Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 cuindless Mar 27, 2008 20:08:05	Okay, so I'm trying to optimize a character within a very specific construct. First, they have to be a half-fiend. Second, they have to be a Rogue3/Cleric7. Third, they have to be using the elite array. Fourth, they have to be CE. I am completely at a loss because I consider this combo to be impossible to optimize except maybe to use sneak attack with touch inflict spells. Is there a way to get something similar to arcane reach for a cleric? The character will be in Forgotten Realms, so no Eberron books and no third party stuff. All else is fair game. Some specific questions: What stat spread (using the elite array) would be best? I'm assuming 15 Wis and 14 Dex, but what to dump? Are there any feats that add to Rogue/Cleric synergy like Ascetic Rogue and Ascetic Stalker do for Monk/Rogue/Ninja? Are there any feats that provide a longer range for touch attack spells such as inflict critical wounds? What sort of spell selection should I be using? All your help is greatly appreciated.
#2 bozwevial Mar 27, 2008 20:42:14	Hierophant will give you the divine equivalent of arcane reach, but it'll pretty much screw you over on spell progression. AFAIK, no dual-class feats exist for cleric/rogue. There are some spells from the Spell Compendium that let you sneak attack certain types of creatures that would normally be immune to it, but that's about all the synergy I can think of. Since you lost 3 levels of casting from rogue and you are half-fiendish, you won't likely see 9th level casting unless the game goes epic anyway.
#3 aftercrescent Mar 27, 2008 21:05:17	First, check wizards.com. They had a section on half fiends a while back, with different variations on the template. That's the best place to start looking for inspiration.
#4 operation_shoestring Mar 27, 2008 21:14:46	Can it be a rogue3/Cloistered Cleric7? that would improve your ability to skillmonkey. Why are you stuck with Rogue3/Cleric7 anyway? You're still a caster.. not a great one, but a caster. You're not optimal but you're okay. Just think of yourself as a Cleric with LA and more skillpoints and Evasion. The best sneak attack spells are arcane sadly. Wracking Touch and Vampiric Touch are out of your reach.
#5 blinkstrike Mar 28, 2008 3:32:15	If u pick destruction domain there is a feat in comp. scoundrel(or adventurer) that lets you daze your target if you hit it with both smite and sneak atack. Thats the only synergy i can think of. Hmm the metamagic feat Reach Spell (Fr) lets u get 30 ft reach for +1 spell level be sure to check domain powers for rouge synergy. Find domains with invisibility,imp. invis,vampiric touch etc
#6 col Mar 28, 2008 6:10:57	Do you absolutely have to be a Half-Fiend (as in the template), or is this a thematic/roleplay thing? I only ask as I've found the Dark template from Cormyr: Tearing of the Weave to be a nice one for Rogues (the HIPS ability especially) - and it keeps the extra-planar feeel to the character. I'd take Human as the base race to apply whichever template to, and then use the level 1 Rogue plus Able Learner cheese ... if you combine this with the Cloistered Cleric, you can at least have a go at being a skill monkey. After that, I'd look to moving into Shadowbane Stalker ... if you can convice your DM that it's Realms applicable (I'm sure you can work out some sub-sect of some secret society that this could apply to). If your DM is a stickler for Realms prestige classes, I'd say that Black Flame Zealot should be your target. Col
#7 cuindless Mar 28, 2008 11:53:04	I'm running a pre-generated adventure, so this guy is meant to be an enemy, not a character for me to play. I'm constrained within the boundaries of the adventure because I don't want to alter it too much. If the encounter says, "CE Half-Fiend Cleric7/Rogue3", then that's what I'm going to use, I just want to optimize it within those parameters. I'll have to check out the smiting sneak attack (I have both Completes you mentioned). Destruction domain is well within this guys theme. I'll also keep an eye out for Reach Spell (FR you say?). Any other suggestions on melee domains? I was also thinking of taking Improved Natural Attack and going with enlarged claws. Is that good, or should I just go with a weapon?
#8 aftercrescent Mar 28, 2008 14:23:42	You could totally turn a cleric into an archivist without too many problems. That'll give you access to some kick ass claw enhancing druid spells. It also syncs int with the rogue.