3.5E Psychic Weapon Master Build [Archive] - Wizards Community

3.5E Psychic Weapon Master Build [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
SKB
10-21-04, 04:14 AM Hello,

Since I havenТt found a DragonТs hoard of interesting 3.5E Psychic Weapon Master builds. I decided to hit the min/max gym for the first time and bench press a combo on this board.

My Resources. (All 3.5E)
Books:
PHB Ц 3.5 Players Handbook
XPH Ц Expanded Psionics Handbook
CW Ц Complete Warrior
UA Ц Unearthed Arcana
PLH Ц Planar Handbook
ME Ц MindТs Eye (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040827d)

Classes:
Monk Ц Cobra Strike [UA] + [PHB]
Paragon Ц Human [UA]
Psion Ц Egoist [XPH]
Fighter Ц [PHB]
Elocater Ц [XPH]
ExoMaster Ц Exotic Weapon Master [CW]
PsyMaster Ц 3.5E Psychic Weapon Master [ME]

Race: Human
Ability Scores: 32 Points
1st Level.
Str.16(10pts)
Dex.14(6pts)
Con.14(6pts)
Int.14(6pts)
Wis.12(4pts)
Cha.8

20th Level.
Str.22
Dex.14
Con.14
Int.15
Wis.12
Cha.8

Jovar Variant: [EDITED:10/21/04 with member feedback]
[UA] Character Flaws: Shaky, Murky-Eyed
Feats: Power Attack, Exotic Weapon Prof.(Jovar [PLH])
LvlЕ.ClassЕ.Е....BABЕ..Feats.(R)RacialЕ( C)ClassЕ(L)Level
1ЕЕ.Monk1Е.Е....0ЕЕ..(R)Combat ExpertiseЕ(C)DodgeЕ(L)Improved Trip
2Е.ЕMonk2Е.Е....1ЕЕ..(C)Mobility
3Е.ЕParagon1Е.Е0ЕЕ..(L)Weapon Focus (Jovar)
4Е.ЕPsion1ЕЕ.Е..0ЕЕ..(C)Psionic Dodge
5Е.ЕPsion2ЕЕ.Е..1.ЕЕ.n/a
6Е.ЕParagon2Е.Е.1ЕЕ.(C)Psionic WeaponЕ(L)Monkey Grip
7Е.ЕFighter1Е..Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Spring Attack
8Е.ЕElocater1Е.Е.0ЕЕ.(C)Sidestep Charge
9Е....Paragon3Е.Е1Е.Е.(L)Close-Quarters Fighting
10Е..PsyMaster1Е.1ЕЕ.(C)Psy Damage
11Е..ExoMaster1Е.1ЕЕ.(C)Trip Attack
12Е..PsyMaster2Е.1ЕЕ.(L)Elusive Target
13Е..PsyMaster3Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Weapon FocusЕ(L)Whirlwind
14Е..PsyMaster4Е.1ЕЕ..n/a
15Е..PsyMaster5Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Combat ReflexesЕ(L)Improved Critical
16Е..PsyMaster6Е.1ЕЕ..n/a
17Е..PsyMaster7Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Improved CriticalЕ(L)Karmic Strike
18Е..PsyMaster8Е.1ЕЕ..n/a
19Е..PsyMaster9Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Whirlwind Attack
20....PsyMaster10..1......n/a

20th Level.
Max HPs.154
BAB.16
Fort.11
Ref.13
Will.14
Manifester Level. 10th (Psion +2, Human Paragon +2 [DM approval], Elocater +1, PWM +5)
Power Level. 5th
Power Points. 88 (without ability score modifier)

Psionic Powers.
1st
1.Thicken Skin (Egoist)
2.Force Screen
3.Vigor
4.Inertial Armor
5.Grease
2nd
1.Animal Affinity (Egoist)
2.Concealing, Amorpha
3.Energy Adaptation, Specific
4.Biofeedback
3rd
1.Hustle (Egoist)
2.Body Adjustment
3.Touchsight {This power will negate the Murky-Eyed flaw}
4.Ubiquitous Vision
4th
1.Metamorphosis (Egoist)
2.Dimension Door
3.Empathic Feedback
4.Freedom of Movement
5th
1.Psychofeedback (Egoist)
2.Adapt Body
3.Plane Shift
4.Power Resistance

This build is based on absolutely nothing that I can think of except itТs УKinda Kool.Ф Psioncs add personal buffing, power points for weapon damage, and tactical mobility. The beauty of this build, I think, is the ability to run into a clustered group of enemies and unload using a Spring Attack/Whirlwind Attack since WWA is a standard action for this build at 20th level. Combine this with Metamorphosis and it sounds like a lot of fun to me. In addition, using the ElocatorТs Scorn Earth ability allows the PWM to levitate and still move 10ft per round. ItТs flying, really slow, but if you use some imagination you can do some cool things like a Whirlwind Attack on all axis.

The other Уneat-oФ things about this build are the tripping abilities. Exotic Weapon MasterТs Trip Attack ability with an exotic weapon and Elusive Target feat allowing move-trip combos is pretty big on my Уneat-oФ factor. Negating Power Attacks from your opponents and making Improved Grapples difficult. The additional Monk abilities add more fun to the mix.

The real BIG BANG is the Jovar blade from the Planar Handbook. ItТs an Exotic Two-Handed Melee Weapon that does the damage of a Greatsword and has the critical range of a FalchionЕsooooo neat! Anyway, here is the setup of the PWM Jovar.

Jovar [PLH]
(L) 3d6 dmg, 18-20/x2 crit
PsyMaster Psionic Damage 9/day:
Imp. Crit Feat: 15-20/x2
PsyMaster Imp. Crit Feat: 13-20/x2
PsyMaster Increased Multiplyer 4/day: 13-20/x3
Deep Crystal Material (+2d6 dmg per attack for 2 Power Points) [XPH]

So this masterТs spring attack/whirlwind attack base damage would look something like this. Base PWM Weapon 3d6(18 psy dmg)+2d6(deep crystal)+9(Str +6x1.5)= 27+2d6, 13-20/x3 crits without Power Attack.

Nothing special, but respectable and with magic item enhancements it gets even better. Top it off with Metamorphosis and you can be a levitating-eluding-whirling-Firbolg dropping sweet candy hits on everybody...within reach.

Example:Firbolg Str.36(+13) - Jovar (H) 4d6(24 psy dmg)+2d6(psi weapon)+2d6(deep crystal)+19(Str +13x1.5)= 43+4d6, 13-20/x3 crits without Power Attack or magic enhancements.

Of course this is just me hyping this build up, but I wonder what the rest of you think?

Thanks,
SKB
scrollreader
10-21-04, 04:17 AM Human Paragon doesn't, as written, help your manifester level. Any more than it helps the artificers infuser level. Which is a shame. Maybe if you could talk your DM into that, this would be an interesting build to play around with.
SKB
10-21-04, 04:21 AM If the DM uses the transparency rule from the XPH and allows the Human Paragon's "existing level" advancement then it should work, but as you said it is up to the DM.
Karkul
10-21-04, 04:25 AM If the DM uses the transparency rule from the XPH and allows the Human Paragon's "existing level" advancement then it should work, but as you said it is up to the DM.
By that logic the Red Wizard PrC would work too. I don't think the transarency rule works that way.
SKB
10-21-04, 04:40 AM The Red Wizard PRC is depicting "existing arcane" not "existing class" therefore I would rule that the transparency rule would not apply to the Red Wizard PRC since it is arcane specific. With the Human paragon it is depicting, in my view, a more "racial" specific character class with equal enhancements to the arts. The interpretation, in my mind, of a human paragon gaining advancement in the arcane and divine, but not psionic doesn't fit. By my interpretation of the rules as written, I would allow the human paragon to be an equal opportunity employer of the arcane, divine, and psionic arts. However, other non-racial classes would not apply. It is basically up to you to decide if you would allow it or not.
Shadow_Gryphon
10-21-04, 01:57 PM Doesn't the Exotic Weapon Master's Uncanny Blow ability apply solely to one-handed exotic weapons that are wielded with both hands? So a two-handed exotic weapon like the Jovar would not be eligible? Or does adding in Monkey Grip as you did do something that renders it possible?
warok
10-21-04, 02:14 PM no 3.5 monkey grip just lets you use a bigger weapon, at a huge penalty that power attack makes worth-less, and does not change how you hold it.

also EWM's uncanny blow only works with ONE-handed exotic weapons, like the bastard sword or my favorite the flutter blade from the underdark FR book.

after feats and class features from PWM, hello 15-20 /x3 (x4) :mymy:

as to the original poster, imo you need a higher manifester lvl or bab to be considered optimized

psy-war 13 / pwm 7 is better imo
better HD
bab 17
ML16
more PP to last all day
*insert EWM as needed if you want*
rilem
10-21-04, 02:51 PM Warok is correct; you are using the 3.0 version of monkey grip. The current version simply lets a Medium-sized creature use a Large Longsword (for example) in one hand instead of two. It does not let them use a Medium Greatsword in one hand.
SKB
10-21-04, 03:57 PM Hmm...you guys are correct about the uncanny blow ability of the Exotic Weapon Master, I overlooked it. Then to remedy it, I would do one of the following. Replace the Jovar with a Bastard Sword and still follow the same progression, obviously the crit range would change (15-20/x3) instead of (13-20/x3). You can also swap out 1 level of exotic weapon master with a Dervish (for dancing, springing, whirlwinding attacks), Warmind, or the 10th level of PWM. I am sure there are other possibilities.

Am I missing anything else?

I also disagree with Warok about this build not being optimized and that a
psy-war 13 / pwm 7 is better [in his opinion]
better HD
bab 17
ML16
more PP to last all day

On HD, BAB, and ML I will agree that a psywar13/pwm7 is better number wise, but after that it doesn't have anything else to offer. It is just a scoop of vanilla flavored ice cream on a sugar cone. I like my ice cream with flavors and sprinkles.

Since optimization to me is packing in more features into a build I'm going to break down the differences between the two. This does not include applied ability score modifiers or magic enhancements.

Jovar Variant [EDITED:10/21/04 with memeber feedback]
HD psywar13/pwm7 = 160 max hit points
HD this build = 154 max hit points
BAB psywar13/pwm7 = 17
BAB this build = 16
STs psywar13/pwm7 = F.10/R.9/W.6
STs this build = F.11/R.13/W.14
ML psywar13/pwm7 = 16
ML this build = 10
PowerPts psywar13/pwm7 = 79
PowerPts this build = 88
PowersKno psywar13/pwm7 = 16
PowersKno this build = 21
PL psywar13/pwm7 = 6th
PL this build = 5th
Feats psywar13/pwm7 = 14 (does not include PsyMaster abilities)
Feats this build = 17 (does not include ExoMaster or PsyMaster abilities)

Here is the extra stuff this build has over a psywar13/pwm7
Monk abilities (flurry of blows, unarmed strike lethal dmg [if you use trip, fail, and drop your weapon you are still considered armed], WIS to AC, evasion)
Elocator abilities (Scorn Earth)
ExoMaster abilities (Trip Attack]
PsyMaster abilities (all class abilites with Standard Action Whirlwind Attack)

So based on the above breakdown this build has more "stuff" packed into it and allows more flexibilty. Of course there are other potential builds that pop this build like a zit, but I have not seen any out there that utilize the 3.5E Psychic Weapon Master.
rilem
10-21-04, 11:41 PM Don't underestimate those extra manifester levels of a straight Psywar/PWM. Though I'm not wild about many of the higher-level Psywar powers (though Mindblank rocks) the higher power-point cap really comes in handy when augmenting powers. You'll be relatively limited in that regard.

That said, I certainly like your use of the Cobra Strike monk, and you are correct that your build has a lot of inherent flexibility. I might consider chucking the EWM Uncanny Blow and using an exotic reach weapon instead, simply b/c of the fun you'll have with Whirlwind.

i'm presently working on a Cobra Strike Monk6/FistofZuoken5/PWM9 that flurries w/a longspear using Serpent Strike from Eberron. I like where it's going Ч 16 BAB, 5th level powers, but doesn't have the EWM or Elocator angles.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
SKB 10-21-04, 04:14 AM	Hello, Since I havenТt found a DragonТs hoard of interesting 3.5E Psychic Weapon Master builds. I decided to hit the min/max gym for the first time and bench press a combo on this board. My Resources. (All 3.5E) Books: PHB Ц 3.5 Players Handbook XPH Ц Expanded Psionics Handbook CW Ц Complete Warrior UA Ц Unearthed Arcana PLH Ц Planar Handbook ME Ц MindТs Eye (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040827d) Classes: Monk Ц Cobra Strike [UA] + [PHB] Paragon Ц Human [UA] Psion Ц Egoist [XPH] Fighter Ц [PHB] Elocater Ц [XPH] ExoMaster Ц Exotic Weapon Master [CW] PsyMaster Ц 3.5E Psychic Weapon Master [ME] Race: Human Ability Scores: 32 Points 1st Level. Str.16(10pts) Dex.14(6pts) Con.14(6pts) Int.14(6pts) Wis.12(4pts) Cha.8 20th Level. Str.22 Dex.14 Con.14 Int.15 Wis.12 Cha.8 Jovar Variant: [EDITED:10/21/04 with member feedback] [UA] Character Flaws: Shaky, Murky-Eyed Feats: Power Attack, Exotic Weapon Prof.(Jovar [PLH]) LvlЕ.ClassЕ.Е....BABЕ..Feats.(R)RacialЕ( C)ClassЕ(L)Level 1ЕЕ.Monk1Е.Е....0ЕЕ..(R)Combat ExpertiseЕ(C)DodgeЕ(L)Improved Trip 2Е.ЕMonk2Е.Е....1ЕЕ..(C)Mobility 3Е.ЕParagon1Е.Е0ЕЕ..(L)Weapon Focus (Jovar) 4Е.ЕPsion1ЕЕ.Е..0ЕЕ..(C)Psionic Dodge 5Е.ЕPsion2ЕЕ.Е..1.ЕЕ.n/a 6Е.ЕParagon2Е.Е.1ЕЕ.(C)Psionic WeaponЕ(L)Monkey Grip 7Е.ЕFighter1Е..Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Spring Attack 8Е.ЕElocater1Е.Е.0ЕЕ.(C)Sidestep Charge 9Е....Paragon3Е.Е1Е.Е.(L)Close-Quarters Fighting 10Е..PsyMaster1Е.1ЕЕ.(C)Psy Damage 11Е..ExoMaster1Е.1ЕЕ.(C)Trip Attack 12Е..PsyMaster2Е.1ЕЕ.(L)Elusive Target 13Е..PsyMaster3Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Weapon FocusЕ(L)Whirlwind 14Е..PsyMaster4Е.1ЕЕ..n/a 15Е..PsyMaster5Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Combat ReflexesЕ(L)Improved Critical 16Е..PsyMaster6Е.1ЕЕ..n/a 17Е..PsyMaster7Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Improved CriticalЕ(L)Karmic Strike 18Е..PsyMaster8Е.1ЕЕ..n/a 19Е..PsyMaster9Е.1ЕЕ..(C)Psy Whirlwind Attack 20....PsyMaster10..1......n/a 20th Level. Max HPs.154 BAB.16 Fort.11 Ref.13 Will.14 Manifester Level. 10th (Psion +2, Human Paragon +2 [DM approval], Elocater +1, PWM +5) Power Level. 5th Power Points. 88 (without ability score modifier) Psionic Powers. 1st 1.Thicken Skin (Egoist) 2.Force Screen 3.Vigor 4.Inertial Armor 5.Grease 2nd 1.Animal Affinity (Egoist) 2.Concealing, Amorpha 3.Energy Adaptation, Specific 4.Biofeedback 3rd 1.Hustle (Egoist) 2.Body Adjustment 3.Touchsight {This power will negate the Murky-Eyed flaw} 4.Ubiquitous Vision 4th 1.Metamorphosis (Egoist) 2.Dimension Door 3.Empathic Feedback 4.Freedom of Movement 5th 1.Psychofeedback (Egoist) 2.Adapt Body 3.Plane Shift 4.Power Resistance This build is based on absolutely nothing that I can think of except itТs УKinda Kool.Ф Psioncs add personal buffing, power points for weapon damage, and tactical mobility. The beauty of this build, I think, is the ability to run into a clustered group of enemies and unload using a Spring Attack/Whirlwind Attack since WWA is a standard action for this build at 20th level. Combine this with Metamorphosis and it sounds like a lot of fun to me. In addition, using the ElocatorТs Scorn Earth ability allows the PWM to levitate and still move 10ft per round. ItТs flying, really slow, but if you use some imagination you can do some cool things like a Whirlwind Attack on all axis. The other Уneat-oФ things about this build are the tripping abilities. Exotic Weapon MasterТs Trip Attack ability with an exotic weapon and Elusive Target feat allowing move-trip combos is pretty big on my Уneat-oФ factor. Negating Power Attacks from your opponents and making Improved Grapples difficult. The additional Monk abilities add more fun to the mix. The real BIG BANG is the Jovar blade from the Planar Handbook. ItТs an Exotic Two-Handed Melee Weapon that does the damage of a Greatsword and has the critical range of a FalchionЕsooooo neat! Anyway, here is the setup of the PWM Jovar. Jovar [PLH] (L) 3d6 dmg, 18-20/x2 crit PsyMaster Psionic Damage 9/day: Imp. Crit Feat: 15-20/x2 PsyMaster Imp. Crit Feat: 13-20/x2 PsyMaster Increased Multiplyer 4/day: 13-20/x3 Deep Crystal Material (+2d6 dmg per attack for 2 Power Points) [XPH] So this masterТs spring attack/whirlwind attack base damage would look something like this. Base PWM Weapon 3d6(18 psy dmg)+2d6(deep crystal)+9(Str +6x1.5)= 27+2d6, 13-20/x3 crits without Power Attack. Nothing special, but respectable and with magic item enhancements it gets even better. Top it off with Metamorphosis and you can be a levitating-eluding-whirling-Firbolg dropping sweet candy hits on everybody...within reach. Example:Firbolg Str.36(+13) - Jovar (H) 4d6(24 psy dmg)+2d6(psi weapon)+2d6(deep crystal)+19(Str +13x1.5)= 43+4d6, 13-20/x3 crits without Power Attack or magic enhancements. Of course this is just me hyping this build up, but I wonder what the rest of you think? Thanks, SKB
scrollreader 10-21-04, 04:17 AM	Human Paragon doesn't, as written, help your manifester level. Any more than it helps the artificers infuser level. Which is a shame. Maybe if you could talk your DM into that, this would be an interesting build to play around with.
SKB 10-21-04, 04:21 AM	If the DM uses the transparency rule from the XPH and allows the Human Paragon's "existing level" advancement then it should work, but as you said it is up to the DM.
Karkul 10-21-04, 04:25 AM	If the DM uses the transparency rule from the XPH and allows the Human Paragon's "existing level" advancement then it should work, but as you said it is up to the DM. By that logic the Red Wizard PrC would work too. I don't think the transarency rule works that way.
SKB 10-21-04, 04:40 AM	The Red Wizard PRC is depicting "existing arcane" not "existing class" therefore I would rule that the transparency rule would not apply to the Red Wizard PRC since it is arcane specific. With the Human paragon it is depicting, in my view, a more "racial" specific character class with equal enhancements to the arts. The interpretation, in my mind, of a human paragon gaining advancement in the arcane and divine, but not psionic doesn't fit. By my interpretation of the rules as written, I would allow the human paragon to be an equal opportunity employer of the arcane, divine, and psionic arts. However, other non-racial classes would not apply. It is basically up to you to decide if you would allow it or not.
Shadow_Gryphon 10-21-04, 01:57 PM	Doesn't the Exotic Weapon Master's Uncanny Blow ability apply solely to one-handed exotic weapons that are wielded with both hands? So a two-handed exotic weapon like the Jovar would not be eligible? Or does adding in Monkey Grip as you did do something that renders it possible?
warok 10-21-04, 02:14 PM	no 3.5 monkey grip just lets you use a bigger weapon, at a huge penalty that power attack makes worth-less, and does not change how you hold it. also EWM's uncanny blow only works with ONE-handed exotic weapons, like the bastard sword or my favorite the flutter blade from the underdark FR book. after feats and class features from PWM, hello 15-20 /x3 (x4) :mymy: as to the original poster, imo you need a higher manifester lvl or bab to be considered optimized psy-war 13 / pwm 7 is better imo better HD bab 17 ML16 more PP to last all day insert EWM as needed if you want
rilem 10-21-04, 02:51 PM	Warok is correct; you are using the 3.0 version of monkey grip. The current version simply lets a Medium-sized creature use a Large Longsword (for example) in one hand instead of two. It does not let them use a Medium Greatsword in one hand.
SKB 10-21-04, 03:57 PM	Hmm...you guys are correct about the uncanny blow ability of the Exotic Weapon Master, I overlooked it. Then to remedy it, I would do one of the following. Replace the Jovar with a Bastard Sword and still follow the same progression, obviously the crit range would change (15-20/x3) instead of (13-20/x3). You can also swap out 1 level of exotic weapon master with a Dervish (for dancing, springing, whirlwinding attacks), Warmind, or the 10th level of PWM. I am sure there are other possibilities. Am I missing anything else? I also disagree with Warok about this build not being optimized and that a psy-war 13 / pwm 7 is better [in his opinion] better HD bab 17 ML16 more PP to last all day On HD, BAB, and ML I will agree that a psywar13/pwm7 is better number wise, but after that it doesn't have anything else to offer. It is just a scoop of vanilla flavored ice cream on a sugar cone. I like my ice cream with flavors and sprinkles. Since optimization to me is packing in more features into a build I'm going to break down the differences between the two. This does not include applied ability score modifiers or magic enhancements. Jovar Variant [EDITED:10/21/04 with memeber feedback] HD psywar13/pwm7 = 160 max hit points HD this build = 154 max hit points BAB psywar13/pwm7 = 17 BAB this build = 16 STs psywar13/pwm7 = F.10/R.9/W.6 STs this build = F.11/R.13/W.14 ML psywar13/pwm7 = 16 ML this build = 10 PowerPts psywar13/pwm7 = 79 PowerPts this build = 88 PowersKno psywar13/pwm7 = 16 PowersKno this build = 21 PL psywar13/pwm7 = 6th PL this build = 5th Feats psywar13/pwm7 = 14 (does not include PsyMaster abilities) Feats this build = 17 (does not include ExoMaster or PsyMaster abilities) Here is the extra stuff this build has over a psywar13/pwm7 Monk abilities (flurry of blows, unarmed strike lethal dmg [if you use trip, fail, and drop your weapon you are still considered armed], WIS to AC, evasion) Elocator abilities (Scorn Earth) ExoMaster abilities (Trip Attack] PsyMaster abilities (all class abilites with Standard Action Whirlwind Attack) So based on the above breakdown this build has more "stuff" packed into it and allows more flexibilty. Of course there are other potential builds that pop this build like a zit, but I have not seen any out there that utilize the 3.5E Psychic Weapon Master.
rilem 10-21-04, 11:41 PM	Don't underestimate those extra manifester levels of a straight Psywar/PWM. Though I'm not wild about many of the higher-level Psywar powers (though Mindblank rocks) the higher power-point cap really comes in handy when augmenting powers. You'll be relatively limited in that regard. That said, I certainly like your use of the Cobra Strike monk, and you are correct that your build has a lot of inherent flexibility. I might consider chucking the EWM Uncanny Blow and using an exotic reach weapon instead, simply b/c of the fun you'll have with Whirlwind. i'm presently working on a Cobra Strike Monk6/FistofZuoken5/PWM9 that flurries w/a longspear using Serpent Strike from Eberron. I like where it's going Ч 16 BAB, 5th level powers, but doesn't have the EWM or Elocator angles.