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2013-01-20, 07:19 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
I hear he's also conquered the dangers of the Fire Swamp.
Originally Posted by Dread Roberts
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2013-01-20, 07:23 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
And your little dog, too!
Originally Posted by Neewa
Neewa
Winged Monkey of Oz
Coolness factors
- Flying Blue Monkeys are Cool
- He's wearing a Fez, and everyone knows Fez are cool
- He's even wearing a bow tie (honest!), bow ties are cool
- oh and...9th level casting any sorcerer/wizard spells +Air, Chaos, Earth, Fire, Knowledge, Law, Luck, Sun, and Water domain
- Binder EBL=14
So their I was just menacing a bunch of munchkins for the wicked witch, I fink you call em halflings and she's all "give me your children... Or I'll turn your leader in to a newt..." And a bloody great big house lands on her head!I means a sodding great big wooden house... BAM! Kerr-splat..Just her skinny legs poking out... And her ruby shoes...
Anyways iz scarper and takes to the air to assess the situation..Witchy isn't moving and the munchkins aren't doing nothing and then this blond haired girl steps out, wiv her familiar a scruffy looking dog...
Now I can sense a disturbance in the force as Witchy karks it..And low and behold that fairy goody two shoes from up north comes air walking in... So I creep closer and have a gander
"oh no, your amongst the little people now" she says and starts talking to this blond haired witch calling her self Dorothy, from the land of Can-Ziss, came with her dog familiar Toto or sumfink , "didn't mean to land the house on the witch"
Anyhows the northern fairy bint says she can't do plannar travel and she should go see the artificer Oz in the Emerald city.. She even gives Dorothy the ruby slippers, so she can bay that old con artist Oz, the cheek...I should have got them as severance pay, I mean do they know how hard it is for a winged monkey to get work ... Plus the fact I'm gonna have to learn a new trade now.
So I buggers off, and flys to ransack the old girls house in the woods, before anyone else gets there...
I has a think and then sets of for the old girls sister... Another wicked witch, we this one at lease may be able to teach me her style of magic, binding or something..
So WitchySis is right royally pissed, going on about the bloody ruby slippers and how this upstart Dorothy killed her sister.. Sends me and a couple of mates to track her down and kidnap her... I demand payment and a suitable training regime is put in place, she even introduces me to one of the vestiges... Nasty looking thing, but hey Monkeys got to make a living...
Well I'm good at me job and eventually we've tracked down Dorothy, and she's managed to team up with a few others including a warforged, and a cat-folk, and some awakened construct of a scare crow... I suppose it makes sense heading to that Artificer quack Oz, seeking upgrades...
Any how we manage to grab Dorothy and get her back to the WitchySis's mountain fortress and I wake her up with one of my special kisses...Up she jumps, and before you can say "I'm a monkeys uncle" ( I am actually)She throws a bucket of water over WitchySis, and WitchySis starts melting, I mean normal bucket of water, shouldn't do anything then realize that that witch Dorothy, must have cast a silent, stilled spell of bless water or somethingWitchySis, contingency spells and ward packs protect her from nearly anything but not holy water... So she melts and Dorothy leaves to go and collect her reward and then tries to buggers off in some planar traveling contraption Oz has cobbled together, which he messes up and goes himself.
Goody two shoes fairy witch turns up and she's been working on what magic the ruby slippers have, and se realizes that they are in fact plannar traveling shoes, now what arr the chances of that!
She then sends Dorothy home, and has become the most powerful Witch in Oz, I must say she is a fiend whet comes to these power plays. Well played I say..
Well this is too much I loose two good employers in as many weeks, it's not gonna look good on my resume, I can tell you!
Then I starts thinking.... Im all alone in a mountain fortress full of magical books, and stuff, it's impossible to get in to unless you can fly. I have all the stuff from her sister Witchy as well.
So I go and consolidate my new found wealthy, lay low for a few years to train up my skills, I think revenge is in order, I mean what kind of evil genius for a better tomorrow would I be if I let some goody two shoes upstart kill off two of Oz premier power-brokers....
So I learn more and more about both sisters magic, and then I realize I can combine them both... And start to research this.
I start to clean out the rest of the area, and for many years I'm having to defend my castle from the incursions of good parties wanting to rid the land of evil, and there ain't much of a resistance Fromm team evil at the moment, the power vacume hasn't been filled. And then to top it all off some of team evil decide to go solo and try and take my castle!
Well one succeeded, that charlatan Oz, he came back, said Can-Ziss, was boring, and not to his liking, so he decided to take my castle. Butit cost him 90% of his forces and the castle is now a ruin. I managed to get away with some decent trinkets, and some stuff, including Ozplanar travel gizmo.
It didn't take me to Can-Ziss, but did take me to another realm, odd place this, they have never seen my kind before, or the way I cast magic.. It's been working to my advantage, but the spirits here are influencing meI woke up on the first night here and all my old fur had come back, and my voice had changed with in a week of fighting off the local inhabitants of a tower in a wild dark forest.
The tower is impressive, lovely mountains in the background, river and stream. But it looks as if there was a massive battle here once, and loads of trees have over grown the whole area, and it looks as if someone did some mining in the area. Loads of Orc and black Orc ghosts...Oh and a signs of munchkins, bless their hairy little feet...
Over the ensuing years I kept researching where Can-Ziss was, and the where-abouts the Witch Dorothy lives... I think I'll pay her a visit, give her my warmest regards...
Race
- Vanaras (OA) +2 Intelligence, +2 Wisdom, -2 Strength Monkey-people
- Unseelie fae (DMC): -2 Strength, +2 Dexterity, -2 Constitution, +2 Charisma
- total stat changes: -4 Strength, +2 Dexterity -2 Constitution, +2 Intelligence,+2 Wisdom, +2 Charisma
- Unseelie fae, Wings (fly 60'), Darkvision 60 ft, +4 racial bonus to Intimidate, Vernal Touch (Su), Damage Reduction:Cold Iron, Iron Vulnerability (Ex)
- Vernal Touch (Su): To receive a vernal touch is like being kissed by springtime itself, full of life and promise. At will, as a standard action, the seelie fey can touch a creature with a vernal touch. This touch removes dazed, nauseated, fatigued, and exhausted conditions from living creatures. For undead creatures, a seelie court fey's touch attack acts like a cleric's ability to turn undead with a cleric level equal to the unseelie fey's total Hit Dice -2. Unlike a cleric's turn ability, each use of vernal touch affects only the touched undead.
- Iron Vulnerability (Ex): The mere touch of iron (including steel) deals point of damage to the unseelie fey. A hit with an iron or steel weapon deals an additional +1d6 points of damage. Unseelie fey with more than 12 Hit Dice gain damage reduction, which protects them from most of this vulnerability. When an unseelie fey of 12 or more Hit Dice is hit with or touched by an iron weapon, calculate damage including the bonus for iron vulnerability (1 point for a touch or normal damage +1d6 for a successful attack) and then apply the creature's damage reduction.
Stats
- Str 10/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 12/Wis 08/Cha 18 (32 pt buy)
- Str 06/Dex 14/Con 12/Int 14/Wis 10/Cha 20 (racial) + level ups and items
Build Notes
- Keep Dipolomacy Maxed
- Get Bluff, and Sense Motive to5 Ranks ASAP, for synergy
- Get Spellcaft and Conentration next
Neewa
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1 | Sha'ir 1 | +0 | +0 | +0 | +2 | Bluff 4 , Diplomacy 4 , Knowledge (the planes) 4 | Versatile Spellcaster, flaw(Extend Spell) | Summon gen familiar
2 | Binder 1 | +0 | +2 | +0 | +2 | Diplomacy 5, Intimidate 3 | - | Soul Binding (1 vestige)
3 | Binder 2 | +1 | +3 | +0 | +3 | Diplomacy 6, Intimidate 4, Bluff 5, Sense Motive 1 | Improved Binding | Pact augmentation (1 ability), suppress sign
4 | Anima Mage 1st| +0| +0| +0| +2| - | - | Soul binding 1 , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
5 | Anima Mage 2nd| +1| +0| +0| +3| - | - | Exploit vestige, soul binding 2 , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
6 | Anima Mage 3rd| +1| +1| +1| +3| - | Arcane Preparation | Soul binding 3, vestigial awareness , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
7 | Anima Mage 4th| +2| +1| +1| +4| - | - | Soul binding 4 , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
8 | Anima Mage 5th| +2| +1| +1| +4| - | - | Soul binding 5, vestige metamagic (1/day) , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
9 | Anima Mage 6th| +3| +2| +2| +5| - | Persistent Spell | Soul binding 6 , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
10 | Anima Mage 7th| +3| +2| +2| +5| - | - | Soul binding 7, vestige metamagic (2/day) , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
11 | Anima Mage 8th| +4| +2| +2| +6| - | - | Soul binding 8 , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
12 | Anima Mage 9th| +4| +3| +3| +6| - | - | Soul binding 9, vestige metamagic (3/day) , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
13 | Anima Mage 10th| +5| +3| +3| +7| - | - | Soul binding 10, vestige casting , +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting class
14 | Geomancer 1st| +0| +2| +0| +2 | - | - | Drift 1, spell versatility 0, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
15 | Geomancer 2nd| +1| +3| +0| +3 | - | -| Drift 1, ley lines +1, spell versatility 1, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
16 | Geomancer 3rd| +2| +3| +1| +3 | - | - | Drift 2, spell versatility 2, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
17 | Geomancer 4th| +3| +4| +1| +4 | - | - | Drift 2, spell versatility 3, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
18 | Geomancer 5th| +3| +4| +1| +4 | - | - | Drift 3, spell versatility 4, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
19 | Geomancer 6th| +4| +5| +2| +5 | - | - | Drift 3, ley lines +2, spell versatility 5, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
20 | Geomancer 7th| +5| +5| +2| +5 | - | -| Drift 4, spell versatility 6, +1 level of existing spellcasting class
[/table]
Tricks
- Sha'ir only retain spells retrieved in memory for Sha'ir class level/hours after this time the spell has to be fetched again. To get round this the feat: Arcane Preparation, can be used to fill the slots with any of the spells known list of the appropriate level, and these slots will not empty until cast
- With Naberius bound, we get to take 10 on Diplomacy checks!
- With Sense Motive and Bluff at Ranks 5+, we get +4 Synergy bonus to Diplomacy
- With stage 2 drift, "You become as comely as a dryad" we gain a +4 bonus on Diplomacy
- Courtier's Obi (belt, 2k OA pg 140) +10 circumstance bonus to Dipolomacy
- "FEZ"; Admirals Bicorne (Stormwrack, 50k) +5 unnamed bonus to Charisma rolls, +5 leadership, +5 Profession (sailor), +2 morale bonus to attacks, saves and skill checks, amplify your voice 100'.
- With Astaroth bound You gain a +4 competence bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks.
- With Astaroth bound we gain a Magic Item Creation feat (swapable every time we bind Astaroth)
- With Zceryll bound we get 100 feet Telepathy and the Mindsight feat
- With Zceryll bound we get the pseudonatural template
- With Zceryll bound we get to use Summon Monster I-VII list with the pseudonatural template 1/5 rounds
- Use Heroics to get Martial Study
- Persist 3 spells a day via vestige metamagic
- Dipolomacy 56, and you can take 10
- oh and you have a familiar too...
Combat
Here you can pretty much pick what you need, as you can tailor your spells, and persist 3 of them.
I'm not goign to put much detail in here reguarding your spell choices, but depending upon what type of sorcerer/wizard you want you can tailor the spells to match, oh and swap out, if and when you need.
As an example I'll mention the Polymorph spells shinanigans
If you wanted to use your geomancer given natural attacks then polymorph may be your answer- Polymorph - all binder and geomancer effects are class features so transpose over
- Draconic Polymorph in to a Hydra, but it has all the drift effects as well
- Persist Draconic Polymorph (if Zceryll, your an Outsider, with the psudonatural template)
- Persist Wraithstrike
Spells Known
- Sha'ir can get use their slots to get any spell on the Sorcerer/Wizards spell list, and a from any of the following domains (which are cast as divine spells) Air, Chaos, Earth, Fire, Knowledge, Law, Luck, Sun, and Water.
- Their spell known list only gives them a bonus on the Diplomacy check needed to get the spells.
- Spells know - polymorph example load out, but you should pick your own. (see Sha'ir class for details)
- 0 level - 9:
- 1st level - 9:
- 2nd level - 9: Heroics, Wraithstrike
- 3rd level - 8:
- 4th level - 7:
- 5th level - 6: Dragonic Polymorph, Lord of the Sky
- 6th level - 5:
- 7th level - 4:
- 8th level - 3:
- 9th level - 2:
Class Features
- Soul Binding (EBL = 14)
Typical binds
Naberius- Naberius 1st (DC 15, 4 ranks in Bluff or Knowledge or Profession skill)
- Disguise Self (as spell, standard action)
- Faster Ability Healing (1 damage / round, 1 drain in all abilities / hour)
- Persuasive Words* (30', Command as spell, Suggestion at 14th, Will neg.)
- Silver Toungue (can take 10 on any Bluff or Diplomacy check, even if threatened, and as a standard action and don't suffer -10 for rushed check)
- Naberius's Skills (pick skills = Con that can't be used untrained, and can use them)
Zceryll, "The Star Spawn" - (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/frcc/20070718)- Zceryll 6th (DC 25)
- Alien form: While bound to Zceryll, you gain the pseudonatural template (page 161 of Complete Arcane).
- Alien Mind: Your mind is alien and does not work like that of a normal mortal. You are immune to confusion, insanity, and weird spells. In addition, you receive a +1 bonus per four binder levels on saving throws against mind-affecting effects.
- Bolts of Madness: You can fire a ray that dazes an opponent for 1d3 rounds. You must succeed on a ranged touch attack with a range of 100 ft. + 10 ft./binder level. A successful Will save negates the effect. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds.
- Summon Alien: You can summon any creature from the summon monster list that a sorcerer of your level could summon. Any creature you summon with this ability gains the pseudonatural template. Thus, at 10th level you could summon any creature from the summon monster I-V list. When you reach 14th level, you can summon any creature from the summon monster I-VII list. You can only summon creatures that can be affected by the pseudonatural template. Once you have used this ability, you cannot do so again for 5 rounds.
- Telepathy: You gain the telepathy ability with a range of 100 feet and the Mindsight feat (as described on page 126 of Lords of Madness).
Astaroth- (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070307a)- Astaroth 4th (DC 22)
- Angelic Lore: Astaroth constantly whispers the secrets of reality in the back of your mind, allowing you to draw on his own nigh-infinite knowledge. This functions as the bardic knowledge ability (PH 28), based on your effective binder level.
- Astaroth's Breath: Once every 5 rounds, you can exhale a 60-foot cone of foul-smelling gas. Creatures within the cone must make a Fortitude save or be nauseated for 1 round and sickened for an additional 1d4 rounds. Those who make the save are merely sickened for 1 round. Creatures immune to poison or disease are immune to this effect.
- Honeyed Tongue: You gain a +4 competence bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks.
- Master Craftsman: While bound to Astaroth, you gain a +4 competence bonus on all Craft checks. In addition, each time you bind with Astaroth, you may select one item creation feat as a temporary bonus feat. So long as you continue to bind with Astaroth, you may use that feat as though you possessed it normally; you must still spend all standard gold and XP for any item you create, and you must still provide all necessary spells for a given item. If your effective binder level is not at least as high as the necessary caster level to take a specific item creation feat, you cannot choose that feat. For instance, a 4th-level binder could not choose any item creation feat with a prerequisite of caster level 5th or higher.
- Word of Astaroth: You may make a suggestion, as the spell, with a caster level equal to your effective binder level. You must wait 5 rounds before attempting another suggestion, and at any given time, you may only have a total number of people under the effects of this ability equal to your Charisma bonus.
Drift- stage 1: Light, downy fur covers your skin.
- stage 1: Your voice sounds like a dog's, though it is still intelligible.
- stage 2: You become as comely as a dryad. (You gain a +4 bonus on Diplomacy checks.)
- stage 2: Your skin adapts like that of an octopus. (You can change color to blend with your surroundings, gaining a +4 bonus on Hide checks.) - mainly to keep me Blue.... I like being Blue!
- stage 3: Your fingers grow hawklike talons. (You gain Weapon Finesse and can make two claw attacks per round for 1d3 points of damage each.)
- stage 3: Your toes grow lionlike claws. (You can make two rake attacks for 1d4 points of damage each if you gain a hold on your target.)
- stage 4: You can trip like a wolf. (If you hit with a natural attack, you can attempt to trip your target as a free action; see the Wolf entry, page 283 of the Monster Manual.) - very useful in polymorph
Lay Line: +2 CL if in Forest terrain
Magic Items of note:
- "FEZ"; Admirals Bicorne (Stormwrack, 50k) +5 unnamed bonus to Charisma rolls, +5 leadership, +5 Profession (sailor), +2 morale bonus to attacks, saves and skill checks, amplify your voice 100'.
- Sudden Stunning Weapon
- Courtier's Obi (belt, 2k OA pg 140) +10 circumstance bonus to Dipolomacy
- The Veil of Allure (Sandstorm) grants a +2 save DC to all charisma-based supernatural abilities.
- usual standard tombs and such
Cite
- Sha'ir from dragon magazine compendium, p. 51
- Geomancer from Complete Divine variant, p. 41
Sha'ir Diplomacy checks (DC needed)
{table=head]Spell Level|Arcane/Divine|Arcane Known|[b]Divine (unknown)[b]
0 | 20 | 18 | 26
1 | 22 | 20 | 28
2 | 24 | 22 | 30
3 | 26 | 24 | 32
4 | 28 | 26 | 34
5 | 30 | 28 | 36
6 | 32 | 30 | 38
7 | 34 | 32 | 40
8 | 36 | 34 | 42
9 | 38 | 36 | 44
[/table]
NB- -1 per Sha'ir level
- +1 per increase in level caused by the use of a metamagic feat.
- +2 per attempt after a failed check the gen makes to retrieve the same spell in the same day.
Build Considerations
I went with taking a flaw to keep the monkey aspect of the character and as I wanted to tell the story of the Wizard of Oz from a flying winged monkey perspective. I could have taken human, and this would have given the extra feat, and more skill points. but I felt that the astetic was more worthwhile
There are many way to extend this character, picking your own binds, and spells, add in traits, and more flaws.
If Leadership was allowed you'd make an awesome leader, CHA primary, great diplomacy, decent magic items as well
But to reiterate, I'm a flying blue monkey in a fez and bowtie
Spells per day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st | 4 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
2nd | 5 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
3rd | 5 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
4th | 5 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
5th | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - | -
6th | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | -
7th | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | -
8th | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | - | -
9th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | -
10th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | -
11th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | - | -
12th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | - | - | -
13th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | - | -
14th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | - | -
15th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 1 | -
16th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3 | -
17th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 3 | -
18th | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4 | 3
[/table]
Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st | 5 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
2nd | 6 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
3rd | 6 | 4 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
4th | 7 | 4 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
5th | 7 | 5 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | -
6th | 8 | 5 | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | -
7th | 8 | 6 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | -
8th | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | -
9th | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | - | -
10th | 9 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | -
11th | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | -
12th | 9 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | - | -
13th | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | - | - | -
14th | 9 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | -
15th | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | - | -
16th | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | -
17th | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | -
18th | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2
[/table]
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2013-01-20, 07:28 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
"One with the land" doesn't even begin to cover it.
Originally Posted by Geto the Hermit
General Info
SpoilerName: Geto the Hermit
Race: Human (Mulan)
God: Grumbar
Alignment: Neutral
Size: Medium
Age: 30
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Vines
Languages*: Common, Mulhorandi, Rashemi, Shou, Terran, Sylvan, Undercommon, Draconic
*Languages were learned in the order listed
Stats:
Str 8
Dex10
Con 12
Int 12
Wis 14
Cha 18*
*Stat bump per four levels will raise Charisma to 22 natural
Class progression:
Cloistered Cleric 3/ Geomancer 9/ Sorcerer 1/ Geomancer 1/ Mystic Theurge 6
Geomancer casting increase allocation:
Levels 1-9 will raise Cleric Casting
Level 10 will raise Sorcerer Casting
Geto the HermitSpoiler
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Cloistered Cleric |+0|+2|+0|+2|Concentration 4, Knowledge (Arcana) 4, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 4, Knowledge (Nature) 4, Knowledge (Religion) 4, Speak Language 4, Spellcraft 4, Survival 2 |Extend Spell, Reach Spell, Improved Initiative(time domain)|Turn Undead, Lore
2nd|Cloistered Cleric |+1|+3|+0|+3| Concentration 5, Knowledge (Arcana) 5, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 5, Knowledge (Nature) 5, Knowledge (Religion) 5, Speak Language 5, Spellcraft 5, Survival 2.5 |-|-
3rd|Cloistered Cleric|+1|+3|+1|+3| Concentration 6, Knowledge (Arcana) 6, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 6, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 6, Survival 3 |Southern Magician|-
4th|Geomancer |+1|+5|+1|+5| Climb 1, Concentration 7, Knowledge (Arcana) 7, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 7, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 7, Survival 4 |-|Drift 1 (Hair becomes vines), Spell Versatility 0
5th| Geomancer |+2|+6|+1|+6| Climb 2, Concentration 8, Knowledge (Arcana) 8, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 8, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 8, Survival 5 |-|Drift 1 (Green bushy eyebrows), Ley Lines (Mountains) +1, Spell Versatility 1
6th| Geomancer |+3|+6|+2|+6| Climb 3, Concentration 9, Knowledge (Arcana) 9, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 9, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 9, Survival 6|Persistent Spell|Drift 2 (Lizard feet- +4 climb), Spell Versatility 2
7th| Geomancer |+4|+7|+2|+7| Climb 4, Concentration 10, Knowledge (Arcana) 10, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 10, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 10, Survival 7|-|Drift 2 (Sprout leaves and become photosynthetic), Spell Versatility 3
8th| Geomancer |+4|+7|+2|+7| Climb 5, Concentration 11, Knowledge (Arcana) 11, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 11, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 11, Survival 8|-|Drift 3 (Thorns grow on your body), Spell Versatility 4
9th| Geomancer |+5|+8|+3|+8| Climb 6, Concentration 12, Knowledge (Arcana) 12, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 12, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 12, Survival 9|Divine Metamagic (Persistent Spell)|Drift 3 (Fish Gills), Ley Lines (Mountains) +2, Spell Versatility 5
10th| Geomancer |+6|+8|+3|+8| Climb 7, Concentration 13, Knowledge (Arcana) 13, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 13, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 13, Survival 10|-|Drift 4 (Boar’s Ferocity- continue to fight without penalty even when disabled or dying), Spell Versatility 6
11th| Geomancer |+7|+9|+3|+9| Climb 8, Concentration 14, Knowledge (Arcana) 14, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 14, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 14, Survival 11|-|Drift 4 (Dog’s Nose- Scent out to a range of 30 feet), Spell Versatility 7
12th| Geomancer |+7|+9|+4|+9| Climb 9, Concentration 15, Knowledge (Arcana) 15, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 15, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 15, Survival 12|Wild Talent| Drift 5 (Senses of a bat- Blindsense 30 ft.), Spell Versatility 8
13th| Sorcerer |+7|+9|+4|+11| Climb 9.5, Concentration 16, Knowledge (Arcana) 16, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 15, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 16, Survival 12|-|-
14th|Geomancer|+8|+10|+4|+12| Climb 10.5, Concentration 17, Knowledge (Arcana) 17, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 17, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 17, Survival 12|-| Drift 5 (Earthworm tremorsense- sense anything in contact with the ground w/ 30ft.), Ley Lines (Mountains) +3, Spell Versatility 9
15th|Mystic Theurge|+8|+10|+4|+14| Climb 11, Concentration 18, Knowledge (Arcana) 18, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 17, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 18, Survival 12|Node Spellcasting|-
16th| Mystic Theurge |+9|+10|+4|+15| Climb 11, Concentration 19, Knowledge (Arcana) 19, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 17.5, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 19, Survival 12|-|-
17th| Mystic Theurge |+9|+11|+5|+15| Climb 11, Concentration 20, Knowledge (Arcana) 20, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 18, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 20, Survival 12|-|-
18th| Mystic Theurge |+10|+11|+5|+16| Climb 11, Concentration 21, Knowledge (Arcana) 21, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 18, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 21, Survival 12.5|Metanode Spell|-
19th| Mystic Theurge |+10|+11|+5|+16| Climb 11, Concentration 22, Knowledge (Arcana) 22, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 18.5, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 22, Survival 13|-|-
20th| Mystic Theurge |+11|+12|+6|+17| Climb 11, Concentration 23, Knowledge (Arcana) 23, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 6, Knowledge (Nature) 19, Knowledge (Religion) 6, Speak Language 6, Spellcraft 23, Survival 13|-|-[/table]
Cleric Spells
SpoilerCleric Spells per day
Spoiler{table=head]Level| Base CL|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st|1|3|1+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2nd|2|4|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3rd|3|4|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4th|4|5|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5th|5|5|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|6|5|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-
7th|7|6|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-
8th|8|6|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-
9th|9|6|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-
10th|10|6|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-
11th|11|6|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-
12th|12|6|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-
13th|12|6|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-
14th|12|6|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-
15th|13|6|5+1|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-
16th|14|6|5+1|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-
17th|15|6|5+1|5+1|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-
18th|16|6|5+1|5+1|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1|-
19th|17|6|5+1|5+1|5+1|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1
20th|18|6|5+1|5+1|5+1|5+1|4+1|4+1|3+1|3+1|2+1[/table]
Domains
SpoilerTime Domain
SpoilerGranted Powers: You gain Improved Initiative as a bonus feat.
Time Domain Spells
1.True Strike: You gain +20 on your next attack roll.
2.Gentle Repose: Preserves one corpse.
3.Haste: One creature/level moves faster, +1 on attack rolls, AC, and Reflex saves.
4.Freedom of Movement: Subject moves normally despite impediments.
5.Permanency: Makes certain spells permanent.
6.Contingency: Sets trigger condition for another spell.
7.Moment of Prescience: You gain insight bonus on single attack roll, check, or save.
8.Foresight: “Sixth sense” warns of impending danger.
9.Time Stop: You act freely for 1d4+1 rounds
Earth Domain
SpoilerGranted Power:Turn or destroy air creatures as a good cleric turns undead. Rebuke, command, or bolster earth creatures as an evil cleric rebukes undead. Use these abilities a total number of times per day equal to 3 + your Charisma modifier. This granted power is a supernatural ability.
Earth Domain Spells
1.Magic Stone: Three stones become +1 projectiles, 1d6 +1 damage.
2.Soften Earth and Stone: Turns stone to clay or dirt to sand or mud.
3.Stone Shape: Sculpts stone into any shape.
4.Spike Stones: Creatures in area take 1d8 damage, may be lowed.
5.Wall of Stone: Creates a stone wall that can be shaped.
6.Stoneskin M: Ignore 10 points of damage per attack.
7.Earthquake: Intense tremor shakes 80-ft.-radius.
8.Iron Body: Your body becomes living iron.
9.Elemental Swarm*: Summons multiple elementals.
*Cast as an earth spell only.
Knowledge Domain
SpoilerGranted Power: Add all Knowledge skills to your list of cleric class skills. You cast divination spells at +1 caster level.
Knowledge Domain Spells
1.Detect Secret Doors: Reveals hidden doors within 60 ft.
2.Detect Thoughts: Allows “listening” to surface thoughts.
3.Clairaudience/Clairvoyance: Hear or see at a distance for 1 min./level.
4.DivinationM: Provides useful advice for specific proposed actions.
5.True SeeingM: Lets you see all things as they really are.
6.Find the Path: Shows most direct way to a location.
7.Legend LoreMF: Lets you learn tales about a person, place, or thing.
8.Discern Location: Reveals exact location of creature or object.
9.Foresight: “Sixth sense” warns of impending danger.
Important Cleric Spells
SpoilerDelay Death- Pg 63 Spell Compendium: In conjunction with boar’s ferocity Drift, this spell allows Geto to act normally no matter how far into negatives he goes. Extend spell will often be used to gain a larger duration with this spell.
Dweomer of Transference- Pg 220 Expanded Psionics Handbook: Geto becomes a legal target of this spell at 12th lvl, and at 12th he can combo it with Contingency to gain its effects in combat. This spell will functionally stop all spells that try to affect Geto and convert their energy into power points. Extend will often be used to gain a larger duration with this spell. It is worth noting that while Dweomer of Transference is active Geto can still cast spells offensively; however Dweomer of Transference will convert all spells that target him or have him in their area, including his own. This will not affect spells already active on him when Dweomer of Transference takes effect.
Contingency- Time Domain Access, pg 213 Player’s Handbook: Used in conjunction with Dweomer of Transference to gain protection from spells in combat. Trigger: When Geto successfully casts delay death on himself the contingency will trigger. Will utilize extend on this spell. Multiple Contingencies can and will be saved up before the duration of the first ends, however only one triggered spell may be active at any time. When a new trigger activates a spell linked with contingency, the old triggered spell is replaced.
Divine Insight- pg 70 Spell Compendium: Useful for various skill checks and for tapping spellcraft checks to manipulate the powers of Nodes.
Guidance of the Avatar- Web Enhancement: Useful for various skill checks and for tapping spellcraft checks to manipulate the powers of Nodes.
Locate Node- Underdark pg 58-59: essential in the finding of Nodes. Greatly increases the chances of Geto having access to higher Class Nodes.
General Buff Spells- Examples: Sheltered Vitality (Spell Compendium pg 188) and Death Ward (player’s handbook pg 217)- It is important that anyone playing Geto familiarizes themselves with the available cleric buff spells, and which ones can be persisted with the use of reach spell, especially spells that grant valuable immunities. Note* Geto’s domains add access to a few buffs not normally granted on the cleric list.
Sorcerer Spells
Spoiler
Sorcerer Spells per day
Spoiler{table=head]Level| Base CL|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
13th|1|5|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
14th|2|6|4|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
15th|3|6|5|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
16th|4|6|6|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
17th|5|6|6|4|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
18th|6|6|6|5|3|-|-|-|-|-|-
19th|7|6|6|6|4|-|-|-|-|-|-
20th|8|6|6|6|5|3|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
Sorcerer Spells Known
Spoiler{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
13th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation|Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
14th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark|Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
15th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark|Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter, Hail of Stone|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
16th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Acid Splash| Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter, Hail of Stone |Wings of Cover|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
17th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Acid Splash| Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter, Hail of Stone, Magic Missile | Wings of Cover, Node Lock |-|-|-|-|-|-|-
18th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Acid Splash, Mending| Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter, Hail of Stone, Magic Missile | Wings of Cover, Node Lock |Primal Instinct|-|-|-|-|-|-
19th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Acid Splash, Mending| Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter, Hail of Stone, Magic Missile, True Strike | Wings of Cover, Node Lock, Heroics |Primal Instinct, Node Door |-|-|-|-|-|-
20th|Stick, Light, Detect Magic, Prestidigitation, Arcane Mark, Acid Splash, Mending, Ghost Sound| Lesser Orb of Acid, Nerveskitter, Hail of Stone, Magic Missile, True Strike| Wings of Cover, Node Lock, Heroics |Primal Instinct, Node Door|Wings of Flurry|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
Level Breakdown
SpoilerGeto, as a roleplay choice, looks towards the future in a lot of his character choices. This sets him slightly behind the power curve of other similar characters but has the benefit of making him scale exponentially in late game. He is by no means a “weak” character at any level as his classes are innately strong to begin with. All of this makes level 20 the sweet spot for Geto, although he gets large power jumps at 10, 12, and 18.
LVL 5
Southern magician has allowed Geto early entry into Geomancer.
He has the spell casting power of a 5th lvl cleric.
LVL 10
Boar’s Ferocity can now be combo’d with Delay Death to ignore hit point damage. This combo is susceptible to dispelling at this stage.
He has spellcasting of a 10th lvl cleric.
Divine Metamagic can be used to persistant spell one or more buffs (depending on current magic items).
LVL 15
Contingency Dweomer of Transference gives strong protection against magic.
Nerveskitter, Improved Initiative, and Moment of Prescience ensure a stout initiative modifier.
Delay Death becomes very powerful with Dweomer of Transference protecting it from dispels and other magical nullifications.
More buffs can be persisted via the use of reach spell, namely deathward and Sheltered Vitality.
All of these things together essentially make Geto unkillable while his buffs last.
Node Spellcasting and Ley Lines +3 give a large caster level increase to spells cast in a node. This greatly boosts his long duration buffs and spells cast while defending his node.
He may now use his charisma to set the DC’s of his cleric spells.
He may use his cleric caster level for his Sorcerer spells making them viable for use.
He may sacrifice any of his spells for a cure spell of an equivalent spell level.
He has the casting power of a 13th lvl cleric and a 3rd lvl sorcerer.
LVL 20
Metanode spell in conjunction with divine metamagic (persistent spell), extend spell, persistant spell and reach spell allow him to cast anywhere from a large list of all day buff spells to a extremely large list of all day buff spells, depending on the highest class of node he has found.
Foresight from his Time Domain ensures that he can always respond with an immediate action extended delay death which then activates his Contingency Extended Dweomer of Transference. Multiple extended delay deaths and contingent Extended Dweomer of Transference Spells will essentially increase the duration per day of this protection. In conjunction with a large list of immunities from all day buffs and his Boar’s Ferocity Drift class ability, this combo makes him almost impossible to stop.
His sorcerer spells provide reliable damage, useful buffs and some valuable utility.
He now has the casting power of an 18th lvl cleric and an 8th lvl sorcerer.
Story
SpoilerThe Perception
SpoilerDeep in the caves of the Sunrise Mountains near where the River Tir births and begins its journey west, Rashemi legend tells of a powerful spirit of the land. Some say he was a mere mortal from Thay who was chosen by the land. Others swear he is and always has been the earth embodied. But those who have bore witness to the creature all agree, whatever its origins, it is a genuine spirit of Rasheman now. Accounts say the creature has the shape of a man, but the plants of the forest grow out of him as if his flesh and the earth were one and the same. Even wilder rumors claim that no mortal magic or mortal blow can fell him.
The Reality
SpoilerGeto was originally a lowly acolyte of the church of Kossuth in the Thayan city of Eltabbar. Although abnormally curious and studious, he was not particularly intelligent or wise and, compared to his peers, he was a bit of a git. His superiors would often find him casually reading in the library when he was supposed to be performing duties elsewhere. He was also chided for mastering complex magical theories before he actually had the power to apply it to his divine prayers. It was explained to him on many occasions that a cleric of Kossuth should hold order and efficiency close to his heart, and that only those who burn brightest deserve the light of their Lord. Due to his ill-fitted nature, he was regularly passed up for promotion within the church. During one of his frequent unauthorized visits to the library, he ran across a tome discussing the elemental deities of Faerun. It was there that he was first introduced to Grumbar, the Earthlord. Something deeper than curious interest drew him to focus his later study sessions on this timeless and powerful deity, and with each study session he became surer that he was born to revere the King of the Land. He knew that Grumbar held little interest in his worshipers, but that did not matter. He would take up an oath to learn the power of the land and strive every day to emulate the solidity, power, and timelessness of the mountain.
Shortly after, Geto left Thay for Rasheman. He had read that in Rasheman the land itself held power, and that some could attune themselves to that power by communing with the land. He wandered Rasheman seeking atonement for his former worship of the Firelord and slowly learning more and more about this Land Magic. Eventually he found his way to the Sunrise Mountains. As he mastered his connection with the land he found it easier and easier to delve into the mountain. He began to turn his focus inward, unlocking power in his mind and soul, so that he could be a stronger vessel for the power of the land. His quest to become as permanent and timeless as the land itself drove him deeper into the mountain where he eventually found the quintessential ley lines, the nodes of power.
Now he haunts the deep mountain converting these nodes of power into holy sites to honor Grumbar. He can occasionally be seen guarding the caves near where the River Tir comes out of the Sunrise Mountains.
Node Magic
SpoilerNode magic is a little known form of land magic in Faerun. It requires a feat to utilize. The details can be found on page 49-51 of the Forgotten Realms Underdark book.
Not only does Node Magic fit extremely well, thematically with Geto’s character concept and the fluff concept of Geomancer, it also provides a very large power bump. Aside from free access to random spells (not explored in detail in this build because of its random nature), Node magic will give Geto a boost to caster level on his buffs and reduce his metamagic modifier costs allowing him to apply metamagics to more spells and giving him a more cost efficient divine metamagic.
The power of Node magic increases the higher class of Node found. With the 3rd lvl cleric spell “Locate Node”. Geto can easily find nodes to work with. And with the skill check bumping spells Guidance of the Avatar, Divine Insight, and Moment of prescience, Geto can easily tap all Node related Spellcraft checks, regardless of how high of a class node he happens to find.
Here is a breakdown of the translation of power for each class of Node. These bonuses apply to spells cast within the Node and therefore will be mostly relevant to long buffs and spells cast while defending a node.
Ley lines +3 , and Spell versatility, and Node Spellcasting will secure a high caster lvl on all his all day buffs. And his list of all day buffs is possibly rather large with reach making more buffs compatible with persistant, and extend persistant being more cost effective.Class 1 Node- +1 caster level, Free Extend Spell, Reach Spell only costs 1 spell lvl, Persistant Spell costs 5 spell lvls or 6 turning attempts.
Class 2 Node- +2 caster level, Free Extend Spell, Free Reach Spell, Persistant Spell costs 4 spell lvls or 5 turning attempts.
Class 3 Node- +3 caster level, Free Extend Spell, Free Reach Spell, Persistant Spell costs 3 spell lvls or 4 turning attempts.
Class 4 Node- +4 caster level, Free Extend Spell, Free Reach Spell, Persistant Spell costs 2 spell lvls or 3 turning attempts.
Class 5 Node- +5 caster level, Free Extend Spell, Free Reach Spell, Persistant Spell costs 1 spell lvls or 2 turning attempts.
Class 6 Node- +6 caster level, Free Extend Spell, Free Reach Spell, Free Persistant Spell.
The Spell Node Lock will help him secure Nodes found, and the Spell Node Door will allow him to move between Nodes.
Why Geomancer?
Spoiler-Aside from providing 80% of this builds class abilities, Geomancer is essential for the build and character story.
-The drifts provide roleplay flavor to the concept as well as allow him to comfortably exist in his chosen environment. His delay death combo does not work without the Boar’s Ferocity Drift.
-The Ley Lines give him a solid caster level bump in his chosen environment.
-The Spell Versatility allows him to focus two different casting classes and still be SAD, not to mention negating the strain of maintaining two different caster levels. It also allows his Sorcerer spells to have a little more value by allowing them to trade out for cure spells. This ensures that no matter how low his HP goes, he can always cure his way back up.
-And finally, you just can’t beat the roleplay synergy that Geomancer provides this build. Let’s look at some of the components of the build.
Every major aspect of the character has some form of synergy with the Geomancer prestige class.*Geomancer is a class that studies the way that magic flows through the earth and then taps into that flow to gain power that transcends the lines between arcane and divine.
*The Mulan race is known for its heritage of blurring the lines between the arcane and the divine.
*Rasheman is a land known for strong ley lines and practitioners of land magic.
*Node Magic is the art of manipulating nodes of power that form where ley lines meet within the earth.
*Grumbar is an eternal elemental God who represents the power of the earth and timelessness.
Magic Items
SpoilerOther than Stat boosting items, magic items don't really matter for this build. Make the usual buys and you should be fine.
Charisma- primary stat
Wisdom- secondary stat
Nightstick- can be useful. If your DM allows stacking consider buying a few. Not needed.
Metamagic Rods- always useful for spellcasters.
Options
SpoilerDrifts
SpoilerSince plants grow out of earth, the plant themed drifts were the closest I could get to perfect. But consider asking your GM if you could change the fluff on some drifts to fit even better. Examples: instead of Green Eyebrows and vine hair change it to Rocky looking skin and a gravely deep voice. Instead of leaves providing sustenance, consider moss growing on your body in different places. Same effect but different fluff.
Melee
SpoilerGeto is not a melee character functionally or aesthetically, but his kit can be altered easily to add a melee threat. I chose not to do this because I have roleplay standards and a cloistered cleric studybug who also relished in the bashing of skulls just didn't sound right to me. BUT you may not have these reservations. If this is your goal, consider switching the knowledge domain out for the Knowledge devotion feat. Then consider buying a psychic weapon. As dweomer of transference converts the enemies spells into power points, the weapon will grow to a very cost efficient magic weapon. Aside from that load buff spells that enhance melee performance and then extend and persist them (righteous wrath, divine might, ect.) And finally, use extended reach persistent Heroics spells to give yourself entire fighter feat chains. Power attack, Improve Sunder, Improved Bull Rush, Combat Brute, and Shock Trooper would be a good example.
Sources
SpoilerComplete Arcane
Races of the Dragon
Spell Compendium
Forgotten Realms Underdark
Complete Warrior
Complete Divine
Expanded Psionics Handbook
Player's Handbook
Races of Faerun
Forgotten Realms Unapproachable East
Dungeon Masters Guide
Dragon Magic http://www.wizards.com/dnd/article.a...sb/sb20010504a
-
2013-01-20, 07:31 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
And ancient source of destruction.
Originally Posted by Me’un!tii
-
2013-01-20, 07:36 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Plant yourselves down for a spell.
Originally Posted by Lo-Kag Rootwatcher
Lo-Kag Rootwatcher
"He Who Comes to Claim You"
The Story:SpoilerThe young goliath children gathered around the campfire, all eyes locked expectantly on Kila, the tribe's eldest dawncaller. She took up her post in camp for the night's first watch as her younger companions patrolled the perimeter; long ago Kila's health had sidelined her to the role of story teller and morning anthem singer. Rather than being bitter, Kila savored her role. Her wizened face cracked into a thin smile as her faded eyes looked over the children sitting at her feet. "Tell us a scary story!" they all chimed in unison. The bard, fresh from a good day's sleep, chuckled and obliged. "Okay, okay," she said to them as her eyes scanned the perimeter of the camp, "but make sure to go for bed when the tent-mother calls for you; else you'll be tired when I sing the morning anthems. Which story do you want to hear?" The children began to bicker amongst themselves and shout out their preferred tales. "Brittleskin!" one shouted, to which another replied "No, that only scares babies. Tell the one about--" The second child can't even finish, as he's interrupted by a third asking for the tale of the Angry Exile. The dawncaller smirked as the children argued and two of them started to wrestle to decide whose story would be told. She cleared her throat and all fell silent.
"Tonight I'll tell you one that you haven't heard before. On second thought, maybe I shouldn't...it's scarier than the others and you might not be brave enough." The children were on the edge of their seats and their cacaphony had once again settled into a unified cry of "Please?" The dawncaller nodded and continued. "Very well, I suppose you can handle it. It's time you heard the tale of He Who Comes to Claim You." The children shuddered in delight at the prospect of a new story and gathered closer around the fire.
"This story actually starts here, in our very own tribe," she began, "long long ago. There was a young boy named Lo-Kag who dreamed of being the tribe's skywatcher. You all know what the skywatchers do, right?" The children all nodded, and one raised her hand. The dawncaller gestured to her, and she piped up: "The skywatchers are the priests who do earth magic and care about all the yummy plants and cute aminals." The dawncaller nodded and silenced the older children that mocked her mispronunciation. "That's right," the dawncaller continued, "Lo-Kag loved all the plants and animals of the mountain. In fact, he loved them so much that he became friends with a pixie that lived in the woods and together the two of them learned how to make star magic. You should have seen the two of them together--Lo-Kag was one of the tallest gol-kaa I've ever seen, and this tiny little pixie would ride around on his shoulder when she wasn't invisible. It was quite the sight!" The younger children laughed, but the older children wanted to get to the scary bits. "Faster," one of them asked of the dawncaller, "it's almost time for bed!"
The dawncaller nodded through a cough and obliged the child. She sped her pace the slightest bit, but made sure not to skip any part of her tale. "Star magic wasn't enough for Lo-Kag, though. He studied with the skywatchers and tried to mimic their rituals, but the earth magic was harder for him to master. He learned a little bit of it, but it was hard for him and only came after a little bargaining with the spirits and a lot of patience. He tried to be a skywatcher still, but the Chieftain saw his weakness and made him a lamenter instead. He was stuck in the job for many years, and everyone thought he no longer wanted to be a skywatcher. However, he continued to pursue his star magic and learned how to better haggle with the spirits. In turn, they gave him more earth magic. However, it wasn't normal earth magic..."
The children rubbed their hands together, as it seemed the tale was going to take a turn for the scary. "Lo-Kag still cared about the plants and animals, but he learned from the spirits that the real magic comes from the soil of the mountain itself. He learned how to swim through dirt as if it was water, and made a name for himself in the tribe as he started exploring caverns deeper than the bravest Gol-Kaa had ever seen. He petitioned the Chieftain to name him an honorary skywatcher, but the chieftain refused. Incensed, Lo-Kag gave himself the title of Rootwatcher and descended into the dirt once more, never to be seen again.
Though he was mad at the Chieftain, Lo-Kag was a good goliath. Since he hadn't been exiled, he still had to complete his job as lamenter. Nobody saw him anymore, but members of the tribe swore they still heard his laments--coming up from the ground whenever it was a Gol-Kaa's time to die!" At this, one of the younger children buried her face into the shoulder of her older sister. The older girl, destined to be a tent-mother one day, instinctively wrapped her arms around the child to comfort her. "Psh," one of the older boys chided as the dawncaller stopped to cough once more, "I'm not even scared at all. This story's boring."
The dawncaller looked at the boy and frowned. "The story doesn't end with rumors, son. No, some claim even to this day that they've seen the Rootwatcher's return. If you believe them, he looks like a creature of the mountain himself, halfway between a plant and an animal. Keep an eye out, children," she dropped her voice to convey spookiness. "They say the first sign that he's near is that the flowers start to wilt as he touches the roots beneath you." The boy who prided himself earlier on his lack of fear spoke up, saying "Ha! Of course the flowers are wilting; it's nearly winter. Dawncaller Kila, this story's not scary at all."
The dawncaller smirked as she saw one of her companions returning from the perimeter. The children were so engaged with her tale that didn't even know he was approaching. She continued her story, raising her voice just enough for the second dawncaller to hear her. "The dying flowers aren't meant to scare you, boy," she said with more authority in her voice than before, "they're meant to warn you. You see, you don't have to be old or sick like me...the Rootwatcher comes to claim you and drag you to the grave himself whenever he's told. He stopped taking orders from the Chieftain long ago--now he works on the orders of Kuliak herself!" Even the oldest children in the circle straightened up and gasped at the mention of the Dead Goddess' name. Only the lamenters mentioned her name, and even then they didn't dare utter it outside their burial rites. "Once you see the wilting flowers, no amount of climbing can save you. The Rootwatcher can ascend the highest mountain from the inside out, and once he catches you, he drags you down to the grave forever." The boy who had been heckling the dawncaller was quiet now, transfixed by the story. "H-h-how does he do it?" the boy asked nervously, "how does he c-c-claim you?" The dawncaller chuckled as her partner took up his place quietly behind the log the boy was sitting on. "Like any good goliath," she said quietly, "he wrestles you. You'll know it's him because he starts with an anklelock!"
At that moment, the returning dawncaller helped Kila's story hit home by reaching a stony arm out of the darkness to grab the precocious boy by the ankle. The child let out a shriek, much to the delight of all the others listening to the tale. Kila took a slow, fragile bow and excused herself to take a walk around the perimeter of the camp. As she walked, the light autumn breeze seemed to whisper to her in a singsong voice. Suddenly, Kila was overcome as a coughing fit tore through her. Kila had to kneel among the yellow blooms of the cassia, one of the latest-flowering shrubs on the mountain. While she was doubled over catching her breath, even her faded eyes noticed all the flowers on the nearest bush wither and dry.
The Build:
Spoiler{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features|
1Sha'ir 1|+0|+0|+0|+2|Bluff 4, Diplomacy 4, Know (arcana) 4, Know (nature) 2, Sense Motive 1|Nymph's Kiss|Summon gen familiar|
2Sha'ir 2|+1|+0|+0|+3|Bluff 5, Diplomacy 4, Know (arcana) 5, Know (nature) 2.5, Sense Motive 2, Spellcraft 1||
3|Sha'ir 3|+1|+1|+1|+3|Bluff 5, Diplomacy 4, Know (arcana) 6, Know (nature) 3, Sense Motive 4, Spellcraft 2|Knowledge Devotion|Recognize Genie Works|
4Sha'ir 4|+2|+1|+1|+4|Bluff 5, Diplomacy 5, Know (arcana) 6, Know (nature) 6, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 2||
5|Geomancer 1|+2|+3|+1|+6|Bluff 5, Concentration 2, Diplomacy 6, Know (arcana) 6, Know (nature) 7, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 5||Drift 1 (touch wilts flowers), Spell Versatility 0|
6Geomancer 2|+3|+4|+1|+7|Bluff 5, Concentration 4, Diplomacy 7, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 7, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 7|Earth Sense|Drift 1 (hair becomes vines), Ley Lines +1, Spell Versatility 1|
7Geomancer 3|+4|+4|+2|+7|Bluff 5, Concentration 6, Diplomacy 8, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 8, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 10||Drift 2 (+4 Diplomacy), Spell Versatilty 2|
8Earth Dreamer 1|+4|+6|+2|+9|Bluff 5, Concentration 8, Diplomacy 9, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 8, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 11||Earth friend|
9Earth Dreamer 2|+5|+7|+2|+10|Bluff 5, Concentration 10, Diplomacy 10, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 8, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 12|Shape Soulmeld: Totem Avatar|Earth dream|
10Earth Dreamer 3|+5|+7|+3|+10|Bluff 5, Concentration 12, Diplomacy 11, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 8, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 13||Lesser tremorsense|
11Earth Dreamer 4|+6/+1|+8|+3|+11|Bluff 5, Concentration 14, Diplomacy 12, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 8, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 14||Earth sight|
12Earth Dreamer 5|+6/+1|+8|+3|+11|Bluff 5, Concentration 15, Diplomacy 13, Know (arcana) 8, Know (nature) 9, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 15|Mobile Spellcasting|Earth glide|
13Geomancer 4|+7/+2|+9|+3|+12|Bluff 5, Concentration 16, Diplomacy 15, Know (arcana) 10, Know (nature) 10, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 16||Drift 2 (+4 Climb), Spell Versatility 3|
14Geomancer 5|+7/+2|+9|+3|+12|Bluff 5, Concentration 17, Diplomacy 16, Know (arcana) 10, Know (nature) 12, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 17, Collector of Stories||Drift 3 (Bite), Spell Versatility 4|
15Geomancer 6|+8/+3|+10|+4|+13|Bluff 5, Concentration 18, Diplomacy 17, Know (arcana) 12, Know (nature) 14, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 18, Collector of Stories|Open Lesser Chakra (Arms)|Drift 3 (Constrict), Ley Lines +2, Spell Versatility 5|
16Geomancer 7|+9/+4|+10|+4|+13|Bluff 5, Concentration 19, Diplomacy 18, Know (arcana) 14, Know (nature) 16, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 19, Collector of Stories||Drift 4 (Improved Grab), Spell Versatility 6|
17Geomancer 8|+10/+5|+11|+4|+14|Bluff 5, Concentration 20, Diplomacy 19, Know (arcana) 16, Know (nature) 18, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 20, Collector of Stories||Drift 4 (Rake Claws), Spell Versatility 7|
18Geomancer 9|+10/+5|+11|+5|+14|Bluff 5, Concentration 21, Diplomacy 19, Know (arcana) 19, Know (nature) 20, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 21, Collector of Stories|Still Spell|Drift 5 (Tremorsense), Spell Versatility 8|
19Geomancer 10|+11/+6/+1|+12|+5|+15|Bluff 5, Concentration 22, Diplomacy 19, Know (arcana) 22, Know (nature) 22, Sense Motive 5, Spellcraft 22, Collector of Stories||Drift 5 (Blindsense), Spell Versatility 9[/table]
{table=head]Attribute|Points|Base|Race|Levels|Total|Mod|
STR6|14|4|0|18|+4|
DEX0|8|-2|0|6|-2|
CON5|13|2|0|15|+2|
INT6|14|0|0|14|+2|
WIS5|13|0|0|13|+1|
CHA10|16|0|4|20|+5[/table]
Spellcasting:
SpoilerSpells Per Day:
{table=head]Level|0|1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9
1|4|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2|5|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3|5|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4|5|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5|5|4|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-
6|5|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-
7|5|5|4|3|1|-|-|-|-|-
8|5|5|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-
9|5|5|5|4|3|1|-|-|-|-
10|5|5|5|4|4|3|-|-|-|-
11|5|5|5|5|4|3|1|-|-|-
12|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|-|-|-
13|5|5|5|5|5|4|3|1|-|-
14|5|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|-|-
15|5|5|5|5|5|5|4|3|1|-
16|5|5|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|-
17|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|4|3|1
18|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|4|4|3
19|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|5|4|4[/table]
{table=head]Level|Spells Known
1|Prestidigitation; Detect Magic; Ray of Frost; Ghost Sound; Mage Hand; Fist of Stone; Benign Transposition; Mage Armor
2|Dancing Lights
3|Charm Person
4|Caltrops; Wraithstrike; Alter Self
5|Silent Image; Glitterdust
6|Silent Portal; Dispel Magic; Fly
7|Nerveskitter; Eagle's Splendor; Suggestion
8|Stick; Polymorph; Celerity
9|Endure Elements; Fearsome Grapple; Haste; Stone Shape
10|Wall of Stone; Teleport
11|Babau Slime; Bull's Strength; Clairaudience/Clairvoyance; Stoneskin; Summon Monster V
12|Circle of Death; Contingency
13|Unseen Servant; Detect Thoughts; Major Image; Scrying; Dominate Person; Mineralize Warrior
14|Bite of the Werebear; Spell Turning
15|Command Undead; Vampiric Touch; Black Tentacles; Shadow Evocation; Antimagic Field; Plane Shift
16|Earth Glide; Mind Blank
17|Chain of Eyes; Nondetection; Shadow Conjuration; Prying Eyes; Greater Dispel Magic; Limited Wish; Summon Monster VIII
18|Shapechange; Time Stop
19|Anticipate Teleportation; Greater Resistance; Persistent Image; Permanent Image; Greater Shadow Conjuration; Greater Shadow Evocation; Wish[/table]
At the table:
SpoilerNote on casting advancement: you can cast spells at the same levels a wizard gains access to a new level of spells. You gain spells known starting the level after, but can cast unknown arcane or divine spells before then.
- ECL 2: Max ranks in Bluff and Diplomacy coupled with a high CHA allow you to play the role of face at low levels, and your investment in Diplomacy at all levels means this possibility will continue even though your primary role is casting. Assuming that we take 10 on Diplomacy, you’ll always retrieve spells known. Furthermore, you need only roll a 12 to retrieve any first-level sorc/wiz spell you’ve seen and identified with Spellcraft, so pay attention when others are casting spells. Divine spells are in reach, but require a roll of 18. Fist of Stone coupled with your high STR is your go-to spell that allows you to contribute in melee, while Benign Transposition allows us some battlefield control that can save our allies.
- ECL 3: BAB increases, along with a synergy bonus to Diplomacy. Assuming that we take 10, you’re now guaranteed to retrieve any arcane spell, and divine spells become easier to snag.
- ECL 4: Knowledge Devotion serves a dual purpose: not only does it allow us to make Knowledge (nature) always a class skill so we can get into Geomancer on time, but it also lets us boost our attack/to-hit against constructs, dragons, magical beasts, animals, fey, giants, monstrous humanoids, plants, and vermin. Charm Person also comes online for great out-of combat utility, and can always be used in conjunction with Diplomacy to adjust someone’s starting attitude.
- ECL 5: Another synergy bonus to Diplomacy and another rank means that, from here on out, we’re guaranteed to retrieve even our divine spells assuming we take 10. Ask for a few before going to bed, and when you wake up they’re there! We get some second-level spells known, which includes the always powerful Wraithstrike to make sure we hit despite our BAB and Alter Self in all its goodness. Alternate movement and natural attacks are great, but we’re here for any size increases…especially since it seems that the Goliath’s Powerful Build ability still functions in other forms.
- ECL 6: And we’re in the Secret Ingredient. Though drift 1 is just flavor-based, we pick a sufficiently creepy one. We get Glitterdust for ending encounters and Silent Image for creative applications. We’ll talk about spell versatility here: at first blush, I thought I could use it to reduce the retrieval time of our divine spells down to that of our arcane spells, and it seemed like a huge win for a sha’ir! However, I reread the class feature and found that you still retrieve and prepare spells in the normal way, so that’s a bust. Instead, we’ll be using it to allow us to cast arcane spells in armor as well as swapping out material components for our divine focus.
- ECL 7: Earth Sense gives us great sensory input that’s always on, so there’s no need to burn spell slots for it. Dispel Magic and Fly provide tremendous power in a bevy of situations, and Ley Lines makes up for the 1 CL we lost from being a Goliath. We’ll choose mountains as our terrain, since there’s never a good reason for a goliath to be anywhere else.
- ECL 8: Eagle’s Splendor and Suggestion allow us to continue in our role as party face, and we snag a +4 unnamed bonus to Diplomacy to help in that endeavor even further. Because of this bonus, we won’t need max ranks in Diplomacy to guarantee retrieval of our divine spells. Usually, sha’irs don’t PrC out because of the need to keep inflating their diplomacy, but this one level of Geomancer effectively buys us four levels’ worth of the Diplomacy advancement for spell retrieval we would have gotten from sha’ir. Even better, it applies to all Diplomacy checks, unlike the bonus provided by sha’ir levels.
- ECL 9: Polymorph and Celerity come to visit, along with the chucked DMGs that usually accompany them. Once again, all drifts stack with polymorph, so we can go nuts. We can pick crazy-high STR forms to beef up our grapple checks, forms with multiple attacks to give us more chances at activating Improved Grab later on, and so on. Celerity carries the drawback of being dazed for a round, but we’ll address that later. We enter Earth Dreamer and get better at Diplomacy with earth creatures, which will come in handy since we’ll be on their turf a great deal of the time.
- ECL 10: Earth dream is a funky little ability, but requires that your questions pertain to the mountains in some way. Luckily, we’re all about the mountains so we’ll be there most often and can ask questions that will help us in our quest. A favorite one is asking questions about which spells to retrieve. Usually casters can only retrieve spells for the next day, but not our sha’ir! You can act on the info you receive immediately thanks to our unique retrieval mechanic. Shape Soulmeld isn’t doing much now, but does a lot of heavy lifting once we open the Arms chakra later. Haste and Stone Shape are always great, but the belle of this ball is Fearsome Grapple. Since we have a caster level above 9, it provides a +8 to grapples and can be cast as an immediate action with no somatic or material components, we can use it even in the middle of a grapple. If you need an offensive edge once you start grappling or even if you need to get out of another creature’s grapple, this spell is a lifesaver.
- ECL 11: Wall of Stone and Teleport add to our repertoire of “always awesome” spells, and we’ll have fun with Teleport in a few. Lesser tremorsense expands the usefulness of our Earth Sense ability, and will come in handy once we’re actually in the ground in a few levels.
- ECL 12: Babau Slime and Bull’s Strength help out our grappling skills (which I keep talking about because that becomes our primary schtick in a few levels). We snag some other useful spells, but the reason we care about this level is Earth Sight. Since this ability has a duration but no limit on uses per day, it’s essentially the at-will ability to peer through most dungeon walls…because being surprised is for other casters to worry about, not you!
- ECL 13 (Sweet Spot): Oh boy, is this level good to us. You pick up Earth Glide, another ridiculous ability that should have had a limitation on uses per day but just never seemed to get one. Since you can now see through and move effortlessly through dirt, I don’t see a reason to ever travel aboveground again. Just pop your head up every five rounds because of the duration like the 8-foot-tall Whack-a-Mole you are, and you’ll be good. Since you have line of sight even underground, I don’t know if you can attack those above ground or cast spells on them. Since most DMs will probably rule that even with line of sight you don’t have line of effect, we’ve designed a way around that. Mobile Spellcasting from Complete Adventurer allows us to emerge from the ground using Earth Glide (move action), then cast a spell and move back into the ground again (standard action). If we’re concerned about AoOs, we can do this defensively for a +5 increase on the Concentration check. Easy as pie. If you want to pop off a little more of a nova power, we can use the above combo with Celerity: move up out of the ground, standard action spell, immediate action Celerity, standard action to cast another spell and move back underground via Mobile Spellcasting. Sure, Celerity dazes us for a round, but good luck getting to us while we wait it out 30 feet below ground! Even creatures with a burrow speed usually have a slow one. In terms of spells, we snag Circle of Death to match our Grim Reaper image as well as Contingency. Always hilarious, this spell is even better for a sha’ir as you cast the contingent spell at the same time as Contingency, so you don’t have to worry about whether it’s retrieved when the trigger activates. Something like “whenever I go into negative hit points, cast Teleport to move me 30 feet underground” should work as long as you’re currently within the duration of one of your Earth Glides. The other options are limitless, but Contingency’s a great Get out of Jail Free card.
- ECL 14: Back to Geomancer, and we snag a bonus to Climb that pairs nicely with our Goliath bonuses to Climbing. We also pick up a nifty little minion-making trick. Everyone loves the Mineral Warrior template, but I didn’t use it here because of the penalties it provides to our mental scores. However, when we’re making minions they can be as dumb as a brick. There’s actually a spell in Underdark that allows us to bestow the Mineral Warrior template on willing humanoids. We can use our Diplomacy, Charm Person, Detect Thoughts, and Suggestion to convince someone this is a good idea, or if we’re pressed for time we can just dominate them and tell them they’re willing. All of a sudden, we have a posse of lackeys with DR 8/adamantine either waiting for orders above ground or burrowing through the ground around us. The best part of the spell is that, once you create the mineral warrior, it’s compelled to serve you for a whole YEAR (and a day)! After that time, he may be steamed about the whole “dominated me and turned my skin to stone” thing, but you can always diplomacize your way out of it…especially since he’s now an Earth creature.
- ECL 15: We gain a bite attack now, along with Bite of the Werebear for more natural attacks and Spell Turning for some defense. Since we’re a Goliath, this bite attack is always treated as one size larger than whatever size we are. I say whatever size since we retain the bite attack even when polymorphed. Why does a bite attack (or any natural attacks) matter to us? Well, in one level, we’ll add a free grapple attempt to each natural attack. Bite of the WereX is a great line of spells to use for natural attacks, but having an innate bite attack means even once we’re out of spells, we still have a way to trigger our improved grab.
- ECL 16: We get a bevy of “always useful” spells at this level, as well as a second bump to caster level from ley lines, so we’ll be dispelling pesky casters way more easily and overcoming SR like a boss. Constrict damage, even though it’s light, guarantees damage whenever we win an opposed grapple check...whether it’s us grappling or our opponent feebly struggling to get free. At this level, we open our Arms chakra which gives a further +2 boost to grapple checks and bind Totem Avatar to our arms for the +4 benefit of Improved Grapple. Don’t forget our spells like Fearsome Grapple, which give us a further +8. Add stat-boosting or grapple boosting items to taste, and the only thing that can stop us is Freedom of Movement…for now. We also snag Anti-Magic Field at this level, so if a pesky caster keeps eluding our grasp we can pop of the sphere of No Magic for You and head into a grapple since most of our grapple-related bonuses aren’t from spells. We’ll miss you, Fearsome Grapple, but the other caster will miss being alive more.
- ECL 17: Speaking of Improved Grab, here’s where we get it! This level is basically the build’s secondary sweet spot, and here’s why. Not only do we get Improved Grab every time we hit with a natural attack, but reading over Improved Grab I noticed one key difference between it and regular grapple rules. If you succeed on a grapple, you move into the opponent’s square normally. With Improved Grab, you pull the opponent into your square instead. The fun part about this is, nine times out of ten, your square is underground. Congratulations, you can now literally drag folks to their graves.
- ECL 18: Ahh, ninth level spells. You can’t really go wrong with them. Another bevy of killer spells comes online, including Limited Wish and Shadow Conjuration. Never worry about retrieving the right Conjuration spell again! Just retrieve this nice little illusion, and you’ve effectively prepared a laundry list of possible conjurations. The same holds for Shadow Evocation (and the greater versions of both). Our drift this level is rake claws, since we’ll be establishing a hold on our enemies quite often at this point. By now, we’ll be biting, grappling, constricting, and getting two claw attacks…all of which have their damage boosted by Powerful Build!
- ECL 19: We snag Shapechange and Time Stop as known spells. While most casters just use Time Stop as a buff, we can use it to call a time out as well if we just really NEED to retrieve an arcane spell known right then and there. It’s not the best use of the spell, but when you need one you need one.Tremorsense expands on our abilities from Earth Sense and lesser Tremorsense even further, but our focus this level is on one little +1 adjustment metamagic from Core: Still Spell. See, we really like spellcasting, but we also really like grappling…what’s a goliath to do? You can cast spells in a grapple if it has no somatic component and you have the material components in hand. Well, Spell Versatility allows us to swap out arcane components for a divine focus (even if the focus required for the spell is divine focus: none). Since there have been SO many splatbooks and domains, there’s a divine version of most of the spells we’re after, so we can stop worrying about material components but still have to gesture to cast…unless we use Still Spell. Now, we can pull a helpless sap below ground and cast all sorts of spells on him and/or his friends. For more shenanigans, ask if you can still use Mobile Spellcasting while grappling. Grapple someone to pull them underground, then keep casting spells and moving the grapple deeper and deeper underground, until you let go and leave the poor sap there. Congratulations, you’ve basically created at-will Imprisonment.
- ECL 20: We pick up Blindsense as our last drift, because we still want to detect creatures who aren’t too keen on contacting the ground. Flavor-wise, I like to think of this as being so in tune with the mountain that we feel even the slightest vibration of air against it or somesuch. In terms of spells, we round out our repertoire with Anticipate Teleportation (in case some poor sap thought they could use that to escape our grapple), the greater versions of Shadow Conjuration and Evocation for ultimate versatility, and Wish. You now have ninth-level arcane spells, a few domains worth of ninth-level divine spells (including some tasty divinations), and you ARE the Grim Reaper, dragging people to their graves.
Sources Used:
Spoiler- Book of Exalted Deeds (Nymph's Kiss)
- Complete Adventurer (Mobile Spellcasting)
- Complete Champion (Knowledge Devotion)
- Complete Divine (Geomancer)
- Dragon Magazine Compendium, Volume I (sha'ir)
- Magic of Incarnum (Shape Soulmeld: Totem Avatar, Open Lesser Chakra: Arms)
- PHB (Still Spell)
- PHB II (Celerity)
- Races of Stone (Goliath, Earth Sense, Earth Dreamer)
- Spell Compendium (various spells)
- Underdark (Mineralize Warrior)
-
2013-01-20, 07:40 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
A new definition of "bookworm."
Originally Posted by Xien Ha Feng
Xien Ha Feng, The Bibliognost of the Library of the End Times
Neraph Wu Jen 4/Archivist 3/Incantatrix 3/Geomancer 10________________________________
________________________________
The Librarian
Spoiler"A leopard doesn't change its spots, they say. Rubbish. It's called melanism. Not that a leopard intends to; it's as thick as two short planks always looking for its next meal. And why are short planks thicker than long ones? Never understood that. I guess that's what you get for being clever enough to understand the twaddle everyone comes out with.
So. What, you want to hear about me, right? Why I'm sitting here in some dusty old library, rather than going out there and actually doing something about changing things? Yeah you don't want the long story.
Trust me.
Oh, you do? Damn. Thing is, I only say that when I cannot be bothered to actually tell my story. Still, I've been doing this long enough.
I was born of the Neraphim. Think Slaad. Just a bit more gorgeous. We moved from place to place, killed a bit of this and that. You know, Neraph stuff, like you have human stuff. Problem was, we were meant to be born a long, long way away. Oh, you couldn't walk there. Needed some magic. Anyway, looks like the locals didn't like us much. Even the armies didn't want us, and we made pretty good scouts and guards. Always got the drop we did, nobody saw us coming, and when they did, always thought we were staying still until we were up in their face sticking sharp things in places they shouldn't have gone.
Then one day we get some immense red guy come from the skies. Apparently he had some problem with Asmodeus, daddy-issues. Anyway. I've got a mouth on me; decided to shoot it off while he was addressing us like some all conquering hero. Not got a clue who he was, although he was fairly ugly. Fair turned my stomach that mug did, and I've seen Xu Quan eat his own hand after losing a bet. The screams as he cooked his arm in the fire; ooh how my toes curled. Thought it was quite humorous he didn't cut it off first.
Anyway, this mouth of mine. Turns out it gets me a new father so to speak. Incinerates the rest of the House, something to do with me being the chosen one. Not sure how he worked that one out, but what do you know, I became a bit of an apprentice to him. I knew a few tricks, back where I come from my old teacher taught me a few spells I could impress the ladies with; everyone loves a spray of colour anyway. Look's pretty. So yeah, he sat me down in his study, gave me a few books to read. I read them and learned them, but they had a different way of being done. But one thing they did teach me was that I loved reading. Books are good, as long as they teach. Went travelling for a bit, after that, learned a few more tricks, a few more spells.
Anyway, what was all that about the Chosen One? Typical fairy story bull. You hear that all the time in them; all the chosen ones think its a load of rubbish and go on until they can no longer refuse it and it's nearly too late. I won't make that mistake. 'Course I'm the chosen one. It's obvious isn't it?
See, nice, curly horns, claws and teeth everywhere, poisonous bite - no that's not my breath, don't be rude. Match that with my lovely deep red skin, and what do you have? A Devil, you say? These are the marks of the Chosen One. Why am I the Chosen One? Not got a clue. But one thing is for sure, it came from my Father; he gave me these abilities, these growths. Where is he? Somewhere in the Blood War's I'm guessing. Leaves me here to prepare the ground for his new army. He did once tell me that those who can maintain some civilization in Limbo are perfect for what role he has to play. What that is, even I don't know yet, and I'm his son. Still, guess I annoyed him somewhat, can't imagine why. To teach me a lesson, he forced me to pop down into some god-awful cesspit; when I come out, I suppose I had a bit more discipline.
So, why did you come here? I'm guessing you thought the Librarian was just some fuddy duddy old man that you could steal a ton of spells from, and not some extremely handsome man, with a few extraneous embellishments? Do my horns and antlers and claws scare you? Wait until you see me true form; I look just like father. Like father, like son.
Don't believe me? I don't suppose you'd believe me if I said that my true form was turning into a half dozen thirty metre tall Pit Fiends? No? Well, how do you think I'd protect the library then? Tell you to shush, and look sternly over my admittedly fetching spectacles?
Still don't believe me... I guess I should really shrug off this illusion..."
________________________________
________________________________
The Contents Page
Spoiler
Neraph Racial Traits
- Outsider (Extraplanar)
- Medium
- 30ft Base Land Speed
- Darkvision (60ft)
- Neraph Camouflage
- Leap (+5 racial bonus to jump)
- Weapon Familiarity (Annulat)
- +2 Natural Armour
- Skills (+2 racial bonus to Spot and Search checks)
- Automatic Languages; Neraph, Slaad. Bonus Languages; Common, Celestial, Abyssal
- Favoured Class; Ranger
- LA; +0
- Outsider Traits ; Here
Ability Scores
{table=head]Ability Score|Base Value|Points Value|Racial Bonuses|Level Increases|Total at 20thProgression
Strength | 12 | 4 | +0 | +0 | 12
Dexterity | 14 | 6 | +0 | +0 | 14
Constitution | 14 | 6 | +0 | +0| 14
Intelligence | 18 | 16 | +0 | +5 | 23
Wisdom | 8 | 0 | +0 | +0 | 8
Charisma | 8 | 0 | +0 | +0 | 8[/table]
Point-Buy Total = 4+6+6+16 = 32
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Wu Jen 1|+0|+0|+0|+2|Concentration; 4 ranks, Decipher Script; 2 ranks (cc), Knowledge (Arcana); 4 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 4 ranks, Spellcraft; 4 ranks, Use Magic Device; 2 ranks (cc)|Extend Spell, Combat Reflexes|Watchful Spirit, Bonus Metamagic, Taboo
2nd|Wu Jen 2|+1|+0|+0|+3|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 5 ranks (+1), Knowledge (Nature); 5 ranks (+1), Spellcraft; 5 ranks (+1), 11 Ranks Free (+3)||Intuitive Spirit
3rd|Wu Jen 3|+1|+1|+1|+3|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 6 ranks (+1), Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks (+1), Spellcraft; 6 ranks (+1), 14 Ranks Free (+3)|Combat Casting|Spell Secret (Extend Alter Self), Taboo
4th|Wu Jen 4|+2|+1|+1|+4|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 7 ranks (+1), Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 7 ranks (+1), 18 Ranks Free (+4)||Intelligence +1 (19)
5th|Archivist 1|+2|+3|+1|+6|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks (+1), Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks (+1), 24 Ranks Free (+6)||Dark Knowledge (Tactics) 3/day, Scribe Scroll
6th|Archivist 2|+3|+4|+1|+7|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 32 Ranks Free (+8)|Smiting Spell|Lore Mastery
7th|Archivist 3|+3|+4|+2|+7|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 40 Ranks Free (+8)||Dark Knowledge 4/day
8th|Incantatrix 1|+3|+4|+2|+9|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 47 Ranks Free (+7)|Persistent Metamagic|Bonus Metamagic Feat, Focused Studies (Evocation), Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting Intelligence +1 (20)
9th|Incantatrix 2|+4|+4|+2|+10|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 54 Ranks Free (+7)|Practised Spellcaster (Wu Jen)|Cooperative Metamagic, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
10th|Incantatrix 3|+4|+5|+3|+10|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 54 Ranks Free (+7)||Metamagic Effect, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
11th|Geomancer 1|+4|+7|+3|+12|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 63 Ranks Free (+9)||Drift 1, Spell Versatility 0, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
12th|Geomancer 2|+5|+8|+3|+13|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 72 Ranks Free (+9)|Free Feat slot|Drift 1, Ley Lines +1 (Mountains), Spell Versatility 1, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting, Intelligence +1 (21)
13th|Geomancer 3|+6/+1|+8|+4|+13|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 81 Ranks Free (+9)||Drift 2, Spell Versatility 2, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
14th|Geomancer 4|+7/+2|+9|+4|+14|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 90 Ranks Free (+9)||Drift 2, Spell Versatility 3, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
15th|Geomancer 5|+7/+2|+9|+4|+14|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 99 Ranks Free (+9)|Free feat slot|Drift 3, Spell Versatility 4, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
16th|Geomancer 6|+8/+3|+10|+5|+15|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 109 Ranks Free (+10)||Drift 3, Ley Lines +2 (Mountains), Spell Versatility 5, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting, Intelligence +1 (22)
17th|Geomancer 7|+9/+4|+10|+5|+15|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 119 Ranks Free (+10)||Drift 4, Spell Versatility 6, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
18th|Geomancer 8|+9/+4|+11|+5|+16|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 129 Ranks Free (+10)|xxx|Drift 4, Spell Versatility 7, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
19th|Geomancer 9|+10/+5|+11|+6|+17|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 139 Ranks Free (+10)||Drift 5, Spell Versatility 8, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting
20th|Geomancer 10|+11/+6/+1|+12|+6|+18|Concentration; 4 ranks, Knowledge (Arcana); 8 ranks, Knowledge (Nature); 6 ranks, Spellcraft; 8 ranks, 149 Ranks Free (+10)||Drift 5, Ley Lines +3 (Mountains), Spell Versatility 9, Advance Wu Jen Spellcasting, Intelligence +1 (23)[/table]
Wu Jen Spells per day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2nd|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3rd|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4th|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5th|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
7th|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
8th|4|5|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-
9th|4|5|4|3|-|-|-|-|-|-
10th|4|6|4|3|2|-|-|-|-|-
11th|4|6|4|4|3|-|-|-|-|-
12th|4|6|5|4|3|2|-|-|-|-
13th|4|6|5|4|4|3|-|-|-|-
14th|4|6|5|5|4|3|1|-|-|-
15th|4|6|5|5|4|4|2|-|-|-
16th|4|6|6|5|5|4|3|1|-|-
17th|4|6|6|5|5|4|4|2|-|-
18th|4|6|6|5|5|5|4|2|1|-
19th|4|6|6|5|5|5|4|2|2|-
20th|4|6|6|5|5|5|5|3|2|1[/table]
Archivist Spells per day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd
1st|-|-|-
2nd|-|-|-
3rd|-|-|-
4th|-|-|-
5th|3|2|-
6th|4|3|-
7th|4|3|2
8th|4|3|2
9th|4|3|2
10th|4|3|2
11th|4|3|2
12th|4|3|2
13th|4|3|2
14th|4|3|2
15th|4|3|2
16th|4|3|2
17th|4|3|2
18th|4|3|2
19th|4|3|2
20th|4|3|2[/table]
Chapter 1; The SpellPrayerbooks
SpoilerI'm an Archivist and Wu Jen are both Intelligence Based Casters, one divine, and arcane respectively. Geomancer only advances one side of the progression table, but as I am able to prepare my spells in the same manner, I am able to cast divine spells through an arcane caster, due to spell Versatility, provided I am able to reach the spell versatility level - in this case, as I've got to Geomancer 10, having progressed Arcane all the way I have spell versatility 9.
How do I do this?
Well; there is nothing to stop a Wu Jen preparing a Divine Spell from her book, only casting it.
A Prayerbook is not particularly well defined anywhere; it references Wizard Spellbook learning and preparation, so it's safe to assume it's the equivalent to a Spellbook. Provided I prepare spells from the same book, this means I can prepare both Divine and Arcane simultaneously. Normally, this is a waste, as mentioned, but Spell Versatility defines that at the time of Casting, I can pick and choose the parameters; the example being I can cast Arcane Spells of equal or lower level with the Spell Versatility (I.e, at ECL 20, all of them) with no Arcane Spell Failure.
If you define parameter;
then you can see I can cast a Divine Spell actually as an Arcane Spell at the time of casting, from the Wu Jen list. Originally Posted by dictionary.com
Combine that with the Wu Jen spell list, and Archivist (Spell List=Yes), and I'm cooking on gas.
Chapter 2; The Staff
SpoilerAs we saw in out introduction, the staff was able to change into a spiked chain, but also increase in size. How? Well firstly, a quarterstaff, with the Morphing, and Sizing enchantments. This allows me to change its size so that it's relevant to me, as well as change type; in this case, a two handed one. If you've been reading carefully, despite having 3 attacks at 20th, I'm still only BAB+11, while this is reasonable, using a weapon I'm not proficient with will get annoying, especially considering I can be every weapon I want to be, thanks to the way to two abilities work together, so the skillful enchantment comes into play; I now have 3/4 BAB and Exotic Weapon Proficiency everything (as an Outsider I have Martial and Simple Weapon proficiency anyway).
Why would I need it to change size with me though? Well, I touched on it in the introduction; I can become 30 metres tall. Giant Size is a known Wu Jen spell. Oddly enough, the Strength increase is actually not a size bonus, according to the text; provided I have other means of increasing to Gargantuan size, I think I can stack that bonus on top. Sounds broken, it is in the open. But when you're campaigning, it can become an issue.
Other things of note. It's a staff. It's wooden. It changes into a spiked chain. It's still wooden though. Nothing in the spell says it changes material. While that does have its downsides (which can be got around by the Druid Spell Ironwood), wood allows me to hit through spells like Greater Ironguard, as well as casting Brambles on to give me 19-20 Crit Range and a further +10 damage per hit.
With Smiting Spell I can have a touch spell affect on my next hit. Throw in Incantatrix to use Metamagic effect, although it is a Full Round Action on top of the cast and is typically used to provide all day buffs for free (and will be), with my potential to have at LEAST 12 uses of Metamagic Effect (see below), I can use it to cast spells such as Withering Touch through it - in addition to my weapon damage (on a Colossal Spiked Chain, with an immense strength boost in the middle 60's - see next chapter's for how), if I crit, it turns into a permanent 30 Constitution Damage at caster level 30 - in otherwords, on a 20th level character, assuming they survive, that's 600 damage. Even if I don't crit, it's still 300 damage in addition to the weapon damage.
And of course; I will be hitting - Wraithstrike Persist.
Chapter 3; Hellish Apotheosis
SpoilerSo I can become a Pit Fiend. How? There's a "complicated" cheesy way, and a less complicated, less cheesy, but one that's less powerful, but also permanent.
The latter first; Polymorph Any Object onto self, twice, to make sure. I'm an Outsider (Native, thanks to Naturalized Denizen - if worst comes to worst, I can take the cost of hiring the Wizard to cast Dimensional Anchor out of my WBL), and it's Permanent (until Dispelled, of course; but at that point, I can just cast it again, as well as falling under the territory of the usual Dispel Magic protection; a couple of Rings of Counterspelling with Reaving Dispel or similar works well.
However, what happened to my Drift? Well these are the ones I'm choosing - the two stage 1's are purely for roleplay, so aren't particularly "important" - not to mention I can simply cast Extended alter self (Free from spell secret)/Persisted Polymorph (Incantatrix) by the stage it comes a problem - but the level 2's are where it becomes a bit better, Octopus Skin for the hide (alongside Neraph Camoflage), and because I think it's hilarious that a Toad-monster with 8 Charisma can be comely, as well as mechanically helpful, Comely-as-a-Dryad. That's small benefits; but Level 3 and onwards is where it's at. Deer Antlers and a Unicorn Horn for 2 Gore attacks, Lion Claws for Rend, Bear's strength for Improved Grab, Pounce like a Leopard, and Poison (Initial 1d2 Dex, Secondary 1d4 Dex). Because these are a feature of my class, this means in Pit Fiend form, my Full Attack is something like 3 Spiked Chain attacks (see above) causing Trip, Bite, 2 Gore Attacks, 2 Wing Attacks, Tail Attack. If I choose to grapple, I can also throw in a Constrict, followed by a Rend; all at Colossal Damage.
I also mentioned a true apotheosis - I can Shapechange (persisted, if cast Body Outside Body first), for the Supernatural Fear Aura, but I also have a Daddy Pit Fiend; but this is a little bit of well known cheese - Gate in the Pit Fiend, ask for a little bit of him, Wish a Simulacrum spell to get a perfect copy of him. How to get him inside me is a little trickier - this requires a Psicrown using Fusion - a bit expensive and DM dependent considering I don't actually have any Psionics.
Chapter 5; Incanta-tricks
SpoilerSo, you have an Incantatrix. You've Polymorphed into an Intelligence 26 Pit Fiend, with all the buffs under the sun, and have now popped into the territory of 44 Intelligence for 3 additional 9th Level spells a day. You have 3+17 uses of Metamagic effect. YOU DON'T NEED MORE, DO YOU? Maybe not. But Body Outside Body allows me to make a number of copies equal to Caster-Level/5 - if we say 20 to be fair, this is 4 additional Incantatrix. As I have actually become a Pit Fiend, this means my clones are Pit Fiends as well - but also Incantatrix. If we assume they don't get the benefits of additional buffs still on-going but cast prior to BOB, this means that they themselves have 26 Intelligence (despite no spell caster), and hence 3+8 uses of Metamagic Effect. Oh, and joining together for supporting metamagic decreasing. Can't forget that.
NB- I ran out of time here. Unfortunately, it has to go in like this.
Bibliography
Spoiler- Player's Handbook
- Planar Handbook
- Complete Arcane
- Dead Levels II
- Unearthed Arcana
- Heroes of Horror
- Player's Guide to Faerun
- Complete Divine
- Draconic Polymorph
- Drow of the Underdark
- Magic Item Comepdnium
- Magic of Faerun
- ANY BOOK WITH DIVINE SPELLS.
All Images credited to Hugh Jamieson.
Addendum:
SpoilerI would however be extremely grateful if you could add an addendum to note that Incantatrix requiring Iron Will would be recieved by the Otyugh Hole prior to ECl 8 (Incantatrix 1), or by taking Smiting Spell at a Higher Level while Iron Will was taken at ECL6 (Archivist 2)
-
2013-01-20, 07:42 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
A tale told (but not built) by an idiot.
Originally Posted by Lou Greene
-
2013-01-20, 07:45 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Seems appropriate
Originally Posted by Verdant
Verdant
"I am not one with nature. I am nature. Nature's wrath is my wrath. Now leave before the branches from the trees you have destroyed strangle you." - Verdant, upon being encountered by a group of loggers.
PLEASE NOTE:
In order to save table space and make it easier to read it is assumed that Verdant is investing the maximum possible ranks into Knowledge (nature), Concentration, and Spellcraft at each level. As such these are not shown on the table below. In addition I may have referred to Verdant using the incorrect pronoun. Verdant is female personality. Prioritize WIS for stat boosts and items that do so.
Verdant (True Neutral female personality Warforged)
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Druid 1|+0|+2|+0|+2|Survival 4 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 2 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 2 ranks CC|Earth Sense (Races of Stone)|Druid Weapon and Armour Proficiencies, Druid Spellcasting, Animal Companion, Nature Sense, Wild Empathy
2nd|Druid 1/Wu Jen 1|+0|+2|+0|+4|Survival 4 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 3 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 2 ranks CC|Heighten Spell (PHB)|Watchful Spirit, Bonus Metamagic Feat, Taboo (must make a ritual prayer twice a day at morning and dusk)
3rd|Druid 2/Wu Jen 1|+1|+3|+0|+5|Survival 5 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 4 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 2 ranks CC|Earth Spell (Races of Stone)|Woodland Stride
4th|Druid 3/Wu Jen 1|+2|+3|+1|+5|Survival 7 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 4.5 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 2 ranks CC||Trackless Step
5th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1|+3|+4|+1|+6|Survival 8 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 5.5 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 2 ranks CC||Resist Nature's Lure
6th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 1|+3|+6|+1|+8|Survival 9 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 6.5 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 3 ranks|Skill Focus (Knowledge:Nature) (PHB)|Drift 1, Spell Versatility 0
7th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 1/Landforged Walker 1|+3|+8|+1|+8|Survival 10 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 7 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 4 ranks||Body of Nature (Hide +4, divine focus)
8th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 1/Landforged Walker 2|+4|+9|+2|+9|Survival 11 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 7.5 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 5 ranks||Body of Nature (resistance 5, natural armour +1), Green Mind
9th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 1/Landforged Walker 3|+5|+9|+2|+9|Survival 12 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 6 ranks|Extend Spell (PHB)|Body of Nature (healing herbs), <i>speak with plants</i>
10th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 1/Landforged Walker 4|+6|+10|+2|+9|Survival 13 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 8.5 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 7 ranks||Body of Nature (resistance 10, natural armour +2)
11th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 1/Landforged Walker 5|+6|+10|+2|+9|Survival 14 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 9 ranks CC, Knowledge (geography) 8 ranks||Body of Nature (immune to polymorph, fortification 50%), Plant Shape, Voice of Nature
12th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 2/Landforged Walker 5|+7|+11|+2|+10|Survival 15 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 9 ranks|Natural Spell (PHB)|Drift 1, Ley Lines +1, Spell Versatility 1
13th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 3/Landforged Walker 5|+8|+11|+3|+10|Survival 16 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 11 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 10 ranks||Drift 2, Spell Versatility 2
14th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 4/Landforged Walker 5|+9|+12|+3|+11|Survival 17 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 12 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 11 ranks||Drift 2, Spell Versatility 3
15th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 5/Landforged Walker 5|+9|+12|+3|+11|Survival 18 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 13 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 12 ranks|Quicken Spell (PHB)|Drift 3, Spell Versatility 4
16th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 6/Landforged Walker 5|+10|+13|+4|+12|Survival 19 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 14 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 13 ranks||Drift 3, Ley Lines +2, Spell Versatility 5
17th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 7/Landforged Walker 5|+11|+13|+4|+12|Survival 20 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 15 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 14 ranks||Drift 4, Spell Versatility 6
18th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 8/Landforged Walker 5|+12|+14|+4|+13|Survival 21 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 16 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 15 ranks|Spell Penetration (PHB)|Drift 4, Spell Versatility 7
19th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 9/Landforged Walker 5|+12|+14|+5|+13|Survival 22 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 17 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 16 ranks||Drift 5, Spell Versatility 8
20th|Druid 4/Wu Jen 1/Geomancer 10/Landforged Walker 5|+13|+15|+5|+14|Survival 23 ranks, Knowledge (arcana) 18 ranks, Knowledge (geography) 17 ranks||Drift 5, Ley Lines +3, Spell Versatility 9[/table]
Spells (not including WIS bonuses)
Spoiler
Spells per day/Spells Known
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2nd|3|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3rd|4|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4th|4|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5th|5|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|5|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-
7th|5|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-|-
8th|5|3|3|2|-|-|-|-|-|-
9th|6|4|3|2|1|-|-|-|-|-
10th|6|4|3|3|2|-|-|-|-|-
11th|6|4|4|3|2|1|-|-|-|-
12th|6|4|4|3|3|2|-|-|-|-
13th|6|5|4|4|3|2|1|-|-|-
14th|6|5|4|4|3|3|2|-|-|-
15th|6|5|5|4|4|3|2|1|-|-
16th|6|5|5|4|4|3|3|2|-|-
17th|6|5|5|5|4|4|3|2|1|-
18th|6|5|5|5|4|4|3|3|2|-
19th|6|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|2|1
20th|6|5|5|5|5|4|4|3|3|2[/table]
Starting Stats (32 PB)
Spoiler
STR - 10
DEX - 10
CON - 14 (16 after racial)
INT - 14
WIS - 18 (16 after racial)
CHA - 8 (6 after racial)
CHOSEN BONUSES
Spoiler
Landforged Walker chosen terrain: Aquatic
Ley Lines chosen (in order):
Aquatic
Jungle
Forest
Drifts chosen (in order):
1 - Hair becomes a tangle of vines (head grows into vines?)
1 - Voice sounds like a dog's (woof, woof).
2 - Skin adapts like an octopus (+4 bonus on Hide checks).
2 - Become as comely as a Dryad (+4 bonus on Diplomacy checks).
3 - Spin webs like a spider (Web throwing).
3 - Grow claws (Weapon Finesse + 2x claw attacks).
4 - Trip like a wolf (Gain wolf-free-tripping effect).
4 - Pounce like a leopard (Gain Pounce on first round of combat)
5 - Feathered wings (Fly speed 60ft).
5 - Canine teeth exude poison (Gain bite attack? Exude poison).
Verdant - the background behind the beast.
Spoiler
Verdant was commissioned four years ago in Cyre, sold to the magicians of Sharn. Bought by the owner of a vast library known as Lady Melil (human aristocrat 1/bard 9) her duties were to sort and categorise the vast library at night, and to act as a butler during the day. As might be expected of a freshly created warforged she performed her tasks as was requested, though during the night while she was sorting the books a treatise on divine magic caught her eye. With the stoic logic of the warforged she reasoned “If I am to categorise these books correctly then I must read at least a modicum of material from them in order to select the correct genre to place the book in.”
The warforged – after several months of service and having experienced her first emotion (happiness at having successfully sorted all of the remaining uncategorised scrolls) had read summaries of many magical tomes through her time. One night when her mistress had retired for the night and specifically requested that the warforged did not sort any more tomes that night until several new bookshelves had been installed. Having nothing to do, the warforged decided to read a few of the tomes in order to facilitate her categorisation the next night.
After reading several tomes on the natural world the warforged felt another emotion. Curiosity. She selected more books on similar matters and began to read them as well over the following nights. This caused a drop in her book-sorting efficiency, but her reading coincided with a period of many social occasions her mistress attended. This meant her reduced rate did not go noticed. After several weeks of covert reading on the manners of nature the Warforged decided that it would be of importance to itself if it were to test itself for any latent magical abilities. Consulting an account of a druid who dwelt in the Howling Peaks and had described a minor spell that allowed the user to sense the presence of a specific type of plant or animal in the vicinity, she decided to “meditate” (spend a period of physical inactivity contemplating) on whether this would be an appropriate course of action. The next day during a quiet moment in her mistress’s household the Warforged attempted to broaden her mind, reaching out for a known plant (her mistress’s flowering lily she kept on her desk). Nothing happened for a moment, then the Warforged felt the very light touch of the plant on her consciousness. She focused more, sensing how the plant was suffering from a slight magnesium deficiency – and when her mistress next remarked on how the plant seemed off-colour she suggested a herbal solution that was apparently a suitable remedy for magnesium deficiency. After the plant recovered her mistress – impressed – asked about how she had determined this, and the Warforged told her. The Lady then gave her new orders to carry out, while she was continuing with her reorganisation of the books she was allowed to conduct magical experiments one night a week.
After several more months of work the Warforged had developed a basic grasp of nature-related magics. While she had dabbled in arcane magic she did not possess the drive to continue with her studies of it. Around this time her wanderlust broke free, and the Warforged – right after the treaty that affirmed her as a citizen was signed – left, in search of ways to better attune herself to the natural world she had such an affinity for.And as such her single-minded view came about - that she would dedicate herself to becoming one with nature. On her travels she stopped by a sea-cliff, and looking off spotted a dark field of kelp. She strode out, off the cliff and into the field - to remain there while she thought about the natural world around her.
Build Highlights
Spoiler
Level 5:
Spoiler
At these levels Verdant plays very much like a Druid. Lacking Wild Shape for combat purposes instead she needs to rely on her spells, especially buffing and battlefield control. Her Wu Jen spells are unlikely to be much use, but they allow access to the Wu Jen list for spell-trigger items. This improves versatility quite a lot, allowing spells such as Giant Size, Shapechange, and Summon Elemental Monolith scrolls to be used. Earth Spell is used to boost a cantrip up to 2nd level so that Verdant can qualify for Geomancer next level, and this also fits thematically with the idea of a Warforged drawing their power from the earth around them. The Watchful Spirit provides an initiative reroll, which is incredibly useful at higher levels.
Level 10:
SpoilerAt 10th level Verdant still plays like a straight casting-focused druid. While the loss of two spell levels from levels in Landforged Walker and Wu Jen removes access to 5th level spells at this level, as a full caster this should not impact too severely on the character’s power. Focusing on buffing and battlefield control is suggested, as the real power of the build does not unlock until level 11.
Level 11 (spotlight):
SpoilerAt level 11 Verdant gains an incredibly strong feature – Plant Shape, using the Character level. Not class level. This means that Verdant can Wild Shape into almost anything that is a plant. Warbound Impaler, Ironmaw, Ironthorn, Treant, Sporebat, Saguaro Sentinel, Octopus Tree, Tendriculos – all these and more will eventually be available to you. This increases Verdant’s power substantially, and should allow her to start taking part in melee combat if necessary.
Level 15:
SpoilerAt level 15 Verdant has gained access to a powerful range of Plant Shape forms, and should spend all day in a plant form (I personally like Saguaro Sentinel). While trailing two caster levels she still has access to 7th level spells, and has begun to develop Drifts. While minor overall these still provide some benefit, and especially help the idea of the Warforged who tries to become closer to nature by becoming part-animal.
Level 20:
SpoilerBy level 20 Verdant is a Drifted abomination of a Warforged, skin of plants, wings, poison-dripping teeth – and with 9th level spells, Plant Wild Shape, immunity to polymorph, free 50% fortification, and a surprisingly terrifying appearance – a very strong abomination. At these levels tactics are simple – spells or tentacles, they get ripped to pieces. Combine with Venomfire for some incredibly powerful hits.
Verdant in your campaign:
SpoilerVerdant would fit in best as a loner-type character. At low levels it would be best if she appeared as a Warforged who was attempting to forge a connection with the natural world, and would be likely to offer healing or other favours to adventurers if they dealt with enemies of nature. At mid-levels the adventurers might stumble over Verdant accidentally, as the disguise of the Warforged could make it very difficult to see. As at low levels the Warforged would most likely offer a reward if some despoiler of nature was brought to justice, and would probably know the local area intimately. At high levels it is more likely that the PCs may encounter Verdant after hearing of the “abomination Warforged” – a nature-covered mechanical beast. Around these levels Verdant is more likely to be able to deal with threats to nature itself, and may prefer to watch the PCs closely to assess their potential impact on the surrounding area.
Sourcebooks Used (may not be complete)
SpoilerPHB
Complete Arcane
Complete Divine
Races of Stone
Secrets of Xen'drik
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2013-01-20, 07:51 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
"Could I see that for a second?"
Originally Posted by Borrower of Magic
-
2013-01-20, 07:53 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Magic is what you make it, and vice versa.
Originally Posted by Abelard Lindsay
Abelard Lindsay, Divine Agent of the Sovereign Host
NG Human, Artificer 3/Duskblade 5/Divine Crusader of the Sovereign Host 2/Geomancer 10
"He mourned mankind, and the blindness of men, who thought that the world had rules and limits that would shelter them from their own freedom. There were no shelters. There were no final purposes. Futility, and freedom, were Absolute."
ABELARD LINDSAY
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Artificer 1|+0|+0|+0|+2|Use magic device 4 ranks, concentration 2 ranks, spellcraft 4 ranks, search 4 ranks, disable device 4 ranks, sleight of hand 2 ranks, forgery 1 rank, autohypnosis 1 rank, knowledge (religion) 2 ranks, knowledge (nature) 2 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 2 ranks|Scribe Scroll, Death Devotion, Able Learner|Artificer knowledge, artisan bonus, disable trap, item creation, craft reserve 20
2nd|Artificer 2|+1|+0|+0|+3|Use magic device 5 ranks, concentration 5 ranks, search 5 ranks, disable device 5 ranks, spellcraft 5 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 4 ranks|Brew Potion|Craft reserve 40
3rd|Duskblade 1|+2|+2|+0|+5|Use magic device 6 ranks, sleight of hand 3 ranks, spellcraft 6 ranks, disable device 6 ranks, knowledge (religion) 3 ranks|Weapon Focus (Longsword)|Arcane attunement, armored mage (light armor & shield)
4th|Duskblade 2|+3|+3|+0|+6|Use magic device 7 ranks, spellcraft 7 ranks, disable device 7 ranks, knowledge (religion) 4 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks|Combat Casting|
5th|Duskblade 3|+4|+3|+1|+6|Use magic device 8 ranks, sleight of hand 4 ranks, spellcraft 8 ranks, disable device 8 ranks, knowledge (religion) 5 ranks||Arcane channeling (standard attack)
6th|Duskblade 4|+5|+4|+1|+7|Use magic device 9 ranks, disable device 9 ranks, knowledge (religion) 6 ranks, knowledge (nature) 3 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 6 ranks|Animal Devotion|Armored mage (medium armor)
7th|Duskblade 5|+6/+1|+4|+1|+7|Use magic device 10 ranks, disable device 10 ranks, sleight of hand 5 ranks, Conceal Spellcasting skill trick||Quick cast 1/day
8th|Artificer 3|+7/+2|+5|+2|+7|Use magic device 11 ranks, search 7 ranks, disable device 11 ranks, knowledge (religion) 7 ranks, knowledge (nature) 4 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 7 ranks|Craft Wondrous Item|Craft reserve 60
9th|Divine Crusader of the Sovereign Host 1|+7/+2|+7|+2|+9|Use magic device 12 ranks, disable device 12 ranks, sleight of hand 6 ranks, knowledge (nature) 5 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks|Practiced Spellcaster (Divine Crusader)|Aura
10th|Divine Crusader of the Sovereign Host 2|+8/+3|+8|+2|+10|Use magic device 13 ranks, disable device 13 ranks, search 8 ranks, knowledge (nature) 8 ranks||
11th|Geomancer 1|+8/+3|+10|+2|+12|Use magic device 14 ranks, disable device 14 ranks, sleight of hand 7 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 9 ranks, knowledge (religion) 8 ranks, knowledge (nature) 9 ranks, search 6 ranks||Drift 1, spell versatility 0
12th|Geomancer 2|+9/+4|+11|+2|+13|Use magic device 15 ranks, disable device 15 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks, knowledge (religion) 9 ranks, search 9 ranks|Extend Spell|Drift 1, ley lines (mountains) +1, spell versatility 1
13th|Geomancer 3|+10/+5|+11|+3|+13|Use magic device 16 ranks, sleight of hand 8 ranks, knowledge (religion) 10 ranks, disable device 16 ranks, search 10 ranks, False Theurgy skill trick||Drift 2, spell versatility 2
14th|Geomancer 4|+11/+6/+1|+12|+3|+14|Use magic device 17 ranks, disable device 17 ranks, knowledge (religion) 11 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 11 ranks, knowledge (nature) 10 ranks, search 12 ranks||Drift 2, spell versatility 3
15th|Geomancer 5|+11/+6/+1|+12|+3|+14|Use magic device 18 ranks, disable device 18 ranks, knowledge (religion) 12 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 12 ranks, knowledge (nature) 11 ranks, search 14 ranks|Etch Schema|Drift 3, spell versatility 4
16th|Geomancer 6|+12/+7/+2|+13|+4|+15|Use magic device 19 ranks, disable device 19 ranks, knowledge (religion) 13 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 13 ranks, knowledge (nature) 12 ranks, search 16 ranks||Drift 3, ley lines (mountains) +2, spell versatility 5
17th|Geomancer 7|+13/+8/+3|+13|+4|+15|Use magic device 20 ranks, disable device 20 ranks, knowledge (religion) 14 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 14 ranks, knowledge (nature) 13 ranks, search 18 ranks||Drift 4, spell versatility 6
18th|Geomancer 8|+14/+9/+4|+14|+4|+16|Use magic device 21 ranks, disable device 21 ranks, knowledge (religion) 15 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 15 ranks, knowledge (nature) 14 ranks, search 20 ranks|Persistent Spell|Drift 4, spell versatility 7
19th|Geomancer 9|+14/+9/+4|+14|+5|+16|Use magic device 22 ranks, disable device 22 ranks, knowledge (religion) 16 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 16 ranks, knowledge (nature) 16 ranks, search 21 ranks||Drift 5, spell versatility 8
20th|Geomancer 10|+15/+10/+5|+15|+5|+17|Use magic device 23 ranks, disable device 23 ranks, knowledge (religion) 17 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 17 ranks, knowledge (nature) 17 ranks, search 23 ranks||Drift 5, ley lines (mountains) +3, spell versatility 9[/table]
Additional Build Details
Spoiler
"The dreams were pleasant, dreams of warmth and light, an animal's life, an eternal present... As his mind coalesced he burned with insight, a smoldering oneness with this living being. Helpless joy pervaded him as he joined its serene integration."
Stats
32 point buy: Str 14/Dex 12/Con 12/Int 14/Wis 10/Cha 16
Boost Charisma every four levels.
Drift Choices
1- You sprout feathers
1- Light, downy fur covers your skin
2- Your eyes become as sharp as a rat
2- You sprout leaves and become photosynthetic
3- Deer antlers grow from your forehead
3- You sprout fish gills
4- You can grab like a bear
4- Your nose becomes as sensitive as a hound
5- Feathered wings grow from your back
5- Your senses become as sharp as a bat
Artificer Infusions
Spoiler
Artificer Infusions
{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th
1st|2|-|-|-|-
2nd|3|-|-|-|-
3rd|3|-|-|-|-
4th|3|-|-|-|-
5th|3|-|-|-|-
6th|3|-|-|-|-
7th|3|-|-|-|-
8th|3|1|-|-|-
9th|3|1|-|-|-
10th|3|1|-|-|-
11th|3|2|-|-|-
12th|3|2|-|-|-
13th|3|2|-|-|-
14th|3|2|-|-|-
15th|3|2|-|-|-
16th|3|2|-|-|-
17th|3|2|-|-|-
18th|3|2|-|-|-
19th|3|2|-|-|-
20th|3|3|1|-|-[/table]
Duskblade Spells
Spoiler
Duskblade Spells Per Day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th
1st|-|-|-|-|-|-
2nd|-|-|-|-|-|-
3rd|3|2|-|-|-|-
4th|4|3|-|-|-|-
5th|5|4|-|-|-|-
6th|6|5|-|-|-|-
7th|6|5|2|-|-|-
[/table]
Duskblade Spells Known:
0- Touch of fatigue, acid splash, disrupt undead, ray of frost
1- Shocking grasp, ray of enfeeblement, true strike, resist energy, swift expeditious retreat
2- Dimension hop
Divine Crusader Spells
Spoiler
Divine Crusader Spells per Day
{table=head]Level|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
9th|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
10th|1|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
11th|1|0|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
12th|2|1|0|-|-|-|-|-|-
13th|2|2|1|0|-|-|-|-|-
14th|3|2|2|1|0|-|-|-|-
15th|3|3|2|2|1|0|-|-|-
16th|3|3|3|2|2|1|0|-|-
17th|3|3|3|3|2|2|1|0|-
18th|3|3|3|3|3|2|2|1|0
19th|3|3|3|3|3|3|2|2|1
20th|3|3|3|3|3|3|2|2|1[/table]
Fire and Flight
Spoiler
“For a moment, sincere human fury had burned through the training, touched a hot core of genuine rage. He felt shaken, but more whole, more truly himself, then he'd been for years.”
They left in droves, in masses. They fled the war-ravaged cities and villages, leaving entire lives behind, taking only what they could carry. They had seen the skies of Cyre burn in a holocaust of fire, and their only thought was to flee, farther, higher, beyond the reaches of war. Hundreds, thousands fled to the only place the war seemed not to touch, to the wild mountains beyond the Angwar Keep.
For Abelard Lindsay, it was not his first taste of flight. His family left Eston when he was but six years old, abandoned everything at the first sight of Karnathi soldiers. Now Eston was a burnt ruin, but for Abelard and his family, life moved on. They moved south, traveling on foot until they found a village untouched by war. And they began a new life from scratch, and it was a good life.
Eight years later came the Day of Mourning, and once again they ran. Abelard was fourteen and an apprentice in his father’s smithy. He had built a life for himself, made friends and lovers. But life moves on, and Abelard still remembered what happened to Eston. He left with all the others, and his second life faded into memory.
He lost both parents in that second, desperate flight. His father was off trading in the East and was never seen again. His mother had grown ill earlier that year, and a week of hard life on the road was all it took to finish her. Abelard wept for his parents, but he went on. He took up with a priest by the name of Mavrides, a once gentle man hardened by the sight of his entire congregation put to the sword. Lindsay showed Mavrides some of the clever artifice he had picked up in his father’s shop, and Mavrides introduced Lindsay to the Sovereign Host...
Build Explanation
Spoiler
Words were useless. He had grown impatient with words. They could no longer hold him.
Suddenly he knew he had to step outside the rules.
Level 1: Abelard begins as a secondary trap-finder and melee debuffer. Two abilities in particular help him shine in the latter role - the personal weapon augmentation infusion (usually used to nab Bane against a particular enemy), and Death Devotion. Death Devotion means that, for one combat each day, all his attacks start dishing out negative levels on a failed save. At level 1, this is practically a save or die, and with his Charisma focus, it will stay good for a long time.
Level 2: And now, spell storing item begins competing with personal weapon augmentation as the best infusion choice. Right now Abelard can use this to nab any first level spell on demand, for the low cost of a single point of XP. Some excellent choices include arcane sight, haste, gaseous form, knock and dispel magic off the Trapsmith list, and lesser restoration from the Paladin list. It’s like being able to craft scrolls on demand in only a minute, for a fraction of the XP!
Level 5: Arcane channeling comes online, adding to Abelard’s melee debuffer role. Between this and Death Devotion, he’s got a variety of tricks to disable enemies in combat.
Level 6: Animal Devotion adds some excellent versatility, and fits in with Abelard’s evolution theme. Flight, a secondary natural attack (with a debuff tied to it!), offensive and defensive buff all rolled into one, this is a perfect match for Abelard.
Level 7: The Conceal Spellcasting skill trick is a surprisingly handy choice for Abelard, as his artificer infusions have such a long casting time. This gives him a way to evade notice if he casts them in public. This level also provides the quick cast class feature, which gives you more uses for your swift action, and depending on how your DM interprets Spell Versatility, may also allow for swift Divine Crusader spells in the future.
Level 8: Wondrous items are nice, but the big draw here is second level infusions. Lesser weapon augmentation is a nice choice to aid the party.
Level 9: Divine Crusader comes online. As a Divine Crusader of the Sovereign Host, Abelard draws from the Luck domain. This is mostly handy for the reroll, as the minor defensive buffs he gets for the first couple of levels are nice but not great. Don’t worry, he’ll fix that soon.
Level 11: And, with the first level of Geomancer, everything changes. In addition to gradually shifting all his casting classes to his superior Charisma, Geomancer is also one of the few prestige classes that can advance artificer infusions. And for its first level, that’s exactly what he’s doing. Why? Because now, with CL 4, he can begin begin storing second level spells with spell storing item. There are a lot of good choices (Trapsmith’s stoneskin, for instance, or bone talisman), but the big one is substitute domain. This spell allows Abelard to swap out domains on demand for up to a day/level. With 41 domains to choose from, this gives Abelard a flexibility that rivals most wizards.
Level 12: Abelard is back to progressing Divine Crusader. Of note here is that the ley lines provide an untyped CL boost to all classes, meaning it applies to the artificer as well. This is nice, as CL boosts for artificers are surprisingly hard to come by. An extended magic vestment or spell storing item infusion now lasts 10 hours.
Level 13: With a spell list that chances so drastically from day to day, and the outrageous flexibility of spell storing item, Abelard is good at keeping enemies guessing. Enter False Theurgy, which lets him feign one spell while casting another.
Level 15: Etch Schema is nabbed, which he can use for more uses of spell storing item or early access to metamagic item.
Level 16: More untyped boosts to CL, plus Extend Spell, means that Abelard can buff up with his artificer infusions at home in the morning and have them last all day. Oh, and he’s casting seventh level spells from his Divine Crusader list now. Some nice domain choices via substitute domain are the Earth domain (earthquake), the Spell domain (greater anyspell and limited wish) and the Force domain (forcecage).
Level 18: Oh, hey, 9th level spells. Abelard’s base domain choice, Luck, goes back to being the best default domain thanks to miracle, but the Animal and Commerce domains are no slouches either, with shapechange and polymorph any object. He also picks up Persistent Spell, which can be combined with the metamagic item infusion to great effect.
Level 20: And, as he goes back to progressing Artificer, Abelard no longer requires schemas to cast metamagic item. It’s also worth noting that, with the ley line boost, if Abelard makes his spell storing items at his home base he can now hit the cap of fourth level spells. This is a nice way to pick up some things that never appear on any of Abelard’s domains, including planar binding (Demonologist) and contact other plane (Hexblade).
More Domain Details
Spoiler
Eberron Campaign Setting and Faiths of Eberron provide rules for worshipping the Sovereign Host as a whole, rather than any specific member. It represents a religion unto itself, grants its followers divine spells and favored weapons, and more. Divine representatives of the Sovereign Host can choose from any of their 41 domains.
Thanks to substitute domain, this gives Abelard amazing flexibility in spell choice. Depending on what kind of encounters he expects, he adjusts his spell list accordingly.
The LUCK domain is his default domain. It provides a life-saving re-roll, several powerful defensive buffs (freedom of movement, mislead, spell turning), and at high levels, gives him the ability to cast miracle, the single most flexible spell in all of D&D.
Other popular domain choices include the SPELL domain (mage armor, silence, anyspell, greater anyspell, limited wish, antimagic field) and the PROTECTION domain (all excellent defensive buffs, with the highlights being mind blank and prismatic sphere).
For social encounters, his favorite choice is the COMMERCE domain (tongues, glibness, true seeing, polymorph any object), although the CHARM domain is a fun choice as well (charm person/monster, calm emotions, dominate monster, geas/quest).
For combat encounters, he has several choices. The ANIMAL domain grants him the most powerful buff in the game, shapechange. The COMPETITION domain also has some excellent choices (zeal, divine power, righteous might, moment of prescience, greater visage of the deity).
For general utility, the ORACLE domain has a lot to offer (scrying, divination, commune, greater scrying, foresight), as does the TRAVEL domain (fly, teleport, find the path, astral projection), and it is hard to beat the raw power of the CREATION domain (minor creation, major creation, permanent image, true creation, genesis).
This is just a fraction of what Abelard is capable of using. These represent some of his favorite choices, but they are only a quarter of the domains he has access to. For a full list of domains, please see the Eberron Campaign Setting and Faiths of Eberron.
The Lifesiders
Spoiler
"'Happy.' What kind of scam is that? Burn happiness, cousin. This is the world talking. Are you on the side of life, or aren't you?"
"Is this political? I don't trust politics."
"Politics? I'm talking biology. Things that live and grow... I'm talking basic loyalties now. Like that tree. Are you on its side?"
His life began with loss and death. The Host helped him realize that this was as it should be, to understand that Dolurrh is not to be feared. And yet within the Host he found a burning vitality.
Life moves on. The truest lesson of his youth was that life moves on. Through fire and pain and death, life moves and grows and evolves. What is impossible one day becomes impossible the next. What is held dearest can be discarded. The human heart is far more resilient than it seems.
Abelard Lindsay had given his early life to death, and so it was only fitting that he gave the rest of it to life. The Sovereign Host helped him here as well. Through his worship he glimpsed the future as it could be. The gray mist and solemn devastation of the Mournlands was but a taste of what could be, of what would if there were no allies on the side of life itself.
And thus Abelard began his crusade. He looked to the Sovereign Host for guidance, and through the Host he learned that humanity was not finished, that life was not complete. The secret was in the myriad nature of the Host itself - only it wasn't a secret. One merely had to read the Doctrine of Universal Sovereignty with open eyes to see it. Alone, life will always fade and die. But by sharing and growing and bonding together, it evolves into something stronger, more powerful than ever before.
Abelard began looking beyond the arcanum for answers. He even looked beyond the Holy texts. He began looking at the world itself. He learned from the grass beneath his feet, from the serene grace of a cat, from the slow savageness of a bear. Every creature, from the crawling maggot to the noble tiger, seemed perfectly constructed to survive in its own environment, to live on. If he could learn from them, he could live on too. And he could teach others.
They called themselves the Lifesiders. They weren't anything special, not really. Mostly they were people living ordinary lives, like you and me. But beneath the banality of the everyday, there was a spark of life. They understood what Abelard was trying to do. They understood that life moves on, and they were prepared. One day, they would move on, too.
Are you on the side of life, or aren't you?
Adaptations and Sources
Spoiler
"I measured myself against the world, that was why I lived. And I cast a large shadow. Didn't I?"
The Sovereign Host
The Sovereign Host is a major part of Eberron, and clerics worship it as they would any single god. However, some DMs may insist that you dedicate yourself to a single aspect of the Sovereign Host, rather than to it in its entirety. If this is the case, there are a few good choices for Abelard.
Kol Korran is the aspect that represents trade and travel, and the Commerce, Travel and Pact domains provide powerful options such as polymorph any object, gate, find the path and more.
Aureon represents magic and truth. Though Lawful Neutral is not the alignment I envision for Abelard, Aureon's teachings are in many ways similar to Abelard's philosophy. The key domains of Aureon are the Spell, Magic, Oracle and Mind domains. The Spell domain alone provides a ridiculous amount of flexibility.
Balinor would be an excellent way to represent Abelard's dedication to life. His domains include the Celerity and Animal domains, which have powerful options such as shapechange and time stop.
Outside of Eberron, I would recommend looking at deities focused on life and travel - Olidammara or Fharlanghn from Greyhawk, Tymora from the Realms, etc.
Other Options
This build assumes Spell Versatility is being used conservatively, and that only the examples provided in Complete Divine apply. However, a broader reading of Spell Versatility can certainly improve the build.
First and foremost, if Spell Versatility can apply to other class features, then the duskblade's quick cast class feature becomes invaluable, allowing Abelard to cast quickened miracles and the like.
Second, this build has assumed that Spell Versatility does NOT apply to infusions, but if it does, Abelard will have far more bonus infusions to play around with at high levels. This is especially important when metamagic item comes into play.
Third, if a more flexible version of Spell Versatility is assumed, it may be worth it for Abelard to take Versatile Spellcaster, Heighten Spell and Arcane Strike in place of Death Devotion, Animal Devotion and Etch Schema. This will allow him to "dump" his leftover high level spell slots from Divine Crusader to improve his melee prowess.
Sources
More details about the Sovereign Host and its many domains can be found in the Eberron Campaign Setting and Faiths of Eberron.
Artificer is from Eberron Campaign Setting. Duskblade is from Player's Handbook 2. Divine Crusader and Geomancer are from Complete Divine.
Able Learner is in Races of Destiny. Practiced Spellcaster and Persistent Spell are in Complete Arcane. Death Devotion and Animal Devotion are from Complete Champion.
The quotes peppered throughout this entry, as well as the inspiration for this character, all come from Schismatrix, by Bruce Sterling. It's a good book - go read it!
"I had a fine time here," the Presence said. "It's quite a place you have here..."
"Thank you."
"Hey, the thanks are all yours... But there are other places waiting." The Presence hesitated. "You want to come along?"
"Yes!"
"C'mon, we'll follow him. They'll be going someplace soon."
"Where?" Lindsay said.
"It doesn't matter. Somewhere wonderful."
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2013-01-20, 07:55 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Aquaman's darkest, edgiest cousin.
Originally Posted by Adishesha
"I cannot think of the deep sea without shuddering at the nameless things that may at this very moment be crawling and floundering on its slimy bed, worshipping their ancient stone idols and carving their own detestable likenesses on submarine obelisks of water-soaked granite. I dream of a day when they may rise above the billows to drag down in their reeking talons the remnants of puny, war-exhausted mankind—of a day when the land shall sink, and the dark ocean floor shall ascend amidst universal pandemonium..."
-“Dagon,” H.P. Lovecraft
Adishesha, Lord of the Deep
Aquatic human, cloistered cleric 7/nar demonbinder 3/geomancer 10
Spoiler
ACFs: Cloistered Cleric (UA), Spontaneous Domain Casting (PHB2)
Domains: Evil, Blackwater, Knowledge
Adishesha Deep-diver
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Cloistered Cleric 1|+0|+2|+0|+2|Concentration 4 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 4 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 4 ranks, knowledge (religion) 4 ranks, knowledge (nature) 4 ranks, intimidate 2 ranks, profession (herbalist) 4 ranks, sense motive 2 ranks, spellcraft 4 ranks|Iron Will, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Willing Deformity|Rebuke undead, lore, spontaneous domain casting (Blackwater domain)
2nd|Cloistered Cleric 2|+1|+3|+0|+3|Concentration 5 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 5 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 5 ranks, knowledge (religion) 5 ranks, knowledge (nature) 5 ranks, intimidate 2.5 ranks, profession (herbalist) 5 ranks, spellcraft 5 ranks, use magic device .5 ranks||
3rd|Cloistered Cleric 3|+1|+3|+1|+3|Concentration 6 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 6 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 6 ranks, knowledge (religion) 6 ranks, knowledge (nature) 6 ranks, intimidate 3 ranks, profession (herbalist) 6 ranks, spellcraft 6 ranks, use magic device 1 rank|Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration)|
4th|Cloistered Cleric 4|+2|+4|+1|+4|Concentration 7 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 7 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 7 ranks, knowledge (religion) 7 ranks, knowledge (nature) 7 ranks, intimidate 3.5 ranks, profession (herbalist) 7 ranks, spellcraft 7 ranks, use magic device 1.5 ranks||
5th|Cloistered Cleric 5|+2|+4|+1|+4|Concentration 8 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 8 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 8 ranks, knowledge (religion) 8 ranks, knowledge (nature) 8 ranks, intimidate 4 ranks, profession (herbalist) 8 ranks, spellcraft 8 ranks, use magic device 2 ranks|Abominable Form|
6th|Cloistered Cleric 6|+3|+5|+2|+5|Concentration 9 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 9 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 9 ranks, knowledge (religion) 9 ranks, knowledge (nature) 9 ranks, intimidate 4.5 ranks, profession (herbalist) 9 ranks, spellcraft 9 ranks, use magic device 2.5 ranks|Mother Cyst|
7th|Cloistered Cleric 7|+3|+5|+2|+5|Concentration 10 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 10 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 10 ranks, knowledge (religion) 10 ranks, knowlege (nature) 10 ranks, intimidate 5 ranks, profession (herbalist) 10 ranks, spellcraft 10 ranks, use magic device 3 ranks||
8th|Nar Demonbinder 1|+3|+5|+2|+7|Intimidate 8 ranks, use magic device 4 ranks||Fiendish familiar (imp), inimical casting
9th|Geomancer 1|+3|+7|+2|+9|Concentration 11 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 11 ranks, knowledge (religion) 11 ranks, intimidate 9 ranks, use magic device 4.5 ranks|Imperious Command|Drift 1 (flowers wilt), spell versatility 0
10th|Geomancer 2|+4|+8|+2|+10|Concentration 12 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 12 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 11 ranks, intimidate 10 ranks, use magic device 5 ranks|Dark Speech|Drift 1 (scaly skin), ley lines +1 (aquatic), spell versatility 1
11th|Geomancer 3|+5|+8|+3|+10|Concentration 13 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 13 ranks, knowledge (religion) 12 ranks, intimidate 11 ranks, use magic device 5.5 ranks||Drift 2 (photosynthesis), spell versatility 2
12th|Geomancer 4|+6/+1|+9|+3|+11|Concentration 14 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 14 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 12 ranks, intimidate 12 ranks, use magic device 6 ranks|Divine Spell Power|Drift 2 (octopus skin), spell versatility 3
13th|Geomancer 5|+6/+1|+9|+3|+11|Concentration 15 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 15 ranks, knowledge (religion) 13 ranks, intimidate 13 ranks, use magic device 6.5 ranks||Drift 3 (fish gills), spell versatility 4
14th|Geomancer 6|+7/+2|+10|+4|+12|Concentration 16 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 16 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 13 ranks, intimidate 14 ranks, use magic device 7 ranks||Drift 3 (spider webs), ley lines +2 (aquatic), spell versatility 5
15th|Geomancer 7|+8/+3|+10|+4|+12|Concentration 17 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 17 ranks, knowledge (religion) 14 ranks, intimidate 15 ranks, use magic device 7.5 ranks|Primitive Caster, Deformity (Madness)|Drift 4 (squid ink), spell versatility 6
16th|Geomancer 8|+9/+4|+11|+4|+13|Concentration 18 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 18 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 14 ranks, intimidate 16 ranks, use magic device 8 ranks||Drift 4 (hound’s nose), spell versatility 7
17th|Geomancer 9|+9/+4|+11|+5|+13|Concentration 19 ranks, knowledge (arcana) 19 ranks, knowledge (religion) 15 ranks, intimidate 17 ranks, use magic device 8.5 ranks||Drift 5 (bat’s wings), spell versatility 8
18th|Nar Demonbinder 2|+10/+5|+11|+5|+14|Concentration 20 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 16 ranks, intimidate 19 ranks, use magic device 9 ranks|Versatile Spellcaster|Iron Sign
19th|Nar Demonbinder 3|+10/+5|+12|+6|+14|Concentration 21 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 17 ranks, intimidate 20 ranks, use magic device 10 ranks||Master Summoner
20th|Geomancer 10|+11/+6/+1|+13|+6|+15|Knowledge (arcana) 20 ranks, knowledge (religion) 16 ranks, knowledge (the planes) 18 ranks, use magic device 11 ranks|Deformity (Tongue)|Drift 5 (earthworm’s tremorsense), ley lines +3 (aquatic), spell versatility 9[/table]
Stats
Spoiler
Str 8/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 14/Wis 14/Cha 16
LEVEL 4: +1 Int
LEVEL 8: +1 Cha
LEVEL 12: +1 Cha
LEVEL 16: +1 Cha
LEVEL 20: +1 Cha
Spells
Spoiler
Cleric spells per day
{table=head]Level|0lvl|1st|2nd|3rd|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th|9th
1st|3|1+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
2nd|4|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
3rd|4|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
4th|5|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-|-
5th|5|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-|-
6th|5|3+1|3+1|2+1|-|-|-|-|-|-
7th|6|4+1|3+1|2+1|1+1|-|-|-|-|-[/table]
Nar demonbinder spells per day/known
{table=head]Level|4th|5th|6th|7th|8th
8th|2 / 3|1 / 1|-|-|-
9th|2 / 4|2 / 2|-|-|-
10th|3 / 4|2 / 2|1 / 1|-|-
11th|3 / 4|3 / 3|2 / 2|-|-
12th|3 / 4|3 / 3|2 / 2|1 / 1|-
13th|4 / 4|3 / 4|3 / 3|2 / 2|-
14th|4 / 4|4 / 4|3 / 3|2 / 2|1 / 1[/table]
Spells Known:
4- lesser planar binding, dimensional anchor, wall of fire, Beltyn's burning blood
5- flame strike, summon monster v, plane shift, dispel good
6- planar binding, fiendform, greater dispel magic
7- blasphemy, fire storm
8- greater planar binding
(Further Geomancer levels continue to progress Nar Demonbinder's caster level - see Adishesha Unveiled and Questions & Clarifications for more details.)
The Call of Leviathan - Adishesha Speaks
Spoiler
I.
Into the depths, I come to thee. I come to thee, Leviathan, Destroyer, Sleeper. Before ever there was life, there was you. You were there, hidden deep in the primordial seas, before mountains were mountains. Ere even the great dragons, there was you, and you were waiting. Yes, you were waiting.
II.
You, land-dwellers, you call your city the City of Splendors, you call it Waterdeep, yet never have you guessed at how deep those waters go, at what splendors lay awaiting you there.
Here is the truth: long before men walked the land, they swam the depths. When Waterdeep was still an ancient elven fortress, we lived, below the crashing waves. You believe you have conquered the realms, but you have only conquered its skin.
Our kind is mostly gone. Your traders and merchants have seen to that, hiring mercenaries and pirates to sweep the sea clean along your precious trade routes. Most of my brethren have retreated, further into the sea, beyond the reach of your toy boats.
But I remained. Waterdeep holds many secrets, secrets I am loathe to abandon. Secrets only I have discovered.
III.
It began in a temple to Yeathan, cruel god of the deep. There are many such temples in the trenches of Waterdeep, temples to gods that rule the ocean in a way you land-dwellers will never know.
As a child, living alone, constantly fearing discovery, Yeathan’s dark temple was home to me. Few still worship the old gods of the sea, and so much of my time there was spent alone. But what secrets were kept there! I learned much in that temple. I learned the divine words to make water obey me. I learned how to shield my body from the great pressures of the sea. I learned of the ancient sea-dwellers and their lost kingdoms. And I learned of something in the deep rifts at the bottom of the sea, something asleep but hungry...
IV.
O Leviathan! I have seen your sleeping form. When first I saw it, the madness overtook me and I began to claw at my own body and face. But I returned, day after day. I gave myself to you willingly, dedicated myself to your service. You have come to me in dreams, you, oldest of all living things. You have told me of your hunger, and I have promised that civilization shall be your feast.
Into the depths, I come to thee. I come to thee, Leviathan, Destroyer, Sleeper...
Rising From the Depths - Adishesha Unveiled
Spoiler
Level 5
Cloistered Cleric 5
Iron Will, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Willing Deformity, Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration), Abominable Form
Highlights:
- Level 3 cleric spells, and all that entails. Spell Focus/GSF shore up low DCs due to middling Wisdom.
- Black tentacles as a level 3 spell.
- Able to dive to any depth, allowing him to explore the hidden secrets of Waterdeep.
- Able to move about on land for 28 rounds without magic, or 10 hours with air breathing.
- All creatures of lesser HD who look upon him must make DC 19 Will save or be shaken due to Abominable Form.
- +12 to Intimidate checks before items or spells.
Other Notes:
Out of the depths, Adishesha crawls. Immune to the tremendous pressure of the deep, he has discovered signs of the great Leviathan, and dedicated himself to him. He has scarred his face and body in his fervor, and he is terrible to behold.
Level 10
Cloistered Cleric 7/Nar Demonbinder 1/Geomancer 2
Iron Will, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Willing Deformity, Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration), Abominable Form, Mother Cyst, Imperious Command, Dark Speech
Highlights:
- Level 4 cleric spells and level 6 nar demonbinder spells, allowing Adishesha to cast spells such as planar binding well before others.
- Mother Cyst gives him a method of controlling enemies and building his cult, using implanted cysts within his cultists to scry and dominate from afar, and the transformation of the deeps spell to make them powerful allies within his watery domain.
- Fiendform means that, if it is necessary to attack directly, he can change into a fiendish dire wolf or dire shark.
- Imp familiar, who runs errands for him on the surface and also communes for him to alert him of any threats and reveal hidden secrets.
- +19 to Intimidate checks before items or spells, as well as Imperious Command and Abominable Form.
- Dark Speech allows him to incapacitate or charm enemies, form hiveminds or boost the caster level of his spells, while the restoration line on his cleric side lets him quickly recover from the negative side effects.
Other Notes:
His contact with the great eldritch horror resting far below Waterdeep has begun to warp and corrupt Adishesha. His skin has grown scaly and foul, and vegetation wilts at his touch. Strange tumorous growths mar him. But for all this, Adishesha is powerful. He has learned the dark names of things. He can call creatures from the deep, or even reach across the planes and pluck demons from the Abyss to do his bidding. Foul as he is, Adishesha has brought others with him, to bask in Leviathan’s endless hunger...
Level 15
Cloistered Cleric 7/Nar Demonbinder 1/Geomancer 7
Iron Will, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Willing Deformity, Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration), Abominable Form, Mother Cyst, Imperious Command, Dark Speech, Divine Spell Power, Primitive Caster, Deformity (Madness)
Highlights:
- Level 4 cleric spells and level 8 nar demonbinder spells, including the full planar binding line, which he uses to further increase his available casting.
- Thanks to Drift, Adishesha no longer requires the air breathing spell to stay on the surface for extended periods, and has also picked up several new useful abilities, including the ability to shoot ink like a squid and to exist without eating.
- Immunity to all things mind-affecting thanks to his madness. Spell Versatility allows him to circumvent its downside, allowing him to substitute his Charisma in place of Wisdom.
- Inimical casting means he can use blasphemy to affect any alignment. With all the myriad ways he has to boost caster level (see below), with items he can consistently toss out CL 28 inimical blasphemies. This is high enough to automatically paralyze, daze and weaken a solar, the most powerful non-dragon creature in the Monster Manual.
- Spell Versatility allows him to “mix or match spellcasting parameters from any of
his classes to gain the maximum possible advantage” with all of his spells. In addition to moving all casting to his Charisma and allowing him to replace material components with divine focii, this lets him use his Spontaneous Domain ability to cast Blackwater domain spells from his stronger nar demonbinder casting. Casting his arcane spells as divine also gives him the ability to circumvent Divine Spell Power's non-arcane stipulation, and also to use items such as karma beads to further increase caster level on his demonbinder/cyst spells. - Primitive Caster allows him to add material and somatic components to his inimical blasphemies in order to increase their caster level. This is also effective to boost his opposed checks on his planar bindings (as those checks are based on caster level), hit the cap on flame strike and fire storm, and more. Between Primitive Caster, Divine Spell Power, Dark Speech and the Evil domain, Adishesha can pick up +8 to his CL on evil spells (which include inimical blasphemies and the summoning/binding line - ie, all his strongest spells) before items or ley lines are even taken into account.
- Ley lines mean that, when in his aquatic domain, his caster level jumps by another +2. While this may not help him on the surface, it gives him a considerable boost when summoning/binding or buffing himself or his cultists.
Other Notes:
The madness and hunger of Leviathan continues to warp Adishesha, fracturing both mind and body. His limbs turn rubbery and begin to resemble tentacles. Tendrils of seaweed and algae grow from him. Foul words drip from his mouth like bubbling oil, and in their wake, light recedes and all creatures quail. He has learned the old and long-forgotten ways, magics that were old when Waterdeep was still naught but an elven fortress. He builds his cults of the deep, who also begin to warp and change under his dark influence, and he commands an army of fiends who he has forced into the service of Leviathan, the hungry god who waits below.
Level 20
Cloistered Cleric 7/Nar Demonbinder 3/Geomancer 10
Iron Will, Spell Focus (Conjuration), Willing Deformity, Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration), Abominable Form, Mother Cyst, Imperious Command, Dark Speech, Divine Spell Power, Primitive Caster, Deformity (Madness), Deformity (Tongue), Versatile Spellcaster
Highlights:
- In addition to his cleric and nar demonbinder casting, Adishesha also has access to 9th-level spells thanks to the combination of Versatile Spellcaster and Mother Cyst.
- Several alternate senses help shore up Adishesha’s defenses, including tremorsense, scent and blindsense.
- Wings provide an (Ex) form of flight for when Adishesha is out of the water.
- With the Necrotic Termination spell, Adishesha commands an army of skulking cysts that he commands and uses to spread necrotic cysts throughout the world, giving him pawns to scry on and dominate.
- Against lesser enemies, he can easily incapacitate them with fear without needing a single spell. His DC 23 Abominable Form automatically triggers on sight, and Intimidate + Imperious Command + deformities means that anyone without fear immunity is vulnerable to him.
- Iron Sign allows him to trap outsiders and force them into his service, in addition to simply binding/summoning them.
Other Notes:
Leviathan stirs, and the earth trembles...
The Murky Waters - Questions & Clarifications
Spoiler
Nar Demonbinder does not provide second level arcane spells. How does Adishesha qualify for Geomancer?
A strict reading of Geomancer implies that a Nar Demonbinder would not be able to qualify for Geomancer, because despite it getting up to 8th-level casting, it never actually gains 2nd-level spells. However, thanks to Mother Cyst, Adishesha can use his Nar Demonbinder slots to cast second level cyst spells as 2nd-level arcane spells.
Divine Spell Power says it cannot be used with arcane spells, and Spell Versatility does not explicitly allow Divine Spell Power in its list of examples!
Spell Versatility states that it allows Geomancers to “mix or match spellcasting parameters from any of his classes to gain the maximum possible advantage,” and then lists several examples. If your DM considers the list of examples to be exhaustive, rather than indicative, there is an easy work-around. The Southern Magician feat from Races of Faerun can replace Imperious Command, and will allow Divine Spell Power, beads of karma, etc., to work with your demonbinder or cyst spells. Alternatively, since the main reason to boost CL is for inimical blasphemy, simply take Arcane Thesis (Blasphemy) and call it a day.
How does Adishesha cast Necrotic Termination without 9th-level spell slots?
Mother Cyst adds Necrotic Termination as a 9th-level spell known, but Nar Demonbinder caps at 8th-level spell slots. However, thanks to Versatile Spellcaster, Adishesha can expend two 8th-level spell slots to cast Necrotic Termination. This also means that, with the addition of knowstones or runestaves, Adishesha can even pick up other 9th-level spells.
Why are you continuing to progress Nar Demonbinder with Geomancer, even though it caps at seven levels?
Because caster level is so important to Adishesha’s strategy, he chooses to continue progressing his demonbinder casting even after he no longer gains new spells. As an alternative, consider dropping the last two levels of Nar Demonbinder for two more Cloistered Cleric levels. This will maintain the same caster level but also grant him 5th-level cleric spells. However, he will miss out on Master Summoner and Iron Sign, both of which provide excellent boosts to his planar binding. For yet another alternative, while this alters the build's flavor, two levels of Dragon Disciple can provide two bonus spell slots for Adishesha, which can be used for his highest level spells. If you go this route, I would recommend taking Practiced Spellcaster to maintain the high CL that Adishesha craves.
Where are all those bonus feats coming from?
Adishesha is dedicated to Leviathan, the elder evil. For information on these rules, please see Elder Evils p10. For information on Leviathan, including where he fits in within Faerun, please see p64 and p67.
What items would you recommend for Adishesha?
Being a full spellcaster off multiple lists, Adishesha is not particularly item dependant. Many of the key ingredients to his success come from things he gathers himself, such as the herbs for primitive casting or the iron sign for binding. In general, equip him like you would any caster, with a special focus on items that boost caster level (beads of karma, terran brandy, ioun stones and the like).
I’m playing in a very high-op campaign. Can Adishesha’s abilities be dialed up a bit?
What, CL 36 blasphemies that can be used against any alignment and crazy planar binding isn’t enough for you? Don’t worry - Adishesha can easily be tweaked even further. First of all, there are several ways to add additional spells known, including knowstones and runestaves. This can be combined with the Versatile Spellcaster + Mother Cyst trick to open up powerful spells such as gate and shapechange. Second, the consumptive field spell can raise your CL to 54 with a single casting. Third, the taint mechanics from Heroes of Horror are a natural fit thematically, even though only the most high-optimization campaigns would ever consider allowing them. Finally, the Circle Magic feat from Ghostwalk can provide a CL boost at lower levels, open up several metamagic feats he otherwise would not have access to, and provide effective 10th-level spell slots. Circle Magic participants could be gleaned from his cyst-dominated cultists, or he could use a runestaff or knowstone to add the simulacrum spell for clones. A Cloistered Cleric 7/Nar Demonbinder 2/Geomancer 10/Tainted Spellcaster 1 with Circle Magic and consumptive field up would be a terror to behold in ANY campaign...
How would you adapt Adishesha to an Eberron campaign?
The Nar Demonbinder has fluff strongly tied to Faerun, but could be adapted to an Eberron campaign with some generous re-fluffing. Alternatively, an Eberron version with a similar concept could be made using Ur-Priest and an arcane base, although significant portions of the build would need to be changed. Eberron would open up the Elder Giant Magic feat, though, which could add an additional +3 CL.
What books are used in this build?
The Player’s Handbook 2, Complete Divine, Unapproachable East, Elder Evils, Races of the Dragon, Libris Mortis, Drow of the Underdark, Frostburn and Heroes of Horror. Unearthed Arcana provides the rules for the aquatic human variant race, as well as cloistered cleric.
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2013-01-20, 07:57 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
With his bear hands.
Originally Posted by Bjorn Ioreksen
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2013-01-20, 08:00 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Feeling uninspired, think I'll start a fire. - STP
Originally Posted by The Stone Temple Pilot
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2013-01-20, 08:03 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
You'll have to look in the box.
Originally Posted by Erwin Schrodinger
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2013-01-20, 08:05 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Frequently in the presence of the Harlem Globetrotters.
Originally Posted by Sweet Brown
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2013-01-20, 08:06 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
I believe that's the last of them. Ready, judges? Go!
EDIT: So, immediately after I asked for folks to refrain from posting in the thread, someone posted? Really?Last edited by Amphetryon; 2013-01-20 at 08:15 AM.
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2013-01-20, 08:11 AM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
It was everything i thought it would be and more.
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2013-01-20, 08:17 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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- Sep 2011
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
My internet has been playing up recently. Snow's been messing things up, and messages have been taking several minutes to get through (last night it was taking five minutes to load up GiTP).
Sorry!Illumian Dread Necromancer Lich avatar by Tinymushroom.
Originally Posted by Bloodgruve
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2013-01-20, 08:34 AM (ISO 8601)Ettin in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
So since I ended not having time to finish the (two) builds that I was working with can I share the progression of them? Or would it be considered rude to the contestants?
Also.. good job everyone! There were some great ideas in there that I really liked and probably would have never thought of them.
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2013-01-20, 08:37 AM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
I'm not "in charge" or anything, but there is usually a lifetime of waiting before the judges post scores and the chat usually meanders around all over the place at this point as we all try to pretend that time is not crawling. So it is probably ok to share your builds. Originally Posted by thethird
But I would give Amph a private message asking him cuz he kinda runs the place and could tell you for sure if its ok or not.
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2013-01-20, 08:53 AM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
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- Jun 2010
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
My entry did not make an appearence. A simple oversight, I'm sure.
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2013-01-20, 09:06 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
To any and all who did not see their build posted: I have gone through my inbox again, and find no more submissions. I apologize for any apparent glitches that would have prevented them from reaching me, but they are unfortunately out of my control. I have not ever intentionally withheld or deleted a viable submission.
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2013-01-20, 09:28 AM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Outbox
IC: Geomancer; sent 12:43 1-8-2013
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2013-01-20, 09:30 AM (ISO 8601)Troll in the Playground
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- Jul 2007
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- Bellona
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Wow, 17 builds... The judges are going to have their work cut out for them. I think that's the most there has been since I've started ICing except for possibly Shadowdancer.
My thought for a build that I ended up discarding was Druid 5/Demonologist 2/Blighter 3/Geomancer 10, with a "steal from nature" theme. Fun idea but the execution was kinda meh, so I dropped it. Anyhow, I'm happy with my entry, and from scanning these (haven't done more than glance over the build tables so far) there's a lot of very good stuff here!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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2013-01-20, 09:33 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
I'm not doubting you; I wasn't doubting you with the previous comment either. It's not in my inbox, though, and I never knowingly deleted it. Originally Posted by WinWin
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2013-01-20, 09:42 AM (ISO 8601)Ettin in the Playground
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- Jan 2013
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
The two builds that I had in mind were kinda weird.
One was wildshape ranger 5 / spellthief 1 / Daggerspell shapper 4 / Geomancer 10
Focusing on wildshape for combat (and adding a lot of natural weapons through geomancer), and using sword of the arcane order for accessing arcane spells. The cheesiest part was using spellversatility with steal spell to steal caster level from other casters, be it allies or enemies.
The other one was favored soul 4 / Geomancer 7 / Spellguard of Silverymoon 4 / Warweaver 5
Combining the ACF of the favored soul that grants temporary bonus hit points to the favored soul spells, the geomancer ability to make those spells count as arcane, the spellguard ability to cast spells with a personal range that grant hit points with a range of touch and the warweaver ability to cast touch spells at the whole party at once.
So the point was buffing everyone at once with the cheesy personal buffs of the cleric. Problem though that feats were REALLY tight and it required a specific reading of spell versatility.
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2013-01-20, 09:47 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Scrubbadubdub
Last edited by Seer_of_Heart; 2013-01-20 at 09:51 AM.
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2013-01-20, 09:48 AM (ISO 8601)Titan in the Playground
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- Sep 2009
- Location
- Runite
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
My build ideas was Marrulurk, Duskblade/Ur-Priest/ Suel Arcanamach in a steal power from nature/gods to return the Marru; but just before I started typing I asked myself... what does Marrulurk gives the build? And I came with nothing....
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2013-01-20, 09:50 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Reminder: Please refrain from comments that allow people to guess which build you may or may not have submitted.
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2013-01-20, 09:51 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge in the Playground XLI
Oh yeah, sorry Originally Posted by Amphetryon
I'll scrub my post now
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