Classes for Int/Wis character

[Brigham]

I'm challenged to build a straight Int/Wis character, but I don't have a clue as to where I might begin. Can anyone point me in the direction of a class or concept that lends to characters of both high Int and Wis (implying that each remaining stat bites [x < 11])? Thanks for the help.


ps- this didn't seem to fit into the char builder thread as I'm not interested in a total build or partial build, but possible classes lending to the above limits.

[Tempest Fennac]

For some bizare reason, Archivists, http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x...051007a&page=3 , need Wis for bonus spells, so you may want to consider using that class.

[Kosjsjach]

Another option you might want to look into is a skill-monkey cleric, with the help of the cloistered cleric variant from Unearthed Arcana.
I only suggest it 'cuz I have the class on my mind.

[Brigham]

Thanks for the quick responses. Archivist popped into my mind, but I didn't have the text at hand to confirm it. I've always like the notion of the Archivist, but mechanically they seem problematic save a few cheese sprinkles.

I've heard of cloistered cleric and always wondered what it was. Now's a good time to look into it. Thanks again.

[Tempest Fennac]

Here's the Cloistered Cleric's stats: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/cl...oisteredCleric . What do you mean about Archivists being problematic mechanically?

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Cloistered Cleric

An Archivist is sort of like a Divine Wizard, but they can learn any divine spell in the game. Cleric and Druid spells, Domain spells, Paladin and Ranger spells, Adept spells, Shugenja and Spirit Shaman spells, Divine Bard spells, etc. Use the spell Secret Page, from the Rune domain among other sources, to put any spell you want into your prayerbook without having to buy a scroll or find someone who already has access to it.

Another option would be to make an Arcane Heirophant, from Races of the Wild. Go something like Druid 6/ Wizard 1/ Arcane Heirophant 10/ etc., using Precocious Apprentice, or Illumian with Improved Sigil: Krau, or Heighten Spell with Earth Spell or Metamagic School Focus or Easy Metamagic, or any number of other tricks to cast one or more 2nd level Wizard spells with only one level in the class to qualify. Maybe instead go Beguiler 1/ Druid 6/ Arcane Heirophant 10/ etc, using Versatile Spellcaster to qualify early. Another option would be Druid 3/ Wizard 3/ Mystic Theurge 2/ Arcane Heirophant 10/ Mystic Theurge 2 to have 9th level spells in both classes at level 20.

[Brigham]

What do you mean about Archivists being problematic mechanically?

I misspoke, actually. Apologies all around.

[Leon]

Archivists are good if you want to focus on heavily using both scores, the ability to learn any divine spell is a useful one, some may try to take it to the cheese level but if your got a sensible DM you'll be able to obtain a reasonable collection of spells without getting silly.

Depending how you play it and the choices you make the PC will be a walking font of information - all knowledge skills plus the ability to apply that knowledge in combat for the benefit of the rest of the group

[RagnaroksChosen]

from a non caster point of view.

a swashbuckler/monk

or if you can get your DM to push the sneak attack requirements of daring outlaw...
swashbuckler/ ninja.


really some combination of
Swashbuckler, ninja or monk, sword sage.

[Fenix_of_Doom]

or if you can get your DM to push the sneak attack requirements of daring outlaw...
swashbuckler/ ninja.

Doesn't sudden strike mention something about counting as sneak attack for qualification purposes?

[Goatman_Ted]

Doesn't sudden strike mention something about counting as sneak attack for qualification purposes?

I like where this leads.

[RagnaroksChosen]

Doesn't sudden strike mention something about counting as sneak attack for qualification purposes?

hmm that brings up a good point... then would you gain 3 levels of sudden strike or 3 levels of sneak attack for those 3 levels of sudden strike

[Goatman_Ted]

hmm that brings up a good point... then would you gain 3 levels of sudden strike or 3 levels of sneak attack for those 3 levels of sudden strike

You'd get Sudden Strike from your Ninja levels and Sneak Attack from your Swashbuckler levels.

Suddenly the Ninja/Swashbuckler builds I see people throwing around can do something.

[Devils_Advocate]

Wisdom as a primary stat is good for divine spellcasters and... I think that's pretty much it. Wis has other uses for other classes, but more as a secondary thing with a greater emphasis on other stats. I really wouldn't recommend building a Monk, Paladin, Ranger, or such in your case.

So probably a divine spellcaster who can make good use of Int for skills and maybe other things, too. Which would be why you're getting all the suggestions along those lines. This can then be combined with an Int-based caster and a dual casting PrC or not.

I'll bring up my idea for a gnome zoologist character here, since it seems to fit your specifications. Aside from having a good skill list, Druid gains no special benefit from Int, but it also has little need for other stats. Just pick a riding dog animal companion and dump Str and Dex.

[Emy]

I'm challenged to build a straight Int/Wis character, but I don't have a clue as to where I might begin. Can anyone point me in the direction of a class or concept that lends to characters of both high Int and Wis (implying that each remaining stat bites [x < 11])? Thanks for the help.


ps- this didn't seem to fit into the char builder thread as I'm not interested in a total build or partial build, but possible classes lending to the above limits.

Faerie Mysteries Initiate, from Dragon Magazine, will let you base HP on Int instead of Con.

[Goatman_Ted]

ToB classes always go well together.
Warblade with a splash of Swordsage could be nice.
Especially with a level or two of [Feat?] Rogue to properly delay the second Warblade stance.

[Sstoopidtallkid]

The key is eliminating the need for the other scores. Casting can eliminate the need for Dex(miss chance>AC), Str(Spells>attacks), and Cha(Charm>being charming). Con controls HP still, and the 2 saves are gonna suck. However, if you act like the Glass Cannon you are, and avoid being a target for anything, you can survive. Your best bets for the casting a Wizards(using Wis for Arcane Disciple), Archivists, or a Mystic Theurge(Using an early entry trick like Focused Specialist+Precocious Apprentice) to not suck.

[Paul H]

Hi

Mystic Clr/Wiz Mystic Theurge is good.

Cleric with Magic domain is better. You can use items as a Wizard of half your Cleric level, but scrolls still need sufficient Int to cast.

Alternatively, take an arcane caster with Arcane Disciple feat. (Need high enough Wis to cast spells).

Cheers
Paul H