How to be a Master of Cower Fu [Archive] - Wizards Community

How to be a Master of Cower Fu [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
trollbill
08-07-07, 02:14 AM So I have this concept for a Kobold character and am looking for the best build to make him an effective reality.

Ki Yip Kai, Master of Cower Fu

Basic Role-play concept: Ki Yip Kai is a master of the kobold martial art of Cower Fu, the art of not being hit. He is a cowardly, Lawful Good monk whose goal of mastery of cowardice actually requires him to put himself in harm's way.

Precepts of Cower Fu

Don't get hit.
It is the conundrum of Cower Fu that, in order to master the art of not being hit, one must put one's self in the position to be hit.
It is much easier to not be hit if one travels with companions who may help you to not be hit.
If one is hurt, scream for a cleric.
If one's allies cannot defeat your foe while you are busy not being hit, it may occasionally be necessary for you to defeat them yourself, as this is yet another way to avoid being hit.
Pain is the ultimate learning tool. Try not to learn too much at any one given time.

Basic Combat: On a practical level, Ki Yip Kai is a high AC front-liner whose primary job is to make the enemy waist its time attacking him with great difficulty while his allies defeat the enemy. He eventually gets good enough he can actually defeat them himself while still acting in this regard.

I am working on three basic possible builds.

Build 1
ST: 10
DX: 18
CN: 12
IN: 8
WS: 14
CH: 8
AC (at 1st level): 24 (+4 Dex, +2 Wisdom, +1 Size, +1 Natural Armor, +2 Dodge when fighting defensively, +4 Shield)

Lvl 1: Monk. Deadly Defense, Stunning Fist. Draconic Rite of Passage - Shield
Lvl 2: Monk. Fiery Fists
Lvl 3: Monk. Weapon Finesse
Lvl 4: Monk. DX+1
Lvl 5: Monk.
Lvl 6: Monk. Improved Natural Attack, Improved Disarm
Lvl 7: Monk.
Lvl 8: Monk. DX+1
Lvl 9: Monk. Blind-fight
Lvl 10: Monk.
Lvl 11: Monk.
Lvl 12: Monk. CN+1, Improved Natural Armor
Lvl 13: Disciple of the Eye.
Lvl 14: Disciple of the Eye.
Lvl 15: Disciple of the Eye. Improved Natural Armor

Build 2
ST: 8
DX: 16
CN: 12
IN: 10
WS: 14
CH: 12
AC (at 2nd level): 27 (+3 Dex, +2 Wisdom, +1 Size, +1 Natural Armor, +2 Dodge when fighting defensively, +4 Shield, +4 Mage Armor)

Lvl 1: Dragon-blooded Sorcerer. Draconic Heritage (Gold), Draconic Breath. Spells - Shield, Blades of Flame. Draconic Rite of Passage - Mage Armor
Lvl 2: Monk. Stunning Fist
Lvl 3: Monk. Weapon Finesse, Fiery Fists. Retrain Draconic Breath to Draconic Claws.
Lvl 4: Monk. DX+1
Lvl 5: Monk.
Lvl 6: Monk. Deadly Defense
Lvl 7: Monk. Improved Disarm
Lvl 8: Monk. DX+1
Lvl 9: Monk. Improved Natural Attack
Lvl 10: Monk.
Lvl 11: Monk.
Lvl 12: Monk. DX+1, Blind-fight.
Lvl 13: Monk.
Lvl 14: Dragon Disciple.
Lvl 15: Dragon Disciple. Draconic Skin. Retrain Draconic Claws to Draconic Tail.

Build 3
ST: 10
DX: 16
CN: 12
IN: 12
WS: 14
CH: 8
AC (at 1st level): 23 (+3 Dex, +2 Wisdom, +1 Size, +1 Natural Armor, +2 Dodge when fighting defensively, +4 Shield)

Lvl 1: Swashbuckler. Weapon Finesse, Deadly Defense. Draconic Rite of Passage - Shield
Lvl 2: Fighter. Improved Grapple.
Lvl 3: Kobold Fighter. CN+2, Endurance.
Lvl 4: Monk. IN+1. Stunning Fist.
Lvl 5: Monk. Fiery Fist.
Lvl 6: Tatooed Monk. Combat Expertise. Crane Tatoo
Lvl 7: Tatooed Monk.
Lvl 8: Tatooed Monk. DX+1. Dragonfly Tatoo
Lvl 9: Tatooed Monk. Improved Natural Attack
Lvl 10: Tatooed Monk. Wasp Tatoo
Lvl 11: Tatooed Monk.
Lvl 12: Tatooed Monk. DX+1, Blind-fight, Tiger Tatoo
Lvl 13: Tatooed Monk.
Lvl 14: Tatooed Monk. Crab Tatoo
Lvl 15: Tatooed Monk. Improved Natural Armor

So my questions are:
What build is best?
Do you have any suggestions?
Does either Fiery Fist or Blades of Flame work with natural attacks combined with a Flurry of Blows?
clannagh
08-07-07, 08:55 PM I like the concept.

You might also consider monk/sorceror/dragon disciple with ascetic mage.
Ralis
08-08-07, 09:43 AM I agree with Clannagh on that. You'll find the "Fist of Stone" Spell will be pretty helpful, when you do go on the offensive. +6 to strength and a 1d6 slam attack are pretty useful to a small character.
Tonus
08-08-07, 11:43 AM I like the idea. You might want to look at trying to work in the Underfoot Combat and Confound the Big Folk feats from RoW -- they seem well suited for this concept.
Timlagor
08-08-07, 09:08 PM I don't see how you could claim to master Cower Fu without Elusive Target.
trollbill
08-08-07, 10:06 PM I agree with Clannagh on that. You'll find the "Fist of Stone" Spell will be pretty helpful, when you do go on the offensive. +6 to strength and a 1d6 slam attack are pretty useful to a small character.

I thought about this, but once I hit 3rd level and get Draconic Claws and Weapon Finesse, I no longer gain an extra attack during flurry, and the strength bonus doesn't help my attack rolls.

I don't see how you could claim to master Cower Fu without Elusive Target.

I have thought, and am still thinking about going this option. The biggest problem is that, looking at Elusive Target, only 1 of the tactical options actually makes you harder to hit, and then only under very limited circumstances. Though if I decide Dodge and Mobility are better choices than, say, 2 Feats used for Draconic Skin or Improved Natural Armor, I might still consider it.
MichaelTLH
08-09-07, 08:50 AM If you don't pick Build 1, I will. ;)

~ Mii Lii Zarde, Kobold Monk Extraordinaire

Hey Bill, what do you think of a kobold monk monastery in the hills outside Riverton? LOL
________________________________

Michael Jones
Principality of Ulek Triad
trollbill
08-11-07, 12:33 AM If you don't pick Build 1, I will. ;)

~ Mii Lii Zarde, Kobold Monk Extraordinaire

Hey Bill, what do you think of a kobold monk monastery in the hills outside Riverton? LOL
________________________________

Michael Jones
Principality of Ulek Triad

Sounds great to me, Michael. Shall we have Rene make a Cower Fu Monastary Affiliation? :D

I keep flip-flopping on Build 1 & 2. I will probably take both to GenCon and decide there. If you really want Build 1, I can take 2 and we can be Clutch Brothers. :)
redgamer
08-11-07, 01:25 AM Am I the only one who though he was trying to make a die hard character after reading the intended PC name?
Mommy was an Orc
08-11-07, 08:43 PM I like number 2 a lot. You're not really going to be that effective until Weapon Finesse happens, and better to be someone who can do something at 1st level.

I assume you're taking True Strike for Swift Action Improved Disarm trickery at 7th?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
trollbill 08-07-07, 02:14 AM	So I have this concept for a Kobold character and am looking for the best build to make him an effective reality. Ki Yip Kai, Master of Cower Fu Basic Role-play concept: Ki Yip Kai is a master of the kobold martial art of Cower Fu, the art of not being hit. He is a cowardly, Lawful Good monk whose goal of mastery of cowardice actually requires him to put himself in harm's way. Precepts of Cower Fu Don't get hit. It is the conundrum of Cower Fu that, in order to master the art of not being hit, one must put one's self in the position to be hit. It is much easier to not be hit if one travels with companions who may help you to not be hit. If one is hurt, scream for a cleric. If one's allies cannot defeat your foe while you are busy not being hit, it may occasionally be necessary for you to defeat them yourself, as this is yet another way to avoid being hit. Pain is the ultimate learning tool. Try not to learn too much at any one given time. Basic Combat: On a practical level, Ki Yip Kai is a high AC front-liner whose primary job is to make the enemy waist its time attacking him with great difficulty while his allies defeat the enemy. He eventually gets good enough he can actually defeat them himself while still acting in this regard. I am working on three basic possible builds. Build 1 ST: 10 DX: 18 CN: 12 IN: 8 WS: 14 CH: 8 AC (at 1st level): 24 (+4 Dex, +2 Wisdom, +1 Size, +1 Natural Armor, +2 Dodge when fighting defensively, +4 Shield) Lvl 1: Monk. Deadly Defense, Stunning Fist. Draconic Rite of Passage - Shield Lvl 2: Monk. Fiery Fists Lvl 3: Monk. Weapon Finesse Lvl 4: Monk. DX+1 Lvl 5: Monk. Lvl 6: Monk. Improved Natural Attack, Improved Disarm Lvl 7: Monk. Lvl 8: Monk. DX+1 Lvl 9: Monk. Blind-fight Lvl 10: Monk. Lvl 11: Monk. Lvl 12: Monk. CN+1, Improved Natural Armor Lvl 13: Disciple of the Eye. Lvl 14: Disciple of the Eye. Lvl 15: Disciple of the Eye. Improved Natural Armor Build 2 ST: 8 DX: 16 CN: 12 IN: 10 WS: 14 CH: 12 AC (at 2nd level): 27 (+3 Dex, +2 Wisdom, +1 Size, +1 Natural Armor, +2 Dodge when fighting defensively, +4 Shield, +4 Mage Armor) Lvl 1: Dragon-blooded Sorcerer. Draconic Heritage (Gold), Draconic Breath. Spells - Shield, Blades of Flame. Draconic Rite of Passage - Mage Armor Lvl 2: Monk. Stunning Fist Lvl 3: Monk. Weapon Finesse, Fiery Fists. Retrain Draconic Breath to Draconic Claws. Lvl 4: Monk. DX+1 Lvl 5: Monk. Lvl 6: Monk. Deadly Defense Lvl 7: Monk. Improved Disarm Lvl 8: Monk. DX+1 Lvl 9: Monk. Improved Natural Attack Lvl 10: Monk. Lvl 11: Monk. Lvl 12: Monk. DX+1, Blind-fight. Lvl 13: Monk. Lvl 14: Dragon Disciple. Lvl 15: Dragon Disciple. Draconic Skin. Retrain Draconic Claws to Draconic Tail. Build 3 ST: 10 DX: 16 CN: 12 IN: 12 WS: 14 CH: 8 AC (at 1st level): 23 (+3 Dex, +2 Wisdom, +1 Size, +1 Natural Armor, +2 Dodge when fighting defensively, +4 Shield) Lvl 1: Swashbuckler. Weapon Finesse, Deadly Defense. Draconic Rite of Passage - Shield Lvl 2: Fighter. Improved Grapple. Lvl 3: Kobold Fighter. CN+2, Endurance. Lvl 4: Monk. IN+1. Stunning Fist. Lvl 5: Monk. Fiery Fist. Lvl 6: Tatooed Monk. Combat Expertise. Crane Tatoo Lvl 7: Tatooed Monk. Lvl 8: Tatooed Monk. DX+1. Dragonfly Tatoo Lvl 9: Tatooed Monk. Improved Natural Attack Lvl 10: Tatooed Monk. Wasp Tatoo Lvl 11: Tatooed Monk. Lvl 12: Tatooed Monk. DX+1, Blind-fight, Tiger Tatoo Lvl 13: Tatooed Monk. Lvl 14: Tatooed Monk. Crab Tatoo Lvl 15: Tatooed Monk. Improved Natural Armor So my questions are: What build is best? Do you have any suggestions? Does either Fiery Fist or Blades of Flame work with natural attacks combined with a Flurry of Blows?
clannagh 08-07-07, 08:55 PM	I like the concept. You might also consider monk/sorceror/dragon disciple with ascetic mage.
Ralis 08-08-07, 09:43 AM	I agree with Clannagh on that. You'll find the "Fist of Stone" Spell will be pretty helpful, when you do go on the offensive. +6 to strength and a 1d6 slam attack are pretty useful to a small character.
Tonus 08-08-07, 11:43 AM	I like the idea. You might want to look at trying to work in the Underfoot Combat and Confound the Big Folk feats from RoW -- they seem well suited for this concept.
Timlagor 08-08-07, 09:08 PM	I don't see how you could claim to master Cower Fu without Elusive Target.
trollbill 08-08-07, 10:06 PM	I agree with Clannagh on that. You'll find the "Fist of Stone" Spell will be pretty helpful, when you do go on the offensive. +6 to strength and a 1d6 slam attack are pretty useful to a small character. I thought about this, but once I hit 3rd level and get Draconic Claws and Weapon Finesse, I no longer gain an extra attack during flurry, and the strength bonus doesn't help my attack rolls. I don't see how you could claim to master Cower Fu without Elusive Target. I have thought, and am still thinking about going this option. The biggest problem is that, looking at Elusive Target, only 1 of the tactical options actually makes you harder to hit, and then only under very limited circumstances. Though if I decide Dodge and Mobility are better choices than, say, 2 Feats used for Draconic Skin or Improved Natural Armor, I might still consider it.
MichaelTLH 08-09-07, 08:50 AM	If you don't pick Build 1, I will. ;) ~ Mii Lii Zarde, Kobold Monk Extraordinaire Hey Bill, what do you think of a kobold monk monastery in the hills outside Riverton? LOL ________________________________ Michael Jones Principality of Ulek Triad
trollbill 08-11-07, 12:33 AM	If you don't pick Build 1, I will. ;) ~ Mii Lii Zarde, Kobold Monk Extraordinaire Hey Bill, what do you think of a kobold monk monastery in the hills outside Riverton? LOL ________________________________ Michael Jones Principality of Ulek Triad Sounds great to me, Michael. Shall we have Rene make a Cower Fu Monastary Affiliation? :D I keep flip-flopping on Build 1 & 2. I will probably take both to GenCon and decide there. If you really want Build 1, I can take 2 and we can be Clutch Brothers. :)
redgamer 08-11-07, 01:25 AM	Am I the only one who though he was trying to make a die hard character after reading the intended PC name?
Mommy was an Orc 08-11-07, 08:43 PM	I like number 2 a lot. You're not really going to be that effective until Weapon Finesse happens, and better to be someone who can do something at 1st level. I assume you're taking True Strike for Swift Action Improved Disarm trickery at 7th?