Cha. She still emphasizes social abilities, bolstered by her spells and Fascinate/Suggestion from the SI to avoid combat where possible. Master Spellthief is also online, and she can, in a pinch, steal any spell a wizard she’d encounter at this level might have if she can land a Sneak Attack on him with an Alter Self natural weapon pounce/Bloodline-granted Smite or if he’s friendly and wants to stretch his action economy by offering one up freely, though she can only retain up to 3 spell levels total at this point.
Sanctuary which applies to every ally with a DC equal to a perform check is quite a powerful ability, and beyond maxed ranks and high Cha, Ms. Coue has an additional way of bolstering it by way of her Celestial Bloodline. Along with the usual suite of face skills, Celestial Affinity applies to any Perform check she makes involving a celestial, and with Celestial Familiar trading her cat in for a Coure Eladrin, she will always have a Celestial among the allies she’s protecting with the ability, and hence there will always be one involved. The Coure familiar is also quite impressive in other ways as well, with Bloodline levels bolstering the continued fast progression to grant the familiar abilities of a 20th level Wizard, and the Coure itself boasting a constant Magic Circle Against Evil effect and an Incorporeal Alternate Form that can be used at will. Ms. Coue also reaches Celebrant 4ths, granting her new powerful options in Dominate Person and Modify Memory. From there, she has to duck out of Celebrant of Sharess for a few levels to progress Spellthief a bit and meet the deadline for when she has to take the third Bloodline level. Master Spellthief has her ability to steal spells far outstripping her ability to retain them, but with 4 Spellthief levels plus 3 Bloodline levels, she can now retain a spell up to 7th level. With Godsblood Spelltheft for the Spell Domain, she can then convert those spells into spells of up to 5th level if she has access to a spellbook or scroll containing it through the Anyspell line. She can also steal her own 3rd level spells to convert into Anyspells, expanding her low-level versatility for adventuring significantly, and opening up signifcantly more options with the Craft Wondrous Item feat that she’s had for a while.
A fifth level of Spellthief along with three levels of Bloodline, means that Ms. Coue can retain a stolen spell of up to 8th level. This is critical, as such a spell, if it was sucked out of, say, a wizard, is an arcane spell (since it’s treated as if cast by the original owner) that she can cast for an hour afterward. This is important, because upon taking Celebrant of Sharess 8 on her following level, her three levels of Bloodline bump her familiar progression up to that of a 22nd level Wizard, meaning that she finds herself on the Epic Wizard table with her Coure getting Familiar Spell as its special ability, thus allowing her to grant it a spell of up to 8th level that she can cast as a 1/day SLA. So as long as Ms. Coue can acquire such a spell (likely from a friendly or more than friendly caster) and make the level up within the following hour, she can grant that spell to her familiar as something that can continue to be used potentially every day from then on. Finishing out the SI continues into the epic familiar progression – though it just continues to scale up Int and natural armor, coming up a bit short of the second Familiar Spell on the table – and grants the potent Inspire Desire capstone, the level-based save DC for which is increased by Bloodline levels to a formidable 23+Cha. A final level of Spellthief closes out the build, allowing Ms. Coue to retain stolen spells of up to 9th level. Etch Schema allows Ms. Coue to make – either out of the Familiar Spell or other stolen (and possibly converted into Anyspells) spells – into items which she can also use daily in perpetuity.
While it obviously represents a power imbalance in the context of Iron Chef, some argue that Bloodline levels don’t count towards ECL. In a game where this is the case, then dropping the last Spellthief level and finishing out with Legacy Champion 4 to further progress Celebrant of Sharess reaches 32nd level of familiar progression, good enough for a second Familiar Spell.

Similarly, if Master Spellthief is ruled to progress the spell levels retained (which isn’t really supported by the RAW, but might have been RAI), then only one level of Spellthief is necessary, and Ms. Coue can get enough familiar progression for a second Familiar Spell by going Spellthief 1/Bard 1/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Legacy Champion 5, which comes 34 levels with the Bloodline.

Alternately, if Bloodlines aren’t acceptable even as what’s basically LA, Ms. Coue can still get her effective Celebrant of Sharess level past 10 by using Legacy Champion or Uncanny Trickster. Crane Clan Human Spellthief 8/Celebrant 10/Uncanny Trickster 2 with Apprentice (Entertainer) gets the skills to enter the SI and hits 22nd level familiar progression, though it has to be at level 20 in order to hit that point when it’s possible for her to retain an 8th level spell, barring the aforementioned favorable ruling on Master Spellthief.
Drindrin fidgeted as he waited in the hallway of Moldrake’s administrative building. He didn’t regret his actions, but it did seem as though he was likely to get in a lot of trouble for them. At least Monty hadn’t been recognized, so one of them was safe from the school’s wrath.

A cold voice called for him, and Drindrin stepped into the inner chamber. Within were seven out of the eight deans of Moldrake’s magic school departments – all save for his Uncle Alfred – and the stern old elven head dean. Drindrin swallowed nervously. Even if Uncle Alfred had been there and in his corner – which was hardly a given – there were at least five of the deans, counting the head, that he wasn’t sure there was anything he could say to win over. That was, the kobold thought, less than favorable math for him.

“Now then,” the dean said, banging a small gavel, “let us call this hearing to order and get it over with.”

The room itself went quiet almost immediately, but chants of “Let! Him! Stay!” and “Drink! Drink! For Drin! Drin!” continued to be audible from outside the building. The kobold smiled slightly, despite himself.

The head dean sighed in disapproval, “Cast silence around this room will you?” he requested of an aide, before returning to the business at hand. “Now begins the disciplinary hearing wherein we will decide whether Moldrake’s School of Wizardry will expel or reinstate Drindrin Crimsonscale. Mr. Crimsonscale, henceforth ‘the defendant,’ stands accused of either direct or indirect responsibility for,” he began reading off a list, “large-scale destruction of private property, destruction of school property, mischief, criminal mischief, public indecency, reckless use of magic, improper use of transmutation, the deployment of unattended sea mines,” Drindrin disputed that one, “and the creation of a large-scale public disturbance.”

The Kuthuvan, the old Beholder Mage from the Divination department turned their blindfolded face-body towards the elf. “Will Alfred not be joining us?”

The elf turned his stern gaze momentarily to meet the Kuthuvan’s ruined eyes. “Ah, yes, my apologies for forgetting. The revered Loredrake has recused himself from this hearing to avoid the appearance of impropriety. A member of the board was to be supplied as his replacement, but she appears to be running late.”

As if on cue, the doors of the chamber swung open and Ms. Coue walked in, winking at Drindrin as she passed where he sat, his jaw slightly agape in shock, and sat on a cushion which rose up to float behind the massive desk that would normally have been for his colossal uncle.

“My apologies for being late,” she said to the head dean “the gathering outside is quite something, and I had a bit of difficulty getting here.”

“That’s quite all right,” the elf said in a voice that seemed clipped in a different way than usual, almost as though he were slightly flustered. “Let’s just begin.”

***

The deans’ deliberations had taken a long time, but whether that was a good sign Drindrin didn’t know. Finally, the rear doors of the chamber opened, and the deans, along with Ms. Coue, filed back in. The head dean looked into Drindrin’s eyes with a stern scowl that made the kobold’s heart sink, strode to his seat and banged his gavel for order. “Ahem,” he began. “At this time, it is the decision of Moldrake’s School of Wizardry that the defendant, Mr. Crimsonscale…” He trailed off momentarily, his eyes flitting toward where Ms. Coue sat and – so briefly that Drindrin wasn’t sure if he’d imagined it before the dean regained his composure – his face turning a color that was as if Alfred had been there after all before continuing with resentment and something else that was harder to place in his voice, “be reinstated.”

Drindrin walked outside in a daze, almost unbelieving in his relief. When he exited the building, to a throng outside cheering his name and setting off extravagant displays of the various branches of magic, including even the gnomes from the Illusion frat projecting giant letters into the sky above that read “CRIMSONSCALE REINSTATED,” he felt compelled to place Protection from Evil and True Seeing on himself in an effort to make certain he wasn’t being deceived by some spell. He strode into the crowd, finding Monty, whose relief looked almost greater than Drindrin’s own as he began his apology for letting Drindrin take the heat alone.

“Don’t even worry about it, bro,” Drindrin cut him off. “The dispel didn’t catch your disguise. I wasn’t about to rat on a friend and it wouldn’t have helped for us both to be in the hot seat.” The kobld closed his right claw into a fist and extended it out toward Monty, who gratefully tapped it with his own.

Before things could get any more awkward, a half-giant reveler swept Drindrin up onto his shoulders and marched him into the middle of the cheering students. Someone flew by, pressing a cup into Drindrin’s claws, and the party truly began in earnest.

A while later, as Drindrin was returning from having stepped away from the revelry to relieve himself, he spied Eimabi striding up towards him. She was dressed simply, but having clearly put a good deal of work into her appearance for the occasion, wearing a tank-top emblazoned with her sorority’s letters and a skirt short enough that her spiked devil’s tail could extrude out the bottom unimpeded without even requiring a hole in the back,. She had carefully styled her hair about her fiendish horns and applied glamerless make-up with clear expertise, so that she seemed to shine with something other than magic auras. “I just wanted to thank you for… well… everything,” and before Drindrin could respond, she had bent down, tipped up his chin, and kissed him. He tried not to let his tail wag too hard.

A pair of Eimabi’s girlfriends were watching from nearby and unable to contain their giggling. She ran over to yell at them, and as she was distracted, Drindrin noticed the head dean walking by with Ms. Coue clinging to his arm, as his stern face was strained at once with pleasure and discomfort. Ms. Coue’s face looked perfectly content as she looked over Eimabi and her friends and gave Drindrin a smile and a wink. The kobold’s horned brow furrowed in concern as he inclined his head questioningly toward the tiefling, but Ms. Coue shook her head. “All you,” she mouthed, as she and the head dean continued on their way.

Book of Exalted Deeds: Celestial Familiar, Sacred Vow, Vow of Purity, Coure Eladrin, Warcry
Class Chronicles (http://archive.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070606): Godsblood Spelltheft
Complete Adventurer: Spellthief
Complete Scoundrel: Master Spellthief, Uncanny Trickster
Dragon Magic: Hoard Gullet
Magic of Eberron: Etch Schema
Oriental Adventures: Crane Clan
Player’s Guide to Faerun: Celebrant of Sharess
Spell Compendium: Spell Domain, Anyspell, Fist of Stone, Greater Anyspell
Weapons of Legacy: Legacy Champion
Everything else is SRD.

[The Viscount]

That's our entries for the round! Over to you, judges.

[Thurbane]

I wouldn't touch this class with the proverbial 10 ft pole, but nice to see someone thought of the Uncanny Trickster/Legacy Champion methods to lessen the impact of poor BAB. I thought of this when I first looked up the class.

Congrats to all entrants.

[JyP]

Congratulations to all participants !

I started a build with a silly idea, but once Zak remarqued this definitely seemed like a stereotype on an ex, I lost motivation. What a way to destroy what could have been a fun prestige class around sacred dancers...



Prince Adam, 4th-level bard (animal companion variant)
5th-level : celebrant of Sharess
10th-level : Legacy Champion (Power Sword)

https://www.deviantart.com/simosol/art/He-Man-I-Have-The-Power-680707455

Fascinates others… whenever he transforms from Prince Adam into He-Man.
Feline familiar : Cringer (need a way to enlarge through the Power Sword)
Fury of the tigress : He-Man obviously !

[mattie_p]

I recognize the... ahem ... challenges around inspiring desire, but I kept coming back to trying to get it to work with arcane archer so I could play cupid. I'm sure now that I have said something someone's gonna find a blindingly obvious way that I was overlooking

[loky1109]

I have one stupid idea and have no time to give it some flesh.

My idea was Unbodied psion (telepath)-2/Celebrant of Sharess-10 with Apprentice (Entertainer) and VoP to qualify.
This is only idea, I even don't know how telepath synergies with CoS, if they synergy at all.

[Khatoblepas]

Congratulations to the participants! I wasn't happy with my builds and didn't get enough done on them so I didn't submit them, but I had two ideas:


A gloura fey who followed a Paladin, hopelessly devoted to them, singing their praises with her song. The Paladin fell to evil, and tried to drag the gloura with them. The gloura was offered a way out by the ex-Paladin's familiar, a corrupt spell that would kill the paladin without them even knowing who killed them. The gloura took it, but was immediately overcome with guilt and regret. She vowed she would never love again, and prayed to Sharess to be turned as hideous on the outside as she felt on the inside. Sharess did not fulfil her wishes, but transformed her anyway.

This new creature would weaponise love.
Gloura 9/Celebrant of Sharess 4
1) Sacred Vow
3) Vow of Purity
Otyguh Hole) Iron Will
6) Concecrate Spell
9) Arcane Disciple (Portal)
PI1) Arcane Preparation
PI2) Spell Focus (conjuration)
12) Purify Spell
15) Knight of Stars
18)

Ritual of Vitality>Hellbred
Hellbred Celebrant of Sharess 10/Nar Demonbinder 2/Exalted Arcanist 5/Wyrm Wizard 1/Wonderworker 1/Wyrm Wizard +1

Basically being able to cast both Corrupt and Sanctified Spells at the same time, using Inspire Desire and then casting Love's Pain on them to deal irresistible damage to those she can't attack directly. Later on, she gains 9th level spells and uses Wyrm Wizard to gain access to Mindrape, for the ultimate in using Evil Spells and Good Spells at the same time. Ultimately I didn't like this build, it was way too complicated and ignored too many of the Celebrant's class abilities. Also, I couldn't figure out a way to get around all the ability damage she'd suffer casting all these spells. Not enough levels even for a dip in Binder, as thematically appropriate as that would be.

I used a Pact Insidious to gain two extra feats before going into Hellbred, for the extra thematic flair.


and


Unseelie Silverbrow Human Divine Bard 2/Sleeping Tiger Monk 2/Celebrant of Sharess 7/Sublime Chord 1/Fochlucan Lyrist 6

1) Sacred Vow
B) Vow of Purity
Monk1) Weapon Finesse
Monk2) Improved Initiative
3) Dragonfire Inspiration
6) Charming the Arrow
9) Ascetic Mage
12) Words of Creation
15) Song of the Heart

This build focused on dragonfire inspiration and pounce, along with using Perform (weapon drill) for the flirtation ability. Lots of potential bonuses, but I ran out of feats to do all I wanted with it, especially TWF. I couldn't do a Pact Insidious like the previous build as this one was Exalted all the way through.

I also used Charming the Arrow to get Cha to melee attacks with an elvencraft bow, it was very beautiful, and my cat familiar was going to take Don't Mind Me as their feat so they could also take advantage of dragonfire inspiration with their claw/claw/bite routine. I wasn't sure if familiars could choose their own feats, and I ran out of time to ask.

Also, the BAB sucked. +11 at 20th level for a melee build? Pathetic.

[Zaq]

Quite a variety! This class is weird as hell but at least it's not quite as painful as, like, the last one. I know my build definitely got fairly chaotic (compared to my original vision for it) by the time I was done, but hey, now all we can do is sit tight and watch the show.


Congratulations to all participants !

I started a build with a silly idea, but once Zak remarqued this definitely seemed like a stereotype on an ex, I lost motivation. What a way to destroy what could have been a fun prestige class around sacred dancers...

Oh no! I hope I didn't take your fun away. I was definitely grossed out by the implication that this is a paean to some dev's ex (I ended up building a whole narrative in my head around Dave the Dev being a celebrant of Sharon, his ex, and while I apologize for assuming the genders of the people involved here, freaking look at it), but if anything that kind of motivated me to throw in a few twists out of spite.

I sincerely apologize if I was the reason you couldn't have fun building this time! Maybe next time I'll keep my petty comments to myself.

[JyP]

Oh no! I hope I didn't take your fun away.
Not at all, don't worry :smallsmile: Your remarks were on point, this is just a very bad prestige class, created out of spite - a weird misogynist twist from a bygone era 20 years ago.

If it can be redeemed by the competition it would be great ! And besides, my idea was to do He-Man. It matched some features of the class, but it was too hard to match this special ingredient.

[Zaq]

My idea was Unbodied psion (telepath)-2/Celebrant of Sharess-10 with Apprentice (Entertainer) and VoP to qualify.
This is only idea, I even don't know how telepath synergies with CoS, if they synergy at all.

One of my first build ideas was a telepath. The idea was I would use schism to carve off a second mind that could manifest powers while I had my enemies locked down with fascinate. Then I was going to grab metamorphosis through Expanded Knowledge and use that to take advantage of rage and pounce.

I scrapped that build when I couldn't answer the question of why it was cool to manifest powers while my enemies were fascinated, given that the majority of powers would break the fascinate effect (and the schism'd mind's ML was too low to be the one to manifest metamorphosis).

[daremetoidareyo]

I filtered through so many outlandish ideas but kept coming back to how celebrant was just kinda there making my idea more difficult to execute.

[Zaq]

I filtered through so many outlandish ideas but kept coming back to how celebrant was just kinda there making my idea more difficult to execute.

That was me with spinemeld warrior. All of my SmW ideas were, at best, functional despite the SI rather than because of the SI.

CoS at least isn’t as bad as that.

[Korahir]

I didn't get anything going for this round. I couldn't find anything interesting to do with rage which is not rage and therefor does not qualify for rage feats or prestige classes.

[ciopo]

Do we have judges?

[mattie_p]

I don't believe anyone has volunteered for that duty yet. Which is a hazard when there's 5 separate charop competitions going on simultaneously.

[H_H_F_F]

It seems that we have no judges. I didn't feel like judging this ingredient, but I don't want the competition to be stuck. I don't have the will, time or energy to put my usual amount of effort in. So: this judgement will not be as in depth as my usual style of judgement. This means I won't be checking your math, I won't be as charitable when diving in and looking for your strengths – but I also won't be as strict when dismantling your tactics and looking for hidden flaws. I'll also not bother to mention every single tactic or option I recognize. My judgement usually almost fully represents my understanding of the entry. This time, a lot will go unmentioned, even if I noticed and accounted for it. I'll also use only 0.5 increments, so a lot of things will get lumped together as one penalty or bonus, and a lot of things I would usually address, one way or the other, will get ignored.

This will therefore be a cruder, less precise, and more superficial judgement than I usually give out. I think it's still far better than no judgement. I doubt it'll go that far, but if someone feels I absolutely butchered their entry, they're welcome to make a dispute explaining what I've missed. Otherwise, I would ask you not to dispute with things like "but you didn't mention this, you didn't give me any credit for that". I'm usually very open to that sort of dispute, and I've made such myself, but they just won't apply for this short-form judgement. Please keep your disputes to rules issues, clear cases of "same thing gets different scores", or (again) to completely misunderstanding your character and what they do. I can't force you not to dispute, of course, but please keep these guidelines in mind. I don't want the short form judgement to slowly turn into a long form one as every entry re-explains its strengths through disputes. Assuming that's alright with everyone, expect my judgement soon.

Advanced warning for explicit discussion of inspire desire, enchantment spells, and their abhorrent ramifications.

As I recall from first reading the entries a while ago, a few of you guys were deeply uncomfortable with this class and its capstone ability. I completely get that. In most games I run where spellcasting is a common thing, the "evil" school isn't necromancy, it's enchantment. I believe the robbing of someone's mind, identity and free will to be inherently evil. In relation to this ingredient, I will mention that the suggestion spell can totally be used to say "I suggest you let go of your inhibitions and perform X sexual act on me." Charm person means someone trusts you implicitly, and you can give them non-suicidal or obviously harmful orders by winning a Cha checks. It's a common first level spell that is in my view far more heinous than pretty much any [Evil] spell. In short, mind-affecting effects are deeply, deeply ****ed up.

However, I get why this one really rubbed people the wrong way. It doesn't only make terrible uses possible; its only use is terrible. Dominate person is horrifying, but when you only imagine it being used in combat you can shrug and say "well, life-and-death combat is horrifying". To me, it's still really messed up, but we can push that away. Here, the ability makes you very aware of how messed up what you're doing is. There is no deniability, and it directly involves very sensitive subjects at the core of our agency, and mirrors real-world crimes far too well.

I would be willing to use such an ability on my players as a DM, but only in horror campaigns, only in context that clarifies that this is an evil act, and only in games where everyone is on board, and anyone can withdraw their consent to engage in any time. Same way I approach other taboo, disturbing, and immoral actions and characters in storytelling. I would NOT, however, put such an ability on a CG exalted character and go "hah hah, she's a seductress." This is very flawed design, and that's that.

This all means that after consideration, I've made the decision to not penalize anyone's UoSI for ignoring this ability or having no way to support it. I get that this may seem unfair to those who invested effort here. Though excellent and creative use will as usual mean a score increase, many of you perhaps would have chosen to focus your efforts elsewhere, or only take 9 levels of the SI, if you knew this would be the judging metric. Well, my apologies: I didn't think I would be judging, or I would have let you know in advance.

I'll try to get everything down shortly.

[mattie_p]

Something is better than nothing, there's no objections on my end. I was prepared tonight to start judging and withdraw my entries once completed. Thanks for stepping up.

[ciopo]

Thank you, H_H_F_F for judging!

[AvatarVecna]

Zinc Saucier XXXVII: Blast From The Past is ready for chefs!

[The Viscount]

Thank you, H_H_F_F. You are the hero this thread deserves.

[daremetoidareyo]

Well it looks like we are steadily approaching a future wherein a new special ingredient is selected upon. Pazuzu willing, of course.

My recommendation is once again, of course, savant aboleth.

It may be the first time I’ve suggested it, but that’s because every other time I thought about it, it was a terrible ingredient. But, this time, imagine trying to fit this thing in 20 ECL. It’s horrendous. You may use this idea if you have no better ones.

[Thurbane]

I'll try to get everything down shortly.

Thank you for that disclaimer. It sums up my own feelings about this class and it's capstone fairly well. TBH, I think the concept of this class would be more at home in the BoVD, than as an Exalted class - except it was supposed to be some half-baked attempt at a class devoted to a FR Bast knockoff.

I felt more than a bit annoyed when some people assumed my issue with the class was because I was some puritanical "Sex is bad, mmmkay" type, and that wasn't it at all.

[The Viscount]

dare, I'm going to be straight with you. I don't remember hearing about this class until now. I'm not sure that I'm bold enough to use something with an ECL surcharge that high.

I'd also like to take this opportunity to apologize for selecting this ingredient. Reading through it, I just wasn't thinking about the implications of the capstone, which, as have been highlighted, are pretty icky. I'm sorry if it put anyone off, and I'll try to be more thorough with my ingredient process moving forward.

Speaking of moving forward, here's what I'm mulling over for options for the next round:

Me and my shadow
Marked for death
The old ways are best

[Venger]

The old ways are best sounds suitably ominous.

[Thurbane]

I'd also like to take this opportunity to apologize for selecting this ingredient. Reading through it, I just wasn't thinking about the implications of the capstone, which, as have been highlighted, are pretty icky. I'm sorry if it put anyone off, and I'll try to be more thorough with my ingredient process moving forward.

No problem - I too was blissfully unaware of this class. Mechanically, it has all the makings of an interesting ingredient: a bunch of abilities that don't synergise all that well. If you removed the squick factor and awful implications of some of those abilities, would be quirky class to try and optimize.

I personally have no doubt that that you didn't select this class with any malice of forethought, Viscount. :smallsmile:


Speaking of moving forward, here's what I'm mulling over for options for the next round:

Me and my shadow
Marked for death
The old ways are best


Interesting. I think I'll vote Old Ways, since the other two have a faint whiff of skill-monkey to me, and formatting those skill tables is the absolute worst! :smallbiggrin:

[mattie_p]

Remember, my updated Google sheet now include an option for formatting up to 10 individual skills. This should reduce workload for everyone when making even highly skilled submissions, and lowering a barrier to entry.

[Zaq]

I want Me And My Shadow to be master of shadow, but 9/10 progression seems too generous even if the class has some other issues. Hmm.

Marked for death… my guess is that it’s one of the more obnoxiously useless ones from Dragonmarked, probably. Cyre scout or Deneith warden or that unpronounceable orcish one or whatever. I’m probably way off base there. I feel like we’ve done most of the 10-level ones that have death attack already, probably?

The Old Ways scares me, not gonna lie. Some 3.0 monstrosity? Some godforsaken FR thing? I doubt you’d pull Fochlucan lyrist (for several reasons) and I can’t think of too many other classes that are *explicitly* based on pre-3e stuff, and yet I’m certain they’re out there. Berserk, maybe. I don’t think we’ve done berserk yet.

I think I’ll vote for My And My Shadow. I’m curious where it’s going.

[daremetoidareyo]

You know what casts shadows? Shining blades! I vote for that!

[WhamBamSam]

You know what casts shadows? Shining blades! I vote for that!Beat me to this joke.

My actual vote is for old ways.

[Piggy Knowles]

Late to the party, but one thing I liked about this SI was that it easily qualified for dread witch thanks to having cause fear and scare on its spell list. I had an idea of making a build around switching between LOVE and FEAR (if I used an image I'd look for those tattooed on someone's knuckles), using Improved Familiar to get a hippogriff familiar to have my familiar also use intimidate (cats being tiny are sadly not very good at intimidating). Add in rage mage for the ability to actually use the rage and... well, it was something, I suppose.

I figured I'd add in Spell Thematics to add visual elements to my charm spells. That in turn would give them a fear rider, which not only boosts their DC but also allows them to bypass immunities. Note that Greater Master of Terror specifically says the spell affects the target, not just the fear effect, so this should in theory allow me to use charm spells on those normally immune. Kind of a cute idea to get a little bit more use out of the otherwise underwhelming celebrant spell list.

This was the basic stub and build notes I tossed together, didn't get much further than this but it was a neat idea:


Human, Human Paragon 3/Battle Dancer 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Rage Mage 1
1 Human Paragon1- Sacred Vow, Dreadful Wrath
2 Battle Dancer1- Improved Unarmed Strike
3 Battle Dancer2- Combat Casting
4 Human Paragon2- Vow of Purity
5 Celebrant of Sharess1-
6 Celebrant of Sharess2- Intimidating Rage
7 Celebrant of Sharess3-
8 Celebrant of Sharess4-
9 Celebrant of Sharess5- Imperious Command
10 Dread Witch1-
11 Dread Witch2-
12 Dread Witch3- Spell Thematics
13 Dread Witch4-
14 Rage Mage1-
15 Celebrant of Sharess6- Improved Familiar (hippogriff)
16 Celebrant of Sharess7-
17 Celebrant of Sharess8-
18 Celebrant of Sharess9- xxx
19 Celebrant of Sharess10-
20 Human Paragon3-

Fear stacking: frightful presence, +8 to intimidate checks, Imperious Command, free action demoralize via Intimidating Rage (use w/ never outnumbered), fear spells bypass immunities and have +2 to DC, hippogriff can use your ranks in intimidate to further stack up

Attacking: +11 BAB! Hey, a third iterative! That’s not….. good, per se, but it’s better than any of the other builds I’ve messed around with. Could always alter self into something with natural attacks and do IUS + natural attacks as secondaries.

Caligula: But they love you, lord.
Tiberius: Oh no. They fear me. And that is much better.
-Caligula (1979)

As for which SI we should go for next, I'm going to go ahead and say Marked for Death.

[H_H_F_F]

Originality: Cool character, nice fluff. Mechanically, can't say I saw this approach coming at all. Half-elves suck so they're pretty damn rare. Not a mind-blowing concept, but creative nonetheless. 4.5 points

Power: Not great. Not terrible, but not great. You manage to make your familiar companion fairly good, but it's still not that powerful overall, and your combat options are kind of meh. You have many okayish options, but no good options, and your MADness amplifies that issue. Damage, spells, fascinate - everything is almost-but-not-quite good enough. Weapon finesse is very late. Skill monkey is good. 2 points

Elegance: This is very dip-tastic, and I'm not convinced it's all fully essential to what the build does. It's stronger for sure, but I can't look at beastmaster and say "couldn't have done it without this." Replacing cleric 3/beastmaster 1 with ranger 8 was doable, and you would have saved a feat anyway. This version is stronger, of course, but "dips for power" are more heavily penalized than "dips essential for concept".
Very messy leveling, cutting off SI progression to times to advance 4 other classes. Multiclass penalties don't apply anyway, since you're a half elf. Favored class: any can be very helpful with that rule. Forestlord gives both elves and half elves the favored class: sorcerer, but explicitly only replaces the elf's favored class. It seems even WotC can recognize that half elves have suffered enough.
I thought you could only trade domain away at first level (treated it kind of like an ACF) but the language is inclusive. Good for you.
You used lower class background, which has always been a heavy penalty from me. Optional rule, explicitly said shouldn't be used on one character when not everyone uses it so to not create imbalance (very relevant for comp), something for nothing.
You're stretching the language pretty hard with that interpretation of "able to see." You're forcing "able" to carry way too much here. Serious rules issue, though not as bad as it could have been if you tried to claim you fascinate them by dancing or pantomiming while hidden. Throwing jokes from the sidelines makes sense.
Some clever synergies going on here, and I like you getting use of most of what 4 ranger levels have to offer, but this really isn't enough to fully make up for messiness, rules issues, etc. Bad score here, apologies. 1.5 points

UOSI: You put effort into everything, but nothing is focused enough to really shine, with the exception of cat familiar, which gets excellent use – putting 20th level familiar options on a combat animal is far better use than expected for this very restrictive feature. However, you don't really synergize anything else too well. You're not a charger, you hit with dex, your Cha is average… still, not too bad. 3.5 points.

Originality: VOP Champ of G fits the class very well, mechanically and with feline theme. So well, in fact, that I toyed with the same concept before deciding not to submit an entry this round. My stub wasn't a barbarian, and had 4 levels of champ (for fear tactics), but I was unhappy with the thematic choice of 2 exalted prcs dedicated to 2 different gods. So, penalties here both for kind of an obvious route and for thematic reasons, unfortunately.
No fluff is an issue. I don't mind short fluff, bad fluff, etc, but it is a part of the competition – and I do need a tiny bit more than a one sentence description of not-Tarzan in order for me to call it fluff. Human makes me yawn, but base classes are cute and thematic while not completely expected, fist of the forest is nice, and combat panache is good, so not all bad here – but mostly very expected, thematic issues, no fluff, so bad score here. Apologies. 1.5 points.

Power: MADness hurts, for sure, but is somewhat easier to handle with VoP. Animals are helpful. Pretty good face. Skills are no more than ok other than that. In combat, I expected you to do better from the stub, but suboptimal. You have pounce, and PA, but no leap attack and no THF makes damage a bit of an issue. Not terrible, but significantly weaker than I expected. Spell/ability DCs get pretty good by the end. Overall, decent. 3 points.

Elegance: Messy leveling. Not too happy about beastmaster dip here as well, battle dancer start makes more sense. Unfocused entry. Your snapshots are a bit lacking. Martial study to get diplomacy as class skill a good fit. I'm also a fan of you using VoP feats to qualify for 2 prcs. Only rules issue is trying to stack fury of the tigress with rage. FotT is specified as being identical to rage, which means IMO it can't stack. It's not 2 different sources of +4, +4, +2, -2, etc – it's just rage, twice. The way I see it, you can qualify for rage things with it, and if you can do that you cannot stack it with rage. I now noticed there was a chair ruling on FotT and rage. I've asked for clarification. If this paragraph is still here, assume that chair ruling does not contradict my views. 3 points

UoSI: Good Cha investment for spells and class features. Decent utilization of martial features, though it could have been better with a more focused entry. Happy with your high BaB. I like you getting an exalted feat for the cat – not huge, but helpful. Nothing shines too brightly, but it's good.4 points

Originality: Afflicted and cured lycanthropy is extreme cheese (which will be addressed in elegance), worse, it has now extremely common and expected cheese. We've seen it in 2 of the 3 previous competition, and you've now made it 3/4. Human doesn't help your case, and neither did sublime chord. Bard was a very expected entry, with Cha focus and skill requirements. You probably would've done slightly better under my normal judgement, but here I just see human bard (one of my "most expected" entries, on top of the most common bard prc, on top of common cheese. Sorry. 1 point

Power: you would’ve done worse here for early-mid levels before being cured and for suboptimal feats, but I can't compensate for those in this 0.5 based metric. You have 9ths (and didn't shy away from the nasty ones), you're never terrible, 5 points.

Elegance: As mentioned earlier, afflicted and cured cheese wouldn't fly in most tables and is very cheesy. This is not featuring any new TO, so no discount for that. It's also not really that clever here – you're not using it to get something unique and then self-qualify, it's just free hd. Boring.
Good level layout is a plus, but simplicity does not equal elegance though it does help, etc. Not seeing any synergies too clever here. 2.5 points

UoSI: You used the spells and skills to qualify for sublime chord, you have the Cha to back stuff up, melee stuff (though it goes unmentioned) is actually useful for the early part of your career. Everything becomes irrelevant during the late levels, of course. That's not where your focus is. Better than I automatically assumed it should be, and it does make some sense. Still bad, of course, I think you knew this would be a problem category. 2 points

Well, there goes my long standing idea to make an extremely high-saves-high-ac-etc entry for one of these and call it "Emsy, the Hammer of the western coast". Damn. Been holding on to that one for a while.

Originality: No fluff per se, but high concept is fine as well, for those wondering. Can't say I saw a Warblade/Fighter basis coming. Can't say I recalled lupins exist, though I did look at them at one point. Legacy champion, while not unheard of here, was still not on my mind. The whole concept is very cool and unique, but You get a theme penalty for dual worship. Not a rules issue, you're correct, but still an issue. 4 points

Power: Getting +16 due to legacy champion is sweet, especially with shock trooper + pounce. WRT come around early enough, maneuvers are mostly good and consistently useful. You're not doing as well as others on the skills front, but investing in skill tricks makes you get away with some of the damage (social recovery being the most obvious case). 4 arms trick is less relevant here – you don't have the Str score to convince me it's worth the rules argument. It's damage, but next to shock trooper with pounce, it's peanuts. Combining your charges with move action options is cool, and even if not strictly optimal, you still have a few very good options. Not crazy, but consistently versatile and powerful, which I like. 4 points.

Elegance: Decent level layout, the expected warblade dips mostly occur in sensible places and the rest of the classes go straight. Darksong knight was a clever way to nab perform without wasting time on swashbuckler. Feats show up when they need to, and levels are very consciously chosen to make an effective and synchronistic build. Legacy champion is a supremely effective pick here, and the whole build works around it, and your "quirky" racial choice makes sense and gets use. Very well done.
However, I have an issue with improved familiar here. Feline familiar gives you a cat familiar. You're kind of stuck with a cat. Arcane hierophant (first entry) was to me a clever way around it precisely because I believe familiar feats to not apply. You can't change or improve your familiar, but AH sacrifices it and sublimates its abilities into something else. I think that's the intent here, anyway. RAW, in my opinion, is very nonexistent here, and so kind of on your side. So I'm not calling it illegal by any means – but I am calling shenanigans. 4.5 points.

UoSI: Interesting one. Let's first talk about uncanny trickster and legacy champion. These two are always giving me trouble. On the one hand, what have I got to complain about? You get all the class features, so it's all dandy. On the other… you did only take 2 levels of the SI. Part of the competition is not just using the SI's strengths, /but working around its weaknesses. Celebrant is intriguing because it feels like it would be an actually very good martial 1-4 casting class, but it has half BaB. Your answer to the challenge was to avoid the half BaB by not taking the class. Can you see why I can't just ignore this and say "well, you've used the features well"?
On the other hand, I don't want to act as if you just took 2 levels of the SI and then went for better classes. Legacy champion is different than that, and your build is built around what it can offer. So, let's move on to that part.
Spellcasting isn't hard to make a convincing case for, and you succeed at that despite some conflicting parts. The martial parts of the class are all utilized exceptionally, with thought and with care. The rest of what the class offers, less so – your Cha investment is very low, and you don't mention many of the class features. 2.5 points.

I would play this build.

As a general note, I'd avoid outright referencing your other entry. It's not like it's a secret, and your presentation style is distinct enough for me to be able to tell who you are and that you've made both entries, but anonymous submission is meant to avoid bias – and that can get more difficult when one is actively reminded of the Chef's identity. Not that I think I'm biased towards you in any way, of course, but if we could trust me with that we wouldn't have this whole process, would we? Anyway:

Originality: No fluff is an issue; you all know the spiel by now. Sorcerer is weird, humans are always expected. Silverwood arcanist has been on my mind lately, for reasons parallels to yours I assume; otherwise it would've been "where the hell did you find this class". It's still a surprising choice. Your focus around share spells as an offensive tool is cool and unique. Even with your "sins", this is still very good, and you have a solid theme going. 4 points

Power: You're alright. You're not as powerful as a straight sorcerer, obviously, but you're still doing fine. You have a good early level combo going on, your power doesn't stagnate too badly, and you pick a couple of power spells during your Silverwood arcanist levels to keep up. You're not awesome, but it's hard to be trash when you have 4 creatures polymorphing. 4 points

Elegance: Am I going insane, or is Dragon Breath 4th level for sorcerers? I looked at it to make sure its range was personal so you could share it, but I found out it just wasn't 3rd level. That changes a lot. It comes around later, it redefines your spell choices, it competes with polymorph for slots. If you have a source for it being 3rd level, please let me know.
I'm not entirely sure about the RAW legality of some of your shared spells, but I can't clearly point at a problem and I'm not book diving for rules this round, so no penalty. Your sources are solid, your level layout is messy (big ugly break in the middle of the SI, coming back for the last levels for no clear purpose). No strong cohesion, besides getting buddies to share your spells. I appreciate your spell choices though – they're all done with what your doing in mind, and that prevents the build from feeling meandering or aimless.
I would appreciate you noting your ACFs in or near your table or your stub, not just in your sources. Especially true for stuff like wilderness companion, which unearthed arcana doesn't even name. In this case I recognized what you were doing, but I imagine it would have been very frustrating if I wasn't. Imagine a judge looking at your table and tactics, looking for a reason for you to have an animal companion at first level, eventually getting to your sources and assuming it might be this wilderness companion ACF – but getting to a page full of variant options with no option called wilderness companion. A simple explanatory phrase in your tactics and "wilderness companion sorc" in your table would have made that judge's life much easier.
2 points

UoSI: This is our problem, of course. This, by all accounts, should have been a sorcerer or a wizard Silverwood arcanist build. At most, I can see a beastmaster dip. You could have done your concept far quicker, more efficiently, and more powerfully, and the SI does almost nothing to promote it besides giving you the original idea for the theme.
Granted, only the martial aspects are truly wasted on you, though it feels so much more like a shame when you take 8 levels, making Swiftness your capstone ability. You have the Cha to back up casting and ability DCs (though you don't synergize with anything particularly) and the feline allows you to get 5 more effective druid levels for your animal companion, who's also more helpful earlier on. Still, I cannot ignore the fact that you have such a unique and wonderful concept going on, and all the SI's doing is holding you back. 2 points.

Originality: I like the little touch of including dates of reports in your fluff, very reminiscent of real-world academics dealing with such things. I've read enough academics obsessed with these basically unknown and unimportant figures and thinking they're engaging in a whole new approach to history to fully believe that these researchers could argue about the specific tactics of one anonymous combatant hundreds of years after the fact. It often got too mechanical for me to suspend disbelief, but that happens. Sallu throwing shade at Sevanee is funny.
Dragonbborn-lesser aasimar is very well known, because it works. Take a race with excellent ability modifiers and nothing more, and slap racial abilities on. VoP builds were expected, so though totem rager didn't initially cross my mind, it isn't too much of a surprise. No surprises in approach, spell choice, etc. 2 points.

Power: We need to talk about the manticore in the room: you don't really do much. Totemist rager VoP is a good build, but as presented, you don't have the feats, levels, and basic attack bonus to support that chassis. Your spells are helpful, of course – but comes combat time, you're not as strong as you should be. Totem rager should have come 1 level later – you're waiting four levels for a free pounce for very little reason. You're not a great skill monkey, compared to a few others. Tough category for you, bud. 2 points.

Elegance: I can't find your charisma. It's gone. I have to do the math by myself. I get that this was probably a formatting error, but it's a real headache. I would like you to also concentrate your known spells in one list or table next time. The way you did it is cute, and it's good to add your current known spells to your tactics – but at level 10, it makes it harder to gauge what's going on exactly, and it takes away space in the snapshots – a clear idea of your tactics and abilities is lacking, clouded by descriptions of every spell you can cast.
You suffer from multiclass penalties, starting to suffer as soon as possible and maintaining them throughout your career. Your level layout is somewhat scattered, and worse, doesn't seem focused. It doesn't seem like you have a specific reason to enter celebrant or exit it when you do. Feats seem somewhat thoughtless as well. Why is VoP only at 6? Feels like it should have been at 4. You wasted a normal feat slot, could've snagged purity at 4 as a bonus by taking VoP at 3. Unclear. 2 points

UoSI: I like your (disappeared) decent Cha, nymph's kiss and diplomacy. I like that you utilize your rage for qualifications, and that you get more juice out of it through totem rager. You've put enough focus into features of the class to justify a decent score, but you don't really make anything but the rage truly shine – "I have the spells and flirtation and I can use them, and I fight." 3.5 points.

Originality: Well, I know who Inanna is, but I don't know who that comic character is. From looking up the comic you sourced, it's apparently the goddess, but also someone else? Familiarity would've probably helped here, but I'll brave on without it. Your fluff is very cool and well written. I don't like the fact that it's associated with a so-called CG character, but that's more of an issue with the class than with you. I don't know that the fluff strikes me as very like Inanna, but maybe it's more akin to the comic character. Either way, it's very Fey-Queen-esque, completely foreign and beyond our understanding of good and evil, and I dig it.
Bard was expected, and fey bard isn’t that crazy when you have no way of keeping inspire courage up (though it's still less expected). Kenku was a surprise, and you squeeze enough use out of it for me to not treat it as an originality trap card. Your general approach in combat is cool and unique. You didn't manage to sell me on this person being any type of "marshal", but that's a minor issue. Overall, well done. 4 points

Power: Well, to start off, you're a supremely effective face. Face skills have been prevalent and expected, but you take them to a whole other level, with many impactful class features and feats helping you out. The end bonuses for your charisma based skills are bonkers, especially during your early-to-middle career. Your spells strongly support this diplomancer chassis, of course. I've historically not given diplomancy the credit in this category that would be justified by RAW, as I haven't been in a single table that used stupid diplomancy RAW, and I don't want to switch my judgement here to TO style judgement, as that would induce a very serious originality reduction (Diplomancy isn't at all an original form of TO). However, it's still good, and gets you good credit here. High Dcs for spells and abilities is also very helpful.
Despite your efforts, however, I'm not buying you as a combatant. Your bard caster level is too low for undersong to be up reliably, and the geography and action economy of getting your full bonuses while attacking is complex. Besides insightful strike, you have no convincing attack options outside of very early levels, and there are points in your career when you are definitely too squishy for being in the frontline. You're nearly a non-presence when it comes to combat, as much as you try to avoid that. You can still do some impressive damage (for your chassis, I mean) if everything goes exactly right, but when I look at your action economy, at your to-hit, and at your tactical limitations due to VoP… not great. I applaud the effort though. 3 points.

Elegance: You didn't list a source for Kenku. This isn't just me being strict on sources rules: I didn't know where it was, and it took me a while to find it.
As a note on presentation, I don't like that you don't have spells/maneuvers tables. I like being able to tell when you took each thing you did, and how many spells per day you have from each level at every point in the build.
That table is a real mess, and I'm not 100% sold it was completely necessary.
Outside of these complaints, however, you're doing great. Your feats show thought and care, you're essentially made of synergy, and I can't help but adore this entry for giving versatile performer, one of my favorite feats, actual mechanical use. Well done. If you wouldn't mess up presentation & sources, and if you somehow managed to streamline leveling a bit, this would have been a 4.5. Still, not bad at all. 3.5 points.

UoSI: Non-exceptional but still good use of your familiar, very thoughtful. The kenku pick is definitely a + here. You've made an investment in flirtation above and beyond what's expected DC wise, though I was hoping to see some more innovative synergies with it in such an obviously social build. However, haste is wasted on you, you almost never have a good reason to charge (and even when you do, your pounce is laughable) and rage takes away your entire tool kit, and has very little investment in it (though I noted righteous wrath). You managed to keep the somewhat martial feel with your maneuvers, but when I'm looking at the actual class abilities, your (still sub-par) combat abilities don't actually benefit from them. Even though it's clear you're a swordsage (and not more bard or something) because of these class features, you still failed to actually use them in any effective way – and still fell into the trap of "ignore one side of this SI or the other" which made this class an interesting SI to begin with. This is a very close call between 3.5 and 4 here for me, but I'm going to go with 3.5 points. My apologies.

Originality: Well done. 5 points.
Oh, you want more? Come on, don't be a compliment hog. You know you made some weird stuff here, and you know that you have a compelling reason for these weird choices. FYI, there are only 7 shadowcasters in IC history, as far as I can tell. 4 of them showed up on very shadow-themed ingredients, and 3 of them were by Piggy Knowles. That alone would make this build very unique, and would get some credit even if you didn't manage to make such a convincing case for this class here. Well, unless you're Piggy Knowles, I guess, but that's why we have anonymous submissions. You also clearly managed to make the most, seductive entry.
Seriously though, this is inspired. Very well done.

Power: Well, what you do is weird and situational, but potent when it works. You're one late bloomer though, which could have been at least slightly addressed with the swift concentration skill trick to help. You suffer from the nova nature of shadowcaster a lot. Umbral touch damage is terrible, though the debuff is good and Cha based. Speaking of, your charisma is pretty damn bad, because you're mad, you're a dwarf, and you need dex. That is to say, I get why it's bad, but it's still bad. There are enough enemies out there who don't have equipment and have good touch AC, and against those you're deeply screwed. All in all, despite a cute trick or two, I don't see this as a powerful build by any means. 1.5 points.

Elegance: You suffer from multiclass penalties through as much of your career as is possible. Your level layout is a mess, though not the messiest in this competition. You also mix Eberron and Faerun materials, and not just spells or general feats – you have levels in 2 prcs with real ties to the lore of the world. You're a member of a dragonmarked house worshipping a forgotten realms goddess. This is problematic.
Having nowhere to find your skill totals is unfortunate. I find it makes judging the character harder, and forces one to continuously go back and forth looking for different skills. Please make sure I can see your full skill list in the future.
However, this is a very cohesive build made from elements that seem to have nothing to do with each other. Everything works together perfectly, the creeping darkness move is brilliant – really, I have no complaints when it comes to mechanical beauty. If it weren't for the issues previously mentioned, this would be an example build for me on what a 5 in elegance looks like in my metric. Very well done. 3.5 points

UoSI: Good category. Despite not being a charisma beast, you manage to use flirtation abilities very creatively, and you built this character to be able to do more when using them, expanding their use in combat in very creative way. This sort of stuff is what I've been talking about whenever I told someone I'd hoped they'd find new uses, besides getting high DCs. Your use of your familiar is cute though unexceptional. Your spells get extra utility through trap making + craft magical weapons, and you make a convincing case for the martial abilities. While It still isn't great, I can totally see this character raging, pouncing and using swiftness very regularly, to increase the chances to apply a buff that's very nasty to most monsters. You still aren't squeezing as much use out of it as a more martial entry would, but this is great. You use everything, and you use a few things brilliantly. 4.5 points

My favorite build.

I'm sorry, I genuinely am, but I can't judge this build. I don't mean can't as in "won't", I mean I cannot. I really, really tried. Like, I know you get a 0 in elegance (I know you were going for minimum 1, but it's 0 because it's an incomplete entry.) I know you get harmed in originality for known cheese and for "just go wizard LoL", and praised for the unique concept and changeling wizard pick. What I don't know is what the hell to do with power and UoSI, because I 100% do not understand this build. I don't get what you're doing half the time. I enjoyed your presentation style, but I don't live in your mind, I don't have your level of knowledge, and I can't understand how half this stuff works. Do I give you a DQ in UoSI for relying on a niche item you couldn't possibly afford at the level you get it, or at any level before taking the SI? Is that what the capitalism line was about? What makes fleshwarper different to any other class that "stacks with other classes", and why would that overrule the RAW of Celebrant? Even if I were to go forward with you on that, wouldn't it just stack with the 2 classes separately, giving you a level 7 wizard familiar you had to give up? I don't know, and I'm still far from sure I'm correctly interpreting your stance here – and it took me half an hour to even figure that much out. We have the normal structure of submissions for a reason. It's to help me do my job. I'm not as system savvy as you, obviously, and I need the structure and the internal explanations to understand things sometimes. I feel like you're relying on a basis of common knowledge that is just out of my scope, and your choice of only giving tongue in cheek explanations really enhances that problem. I assume many of the forums veterans wouldn't have had a problem, but I'm not as experienced and not as clever.

I've already sunk almost as much time into this build as into the next 2 most time-consuming entries combined, and I feel like I'd need to invest as much time again just to manage a very insecure and probably wrong judgement. I'm aware that I have a bias issue here, as I dislike the approach of going for every sin in the book just because you assume you're at minimum elegance anyway. Maybe if I would've super-loved this build, I could brave on. I don't know. As is, I've come to the realization that it's either this or withdrawing from judgement. I can't do this anymore. I realize I might sound aggressive, but I'm not trying to be. I'm just tired and disappointed in myself. I don't like this "solution" any more than you do, but I'm judging builds as submitted, not as reexplained in disputes, and I can't judge this build as submitted, because I don't ****ing get it. I'm voting for you as my HM, mostly because I'm honestly impressed with the mind required to build this insane tower of cards, and (if I'm being honest with myself) partly as a coping mechanism to feel less bad about ****ing you over like this. This is a crazy build, but at the moment, and with my current time and energy limits, it's just beyond my scope.

Originality: I like that you gave Bastet a little of the credit she deserves. Star elf is a nice thematic pick, draconic is surprising by the virtue of being weird on a caster build – but I'm not seeing you doing anything interesting besides ability scores with it, so not that interesting.
Otherwise: bard, check. Sublime chord as an obvious progression for bard with 3rds, check. No interesting tricks, no new approach to anything as far as I can tell. 1.5 points

Power: good throughout, advanced spellcasting later. Ability allocation is slightly weird, I would have thought Con was more important than wis. Also, why is Nymph's kiss so late? That's such a weird choice. It's free skill points. 4.5 points.

Elegance: I tend to put both ecl and level columns in my table when using templates. No penalty, just general advice. No rules issues, sources fully listed, everything seems alright. Nothing to clever going on, on the other hand – very mechanically straightforward. See my usual simplicity doesn't equal elegance, though it does help speech. 3.5 points

UoSI: you have the Charisma to support the features, but you're mainly a spellcaster. This feels like a Bard 10/ SC 10 who decided to sacrifice most of his power for no reason, or like a bard 20 who got really confused on the way. Your tactics are all about your spells, and for a good reason: you're a spellcaster, and the class actively harms you by denying you of high level spells. You also manage to counteract rage with intuitive attack, even though that wouldn't really matter – You've raged no more than twice your entire career, probably. 1.5 points

Originality: Fluff is very well written. Human. Hey, another fey bard! Still a bard, but cool. Spellthief is always fun to see, though my immediate reaction was to press Ctrl+F and type "Master sp". Major bloodline (celestial) is rare in this competition by being virtually illegal, but at tables allowing bloodlines, the major ones pop up anywhere, so no increase here. A very unique and interesting idea at the heart of the build deserves credit here. 3.5 points.

Power: Some hard times in the very early levels, but the animal companion does help with that issue. Mid levels are alright, late levels are obviously very good. Overall, this build utilizes its enhanced casting abilities to keep up throughout the career, and ends up pretty damn powerful by the end. I was debating a 4, but with UMD and some of your more niche options, this is probably 4.5 points.

Elegance: I'll point out that aging casters has often been treated as cheesy (though obviously there was plot justification here). Claiming that sanctuary involves a familiar for the purposes of DC is a streeeeeeeeeeeeeetch, but it's clever. However, this, as anything else, is irrelevant. You used bloodlines, which means an automatic 1 here. I initially typed 0, because I thought they were illegal, but they're not. I still think they should be, but they aren't. They are, however, Strongly discouraged, which I take to mean that I'm allowed to kill your elegance here. This is stronger language than that of flaws, and each flaw mandates a -1. If that's the case, I'd say a major bloodline defining your build definitely allows me to give you an auto 1, so I did. I can't go to 0 on a complete and legal build. Doesn't mean I like it. 1 point

UoSI: You get a very strong and unique use from your familiar, giving you a clear reason to take 10 levels of the class – even if the truly great stuff comes very late in the build. Your flirtation and spell DCs are good, and you get to play some tricks with your spells – but I didn't see anything too interesting happening with sanctuary or other flirtations, and you completely ignore the martial aspects of the class, which is bad. 3 points.


Thank you guys for participating. I'm patiently awaiting your disputes (though please look at my request in this post (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25150481&postcount=75)) and your HM votes before the reveal. My apologies again to Helga's chef. If this was my "normal" style of judgement, I would take however long it'd take for me to figure out what to do with your build. Well done, either way.

[ciopo]

Thank you H_H_F_F for judging!

[Piggy Knowles]

...wow, I was expecting something much more minimal after your caveat about not being able to put in your usual effort, H_H_F_F. Thank you for the well done (and hugely appreciated) judging despite your other commitments! No disputes here, and again, hats off to you for the work you’ve put in.

[H_H_F_F]

...wow, I was expecting something much more minimal after your caveat about not being able to put in your usual effort, H_H_F_F. Thank you for the well done (and hugely appreciated) judging despite your other commitments! No disputes here, and again, hats off to you for the work you’ve put in.

I find it very hard to do the really minimal stuff I've seen others doing. Being that concise would take much more effort, for me.

This still took me about a 1/4th of my usual time per entry, on average.

[Zaq]

Thanks for your efforts, H_H_F_F! I have no disputes. I will add some commentary after the reveal, but I don't fundamentally disagree with basically anything!

[The Viscount]

One brief missive from a chef.


RE: "If you have a source for it being 3rd level, please let me know." in regard to dragon breath.

That's a failure on my part of double checking, sorry. I'm answering only because you directly called out to me, so this is "not a dispute".
Dragon breath is 3rd level in draconomicon, page 111/112, and casts at CL+1 for sorcerers to boot. But most recent source is Spell Compendium and you are indeed right that it's 4th level there, damn. :(

Chefs have 24 hours for any remaining disputes before the reveal.

[WhamBamSam]

Setting the table for the final reveal.


Name Race Class Levels Chef Score Place
Mataff-Crott (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=53) Lupin Warblade 5/Fighter 2/Celebrant of Sharess 2/Uncanny Trickster 3/Legacy Champion 8 15 First

Korson d'Kundarak (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=57) Dwarf Rogue 1 / Shadowcaster 7 / Trapsmith 1 / Silver Key 2 / Celebrant of Sharess 9 14.5 Second

Inanna (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=56) Kenku Fey Bard 2/Unarmed Swordsage 3/Marshal 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Virtuoso 3 14 Third

Cat Lady (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=54) Human Sorcerer 4 / Celebrant of Sharess 5 / Silverwood Arcanist 5 / Sorcerer 5 / Beastmaster 2 / Celebrant of Sharess 8 12 Fourth

Courtney Coue (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=60) Major Celestial Bloodline Human Spellthief 6/Bard 1/Celebrant of Sharess 10 12 Fourth

Kirsten Augestina (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=50) Forestlord Half-Elf Cloistered Cleric 3 / Ranger 4 / Beastmaster 1 / Wildrunner 1 / Arcane Hierophant 1 / Celebrant of Sharess 10 11.5 Fifth

Tigu'er (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=51) Human Battle Dancer 1 / barbarian 3 / Beastmaster 1 / Celebrant of sharess 10 / Champion of Gwynharwyf 2 / Fist of the forest 3 11.5 Fifth

Tythenel Dragonsong (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=59) Draconic Star Elf Bard 4/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Sublime Chord 5 11 Sixth

Tisa'a Chesara (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=52) Human (Afflicted and Cured) Were-Cougar Bard 1 / Celebrant of Sharess 10 / Sublime Chord 9 10.5 Seventh

Unnamed (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=52) Dragonborn(Heart) Lesser Aasimar Variant Rogue 1/Totemist 5/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Totem Rager 4 9.5 Eighth

Magical Girl Helga (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=58) Changeling Changeling wizard 5/ultimate magus 3/fleshwarper 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10 N/A The Platonic Ideal of Honorable Mention

[H_H_F_F]

Damn. I was hoping I was wrong on that one. Scoring stands, but I empathize with you on that one. I constantly forget to check google / newer sources as well.

[Thurbane]

Too late for the next comp, but I'm going to suggest a future ingredient, that I can't believe I haven't suggested before: Skullclan Hunter (MH).

[The Viscount]

It's time for the reveal!


Name Race Class Levels Chef Score Place
Mataff-Crott (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133017&postcount=53) Lupin Warblade 5/Fighter 2/Celebrant of Sharess 2/Uncanny Trickster 3/Legacy Champion 8 WhamBamSam 15 First

Korson d'Kundarak (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133030&postcount=57) Dwarf Rogue 1 / Shadowcaster 7 / Trapsmith 1 / Silver Key 2 / Celebrant of Sharess 9 Zaq 14.5 Second

Inanna (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133027&postcount=56) Kenku Fey Bard 2/Unarmed Swordsage 3/Marshal 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Virtuoso 3 PiggyKnowles 14 Third

Cat Lady (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133019&postcount=54) Human Sorcerer 4 / Celebrant of Sharess 5 / Silverwood Arcanist 5 / Sorcerer 5 / Beastmaster 2 / Celebrant of Sharess 8 ciopo 12 Fourth

Courtney Coue (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133035&postcount=60) Major Celestial Bloodline Human Spellthief 6/Bard 1/Celebrant of Sharess 10 WhamBamSam 12 Fourth

Kirsten Augestina (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133009&postcount=50) Forestlord Half-Elf Cloistered Cleric 3 / Ranger 4 / Beastmaster 1 / Wildrunner 1 / Arcane Hierophant 1 / Celebrant of Sharess 10 mattie_p 11.5 Fifth

Tigu'er (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133012&postcount=51) Human Battle Dancer 1 / barbarian 3 / Beastmaster 1 / Celebrant of sharess 10 / Champion of Gwynharwyf 2 / Fist of the forest 3 ciopo 11.5 Fifth

Tythenel Dragonsong (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133034&postcount=59) Draconic Star Elf Bard 4/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Sublime Chord 5 Krym 11 Sixth

Tisa'a Chesara (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133014&postcount=52) Human (Afflicted and Cured) Were-Cougar Bard 1 / Celebrant of Sharess 10 / Sublime Chord 9 mattie_p 10.5 Seventh

Unnamed (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133020&postcount=52) Dragonborn(Heart) Lesser Aasimar Variant Rogue 1/Totemist 5/Celebrant of Sharess 10/Totem Rager 4 Krym 9.5 Eighth

Magical Girl Helga (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=25133031&postcount=58) Changeling Changeling wizard 5/ultimate magus 3/fleshwarper 2/Celebrant of Sharess 10 daremetoidareyou N/A The Platonic Ideal of Honorable Mention


Congratulations to everyone for participating. Special thanks to H_H_F_F for judging in our hour of need. New round presently.

[H_H_F_F]

Congrats to all entrants, especially our medalists. I think we saw a few really interesting entries this round. Well done.

Sorry again for the N/A, daremetoidareyou, but you just went too far over my head this time.

Thanks, as always, to the Viscount! Your work is always appreciated. I know this was a contreversial ingredient, and for good reason - but I totally understand where you were coming from. The powerful martial features on top of a half-bab support class created a very interesting puzzle, which yielded very interesting results.

[mattie_p]

H_H_F_F,

Thanks for judging this go-around. You and I seem to have similar judging styles, and I appreciate the way you dive into things (even in an abbreviated judging!). Most of your critiques on my entries were expected and I got no issues with them.

Tisa'a Chesara (According to Google (https://mathlair.allfunandgames.ca/languages.php), Tisa'a means 9 in Arabic; Chesara = Cheese) was kind of an exhibition entry. I don't think the chair expected anyone to legally whip out 9ths while still taking all 10 levels in the ingredient. So all your penalties were completely appropriate, I was just busting the curve on the power score here. I did mention in the entry that the melee abilities of Celebrant were pretty useful early in the career when still a lycanthrope, but you didn't penalize so no biggie. I vaguely hoped for a slightly better score since she could remedy her own affliction, but that's a matter of taste.

For Kirsten, I talked about going Ranger 8 / Wild Runner 1 / Arcane Hierophant 1 / Celebrant 10 in the adaptation notes. What I didn't mention is that after I looked at cleric (specifically cloistered) instead of Ranger 8, the story kinda wrote itself in my head. It was a "Once you see it" type moment for me to aim for an intellectual understanding, rather than emotionally embracing, the lifestyle that Sharess embodies. With the story stuck in my head I was committed at that point.

I know I dipped in and out of celebrant several times - most of that was timing around when she was getting various feats. Sometimes, delayed entry into the secret ingredient is penalized by judges. Not that entry at level 7 is all that early, but 7 is better than 11 under that rubric. 9th level feat is pre-req for Beastmaster, and the wording in Beastmaster is a little wonky anyway.


If a beastmaster already has an animal companion from another class, her beastmaster class levels stack with class levels from all other classes that grant an animal companion.

You could argue that if there is no animal companion yet, that won't apply. Granted, not taking beastmaster would have solved that issue, but I was already married to the story. Also, going Ranger 8 would probably have eliminated the requirement for lower class background, which would have solved another issue neatly as well.

Anyway, not disputes, just a little insight into my thought process here. Thanks again.

[H_H_F_F]

Thanks for the insight, mattie_p. Interesting read. I know what you mean about the idea clicking in your head - I now have more empathy for the more convoluted build you went with.

I'll note with Tisa'a you probably would have gotten some credit for being able to cure yourself under my usual metric, but I didn't feel it was worth 0.5 points at the time of judging.

In general, I feel that extreme cheese should be considered carefully. When it features something very unique to the SI, it's a good submission, and even if it doesn't place it's pretty likely to get HM. When it's just used for raw power, it's far less attractive - to me, at least. When considering extreme cheese, I'd say it's only worth it if it only works because of the SI, in one way or another.

That's just my opinion, of course.

[H_H_F_F]

The ICO spreadsheet is fully up to date.

[Zaq]

Woo hoo, silver! I'm not going to turn up my nose at that. This was a hard and messy ingredient, but at least it felt like there was substance to it. (I had nothing to sink my teeth into for spinemeld warrior, and watch detective was, well, watch detective.) I'll take "self-sabotaging abilities" over "no abilities to speak of" any day of the week!

As promised, my non-dispute response to H_H_F_F:

I can't say I'm disappointed, at all. In fact, I'm delighted in many ways! Highest scores in the contest for both Originality and UoSI--that's awesome. Still, in our time-honored tradition, I feel like responding.

Originality: You're very kind, sir. Glad that it clicked for you the way it clicked for me. I'm not Piggy, but I'm flattered that you thought I might be, since he's clearly one of our rockstars. I admit to being intrigued by your "most seductive character" comment, since I didn't bother putting in any real fluff other than the picture. Was it just the picture? If so, that's hilarious and I'm extremely happy about that. The fluff of the class clearly indicated that the devs expected all celebrants of Sharess to be female/feminine, but I felt like subverting that, especially in light of the fact that, in my mind, this is clearly some dev's ex-girlfriend. So I decided to just go for an over-the-top pic dripping with stereotypical masculinity. And hey, dudes can be seductive too! I can speak from experience on that one. On both sides of the equation, really.

Power: You aren't wrong--the build's a hell of a late bloomer. I admit to some minor sleight-of-hand (heh) in that I didn't do a level-by-level writeup specifically because I knew it came online really late. You, of course, were smart enough to see through that. I tried to bring in Swift Concentration and actually ended up taking it back out because the skill points were just that tight. Crazy, right? But that's what happens when you spread yourself as thin as I did on this build.

I do want to add that I feel like you're a little bit harsh on umbral touch. The whole reason I went with that specifically is because you're not limited to a single attack. 5d6 nonscaling damage isn't amazing as a standard action, but on a full attack (which is specifically enabled by the SI getting pounce), I feel like it's not nothing. Korson isn't a primary striker and doesn't pretend to be, but I do feel like (at least once he gets his tricks, which, as you fairly pointed out, is late) he's not an embarrassment either.

Elegance: I personally don't generally penalize for multiclassing or for crossing setting lines, but I can understand why you'd choose to do so, even if I don't care for it. However, I am confused by what you said about my skill totals being absent. I always included the total ranks in every skill entry, along with how much they'd changed and whether or not it was cross-class. I could definitely understand your frustration if, like, at level 7 I just said "Craft Basketweaving 6" and then at level 13 I said "Craft Basketweaving 10" and then you had to comb back through the previous 6 levels to check if I'd put any points in between then, but if what I actually did wasn't to your liking, what would have been a cleaner format for you? I suppose I could have listed ALL of the skills every level, including those I didn't advance at that level (like I did in Lurinella (https://forums.giantitp.com/showsinglepost.php?p=23045113&postcount=89), but overall I personally find it easier to read if you don't have old and new mashed together. Guess it's preference! But I am curious what your preference is.

UOSI: I'm glad that you looked at this the same way I do! It took a LOT of revision before I could fit together something that used the flirtation AND the familiar AND the spells AND the rage/pounce/haste abilities. (Yes, I did have to kind of ease off on how much I was using the familiar compared to my original idea of sharing SLA/Su mysteries, but if it doesn't work by RAW then it doesn't work by RAW, and at least I did the skill rank thing.) I think that's why I'm proud of this build: using all the features of the SI requires going in like ten different directions at once, and it wasn't easy to loop all of them back together, so I'm glad I did! I'm also very, very glad to be done. This class is unsettling in several ways. See also my earlier commentary about it clearly being some dev's ex…

[H_H_F_F]

Thanks for the elbaorate insight, Zaq! Very interesting read.

To answer a few of your questions:

"Most seductive" was indeed a tongue in cheek reference to the picture. I probably should have penalized you for not having fluff, but I got so drawn in by the crunch that I honestly forgot. That probably balances out with overpenalizing you for not having skill point totals, though; I like being able to glance at snapshot levels and get an idea of what the character is capable of, skills wise. That, or at least have a sum of everything at level 20 sonewhere off the table. This was just more noticeble this round because of the shorter time frame, I think. As you said, it's mostly personal preference, and wouldn't usually cause such a severe reaction on my side.

As for umbral touch - Korson gets his iterative at 14, never gets a third attack, and can still miss. He's not useless, but his damage will rarely turn a fight, especially when compared to his potent debuff. I think if you managed to somehow get snap kick or twf in, it would have been somewhat better.

I get why this one was of special interest to you compqred to the last couple of ingredients. I hope we'll see either an entry or a judgement from you on Thayan gladiator.