What understand of the whole concept of bloodlines (correct me if I'm wrong): the idea is that one level of bloodline improves also the abilities of each character class that ar continous, but doesn't give new advantages as the character class. For example, a lvl 2 wizard with a level bloodline of 1 has lvl 3 casterlevel, but only spells known as a level 2 wiz. A lvl 8 wiz with 3 different prestige classes that improve casting, that takes a bloodline level at lvl 12, has a casterlvl of 11 + 4 = 15, but only spells known/spells per day as a lvl 11 wizard.
For binding this is supposed to be really good, cause according to the consolidated binder handbook, you can get with 4 presige classes that improve binding & a greater bloodline up to binder level 31. And, unlike a normal caster, the level of binder you have automaticly determines how many and how powerful vestiges you can bind. w00t.
BUT. As far as I read bloodlines, you have to take them on level 3, 6 and 12 (greater bloodline), 6 & 12 (intermediate) or just 12 (lesser), or suffer a 20% XP penalty.
So, how could a greater bloodline ever benefit a binder? you have to take your first level on lvl 3, even with early entry cheese & anima mage, it's impossible to have 2 levels in 2 different classes that have the soulbinding ability. The same goes for the intermediate bloodline: at level 6, the only presige class a binder qualifies for is the anima mage, which costs a lvl of wiz also. Netto gain from the bloodline level at lvl 6: nothing, cause you lost a binding level with wiz, and gained one extra at lvl 6 from the bloodline. Only up to lvl 12 it gets interesting, but I really can't see how to approach the binderlvl of 31 that the handbook speaks of. (even besides the fact that the handbook uses an online prestigeclass, apostate of the green lady, that isn't available anymore, and takes for granted that the tenbrous apostate increases soulbinding at lvl 1, which it doesn't according to it's table).
Anybody any ideas how this works? Are builds with such high binder levels (or similar stuff with bloodlines) weird theoretical optimization builds where lot's of levels there has been paid the 20% XP penalty? Am I missing something?
I hope anybody can clear this up for me!
You must take your 1st bloodline level by level 3, your second by level 6, and your third by level 12 if you do a major bloodline. You can always take your bloodlines earlier.
Finally many people don't play with xp penalties as a houserule (but since it is a houserule I am ignoring this.)
Let me find my "good" human build that is a breakdown of the various levels of the binder.
You don't get xp penalties for prestige classes.
You must take your 1st bloodline level by level 3, your second by level 6, and your third by level 12 if you do a major bloodline. You can always take your bloodlines earlier.
Finally many people don't play with xp penalties as a houserule (but since it is a houserule I am ignoring this.)
Let me find my "good" human build that is a breakdown of the various levels of the binder.
Yeah, if you have a build, please. I know you don't get xp penalty for multiclassing in prestige classes, but the bloodlines explicitly state that if you don't have the bloodline level when it's required, you get the 20% penalty. So what's the use of the bloodline level on level 3 (or 2, if you want to take it earlier)? You only have 1 level in a class with soulbinding, so the bloodline level gives only 1 extra level of soulbinding. In other words, the binder 1+2, bloodline 3 still has soulbinding: 3. Right?
Race is Illuminan, a sub race of Humans. Using Illuminan for early entry through Improved Sigil Krau as well as having favored class any. Favored Class Any is applied to the Bloodline levels for no xp penalties.
You worship Tenebrous as a God
You qualify for Scion of Dantalion at level 7 due to the Improved Binding feat. If you start play after level 9 replace Scion of Dantalion at level 7, and Tenebrous Apostate at level 8 and 9, with Tenbrous Apostate at level 7 and 8 and Scion of Dantalion at level 9. I did it in this order to get you the highest level binding level asap, for binding levels are like caster levels strong vestige abilities, more vestiges, and you get them sooner.
Feats
1 Improved Sigil Krau
1(flaw) Extend Spell
1(flaw) Open
3 Open
6 Improved Binding
9 Weapon Focus X
12 Persist Spell
But.... you first take a level of bloodline, after that you enter a prestige class and then you you apply the bloodline in retrospect?
*confused*
But.... you first take a level of bloodline, after that you enter a prestige class and then you you apply the bloodline in retrospect?
Yes, each class gains the benefit of the bloodline.
These next few lines are from d20srd. I am trying to quote them, but for some reason with this new layout it is just giving me double quotes so I will put the text in italics.
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Include the character's bloodline level when calculating any character ability based on his class levels (such as caster level for spellcasting characters, or save DCs for characters with special abilities whose DCs are based on class level). The character doesn't gain any abilities, spells known, or spells per day from the addition of his bloodline levels, though—only the calculations of his level-based abilities are affected.
If a character has levels in two or more classes in addition to his bloodline levels, each class gains the benefit of adding the bloodline levels when calculating abilities
But it's clear now, and hell, that's a highway to abuse!
It is nice though summoning a Greater Elemental at level 9, or an Elder Elemental at level 10.
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Or having the ability to craft almost as good as any artificer, as long as you can get someone to supply the spells (or a 12th level warlock.)