The psionic lone wolf - Help making a psionic class [Archive] - Wizards Community

The psionic lone wolf - Help making a psionic class [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Cravin
02-23-08, 07:05 AM I need to build a ECL 6 Evil[not st00ped] Wilder/psion. Almost all books are allowed and Dragon/dungeon magazine. The dm has a vendetta against the tome of battle (and any other tome for that matter), Magic of Incarnum, and unearthed arcana. (Which makes me cry)

Although I will be traveling with a party most of the time, often I will find myself in the smack center of an encounter of one type or another with no help. (At least twice per game I am sure) So What I have to do is find some way to give my wilder/psion an edge. The first thought that came to my head was clearly 'ego-whip' abuse. but is there anything else? Is there some Power I missed? Lets work together here and construct a wilder that can be not only good in a party, but more importantly good on their own.

Starting stats are elite array + 1d8 ability points (+1 for 4+ HD) Lets assume for the roll that I roll a 4. So that means we have (And feel free to correct me if I am wrong)

15 14 13 12 10 8 (+5 AP)
With both classes I will probably take a level of fighter To gain Heavy armor proficiency/+1 BAB/ + 1d10 HD proficiency. As for my race? I will probably be human or changeling (Again this is not concrete. feel free to modify it)

Psion:
STR: 12
DEX: 13
CON: 14
INT:20
WIS: 10
CHA: 8

The basic Idea I have here is - Powers. As a psion with a d4 HD, If I am ever alone, it wont matter too much if I got that extra 1-2 extra HP per level. I need to focus on my powers. Making the con be secondary. This setup seems appropriate to me. Notice there is no negative score to wisdom meaning I take no penalties to my spot/listen. Also points in Bluff I feel will come in handy (bluff is Int not cha, right?)

Equipment: I figure Some Items to boost my AC, int. Maybe a magical bow or something of the like? I could pick and choose, but, I would like to hear what you have to say.

Wilder:
STR: 14
DEX: 10
CON: 13
INT: 8
WIS: 12
CHA:20

Ah, Yes powers, but also, with great cha, comes a great many other things. Again I feel that focusing on my powers is crucial if I am ever to be left alone. I have a d6 Hit die now, so the 14 can go into STR, in case I ever am running low on PP I can still defend myself. No penalties to Dex, and Heavy armour can help me out here. So I am not too worried. Also, I have Body adjustment available at 6th level, which is a good plus for going solo. I figure i will be putting Points into UMD as much as possible and getting a wand or two.

Equipment: Are there any items that boost powers, or something of the like? also A ring of Mind shielding seems a must as there might be a Lawful stupid character in the party. (The pcs don't know I am evil)
A few wands seem like a good idea with the higher Charisma. and with my STR being higher, A magical melee weapon.

Note: Standard 6th level gold.

So, thats what I have so far. I don't really know too much about powers,(but am excited to start this) or psionics in general. So! Instead of sleeping I will be going through the powers and trying to figure out any ridiculous combinations of powers. Any help is greatly appreciated. = D

(I hope I don't get yelled at...)
Cravin
02-23-08, 10:09 AM Did maybe I format this incorrectly? I apologize if I have done something wrong to prevent your replies, but at least let me know what I did wrong?
jbsaff
02-23-08, 10:12 AM You want the Slayer PrC. 9/10 manifesting progression, martial weapons, and all armors. Plus some cool "protect mah brain" abilities. And going Wilder 4/(Full BAB Class) 1/Slayer 1 means you can get in by 6th level. Fighter works, but Slayer gives some of the same proficiencies. Ranger gives you Track for "free" and boosts both of your lesser saves. Paladin might be interesting, but it would be better with 2 levels to make extra use of that high CHA. Fotunately, Wilder 3/Paladin 2 can still qualify for Slayer at lvl 6. I don't see a dip in Barbarian being very helpful, since the rage would be pretty weak.
jbsaff
02-23-08, 10:13 AM Did maybe I format this incorrectly? I apologize if I have done something wrong to prevent your replies, but at least let me know what I did wrong?

You expected a reply between 6 am and 9 am CST. ;) Give us a bit, I only just got up.
Cravin
02-23-08, 11:18 AM You expected a reply between 6 am and 9 am CST. ;) Give us a bit, I only just got up.

XD thanks, I just was getting off work haha, thanks.
Lycanthromancer
02-23-08, 01:36 PM Don't expect wildly incredible power combos, as most of the broken stuff is relegated to core magic. You can get some nice stuff going, but don't expect insane power levels.

Wilder/slayer or psion/anarchic initiate (CPsi) are probably your best bets for 'going it alone,' but if you take thrallherd you can have a small army at your beck and call. Never be alone again!

You might want to think about getting Expanded Knowledge (astral construct) and Boost Construct if you hit wilder. You can wild surge constructs for a high level critter that can splatter your enemies all over the battlefield; they make great meat shields (though they're technically vegetarian, if you're worried about your diet), as well as excellent construct-your-own-tool-kits.

I'd suggest going totemist/wilder, but you already said MoI was out of the question, so that's a dead-end.
Moosh Nailo
02-24-08, 02:17 AM I'd suggest going totemist/wilder, but you already said MoI was out of the question, so that's a dead-end.

Hope you don't mind my sneaking in here, but what are the benefits of taking both totemist and wilder levels? I've just never thought of mixing the two before.

Edit: And because I feel bad about not being useful, my vote goes with the wilder-astral construct idea.
Lycanthromancer
02-24-08, 02:30 AM First off, the premise of incarnum is to fit in with the mechanics of any class at all, making multiclassing particularly useful and rewarding.

In the case of the totemist, you get a number of benefits to a manifester, though you may not want to take too many levels that don't grant MLs.

In the case of this particular combo, incarnum is considered quite powerful at early levels, and the benefits of taking a couple of levels before you start with manifester levels is quite nice. You can save on some powers (such as claws of the beast and bite of the wolf) by taking some nice soulmelds, instead. You get armor proficiencies and a nice hit die, and you only miss out on a level or two of wilder (which IMO isn't that bad anyway). Plus, if you take a few incarnum feats and powers, you can have some really nice melds going on at higher levels.

This would help survivability greatly, especially since you have something to fall back on when your power points run out.

Taking levels of soul manifester only requires a single meldshaper level and a couple of feats. Not as overpowered as a cerebremancer, but quite nice all the same.
Aricandor
02-24-08, 04:12 AM If you go with a Wilder-heavy character, I'd suggest to take a peek at the variant Educated Wilder (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070214a) in a WotC website article (basically trading gaining/improving Volatile Mind for a free Expanded Knowledge feat each time).
The limited powers is pretty annoying to live with, so any way to alleviate it is greatly helpful.
jbsaff
02-24-08, 10:36 AM If you go with a Wilder-heavy character, I'd suggest to take a peek at the variant Educated Wilder (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070214a) in a WotC website article (basically trading gaining/improving Volatile Mind for a free Expanded Knowledge feat each time).
The limited powers is pretty annoying to live with, so any way to alleviate it is greatly helpful.

QFT

Also, there is a variant wilder in the appendix of Untapped Potential by Dreamscarred Press that fixes the wilder's most prominent issues.

And finally...
I've been brainstorming some other fun stuff about the wilder at the DSP forums (http://dreamscarredpress.com/dragonfly/ForumsPro/viewtopic/t=44/finish=20/start=0.html) for inclusion in their Inner Eye articles. See if anything fits.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Cravin 02-23-08, 07:05 AM	I need to build a ECL 6 Evil[not st00ped] Wilder/psion. Almost all books are allowed and Dragon/dungeon magazine. The dm has a vendetta against the tome of battle (and any other tome for that matter), Magic of Incarnum, and unearthed arcana. (Which makes me cry) Although I will be traveling with a party most of the time, often I will find myself in the smack center of an encounter of one type or another with no help. (At least twice per game I am sure) So What I have to do is find some way to give my wilder/psion an edge. The first thought that came to my head was clearly 'ego-whip' abuse. but is there anything else? Is there some Power I missed? Lets work together here and construct a wilder that can be not only good in a party, but more importantly good on their own. Starting stats are elite array + 1d8 ability points (+1 for 4+ HD) Lets assume for the roll that I roll a 4. So that means we have (And feel free to correct me if I am wrong) 15 14 13 12 10 8 (+5 AP) With both classes I will probably take a level of fighter To gain Heavy armor proficiency/+1 BAB/ + 1d10 HD proficiency. As for my race? I will probably be human or changeling (Again this is not concrete. feel free to modify it) Psion: STR: 12 DEX: 13 CON: 14 INT:20 WIS: 10 CHA: 8 The basic Idea I have here is - Powers. As a psion with a d4 HD, If I am ever alone, it wont matter too much if I got that extra 1-2 extra HP per level. I need to focus on my powers. Making the con be secondary. This setup seems appropriate to me. Notice there is no negative score to wisdom meaning I take no penalties to my spot/listen. Also points in Bluff I feel will come in handy (bluff is Int not cha, right?) Equipment: I figure Some Items to boost my AC, int. Maybe a magical bow or something of the like? I could pick and choose, but, I would like to hear what you have to say. Wilder: STR: 14 DEX: 10 CON: 13 INT: 8 WIS: 12 CHA:20 Ah, Yes powers, but also, with great cha, comes a great many other things. Again I feel that focusing on my powers is crucial if I am ever to be left alone. I have a d6 Hit die now, so the 14 can go into STR, in case I ever am running low on PP I can still defend myself. No penalties to Dex, and Heavy armour can help me out here. So I am not too worried. Also, I have Body adjustment available at 6th level, which is a good plus for going solo. I figure i will be putting Points into UMD as much as possible and getting a wand or two. Equipment: Are there any items that boost powers, or something of the like? also A ring of Mind shielding seems a must as there might be a Lawful stupid character in the party. (The pcs don't know I am evil) A few wands seem like a good idea with the higher Charisma. and with my STR being higher, A magical melee weapon. Note: Standard 6th level gold. So, thats what I have so far. I don't really know too much about powers,(but am excited to start this) or psionics in general. So! Instead of sleeping I will be going through the powers and trying to figure out any ridiculous combinations of powers. Any help is greatly appreciated. = D (I hope I don't get yelled at...)
Cravin 02-23-08, 10:09 AM	Did maybe I format this incorrectly? I apologize if I have done something wrong to prevent your replies, but at least let me know what I did wrong?
jbsaff 02-23-08, 10:12 AM	You want the Slayer PrC. 9/10 manifesting progression, martial weapons, and all armors. Plus some cool "protect mah brain" abilities. And going Wilder 4/(Full BAB Class) 1/Slayer 1 means you can get in by 6th level. Fighter works, but Slayer gives some of the same proficiencies. Ranger gives you Track for "free" and boosts both of your lesser saves. Paladin might be interesting, but it would be better with 2 levels to make extra use of that high CHA. Fotunately, Wilder 3/Paladin 2 can still qualify for Slayer at lvl 6. I don't see a dip in Barbarian being very helpful, since the rage would be pretty weak.
jbsaff 02-23-08, 10:13 AM	Did maybe I format this incorrectly? I apologize if I have done something wrong to prevent your replies, but at least let me know what I did wrong? You expected a reply between 6 am and 9 am CST. ;) Give us a bit, I only just got up.
Cravin 02-23-08, 11:18 AM	You expected a reply between 6 am and 9 am CST. ;) Give us a bit, I only just got up. XD thanks, I just was getting off work haha, thanks.
Lycanthromancer 02-23-08, 01:36 PM	Don't expect wildly incredible power combos, as most of the broken stuff is relegated to core magic. You can get some nice stuff going, but don't expect insane power levels. Wilder/slayer or psion/anarchic initiate (CPsi) are probably your best bets for 'going it alone,' but if you take thrallherd you can have a small army at your beck and call. Never be alone again! You might want to think about getting Expanded Knowledge (astral construct) and Boost Construct if you hit wilder. You can wild surge constructs for a high level critter that can splatter your enemies all over the battlefield; they make great meat shields (though they're technically vegetarian, if you're worried about your diet), as well as excellent construct-your-own-tool-kits. I'd suggest going totemist/wilder, but you already said MoI was out of the question, so that's a dead-end.
Moosh Nailo 02-24-08, 02:17 AM	I'd suggest going totemist/wilder, but you already said MoI was out of the question, so that's a dead-end. Hope you don't mind my sneaking in here, but what are the benefits of taking both totemist and wilder levels? I've just never thought of mixing the two before. Edit: And because I feel bad about not being useful, my vote goes with the wilder-astral construct idea.
Lycanthromancer 02-24-08, 02:30 AM	First off, the premise of incarnum is to fit in with the mechanics of any class at all, making multiclassing particularly useful and rewarding. In the case of the totemist, you get a number of benefits to a manifester, though you may not want to take too many levels that don't grant MLs. In the case of this particular combo, incarnum is considered quite powerful at early levels, and the benefits of taking a couple of levels before you start with manifester levels is quite nice. You can save on some powers (such as claws of the beast and bite of the wolf) by taking some nice soulmelds, instead. You get armor proficiencies and a nice hit die, and you only miss out on a level or two of wilder (which IMO isn't that bad anyway). Plus, if you take a few incarnum feats and powers, you can have some really nice melds going on at higher levels. This would help survivability greatly, especially since you have something to fall back on when your power points run out. Taking levels of soul manifester only requires a single meldshaper level and a couple of feats. Not as overpowered as a cerebremancer, but quite nice all the same.
Aricandor 02-24-08, 04:12 AM	If you go with a Wilder-heavy character, I'd suggest to take a peek at the variant Educated Wilder (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070214a) in a WotC website article (basically trading gaining/improving Volatile Mind for a free Expanded Knowledge feat each time). The limited powers is pretty annoying to live with, so any way to alleviate it is greatly helpful.
jbsaff 02-24-08, 10:36 AM	If you go with a Wilder-heavy character, I'd suggest to take a peek at the variant Educated Wilder (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070214a) in a WotC website article (basically trading gaining/improving Volatile Mind for a free Expanded Knowledge feat each time). The limited powers is pretty annoying to live with, so any way to alleviate it is greatly helpful. QFT Also, there is a variant wilder in the appendix of Untapped Potential by Dreamscarred Press that fixes the wilder's most prominent issues. And finally... I've been brainstorming some other fun stuff about the wilder at the DSP forums (http://dreamscarredpress.com/dragonfly/ForumsPro/viewtopic/t=44/finish=20/start=0.html) for inclusion in their Inner Eye articles. See if anything fits.