Post/Author/DateTime	Post
darkone7141981 11-06-05, 06:41 PM	I am interested in an Anti-Hero character with a very undead-related flavor, and love the Dread Necromancer base class from Heroes of Horror. However, I am a bit unhappy that the class is unable to learn spells from schools other than Necromancy. Without being really bland and going Dread Necro 20/Wizard 20 or something, what should I do? I am interested in a dark feel, so classes like Warlock or Hexblade could be cool, but I really at least need access to other spells (Sorceror for scrolls...PrC that add to the spell list...etc...). Any good ideas? DarkOne7141981
Elven Doritos 11-06-05, 07:35 PM	My personal choices would either be a cleric (lots of spells, little effort, and great necromancy) or the aforementioned warlock, just to go with the theme and because the warlock can help add an offensive edge that the dread necro is otherwise missing.
obrysii 11-06-05, 08:16 PM	Why post this in both Char Opt and this board?
Aurotuli 11-07-05, 02:25 AM	Add a PrC to the mix and it will no longer be "bland". Out of curiosity, does the Dread Necromancer draw from both the arcane and divine spell lists, does it cast all spells as one or the other or as the type of list it drew from? If so, it may - by itself - be capable of eventually taking the True Necromancer PrC (rather than requiring a Clr 3 / Wiz 3). I don't yet own the HoH so such is not known to me as of yet. Warlock is an interesting idea (some of its abilities even tie in well with the dread / fear concept), but it slowly changes the N/PC into something fiendish rather than undead (although some minor alterations to the abilities and the flavor text could fix that). Hmm, what about adding a Major Vampire Bloodline (from the UA)? Or levels of Wizard combined with a Lich template? There are also a few other transformative necro PrCs that might work (for instance, the arcane Pale Master that eventually gains an undead graft with multiple styles of Touch abilities; the divine Master of Shrouds that summones Shadows and Wraiths; etc).
Elzaban the Ethereal 11-07-05, 04:39 AM	Add a PrC to the mix and it will no longer be "bland". Out of curiosity, does the Dread Necromancer draw from both the arcane and divine spell lists, does it cast all spells as one or the other or as the type of list it drew from? If so, it may - by itself - be capable of eventually taking the True Necromancer PrC (rather than requiring a Clr 3 / Wiz 3). I don't yet own the HoH so such is not known to me as of yet. Warlock is an interesting idea (some of its abilities even tie in well with the dread / fear concept), but it slowly changes the N/PC into something fiendish rather than undead (although some minor alterations to the abilities and the flavor text could fix that). Hmm, what about adding a Major Vampire Bloodline (from the UA)? Or levels of Wizard combined with a Lich template? There are also a few other transformative necro PrCs that might work (for instance, the arcane Pale Master that eventually gains an undead graft with multiple styles of Touch abilities; the divine Master of Shrouds that summones Shadows and Wraiths; etc). The Dread Necro has it's own spell list of pretty much only Necromancy spells drawn from the cleric and wizard spell lists, IIRC, and can select a new spell from those two spell lists every few levels as a permanent addition to his spell list. Unfortunately, it only casts as Arcane, Charisma-based, and I seem to recall that he doesn't qualify for True Necro (besides, no multiclass facilitating PrC's in gestalt) As for taking a transformative class, Dread Necro already is one, turning you into a lich for free by 20th level. Personally, I'd go with either the Warlock for Lichfiend-esque goodness, or with a Charisma based divine spellcaster, possibly the Shujenga, to get the Divine spells, better saves and better BAB/HD.
lostone 11-07-05, 11:59 AM	Warlock is an interesting idea (some of its abilities even tie in well with the dread / fear concept), but it slowly changes the N/PC into something fiendish rather than undead (although some minor alterations to the abilities and the flavor text could fix that). What's wrong with being a Fiendish Undead? :) I have not read the Dread Necro yet, I dont have HoH. However it sounds like it is more of a spellcastery class, I'm assuming until you become a full Lich you probably have low hit points like 1d4 or 1d6? If so you may consider gestalting with something that has more offensive capabilities and hit points, like a Paladin of Tyrrany/Slaughter or Fighter or Ranger. Cover your weaknesses. You get the idea.
2y1y1z2 11-07-05, 02:32 PM	Dread Necromancer/Warmage is an awesome spellcasting combo. Blasting your enemies with a fireball and then resurrecting them to do your bidding. *drools*
IceFractal 11-08-05, 04:14 AM	Dread Necromancer || Archivist is a pretty nice gestalt combination. Archivist gives you Dark Knowledge (which fits quite well with DN), a huge variety of spells available, and is a divine spellcasting class, so you can get Divine Metamagic and use the turning attempts you get from Dread Necromancer. However, it doesn't give you quite as much Charisma synergy as Warlock - plus which, Warlock will be pretty sweet once you get Utterdark Blast. Be a Necropolitan, and you've got an infinite source of healing for you and your undead minions - as well as negative levels for your foes.
Platinumwarlock 11-08-05, 08:43 PM	Hexblade is surprisingly an amazing choice for a stylish build. You'll gain Mettle, a d10 hit die, full Martial Weapons, Arcane Resistance and some utility spells that you wouldn't normally have access to. Score yourself some Arcane Strike, Battle Caster and some weapons feats with your normal ones, then use your Hexblade bonus feats to garner Spell Focus: Necromancy and such. A great blend...
Max the Immortal 11-09-05, 04:24 AM	Paladin of Tyranny or Slaughter or plain ol' Fighter complement the Dread Necromancer well. Picture him: Pale skin, wearing pitch black plate armor, blood dripping from his greatsword, with a legion of undead servants behind him. Classic. When he becomes a lich, he'll be the archetypal death knight. For a more arcane take, combine Dread Necromancer with the Battle Sorcerer from UA. The reduced spells won't hurt as much when he has another spellcasting class, and he can cast all of his spells in armor. He casts all of his spells with Charisma, and is more durable than a standard Sorcerer. A Dread Necromancer//Ranger with Humans as his main favored enemy could have a mad scientist vibe. He studies human behavior and anatomy extensively; he views tranforming people into undead as liberating them from their mortal shortcomings. He would be a good martial type who doesn't need to bother with the Battle Caster feat. An Egyptian or Mulhorandi themed Dread Necromancer//Monk has a certain degree of cool-factor, and could be a good mix.
2y1y1z2 11-09-05, 11:57 PM	[QUOTE=Max the Immortal]A Dread Necromancer//Ranger with Humans as his main favored enemy could have a mad scientist vibe. He studies human behavior and anatomy extensively; he views tranforming people into undead as liberating them from their mortal shortcomings. He would be a good martial type who doesn't need to bother with the Battle Caster feat.[QUOTE] I've never considered this kind of thing, but damn, its cool.
3doorsfan 11-12-05, 02:18 AM	im actually surprised that noone has suggested a monk/dread necro think about it the necros main attack is the charnel touch and a monk could deliver it via an unarmed strike (possibly with stunning fist) any takers on this idea?
Elzaban the Ethereal 11-12-05, 09:09 AM	im actually surprised that noone has suggested a monk/dread necro think about it the necros main attack is the charnel touch and a monk could deliver it via an unarmed strike (possibly with stunning fist) any takers on this idea? Only two problems with that. Firstly, Charnel Touch is its own melee touch attack that can only be used once per round. Secondly, the Monk's primary dump stat is Charisma. The only ability the Dread Necromancer needs (and it needs it for all it's important abilities) is Charisma. You might be able to work in Ascetic Mage or whatever it's called, but it's still far from the best option.