Iaijutsu Focus Gestalt Build - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Iaijutsu Focus Gestalt Build

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
bahamut920
Mar 24, 2009 21:58:35 I'm trying to make a melee character who uses maneuvers and the Iaijutsu Focus skill to deal ridiculous amounts of damage. I have access to core books, Oriental Adventures (obviously), and my choice of two other books from a large list for the creation of this character. We are playing by gestalt rules, and ability scores are 38 point buy. The character is 9th level, with 40,000 gold.

Here's what I have so far:
I plan to select the Tome of Battle and Dungeonscape with my remaining resource selections; Dungeonscape for the factotum class, which will occupy one of my class slots, which grants me access to the Iaijutsu Focus skill and gives me the best ability synergy with warblade, which will occupy the other half of my gestalt progression. Obviously, Skill Focus and the like to increase my Iaijutsu Focus bonus are essential. What I want to know is twofold: What are the best tricks for increasing skill bonuses to ridiculous levels, and what are the best ways to catch an opponent flat-footed? I know a couple of maneuvers which will do the trick, but I don't know of much else that will work. I need something to do when I've run out of maneuvers and need to recharge. I know Flick of the Wrist catches an opponent flat-footed, but it only works once per opponent, and I'd have to give up one of my sources to get it.
#2
emansdrawkcab
Mar 24, 2009 23:34:32 You could make a sick AoO build using Mercurial Strike, and a Gnome Quickrazor, wherein you'd take your AoO and draw every time, thus getting your Iaijutsu Focus damage every time.

Also, If you do choose to take Gnome, you could make use of Trivial Knowledge/ Knowledge Devotion, as well as make your racial weapon proficiency apply to the Gnome Quickrazor.

I'd go: Gnome Warblade 20// Factotum 8/ Iaijutsu Master 5/ X 7
#3
bahamut920
Mar 25, 2009 0:27:26 Where is mercurial strike from? Is it a feat, a maneuver, or what? Keep in mind that I only have access to core, Oriental Adventures, and up to two other books, which I currently have set as Tome of Battle and Dungeonscape. So Knowledge Devotion is right out, because it's from Complete Champion, and so is the quickrazor (which I assume is a piece of equipment), which probably also precludes Trivial Knowledge (which, again, I have no knowledge of).
#4
emansdrawkcab
Mar 25, 2009 2:34:17 Well never mind that then. In any case, Factotum X/ Iaijutsu Master Y// Warblade is a really solid option.
#5
fadier
Mar 25, 2009 5:53:08 I made an Iaijitsu Focus build a while back and found myself asking the exact same questions. There is a few ways to get an opponent flatfooted, though only one way to get it done repeatedly round after round (with only a small draw back).

For the 'lesser' ways, you have Sapphire Nightmare Blade and Ghost Blade maneuvers (I think you know these, but you would need to multiclass to Swordsage to get Ghost Blade).
Then there is the spell Distract Assailant a first level spell that is a swift action to use, is close range, is a will save to resist and allows SR. This is not a terribly good way to make opponents flatfooted as you would either have to pick up wizard/sorcerer (or assassin I guess) and the chances are at higher levels its not going to work, at least not with a lot of effort.

The best way by far I found was a couple of feats in RotW, Underfoot Combat (pg 152) and Confound the Big Folk (pg 153). Confound the Big Folk will make anyone who is 2 sizes larger than you flatfooted if you have moved into their square in the previous turn. This is great with a spare move action or the Press the Advantage stance (White Raven, 5th level). The biggest problem with those feats is that they require 10 ranks in tumble and thus require level 7 to get. This means (without trickery) you will be able to do this at level 12, but there is at least 2 ways to get this by level 9.
One way is the Human Paragon class (which does not really work as the feats require you to be small) and the other is surprisingly bloodlines.

If you take a bloodline and you get a feat via the bloodline that you already have you get to pick another feat that you meet the requirements for. So take the minor Air Elemental bloodline (or any other one that give improved initiative at 8th level, maybe make up your own?) and get Underfoot Combat at 8th and Confound the Big Folk at 9th.

You can further optimise but that's somewhat covered in this (archived) thread http://forums.gleemax.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-936752
(using Giantbane and a Jungle Kobald with the web enhancement)

Wow, that was more ranty than I thought it would be and I have half-forgotten that you can only use 2 other books, sorry about that but I hope it opens up some options.
#6
ithamar
Mar 25, 2009 11:40:16 You can always restrict multi-classing or give up GP to buy extra sources. :D
#7
bahamut920
Mar 25, 2009 19:47:42 Actually, that's probably not a bad idea. I'll eliminate a PrC to gain Complete Warrior, swashbuckler, and Flick of the Wrist.
#8
sofawall
Mar 25, 2009 19:56:46 Isn't there a way to feint with bluff to make them flat-footed?
#9
bahamut920
Mar 25, 2009 20:28:35 Feint denies them their Dexterity bonus; not the same in this case.
#10
sofawall
Mar 25, 2009 21:24:39 Oh, really? Darn... Well, I'll get back to thinking then...
#11
true_shinken
Mar 26, 2009 13:46:04 There is a skill trick that makes a target flat-footed. Acrobatic Backstab, I think. Also, blurstrike weapons.
#12
swanyusd
Mar 29, 2009 12:02:44 Something very important to remember...

Consider taking the item familiar feat from the Unearthed Arcana and making it your katana/bastard sword/weapon of choice. You will be able to have an insanely high iaijutsu focus/concentration score when imbuing skills into your weapon. You could easily get into the 20s-30s below 10th level.
#13
aceon
May 27, 2009 20:42:23
Isn't there a way to feint with bluff to make them flat-footed?

There is. Tactical feat from CW: Raptor School. Std action to feint with a cloak. Foe is flat-footed for next attack. ( not just no dex )

**It would be awesome if you could stack it would "group fake out" trick, but I don't see how it can.
#14
rmage
May 27, 2009 23:57:39 I've been trying to figure out how to use the Tiger Claw maneuver Feral Deathblow with an Iaijutsu build, unfortunately this is a 9th level maneuver so you get it late. But with a good Jump skill you're target is considerd flat-footed, with an instant kill to boot
Any suggestions to make this work?
#15
wings_of_peace
May 28, 2009 5:42:15 If you're gestalting then personally I'd turn it into a pseudo gish. Focus your one side on melee and the other side on getting spells and then take levels in Magical Trickster and the Acrobatic Backstab skill trick. With Magical Trickster you just need to spend a spell to catch the enemy flatfooted and a move action(I believe) to re-sheathe your weapon. Would be interested flavor wise if you worked in swift blade somehow and use the spare rounds to re-sheathe etc.
#16
aceon
May 28, 2009 10:05:45
With Magical Trickster you just need to spend a spell to catch the enemy flatfooted and a move action(I believe) to re-sheathe your weapon.

What spell would you be using for this? Distract assailant is only 1st and works best if you are a succubus with +6 cloak of cha and +5 tome,(to maximize the DC) but the level loss isn't really worth it.
#17
wings_of_peace
May 28, 2009 14:09:49
What spell would you be using for this? Distract assailant is only 1st and works best if you are a succubus with +6 cloak of cha and +5 tome,(to maximize the DC) but the level loss isn't really worth it.

I could have phrased that better. You don't choose a particular spell you just sack a prepared slot/spontaneous spell as a swift action for the day to use the skill again. Forget what I said about Swiftblade I wasn't thinking of the Gnome Quick Razor from Races of Stone at the time which you can naturally sheathe and draw as a free action which is alot easier than juggling haste spells with the Swiftblade.

Edit: Though that's more books than he can use I think.
#18
sofawall
May 28, 2009 20:34:12 Factotum 8/Warblade 1//Fighter 4/Warblade 2/Iaijutsu Master 3

You really really really want Iaijutsu Master 8 and Factotum 8. They work so well together. Two hits per standard action, and standard action. Use fighter to qualify for Iaijutsu Master (bonus feats), be human, take two flaws (if allowed) to give you a total of (Human+flaw+flaw+1+3+6+9) 7 feats for Iaijutsu Focus. That gives you (1+2+3+4+5+6+7) 28 extra inspiration points. That's a lot of standard actions.

Youèll need at least 24 Int for this, however, so it's kinda of putting all your eggs (stats) in one basket. 18 int, 2 hd and 4 magic item. A bit much, even with the Warblade synergy. I mean, with Iaijutsu Master 5, you really want massive cha, too. That's taking away from str and con, after all.

Oh well, take from it what you will. It'll be beast at higher levels, anyway.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 bahamut920 Mar 24, 2009 21:58:35	I'm trying to make a melee character who uses maneuvers and the Iaijutsu Focus skill to deal ridiculous amounts of damage. I have access to core books, Oriental Adventures (obviously), and my choice of two other books from a large list for the creation of this character. We are playing by gestalt rules, and ability scores are 38 point buy. The character is 9th level, with 40,000 gold. Here's what I have so far: I plan to select the Tome of Battle and Dungeonscape with my remaining resource selections; Dungeonscape for the factotum class, which will occupy one of my class slots, which grants me access to the Iaijutsu Focus skill and gives me the best ability synergy with warblade, which will occupy the other half of my gestalt progression. Obviously, Skill Focus and the like to increase my Iaijutsu Focus bonus are essential. What I want to know is twofold: What are the best tricks for increasing skill bonuses to ridiculous levels, and what are the best ways to catch an opponent flat-footed? I know a couple of maneuvers which will do the trick, but I don't know of much else that will work. I need something to do when I've run out of maneuvers and need to recharge. I know Flick of the Wrist catches an opponent flat-footed, but it only works once per opponent, and I'd have to give up one of my sources to get it.
#2 emansdrawkcab Mar 24, 2009 23:34:32	You could make a sick AoO build using Mercurial Strike, and a Gnome Quickrazor, wherein you'd take your AoO and draw every time, thus getting your Iaijutsu Focus damage every time. Also, If you do choose to take Gnome, you could make use of Trivial Knowledge/ Knowledge Devotion, as well as make your racial weapon proficiency apply to the Gnome Quickrazor. I'd go: Gnome Warblade 20// Factotum 8/ Iaijutsu Master 5/ X 7
#3 bahamut920 Mar 25, 2009 0:27:26	Where is mercurial strike from? Is it a feat, a maneuver, or what? Keep in mind that I only have access to core, Oriental Adventures, and up to two other books, which I currently have set as Tome of Battle and Dungeonscape. So Knowledge Devotion is right out, because it's from Complete Champion, and so is the quickrazor (which I assume is a piece of equipment), which probably also precludes Trivial Knowledge (which, again, I have no knowledge of).
#4 emansdrawkcab Mar 25, 2009 2:34:17	Well never mind that then. In any case, Factotum X/ Iaijutsu Master Y// Warblade is a really solid option.
#5 fadier Mar 25, 2009 5:53:08	I made an Iaijitsu Focus build a while back and found myself asking the exact same questions. There is a few ways to get an opponent flatfooted, though only one way to get it done repeatedly round after round (with only a small draw back). For the 'lesser' ways, you have Sapphire Nightmare Blade and Ghost Blade maneuvers (I think you know these, but you would need to multiclass to Swordsage to get Ghost Blade). Then there is the spell Distract Assailant a first level spell that is a swift action to use, is close range, is a will save to resist and allows SR. This is not a terribly good way to make opponents flatfooted as you would either have to pick up wizard/sorcerer (or assassin I guess) and the chances are at higher levels its not going to work, at least not with a lot of effort. The best way by far I found was a couple of feats in RotW, Underfoot Combat (pg 152) and Confound the Big Folk (pg 153). Confound the Big Folk will make anyone who is 2 sizes larger than you flatfooted if you have moved into their square in the previous turn. This is great with a spare move action or the Press the Advantage stance (White Raven, 5th level). The biggest problem with those feats is that they require 10 ranks in tumble and thus require level 7 to get. This means (without trickery) you will be able to do this at level 12, but there is at least 2 ways to get this by level 9. One way is the Human Paragon class (which does not really work as the feats require you to be small) and the other is surprisingly bloodlines. If you take a bloodline and you get a feat via the bloodline that you already have you get to pick another feat that you meet the requirements for. So take the minor Air Elemental bloodline (or any other one that give improved initiative at 8th level, maybe make up your own?) and get Underfoot Combat at 8th and Confound the Big Folk at 9th. You can further optimise but that's somewhat covered in this (archived) thread http://forums.gleemax.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-936752 (using Giantbane and a Jungle Kobald with the web enhancement) Wow, that was more ranty than I thought it would be and I have half-forgotten that you can only use 2 other books, sorry about that but I hope it opens up some options.
#6 ithamar Mar 25, 2009 11:40:16	You can always restrict multi-classing or give up GP to buy extra sources. :D
#7 bahamut920 Mar 25, 2009 19:47:42	Actually, that's probably not a bad idea. I'll eliminate a PrC to gain Complete Warrior, swashbuckler, and Flick of the Wrist.
#8 sofawall Mar 25, 2009 19:56:46	Isn't there a way to feint with bluff to make them flat-footed?
#9 bahamut920 Mar 25, 2009 20:28:35	Feint denies them their Dexterity bonus; not the same in this case.
#10 sofawall Mar 25, 2009 21:24:39	Oh, really? Darn... Well, I'll get back to thinking then...
#11 true_shinken Mar 26, 2009 13:46:04	There is a skill trick that makes a target flat-footed. Acrobatic Backstab, I think. Also, blurstrike weapons.
#12 swanyusd Mar 29, 2009 12:02:44	Something very important to remember... Consider taking the item familiar feat from the Unearthed Arcana and making it your katana/bastard sword/weapon of choice. You will be able to have an insanely high iaijutsu focus/concentration score when imbuing skills into your weapon. You could easily get into the 20s-30s below 10th level.
#13 aceon May 27, 2009 20:42:23	Isn't there a way to feint with bluff to make them flat-footed? There is. Tactical feat from CW: Raptor School. Std action to feint with a cloak. Foe is flat-footed for next attack. ( not just no dex ) **It would be awesome if you could stack it would "group fake out" trick, but I don't see how it can.
#14 rmage May 27, 2009 23:57:39	I've been trying to figure out how to use the Tiger Claw maneuver Feral Deathblow with an Iaijutsu build, unfortunately this is a 9th level maneuver so you get it late. But with a good Jump skill you're target is considerd flat-footed, with an instant kill to boot Any suggestions to make this work?
#15 wings_of_peace May 28, 2009 5:42:15	If you're gestalting then personally I'd turn it into a pseudo gish. Focus your one side on melee and the other side on getting spells and then take levels in Magical Trickster and the Acrobatic Backstab skill trick. With Magical Trickster you just need to spend a spell to catch the enemy flatfooted and a move action(I believe) to re-sheathe your weapon. Would be interested flavor wise if you worked in swift blade somehow and use the spare rounds to re-sheathe etc.
#16 aceon May 28, 2009 10:05:45	With Magical Trickster you just need to spend a spell to catch the enemy flatfooted and a move action(I believe) to re-sheathe your weapon. What spell would you be using for this? Distract assailant is only 1st and works best if you are a succubus with +6 cloak of cha and +5 tome,(to maximize the DC) but the level loss isn't really worth it.
#17 wings_of_peace May 28, 2009 14:09:49	What spell would you be using for this? Distract assailant is only 1st and works best if you are a succubus with +6 cloak of cha and +5 tome,(to maximize the DC) but the level loss isn't really worth it. I could have phrased that better. You don't choose a particular spell you just sack a prepared slot/spontaneous spell as a swift action for the day to use the skill again. Forget what I said about Swiftblade I wasn't thinking of the Gnome Quick Razor from Races of Stone at the time which you can naturally sheathe and draw as a free action which is alot easier than juggling haste spells with the Swiftblade. Edit: Though that's more books than he can use I think.
#18 sofawall May 28, 2009 20:34:12	Factotum 8/Warblade 1//Fighter 4/Warblade 2/Iaijutsu Master 3 You really really really want Iaijutsu Master 8 and Factotum 8. They work so well together. Two hits per standard action, and standard action. Use fighter to qualify for Iaijutsu Master (bonus feats), be human, take two flaws (if allowed) to give you a total of (Human+flaw+flaw+1+3+6+9) 7 feats for Iaijutsu Focus. That gives you (1+2+3+4+5+6+7) 28 extra inspiration points. That's a lot of standard actions. Youèll need at least 24 Int for this, however, so it's kinda of putting all your eggs (stats) in one basket. 18 int, 2 hd and 4 magic item. A bit much, even with the Warblade synergy. I mean, with Iaijutsu Master 5, you really want massive cha, too. That's taking away from str and con, after all. Oh well, take from it what you will. It'll be beast at higher levels, anyway.