Results 121 to 150 of 295
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2012-07-28, 11:21 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2011
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Sent. I'm expecting a rather worse performance than Orvalo, but this was rewarding--you learn a lot about the game when doing optimization research.
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2012-07-28, 11:27 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2011
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
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2012-07-28, 11:30 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2012
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
I can not wait to see everyones build, when they are post I will be putting up the build I had thought about just to see how it looks compared to everyone else builds. Again good luck everyone and I can not wait to be your judge.
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2012-07-28, 11:38 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2011
- Location
- Texas
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
I've got a new fantasy TTRPG about running your own fencing school in a 3 musketeers pastiche setting. Book coming soon.
Check out my NEW sci-fi TTRPG about first contact. Cool alien races, murderous AIs, and more. New expansion featuring rules for ships! New book here NOW!
Iron Chef Medals!
Amazing Princess Mononoke avatar by Dispozition
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2012-07-28, 02:06 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Bellona
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
It was close, but my entry is IN! It took me a heck of a lot longer than normal to finish this one, for some reason...
Optimization Showcase in the Playground
Former projects:
Shadowcaster Handbook
Archer Build Compendium
Iron Chef Awards!
Spoiler
GOLD
IC LXXVI: Talos
IC LXXV: Alphonse Louise Constant
IC XLIX: Babalon, Queen of Bones
IC XLV: Dead Mists
IC XL: Lycus Blackbeak
IC XXXIX: AM-1468
IC XXXV: Parsifal the Fool
IC XXX: Jal Filius
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2012-07-28, 02:22 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
I just find it crazy that three of those come from one competitor...I know I've done two at a time, but three? Good on you. If I can judge Dragon Disciple, I should be able to judge this one.
Agreed. Researching builds is how I find all of the tricks and builds I want to try in actual games.
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2012-07-28, 05:00 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2012
- Location
- <<Undetected>>
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
I really wish I could have finished (or started, for that matter) my entry. I had a plan sketched out, but unfortunately for me, RL intervened. Good luck to all competitors, and I wish I could have been with you.
Blank 3.5 Character Creator Iron Chef Style Tables (in Google Sheets)
Chairman Emeritus of Zinc Saucier.
Avatar by Derjuin, sing her praises to Elysium.
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2012-07-28, 06:02 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
And now it's time for the reveal!
Please refrain from posting in the thread until after I've given the all-clear. Thanks.
1. Doctor Herbert West
2. Dalibar the Nightmare
3. Cado Norl
4. TK-421 "Rush"
5. Reach
6. The Dark Fantastic
7. Pino Chio
8. Mortimus Vozh
9. Het of Wyrmtooth Mountain
10. Mina the Undying
11. Mr. Bibby
12. Parsifal the FoolLast edited by Amphetryon; 2012-07-31 at 09:19 AM.
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2012-07-28, 06:05 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
The doctor is in.
Originally Posted by Doctor Herbert West
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2012-07-28, 06:06 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Welcome to my nightmare.
Originally Posted by Dalibar The Nightmare
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2012-07-28, 06:08 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Living in OJ's guest house?
Originally Posted by Cado Norl
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2012-07-28, 06:10 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
A Monday warrior, mean, mean stride. . .
Originally Posted by TK-421 Rush
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2012-07-28, 06:12 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Measuring against Grasp.
Originally Posted by Reach
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2012-07-28, 06:14 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Fighting against the Light Horrible.
Originally Posted by The Dark Fantastic
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2012-07-28, 06:19 PM (ISO 8601)
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Puppet and master.
Originally Posted by Pino Chio
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2012-07-28, 06:23 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Fifty percent more Dead than your regular character.
Originally Posted by Mortimus Vozh
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2012-07-28, 06:24 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
It's a kobold! RUN! Wait, really?
Originally Posted by Het of Wyrmtooth Mountain
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2012-07-28, 06:27 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Altering the shape of death.
Originally Posted by Mina the Undying
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2012-07-28, 06:31 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
. . .While the monkey-man sells paradise to the girl from Tupelo. -David and David, "River's Gonna Rise", Boomtown
The creepy guy
SpoilerSly slipped back to the table with a disgruntled expresion on his wispling face. He rubbed his eyes and then rubbed his forehead. "This won't work, team. There's no one here. Next tavern."
"An imperfect pick is still a pick," Daulvonus said, closing his spellbook. "Who are the best to select from?"
"An awful bard, some sort of kill-maim-destroy paladin mockery that tried to smite me, and another barbarian, not from Thurg's tribe. They wouldn't get along."
Thrug snorted. "They help?"
"Probably not. Seriously, let's go."
"Why are we discounting that last one you talked to?" Geb pointed out. "I overheard. He could be of assistance."
Sly pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You know. The creepy guy--"
"With the monkeys, yes," a voice finished. A man strode up to the table, carrying one happy chimpanzee in his arms as two followed behind, vocalizing at each other. "Hello. I noticed you all looked prone to violence and fit to be an adventuring party. Do you mind if tag along?"
The party quieted immediately.
"...You're articulate," Daulvonus pointed out.
"Yes, in fact."
"I thought you'd be a babbling weirdo from over here," Sly muttered.
"No, no. You misunderstand. I consider myself fairly bright, actually. Can't I just really, really like monkeys?"
The quiet continued...
"Thurg like monekys."
Geb smiled. "It's settled, then. Welcome, Mr..."
"Bibby. Mr. Bibby. I know. Don't laugh, please."
Concept
SpoilerDeath delver has three feature that seem independent, like the Monk's abilities. Fear Aura is a cha-based fear effect. Deadened Soul lets you ignore fear effects. Mantle of Life increases your allies' will Saves. How can you make these interact? Answer: get a whole bunch of fear effects flying around indiscriminately. You won't care, your allies will keep their cool, and you can up the ante with a standard action. The next question is thus: what do you do to get tons of fear effects all over the place?
The optimization muses have shown me the way. It involves monkeys with shivs, apparently.
Build: The Simian Legion
SpoilerMr. Bibby is a LN Human, with the following point buy array:
STR - 8
DEX - 15
CON - 12
INT - 16
WIS - 12
CHA - 14
Take Sylvan as one of your bonus languages. Just do it; I'll tell you why later.
For ease of reading, the progression is Human Paragon 1/Wizard 3/Human Paragon 2/Death Delver 10/Sanctified One 1/Marshal 1/Geomancer 2.
The Simian Legion
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Human Paragon 1|+0|+0|+0|+2|4 Handle Animal, 4 Concentration, 2 Heal, 4 Sense Motive, 4 Knowledge (Nature), 4 Diplomacy, 4 Bluff, 4 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 2 Knowledge (Religion)|Two-Weapon Fighting, Travel Devotion|Adaptive Learning (Handle Animal)
2nd|(Fighter Bonus Feat Variant) Wizard 1|+0|+0|+0|+4| 5 Handle Animal, 5 Concentration, 2 Heal, 4 Sense Motive, 4 Knowledge (Nature), 4 Diplomacy, 5 Bluff, 5 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 2 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 1 Spellcraft|Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Gnome Quickrazor)|Summon Familiar
3rd|(FBF) Wizard 2|+1|+0|+0|+5|6 Handle Animal, 6 Concentration, 2 Heal, 4 Sense Motive, 4 Knowledge (Nature), 4 Diplomacy, 5 Bluff, 6 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 2 Spellcraft|Spellrazor|
4th|(FBF) Wizard 3|+1|+1|+1|+5|7 Handle Animal, 7 Concentration, 2 Heal, 4 Sense Motive, 4 Knowledge (Nature), 5 Diplomacy, 5 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 3 Spellcraft||
5th|Human Paragon 2|+2|+1|+1|+6|8 Handle Animal, 8 Concentration, 2 Heal, 5 Sense Motive, 5 Knowledge (Nature), 7 Diplomacy, 7 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft|Fell Frighten|Bonus Feat
6th|Human Paragon 3|+3|+2|+2|+6|9 Handle Animal, 9 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 7 Knowledge (Nature), 8 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft|Craft Magic Arms and Armor|Ability Increase (+2 Charisma)
7th|Death Delver 1|+3|+4|+2|+8|10 Handle Animal, 10 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 10 Knowledge (Nature), 9.5 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, Craft (Armorsmithing) 1||Deathsense, Rebuke Undead
8th|Death Delver 2|+4|+5|+2|+9| 11 Handle Animal, 11 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 11 Knowledge (Nature), 11 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 2 Craft (Armorsmithing)||Deadened soul, Spontaneous Casting
9th|Death Delver 3|+5|+5|+3|+9| 12 Handle Animal, 12 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 12 Knowledge (Nature), 12 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 3 Craft (Armorsmithing) |Touch of Healing|Death Ward 1/day
10th|Death Delver 4|+6/+1|+6|+4|+10| 13 Handle Animal, 13 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 13 Knowledge (Nature), 13 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 4 Craft (Armorsmithing)||Diehard
11th|Death Delver 5|+6/+1|+6|+4|+10|14 Handle Animal, 14 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 14 Knowledge (Nature), 14 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 1 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 5 Craft (Armorsmithing)||Fear Aura
12th|Death Delver 6|+7/+2|+7|+5|+11| 15 Handle Animal, 15 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 15 Knowledge (Nature), 15 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 2 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing)|Practiced Spellcaster (Death Delver)|Death Ward 2/day
13th|Death Delver 7|+8/+3|+7|+5|+11| 16 Handle Animal, 16 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 16 Knowledge (Nature), 16 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 4 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing)||Cheat Death
14th|Death Delver 8|+9/+4|+8|+5|+12| 17 Handle Animal, 17 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 17 Knowledge (Nature), 17 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 4 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing)||Mantle of Life
15th|Death Delver 9|+9/+4|+8|+6|+12| 18 Handle Animal, 18 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 18 Knowledge (Nature), 18 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 6 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing)|Craft Contingent Spell|Death Ward 3/day
16th|Death Delver 10|+10/+5|+9|+6|+12| 19 Handle Animal, 19 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 19 Knowledge (Nature), 19 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 6 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing), Survival 1||Nine Lives
17th|Sanctified One of Wee Jas 1|+10/+5|+11|+8|+14|20 Handle Animal, 20 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 20 Knowledge (Nature), 20 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 6 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing), Survival 2||Sanctified Fall
18th|Marshal 1|+10/+5|+13|+8|+16| 21 Handle Animal, 21 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 21 Knowledge (Nature), 21 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 6 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing), Survival 6|Skill Focus (Handle Animal)|Skill Focus (Diplomacy)
19th|Geomancer 1|+10/+5|+15|+8|+18|22 Handle Animal, 22 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 22 Knowledge (Nature), 22 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 6 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing), Survival 11||Drift 1, Spell Versatility 0
20th|Geomancer 2|+12/+7/+2|+16|+8|+19|23 Handle Animal, 23 Concentration, 2 Heal, 7 Sense Motive, 23 Knowledge (Nature), 23 Diplomacy, 8 Bluff, 7 Craft (Weaponsmithing), 6 Knowledge (Religion), 6 Knowledge (Arcana), 5 Spellcraft, 6 Craft (Armorsmithing), Survival 14, Speak Language (Monkey)||Drift 1, Spell Versatility 1, ley lines +1
[/table]
Spells
Spoiler
Spells per Day (Wizard)
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2nd|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3rd|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4th|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5th|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|4|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-
…|4|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-
19th|4|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-
20th|4|6|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
Spells per Day (Death Delver)
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
7th|-|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
8th|-|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
9th|-|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
10th|-|2|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
11th|-|2|2|0|-|-|-|-|-|-
12th|-|2|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-
13th|-|3|2|1|0|-|-|-|-|-
14th|-|3|2|1|1|-|-|-|-|-
15th|-|3|3|1|1|-|-|-|-|-
16th|-|3|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-
…|-|3|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-
20th|-|3|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
Level breakdown: a guide to managing The Simian Legion
SpoilerLevel 5
SpoilerMr. Bibby started off only being able to contribute as a party face and crossbow user, but his shtick becomes recognizeable by level 5. He has access to the powerful debuff of Fell Frighten Sonic Snap. That's a no-save fear effect, and solves boss fights in two rounds. 2nd-level Wizard spells help, and he can use the Spellrazor feat, allowing him to attack and Shocking Grasp/Lesser Shivering Touch in the same round. Travel Devotion has been a boon since level one, as he's spending his move and standard action to help out ever since. He doesn't have Weapon Finesse, but that's because you can buy the equivalent. Mr. Bibby would really like it if he had a masterwork feycraft Gnome Quickrazor, but those don't exactly go on sale. That's why you're going to make your own. With your Knowledge (Nature), fluency in Sylvan, and +12 Diplomacy modifier, you have a good shot at talking to a fey without getting Seelie-smacked because your rhoticism sounds too blue, or whatever. Get mentally influenced, then craft your toy. It'll be useful later.
I'll get to the point. You're Mr. Bibby. You have monkeys. Your Handle Animal modifier started at +6, enough to rear a monkey by taking 10, so you could concievably have them in your backstory. At level 5, you have a mod of +12 with an Animal Handler's Kit. You can take 10 to train monkeys to attack. Further, you can spend 30gp to buy a 3-minute casting of Speak With Animals, enough time to Diplomacy a wild animal from Unfriendly to Helpful if you take 10. It's also become possible to rear animals of up to 7-HD. You could be boring and get fleshrakers, but it's much more interesting to get more monkeys. Or Dire Apes. Dire Apes are awesome.
I should probably mention that you're not specializing as a Wizard. Enchantment helps your party face role, banning Necromancy removes Shivering Touch and is a flavor clash considering what prestige class you're going into, and you can't ban Evocation without losing Sonic Snap. All of the schools that actually make sense to ban will hurt you if you do, so Mr. Bibby is a generalist. (Yes, we're keeping Evocation because of a cantrip. It's baffling how optimization goes, isn't it?)
Also, if your DM lets you have a monkey familiar, or take the animal companion variant to get a moneky companion, do it.
Level 10
SpoilerMr. Bibby has a wishlist. Blow your weapon budget on enhancing your toy into a +1 Spell Storing toy. Make the +1 part yourself. You spent that feat for a reason, after all. With Spellrazor, you can now essentially cast two touch spells in the first round of combat. You got 3rd-level Wizard spells at level 6. (Everyone here knows what Shivering Touch does, right?) Also, go get some Pandemonic Silver. Under the description in Complete Warrior, it can be used to coat the surface of a weapon, so it's reasonable for you to be able to add it on now. By crafting, you can do this for 3000. Your toy is complete.
If you're unfamiliar with them, Pandemonic Silver and Gnome Quickrazors have a lovely inteaction. Pandemonic Silver weapons, when drawn, cause enemies nearby to cower unless they save against a fear effect with a DC depending on the strength of the wind. Gnome Quickrazors are drawn as part of every attack. This means that, as a full-round action using Spellrazor, you can blast with two touch spells and toss out a fear effect.
Here's the interesting part: In seeing so many of your monkeys and apes die in combat, Mr. Bibby has become interested in the process of death, and more importantly, how to stop it. He's also probably taken his share of knocks, considering his hit dice. He enters Death Delver at level 7, and Travel Devotion becomes a lot more reliable all of the sudden. Thanks to Spontaneous Casting, you always have a healing spell "available to cast", if you don't spend that 2nd-level slot. Touch of Healing, at level 9, allows you to partially heal your army of monkeys after a battle for no cost except time. (I am assuming that you have a Periapt of Wisdom +2 by now. The cleric that's been babysitting your friggin' chimps for eight levels can give you it as a handmedown.) Death Delver also has Remove Fear available, and the barbarian is probably going to fail his will save against your screaming toy's fear effect a few times, so you can get him to stop whining.
Handle Animal has gone up to +16, with another +2 if you use the kit. You've been interested ever since level 8, because that mod of +14 (+16 kit) is enough to take 10 on turning apes into Warbeasts. They are now more relevant to combat. By level 9, you can do the same with Dire Apes. At level 10, you can rear animals of Hit Dice up to 13, including the Legendary Ape. If you need to go get these big nasties without being eaten, your +20 Diplomacy mod will serve you well; make a rushed check to immediately shut down an Unfriendly beast. Note that since animals gain a Hit Die when they become Warbeasts, Dire Apes hit 6HD. Ask if you can train them how to use Gnome Quickrazors, as they have suitable hands. This gives them Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Gnome Quickrazor) as the feat for that hit die. Don't count on this, though, and it's not important until...
Level 13 (sweet spot)
SpoilerThe Simian Legion suddenly becomes a thing. Everything from monkeys to Warbeast Legendary Apes begins throwing out fear effects like it's their job, which it is. All you need to do is outfit them with Pandemonic Silver Gnome Quickrazors. Of course, they have to be Skillful weapons, since monkeys are not usually proficient. But how are you going to acquire so many +1 Skillful Pandemonic Silver Gnome Quickrazors? That's madness and implausible.
You are Mr. Bibby. You find a way.
Get more Pandemonic Silver. Borrow the party's Wizard, and buy scrolls of Fabricate and Tenser's Transformation, and the inks necessary to scribe them, so the wizard does not have an excuse. Ask him to prepare them during one of your downtime days, then assist you during crafting by providing those prerequisites. With the necessary spells supplied, you just have to foot the bill and supply the caster level for Skillful, which is going to be a pain to...hmm, Death Delver's caster level doesn't increase at half the usual rate, unlike other casters that only go up to 4th level spells? Interesting! Practiced Spellcaster gets you to CL 11 at level 13, then!
Next, churn out twice as many +1 Skillful Morphing Pandemonic Silver Shuriken as you have simians. Get cracking on this earlier in the game if you have the resources, particularly if you could give Warbeast Dire Apes the proficieny, but the Skillful enhancement has to wait until level 13. Due to the ammunition pricing rules, 50 of these things cost 32,010 gp. But they're thrown weapons, which was why you could add Morphing. Now, morph them individually into Gnome Quickrazors. Since ape and monkeys have opposable thumbs, they can weild these weapons. Train them to do two-weapon fighting; the penalties don't matter becuase they're not the point. Check it out: with creativity, you can outfit a simian with a Pandemonic Silver Gnome Quickrazor for 640.1 gp a pop, reduced to 160.1 gp for ideal Dire Apes! Not bad.
How is this relevant to Death Delver, you ask? Because you're immune to those fear effects that will be flying about, and as mentioned earlier, you have Fear Aura. Now, it takes even less effort to assist in the debuffing; you can make multiple enemies shaken at once, let your monkeys clean up, and the ones that are still there just get a Fell Frighten Magic Missle to bump them to frightened. If your monkeys scare each other and go running, catch up with Travel Devotion and use your rapidly growing stock of Remove Fear spells. Let's put it this way: everything that isn't immune to fear pretty much automatically loses now. This is the core of the Simian Legion: Death Delver's abilities let you marshal an army of fearmonkeys. Ba-dum-tsh.
You may have to train the monkeys the Attack trick again, and Stay is a good one to keep them from running away if you can't Remove Fear them in time. Easy, with your mod of +19, +21 with a kit. You are now capable of rearing 1HD magical beasts by taking 10, if you are so inclined.
Level 15
SpoilerMantle of Life, finally. Your monkeys don't run away so much any more, because you said so. Death Delver + Pracitced Spellcaster gives you access to Craft Contingent Spell, which becomes relevant next level. You've spent a lot of money, so it's a good thing that Death Ward is lasting all day now and you don't have to make Soulfire armor. Diplomacy reaches +25, which is bringing you into the realm of "Diplomancer". Speak With Animals, take 10, the Battletitan no longer wants to kill you. Handle Animal is +21/+23, which doesn't let you do anything you couldn't do earlier. This is a boring level, really.
Level 20
SpoilerI'm going to talk about level 17 instead. In the wake of his insights into the nature of death, the church of Wee Jas--a death goddess--has found it fit to reward him. He becomes a Santified One, while an army of simians wait outside the church.
Here's the combo: Craft Contingent Benign Transposition on your allies, set to go off whenever an attack next to them would kill them, will automatically switch your position with them. Due to Nine Lives, you won't die, and due to Sancitifed Fall, you can cast a spell or make an attack--Shivering Touch, Fell Frighten Magic Missle, or a Gnome Quickrazor attack containing one of the two. The assailant is taken care of in whichever manner you like. When your turn rolls around, you're still up thanks to Diehard (thanks, Death Delver) and can Touch of Healing yourself back to normal (thanks, Death Delver!)
In case it needs to be spelled out: "I spend a life. The other guy dies instead."
Now, level 20. The Geomancer levels are mostly fluff, because your effectiveness still depends on the Simian Legion. You do get 4th-level Wizard spells, though. (If you don't know what Mr. Bibby wants to polymorph into, chances are you've been skimming.) I'm sure you can afford a Cloak of Charisma +6 by now, so Handle Animal hits +38/+40. You've learned to be a marshal from 17 levels of monkey directing, and that Motivate Charisma pays off. You can find yourself walking around with a posse of hydras and chronotryns rather easily. +42 Diplomacy solves NPCs and hostile monkeys, and can create fanatics.
You also gain your a iterative attack. If you have Gloves of the Balanced Hand, and have borrowed one of those Pandemonic Silver Gnome Quickrazors that are supposed to be for the monkeys, you can make five fear-effect attacks in one round.
Two drifts from geomancer--the tail and the fur--change Mr. Bibby's appearance to that of an overgrown monkey. One day, before hitting epic levels, he retires deep into the forest, to live the rest of his live with his friends.
...No, Speak Language (Monkey) is not a valid option, but is the DM going to argue when you're about to retire?
Wishlist
SpoilerA supply of Pandemonic Silver
Gloves of the Balanced Hand
Cloak of Charisma +6
Periapt of Wisdom +2
A fey to consort with
Scrolls of Fabricate and Tenser's Transformation, and the party wizard
Masterwork Tools
Custom item of Handle Animal
Custom item of continuous Speak With Animals (big help!)
Sources
SpoilerSRD
Unearthed Arcana (Human Paragon, Wizard Variant)
Miniatures Handbook (Marshal)
Complete Champion (Touch of Healing, Sanctified One of Wee Jas, Travel Devotion)
Complete Adventurer (Animal Handler's Kit)
Complete Divine (Geomancer, Practiced Spellcaster)
Complete Warrior (Pandemonic Silver)
Heroes of Horror (Secret Ingredient)
Races of Stone (Gnome Quickrazor, Spellrazor)
Libris Mortis (Fell Frighten)
Spell Compendium (Sonic Snap)
Frostburn (Shivering Touch, Lesser Shivering Touch)
Monster Manual II (Legendary Ape, Warbeast)
Variant: Half-Fey Mr. Bibby
SpoilerIf you start the game at middling levels and/or LA buyoff is allowed, the Half-Fey template is an excellent addition to Mr. Bibby. It doesn't hurt his Charisma-based checks, allows him to make his toy without outside assistance, arguably extends his lifespan (relevant when you want to rear lots of animals), and allows you to use Point Buy more effeciently because it increases Dexterity. Combine that with permaflight, SLAs, and a party face spell at will, and the only thing stopping you from taking this is the fact that you will be very weak at low levels. If you do play the Half-Fey Mr. Bibby, but are not allowed LA buyoff, lose the Geomancer levels at the end of the build.
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2012-07-28, 06:35 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Showing off is the fool's idea of glory. - Bruce Lee
Originally Posted by Parsifal the Fool
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2012-07-28, 06:37 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
That's the last of them, folks. Ready, set, JUDGE!
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2012-07-28, 06:37 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2011
- Gender
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2012-07-28, 06:59 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2011
- Location
- Minnesnowta
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
The build I was working on was Paladin of Freedom 4, Battle Dancer 1, Death Delver 9, Risen Martyr 6 with Vow of Poverty (no, I'm not sure why I keep trying to use Vow of Poverty in IC all the time either). It picks up Cha to AC twice, has both a Rebuking and Turning pool, fueling Divine Metamagic, and Risen Martyr taking the place of the 10th Death Delver level was an interesting idea to me. I wish I had found a way to get the thing functional. Always next time, and good luck to the contestants!
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2012-07-28, 07:10 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Feb 2012
- Location
- <<Undetected>>
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Azurin Cleric of Helm (Azurin sub level for channel incarnum), picking up Sacred Exorcist for explicit turning and Death Delver for explicit rebuke. Law and Planning domains, picking up Persist and DMM persist at level 1. Shape Soulmeld rageclaws so he can act when negative HP, also divine soul power and a bunch of extra turning so he could expand his three turning pools several times and persist almost any spell.
Just needed about 6 hours I couldn't find to pull it together.Blank 3.5 Character Creator Iron Chef Style Tables (in Google Sheets)
Chairman Emeritus of Zinc Saucier.
Avatar by Derjuin, sing her praises to Elysium.
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2012-07-28, 07:47 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2012
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
What I was thinking Monk 4/ Ur Priest 6/ Death delver 10
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2012-07-28, 08:01 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2011
- Location
- The Great White North
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Monk 4 can't qualify for Ur-Priest (both max ranks (requires 8 ranks in Spellcraft, minimum level 5) and sheer amount (most of the skill requirements aren't class skills for the monk).
And that build looks pretty sweet, Mentieth - shame you couldn't get it together in time.
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2012-07-28, 08:37 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Bellona
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
Some very nice builds here - and a lot of funny overlap in ways I did not expect!
Oddly enough, my first build thought was the EXACT build of one of these here - different feat choices but same exact race/class combos, and similar fluff. I won't say which one until after the chefs are revealed, but I am very relieved to have dodged a bullet on that one!Last edited by Piggy Knowles; 2012-08-20 at 04:28 PM.
Optimization Showcase in the Playground
Former projects:
Shadowcaster Handbook
Archer Build Compendium
Iron Chef Awards!
Spoiler
GOLD
IC LXXVI: Talos
IC LXXV: Alphonse Louise Constant
IC XLIX: Babalon, Queen of Bones
IC XLV: Dead Mists
IC XL: Lycus Blackbeak
IC XXXIX: AM-1468
IC XXXV: Parsifal the Fool
IC XXX: Jal Filius
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2012-07-28, 08:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jun 2012
- Location
- Richland, WA
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
I didn't realize Warforged and Death Delver was a popular combo, apparently I need to brush up on my metagame.
I am what lurks under your bridge, I am the troll...
Not sure about what I said, go back highlight it with your mouse and wham it's magically blue for sarcasm, so like everything on the internet take it with a grain of salt.
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2012-07-28, 08:54 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Nov 2011
- Gender
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2012-07-28, 10:27 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Jan 2012
- Location
- Here
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XXXV
I don't think the Death Delver has been in any popular combos...
Alas buying a house knocked me out of competing this round but if it looks like another judge is needed I do love the ingredient.
My Jordain Vizier/Death Delver Necromancer's assistant, Resident Evil style death delver/psion, and my third build which is remarkable close to one posted will have to remain incomplete.