Build me an army worthy of Mordor [Archive] - Wizards Community

Build me an army worthy of Mordor [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Jon of the North
06-24-06, 03:02 PM Except not evil and not so Orc heavy. OK, I just really like the quote. :)

Anyway, I've taken the Leadership feat, and expect to come into some land and a keep soon. I have a cohort, a Dwarf Cleric w/ Brew Potion. Now I need Followers. With a leadership score of 15 I get 20 1st level, 2 2nd, and 1 3rd. Breakdown of the force I'll try to get:
3rd: 1 Cleric.
2nd: 1 Socerer, 1 Bard
1st: 4 rangers, 4 Paladins, 12 fighters.
Resources: 10 +1 rings protect, 12,000 GP
I want at least 2 fighters focused on siege engines. Also, I'll give the rangers, socerer, and bard the rings, not sure who gets the remaining 4. I'll have my Dwarf make 23 potions of Cure light wounds, Magic weapon oil, and maybe Remove Fear. I also want to "rent" some warriors, not sure how many or for how long. Once the land's "tamed" I'll try and get commoner settlers, experts, etc. So any suggestions?
SavageTard
06-24-06, 03:50 PM Look at the Dread Necromancer from Heroes of Horror. They can amass gigantic armies of undead since they can control 4+ChaMod HD of undead per level. Since they are Cha based casters, you are easily looking at 200++ HD of undead by 20th. Then toss in Leadership for a more mundane army. And remember, if the undead start to die, just raise some more :D
neth2
06-24-06, 03:59 PM if you have access to psionics, instead of the cleric, you could have a psion working towards thrallheard for more of an army, or like the other guy said a necromancer, but you could tweak your cleric to be a really good necromancer, he'd probably just have to cast inflict spontaneously, which may or may not be gamebreaking and hed need the right domains

it appears that you have it fairly well planned, so why are u asking us for help
do u want us to create builds for each individual follower and your cleric?
if thats the case, there isn't musch to customize about a bunch of first level characters, a few second and a third

also, what level is your cohort and u aswell
Talkkno
06-24-06, 04:13 PM Books allowed would be nice, and you might want to look at
http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=599129
as it proves, undead army hoards are infeevtive in a world of area effect spells.
Jon of the North
06-24-06, 09:02 PM 1st off, thanks for the ideas.
Unfortunately, I didn't include enough infomation. My main character is a human Fighter 7/ Kensai 6 who is eventually going to take levels in Legendary Leader. My cohort (GM limits us to one at a time) is a Dwarf Cleric 10. Both worship Heironeous (sp?) and are LG. My group runs from the "don't have own dice" to the "could open used Game store" so what I don't own I can borrow.

Undead are a good idea, unfortunatly in the campaign undead = (mostly) evil, so no dice. Also I want them loyal to my main PC, not the cohort who can turn against him at any time (Hey, if I was still GMing I'd consider it :evillaugh ) I don't know enough about psionics as that's one of the few books I don't have access to. Thanks though.

As for why I posted, 2 (thousand) heads are better than 1. My basic plan for my army (OK, right now it'll be more a squad, but in the future...) is a well equiped force that can patrol sections of my lands, handle little problems like an Orc band, keep casualities to a minimum, guard my keep, and look good in parades on national holidays. Right now I'm focused on not losing my castle when I go questing.

So, to expand my questions: What should I buy 1st? Warhorses for cavalery, or better armor? Good bows w/ STR bonus or minor magic items? Should they all have the same weapon focus so I can try to get a bulk discount on magic longswords or have everyone focus on different weapons? How much detail should I put into them? I don't need help making builds, mainly going from the DM's guide. And then there are the warriors/ mercs. How many do I need to help run my keep? Also, what about support staff (cooks, maids, blacksmiths)? Finally, am I putting way, way too much thought into this?

Well, thanks.
Caelic
06-24-06, 11:01 PM Things to consider:

1. I see you're taking Legendary Leader, which means you have access to Heroes of Battle. Take Extra Followers; it's worth it.

2. Whatever you do, don't overlook team maneuvers. They can be hugely valuable to large forces. Crowded Charge, Massed Charge, and the one from (I think) the DMG2 that allows you to squeeze cavalry tighter together can make for a devastating attack.

3. Legendary Captain, from Stormwrack, has some abilities you might like, including a bonus to Leadership ranging from +2 up to +10, and accelerated firing for seige weapons crews at level 5.
Talkkno
06-25-06, 01:19 AM I would go for archery, since they die not as often, and you can try to score a concentraion check on those pesky mages,
Also, if got the stronghold builders guide, it gots tons of info on what you need, but how large is your stronghold roughly? How much land do are you responsible for? Are there any large hostile tribes or such that you have to take care of from your comments about orcs, or are they just random orcs maurding?
Also, a good replacement for undead would be deathless, there like undead only good, use them if you got acess to the book of exalted deeds or the eberron campain setting. I would keep at a minumen 2 warriors for every archer rule for those that partol, and 2 archers for every warrior in the defense of the keep.
Also, can you give me the party setup please?
neth2
06-25-06, 01:27 AM what is the stronghold builders guide and where do i get it
Jon of the North
06-25-06, 03:59 PM Insomia has its advantages. Sorry this is going to be a long post.

Caelic, level 3, bonus leadership feat.

Talkkno, I'm not really sure about the land . The campaign I'm in has been off and on, mostly off, for 9 months. Before the change I let my GM know I was interested in getting enough land to open my own adventure school (my followers would be student teachers, and if my group wanted they could also teach. Or I would retire and roll up a new character) Well we restarted the campaign with some new players (more later) and the GM mentions the land of Cormyr from Forgotten Realms (our world is very loose, geography wise) and the Stone Lands. Basically if I can build a castle in the area and keep it somewhat under control I get made a Baron. And the Queen Regent is single :D Sounds great I say, so off we go.
But I don't really know much about my new home. I know there are wandering bands of monsters, and I know it's outside the main kingdom. So I'm hoping to eventually promote settlement and trade.

As for my keep, it's literally in (a) god's hands. I'm cashing in a miracle I'm owed (long story) to get a free instant keep. Not sure how nice it will be; probably pretty basic. I'll see if anybody has the stronghold book.

As for my party, well this is the highest the 2 newer guys have ever been and well...part of the reason I'm building an army is to help keep them in line :embarrass The good is the Barbarian/ infused (I think. It's from Dragon Magazine) who I'm actually willing to share my school with. Missing right now is the Wizard/ Loremaster, also solid. On the fence is the CN Ogre Samurai/ Ronin. He's a good roleplayer, but he’s playing CN. Finally, there's the "CG" elf Rogue/ Dread commando/ Shadow Dancer. I like this player personally, but he's easily distracted, always trying to pull dumb stunts, but his rule knowledge is severally lacking, and he does a great job of playing Chaotic Stupid. I'm unwilling to trust my followers to his command, since I know he'd just try and pick their pockets.
Xeraph
06-25-06, 04:21 PM I cant believe you didnt mention the Admirals Bicorne Caelic? Its certainly something you want... +5 to leadership is priceless. Its from Stormwarck by the way.

The prestige class Noble Adventurer from one of the Dragon Magazines (somewhere between 302 and 307) gets a +2 bonus to his leadership score.
Puck D'Hoffryn
06-25-06, 06:32 PM Ok... my suggestions are going to suck.

Id do everything you can to improve your leadership score, really high cha, get a special power, be nice, get a stronghold... etc.

If you dont like the CHA thing, say you dont wanna do cleric or any of that theres a feat Might makes Right in the Races of Ferune... that lets your strength determine your leadership score. So you could make a beasty dude and have a mordor army.

Also (I dont think is legit, something about only PCs can take leadership... but it might be and Im throwin it out there) you geta cohort? have him take leadership. and have his cohort take leadership. and have his cohort take leadership... etc etc... any of your 6th level followers or higher... have them take leadership...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jon of the North 06-24-06, 03:02 PM	Except not evil and not so Orc heavy. OK, I just really like the quote. :) Anyway, I've taken the Leadership feat, and expect to come into some land and a keep soon. I have a cohort, a Dwarf Cleric w/ Brew Potion. Now I need Followers. With a leadership score of 15 I get 20 1st level, 2 2nd, and 1 3rd. Breakdown of the force I'll try to get: 3rd: 1 Cleric. 2nd: 1 Socerer, 1 Bard 1st: 4 rangers, 4 Paladins, 12 fighters. Resources: 10 +1 rings protect, 12,000 GP I want at least 2 fighters focused on siege engines. Also, I'll give the rangers, socerer, and bard the rings, not sure who gets the remaining 4. I'll have my Dwarf make 23 potions of Cure light wounds, Magic weapon oil, and maybe Remove Fear. I also want to "rent" some warriors, not sure how many or for how long. Once the land's "tamed" I'll try and get commoner settlers, experts, etc. So any suggestions?
SavageTard 06-24-06, 03:50 PM	Look at the Dread Necromancer from Heroes of Horror. They can amass gigantic armies of undead since they can control 4+ChaMod HD of undead per level. Since they are Cha based casters, you are easily looking at 200++ HD of undead by 20th. Then toss in Leadership for a more mundane army. And remember, if the undead start to die, just raise some more :D
neth2 06-24-06, 03:59 PM	if you have access to psionics, instead of the cleric, you could have a psion working towards thrallheard for more of an army, or like the other guy said a necromancer, but you could tweak your cleric to be a really good necromancer, he'd probably just have to cast inflict spontaneously, which may or may not be gamebreaking and hed need the right domains it appears that you have it fairly well planned, so why are u asking us for help do u want us to create builds for each individual follower and your cleric? if thats the case, there isn't musch to customize about a bunch of first level characters, a few second and a third also, what level is your cohort and u aswell
Talkkno 06-24-06, 04:13 PM	Books allowed would be nice, and you might want to look at http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=599129 as it proves, undead army hoards are infeevtive in a world of area effect spells.
Jon of the North 06-24-06, 09:02 PM	1st off, thanks for the ideas. Unfortunately, I didn't include enough infomation. My main character is a human Fighter 7/ Kensai 6 who is eventually going to take levels in Legendary Leader. My cohort (GM limits us to one at a time) is a Dwarf Cleric 10. Both worship Heironeous (sp?) and are LG. My group runs from the "don't have own dice" to the "could open used Game store" so what I don't own I can borrow. Undead are a good idea, unfortunatly in the campaign undead = (mostly) evil, so no dice. Also I want them loyal to my main PC, not the cohort who can turn against him at any time (Hey, if I was still GMing I'd consider it :evillaugh ) I don't know enough about psionics as that's one of the few books I don't have access to. Thanks though. As for why I posted, 2 (thousand) heads are better than 1. My basic plan for my army (OK, right now it'll be more a squad, but in the future...) is a well equiped force that can patrol sections of my lands, handle little problems like an Orc band, keep casualities to a minimum, guard my keep, and look good in parades on national holidays. Right now I'm focused on not losing my castle when I go questing. So, to expand my questions: What should I buy 1st? Warhorses for cavalery, or better armor? Good bows w/ STR bonus or minor magic items? Should they all have the same weapon focus so I can try to get a bulk discount on magic longswords or have everyone focus on different weapons? How much detail should I put into them? I don't need help making builds, mainly going from the DM's guide. And then there are the warriors/ mercs. How many do I need to help run my keep? Also, what about support staff (cooks, maids, blacksmiths)? Finally, am I putting way, way too much thought into this? Well, thanks.
Caelic 06-24-06, 11:01 PM	Things to consider: 1. I see you're taking Legendary Leader, which means you have access to Heroes of Battle. Take Extra Followers; it's worth it. 2. Whatever you do, don't overlook team maneuvers. They can be hugely valuable to large forces. Crowded Charge, Massed Charge, and the one from (I think) the DMG2 that allows you to squeeze cavalry tighter together can make for a devastating attack. 3. Legendary Captain, from Stormwrack, has some abilities you might like, including a bonus to Leadership ranging from +2 up to +10, and accelerated firing for seige weapons crews at level 5.
Talkkno 06-25-06, 01:19 AM	I would go for archery, since they die not as often, and you can try to score a concentraion check on those pesky mages, Also, if got the stronghold builders guide, it gots tons of info on what you need, but how large is your stronghold roughly? How much land do are you responsible for? Are there any large hostile tribes or such that you have to take care of from your comments about orcs, or are they just random orcs maurding? Also, a good replacement for undead would be deathless, there like undead only good, use them if you got acess to the book of exalted deeds or the eberron campain setting. I would keep at a minumen 2 warriors for every archer rule for those that partol, and 2 archers for every warrior in the defense of the keep. Also, can you give me the party setup please?
neth2 06-25-06, 01:27 AM	what is the stronghold builders guide and where do i get it
Jon of the North 06-25-06, 03:59 PM	Insomia has its advantages. Sorry this is going to be a long post. Caelic, level 3, bonus leadership feat. Talkkno, I'm not really sure about the land . The campaign I'm in has been off and on, mostly off, for 9 months. Before the change I let my GM know I was interested in getting enough land to open my own adventure school (my followers would be student teachers, and if my group wanted they could also teach. Or I would retire and roll up a new character) Well we restarted the campaign with some new players (more later) and the GM mentions the land of Cormyr from Forgotten Realms (our world is very loose, geography wise) and the Stone Lands. Basically if I can build a castle in the area and keep it somewhat under control I get made a Baron. And the Queen Regent is single :D Sounds great I say, so off we go. But I don't really know much about my new home. I know there are wandering bands of monsters, and I know it's outside the main kingdom. So I'm hoping to eventually promote settlement and trade. As for my keep, it's literally in (a) god's hands. I'm cashing in a miracle I'm owed (long story) to get a free instant keep. Not sure how nice it will be; probably pretty basic. I'll see if anybody has the stronghold book. As for my party, well this is the highest the 2 newer guys have ever been and well...part of the reason I'm building an army is to help keep them in line :embarrass The good is the Barbarian/ infused (I think. It's from Dragon Magazine) who I'm actually willing to share my school with. Missing right now is the Wizard/ Loremaster, also solid. On the fence is the CN Ogre Samurai/ Ronin. He's a good roleplayer, but he’s playing CN. Finally, there's the "CG" elf Rogue/ Dread commando/ Shadow Dancer. I like this player personally, but he's easily distracted, always trying to pull dumb stunts, but his rule knowledge is severally lacking, and he does a great job of playing Chaotic Stupid. I'm unwilling to trust my followers to his command, since I know he'd just try and pick their pockets.
Xeraph 06-25-06, 04:21 PM	I cant believe you didnt mention the Admirals Bicorne Caelic? Its certainly something you want... +5 to leadership is priceless. Its from Stormwarck by the way. The prestige class Noble Adventurer from one of the Dragon Magazines (somewhere between 302 and 307) gets a +2 bonus to his leadership score.
Puck D'Hoffryn 06-25-06, 06:32 PM	Ok... my suggestions are going to suck. Id do everything you can to improve your leadership score, really high cha, get a special power, be nice, get a stronghold... etc. If you dont like the CHA thing, say you dont wanna do cleric or any of that theres a feat Might makes Right in the Races of Ferune... that lets your strength determine your leadership score. So you could make a beasty dude and have a mordor army. Also (I dont think is legit, something about only PCs can take leadership... but it might be and Im throwin it out there) you geta cohort? have him take leadership. and have his cohort take leadership. and have his cohort take leadership... etc etc... any of your 6th level followers or higher... have them take leadership...