Kalashtar and the path of shadows [Archive] - Wizards Community

Kalashtar and the path of shadows [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
heirodule
07-17-07, 03:35 PM I was reading Mr. Baker's dragonshard on Kalashtar monks, as I'm working up an XE monk/psiwarrior Kalashtar.

He describes the "path of shadows", the sheshan talarash dasyannah, which is a form of kalashtar fighting. While many who walk this path begin as monks, anyone who possesses the appropriate skills and feats can be said to be skilled in this art. Balance, Tumble, and Perform (dance) are the key skills of the path of shadows, while Improved Unarmed Strike, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, and Cloak Dance (from the Expanded Psionics Handbook) are critical feats. I can see the usefulness of Dance to the Cloak Dance feat, and the usefullness of the cloak dance feat.

How do combat expertise, mobility and dodge factor in to making this a viable combat form? If you have enough tumble, what do you need the (precious feats) spent on dodge and mobility for?

Is there some prestige class you can get in Sarlona that I don't know about? :-)
Amaril
07-17-07, 05:53 PM I was reading Mr. Baker's dragonshard on Kalashtar monks, as I'm working up an XE monk/psiwarrior Kalashtar.

He describes the "path of shadows", the sheshan talarash dasyannah, which is a form of kalashtar fighting. I can see the usefulness of Dance to the Cloak Dance feat, and the usefullness of the cloak dance feat.

How do combat expertise, mobility and dodge factor in to making this a viable combat form? If you have enough tumble, what do you need the (precious feats) spent on dodge and mobility for?

Is there some prestige class you can get in Sarlona that I don't know about? :-)

Spring Attack, especially when considering the monk's speed. Also, tumble only works so well. You get increasing penalties per opponent you pass, and mobility allows you to run past a target with a bonus to your AC for that AoO.
heirodule
07-17-07, 08:55 PM That makes sense, but Spring Attack wasn't mentioned.
Amaril
07-17-07, 09:03 PM That makes sense, but Spring Attack wasn't mentioned.

Also consider that for low level characters who don't have 14 ranks in Tumble, dodge and mobility are extremely useful.
Marcus Majarra
07-17-07, 11:52 PM The Path of Shadows is a defensive form of martial arts. Many of its practicioners do not wear armor, which is why they're usually inclined to fight defensively. This is the reason Combat Expertise is suggested here. Races of Eberron boasts a tactical feat for the Path of Shadow's maneuvers: Dancing with Shadows. All maneuvers therein require that the kalashtar fight defensively or use Combat Expertise.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
heirodule 07-17-07, 03:35 PM	I was reading Mr. Baker's dragonshard on Kalashtar monks, as I'm working up an XE monk/psiwarrior Kalashtar. He describes the "path of shadows", the sheshan talarash dasyannah, which is a form of kalashtar fighting. While many who walk this path begin as monks, anyone who possesses the appropriate skills and feats can be said to be skilled in this art. Balance, Tumble, and Perform (dance) are the key skills of the path of shadows, while Improved Unarmed Strike, Combat Expertise, Dodge, Mobility, and Cloak Dance (from the Expanded Psionics Handbook) are critical feats. I can see the usefulness of Dance to the Cloak Dance feat, and the usefullness of the cloak dance feat. How do combat expertise, mobility and dodge factor in to making this a viable combat form? If you have enough tumble, what do you need the (precious feats) spent on dodge and mobility for? Is there some prestige class you can get in Sarlona that I don't know about? :-)
Amaril 07-17-07, 05:53 PM	I was reading Mr. Baker's dragonshard on Kalashtar monks, as I'm working up an XE monk/psiwarrior Kalashtar. He describes the "path of shadows", the sheshan talarash dasyannah, which is a form of kalashtar fighting. I can see the usefulness of Dance to the Cloak Dance feat, and the usefullness of the cloak dance feat. How do combat expertise, mobility and dodge factor in to making this a viable combat form? If you have enough tumble, what do you need the (precious feats) spent on dodge and mobility for? Is there some prestige class you can get in Sarlona that I don't know about? :-) Spring Attack, especially when considering the monk's speed. Also, tumble only works so well. You get increasing penalties per opponent you pass, and mobility allows you to run past a target with a bonus to your AC for that AoO.
heirodule 07-17-07, 08:55 PM	That makes sense, but Spring Attack wasn't mentioned.
Amaril 07-17-07, 09:03 PM	That makes sense, but Spring Attack wasn't mentioned. Also consider that for low level characters who don't have 14 ranks in Tumble, dodge and mobility are extremely useful.
Marcus Majarra 07-17-07, 11:52 PM	The Path of Shadows is a defensive form of martial arts. Many of its practicioners do not wear armor, which is why they're usually inclined to fight defensively. This is the reason Combat Expertise is suggested here. Races of Eberron boasts a tactical feat for the Path of Shadow's maneuvers: Dancing with Shadows. All maneuvers therein require that the kalashtar fight defensively or use Combat Expertise.