Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 oprick Aug 05, 2009 13:46:24	Im looking for some tips on constructing a melee character based on int synergy. To get some things out of the way -im aware of the x stat to y bonus -the DM does not approve of ToB or ToM (and this is not the forum to debate it) -no xp-penalty for multiclassing as per houserules the skeleton build is: swash3 for int to damage, carmendine monk X this is a practical optimization, to be played starting at 3rd level. is factotum a useful dip? gish-lite is ok, but the role of this character is secondary melee, perhaps some skillmonkery (if nothing else as a byproduct of a high int)
#2 dandu Aug 05, 2009 13:48:07	Factotum11/Chameleon9
#3 dr_rocktopus Aug 05, 2009 13:57:07	:: Glues a Hello My Name Is badge to you :: ::Scribbles in Factotum :: Seriously, monk-fish are trash fish. We only start eating them when the oceans are empty.
#4 the_shaman Aug 05, 2009 13:59:43	I have heard very good reviews of the factotum, but have not tried it myself. However, a few levels in Carmendine Monk (CoValor, int instead of wis to AC) or swashbuckler (int to damage, obviously) are imo indeed a good start. A more traditional build might be Carmendine monk 2/wizard/Enlightented fist/Abjurant champion; remember that monks have handaxe proficiency, which meets the AChamp requirements. You could do with 1 level of monk only, but the extra feat/bab/saves/evasion etc is not too bad. More monk levels imo only work if you use an accelerated-casting PrC. Most of those are charisma or wisdom-based, though, so I would suggest against it. From then on, I am willing to think that psion might be an interesting idea for a gish due to the int-based spontaneous "casting" and the kind of buffs some disciplines have. Something like Carmendine monk/egoist/slayer might not be the most Uber gish ever, but can be a very serious option. For a more skillmonkey-oriented role I might substitute elocater for slayer - levitating all around and getting some teleportation/mobility extras is never bad. Something like monk 2/egoist 4/elocater 4/slayer 10 will cost you a few manifester levels, but lvl 8 powers and BAB 16 isn't too bad for a gish. I guess you can do better if you substitute Anarchic Initiate (for no ML loss) or Sanctified mind (more full BAB levels) for Elocater, but these require extra books that your party might not have.
#5 oprick Aug 05, 2009 17:15:18	doc rock: despite not totally understanding your post, =], having re-read the factotum, i think i know where youre going. as far as carmendine monk: why not? one level dip for int to AC all the time? the combat mechanic would probably revolve around C.Expertise, deadly defense, as well as the granted powers of the factotum. how about knowledge devotion? or CM reserve feats fed with arcane dilettante? EDIT: starting build skeleton for a level 5 Human monk1 (passive way variant for c.ex as the monk bonus feat), carmendine monk, and another feat at 1st. factotum 4
#6 the_shaman Aug 06, 2009 3:28:42	BTW, if you are looking for a psionic/monk combo, the Tashalatora feat from Secrets of Sarlona is very nice. It stacks monk and one psionic class/ PrC for the purposes of many monk abilities, including flurry.
#7 wings_of_peace Aug 06, 2009 8:21:12	As many others have said Factotum is never a bad dip. Whether you want a particular class feature or even just every class skill in the game the factotum will find some way of fitting into your build.
#8 Weezel Aug 06, 2009 8:44:43	Try something like this; Monk1/Rogue3/Swashbuckler16 Take the feats Craven, Daring Outlaw, Cardimine Monk. Absolutely essential to grab Penetrating Strike alternate class feature for your 3rd rogue level. 5th level start as a lesser tiefling would be something like; 1.Monk 1 Cardimine Monk, Darkstalker 2.Swash 1 Weapon Finese 3.Rogue 1 Craven 4.Rogue 2 Evasion 5.Rogue 3 Penetrating Strike With 32pt buy for abilities; Str10 Dex18 Con14 Int 18 Wis 12 Cha 6 You get 2d6+5 sneak attack, vaguely decent AC if you can get a mage to throw a Greater Mage Amour on you, and workable stealth ability with Darkstalker. You could swap out Darkstalker for Two-Weapon Fighting if prefered for more damage and take Darkstalker later in the build. Next two levels would be swashbuckler 2 and 3 so by 7th level you get your +int to damage. It's hard to get much more along these lines without using ToB (shadow blade helps a LOT here since you can dump str completely and get decent damage, not to mention manouvers etc...).
#9 phaedrusxy Aug 06, 2009 9:46:37	With Daring Outlaw in that last build, wouldn't you get the sneak attack dice of a 19th level rogue?
#10 cru Aug 06, 2009 9:50:34	With Daring Outlaw in that last build, wouldn't you get the sneak attack dice of a 19th level rogue? Yes, the 2d6+5 Weezel mentioned is sneak attack at the fifth level.
#11 dr_rocktopus Aug 06, 2009 16:18:02	:: nods :: let me just reiterate that tashalatora is an incredible feat that's basically a must if you plan to dip monk and go psionic.
#12 pithica Aug 07, 2009 19:20:00	Try something like this; Monk1/Rogue3/Swashbuckler16 Potentially Better... Rogue 3/Monk 1/Swashbuckler 11/Invisible Blade 5 That's Int to AC plus Int to AC (up to 5), and with daring outlaw, the same sneak attack dice as the above (though, limited to daggers), but you get feint as a swift action. This build is more feat heavy, though, because of the 3 dead feats needed for IB (really, Far Shot?, who's their crack dealer?). ...Okay, so maybe not 'better'.
#13 felgoroth Aug 07, 2009 20:22:37	This might help a little, it's an Intelligence based fighter (well Sneak Attacker) but it would work ok, you don't really need Rapscallion or Combat Expertise but they're fun to play with if you want a different feat Craven is good it lets you add your class level to your sneak attack damage but anyway here is the build up to 7th level Changeling 1: Changeling Rogue (Races of Eberron page 122): Sneak Attack +1d6, Social Intuition, Education (Eberron Campaign Setting, 1st Level Feat), Rapscallion (Dragon #315, Flaw), Combat Expertise (PHB, Flaw 2) 2: Rogue: Evasion 3: Changeling Rogue: Sneak Attack +2d6, Minor Lore (+1 on all Knowledge Checks), Knowledge Devotion (Complete Champion page 60, 3rd Level Feat) 4: Rogue: Uncanny Dodge 5: Swashbuckler: Weapon Finesse (Swashbuckler) 6: Swashbuckler: Grace +1, Daring Outlaw (Complete Scoundrel page 76, 6th Level Feat) 7: Swashbuckler: Insightful Strike (add Intelligence Modifier to damage rolls as well as Strength)