Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Moridus 03-27-04, 07:10 PM	I have officially adopted the Anointed Knight as my pet class. It just looks fun, for reasons I do not know. Anyways, which class would be the best to go straight to the AK? I have Psionics handbook, OA, and the PHB (with srd) to play with. I like fighter for the simplicity, but the more I look I seem to like those psion warriors... Oh, and how about no crazy class selections. The DM doesn't like us to go overboard.... 2 preferred, but 3 if necessary. Exp penalites at levels sucks. Also note that campaigns around here start at level 1, in order to get the players to develop their characters a bit more.
Foolosophy 03-27-04, 07:13 PM	I think it works really well with Paladins
LordShade 03-28-04, 01:08 AM	Ask your DM if you can count the OA samurai's "ancestral daisho" ability as "ancestral relic." The two abilities are not quite identical as described, but they don't contradict each other either. AR specifies a max value dependent on level, and AD describes a min level to get a certain value. IMC I treat them as the same ability, with the wording described in the more recent source (BOED). I think this is a reasonable houserule. If that is the case, use Sam1/Ftr4 to qualify, picking up weapon spec in your ancestral relic (since you will be using it all the time). I think that's a pretty good prefix. You can mix in 2-4 levels of paladin later in the build to boost your saves and increase damage (divine might).
JosephKell 03-28-04, 01:50 AM	Lord Shade, I do believe the Samurai's Ancestial Daisho's prereq level for abilities is entirely based on its Samurai level, and not Character level. If it wasn't put in the rules, it was an obvious oversight. Paladin 3/Fighter 2 is a good way into Anointed Knight.
LordShade 03-28-04, 11:53 AM	Originally posted by JosephKell Lord Shade, I do believe the Samurai's Ancestial Daisho's prereq level for abilities is entirely based on its Samurai level, and not Character level. If it wasn't put in the rules, it was an obvious oversight. It's dependent on character level (OA, p. 21). And I disagree it's an obvious oversight - Rokugan/OA has a lot of PrCs designed to be taken by Samurai (Akodo Champion, Iaijutsu Master, Hida Defender, Morimoto Niten Master, etc). This is supported by the quote on p. 21, second column: "The samurai must meet the minimum character level (including any prestige class levels) shown on the table." You don't think that these characters should be able to continue advancing their ancestral weapons, even if they leave the Samurai class for a Samurai PrC?
grifter100 03-28-04, 12:18 PM	I like Cleric 3/Paladin 2/Fighter 2 for easy access to the needed Spellcraft ranks, two Domains, level 2 spells, all the paladin goodies like Divine Grace plus two feats.
JosephKell 03-28-04, 03:19 PM	Originally posted by LordShade It's dependent on character level (OA, p. 21). And I disagree it's an obvious oversight - Rokugan/OA has a lot of PrCs designed to be taken by Samurai (Akodo Champion, Iaijutsu Master, Hida Defender, Morimoto Niten Master, etc). This is supported by the quote on p. 21, second column: "The samurai must meet the minimum character level (including any prestige class levels) shown on the table." You don't think that these characters should be able to continue advancing their ancestral weapons, even if they leave the Samurai class for a Samurai PrC? Well Samurai PrC's are different. The fact that you think there is no distinction between a Samurai, Samurai PrC, and the Fighter class is quite frightening.
LordShade 03-28-04, 04:42 PM	I don't see why "ancestral daisho" should be treated any differently than "ancestral relic." Conceptually they are the same ability. I do think there is a difference between a samurai and a fighter. However, Samurai connotes a social status too. A member of the Samurai caste could easily be a fighter. Somebody who is already a samurai in caste, and has samurai levels, that decides to take fighter levels is someone who is spending more time training his fighting skills than his diplomatic/courtly skills than most samurai do.
Moridus 03-29-04, 06:24 PM	Thanks for all the help, these are some great ideas! Despite the similarities betwen the Samurai Daisho and the Relic abilities, I do not think that the DM would let that slide. Sounds too much like a loophole for him, or even myself, to feel good abusing. Now for some fun... This character needs to fit into a party containing: -A LG human samurai-going-iajutsu master -A semi-undecided human Cleric (he may yet go NG instead of TN) -A CN Gnome Psion-going-mage (With the most insane rolling ability ever. 20 Con [with racial mod] 17 int!) The scores I rolled are quite decent... a bit over standard array, but not by much: 17/12/15/13/11/15 Assuming I use the FTR2/PAL3 (thanks, JosephKell) in that order, how should I array the stats as, and what weapon should I use for the ancestoral relic? (DM is being leniant due to the samurai's crazy katana madness and gnomes... dice)
JosephKell 03-29-04, 08:35 PM	Greatsword. -JK "Deep down, all women are Domani."
PhaedrusXY 03-29-04, 09:32 PM	What weapon depends on what you want to do. If you want to just dish out good damage, a greatsword is hard to beat. I prefer a heavy flail, spiked chain, or guisarme though. It's nice to have tactical options other than just dishing out damage.