Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Aerunation 10-21-04, 08:00 AM	I have a player in my group who has 11 levels of barbarian, 3 levels of human paragon, and is about to take is 1st level of sorcerer. We've been developing his story for some time now. He's found the secret of an ancient dragon god and has harnessed the power of his blood. He wants a few levels of sorc so he can go dragon diciple ultimately. I was wondering how balanced/unbalanced battle sorcerer is. I've been leary to suggest it to him, but I think if it's balanced decently, I'd allow it.
Bemral 10-21-04, 09:58 AM	I think it matches up pretty well with other classes. Fair warning though I think the Standard Sorcerer is a little underpowered (not a lot, but enough that I avoid the class.) Losing out on the # of spells known hurts, but between the BAB and the HD I think it all works out. (I still think the Cleric is a little better). Of course if I was the player my next feat would be Arcane Strike from Complete Warrior, but that's just me. :)
MetalGemini 10-21-04, 10:52 AM	I started to play a Battle Sorcerer a while ago. It wasn't too bad losing one spell known/per day. Being able to cast in armor like a bard was an incredible boost, but not overpowered. The extra weapon proficiencies won't really matter for your Barb player b'c he already has them. Battle Sorcerer just makes spell selection even more important than core sorcerer. The spells per day loss isn't horrible b'c you are still even with a specialist wizard but aren't restricted to having one spell be from your school.
trapspringer 10-21-04, 04:59 PM	It is my favorite class of all time. Ever. I agree the cleric is a bit better, but the ability to employ all those neat arcane items and stuff basically makes up for it. I also like that they gain only a single martial weapon proficiency. It give them a certain uniqueness which is becoming rarer and rarer among the classes. Few battle sorcerers will be exactly the same.
Greyman 10-22-04, 04:44 AM	I say go for it. With 11 levels of barbarian and 3 levels of human paragon, and aiming at taking dragon disciple, the character is not looking for crazy spell power. This is basically a just melee character who wants to add a little sparkle to his repetoir without compromising combat prowess. The ability to ignore ASF in a barbarian's usual light armor will be worth those few "lost" spells slots.
Aerunation 10-25-04, 10:04 AM	Thanks, guys. I've been a little bit leary of allowing the class before. I guess I'll go ahead and let him. I kind of feel bad about killing him last session with a Hobgoblin general. I have a problem with the PCs making short work of NPCs at this level- this is the 1st time I've DMed players this high up. So I Pit the party of 3- an elf druid(variant-monk/ranger), human cleric/radiant servant/human paragon(leadship feat(a wizard/prestige bard cohort), and the human barbarian/paragon against a level 16 hobgoblin fighter(the general) with the powerful build template(who has friendship with the elf druid), his level 20 warrior father, a level 14 wizard, 20 6th level hob/warriors, and they all were riding dire wolves! Guess what, the elf druid wins initiative, casts miasma(complete divine) on the wizard and completely takes him out of the fight. The hobs were losing horribly, the lv 20 warrior was spelled out of the fight earlier and the rest were doomed. The fighter challenges the barbarian to a "pit of death" so they can end the war honorably. 1 sundered keened great sword and 3 criticals later, the barbarian was at -40 hit points. The Elf casted "last breath" on the barb to bring him back from the dead and the remaining hobgoblins left with their lives. ....I guess he's been humbled a little. He has been very hard to deel with, especially lately. He's become a slaughter house and my NPC's drop like flies. I've got to prepare them against his belligerant charge power attacks. No role play, just "I charge!" :( ...can't wait 'til he gets those dragon diciple strength boosts!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!