Can one optimize the Shugenja? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Can one optimize the Shugenja?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
frogmantis
Mar 15, 2009 9:32:35 Optimizing the Shugenja... is it even possible?

They have no proficiency with armor, d6 hit dice, poor base attack bonus, and a terribly short and under-optimized spell list. Is it even possible to make these guys awesome?

I was thinking of playing an "elementalist" type character, and while there are certainly other options, i like the flavor. Can it be done? Has anyone ever played one? Better yet, has anyone ever optimized a shugenja here on the boeards?
#2
jameswilliamogle
Mar 15, 2009 10:07:42 There was a recent thread that talked about this sort of thing.

The main thing I got from it was that although the spell list is limited, it does have some built in utility. For example, Control Weather + Control Winds for instant tornadoes.

The other thing is that since they are spontaneous, it can make for an early-entry option for dual-advancement PrCs. For example, Wizard 3 / Shujenga 1 / Mystic Theurge, using Versatile Spellcaster + Heighten Spell to meet the 2nd level divine requirement, seems to be legal. Or, Sorcerer 2 / Shujenga 1 / Mystic Theurge, which can use the VS/Heighten combo on either side to cross-cast to either side.
#3
hijaxx
Mar 15, 2009 12:55:02 I think that while single classed they're pretty weak, they have some potential for theurge builds. 1: their charisma-based casting synergizes well with sorcerers, and they have a good selection of offensive spells. Conjure tornadoes as stated above, use air walk to ascend, call lightning, and suddenly you're a god of bad weather!
(note: this is awesome if you like to obliterate villages)
#4
phaedrusxy
Mar 15, 2009 13:00:48 Non-proficiency isn't a big deal. A darkwood heavy shield has 0 ACP, meaning there is no penalty for using it if you're non-proficient. Likewise for a mithril chain shirt. And since they are divine spellcasters, they don't have to worry about ASF. IIRC, the Shujenga spell list isn't that bad, either. They're certainly no wizard or CoDzilla, but they're still full spellcasters.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 frogmantis Mar 15, 2009 9:32:35	Optimizing the Shugenja... is it even possible? They have no proficiency with armor, d6 hit dice, poor base attack bonus, and a terribly short and under-optimized spell list. Is it even possible to make these guys awesome? I was thinking of playing an "elementalist" type character, and while there are certainly other options, i like the flavor. Can it be done? Has anyone ever played one? Better yet, has anyone ever optimized a shugenja here on the boeards?
#2 jameswilliamogle Mar 15, 2009 10:07:42	There was a recent thread that talked about this sort of thing. The main thing I got from it was that although the spell list is limited, it does have some built in utility. For example, Control Weather + Control Winds for instant tornadoes. The other thing is that since they are spontaneous, it can make for an early-entry option for dual-advancement PrCs. For example, Wizard 3 / Shujenga 1 / Mystic Theurge, using Versatile Spellcaster + Heighten Spell to meet the 2nd level divine requirement, seems to be legal. Or, Sorcerer 2 / Shujenga 1 / Mystic Theurge, which can use the VS/Heighten combo on either side to cross-cast to either side.
#3 hijaxx Mar 15, 2009 12:55:02	I think that while single classed they're pretty weak, they have some potential for theurge builds. 1: their charisma-based casting synergizes well with sorcerers, and they have a good selection of offensive spells. Conjure tornadoes as stated above, use air walk to ascend, call lightning, and suddenly you're a god of bad weather! (note: this is awesome if you like to obliterate villages)
#4 phaedrusxy Mar 15, 2009 13:00:48	Non-proficiency isn't a big deal. A darkwood heavy shield has 0 ACP, meaning there is no penalty for using it if you're non-proficient. Likewise for a mithril chain shirt. And since they are divine spellcasters, they don't have to worry about ASF. IIRC, the Shujenga spell list isn't that bad, either. They're certainly no wizard or CoDzilla, but they're still full spellcasters.