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Break me a character!

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
morphius
Dec 16, 2008 10:06:58 Okay, folks, here's the deal... I'm playing in a super-hard adventure (Undermountain) for the final 3.5 reward EVAR! Basically, if my character completes this adventure, I get a certificate for an extra RPGA card for 4E LFR. Our DM sympathizes with us and told us to do whatever it takes to make an awesome character, so naturally, I'm going here.

Here are the rules:

It's a 28-point buy with 5,000 gp + maximum for my first level in the class, and I can't choose an individual magic item worth more than 2,500 gp. My character starts at 4th level, with 6,000 exp. I can choose any +0 or +1 ECL race from the sources below (as long as they don't have racial hit dice), but if I choose a +1 ECL race, I start at 3rd level instead.

I'd prefer to make a warblade, but I basically want something that can deal an absurd amount of damage and has a lot of staying power. I'd kind of like to see what you guys can come up with, though I have my own ideas.

So, please post your character builds (including stats and definitions of any obscure feats or abilities), and I'll give my commentary or just ogle. Remember, they have to be legal with the above rules, and they have to work with the RAW. In advance, I totally appreciate your help! :-)

So, without further ado, here are the books I can use:

3.5 Core Rulebooks
Expanded Psionics Handbook
PHB II and DMG II
Book of Exalted Deeds
Dragon Magic
Magic Item Compendium and Spell Compendium
Magic of Incarnum
Planar Handbook
Miniatures Handbook
Planar Handbook
Tome of Magic and Tome of Battle
Complete Adventurer, Arcane, Champion, Divine, Mage, Psionic, Scoundrel, and Warrior
Heroes of Battle and Heroes of Horror
Races of Destiny, Races of Stone, Races of the Dragon, and Races of the Wild
Cityscape and Dungeonscape
Frostburn, Sandstorm, and Sunwrack
The Player's Guide to Faerun, City of Splendors: Waterdeep, Dragons of Faerun, Lost Empires of Faerun, Races of Faerun, Faiths and Pantheons (Chapters 1 and 2 only), Shining South, Unapproachable East, and, of course, Underdark

Enjoy!
#2
neraagile
Dec 16, 2008 10:19:15 Pun-Pun.

Alternatively a Shadowcraft Mage
#3
jameswilliamogle
Dec 16, 2008 13:11:08
So, please post your character builds (including stats and definitions of any obscure feats or abilities), and I'll give my commentary or just ogle.

That's my job, dangit!

The "Handy Links for Optimization Work" is your friend. Also, garbage in, garbage out: if you don't write how you want your character to work you'll get little significant feedback. The devil is in the details.
#4
reis
Dec 16, 2008 14:17:42 isn't a lot of other stuff from those books also banned in RPGA?
#5
feloniousela
Dec 16, 2008 15:45:05 +1 for Pun Pun
or
Druid 20 w/Natural Spell

Please give us more than "make me an awesome character....GO! kkthzbyeee"
#6
BloodDragon
Dec 16, 2008 15:47:40 Supermount!

It wades into battle, you do your own thing. If it dies that's ok it came with a 30 day replacement, or as soon as you cast "Animal Friend" which ever comes first. :P
#7
andinel
Dec 16, 2008 16:20:54 I'm going to be playing in the same game as Morphius, so I should clarify:

Pretty much everything from the books he listed is allowed, regardless of what the RPGA decided is "banned." Since there's no Savage Species, that means no Pun-Pun. The character for this game is 4th level and will probably get no higher than 5th, with a slight chance of hitting 6th.

From the OP, Morphius wants a blaster that's consistent. Something that can dish out lots of damage fast each and every encounter without having to bog down the party and rest. As this is for Undermountain Adventures, there won't be much time to sleep unless someone in the group has an extradimensional space of some kind.
#8
jameswilliamogle
Dec 16, 2008 16:45:00 Endurance, eh? Nothing says Endurance like a Crusader. Deals lots of damage too. Also good at those levels.
#9
feloniousela
Dec 16, 2008 17:36:40 Duskblade 4 w/versatile spellcasting

channel a 4d6 shocking grasp through a melee attack 9 times per day assuming one bonus spell through Int.

I would grab any feats that give bonuses to attack so that you don't waste these.

Might even be worth going Strongheart Halfling for the bonus feat and +1 to hit from size (provided they don't take a penalty to Str which they might due to size, in which case forget I said this).

or

Ranged Characters can be filthy at low levels.

Strongheart Halfling Fighter 4

Using a +1 sling, with a nice Dex score of 18, that's +7/+7 within 30'.....+9/+9/+9 at 5th level if someone in the group casts haste.

Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus. Weapon Spec.

This is even really nice for a simple archer too. Woodland Archer is a great feat at level 6 if you get there.
#10
SIKBUZ
Dec 16, 2008 18:28:46
I'm going to be playing in the same game as Morphius, so I should clarify:

Pretty much everything from the books he listed is allowed, regardless of what the RPGA decided is "banned." Since there's no Savage Species, that means no Pun-Pun. The character for this game is 4th level and will probably get no higher than 5th, with a slight chance of hitting 6th.

From the OP, Morphius wants a blaster that's consistent. Something that can dish out lots of damage fast each and every encounter without having to bog down the party and rest. As this is for Undermountain Adventures, there won't be much time to sleep unless someone in the group has an extradimensional space of some kind.

For 4th level to 6th level a Warlock probably has the bang and staying power you want?
#11
ChristopherGroves
Dec 16, 2008 18:55:52 What about races from MM series?

Definitely sounds like you want a warlock or similar. Possibly a glaivelock or a scout/rogue/something 1 + warlock 3 ... something like that to stack on bonus dice. Psionic shot?
#12
iconoplast
Dec 16, 2008 19:03:21 At 4th level, I really like a Goliath Fighter 2 /Warblade 1(or Fighter 2/Crusader 1)

1 - Power Attack
3 - Knockback
F1 - Improved Bull Rush
F2 - Dungeoncrash

Goliath means you're swinging for 3d6 with a large greatsword.

Warblade would up it to 4d6, Crusader would let you heal.

Add Dragonborn template for more statbumping.
#13
turok124
Dec 16, 2008 19:13:46 a Dragonfire Adept with entangling exhalation and slow breath can do some good all day long
#14
vglcat
Dec 16, 2008 19:31:13 pun-pun wins! like there simply is nothing better. EVER!!
NO NOT EVEN THEN! OR THEN OR THEN!
shadow craft mage is second.
#15
ChristopherGroves
Dec 16, 2008 19:49:20 Shadowcraft won't be very useful as a level 4-6 blaster ...
#16
neraagile
Dec 16, 2008 20:48:09 Dragonborn isn't really a template per say, it's just a ritual you can do, that conveniently enough gives stat bumps.
A Warlock 1/Rogue 1/Ninja 1/Scout 1/Thug 1/ Spellthief 1 with a couple of Eternal Wands of Swift Invisibility maybe? You'll be able to get Eldritch Glaive and go the Combat Reflexes way as well.
#17
innabinder
Dec 16, 2008 21:09:34 Duskling Warlock 2/Psychic Warrior 1/Warblade 1. This is NOT a Glaivelock. CON 14+, DEX 14, WIS 14 CHA 10+. Other stats don't much matter.

1. Warlock 1: Point Blank Shot. I'm a fan of Miasmic Cloud or See the Unseen.

2. Warlock 2: Pick whichever of the above wasn't picked.

3. Warlock 2/Psychic Warrior 1: Psionic Shot, Azure Talent. Metaphysical Weapon should work on EB unless I missed errata.

4. Warlock 2/Psywar 1/Warblade 1: Bolstering Voice; whatever you like.

Psywar at 5 & 6, then Warblade through. Very respectable ranged damage to blast away.
#18
Endarire
Dec 16, 2008 22:57:04 Want do ludicrous amounts of damage in melee? Try a Hood! (Works best with psionics, but you can get along without it.)
#19
amadithegreat
Dec 17, 2008 15:13:00 Meh.

Race: Azurin
1. Wizard 1: Shape Soulmeld (Acidic Spittle), Share Soulmeld.
2. Incarnate 1:
3. Incarnate 2: Expanded Soulmeld (Acidic Spittle)
4. Incarnate 3:
5. Wizard 2:
6. Wizard 3: Acquire Familiar (Get another familiar.)

Damage/level.
Level 1: 2d6+2d6
Level 2: 2d6+2d6
Level 3: 3d6+3d6
Level 4: 4d6+4d6
Level 5: 4d6+4d6
Level 6: 5d6+5d6+5d6

Prepare your spells as grease/other styles of battlefield control. If the game goes longer, go on that Incarnum/Spellcasting PrC. Just fire at stuff. Later on, prepare true strikes in level 1 slots, then share, and your familiars will autohit for a round and all that lulz. Then bind the everyone's favourite soulmeld into throat, and double the damage. This is assuming that you'll go past sixth, which was stated that you don't.

It's pretty much along optimal low-level blasters, tbh.
#20
moviestar
Dec 18, 2008 0:20:05 I agree with the above people... Need more info before a complete character idea can be given.

He did say the magic word... "Undermountain"

What does that mean?

Some of this could be considered 'metagame thinking' however, the legends of Undermountain are well known in Waterdeep by now. (simple gather information should be sufficient).

1. Lots of Traps (usually magical) --
1a. Get a "Feather Fall" item/spell ASAP! (A permanent fly item would be better like "Rug of flying" but out of initial buying range)
1b. Antitoxin and/or Neutralize Poison magic.
1c. Get some form of short distance teleport (dimension hop, etc.) spell/item.
2. Expect strange spell effects (most DMs like wild magic/dead magic areas)
3. DARK (Darkvision/Blindsight nearly a requirement)
4. Possibly No "Going back to town when you level up." This could make wizard characters very difficult to optimize.

---
My suggestion would be a human ranger(2)/fighter(2), take the Dungeonscape ACF:"Trap Expert" (p.12) for Ranger:1, and the Dungeonscape ACF: "Dungeon Crusher" (p.10) for Fighter (2).

Work your way to quickly get "Shadowdancer" PrC for early access to "Hide in Plain Sight", "Darkvision", "Undead Shade" (mostly fighting Aborations and Magical Beasts that will be ill equipped to fight incorporeal), and "Shadow Jump" for even more trap avoidance.

Not the most powerful character I agree, but it just might survive early levels in Undermountain.

Otherwise I say... Cleric (4). WAR(Greatsword) and MAGIC Domains (Anyspell might come in handy).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 morphius Dec 16, 2008 10:06:58	Okay, folks, here's the deal... I'm playing in a super-hard adventure (Undermountain) for the final 3.5 reward EVAR! Basically, if my character completes this adventure, I get a certificate for an extra RPGA card for 4E LFR. Our DM sympathizes with us and told us to do whatever it takes to make an awesome character, so naturally, I'm going here. Here are the rules: It's a 28-point buy with 5,000 gp + maximum for my first level in the class, and I can't choose an individual magic item worth more than 2,500 gp. My character starts at 4th level, with 6,000 exp. I can choose any +0 or +1 ECL race from the sources below (as long as they don't have racial hit dice), but if I choose a +1 ECL race, I start at 3rd level instead. I'd prefer to make a warblade, but I basically want something that can deal an absurd amount of damage and has a lot of staying power. I'd kind of like to see what you guys can come up with, though I have my own ideas. So, please post your character builds (including stats and definitions of any obscure feats or abilities), and I'll give my commentary or just ogle. Remember, they have to be legal with the above rules, and they have to work with the RAW. In advance, I totally appreciate your help! :-) So, without further ado, here are the books I can use: 3.5 Core Rulebooks Expanded Psionics Handbook PHB II and DMG II Book of Exalted Deeds Dragon Magic Magic Item Compendium and Spell Compendium Magic of Incarnum Planar Handbook Miniatures Handbook Planar Handbook Tome of Magic and Tome of Battle Complete Adventurer, Arcane, Champion, Divine, Mage, Psionic, Scoundrel, and Warrior Heroes of Battle and Heroes of Horror Races of Destiny, Races of Stone, Races of the Dragon, and Races of the Wild Cityscape and Dungeonscape Frostburn, Sandstorm, and Sunwrack The Player's Guide to Faerun, City of Splendors: Waterdeep, Dragons of Faerun, Lost Empires of Faerun, Races of Faerun, Faiths and Pantheons (Chapters 1 and 2 only), Shining South, Unapproachable East, and, of course, Underdark Enjoy!
#2 neraagile Dec 16, 2008 10:19:15	Pun-Pun. Alternatively a Shadowcraft Mage
#3 jameswilliamogle Dec 16, 2008 13:11:08	So, please post your character builds (including stats and definitions of any obscure feats or abilities), and I'll give my commentary or just ogle. That's my job, dangit! The "Handy Links for Optimization Work" is your friend. Also, garbage in, garbage out: if you don't write how you want your character to work you'll get little significant feedback. The devil is in the details.
#4 reis Dec 16, 2008 14:17:42	isn't a lot of other stuff from those books also banned in RPGA?
#5 feloniousela Dec 16, 2008 15:45:05	+1 for Pun Pun or Druid 20 w/Natural Spell Please give us more than "make me an awesome character....GO! kkthzbyeee"
#6 BloodDragon Dec 16, 2008 15:47:40	Supermount! It wades into battle, you do your own thing. If it dies that's ok it came with a 30 day replacement, or as soon as you cast "Animal Friend" which ever comes first. :P
#7 andinel Dec 16, 2008 16:20:54	I'm going to be playing in the same game as Morphius, so I should clarify: Pretty much everything from the books he listed is allowed, regardless of what the RPGA decided is "banned." Since there's no Savage Species, that means no Pun-Pun. The character for this game is 4th level and will probably get no higher than 5th, with a slight chance of hitting 6th. From the OP, Morphius wants a blaster that's consistent. Something that can dish out lots of damage fast each and every encounter without having to bog down the party and rest. As this is for Undermountain Adventures, there won't be much time to sleep unless someone in the group has an extradimensional space of some kind.
#8 jameswilliamogle Dec 16, 2008 16:45:00	Endurance, eh? Nothing says Endurance like a Crusader. Deals lots of damage too. Also good at those levels.
#9 feloniousela Dec 16, 2008 17:36:40	Duskblade 4 w/versatile spellcasting channel a 4d6 shocking grasp through a melee attack 9 times per day assuming one bonus spell through Int. I would grab any feats that give bonuses to attack so that you don't waste these. Might even be worth going Strongheart Halfling for the bonus feat and +1 to hit from size (provided they don't take a penalty to Str which they might due to size, in which case forget I said this). or Ranged Characters can be filthy at low levels. Strongheart Halfling Fighter 4 Using a +1 sling, with a nice Dex score of 18, that's +7/+7 within 30'.....+9/+9/+9 at 5th level if someone in the group casts haste. Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Rapid Shot, Weapon Focus. Weapon Spec. This is even really nice for a simple archer too. Woodland Archer is a great feat at level 6 if you get there.
#10 SIKBUZ Dec 16, 2008 18:28:46	I'm going to be playing in the same game as Morphius, so I should clarify: Pretty much everything from the books he listed is allowed, regardless of what the RPGA decided is "banned." Since there's no Savage Species, that means no Pun-Pun. The character for this game is 4th level and will probably get no higher than 5th, with a slight chance of hitting 6th. From the OP, Morphius wants a blaster that's consistent. Something that can dish out lots of damage fast each and every encounter without having to bog down the party and rest. As this is for Undermountain Adventures, there won't be much time to sleep unless someone in the group has an extradimensional space of some kind. For 4th level to 6th level a Warlock probably has the bang and staying power you want?
#11 ChristopherGroves Dec 16, 2008 18:55:52	What about races from MM series? Definitely sounds like you want a warlock or similar. Possibly a glaivelock or a scout/rogue/something 1 + warlock 3 ... something like that to stack on bonus dice. Psionic shot?
#12 iconoplast Dec 16, 2008 19:03:21	At 4th level, I really like a Goliath Fighter 2 /Warblade 1(or Fighter 2/Crusader 1) 1 - Power Attack 3 - Knockback F1 - Improved Bull Rush F2 - Dungeoncrash Goliath means you're swinging for 3d6 with a large greatsword. Warblade would up it to 4d6, Crusader would let you heal. Add Dragonborn template for more statbumping.
#13 turok124 Dec 16, 2008 19:13:46	a Dragonfire Adept with entangling exhalation and slow breath can do some good all day long
#14 vglcat Dec 16, 2008 19:31:13	pun-pun wins! like there simply is nothing better. EVER!! NO NOT EVEN THEN! OR THEN OR THEN! shadow craft mage is second.
#15 ChristopherGroves Dec 16, 2008 19:49:20	Shadowcraft won't be very useful as a level 4-6 blaster ...
#16 neraagile Dec 16, 2008 20:48:09	Dragonborn isn't really a template per say, it's just a ritual you can do, that conveniently enough gives stat bumps. A Warlock 1/Rogue 1/Ninja 1/Scout 1/Thug 1/ Spellthief 1 with a couple of Eternal Wands of Swift Invisibility maybe? You'll be able to get Eldritch Glaive and go the Combat Reflexes way as well.
#17 innabinder Dec 16, 2008 21:09:34	Duskling Warlock 2/Psychic Warrior 1/Warblade 1. This is NOT a Glaivelock. CON 14+, DEX 14, WIS 14 CHA 10+. Other stats don't much matter. 1. Warlock 1: Point Blank Shot. I'm a fan of Miasmic Cloud or See the Unseen. 2. Warlock 2: Pick whichever of the above wasn't picked. 3. Warlock 2/Psychic Warrior 1: Psionic Shot, Azure Talent. Metaphysical Weapon should work on EB unless I missed errata. 4. Warlock 2/Psywar 1/Warblade 1: Bolstering Voice; whatever you like. Psywar at 5 & 6, then Warblade through. Very respectable ranged damage to blast away.
#18 Endarire Dec 16, 2008 22:57:04	Want do ludicrous amounts of damage in melee? Try a Hood! (Works best with psionics, but you can get along without it.)
#19 amadithegreat Dec 17, 2008 15:13:00	Meh. Race: Azurin 1. Wizard 1: Shape Soulmeld (Acidic Spittle), Share Soulmeld. 2. Incarnate 1: 3. Incarnate 2: Expanded Soulmeld (Acidic Spittle) 4. Incarnate 3: 5. Wizard 2: 6. Wizard 3: Acquire Familiar (Get another familiar.) Damage/level. Level 1: 2d6+2d6 Level 2: 2d6+2d6 Level 3: 3d6+3d6 Level 4: 4d6+4d6 Level 5: 4d6+4d6 Level 6: 5d6+5d6+5d6 Prepare your spells as grease/other styles of battlefield control. If the game goes longer, go on that Incarnum/Spellcasting PrC. Just fire at stuff. Later on, prepare true strikes in level 1 slots, then share, and your familiars will autohit for a round and all that lulz. Then bind the everyone's favourite soulmeld into throat, and double the damage. This is assuming that you'll go past sixth, which was stated that you don't. It's pretty much along optimal low-level blasters, tbh.
#20 moviestar Dec 18, 2008 0:20:05	I agree with the above people... Need more info before a complete character idea can be given. He did say the magic word... "Undermountain" What does that mean? Some of this could be considered 'metagame thinking' however, the legends of Undermountain are well known in Waterdeep by now. (simple gather information should be sufficient). 1. Lots of Traps (usually magical) -- 1a. Get a "Feather Fall" item/spell ASAP! (A permanent fly item would be better like "Rug of flying" but out of initial buying range) 1b. Antitoxin and/or Neutralize Poison magic. 1c. Get some form of short distance teleport (dimension hop, etc.) spell/item. 2. Expect strange spell effects (most DMs like wild magic/dead magic areas) 3. DARK (Darkvision/Blindsight nearly a requirement) 4. Possibly No "Going back to town when you level up." This could make wizard characters very difficult to optimize. --- My suggestion would be a human ranger(2)/fighter(2), take the Dungeonscape ACF:"Trap Expert" (p.12) for Ranger:1, and the Dungeonscape ACF: "Dungeon Crusher" (p.10) for Fighter (2). Work your way to quickly get "Shadowdancer" PrC for early access to "Hide in Plain Sight", "Darkvision", "Undead Shade" (mostly fighting Aborations and Magical Beasts that will be ill equipped to fight incorporeal), and "Shadow Jump" for even more trap avoidance. Not the most powerful character I agree, but it just might survive early levels in Undermountain. Otherwise I say... Cleric (4). WAR(Greatsword) and MAGIC Domains (Anyspell might come in handy).