Post/Author/DateTime	Post
KeyboardKiller 03-19-06, 01:25 PM	I'm working on a gish build right now, and I'm kinda unsure where to proceed from here. I'm thinking that Bard7/Paladin(CG varient)3/SublimeChord2/EldritchKnight7 would work, as I'm playing as a catfolk. I think my spellcasting will take a backseat, as there is already a sorceror in the group. I know that any LA is bad, but we're not focused too much on min/maxing or anything, just having effective-enough characters. We already rolled for stats, and I got a 14 Str, 22 Dex, 14 Con, 10 Int, 5 Wis, and 20 Cha (We do a wierd, extrememly forgiving rolling varient...). I know I have to get a bunch of skills in to fit the Sublime Chord in, which I should be able to do. However, getting to feats, I'm drawing a blank. I'm taking two flaws (Frail and Noncombatant) as I plan on using my Dexterity to good effect by being an archer, and as such, get two extra feats. The feats that come to mind are Force of Personality to make up for that will score, Snowflake Wardance, and all the archery feats. But I really don't know where to do from here, or how to figure out what to take first. Any help?
Warlock33 03-19-06, 01:32 PM	A catfolk archer? :/...I like catfolk for skirmishing and pouncing and such
KeyboardKiller 03-19-06, 01:35 PM	But what good would my dex bonus do? Weapon finesse doesn't apply to all weapons, I sadly note. And the swashbuckler/rogue has claimed melee. As I said, it's not that I want super - optimised, I want good enough.
Sang-Drax 03-19-06, 02:01 PM	But what good would my dex bonus do? Weapon finesse doesn't apply to all weapons, I sadly note. And the swashbuckler/rogue has claimed melee. As I said, it's not that I want super - optimised, I want good enough. Weapon Finesse applies to light and some specifically finesseable weapons. Even without the feat, I wouldn't go for the archery route. First of all... is that 3rd Paladin level only for the Aura of Resolve? Honestly, I don't think it's worth it, but anyway... I'd either pick the 4th level or pick 1 level of Sacred Exorcist (which is the best option) for Turn Undead - which means Divine Might, which means Cha to damage. Honestly, with 14 Str and high Cha and Dex, the best thing you could do is wield dual kukris and pick Weapon Finesse. That would mean Dex + Cha to hit with Snowflake Wardance and Str + Cha to damage with Divine Might. However, 2wf is not the best way to cast spells... that said, maybe you could try the Spellrazor (or something like that) from Races of Stone. It also allows a free attack when you cast a spell.
Kuroi Kenshi 03-19-06, 02:43 PM	If you change your mind and want to try TWF... Rogue1/Bard4/Paladin2/Daggerspell Mage4/Sublime Chord1/Sacred Exorcist8 BAB 14, CL 16/20, 2d6 SA, avg 7.2 HD CHA to hit, damage, saves, has no TWF vs spellcasting issues. Lots of SE goodies. You could sub in EK for SE, but delaying the SC progression even more and missing lv9 spells (as well as all the class abilities) isn't worth it compared to 2 more BAB and 1 attack at -15, when you're TWFing at 6 attacks and getting a huge hit bonus from CHA.
KeyboardKiller 03-19-06, 02:47 PM	Oh, wow, I'll think about that. We already have a melee guy, though, and I think he'd prefer I not steal his thunder. *Sigh* What's with all the intelliegence here? *Grumble* people, too smart... own good...
maltravois 03-19-06, 02:53 PM	If you're feat open, drop Snowflake Wardance and take Combat Caster (mithril FP is a good thing), and you don't need SnowWar if you're an archer. Also, you may want to think about taking Devoted Performer from CV and go with the LG variant of Paladin. Then your smite and bardic music will stack with each other. I also am a big fan of Knight Phantom (in Five Nations) for flavor, although it costs a feat and a spell to get in and may not fit your flavor. There's some feat for Ranged Smite Attack, maybe in BoED. Lingering Song is good. Then it's just a matter of picking good 1/hr level spells and swift spells that can enhance your damage output. There's a gish handbook with good info in it for spells and feats off the main page. For archery feats, it never hurts to take PBS, PreShot, ManyShot, etc.
Khazra Reborn 03-19-06, 03:42 PM	Why are you going gish? Theres an exotic weapon called the claw bracer in the A&E guide which allows you to cast without interference. Thast pretty good for your character. Its also finesseable so that helps. The best reason for bard gish is not being optimised, inspire courage! song of the heart and words of creation give you incredible bonuses (some say its +9 at 20, others+10, talk to your DM about whether you multiply or add 1st). SIng all the time for huge bonuses to damage! If you want to be taken seriously in combat I suggest investing a level into marshal (minis hanbook) and taking the catfolk pounce feat. Use over the top aura to add cha to damage when you charge, very effective in conjunction with a full attack charge.
KeyboardKiller 03-19-06, 04:30 PM	Thanks, all of you... I'll have to figure out everything, but it all seems good. I think I'm gonna stick with the archery route, because we already have a melee fighter... I can't think, because I have the village idiot over here right now. But thanks, I'll keep all the suggestions. I'm betting that I might have a few chances to use them, fortunately. Too many ideas. <Too many smart people, too>
Kurama Youko 03-19-06, 05:49 PM	grab Dragon 311 if you can, Bard 4/Paladin 2 CG/Memory Smith 4/Sublime Cord 2/Eldritch Knight 7 This build requires no specific feat requirements. So you are free to take as many archery feats as you want. BAB=17, Base Caster lv=16. Take practice spellcaster and you'll be at 20. You'll have access to 8th lv spells (would have had 9th if not for that LA+1) All good saves. Lots of special abilities to chose from. Again its up to you. However to become a Memorth Smith you have to worship Moradin. (I guess maybe were raised by Dwarves)