Help optimize my psy war...again.. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Help optimize my psy war...again.. [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Soahc
07-08-07, 01:18 PM I originally posted this on the Character optimization boards, and found results were a little less than desirable. So I've brought it to the people who know the Psychic Warrior best.

Well currently my Psychic Warrior is level 2 but I plan on going straight to 20 with this bad boy. I like the Psychic Warrior because of his ability to fill many niches in a campaign. I've searched for already optimized Psychic Warrior builds and just found builds in general, not technically optimized. I had found one build using Claws of the Beast but I want this big bully to not using his natural attack at all. I need help optmizing his feat list and power list. Here's what I have so far.

1.(Human) Dodge
1.Combat Expertise
1.Improved Trip
2.Exotic Weapon Prof. (Spiked Chain)
3.Combat Reflexes
5.Deft Opportunist
6.Karmic Strike
8.Sidestep Charge
9.Hold the Line
11.Over Channel
12.Talented
14.Expanded Knowledge (Schism)
15.Extend Power
17.Psionic Meditation
18.Psionic Weapon
20.Deep Impact

As you can see this build is primarily a tripping build, which is great because I love tripping. The first build I played was a tripper. He's feats are generally geared towards getting off those AoO's which he would then use to trip. I'm not sure if he's fully optimized to be the best he can be in tripping. (only using 3.5 material) Feats 17. 18. and 20. I simply put in to emphasize his martial prowess but I'm not sure if they are necessary. I was thinking of not choosing Exotic Weapon Prof. (Spiked Chain) but I believe it's a must in any tripping build (especially when you can take huge form). I was wishing to add "Power Link" and also take "Expanded Knowledge" again, except this time with (Entangling Ectoplasm).

Well this what I've come up with feats wise, hope everyone can help make this guy better at what he does.

Powers known by Level
1st Vigor
1st Precognition, Offensive
1st Precognition, Defensive
1st Prescience, Offensive
1st Expansion
1st Inertial Armor
2nd Hustle
2nd Psionic Lions Charge
2nd Strength of my Enemy
2nd Dimension Swap
3rd Vampiric Blade
3rd Concealing Amorpha, Greater
3rd Empathic Feedback
4th Freedom of movement
4th Energy Adaption
5th Psycho Feedback
6th Mindblank, Personal
6th Dispelling Buffer
6th Form of Doom
6th Instant Translocation

I like the list, but I feel as if this isn't the staple power list, that meaning the power list always chosen. Now I do not whole heartedly believe there is a staple power list for the Psychic Warrior in any means. Yet I feel this isn't the staple power list for the tripping Psychic Warrior Build.

Please give Suggestions on what power I should take, maybe a reason behind it on why it will influence the builds max potential.

Although not everything was bad over there, I got excellent ideas from Carnivore, let's try to build upon this, or if possilbe create an even better one.

Key ideas:
1)Jotunbrud affects Trip when not enhanced... thus considered Large Size for Trip Attacks without Buffing...... with Only Expansion 2 sizes... considered Gargantuan for Trip,Bullrush, special attacks
2)Bite of Wolf(a must have for PW20) ....... only costs 1PP... gives an additional attack, lasts 1 min/ML .....does (1d8 + one size larger(Imp Natural Attack)=2d6 +4d8 for 20th lvl PW) = Total 25 Average+Str , when larger does more damage: expansion 2 sizes = Huge size: considered Gargantuan for Bite = 4d6+ 4d8(PW 20) = 32 hp Damage + Ability Drain/Damage ....... use for all attacks after Trip(gain additional +4 to Attack)
3)Robilars Gambit is better than Karmic Strike...even though they can do more damage to you(+4), you can attack them even if they Miss, and it only requires Combat Reflexes

Feats
1.(Human) Psicrystal Affinity
1.Jotunbrud(regional)(PGtF)
1.Improved Trip
2.Exotic Weapon Prof. (Spinning Sword(Secrets of Sarlona,IIRC,one handed weapon gives 10' reach and Threatens area around you)
3.Combat Reflexes
5.Extend Power
6.Link Power
8.Improved Natural Weapon(Bite)
9.Quicken Power
11.Psicrystal Containment.... to hold an extra focus
12.Psionic Meditation
14.Expanded Knowledge (Metamorphosis)....far more versatile and useful than Schism
15.Deft Opportunist
17.Robilars gambit
18.Hold the Line
20.Sidestep Charge

powers:

Powers known by Level
1st Bite of the Wolf
1st Metaphysical Claw...applied to Bite
1st Expansion

2nd Detect Hostile Intent
2nd Strength of my Enemy... linked to Bite
2nd Dimension Swap

3rd Vampiric Blade
3rd Dimension Slide
3rd Empathic Feedback

4th Freedom of movement
4th Energy Adaption
4th Vampiric Blade...
4th EK:Metamorphosis

5th Anticipatory Strike ...... so you can always go first
5th Psycho Feedback ....... if needed
5th:Oak Body ................. if needed

6th Mindblank, Personal
6th Form of Doom
6th Inconstant Location

this allows for reach Tripping with your weapon(which will be magicl Augmented: +5 Sweeping xxx,xxx,xxx etc) .... and after you Trip them...you Bite them

Daily buffs:
Extended Metaphysical Claw....applied to Bite(+5 enhancement,long duration(almost 2 days)
Extended Detect Hostile Intent..as above
Extended Mindblank ....duration 2 days

combat Buffs..... depending on how your DM feels about Metamorphosis
can be in any order... or even not use some, depending on strength of enemy

Round 1)Link Powers Bite of wolf(1PP, 1min/ML) and Metamorphosis(Wartroll form)(or Phistic(1min/ML)
refocus as Move Action

Round 2)Link Powers Expansion(9PP = 10min/ML 2 size larger) and Empathic Feedback(11PP = 11 points or less damage inflicted, 10min/ML)
refocus as Move Action

Round 3)Link Power Strength of My Enemy(15PP +12 max enhancement to Str, 1 round/ML) and Extended (Expend the Focus from the Psicrystal)Vampiric Blade(on Bite)(5PP, Duration = 2 rounds/ML)

Round 4+)additional buffs only for VERY strong opponents, or Large Numbers of enemies

another combat Form ...... to do additional Int Damage with Bite attack:

Originally Posted by SRD
PHTHISIC

Large Monstrous Humanoid (Psionic)
Hit Dice: 6d8+30 (57 hp)
Initiative: +5
Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares)
Armor Class: 18 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +8 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 17
Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+16
Attack: Claw +11 melee (1d6+6)
Full Attack: 2 claws +11 melee (1d6+6) and bite +6 melee (1d6+3 plus mind feed)
Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft.
Special Attacks: Mind feed

Abilities: Str 23, Dex 12, Con 21

A phthisic stands 10 feet tall and weighs 600 pounds. It vaguely resembles the person whose mind the phthisic escaped from, but is severely distorted (someone who knows the individual from whom the phthisic sprung can make a DC 25 Spot check to note the resemblance).

Combat
Mind Feed (Ex): A phthisic that hits with its bite attack deals 1d4 points of Intelligence damage. If this effect reduces the opponent’s Intelligence score to 0, the ability damage becomes ability drain.

thus if you have Strength of My Enemy manifested you will do 1 point of Str and 1d4 Int damage each hit with Bite attack, and Heal 1/2 base damage..... since Both Wartroll and Phistic are Large.... when you use Expansion(+2 sizes), you grow to Gargantuan size and Bite Attacks are treated as Colossal(6d6+4d8)...and you heal 1/2 of that

Obviously there is some flaws in this, and I've adressed them already so no need to point them out. Material should be strictly 3.5.

Thanks I hope you can help.
baltasar_basilius
07-08-07, 04:32 PM As for feats, you could take knock-down from sword and fist if your dm allows that book. That can give you a free trip after you deal 10 points of damage.

Also, try to get to the psionic meditation/deep impact combo faster than level 20. Deep impact is too good to procrastinate like that. (And if you want to stray from the tripping to deal damage, team deep impact up with power attack).
Istarion
07-08-07, 04:39 PM Also, remember you can get somebody to psychic reform you in order to change feats, etc.

On the low level game, you should really try Standstill as an alternative/complement to tripping, specially against opponents with truly high STR and/or size.
Soahc
07-08-07, 11:42 PM yes I agree totally about P-reforming it away, but I believe my dm will be quite troublesome and may restrict that.
Soahc
07-08-07, 11:47 PM try to get to the psionic meditation/deep impact combo faster than level 20

I agree with this, but I must tell you that deep impact was in there to simply there because it's so great, I would much rather change it to improve tripping. I think I might go with standstill and help the party slightly

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Soahc 07-08-07, 01:18 PM	I originally posted this on the Character optimization boards, and found results were a little less than desirable. So I've brought it to the people who know the Psychic Warrior best. Well currently my Psychic Warrior is level 2 but I plan on going straight to 20 with this bad boy. I like the Psychic Warrior because of his ability to fill many niches in a campaign. I've searched for already optimized Psychic Warrior builds and just found builds in general, not technically optimized. I had found one build using Claws of the Beast but I want this big bully to not using his natural attack at all. I need help optmizing his feat list and power list. Here's what I have so far. 1.(Human) Dodge 1.Combat Expertise 1.Improved Trip 2.Exotic Weapon Prof. (Spiked Chain) 3.Combat Reflexes 5.Deft Opportunist 6.Karmic Strike 8.Sidestep Charge 9.Hold the Line 11.Over Channel 12.Talented 14.Expanded Knowledge (Schism) 15.Extend Power 17.Psionic Meditation 18.Psionic Weapon 20.Deep Impact As you can see this build is primarily a tripping build, which is great because I love tripping. The first build I played was a tripper. He's feats are generally geared towards getting off those AoO's which he would then use to trip. I'm not sure if he's fully optimized to be the best he can be in tripping. (only using 3.5 material) Feats 17. 18. and 20. I simply put in to emphasize his martial prowess but I'm not sure if they are necessary. I was thinking of not choosing Exotic Weapon Prof. (Spiked Chain) but I believe it's a must in any tripping build (especially when you can take huge form). I was wishing to add "Power Link" and also take "Expanded Knowledge" again, except this time with (Entangling Ectoplasm). Well this what I've come up with feats wise, hope everyone can help make this guy better at what he does. Powers known by Level 1st Vigor 1st Precognition, Offensive 1st Precognition, Defensive 1st Prescience, Offensive 1st Expansion 1st Inertial Armor 2nd Hustle 2nd Psionic Lions Charge 2nd Strength of my Enemy 2nd Dimension Swap 3rd Vampiric Blade 3rd Concealing Amorpha, Greater 3rd Empathic Feedback 4th Freedom of movement 4th Energy Adaption 5th Psycho Feedback 6th Mindblank, Personal 6th Dispelling Buffer 6th Form of Doom 6th Instant Translocation I like the list, but I feel as if this isn't the staple power list, that meaning the power list always chosen. Now I do not whole heartedly believe there is a staple power list for the Psychic Warrior in any means. Yet I feel this isn't the staple power list for the tripping Psychic Warrior Build. Please give Suggestions on what power I should take, maybe a reason behind it on why it will influence the builds max potential. Although not everything was bad over there, I got excellent ideas from Carnivore, let's try to build upon this, or if possilbe create an even better one. Key ideas: 1)Jotunbrud affects Trip when not enhanced... thus considered Large Size for Trip Attacks without Buffing...... with Only Expansion 2 sizes... considered Gargantuan for Trip,Bullrush, special attacks 2)Bite of Wolf(a must have for PW20) ....... only costs 1PP... gives an additional attack, lasts 1 min/ML .....does (1d8 + one size larger(Imp Natural Attack)=2d6 +4d8 for 20th lvl PW) = Total 25 Average+Str , when larger does more damage: expansion 2 sizes = Huge size: considered Gargantuan for Bite = 4d6+ 4d8(PW 20) = 32 hp Damage + Ability Drain/Damage ....... use for all attacks after Trip(gain additional +4 to Attack) 3)Robilars Gambit is better than Karmic Strike...even though they can do more damage to you(+4), you can attack them even if they Miss, and it only requires Combat Reflexes Feats 1.(Human) Psicrystal Affinity 1.Jotunbrud(regional)(PGtF) 1.Improved Trip 2.Exotic Weapon Prof. (Spinning Sword(Secrets of Sarlona,IIRC,one handed weapon gives 10' reach and Threatens area around you) 3.Combat Reflexes 5.Extend Power 6.Link Power 8.Improved Natural Weapon(Bite) 9.Quicken Power 11.Psicrystal Containment.... to hold an extra focus 12.Psionic Meditation 14.Expanded Knowledge (Metamorphosis)....far more versatile and useful than Schism 15.Deft Opportunist 17.Robilars gambit 18.Hold the Line 20.Sidestep Charge powers: Powers known by Level 1st Bite of the Wolf 1st Metaphysical Claw...applied to Bite 1st Expansion 2nd Detect Hostile Intent 2nd Strength of my Enemy... linked to Bite 2nd Dimension Swap 3rd Vampiric Blade 3rd Dimension Slide 3rd Empathic Feedback 4th Freedom of movement 4th Energy Adaption 4th Vampiric Blade... 4th EK:Metamorphosis 5th Anticipatory Strike ...... so you can always go first 5th Psycho Feedback ....... if needed 5th:Oak Body ................. if needed 6th Mindblank, Personal 6th Form of Doom 6th Inconstant Location this allows for reach Tripping with your weapon(which will be magicl Augmented: +5 Sweeping xxx,xxx,xxx etc) .... and after you Trip them...you Bite them Daily buffs: Extended Metaphysical Claw....applied to Bite(+5 enhancement,long duration(almost 2 days) Extended Detect Hostile Intent..as above Extended Mindblank ....duration 2 days combat Buffs..... depending on how your DM feels about Metamorphosis can be in any order... or even not use some, depending on strength of enemy Round 1)Link Powers Bite of wolf(1PP, 1min/ML) and Metamorphosis(Wartroll form)(or Phistic(1min/ML) refocus as Move Action Round 2)Link Powers Expansion(9PP = 10min/ML 2 size larger) and Empathic Feedback(11PP = 11 points or less damage inflicted, 10min/ML) refocus as Move Action Round 3)Link Power Strength of My Enemy(15PP +12 max enhancement to Str, 1 round/ML) and Extended (Expend the Focus from the Psicrystal)Vampiric Blade(on Bite)(5PP, Duration = 2 rounds/ML) Round 4+)additional buffs only for VERY strong opponents, or Large Numbers of enemies another combat Form ...... to do additional Int Damage with Bite attack: Originally Posted by SRD PHTHISIC Large Monstrous Humanoid (Psionic) Hit Dice: 6d8+30 (57 hp) Initiative: +5 Speed: 30 ft. (6 squares) Armor Class: 18 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +8 natural), touch 10, flat-footed 17 Base Attack/Grapple: +6/+16 Attack: Claw +11 melee (1d6+6) Full Attack: 2 claws +11 melee (1d6+6) and bite +6 melee (1d6+3 plus mind feed) Space/Reach: 10 ft./10 ft. Special Attacks: Mind feed Abilities: Str 23, Dex 12, Con 21 A phthisic stands 10 feet tall and weighs 600 pounds. It vaguely resembles the person whose mind the phthisic escaped from, but is severely distorted (someone who knows the individual from whom the phthisic sprung can make a DC 25 Spot check to note the resemblance). Combat Mind Feed (Ex): A phthisic that hits with its bite attack deals 1d4 points of Intelligence damage. If this effect reduces the opponent’s Intelligence score to 0, the ability damage becomes ability drain. thus if you have Strength of My Enemy manifested you will do 1 point of Str and 1d4 Int damage each hit with Bite attack, and Heal 1/2 base damage..... since Both Wartroll and Phistic are Large.... when you use Expansion(+2 sizes), you grow to Gargantuan size and Bite Attacks are treated as Colossal(6d6+4d8)...and you heal 1/2 of that Obviously there is some flaws in this, and I've adressed them already so no need to point them out. Material should be strictly 3.5. Thanks I hope you can help.
baltasar_basilius 07-08-07, 04:32 PM	As for feats, you could take knock-down from sword and fist if your dm allows that book. That can give you a free trip after you deal 10 points of damage. Also, try to get to the psionic meditation/deep impact combo faster than level 20. Deep impact is too good to procrastinate like that. (And if you want to stray from the tripping to deal damage, team deep impact up with power attack).
Istarion 07-08-07, 04:39 PM	Also, remember you can get somebody to psychic reform you in order to change feats, etc. On the low level game, you should really try Standstill as an alternative/complement to tripping, specially against opponents with truly high STR and/or size.
Soahc 07-08-07, 11:42 PM	yes I agree totally about P-reforming it away, but I believe my dm will be quite troublesome and may restrict that.
Soahc 07-08-07, 11:47 PM	try to get to the psionic meditation/deep impact combo faster than level 20 I agree with this, but I must tell you that deep impact was in there to simply there because it's so great, I would much rather change it to improve tripping. I think I might go with standstill and help the party slightly