Post/Author/DateTime	Post
pukunui 09-27-07, 07:33 PM	Hi all, Quick question: how does the Maximize Spell-like Ability feat work with warlocks? It mentions a warlock as an example in the feat description itself, but I can't figure out how it's supposed to work. The feat says it can only be applied to a spell-like ability with a CL of 1/2 class level (rounded down) minus 2. However, the warlock's eldritch blast invocation says its CL is just 1/2 class level (rounded down). So how on earth is a warlock ever supposed to be able to apply this feat to his eldritch blast? Am I missing something? I've got a player wanting to take this feat for his 6th level warlock. That's why I'm asking. Thanks in advance. - Jonny
Sunblast 09-27-07, 07:57 PM	Nah, it was fixed. I think it's in the Complete Arcane's errata. If memory serves, EB doesn't rise in effective spell level unless you apply essences to it.
pukunui 09-27-07, 08:08 PM	Oh right. Duh. I forgot to look in the errata. I feel especially dumb now after stressing to my player the importance of the CArc errata to the warlock class numerous times. Yes, the errata says eldritch blast is simply treated as equivalent to a 1st level spell. Just as a note of interest: the warlock example in the MSLA feat description is wrong too. It says a 10th level warlock's maximized eldritch blast would deal 36 points of damage. However, a 10th level warlock only does 5d6 with the blast, so it would only be 30 points. an 11th level warlock, however, does 6d6, which maxes out at 36. So typo, anyone?
Mystyc 09-29-07, 03:51 AM	However, a 10th level warlock only does 5d6 with the blast, so it would only be 30 points. an 11th level warlock, however, does 6d6, which maxes out at 36. So typo, anyone? You're right, it's a typo. But wow, do warlocks not do much damage or what?
pukunui 09-29-07, 05:59 AM	No they do not do much damage with their eldritch blast. However, they can do it an unlimited number of times per day, whereas even the most self-respecting wizard can only cast fireball so many times ... Also, a warlock who pumps UMD will very quickly no longer need to ever make a check once he gets his Deceive Item ability, allowing him to take 10 even in combat. Thus, armed with scrolls, wands, and whatever else, he can easily fill the role of the arcane blaster. Or so they say. I've got one in my group's party at the moment and he's functioning more than adequately.
Black Mantha 09-29-07, 10:54 AM	Nah, it was fixed. I think it's in the Complete Arcane's errata. If memory serves, EB doesn't rise in effective spell level unless you apply essences to it. Why did they do it that way? That circumvents the balancing act of the CL maximum. What I'd do was to allow warlocks to use their blast as if they are a lower level, which would mean less die, but the use of Maximise Spell-like Ability.
Mystyc 09-29-07, 11:09 AM	No they do not do much damage with their eldritch blast. However, they can do it an unlimited number of times per day, whereas even the most self-respecting wizard can only cast fireball so many times ... Also, a warlock who pumps UMD will very quickly no longer need to ever make a check once he gets his Deceive Item ability, allowing him to take 10 even in combat. Thus, armed with scrolls, wands, and whatever else, he can easily fill the role of the arcane blaster. Or so they say. I've got one in my group's party at the moment and he's functioning more than adequately. I'm well aware of how EB works, but how many battles actually last all day? There's a point at which casters just don't run out of spells anymore. It's just unfortunate that their marquee ability is rather weak, and that their actual contributions are frequently reduced to a skill that several other classes have access to.
strenoth 09-29-07, 10:51 PM	Why did they do it that way? That circumvents the balancing act of the CL maximum. What I'd do was to allow warlocks to use their blast as if they are a lower level, which would mean less die, but the use of Maximise Spell-like Ability. Um, they did it TO balance out the caster level requirements. with EB now a first level invocation, you can apply meta-SLAs to it. BUT, if you apply a level-5 essence or shape to it, the Eb is now level 5, and you have to have the appropriate caster level to meta-SLA it at it's current level.
Oliver D'Argent 09-30-07, 07:21 AM	To add to strenoth's reply; with the basic blast now set at 1st level, even a 20th-level Warlock must add blast shapes and/or essences to it in order to overcome such things as Globe of Invulnerability and the lesser version of that spell.