An Interesting Challenge. [Archive] - Wizards Community

An Interesting Challenge. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Jeremymc
11-29-04, 12:35 PM I'm trying to Optimize the most powerful, single ranged PC attack in the game (to be used with a single True Strike), and I've come up with the following. It isn't exactly a RAW build, as it veers away from the Warhulk's description of "throw a 50lb rock", but it keeps the spirit of the Warhulk's ability alive by keeping the weapon weight within 50 lbs., and the size within manageable terms.

Goliath - Paladin/Kensai/Exotic Weapon Master/Warhulk/Hulking Hurler

Steps:

Build the Paladin, and fight with a Jovar (manual of the Planes. A two-handed sword with a 18-20 threat. Exotic Weapon). Take levels of Kensai until you qualify for the "power surge" ability. Then two levels of "exotic weapon master" for the abilities "throw exotic weapon" and "close combat throw".

Then take levels of warhulk and Hulking hurler to stack the ranged area attack throw with the sweeping boulder strike.

The final step is to have the Jovar enchanted with "exit wounds", "returning" and whatever other "burst" enchantments you want. Remember, with improved crit, the thrown Jovar will have a threat of 15-20.

So... the end result is that you can make a single attack, with the +20 True Strike, power attack up to your BAB, critical on a 15-20. And hit 4 ranged area attacks (AC 10? I think?), sweep through four squares, then after that fourth, travel further with "exit wounds", with each ranged area attack receiving only a +4 AC if the weapon hits a target (cover granted to targets behind it), and a +2 per 10ft. range increment. The fun part is that since it's all the same single attack, True Strike affects each hit in the combo.

Now, I'm also not fully sure if this build is legal. I think it is, but I haven't worked out all the prereqs yet. Neither am I sure that "exit wounds" and "sweeping strike" stack like that.

What do you all think? A lvl. 10 kensai with 3 or 4 burst enhancements might do more damage to a single target, and with exit wounds maybe do more to a group... but he wouldn't get the Str to hit with a throw... (no Axethrower here).
Fwib
11-29-04, 02:28 PM Do goliaths count as large for PrC entry requirements?
...and do a Kensai's weapons stay magical when he isn't touching them?
Sabis
11-29-04, 08:06 PM FWIB: Yes, and yes

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jeremymc 11-29-04, 12:35 PM	I'm trying to Optimize the most powerful, single ranged PC attack in the game (to be used with a single True Strike), and I've come up with the following. It isn't exactly a RAW build, as it veers away from the Warhulk's description of "throw a 50lb rock", but it keeps the spirit of the Warhulk's ability alive by keeping the weapon weight within 50 lbs., and the size within manageable terms. Goliath - Paladin/Kensai/Exotic Weapon Master/Warhulk/Hulking Hurler Steps: Build the Paladin, and fight with a Jovar (manual of the Planes. A two-handed sword with a 18-20 threat. Exotic Weapon). Take levels of Kensai until you qualify for the "power surge" ability. Then two levels of "exotic weapon master" for the abilities "throw exotic weapon" and "close combat throw". Then take levels of warhulk and Hulking hurler to stack the ranged area attack throw with the sweeping boulder strike. The final step is to have the Jovar enchanted with "exit wounds", "returning" and whatever other "burst" enchantments you want. Remember, with improved crit, the thrown Jovar will have a threat of 15-20. So... the end result is that you can make a single attack, with the +20 True Strike, power attack up to your BAB, critical on a 15-20. And hit 4 ranged area attacks (AC 10? I think?), sweep through four squares, then after that fourth, travel further with "exit wounds", with each ranged area attack receiving only a +4 AC if the weapon hits a target (cover granted to targets behind it), and a +2 per 10ft. range increment. The fun part is that since it's all the same single attack, True Strike affects each hit in the combo. Now, I'm also not fully sure if this build is legal. I think it is, but I haven't worked out all the prereqs yet. Neither am I sure that "exit wounds" and "sweeping strike" stack like that. What do you all think? A lvl. 10 kensai with 3 or 4 burst enhancements might do more damage to a single target, and with exit wounds maybe do more to a group... but he wouldn't get the Str to hit with a throw... (no Axethrower here).
Fwib 11-29-04, 02:28 PM	Do goliaths count as large for PrC entry requirements? ...and do a Kensai's weapons stay magical when he isn't touching them?
Sabis 11-29-04, 08:06 PM	FWIB: Yes, and yes