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2010-09-09, 02:30 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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- Jan 2009
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Swa cwæð eardstapa,_________So spoke the wanderer,
earfeþa gemyndig,____________mindful of hardships,
wraþra wælsleahta,___________of fierce slaughters
winemæga hryre:_____________and the downfall of kinsmen:
-From "The Wanderer," as preserved in the Codex Exeter
Originally Posted by Raakhama'karma
Last edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-09-09 at 02:31 AM.
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 02:39 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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- Jan 2009
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
"A monstrous fish that is afloat in a fathomless sea. A giant Bull, Kujuta, rides upon it.s back and upon the bull is a Ruby Mountain. On top of the Ruby mountain is an Angel, over which lay the 6 hells, then the earth and then the 7 heavens, at the very top."
The Story of Bahamut
Originally Posted by Ssejkosjth
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 02:49 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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- Jan 2009
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Monkeys are superior to men in this: when a monkey looks into a mirror, he sees a monkey.
-Malcolm de Chazal
Originally Posted by Jack
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 02:51 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
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- Jan 2009
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Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
"For what I want of Dulcinea del Toboso, she's every bit as good as the noblest princess on earth."
Don Quixote, V1, Ch25
Originally Posted by Dulcinea
Dulcinea, the Dancer's Daughter
In which our hero forms her first pact
Our hero, Dulcinea, but a girl,
Learned young the ancient art of binding souls.
She, orphaned, walked the beach gathering pearls.
Split wide a shell, mused "Two halves make a whole."
A woman watching whispered, "That's not all.
Where two meet, something beautiful is made.
You'll find your other half with but a call
Into the darkness, child, be not afraid."
Young Dulcinea then learned how to bind
By writing in the sand with a small stick.
"Just trace these lines," her teacher said and signed.
"The bargain that comes next, now that's the trick."
A set of awkward lines, then drawn around,
And Dulcinea's first vestige was bound.
In which our hero binds Paimon to herself, and herself to him
Our hero, Dulcinea, grows in years
And power, binding souls with grace and ease.
But one new soul spins circles and appears;
He spits out, "Tell me, are you one of these
Harlots who seek me out for but a song?
They bind me, find me lacking and are done.
Like those who changed my limbs for blades, I'm wronged
Once more by selfish men who've been outdone."
Our hero weeps and sobs, "Your story's sad.
You are no foul immortal, evil soul,
Bust just a man, and one whom I'd be glad
To share my life with--Let these halves be whole."
And so she binds herself in boundless love
Unto the one ensnared and bound by love.
In which our hero creates the Knights of Paimon's Seal
Our hero, Dulcinea, and her man
Blend seamlessly together as if one.
When she steps forward, rapier in hand,
Then hordes of hundreds all turn tail and run.
She takes the Dancer's cause up as her own,
Enlisting aid of gnomish paladins.
No heretic, but friend of the disowned,
They welcome her as if she was their kin.
Appalled at human actions void of love,
They seek out evil, slay it by the blade.
With strength found not in size, but lack thereof,
Their enemies in shallow graves are laid.
The Knights of Paimon form The Bladed Hand,
An order feared--revered--across the land.
In which our hero fades into violence
Our hero, Dulcinea, at the helm
Led knights bound twice (by both their oath and pact).
They fought with zeal, protecting the whole realm.
Their souls stayed bound, their swords raised, ranks intact.
Until Tenebrous followers arrived,
With plans to resurrect the evil dead.
A skeletal barbarian deprived
The order's chief lieutenant of his head.
But as his body crumpled to the ground,
Our hero Dulcinea, fiercely cried
A call to arms heard miles and miles around,
"Not even death can stop The Dancer's stride.
For Paimon!" shouting, leapt into the fray
And not a soul has seen her to this day.
In which our hero endures forever
Our hero, Dulcinea, now a myth
Shall go on dancing centuries untold.
Though some may question whether she exists,
Just ask the binders--Paimon's now twofold.
They draw the sign to summon forth the Blade,
But two old souls spin circles and appear:
In swirling waltz, the Dancer and his maid,
Locked in a spinning dance for countless years.
An orphaned gnome found family after all,
And safety in Paimon's cold arms of steel.
The two, they dance at the Undying Ball,
At once both fictional and truly real.
Wherever you hear music in slaughter
Is Dulcinea found, Dancer's Daughter.
The Build:
SpoilerGnome Binder 3/Paladin 4/Blade Bravo 10/Knight of the Sacred Seal 2/Marshal 1
{table=head]Level|Class|Base Attack Bonus|Fort Save|Ref Save|Will Save|Skills|Feats|Class Features
1st|Binder 1|+0|+2|+0|+2|Bluff 4, Diplomacy 4, Intimidate 4, Knowledge: religion 4|Combat Expertise|Soul binding (1 vestige)|
2ndBinder 2|+1|+3|+0|+3|Bluff 1, Diplomacy 1, Intimidate 1, Knowledge: religion 1||Pact augmentation (1 ability), suppress sign|
3rdBinder 3|+2|+3|+1|+3|Bluff 1, Diplomacy 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1|Improved Binding, Weapon Finesse (from binding Paimon)|
4th|Paladin 1 (Shadow Cloak Knight)|+3|+5|+1|+3|Bluff 1 (cc), Hide 1, Move Silently 1||Aura of good, detect evil, smite evil 1/day|
5thPaladin 2 (Shadow Cloak Knight)|+4|+6|+1|+3|Bluff 1 (cc), Hide 1, Move Silently 1||Divine grace, lay on hands|
6thPaladin 3 (Shadow Cloak Knight)|+5|+6|+2|+4|Bluff 1 (cc), Hide 1, Move Silently 1|Weapon Focus (rapier)|Aura of courage, divine health|
7thPaladin 4 (Shadow Cloak Knight)|+6/+1|+7|+2|+4|Bluff 1 (cc), Hide 1, Move Silently 1|Power Attack|Holy Warrior replaces spellcasting, Turn Undead 3+CHA/day, Favored enemy: human (from Shadow Cloak Knight)|
8thBlade Bravo 1|+7/+2|+7|+4|+4|Bluff 1, Perform: dance 3, Tumble 2|Goad|Flourish, Goad|
9thBlade Bravo 2|+8/+3|+7|+5|+4|Bluff 1, Perform: dance 2, Sense Motive 1, Timely Misdirection|Divine Might|Mobile Fighting|
10thBlade Bravo 3|+9/+4|+8|+5|+5|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Perform: dance 1, Sense Motive 1, Group Fake Out|Improved Feint|Bonus feat|
11thBlade Bravo 4|+10/+5|+8|+6|+5|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 3||Melee sneak attack +1d6|
12thBlade Bravo 5|+11/+6/+1|+8|+6|+5|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 3|Staggering Strike|Size advantage|
13thBlade Bravo 6|+12/+7/+2|+9|+7|+6|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 2|Dodge|Bonus feat|
14thBlade Bravo 7|+13/+8/+3|+9|+7|+6|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 1, Never Outnumbered||Small but deadly|
15thBlade Bravo 8|+14/+9/+4|+9|+8|+6|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 1, Acrobatic Backstab|Mobility|Melee sneak attack +2d6|
16thBlade Bravo 9|+15/+10/+5|+10|+8|+7|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 1, Back on Your Feet|Improved Trip|Bonus feat|
17thBlade Bravo 10|+16/+11/+6/+1|+10|+9|+7|Bluff 1, Intimidate 1, Perform: dance 2, Sense Motive 1, Tumble 1||Lethal Riposte|
18thKnight of the Sacred Seal 1|+17/+12/+7/+2|+12|+9|+7|Bluff 1, Diplomacy 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1|Elusive Target|Aligned strike, patron vestige (Paimon), soul binding +1|
19thKnight of the Sacred Seal 2|+18/+13/+8/+3|+13|+9|+7|Bluff 1, Diplomacy 1, Intimidate 1, Sense Motive 1|retrain Improved Binding for Law Devotion|Vestige's protection, soul binding +2|
20thMarshal 1|+18/+13/+8/+3|+15|+9|+9|Bluff 1, Diplomacy 1, Intimidate 1, Perform: dance 2, Sense Motive 1|Skill Focus (Diplomacy)|Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Minor Aura (Art of War)[/table]
ATTRIBUTES
{table=head]Attribute|Points|Base|Racial|Levels|Special|Enhanc ement|Inherent|Total|Modifier
STR|6|14|-2|+1|+0|+2|+0|15|+2
DEX|10|16|+0|+0|+4*|+6|+4|30|+10
CON|0|8|+2|+0|+0|+0|+0|10|+0
INT|6|14|+0|+0|+0|+0|+0|14|+2
WIS|0|8|+0|+0|+0|+0|+0|8|-1
CHA|10|16|+0|+4|+0|+6|+4|30|+10[/table]
*From Paimon's Dexterity.
Tactics:
Spoiler- Levels 1-5: At this point, Dulcinea enjoys the versatility of the low-level vestiges (see Quirp's List of Vestiges) along with the survivability that two levels of paladin affords. She can even use heavier armor, since none of her abilities are dependent on light armor. She is less of a skirmisher at this point, and more of a fifth (wo)man, using her vestiges to fill in whatever role the party needs. Because of her high CHA, she also makes a great party face. At level 3, she learns how to bind Paimon (thanks to Improved Binding) and doesn't look back. This makes her a skirmisher, a role in which she specializes for the rest of her days.
- Levels 6-10: Dulcinea's main tactic begins to unveil itself. She now binds Paimon exclusively, allowing her to qualify for Blade Bravo. Power Attack and Divine Might allow her to increase her damage output to respectable levels. Dulcinea takes the Timely Misdirection and Group Fake Out skill tricks, leading up to 10th level, where she acquires Improved Feint. Now, she can feint against multiple foes as a move action, deny them their AoOs, and run past all of them, attacking each once for a decent amount of damage. The great thing is that this isn't even a true nova--she can use the dance of death 1/5 rounds, and the skill tricks can each be used 1/encounter.
As a secondary tactic, she can goad melee types to engage only her, unless they make a Will save (DC 15+CHA at level 10). A good way to combine these tactics is to dart past a group of foes with the Feinting Dance of Death, then Goad the closest melee foe the next round. You can lock in melee combat with them, making full attacks and taking 5-foot steps until the Dance of Death recharges, then unleash it again. - Levels 11-15: Dulcinea's main tactic continues to develop, and hits its sweet spot around level 12. Not only is she darting past a group of flat-footed foes who can't strike her, but now she has the opportunity to leave each of them staggered, robbing the opposing forces of valuable actions. Also, while she can only use her group feint 1/encounter, around this level of play she can afford a pair of Slippers of Battledancing and a Belt of Battle. Along with Divine Might, she can run past a group of enemies and attack each of them using her CHA to attack, adding her CHA to damage twice (Divine Might and Slippers of Battledancing). Also, the need to stop foes from taking AoOs lessens, since Dulcinea picks up Mobility at 15th level for another dodge bonus to AC.
Her secondary tactic becomes even stronger when she reaches her sweet spot. At level 12, the Will save against Goad is 16+CHA, which is hopefully boosted by some items (not to mention level boosts). She will use the Feinting Dance of Death to stagger a group of foes, then Goad the closest staggered melee foe. They'll be forced to make only one attack against you, while you can full attack them until your Dance of Death recharges. Now that you have slippers of battledancing, your second dance of death won't be a feinting dance, but will use CHA to attacks, and the damage will add CHA twice (Divine Might + Slippers). - Levels 16-20: The icing on the cake. Vestige Protection and Law Devotion ensure that Dulcinea can't be hit, while Elusive Target, Improved Trip, and the marshal's Art of War aura provide some nasty options to use against foes that even try. Her main tactic is still to move and attack, but now she has more options.
The secondary tactic now merges seemlessly with the primary tactic. Start with a feinting, staggering dance of death. Aim for flanked squares--because of Elusive Target, you can cause opponents that try to strike you could strike their flanking buddies instead. Goad the closest staggered melee foe for the usual staggered attack vs. Dulcinea's full attack. However, once this opponent misses with their one attack (which they will), you can use Lethal Riposte to attack them, and you have the option to trip them, allowing you to make your full attacks against a prone target. They can get up with a move action, but that provokes more attacks from you, and they may just miss you again with their standard action on their next turn. If they're down before your dance of death recharges, you can still zip about the battlefield, provoking AoOs. Thanks to Elusive Target, you can trip anyone who misses you for free (using your CHA to attack and adding CHA to your trip attempt), then Improved Trip allows you to hit each of them (CHA to attack and CHA to damage twice), possibly shutting down an entire enemy battallion.
The Perks of Being a Blade Bravo:
Spoiler- Flourish: given the large bonus to Bluff checks to feint in combat, it only made sense to make it a cornerstone of the build. One of the bonus feats was used to take Improved Feint, and with the inclusion of skill tricks, Dulcinea can feint against multiple foes as a move action that can also prevent them from making AoOs against her if she wishes. Then, she can use her standard action to move and attack the foes she feinted against, possibly leaving them staggered. For more information, see "Mosh Pit" in the HIGHLIGHTS section.
- Goad: The DC of this might not be much for most melee-types, but for a character like Dulcinea with a CHA focus, it can be brutal. 10+1/2 character level+CHA translates to a DC of 32 at 20th level. Though it doesn't really hamper casters too much (given the Will save and the clause that they can still cast spells at whoever they like), it's perfect for the big brutes who likely won't have a +13 Will save, meaning they've only got a 5% chance of succeeding against this. Goading a staggered enemy stacks the deck in your favor--they get one attack vs. your full attack, and if they miss, you get a sneak attack against them to stagger them for the next round.
- Mobile Fighting: Even though it's only a small bonus to AC, it's activated whenever Dulcinea moves at least 5 feet (which is always). Keep in mind that you can make a 5-foot step while taking a full attack (as per page 143 of the PHB). It's essentially a free +1 to AC at all times. Since Paimon grants Uncanny Dodge, you always retain your DEX to AC, so you also retain your dodge bonuses.
- Bonus feats: Dulcinea has Improved Feint, Dodge, and Mobility to fuel her feinting tactics and to keep stacking dodge bonuses to AC.
- Sneak attack: While +2d6 isn't really much to brag about, my first thought was to add Craven for an easy damage boost. However, the paladin's immunity to fear means that Craven is not an option. Instead, I found Staggering Strike--a feat that allows us to impose the staggered condition on foes if they fail a Fort save with a DC equal to the damage dealt. The inclusion of Divine Might means that Staggering Strike is essentially another CHA-based DC, driving it up to respectable levels. Something that seems like a footnote in this class becomes a part of the character's main tactic (see "Mosh Pit," below).
- Size advantage: While I was looking for a way to make Dulcinea smaller, I realized that any size reductions would mean a STR penalty. This would disqualify her from the benefits of Power Attack, which would then disqualify her from the benefits of Divine Might. However, a small boost to Strength along with a Ring of Reduction means that Dulcinea is Tiny whenever she wants to be. While a permanent scroll of Reduce Person would have the same effect, Dulcinea can command the ring to return her to small size in scenarios where being Tiny is not to her advantage.
- Small but deadly: A bonus to confirm criticals on a character that uses a rapier is a no-brainer. When you use Divine Might, you get 2xCHA to damage on a critical, and if you use Divine Might and the Slippers of Battledancing in the same round, that becomes 4xCHA to damage on a critical hit. Confirming threats is very important, so every little bit helps.
- Lethal riposte: Foes will miss you quite often with the AC focus of this build. When they do, you have a few options. Since your opponent is rendered flat-footed, you can sneak attack them to leave them staggered. Alternatively, you can make a trip attempt against them, and Improved Trip allows you a free attack against them once they are down.
Highlights/Combos:
Spoiler- Early to the Dance: At third level, Dulcinea takes Improved Binding, which allows her to bind Paimon two levels early. Paimon's abilities provide great synergy with Blade Bravo, and also help us enter the class in the first place. Here's what I'm talking about:
- Dance of Death: move up to your speed and attack every enemy you move past once. Usable 1/5 rounds. See "Mosh Pit," below.
- Paimon's Blades: proficiency with shortsword and rapier, and you enjoy the benefit of Weapon Finesse when you wield either. Free feats are always good, especially when they're an entry requirement of the Secret Ingredient.
- Paimon's Dexterity: a +4 untyped bonus to Dexterity. Bonuses to attributes are always great, but untyped bonuses are even better.
- Paimon's skills: you can tumble untrained, and you get a +4 untyped bonus on Tumble and Perform (dance) checks. Untyped bonuses once again, and the bonus to Tumble can help us move in combat when we don't want to provoke AoOs.
- Uncanny Dodge: retain DEX bonus to AC, even when flatfooted or surprised. Since DEX and AC are focuses of this build, this is a very good thing. Since Dulcinea relies on Dodge bonuses (Dodge, Mobility, Mobile Fighting, and Size Advantage), this is a great thing.
- Whirlwind Attack: While not incredibly useful given Dulcinea's tactics, it's always good to have multiple options in combat.
Keep in mind that you still can bind other vestiges if you're in a tight spot, but doing so would cause you to lose access to the abilities of the Blade Bravo as well as the vestige's protection abilities of the Knight of the Sacred Seal. - Belle of the Ball: CHA synergy is the name of the game for Dulcinea. She gets to add her CHA bonus to:
- Turning attempts: 3+CHA/day
- Damage [uses a turn attempt] (Divine Might)
- Attack 2/day (smite evil--extra attempt granted by Mighty Smiting rapier)
- Attack and damage with light/one-handed weapons as long as she moves 10 feet (Slippers of Battledancing)
- Saves (divine grace)
- Healing 4*CHA HP/day (Lay on Hands)
- AC and Reflex saves 1/5 rounds (Vestige's Protection)
- Disarm, Trip, Bull Rush, and Sunder attempts (Marshal 1's Art of War minor aura)
- CHA*d6 extra damage on ranged damage [uses a turn attempt] (Larethian Protector)
- Mosh Pit: As mentioned above, Paimon's abilities provide great synergy with Blade Bravo. You can take a free action to switch Law Devotion (which you activated before the enemies were in range) to AC for a scaling bonus, a swift action to activate Vestige's Protection for a +CHA to AC, a free action to activate Divine Might (mmm, CHA to damage), then use Improved Feint to feint as a move action (with a +10 bonus from Flourish) against multiple opponents (thanks to the Group Fake Out skill trick). You're going to move through each enemy's threatened space, but you have the option to deny opponents you feint their AoOs (via the Timely Misdirection skill trick). Even if you don't, you have all of your regular AC bonuses, plus extra from Law Devotion and Vestige's Protection at higher levels.
Now it's time to bust some heads. You attack each enemy once (with Paimon's Dance of Death). You unfortunately can't take any extra attacks while moving, but you can still use Elusive Target to negate their power attack bonuses or cause them to strike their allies if you move through a flanked square. Each attack you make is a sneak attack thanks to the feint. They have to make a Fortitude save (DC=damage) or be staggered, meaning that they can only move or take a standard action. They can't close in on your party and attack, and none of them can make a full attack on you. The Dance of Death can be used once every 5 rounds, while the skill tricks are only 1/encounter. However, feel free to dart around your foes on your turn--you can still use Acrobatic Backstab to flatfoot somebody, and sneak attack them as well. At higher levels, Lethal Riposte ensures you a sneak attack when a foe misses you 1/round. That's a lot of staggering.
While it's usually suboptimal to dart about making one attack per round, this is where Elusive Target comes in. As your opponents try to take AoOs against you (which is difficult, see "Not that Kind of Party," below), not only can you use the same Elusive Target tricks as before, but now you can also try to trip each person that attacks you for free! Improved Trip offsets your -4 penalty for being small, and Marshal 1's Art of War aura lets you add your CHA mod to your trip check. This is also supplemented by your gear. Finally, because of Improved Trip, you get a free attack versus the downed foe. - Not that Kind of Party: Always ladylike, Dulcinea isn't fond of random men laying their hands on her. As such, she has multiple ways to boost her AC through the roof, as outlined below:
- Light armor (Blade Bravo bonuses and mobility are hampered by anything heavier)
- Animated shield (it's always good to have a free hand)
- Sacred bonus from Law Devotion (scales with levels, rechargeable with Turn attempts)
- +CHA Insight bonus from Vestige's Protection
- High DEX
- Dodge bonuses (Dodge, Mobility, Mobile Fighting, Size Advantage)
Furthermore, Dulcinea retains her DEX bonus (as well as dodge bonuses) while flatfooted, since Paimon grants Uncanny Dodge. Also, the only bonuses that do not apply against touch attacks are the armor and shield bonuses, making Dulcinea a tough target even for casters' touch attacks. Lastly, Elusive Target and Lethal Riposte allow you some nice options when attacks miss you, which should happen frequently. - A Lovely Parting Gift: For most of this build, you need Improved Binding in order to bind Paimon. However, once you reach level 19, your effective binder level is already 5, thanks to the boost from Knight of the Sacred Seal. Feel free to retrain that feat to anything useful--I picked Law Devotion because of its versatility, flavor, and the fact that you can use turn attempts (which Dulcinea has plenty of) in order to recharge the feat.
Possible Gear List:Spoiler- Helm of Tactics: adding +1 to your minor aura means +1 to trip attempts
- Goggles of Foefinding: no need to worry about cover
- Hand of Glory: an extra ring for 8,000 gp is always a steal
- Cloak of Charisma +6
- Armbands of Might: another bonus to trip attempts, not to mention damage with Power Attack
- Brute Gloves (w/ +6 DEX enhancement): more trip bonuses
- Ring of Freedom of Movement: you always move, so you want to make sure you always can move.
- Ring of Protection +5
- Ring of Reduction: constant Reduce Person
- Vest of Resistance +5
- Belt of Battle (w/ +2 STR enhancement): extra move actions mean you can feint, move to activate the Slippers of Battledancing, and still use Paimon's Dance of Death
- Slippers of Battledancing: CHA to attack and damage as long as you move 10 feet or more as part of a move action. Paimon's dance of death alone isn't enough, but in conjunction with a Belt of Battle, these are nasty.
- The Hand of Paimon: +1 Fierce Keen Bloodfeeding Bloodstone Mighty Smiting Stunning Surge Sudden Stunning Rapier.
- Fierce: You can apply some of your DEX mod to damage, if foes are missing you by a long shot. Make sure to leave at least a +1, to keep your Dodge bonuses active.
- Keen: A higher chance of critical hits is always a good thing, especially with the rapier's range.
- Bloodfeeding: free extra damage is always a good thing
- Bloodstone: your party caster (or friendly merchant caster) casts Vampiric Touch once, allowing you to use it later (empowered) for free.
- Mighty Smiting: bonuses to your smite attack and damage, along with another smite per day, help when you don't have many paladin levels.
- Stunning Surge: CHA-based save DC that stacks with level? Yes please!
- Sudden Stunning: CHA-based save DC that stacks with level? Yes please!
- Truedeath Crystal, Lesser: extra damage against undead, and functions as a ghost touch weapon, all for 5,000 gp.
- The Stinger: +1 Sweeping Stunning Surge Chain and Dagger (A&E): the trip attempts you get from Elusive Target will be made using this weapon--follow up with a melee attack from The Hand of Paimon
- Latherian Protector: the only ranged weapon you'll ever need, you can add CHA*d6 damage against evil humanoids (who happen to be your favored enemies) for the low cost of one turn attempt.
- Mithralmist shirt w/ Lesser Iron Ward Diamond: Concealment and damage reduction are both nice.
- Shield of the Seal: +1 Animated Heavy Steel Shield w/ Moderate Fortification: chance to negate extra damage, and both hands free to use both your rapier and chain-and-dagger
- Vestige Phylactery: For those instances where you NEED to bind another vestige, you can still keep Paimon at the ready.
- Manual of Quickness in Action +4
- Tome of Leadership & Influence +4
- ~8,521 gp "fun money" left over
Build Notes/Additional Cheese:
Spoiler- Setting-specific material: The Shadow Cloak Knights are found in the Champions of Valor web enhancement. If your DM doesn't allow Forgotten Realms (or online) material, nothing is lost by taking levels of standard paladin except favored enemy (or see below for variants).
- Multiclass penalties: if multiclass penalties are in effect, the build should progress as Binder 2/Paladin 2/Binder +1/Paladin +2/Blade Bravo 10/Knight of the Sacred Seal 2/Marshal 1. This way, the only time you incur a multiclass penalty is once you reach level 20, which makes it negligible.
- Fractional BAB and saves: If fractional BAB and saves are allowed, Dulcinea would have a +19 BAB and saves of +10/+10/+9.
- Traits and flaws: If allowed, Dulcinea would take the Quick trait, as the extra land speed translates into extra attacks for Paimon's Dance of Death. The flaws she would take are Shaky and Vulnerable, providing two feats that would be used to acquire Martial Study (any Shadow Hand) and Martial Stance (Child of Shadow). This would provide her with a 20% miss chance whenever she moves (which is always), and opens up the possibility of taking Shadow Blade instead of another feat later, allowing her to add her DEX modifier to damage with Shadow Hand weapons.
- Racial/class variants: if race and class variants from Unearthed Arcana are allowed, Dulcinea would be a Desert Gnome Paladin of Tyranny. The +2 to Bluff would be nice, and the -2 debuff aura would be useful for foes attempting to save against Staggering Strike or Goad.
- LA buyoff: if available, Dulcinea would start with the Phrenic template, with level adjustment bought off at levels 6 and 9. While this delays her early development, it provides a boost to her CHA (which translates to a boost in many areas), as well as a wide array of psychic abilities to complement her combat prowess. Phrenic psi-like abilities have two great things going for them:
The abilities provide Dulcinea with some ranged prowess, healing ability, defensive buffs, and psionic dominate, with its limitless possibilities. The only reason LA buyoff wasn't assumed in this build is that the phrenic template brings so much to the table, it is rightfully considered cheesy for a paltry 2 levels. If your DM doesn't allow psionics, but does allow LA buyoff, consider starting Dulcinea with the half-fey template, for some great spell-like abilities and flight.- The save DCs are CHA-based.
- Psi-like abilities are always fully augmented, with a manifester level equal to the character's HD, or character level.
Sources:
Spoiler
- Arms & Equipment Guide (Chain-and-dagger, Fierce, Latherian Protector)
- Champions of Valor Web Enhancement (Shadow Cloak Knights)
- Complete Adventurer (Staggering Strike)
- Complete Champion (Law Devotion, Holy Warrior)
- Complete Warrior (Divine Might, Elusive Target)
- Dungeon Master's Guide II (Slippers of Battledancing, Sudden Stunning)
- Lords of Madness: Ring of Reduction (pg 130)
- Magic Item Compendium (most gear)
- Miniatures Handbook (Marshall)
- PHB (paladin, feats)
- Races of Stone (Blade Bravo, Goad)
- Tome of Magic (Binder, Knight of the Sacred Seal, Improved Binding, vestige phylactery)
RECOMMENDED READING (sources mentioned only in BUILD NOTES/ADDITIONAL CHEESE):
- Unearthed Arcana (desert gnome, paladin of tyranny, variant rules)
- Fiend Folio (half-fey template)
- Expanded Psionics Handbook (phrenic template)
- Tome of Battle (martial study, martial stance, shadow blade0)
Last edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-09-09 at 01:18 PM.
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 03:38 AM (ISO 8601)Ogre in the Playground
- Join Date
- Aug 2008
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Is that really fair since they can see those builds? Originally Posted by Ozymandias9
That said I've given a once over on the crunch, I will actually read through everything today. However since it is my father's birthday, tommorrow is probably when I will get to actually judging them for my 2nd thorough read. Not to mention look at late entries. Originally Posted by Alabenson
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2010-09-09, 05:18 AM (ISO 8601)Titan in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Terra Australis
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Question about this - is Dragon Magazine Compendium counted as "any official 3.5 rulebook"? How about the Dragonlance Campaign setting or other "3rd party" books stamped as official WotC products? Originally Posted by Ozymandias9
My winning competition entries: Kinvig Arrumskor | The Great Pumpkinhead | Wynfrith d'Acker
Torn-City - Massively multiplayer online browser based crime RPG
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2010-09-09, 05:53 AM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jun 2010
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
I read through a the entries as they were being posted. I have to say that I was very impressed. I'll mull over things for a while, then begin scoring in a couple of days.
I have a few questions about some of the rules interpretations used by a couple of contestants, though It could be a misunderstanding of RAW by me. I will re-read the relevant books and if I am not satisfied I'll think of a delicate way of phrasing these concerns, as I do not wish to affect the rulings of other judges, or unfairly penalise a build over a minor mistake.
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2010-09-09, 06:39 AM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
I was a bit surprised to see builds posted before what had become the customary 9pm Eastern on the due date. Hopefully any stragglers won't be discouraged from entering before the actual deadline. I know Prinny often remarked on the last-minute rush of entries.
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2010-09-09, 07:22 AM (ISO 8601)Dwarf in the Playground
- Join Date
- Oct 2009
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
I also, am shocked to see builds posted at what is ** 5am ** my local time (western US) on the date the contest is due. From reading of previous builds/contests, I had assumed we had until tonight, and frankly, I work a mon-fri 8-5 job.
ESPECIALLY since at least one build looks vaguely similar to my own... no matter how I spin this, I now look like I'm copy catting someone's build after putting in a lot of thought and effort this last week.
edit: after reading these entries, I'm not even going to bother posting mine. It's obvious my simple build that actually uses a *gasp* basic gnome isn't going to cut it.
in the future, can we please have a definite date and TIME of when the posts are do in? I for one assumed I had another several hours yet and have been completely discouraged from competing by the builds I've seen.Last edited by Greyfell; 2010-09-09 at 07:33 AM.
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2010-09-09, 08:16 AM (ISO 8601)Banned
- Join Date
- Dec 2004
- Location
- The Mindfields
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Dragon Magazine isn't allowed, so I doubt the compendium would be. However, settings are fair game as long as they are 3rd ed, or been updated to 3rd ed. Originally Posted by Thurbane
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2010-09-09, 11:02 AM (ISO 8601)Banned
- Join Date
- Mar 2010
- Location
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Originally Posted by Thurbane
We've been through this before and Dragon Compendium was officially stated as IC-legal. Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble
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2010-09-09, 11:21 AM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- May 2010
- Location
- Lancaster, UK
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Okay, somewhat cross about the early deadline
Still, my build was similar to some of those up there already...
Not a formal submission, I think it's really quite unfair to do so after some have been posted.
Spoiler
Winged Murkdweller
Tiny Monstrous Humanoid
20ft land, 20ft swim, 40ft fly (perfect)
Str -6, Dex +10, Cha -2
LA+2
+3 Natural Armour
Bite attack (1d3)
Squirt (Ex,free action, 25ft range, DC10+dexmod reflex save or be blinded for 1 round)
Weapon Finesse
1| Ninja 1 | Weapon Finesse, Flyby Attack
2| Psychic Warrior 1 | Quick Draw (for skill tricks)
3| Drow Fighter 1 | Weapon Focus, Combat Expertise
4| Stoneblessed 1 |
5| Psychic Warrior 2 | Practised Manifester
6| Stoneblessed 2 | Craven
7| Psychic Warrior 3 |
8| Stoneblessed 3 |
9| Blade Bravo 1 | Goad, Underfoot Combat
10| Blade Bravo 2 |
11| Blade Bravo 3 | Improved Feint
12| Blade Bravo 4 | Confound the Big Folk
13| Blade Bravo 5 |
14| Blade Bravo 6 | Improved Trip
15| Blade Bravo 7 | Skill Focus (Iaijutsu Focus)
16| Blade Bravo 8 |
17| Blade Bravo 9 | Improved Critical
18| Blade Bravo 10 | Practised Manifester?
Being a Murkdweller allows one to get down to Fine size with a super-compression. Plus unlimited blinding with a super-huge Dex bonus...
Last edited by IdleMuse; 2010-09-09 at 11:22 AM.
"Hex grids are the way forward! And slighty to the side..." - Studoku
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2010-09-09, 11:47 AM (ISO 8601)Dwarf in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
I think people who go caught by the early deadline should send their creation nonetheless.
It's a friendly contest after all. Maybe next time gives a clear GMT/CET deadline.
Don't blame the chairman it's his 1st time and it's kind enough of him to take care of it.
On a related subject, wouldn't it be better if the judges send their rating to the chairman who proceed to post them once he got them all (like the entries) rather than one by one on the thread ?
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2010-09-09, 01:13 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
I had never noticed that there was a regular time. Originally Posted by Amphetryon
I was a bit surprised to see builds posted before what had become the customary 9pm Eastern on the due date. Hopefully any stragglers won't be discouraged from entering before the actual deadline. I know Prinny often remarked on the last-minute rush of entries.
I'd always assumed it was by the beginning of the day listed. In hindsight, 9 eastern does seem more sensible.
I'll eat crow on this one an apologize to the contestants inconvenienced.
Sorry everyone.Last edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-09-09 at 01:38 PM.
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 01:16 PM (ISO 8601)Banned
- Join Date
- Dec 2004
- Location
- The Mindfields
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
...*snrk* Originally Posted by Ozymandias9
I had never noticed that there was a regular time.
I just thought I hadn't noticed you changing it. But yeah, they've been posted within 1-15 mins of 9 every time
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2010-09-09, 01:31 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
The Dragon Compendium (and only the Compendium) is fair game. The Dragonlance Campaign setting is WOTC, the other Dragonlance books are not (though they are licensed). Originally Posted by Thurbane
Last edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-09-09 at 01:32 PM.
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 01:39 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
No worries. I managed to finish and submit one of the three builds I was working on, at any rate. The second seems like it would have received a low score from at least one of the judges based on comments made as we built, while the third seemed dangerously close to the OKG. Originally Posted by Ozymandias9
I had never noticed that there was a regular time. I'd always assumed it was by the beginning of the day listed. In hindsight, 9 eastern does seem more sensible.
I'll eat crow on this one an apologize to the contestants inconvenienced.
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2010-09-09, 01:49 PM (ISO 8601)Banned
- Join Date
- Mar 2010
- Location
- Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Why would that be better? It's just trouble for nothing, methinks. Originally Posted by DanReiv
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2010-09-09, 01:51 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Dec 2006
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
At a guess, I'd say the concern is that judges can potentially be influenced by the opinions of the other judges, just as entrants can potentially be influenced by the ideas and entries of other contestants (which may be part of the assumed rationale for having them all posted at once). Originally Posted by true_shinken
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2010-09-09, 01:59 PM (ISO 8601)Banned
- Join Date
- Dec 2004
- Location
- The Mindfields
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Guess I was wrong on all accounts. Originally Posted by Ozymandias9
Not that I have any of them, but if we can use Forgotten Realms and Eberron what's different with Dragonlance?
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2010-09-09, 02:09 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
The FR and Eberon books were published by WOTC. Of the Dragonlance books, only the Campaign setting is WOTC published. The rest of the Dragonlance books are licensed, but not published or imprinted, by WOTC (which makes them a little more official than Ravenloft, which was licensed by the people that WOTC licensed to maintain Ravenloft). Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble
Edit: There is also one more entry to follow. Sorry again about the messLast edited by Ozymandias9; 2010-09-09 at 02:15 PM.
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 02:12 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Hitler goes to a fortune-teller and asks, "When will I die?" And the fortune-teller replies, "On a Jewish holiday." Hitler then asks, "How do you know that?" And she replies, "Any day you die will be a Jewish holiday."
-Jakob the Liar, 1999
Originally Posted by Jakob
78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
-
2010-09-09, 02:24 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
For ease of use, and to help clean up the mess I've made, I'm including a list of links to the entries:
Dulcinea, the Dancer's Daughter
Jack the Dread Capuchin
JAKOB THE LIAR
Moudo
Nekoya
Raakhama’karma The Wanderer
Ssejkosjth "Seth" Tibur Hedwann Ux Bahamuti
Sizok, Sworn of Clan Dinglegrinn
Wruk Vive the IX78% of DM's started their first campaign in a tavern. [...]Where did you start yours?
A street riot in a major city that was getting violent.
Spoiler
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2010-09-09, 02:52 PM (ISO 8601)Bugbear in the Playground
- Join Date
- Mar 2010
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
To be fair, I was late on my presentation nearly every time. The 9 PM standard was for two reasons. Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble
I just thought I hadn't noticed you changing it. But yeah, they've been posted within 1-15 mins of 9 every time
1. It presented a much clearer deadline.
2. That's when I was home.
Quotebox
Spoiler Originally Posted by Mr.Moron
Originally Posted by Optimystik
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2010-09-09, 03:17 PM (ISO 8601)Dwarf in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jan 2009
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
That was my point yeah. Originally Posted by Amphetryon
Bear in mind I'm no judge nor contestant, just a lurker who spend hours on builds that doesn't work in the end
Good luck to all playa anyways. Some fun stuff here. Heavy on the stoneblessed but that was expected.
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2010-09-09, 04:25 PM (ISO 8601)Banned
- Join Date
- Dec 2004
- Location
- The Mindfields
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Very interesting the abundance of psionics in this one.
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2010-09-09, 04:33 PM (ISO 8601)Barbarian in the Playground
- Join Date
- May 2010
- Location
- Lancaster, UK
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Compression ftw? Also, Psionics tend to be more conducive to flexible gishy builds. Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble
Last edited by IdleMuse; 2010-09-09 at 04:35 PM.
"Hex grids are the way forward! And slighty to the side..." - Studoku
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2010-09-09, 05:09 PM (ISO 8601)Firbolg in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jun 2009
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Phew, managed to get 2 out of 3 builds in. Upon further review, I think they were the two best out of my lot. The third...well, it was a fun trick, but didn't really put Blade Bravo to much use. I may keep it in reserve for a more suited challenge in the future.
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2010-09-09, 06:33 PM (ISO 8601)Titan in the Playground
- Join Date
- Jul 2007
- Location
- Terra Australis
- Gender
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
I'm kinda glad I didn't submit one...my first thought was Catfolk Swashbuckler 3/Binder 4/Stoneblessed 3/Blade Bravo 10...
Binder was mainly for Dance of Death, Swashbuckler to get INT as damage on rapiers...dual wielding rapiers, taking Catfolk Pounce and Double Hit...but all in all, the build was just messy, didn't have any real synergy with Blade Bravo, and was quite MAD.My winning competition entries: Kinvig Arrumskor | The Great Pumpkinhead | Wynfrith d'Acker
Torn-City - Massively multiplayer online browser based crime RPG
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2010-09-09, 11:27 PM (ISO 8601)Ogre in the Playground
- Join Date
- Oct 2007
Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XI
Just my personal opinion, but I really like Jacob the Liar. Great use of a variety of ACFs and small dips in several classes to achieve a really solid 1-20 build with a twist on the killer gnome
Handbooks: (Hosted on the new MixMax forums)
[3.5] The Poison Handbook
[3.5] (New) Master of Shrouds Handbook
[3.5 Base Class] Healer's Handbook
Trophies!Spoiler
Thanks to Strategos and Jumilk for the awesome Iron Chef trophies!
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