"Optimized" Duskblade? [Archive] - Wizards Community

"Optimized" Duskblade? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Cambion76
07-09-06, 06:44 AM First of all:
I do not like these 20th level builds. I dont know anybody who plays at these levels. 6th level builds are more realistic either for starting a game or going for with a first level character and it has the option of taking a prestige class.

Second:
Optimized for me means optimized for gaming, not just for combat.

Third:
I like colorful characters, which boost imagination. So I am not into those fancy mineral warrior vampiric greater doppelganger dragon fighter 20 types.

Fourth:
I would really like your opinion on this one. How you like it and where should it go?

Here is my "optimized" duskblade:

Erion-ahn-Aziz CR 5/ECL 6
Male fey’ri duskblade 4
N medium outsider (native)
Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light-vision; Listen +3, Spot +4
Languages Common, Elven, Abyssal, Sylvan, Draconic, Chondathan
AC 18, touch 13, flat-fooded 15
hp 30 (4HD)
Resist fire resistance 10
Immune sleep
Fort +5 Ref +4 Will +5 (+7 ag. Enchantments)
Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (poor)
melee Arilar +8 (1d10+5/15-20)
or
ranged mwk composite longbow (Str 16) +8 (1d8+3/19-20)
Base Atk +4; Grp +7
Atk Options Arcane Channeling, Combat Casting, Power Attack
Combat Gear 2 potions of cure light wounds
Duskblade Spells Known (CL 4):
1st (6/day) – blade of blood, ray of enfeeblement (+7 ranged touch), kelgore’s fire bolt (+7 ranged touch, DC 14), shocking grasp (+7 melee touch), true strike
0 (6/day) – acid splash, disrupt undead, ray of frost (+7 ranged touch), touch of fatique (+7 melee touch, DC 13)
Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4):
1/day - clairaudience/clairvoyance
6/day - dancing lights, detect magic, flare, ghost sound, read magic (DC 13)
1/day - detect thoughts (DC 14)
1/day - suggestion (DC 15)
Abilities Str 16, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 14
SQ change shape (any humanoid form)(Su), arcane attunement (Sp), armored mage (medium), demonic abilities (Sp), elven blood, fey’ri traits, native outsider traits
Feats Combat Casting, Improved Weapon Familiarity (elven), Power Attack
Skills Bluff +4, Concentration +8 (+12 when casting defensivly), Diplomacy +4, Hide +4, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (the planes) +8, Listen +3, Ride +6, Search +5, Sense Motive +8, Spellcraft +12, Spot +4
Possessions Arilar “Silvershine” (+1 cold iron keen elven courtblade), mwk chainshirt, mwk composite longbow (Str 16), 50 arrows, 2 potions of cure light wounds, amulett of natural armor +1
Hook The gleam in my eyes? That’s the fire of the abyss, …waiting for you.
LogicNinja
07-09-06, 07:02 AM I guess the CAPITALS make it more OPTIMIZED?
Cambion76
07-09-06, 07:08 AM Well, at least more civilized, my english-speaking friend.

No offense!
Boshi
07-09-06, 08:32 AM What's the point of blowing a feat on elven courtblade when your don't use weapon finesse :confused:
Cambion76
07-09-06, 09:00 AM Just for the feeling, mainly.
As I said its an optimized character not an optimized tank or gish or whatever.

But I seriously challenge you to show me a better gish at that level.

As for the feat:
Elegant and not as crude as a greatsword.
In rules-terms:
Has better criticals and its a slashing/piercing weapon, so you can use it in thight spaces.

One could use a bastard sword two-handed without EWP and take weapon focus or armored caster instead.

I think a two-handed weapon and high strength are imperative for duskblades, because of the true strike-power attack combo.
Taeldrin Laesrash
07-09-06, 10:53 AM An optimized Gish? With pleasure.

Elf Psychic Warrior 6

1. Dodge, (Two-Weapon Fighting)
2. Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Elven Lightblade)
3. Two-Weapon Defense
5. Weapon Finesse
6. Combat Expertise

Powers Known: Precognition, Defensive; Prescience, Offensive; Precognition, Offensive; Body Adjustment; Animal Affinity; Psionic Lion's Charge

What we have here is a dexterity-based gish who fights with a pair of Elven Lightblades. Thanks to Two-Weapon Defense, Dodge, Combat Expertise, and your powers, you should have a pretty high AC going for an encounter. From here on, you could continue to qualify for Champion of Corellan Larethian, or take more Psychic Warrior levels and continue your focus on two-weapon fighting.
Cambion76
07-09-06, 11:00 AM Very nice. Thank you, I will check it out.

But no psionics in our campaign, my bad. :weep:

Come on people give me a nice conservative magic-user/fighter better than mine.
Taeldrin Laesrash
07-09-06, 11:11 AM I should of guessed. Er...Let's see.

Fighter 2/ Sorcerer 4

The build has one less feat compared to my Psychic Warrior build, so I'd suggest dropping Combat Expertise. This has a BAB of +4, so there may be some difficulties. However, being a second-level spell, you absolutely must pick up Wraithstrike. Maybe also invest in a Lesser Rod of Metamagic, Extend.
Cambion76
07-09-06, 11:28 AM Well, I don't know.

I mean wraithstrike is nice.

But no channeling, no fey'ri traits (change shape ist VERY nice, even if you don't do this lizardmen-trogolyte stuff for NA, not to mention fire resistance and spell-likes), same base attack, more attacks (with TWF) but lower chance to hit, far less damage and no armor at all.

There has to be more out there.
Kurama Youko
07-09-06, 11:45 AM You sound like me, so i'll lay out what i have in mind for my duskblade who is also 4th lv.

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6376/sara18kz.jpg SARA IRINE
Size & Type: Medium Human
Hit Dice: 4d8+12 (39)
Iniatitive: +3
Speed: 30ft
Armor Class: 20(Armor +6, Natural +1, Dex +3)
Base Attack Bonus/Grapple: +4/+8
Attack: +9 MW Bastard Sword (1d10+6) Crit:20 x2
Full Attack: +9 MW Bastard Sword (1d10+6) Crit:20 x2
Space / Reach: 5ft/5ft
Special Attack: Spells, Arcane Channeling,
Special Qualities: Arcane Attunement, Armored Mage (Light, Medium),
Saves: Fort: +4 Ref: +1 Will: +4 (doesnt reflext ability modifiers or misc bonuses)
Abilities: Str: 18 Dex: 16 Con: 16 Int: 16 Wis: 12 Cha: 14
Skills: Bluff +3, Concentration +4, Disguise +3, Jump +4, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +4, Use Magic Device +2, (this doesn't reflect ability modifiers or misc bonuses)
Feats: (H)Skill Knowledge (Use Magic Device), 1st-Able Learner, (B)Combat Casting, 3rd-Power Attack
Environment: Any
Organization: Groups
Challenge Rating: 4
Treasure: Standard
Alignment: Chaotic Neutral
Advancement: By Character Class
Level Adjustment: +0

Spells Per Day: 6/6
Spells Known:
0th-Acid Splash, Disrupt Undead, Ray of Frost, Touch of Fatigue
1st-Truestrike, Shocking Grasp, Ray of Enfeeblement, Lesser Deflect, Resist Energy

Equipment: 5,400 remaining gold = 75
1,350 +1 Breastplate
335 MW Bastard Sword
750 50 Charges Wand of Cure Light Wounds
2000 Amulet of Natural Armor +1
500 2x Enlarge Person Potions
375 Oil of Keen Edge
15 Standard Adventurer Gear (Tent, Food, ect ect)
--------------------------------------------------------

As time progresses and i gain levels the following feats are in my interest for my character.

6th- Item Familiar from the Unearthed Arcana, I plan on investing skill points into it so as to gain bonuses on Use Magic Device. Basically i'll get 6 skill points per level (assuming i dont get a headband of intellect at some point.) and vest 3 skill points into the item which will apply to Use Magic Device and gain a bonus of +1 to the same skill.) :) Should help to maximize the use of the skill even if i dont have a great charisma ;), the feat will allow other nice benefits to like investing spell slots for bonus spell slots. Not sure if im gonna do the life invest meant thing though.

9th-Arcane Strike, should work well with power attack and since im gonna have a few bonus spell slots due to the invest of them into my item familiar its a all around win win situation.

12th- Dragon Cohort, a companion who i can go to for all kinds of info, who can also be a combat companion, and source of information, a mount, a backup healer, just tons of good to have with me. Depending on how the DM rules it I think im gonna make it a Psedo-Dragon with class levels in Dragon Shaman. :) or if i want a big creature well, i'll think about that later.

15th- Practice Spellcaster (Duskblade) because after 13th lv i plan on going Chameleon.

18th- Practice Spellcaster Chamleon, depending on how the DM rules it, since i plan on always aptitude focusing Divine magic, and eventually arcane magic.
If not then i'll probably take something else.

I would also suggest to you that you take a different first lv feat, since your in faerun i would suggest the regional feat Magic in the Blood which would allow you to use any of your innate racial spell like abilities 3/days a day as oppose to once.
Cambion76
07-09-06, 12:02 PM Thanks a lot to the big city.

Nice build and nice abilities (thought mine were good)

I thought about magic in the blood, but then again 1/day is nice too and i love this elven blades.

To be honest i don't like chameleon very much. I find it a little hard to give a good gameplay explanation for that class. (My opinion only, of course)

But I read about that Use Magic Device stuff before. Didn't pay much attention, because I thought it to be only about wands.

Is there any special trick in that ???
Kurama Youko
07-09-06, 10:39 PM The Trick behind UMD is that it is possibly the single most powerful skilll in the game.

So long as you roll well enough.

You can use any scroll you find.
You can use any wand you find.
You can use any staff you find.

It doesnt matter if its a traditional wand, scroll of staff or somekind of other medium that uses the three use types associated with those three types of magic items.

Just read the skill closely, you can emulate any ability needed to cast a spell from the item in question, you have a scroll with a spell only a paladin can use like holy sword with UMD you can make the required rolls and use it as if you were paladin with the required number or levels of ability score to cast it.

Doesnt matter if the spell is divine or arcane. So with a high UMD you basically can cast any spell solong as you have a item with the spell in question in it.

other than the feats the build is my own personal goal for my character.
tiejaz
07-10-06, 02:56 AM Any Elf who does not take the Improved Weapon Familiarity feat (RS) instead of Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Any Elven Weapon) should kill themselves.
tsuyoshikentsu
07-10-06, 03:17 AM To be honest i don't like chameleon very much. I find it a little hard to give a good gameplay explanation for that class. (My opinion only, of course)It's easier if you're a Changeling or a Doppelganger than a Human.
LogicNinja
07-10-06, 03:25 AM Any Elf who does not take the Improved Weapon Familiarity feat (RS) instead of Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Any Elven Weapon) should kill themselves.
...with the weapon they took Exotic Weapon Proficiency in, or one of the others?
tsuyoshikentsu
07-10-06, 03:44 AM ...with the weapon they took Exotic Weapon Proficiency in, or one of the others?With a Dwarven Buckler-Axe, because taking EWP with an elven weapon when you're an elf is about as stupid as using a DBA with no procficiency at all.
Kurama Youko
07-10-06, 07:41 AM Last I check the Fey'ri make no mention in their entry that they still have the elven weapon proficienies that normal elves enjoy.
Kurama Youko
07-10-06, 07:49 AM A changling getting into Chameleon would require DM section as they are a different race from human and doppelganger all together.

Also its no more harder to explain for a human who desires to become a chameleon than it is for a doppelganger. The Chameleon isnt some kind of shape shifter class that physically altering itself rather its just a class that studies other classes so instensly that it has developed a method of emulating those classes functions.

As far as a humans reasons behind thats as variable as any other prestige class and a humans decision to enter it. It a potiental way to gain power is one point. The fact that you are a spy is another and assuming the identity of say a wizard might require you to be able to cast some arcane spells. You might have created a new identity all together and wanna pretend your a wizard or a cleric. Maybe its a family tradition to the prestige class, maybe its some how tied to your family in the way that they invented the prestige class in your particular region or world.
Xeraph
07-10-06, 08:05 AM Just liked to add. You don't need Armored Caster to be able to cast great spells in armor (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=472555&page=1&pp=30). Fighter 1/ Martial Wizard* 5 is nice at this point, but scales in power nearly as fast as a normal wizard. Ofcourse, if you like spontainous casting, the idea works with Sorcerers aswell.

*Martial Wizard is the UA variant who can substitue his Scribe Scroll feat for a Fighter feat.
Cambion76
07-10-06, 12:13 PM That Improved Weapon Familiarity Feat is nice.

It also works for Fey'ri, because of their elven blood trait.

Will use that instead EWP.

But still Ladies and Gentlemen, I see no better mage/fighter in here.
Xeraph
07-10-06, 12:24 PM Not saying they are better, since that is a very broad term. But the following builds are some of the top notch gishes out there.

http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9006945&postcount=5
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9010899&postcount=7
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9013782&postcount=8
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9013793&postcount=9
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9202366&postcount=30
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9207841&postcount=33
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9209985&postcount=34
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9033173&postcount=16
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9289277&postcount=45
http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9289345&postcount=46
Khelendross
07-10-06, 03:51 PM Arilar +8 (1d10+5/15-20) what is a arilar and how did you get a 15-20 without improved crit?
Khelendross
07-10-06, 03:53 PM nm keen is on it and what is the elven cortblade out of?
ressurrector
07-10-06, 05:19 PM A changling getting into Chameleon would require DM section as they are a different race from human and doppelganger all together.
Actually, I think it was stated somewhere (either online in erratta/web enhancement, or in a book) that changelings do qualify for chameleon.
It kinda makes sense since they're descended from both dopplegangers and humans.
Caelic
07-10-06, 05:20 PM A changling getting into Chameleon would require DM section as they are a different race from human and doppelganger all together.

Not so. From page 116 of Races of Destiny:

If you're using the Eberron Campaign Setting, the chameleon prestige class should be available to changeling player characters as well as humans and doppelgangers.
Taeldrin Laesrash
07-10-06, 11:55 PM But still Ladies and Gentlemen, I see no better mage/fighter in here.

High-mindedness isn't apreciated here. We've shown you plenty of gish which are good at what they do, and then some. If you name your guidelines, we'll provide. Also, Fey'ri isn't a very good choice for a gish, namely because for a +2 LA, there isn't enough to make up for the loss of caster level and BAB. These builds will usually have basic races employed (That is, those in the Player's Handbook).
Kurama Youko
07-11-06, 12:43 AM That Improved Weapon Familiarity Feat is nice.

It also works for Fey'ri, because of their elven blood trait.

Will use that instead EWP.

But still Ladies and Gentlemen, I see no better mage/fighter in here.

How is this possible when they don't have any weapon proficiences. The Fey'ri only count as elves when it comes to specific effects that target elves like Favored Enemy, or Bane weapons. They don't have nessecarily Elven Traits, they have Elven Blood thus are effected by things that target elves.
Cambion76
07-11-06, 02:11 PM First let me express my sincere thanks for your sharing.
I did't mean to criticise your builds and I don't have any guidelines, really.

I am just searching for a little extra nack, here.

And besides:
Fey'ri, IMO, pays off very well:
Downsides:
BAB-2, caster level -2 and - 2d8 hp

Upsides:
+2 DEX; +2 INT, permanet Fly speed, shapechange at will :D , spell-likes which catch some ground on the caster level loss (1 2nd level spell, two 3rd level: 1/day or 3/day with magic in the blood), fire resistance 10, elven immunities, outsider traits.
And its pretty cool, too.

Thats worth it!

As for the Weapon Familiarity Feat:
I think you are missunderstanding the feat. Elves have no racial weapon familiarity like dwarfs. They just get proficiency with some weapons, which fey'ri, I agree on that, don't get.
But that has nothing to do with elven weapons or IWF.

I think that one can dispute that the elven blood trait gives access to IWF, but you can lay out a pretty strong argument to support it.
After all you are considered an elf for any effect related to race and you can use their magic weapons.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Cambion76 07-09-06, 06:44 AM	First of all: I do not like these 20th level builds. I dont know anybody who plays at these levels. 6th level builds are more realistic either for starting a game or going for with a first level character and it has the option of taking a prestige class. Second: Optimized for me means optimized for gaming, not just for combat. Third: I like colorful characters, which boost imagination. So I am not into those fancy mineral warrior vampiric greater doppelganger dragon fighter 20 types. Fourth: I would really like your opinion on this one. How you like it and where should it go? Here is my "optimized" duskblade: Erion-ahn-Aziz CR 5/ECL 6 Male fey’ri duskblade 4 N medium outsider (native) Init +3; Senses darkvision 60 ft., low-light-vision; Listen +3, Spot +4 Languages Common, Elven, Abyssal, Sylvan, Draconic, Chondathan AC 18, touch 13, flat-fooded 15 hp 30 (4HD) Resist fire resistance 10 Immune sleep Fort +5 Ref +4 Will +5 (+7 ag. Enchantments) Speed 30 ft., fly 40 ft. (poor) melee Arilar +8 (1d10+5/15-20) or ranged mwk composite longbow (Str 16) +8 (1d8+3/19-20) Base Atk +4; Grp +7 Atk Options Arcane Channeling, Combat Casting, Power Attack Combat Gear 2 potions of cure light wounds Duskblade Spells Known (CL 4): 1st (6/day) – blade of blood, ray of enfeeblement (+7 ranged touch), kelgore’s fire bolt (+7 ranged touch, DC 14), shocking grasp (+7 melee touch), true strike 0 (6/day) – acid splash, disrupt undead, ray of frost (+7 ranged touch), touch of fatique (+7 melee touch, DC 13) Spell-Like Abilities (CL 4): 1/day - clairaudience/clairvoyance 6/day - dancing lights, detect magic, flare, ghost sound, read magic (DC 13) 1/day - detect thoughts (DC 14) 1/day - suggestion (DC 15) Abilities Str 16, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 16, Wis 12, Cha 14 SQ change shape (any humanoid form)(Su), arcane attunement (Sp), armored mage (medium), demonic abilities (Sp), elven blood, fey’ri traits, native outsider traits Feats Combat Casting, Improved Weapon Familiarity (elven), Power Attack Skills Bluff +4, Concentration +8 (+12 when casting defensivly), Diplomacy +4, Hide +4, Knowledge (arcana) +8, Knowledge (the planes) +8, Listen +3, Ride +6, Search +5, Sense Motive +8, Spellcraft +12, Spot +4 Possessions Arilar “Silvershine” (+1 cold iron keen elven courtblade), mwk chainshirt, mwk composite longbow (Str 16), 50 arrows, 2 potions of cure light wounds, amulett of natural armor +1 Hook The gleam in my eyes? That’s the fire of the abyss, …waiting for you.
LogicNinja 07-09-06, 07:02 AM	I guess the CAPITALS make it more OPTIMIZED?
Cambion76 07-09-06, 07:08 AM	Well, at least more civilized, my english-speaking friend. No offense!
Boshi 07-09-06, 08:32 AM	What's the point of blowing a feat on elven courtblade when your don't use weapon finesse :confused:
Cambion76 07-09-06, 09:00 AM	Just for the feeling, mainly. As I said its an optimized character not an optimized tank or gish or whatever. But I seriously challenge you to show me a better gish at that level. As for the feat: Elegant and not as crude as a greatsword. In rules-terms: Has better criticals and its a slashing/piercing weapon, so you can use it in thight spaces. One could use a bastard sword two-handed without EWP and take weapon focus or armored caster instead. I think a two-handed weapon and high strength are imperative for duskblades, because of the true strike-power attack combo.
Taeldrin Laesrash 07-09-06, 10:53 AM	An optimized Gish? With pleasure. Elf Psychic Warrior 6 1. Dodge, (Two-Weapon Fighting) 2. Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Elven Lightblade) 3. Two-Weapon Defense 5. Weapon Finesse 6. Combat Expertise Powers Known: Precognition, Defensive; Prescience, Offensive; Precognition, Offensive; Body Adjustment; Animal Affinity; Psionic Lion's Charge What we have here is a dexterity-based gish who fights with a pair of Elven Lightblades. Thanks to Two-Weapon Defense, Dodge, Combat Expertise, and your powers, you should have a pretty high AC going for an encounter. From here on, you could continue to qualify for Champion of Corellan Larethian, or take more Psychic Warrior levels and continue your focus on two-weapon fighting.
Cambion76 07-09-06, 11:00 AM	Very nice. Thank you, I will check it out. But no psionics in our campaign, my bad. :weep: Come on people give me a nice conservative magic-user/fighter better than mine.
Taeldrin Laesrash 07-09-06, 11:11 AM	I should of guessed. Er...Let's see. Fighter 2/ Sorcerer 4 The build has one less feat compared to my Psychic Warrior build, so I'd suggest dropping Combat Expertise. This has a BAB of +4, so there may be some difficulties. However, being a second-level spell, you absolutely must pick up Wraithstrike. Maybe also invest in a Lesser Rod of Metamagic, Extend.
Cambion76 07-09-06, 11:28 AM	Well, I don't know. I mean wraithstrike is nice. But no channeling, no fey'ri traits (change shape ist VERY nice, even if you don't do this lizardmen-trogolyte stuff for NA, not to mention fire resistance and spell-likes), same base attack, more attacks (with TWF) but lower chance to hit, far less damage and no armor at all. There has to be more out there.
Kurama Youko 07-09-06, 11:45 AM	You sound like me, so i'll lay out what i have in mind for my duskblade who is also 4th lv. http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6376/sara18kz.jpg SARA IRINE Size & Type: Medium Human Hit Dice: 4d8+12 (39) Iniatitive: +3 Speed: 30ft Armor Class: 20(Armor +6, Natural +1, Dex +3) Base Attack Bonus/Grapple: +4/+8 Attack: +9 MW Bastard Sword (1d10+6) Crit:20 x2 Full Attack: +9 MW Bastard Sword (1d10+6) Crit:20 x2 Space / Reach: 5ft/5ft Special Attack: Spells, Arcane Channeling, Special Qualities: Arcane Attunement, Armored Mage (Light, Medium), Saves: Fort: +4 Ref: +1 Will: +4 (doesnt reflext ability modifiers or misc bonuses) Abilities: Str: 18 Dex: 16 Con: 16 Int: 16 Wis: 12 Cha: 14 Skills: Bluff +3, Concentration +4, Disguise +3, Jump +4, Sense Motive +4, Spellcraft +4, Use Magic Device +2, (this doesn't reflect ability modifiers or misc bonuses) Feats: (H)Skill Knowledge (Use Magic Device), 1st-Able Learner, (B)Combat Casting, 3rd-Power Attack Environment: Any Organization: Groups Challenge Rating: 4 Treasure: Standard Alignment: Chaotic Neutral Advancement: By Character Class Level Adjustment: +0 Spells Per Day: 6/6 Spells Known: 0th-Acid Splash, Disrupt Undead, Ray of Frost, Touch of Fatigue 1st-Truestrike, Shocking Grasp, Ray of Enfeeblement, Lesser Deflect, Resist Energy Equipment: 5,400 remaining gold = 75 1,350 +1 Breastplate 335 MW Bastard Sword 750 50 Charges Wand of Cure Light Wounds 2000 Amulet of Natural Armor +1 500 2x Enlarge Person Potions 375 Oil of Keen Edge 15 Standard Adventurer Gear (Tent, Food, ect ect) -------------------------------------------------------- As time progresses and i gain levels the following feats are in my interest for my character. 6th- Item Familiar from the Unearthed Arcana, I plan on investing skill points into it so as to gain bonuses on Use Magic Device. Basically i'll get 6 skill points per level (assuming i dont get a headband of intellect at some point.) and vest 3 skill points into the item which will apply to Use Magic Device and gain a bonus of +1 to the same skill.) :) Should help to maximize the use of the skill even if i dont have a great charisma ;), the feat will allow other nice benefits to like investing spell slots for bonus spell slots. Not sure if im gonna do the life invest meant thing though. 9th-Arcane Strike, should work well with power attack and since im gonna have a few bonus spell slots due to the invest of them into my item familiar its a all around win win situation. 12th- Dragon Cohort, a companion who i can go to for all kinds of info, who can also be a combat companion, and source of information, a mount, a backup healer, just tons of good to have with me. Depending on how the DM rules it I think im gonna make it a Psedo-Dragon with class levels in Dragon Shaman. :) or if i want a big creature well, i'll think about that later. 15th- Practice Spellcaster (Duskblade) because after 13th lv i plan on going Chameleon. 18th- Practice Spellcaster Chamleon, depending on how the DM rules it, since i plan on always aptitude focusing Divine magic, and eventually arcane magic. If not then i'll probably take something else. I would also suggest to you that you take a different first lv feat, since your in faerun i would suggest the regional feat Magic in the Blood which would allow you to use any of your innate racial spell like abilities 3/days a day as oppose to once.
Cambion76 07-09-06, 12:02 PM	Thanks a lot to the big city. Nice build and nice abilities (thought mine were good) I thought about magic in the blood, but then again 1/day is nice too and i love this elven blades. To be honest i don't like chameleon very much. I find it a little hard to give a good gameplay explanation for that class. (My opinion only, of course) But I read about that Use Magic Device stuff before. Didn't pay much attention, because I thought it to be only about wands. Is there any special trick in that ???
Kurama Youko 07-09-06, 10:39 PM	The Trick behind UMD is that it is possibly the single most powerful skilll in the game. So long as you roll well enough. You can use any scroll you find. You can use any wand you find. You can use any staff you find. It doesnt matter if its a traditional wand, scroll of staff or somekind of other medium that uses the three use types associated with those three types of magic items. Just read the skill closely, you can emulate any ability needed to cast a spell from the item in question, you have a scroll with a spell only a paladin can use like holy sword with UMD you can make the required rolls and use it as if you were paladin with the required number or levels of ability score to cast it. Doesnt matter if the spell is divine or arcane. So with a high UMD you basically can cast any spell solong as you have a item with the spell in question in it. other than the feats the build is my own personal goal for my character.
tiejaz 07-10-06, 02:56 AM	Any Elf who does not take the Improved Weapon Familiarity feat (RS) instead of Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Any Elven Weapon) should kill themselves.
tsuyoshikentsu 07-10-06, 03:17 AM	To be honest i don't like chameleon very much. I find it a little hard to give a good gameplay explanation for that class. (My opinion only, of course)It's easier if you're a Changeling or a Doppelganger than a Human.
LogicNinja 07-10-06, 03:25 AM	Any Elf who does not take the Improved Weapon Familiarity feat (RS) instead of Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Any Elven Weapon) should kill themselves. ...with the weapon they took Exotic Weapon Proficiency in, or one of the others?
tsuyoshikentsu 07-10-06, 03:44 AM	...with the weapon they took Exotic Weapon Proficiency in, or one of the others?With a Dwarven Buckler-Axe, because taking EWP with an elven weapon when you're an elf is about as stupid as using a DBA with no procficiency at all.
Kurama Youko 07-10-06, 07:41 AM	Last I check the Fey'ri make no mention in their entry that they still have the elven weapon proficienies that normal elves enjoy.
Kurama Youko 07-10-06, 07:49 AM	A changling getting into Chameleon would require DM section as they are a different race from human and doppelganger all together. Also its no more harder to explain for a human who desires to become a chameleon than it is for a doppelganger. The Chameleon isnt some kind of shape shifter class that physically altering itself rather its just a class that studies other classes so instensly that it has developed a method of emulating those classes functions. As far as a humans reasons behind thats as variable as any other prestige class and a humans decision to enter it. It a potiental way to gain power is one point. The fact that you are a spy is another and assuming the identity of say a wizard might require you to be able to cast some arcane spells. You might have created a new identity all together and wanna pretend your a wizard or a cleric. Maybe its a family tradition to the prestige class, maybe its some how tied to your family in the way that they invented the prestige class in your particular region or world.
Xeraph 07-10-06, 08:05 AM	Just liked to add. You don't need Armored Caster to be able to cast great spells in armor (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=472555&page=1&pp=30). Fighter 1/ Martial Wizard* 5 is nice at this point, but scales in power nearly as fast as a normal wizard. Ofcourse, if you like spontainous casting, the idea works with Sorcerers aswell. *Martial Wizard is the UA variant who can substitue his Scribe Scroll feat for a Fighter feat.
Cambion76 07-10-06, 12:13 PM	That Improved Weapon Familiarity Feat is nice. It also works for Fey'ri, because of their elven blood trait. Will use that instead EWP. But still Ladies and Gentlemen, I see no better mage/fighter in here.
Xeraph 07-10-06, 12:24 PM	Not saying they are better, since that is a very broad term. But the following builds are some of the top notch gishes out there. http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9006945&postcount=5 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9010899&postcount=7 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9013782&postcount=8 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9013793&postcount=9 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9202366&postcount=30 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9207841&postcount=33 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9209985&postcount=34 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9033173&postcount=16 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9289277&postcount=45 http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=9289345&postcount=46
Khelendross 07-10-06, 03:51 PM	Arilar +8 (1d10+5/15-20) what is a arilar and how did you get a 15-20 without improved crit?
Khelendross 07-10-06, 03:53 PM	nm keen is on it and what is the elven cortblade out of?
ressurrector 07-10-06, 05:19 PM	A changling getting into Chameleon would require DM section as they are a different race from human and doppelganger all together. Actually, I think it was stated somewhere (either online in erratta/web enhancement, or in a book) that changelings do qualify for chameleon. It kinda makes sense since they're descended from both dopplegangers and humans.
Caelic 07-10-06, 05:20 PM	A changling getting into Chameleon would require DM section as they are a different race from human and doppelganger all together. Not so. From page 116 of Races of Destiny: If you're using the Eberron Campaign Setting, the chameleon prestige class should be available to changeling player characters as well as humans and doppelgangers.
Taeldrin Laesrash 07-10-06, 11:55 PM	But still Ladies and Gentlemen, I see no better mage/fighter in here. High-mindedness isn't apreciated here. We've shown you plenty of gish which are good at what they do, and then some. If you name your guidelines, we'll provide. Also, Fey'ri isn't a very good choice for a gish, namely because for a +2 LA, there isn't enough to make up for the loss of caster level and BAB. These builds will usually have basic races employed (That is, those in the Player's Handbook).
Kurama Youko 07-11-06, 12:43 AM	That Improved Weapon Familiarity Feat is nice. It also works for Fey'ri, because of their elven blood trait. Will use that instead EWP. But still Ladies and Gentlemen, I see no better mage/fighter in here. How is this possible when they don't have any weapon proficiences. The Fey'ri only count as elves when it comes to specific effects that target elves like Favored Enemy, or Bane weapons. They don't have nessecarily Elven Traits, they have Elven Blood thus are effected by things that target elves.
Cambion76 07-11-06, 02:11 PM	First let me express my sincere thanks for your sharing. I did't mean to criticise your builds and I don't have any guidelines, really. I am just searching for a little extra nack, here. And besides: Fey'ri, IMO, pays off very well: Downsides: BAB-2, caster level -2 and - 2d8 hp Upsides: +2 DEX; +2 INT, permanet Fly speed, shapechange at will :D , spell-likes which catch some ground on the caster level loss (1 2nd level spell, two 3rd level: 1/day or 3/day with magic in the blood), fire resistance 10, elven immunities, outsider traits. And its pretty cool, too. Thats worth it! As for the Weapon Familiarity Feat: I think you are missunderstanding the feat. Elves have no racial weapon familiarity like dwarfs. They just get proficiency with some weapons, which fey'ri, I agree on that, don't get. But that has nothing to do with elven weapons or IWF. I think that one can dispute that the elven blood trait gives access to IWF, but you can lay out a pretty strong argument to support it. After all you are considered an elf for any effect related to race and you can use their magic weapons.