Zinc Saucier XXXIV: HMS Damsel Rescuer

[Sian]

Welcome one and all to the thirty-forth Zinc Saucier challenge, where Playgrounders come to test their skill in the art of beautiful and bizarre (and bizarrely beautiful) builds, summoning a savory dish of superb swordplay and sublime sorcery.

The challenge? To come up with a build that has the same abilities and feel as the Secret Ingredient WITHOUT actually using it!

For the thirty-forth challenge, its all man on deck presenting arms, directly from Complete Warrior, it's the Swashbuckler

Our challengers will have about 2 weeks to build a complete build up to Effective Character Level 20 using a 32 point buy and all official WOTC D&D 3.5 materials (excluding Dragon Magazine, but including any WOTC online enhancements) with the abilities and feel of a Swashbuckler without actually using any levels in it.

Entries must be submitted by Sunday, 10:00am UTC, 30 August, 2015. As usual, please submit your entries via private message to the chairman, so as not to influence the other sauciers.

Judges will then have until Sunday, 10:00am UTC, 13 September, 2015, to post scores for all dishes.

Contestants will be judged and awarded a score out of 5 in each of 4 categories;

* Innovation (Uniqueness in character concept, race, class, etc)
* Power (How powerful and versatile it is compared to the base class)
* Elegance (What can only be described as how well the build "flows", i.e not using lots of 1-2lv dips, sacrificing flavour for power or using flaws)
* Ingredient (How well the build captures the abilities and feel of the base class)

Presentation would be best in the style of how the iron chef does their presentations, however any style is allowed so long as it is clear on how the build was made.

Recommended style:

Spoiler

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NAME OF ENTRY

Level	Class	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skills	Feats	Class Features
1st	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
2nd	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
3rd	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
4th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
5th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
6th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
7th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
8th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
9th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
10th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
11th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
12th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
13th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
14th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
15th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
16th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
17th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
18th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
19th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities
20th	New Class Level	+x	+x	+x	+x	Skills	Feats	New Class Abilities

Code immediately below (spoiler).

Spoiler

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[table="width: 1000, class: grid, align: center"]
[tr]
[td][B]Level[/B][/td]
[td][B]Class[/B][/td]
[td][B]Base Attack Bonus[/B][/td]
[td][B]Fort Save[/B][/td]
[td][B]Ref Save[/B][/td]
[td][B]Will Save[/B][/td]
[td][B]Skills[/B][/td]
[td][B]Feats[/B][/td]
[td][B]Class Features[/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]1st[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]2nd[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]3rd[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]4th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]5th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]6th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]7th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]8th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]9th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]10th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]11th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]12th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]13th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]14th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]15th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]16th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]17th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]18th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]19th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]20th[/td]
[td]New Class Level[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]+x[/td]
[td]Skills[/td]
[td]Feats[/td]
[td]New Class Abilities[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]

For entries with spellcasting, use the following table for Spells per day and Spells Known. (Spells Known only if necessary, i.e. Sorcerer or Bard, but not Wizard or Warmage)

Spoiler

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Spells per Day/Spells Known

Level	0lvl	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	5th	6th	7th	8th	9th
1st	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
2nd	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
3rd	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
4th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
5th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
6th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
7th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
8th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
9th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
10th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
11th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
12th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
13th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
14th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
15th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
16th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
17th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
18th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
19th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-
20th	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-

Code immediately below (spoiler)

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[B]Spells per Day/Spells Known[/B]
[table="width: 500, class: grid, align: center"]
[tr]
[td][B]Level[/B][/td]
[td][B]0lvl[/B][/td]
[td][B]1st[/B][/td]
[td][B]2nd[/B][/td]
[td][B]3rd[/B][/td]
[td][B]4th[/B][/td]
[td][B]5th[/B][/td]
[td][B]6th[/B][/td]
[td][B]7th[/B][/td]
[td][B]8th[/B][/td]
[td][B]9th[/B][/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]1st[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]2nd[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]3rd[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]4th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]5th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]6th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]7th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]8th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]9th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]10th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]11th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]12th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]13th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]14th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]15th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]16th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]17th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]18th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]19th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]20th[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[td]-[/td]
[/tr]
[/table]

Please do not post details of your build on the board before it is ready, so as not to spoil the surprise for others.

Sauciers may submit as many builds as they want but please don't use Leadership, as we don't want to overfeed the judges.

Previous challenges;

1. Soulknife
2. Bard
3. Monk
4. Assassin
5. Barbarian
6. Warlock
7. Paladin *
8. Warblade
9. Pyrokineticist
10. Ninja *
11. Druid
12. True Necromancer
13. Dervish
14. Whisperknife
15. Epic Infiltrator *
16. Master of Vipers
17. Ranger *
18. Flayerspawn Psychic
19. Totemist
20. Walker in the Waste
21. Drunken Master
22. Cleric
23. Duskblade
24. Psibond Agent
25. Argent Fist
26. Fighter
27. Artificier
28. Knight
29. Spellthief
30. Factorum _{no cooks submitted}
31. Dragonfire Adept
32. Battle Dancer
33. Illithid Slayer _{one cook submitted}

* Classes marked with an asterisk have had their original posts updated to reflect the final results.

This competition is inspired by the Playground Iron Chef Competitions and uses mostly identical rules.

[Sian]

A few administrative notes:

Competitors will be free to use any official 3.5 rulebook in constructing their builds. Dragon magazine is disallowed, and Unearthed Arcana is allowed; but see Elegance below. Web-exclusive 3.0 or 3.5 materials by WotC are expressly allowed, but take care to verify that an updated version did not appear in print elsewhere, as this may cause an Elegance deduction at the judges' discretion. Alternate rule systems from UA such as gestalt and generic classes are not allowed, as they create a different playing field. Also, item familiars are forbidden because I hate 'em.

Power level is up to you. Cheese is acceptable, but should be kept to a sane level unless you're showcasing a new TO build you've discovered. In the words of one of my predecessors, a little cheddar can be nice, but avoid the mature Gruyere unless you're making a cheese fondue.

Elegance could bear a little elaboration. It basically measures how skillfully you put your build together, and whether you sacrificed flavor for power. We're cooking here - if your dish doesn't taste good, it doesn't matter how well-presented it is. Use of flaws is an automatic loss of one point per flaw in this category. Other things that will cause lost points here are excessive multiclassing, and classes that don't fit the concept - using Cloistered Cleric in a front-line melee fighter, for example, may lose you points. Please note the following: a legal source's relative obscurity should not be considered as penalizing Elegance, excepting the aforementioned issues with Unearthed Arcana. Using too many sources may be an Elegance deduction at the judges' discretion, but a book's relative obscurity may not.

Concerning Experience Requirements: Each build is allotted exactly 200,000 EXP. This is roughly 10,000 EXP more than necessary to get to 20th level. Please take note of this when planning your character for circumstances like LA Buyoff, Item Crafting, Magic Use, Multiclassing EXP Penalties, etc.

Definition of Power for scoring: Since this has been a point of contention, let me lay down this guideline. Since the goal is to emulate the Secret Ingredient, achieving much higher power than the Secret Ingredient is capable of is overkill and should be marked accordingly. Likewise if the build cannot match the power of the Secret Ingredient it should be marked accordingly. Individual judges can decide how much is too much for Power scoring, as each judge will have different tastes. The goal here is to prevent all entries being Wizard 20 because "they do it better."

What's the minimum score in a category? Assuming an entry is legal, the minimum score in any category is 1. If a judge is convinced that an entry is illegal by the RAW, the judge may give a 0 or decline to score a given entry. Because this contest focuses on Player Characters, an entry that is not technically allowed for a PC, but is viable as an NPC, counts as a legal entry, but may receive a minimum score at the judges' discretion.

Is Dragon Compendium Allowed? Yes, but individual issues of Dragon Magazine are not.

What about 3.0 materials? 3.0 materials, whether online or in printed form, are allowed unless they've been officially updated to a 3.5 edition.

Are Dragonlance, Ravenloft, Planescape, Dark Sun, or Kingdoms of Kalamar allowable sources? The Dragonlance Campaign Setting is allowed, but the subsequent books for Dragonlance are considered 3rd party, and are therefore not eligible, despite the "WotC approved" status of those books. The same holds for Oriental Adventures (1st party) and the subsequent Rokugan books (3rd party). Materials from Ravenloft, Planescape, Dark Sun, and Kingdoms of Kalamar are considered 3rd party for purposes of this contest, and are therefore not allowed.

What about online sources in general? If the online source is a) published by WotC, and b) not replaced by an updated version at a later time, it is eligible. Use it, link it.

Where's the line drawn with "acceptable/unacceptable" for Unearthed Arcana? This will likely vary a bit from Chairman to Chairman. Variant class features and variant character classes are espressly permitted. Item Familiars and Gestalt have always been verboten; don't expect that to change. Flaws have similarly always been noted as warranting a deduction; even now that its me that is Chairing, its still extended to Traits, though they warrant 1/2 the penalty in Elegance that a Flaw would because they're roughly 1/2 as useful. Alternate spell systems, alternate skill systems and alternate crafting rules all create an uneven playing field, and as such, will be disallowed for as long as I am Chairman. Bloodlines are ripe for abuse, and will be discouraged as long as I am Chairman. Note that judges are allowed to look askance at any use of Unearthed Arcana not specifically mentioned above, at their discretion, and otherwise penalize Elegance according to their preference.

What, exactly, does the ban on Leadership mean? As folks have started to try to work around the edges of this one, I'm forced to spell it out more plainly. No Leadership, Draconic Cohort, or Feats that grant a similar ability are allowed EXCEPT Wild Cohort while I am chairman. Any PrC you choose with Leadership or a Leadership-analog has that ability entirely ignored for this contest, as it may neither be used nor traded away via any means whatsoever.

How the heck do I even do this? Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to select a combination of race, templates, classes, alternate class features, prestige classes, skills, and feats, meld them into a single character that progresses from ECL 1 to ECL 20, that is as close as possible to the secret ingredient as possible in look, feel, class features. How you do it is up to you, I recommend you read previous competitions if you are interested in seeing how others have done it before you. Capture the essence!

A thread for your amusement/edification: Handy Tips for the Iron Chef in the Playground Noob

[AvatarVecna]

Definitely submitting for this, assuming that I don't let Vizzini talk me out of the awesome idea I just had.

[samduke]

I have an idea

[Sian]

And first build is in, in record breaking time. 1.5 hours, helped by the fact that it appearently was premade for whenever Swashbuckler came around

[AvatarVecna]

So, funny story: the last time I binge-watched old Futurama episodes was before I noticed this game. I now know where the title of this competition series comes from.

That is all.

[TerrickTerran]

I actually have an idea about this although my inability to do tables and such will probably preclude any chance in entering. Hope others submit though.

[Sian]

I actually have an idea about this although my inability to do tables and such will probably preclude any chance in entering. Hope others submit though.

You do know that the code for creating tables is in the post right?

[samduke]

I actually have an idea about this although my inability to do tables and such will probably preclude any chance in entering. Hope others submit though.

sent you a copy of the table code stuff that is included above with minor instructions - hope it helps

[Sian]

bit less than four days to go before its time, and still only have 1 submission ... anyone else having a go at it?

[marphod]

I've got my build done, but not much of the flavor text. (which is, admittedly, the same state as the last 7 days.) Also I keep hoping to find some possible tweaks to avoid/reduce elegance issues.

[dysprosium]

Just realized that I haven't said anything yet in a Zinc Saucier thread.

The Demon Real Life again plagues me.

[Sian]

Still only one build ... is there something wrong with my dish selection or is it merely general lack of time?

Overtime till someone enters a second build (and some time beyond that if more than one is scrambling)

[samduke]

well here is hoping that zinc does not die after this...
"Listen to me, mister. You're my knight in shining armor. Don't you forget it. You're going to get back on that horse, and I'm going to be right behind you, holding on tight, and away we're gonna go, go, go!"

[Sian]

Second entry in, calling time at 10am UTC tomorrow

[TerrickTerran]

My real life partner is having medical issues so I haven't been able to focus on the contest even though I love the ingredient. Good luck to those who do enter.

[Jurai]

Chairfrau, could I get a time extension. I just got to the thread five minutes ago.

[marphod]

Still only one build ... is there something wrong with my dish selection or is it merely general lack of time?

Overtime till someone enters a second build (and some time beyond that if more than one is scrambling)

Somehow, I though the due time was 10pm PST, rather than 10 UTC.

Thanks to the 24 hr extension, I'll be submitting shortly.

[Sian]

Don Karnage's Airborne Shipping and raiding service

Wesley of House Lyrandar

NG: Half-Elf: Duskblade 4/ Dragonmark Heir 1/ Storm Sentry 5/Windwright Captain 5/ Dread Pirate 5

History

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History
When Wesley was young, he was orphaned as a young man he would often take walks down to the local harbor and look at the majestic Elf Wingship’s that would come in with supplies. It was then that he decided that he to would become a member of the honorable House Lyrandar. When he was old enough he went to the windwright’s guild and became a member of the guild becoming a hired ship's hand and cabin boy. Over the years he grew in knowledge and skill. When he went forth to petition for admittance into House Lyrandar they already knew of his desires, abilities and service to the guild and it was one of their wealthiest that decided to officially adopt him into the house. Wesley then was given a grand celebration before he put back to sea this time as an officer on a wind galleon belonging to his new parents he spent the next year learning about commerce and trade as well as gaining the skills he would need to eventually captain such a ship. Until one day his parents and those of House Lyrandar brought him forth and said "Wesley" while in the service of House Lyrandar you have become favored in our house we have decided that you will pilot the wind gallon, taking it between the various trade cities as needed having been hired on as Captain you will take command of the wind galleon. Wesley knew that this was a great honor and left for sea once again. Wesley and his crew of the wind galleon provided commerce for many locations and it was while out to sea that he learned that his adoptive parents those who had given him everything had been killed at sea by a rival house. When the wind galleon made port he was greeted by those of House Lyrandar they shared in his loss and said "Wesley" House Lyrandar thanks you for your excellence in service to the House Lyrandar, we have agreed to lend you the wind galleon for which you have shown great ability to command, a ship worth at least 40,000 gp that you can freely operate on the high seas with a 1/5th tithe back to the house. Along with the ship comes Letters of Marque, these will also allow you to hunt down the ones responsible for your parent’s death. Wesley to the letters as the new owner of the wind galleon he put back to sea this time with vengeance in his heart. Over the next few months commerce was still provided by the wind galleon to the local cities but every ship that bore the rival house's flag was pursued and either captured or sunk. This action quickly earned Wesley, the nick name of Dread Pirate Roberts. His crew all knew his adoptive parents last names was Roberts and that he earned the right to be addressed as the Dread Pirate Roberts or as "Wesley of House Lyrandar" depending on if they were at sea or at a friendly port.

Attributes

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Attributes
32 point buy
Str 13 Dex 12 Con 14 Int 16 Wis 14 Cha 09
L4 Con +1
L8 Con +1
L12 Wis +1
L16 Wis +1
L20 Str +1

Str 14 Dex 12 Con 16 Int 16 Wis 16 Cha 09

Effective Character Levels

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Effective Character Levels

Level	Class	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skills	Feats	Class Features
1st	Duskblade 1	1	2	0	2	Balance 2cc, Climb 4, Swim 4, Tumble 2cc, Use Magic Device 2cc	Least Dragonmark	Arcane attunement, armored mage (light), <gust of wind 1/day, +2 balance checks>
2nd	Duskblade 2	2	3	0	3	Balance 2.5cc, Climb 5, Swim 5, Tumble 2.5cc, Use Magic Device 2.5cc	Combat Casting	Combat Casting
3rd	Duskblade 3	3	3	1	3	Balance 3cc, Climb 6, Swim 6, Tumble 3cc, Use Magic Device 3cc	Favored in the house	Arcane channeling
4th	Duskblade 4	4	4	1	4	Balance 3.5cc, Climb 7, Swim 7, Tumble 3.5cc, Use Magic Device 3.5cc	-	Armored mage (medium)
5th	Dragonmark Heir 1	4	6	3	6	Appraise 3, Balance 4cc, Swim 8cc, Tumble 4cc, Use Magic Device 4cc	lesser dragonmark	lesser dragonmark <wind's favor 1/day>, house status
6th	Storm Sentry 1	5	8	5	6	Appraise 4cc, Balance 5, Profession (sailor) 2, Swim 9, Tumble 5, Use Magic Device 4.5cc	Quick Draw	Heir’s mark, improved gust, wind’s embrace
7th	Storm Sentry 2	6	9	6	6	Appraise 5cc, Balance 6, Profession (sailor) 4, Swim 10, Tumble 6, Use Magic Device 5cc	-	Lyrandar’s shield, powerful winds
8th	Storm Sentry 3	7	9	6	7	Appraise 7cc, Balance 7, Profession (sailor) 6, Tumble 7, Use Magic Device 5.5cc	-	Lyrandar’s fist
9th	Storm Sentry 4	8	10	7	7	Appraise 8cc, Balance 8, Profession (sailor) 8, Tumble 9, Use Magic Device 6cc	Weapon Finesse	Storm strike
10th	Storm Sentry 5	9	10	7	7	Balance 11, Profession (sailor) 11, Tumble 11	-	Gale force
11th	Windwright Captain 1	9	10	9	9	Balance 12, Climb 9, Profession (sailor) 12, Swim 11, Tumble 12, Use Magic Device 9	-	Dragonmark control, master pilot, shipboard fighter, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting
12th	Windwright Captain 2	10	10	10	10	Balance 13, Climb 11, Profession (sailor) 13, Swim 13, Tumble 13, Use Magic Device 10, Use Rope 1	Intuitive Attack	Acquire ship, uncanny dodge
13th	Windwright Captain 3	11	11	10	10	Balance 14, Climb 13, Profession (sailor) 14, Swim 14, Tumble 14, Use Magic Device 12, Use Rope 2	-	Rebuke elementals, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting
14th	Windwright Captain 4	12	11	11	11	Balance 15, Climb 15, Profession (sailor) 15, Swim 15, Tumble 15, Use Magic Device 14, Use Rope 3	-	Lesser shipbond
15th	Windwright Captain 5	12	11	11	11	Balance 17, Profession (sailor) 17, Use Magic Device 17, Use Rope 5	Close-Quarters	Greater shipbond, +1 level of existing arcane spellcasting
16th	Dread Pirate 1	13	11	13	11	Appraise 10, Balance 19, Climb 16, Profession (sailor) 19, Swim 15, Tumble 15, Use Magic Device 19cc	Two Weapon Fighting	Seamanship, two weapon fighting
17th	Dread Pirate 2	14	11	14	11	Appraise 11, Balance 20, Climb 17, Profession (sailor) 20, Swim 17, Tumble 17, Use Magic Device 20cc	-	Fearsome reputation +2
18th	Dread Pirate 3	15	12	14	12	Balance 21, Climb 19, Profession (sailor) 21, Swim 19, Tumble 19, Use Magic Device 21cc	Eyes in the Back of Your Head	Rally the crew +1 (1/day)
19th	Dread Pirate 4	16	12	15	12	Balance 22, Climb 21, Profession (sailor) 22, Swim 21, Tumble 21, Use Magic Device 22cc	-	Acrobatic charge, steady stance
20th	Dread Pirate 5	17	12	15	12	Balance 23, Climb 23, Profession (sailor) 23, Swim 23, Tumble 23, Use Magic Device 23cc	-	Luck of the wind

Spells per Day

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Spells per Day/Spells Known
lvl 0 1 2 3
1: 3 3 - -
2: 4 4 - -
3: 5 5 - -
4: 6 6 - -
5: 6 6 3 -
6: 6 7 4 -
7: 6 7 6 1*
1* Bonus spell only if a DM were to allow it
[/table]

Spells Known/Prepared/Memorized

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Spells Known/Prepared/Memorized
0 Level:
acid splash x2
ray of frost
touch of fatigue x2

1st Level:
blade of blood
Kelgore’s fire bolt
stand
swift expeditious retreat
true strike

2nd Level:
Darkvision
Melf’s acid arrow
stretch weapon

SI Emulation

Spoiler

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SI Emulation

Levels 1-5 wesley is just coming into his own as a sailor, combatant, arcane caster with some minor social skills
Levels 5-10 wesley is a decent sailor, combatant, who has some arcane magic, magical device and minor social skills
Levels 11-15 Sweet Spot: wesley is a full on captain great sailor, decent combatant, who has some arcane magic, magical device and minor social skills
Levels 16-20 Dread Pirate Roberts scurge to some deliverer of commerce and goods to others, he is a great sailor, good combatant, who has some arcane magic, magical device and minor social skills

At level 20 this build is on par with fort save and the others are much better, the base attack still gets a full set . < Bab:17/12/7/2 Fort:12 Ref:15 Will:12 >

HP and SP per level are on average with the SI, Most if not all the skills are available & used.

Weapon and Armor Proficiency: the build has similar
Weapon Finesse (Ex): taken
Grace (Ex): not truly emulated
Insightful Strike (Ex): the build has similar
Dodge Bonus (Ex): the build has similar, but not truly emulated
Acrobatic Charge (Ex): taken
Improved Flanking (Ex): the build has similar, but not truly emulated
Lucky (Ex): not truly emulated
Acrobatic Skill Mastery (Ex): the build has similar
Weakening Critical (Ex): the build has similar, but not truly emulated
Slippery Mind (Ex): the build has similar, but not truly emulated
Wounding Critical (Ex): not truly emulated

Sources

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Sources
SRD
Half-Elf (PH p18)
Duskblade (PH2 p19)
Dragonmark Heir (Eb p74)
Storm Sentry (DrMrk p124)
Windwright Captain (Expl p70)
Dread Pirate (cadv p39)
1: Least Dragonmark (Eb p56)
2: Combat Casting (PH p92)
3: Favored in the house (Eb p53)
5: Lesser Dragonmark (Eb p56)
6: Quick Draw (PH p98)
9: Weapon Finesse (PH p102)
12: Intuitive Attack (BoED p44)
15: Close-Quarters (CWar p97)
16: Two Weapon Fighting (PH p102)
18: Eyes in the Back of Your Head (CWar p98)

[Sian]

At least she wasn't named Purple Ryebeard

Scarlett Pumpernickel
Damsel · Rescuer · Hero



LG Paladin 3 / Martial Rogue 13 / Dervish^CW25 1 / Nightsong Enforcer^CA60 1

Spoiler: Basics

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Name: Scarlett Pumpernickel
Alignment: Lawful Good
Race: Rilkan (Magic of Incarnum 12)
Deity: Ilmater (Faiths and Pantheons 30)
Organization: Order of the Golden Cup (Champions of Valor 42)

Abilities:

STR 14 -2 racial = 12
DEX 14 +2 racial +1 (@ 8) = 17
CON 10
INT 14
WIS 14 +1 (@ 12) = 15
CHA 14 +2 (@ 4, 16) = 16

Spoiler: Story

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Named at birth for scales varying in hue from bright red to the dark brown of hearty bread, Scarlett Pumpernickel always seemed to be at a disadvantage. She was a Rilkan, and encouraged to cover her scales to pass as Human. So she grew her hair long and let it cover her throat scales, and took to wearing loose long-sleeved shirts to cover the scales on her arms. That sort of prejudice was easy to bypass. Being female was harder.

Scarlett grew up listening to stories of damsels being rescued by dudes who clearly needed some help buckling their swashes. Why, she thought, couldn't the damsel be the rescuer? So Scarlett set out to become a hero. Regardless of sex, it wasn't as easy as the stories made it out to be. She wanted to start as a Paladin, because they're supposed to be heroic champions of Good. That might have been OK as a single class, but Scarlett found their approach to being a champion of Ilmater inflexible. The morally rigidity wasn't a problem, but the skills were physically inadequate, and the big sticking point was the organizational restrictions on other classes. To be an effective rescuer she needed more athletic grace: in short, she needed to be a Rogue.

Scarlett did get in some levels of Paladin, knowing as soon as she left she'd never be allowed back. As a hero of upright moral character Scarlett skipped the Rogue thieving skills and concentrated on athletics. She even studied martial dancing, which led to a brief foray into Dervish for Dervish Dance. Wanting to be a responsible member of a team of heroes led Scarlett into another brief departure from Rogue levels, as a Nightsong Enforcer for Teamwork benefits. And then back for more Rogue training. Discretion being the better part of valor, Scarlet learned to Hide and Move Silently as well as Jump and Tumble. (She'd be a poor hero if she got killed before she even got to the rescuing; stealth in a just cause is good.)

Wherever the winds of heroic destiny blow, there's where you'll find Scarlett Pumpernickel.

Spoiler: Build

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Level	Class	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skills	Feats	Class Features
1st	Rilkan RogueMoI47 substitution level 1	+0	+0	+2	+0	Balance 4, Bluff 4, Climb 4, Diplomacy 4, Hide 4, Jump 4, Listen 4, Move Silently 4, Spot 4, Tumble 4	Combat Expertise	MimicEoE21, Improved Flanking
2nd	Martial Rogue 2	+1	+0	+3	+0	Balance +1 (5), Bluff +1 (5), Climb +1 (5), Diplomacy +1 (5), Hide +1 (5), Jump +1 (5), Listen +1 (5), Move Silently +1 (5), Spot +1 (5), Tumble +1 (5)	Weapon FinesseB	Bonus Feat, Evasion
3rd	Paladin 1	+2	+2	+3	+0	Diplomacy +1 (6), Gather Information 1, Sense Motive 1, Tumble +1 (6)	Dodge	Aura of good, detect evil, smite evil 1/day, Favored Enemy (giants), Skilled City-Dweller
4th	Paladin 2	+3	+3	+3	+0	Diplomacy +1 (7), Gather Information +1 (2), Sense Motive +1 (2), Tumble +1 (7)		Divine grace
5th	Golden CupCoV42 Paladin substitution level 3	+4	+3	+4	+1	Diplomacy +1 (8), Gather Information +1 (3), Sense Motive +1 (3), Tumble +1 (8)		Defend the Weak, divine health
6th	Martial Rogue 3	+5	+4	+4	+2	Hide +4 (9), Move Silently +4 (7), Sense Motive +1 (4), Tumble +1 (9)	Mobility	Spell SenseCM35 +1
7th	Martial Rogue 4	+6	+4	+5	+2	Hide +1 (10), Jump +1 (6), Listen +1 (6), Move Silently +1 (10), Perform (dance) 3, Sense Motive +1 (5), Spot +1 (6), Tumble +1 (10)	Weapon Focus (scimitar)B	Bonus Feat
8th	DervishCW25 1	+7	+4	+7	+4	Perform (dance) +6 (9)		AC Bonus +1, Dervish dance 1/day, Movement Mastery, slashing blades
9th	Martial Rogue 5	+7	+4	+7	+4	Knowledge (local: Fortress of Disciplined Enlightenment) 8, Tumble +2 (12)	TouchstoneS53 (Catalogues of Enlightenment: Luck domain)
10th	Martial Rogue 6	+8	+5	+8	+5	Hide +3 (13), Move Silently +3 (13), Perform (dance) +3 (12), Tumble +1 (13)	Improved Unarmed StrikeB	Bonus Feat, Spell Sense +2
11th	Martial Rogue 7	+9	+5	+8	+5	Hide +1 (14), Jump +5 (11), Move Silently +1 (14), Perform (dance) +2 (14), Tumble +1 (14)
12th	Martial Rogue 8	+10	+5	+9	+5	Hide +1 (15), Jump +4 (15), Listen +1 (7), Move Silently +1 (15), Perform (dance) +1 (15), Spot +1 (7), Tumble +1 (15)	Improved InitiativeB, Law DevotionCC61	Bonus Feat
13th	Nightsong EnforcerCA60 1	+11	+5	+11	+5	Listen +3 (10), Spot +3 (10)		Sneak attack +1d6, teamwork (hear/see allies)
14th	Martial Rogue 9	+11	+6	+11	+6	Hide +2 (17), Jump +2 (17), Move Silently +2 (17), Perform (dance) +2 (17), Tumble +2 (17)		Spell Sense +3
15th	Martial Rogue 10	+12	+6	+12	+6	Hide +1 (18), Jump +1 (18), Listen +2 (12), Move Silently +1 (18), Perform (dance) +1 (18), Sense Motive +1 (6), Spot +2 (10), Tumble +1 (18)	Stunning FistB, Savvy RogueCS80	Bonus Feat, Crippling Strike
16th	Martial Rogue 11	+13	+6	+12	+6	Hide +1 (19), Jump +1 (19), Listen +2 (14), Move Silently +1 (19), Perform (dance) +1 (19), Sense Motive +1 (7), Spot +2 (14), Tumble +1 (19)
17th	Martial Rogue 12	+14	+7	+13	+7	Hide +1 (20), Jump +1 (20), Listen +2 (16), Move Silently +1 (20), Perform (dance) +1 (20), Sense Motive +1 (8), Spot +2 (16), Tumble +1 (20)	Rattlesnake StrikeS51 B	Bonus Feat, Spell Sense +4
18th	Martial Rogue 13	+14	+7	+13	+7	Sense Motive +2 (10); Acrobatic BackstabCS84, Back on Your FeetCS85, Extreme LeapCS86, Up the HillCS90	Extra StunningCW98	Slippery Mind

Skilled City-Dweller makes Gather Information & Tumble Paladin class skills in place of Handle Animal & Ride.

Spoiler: Sources Key

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CA = Complete Adventurer
CC = Complete Champion
CM = Complete Mage
CoV = Champions of Valor
CS = Complete Scoundrel
CW = Complete Warrior
DM = Dragon Magic
EoE = Exemplars of Evil
MoI = Magic of Incarnum
PH = Planar Handbook
S = Sandstorm
SC = Spell Compendium

Spoiler: Comparisons

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Spoiler: Class Skills

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Swashbuckler

Scarlett Pumpernickel

Balance, Bluff, Climb, Craft, Diplomacy, Escape Artist, Jump, Profession, Sense Motive, Swim, Tumble, Use Rope

Appraise, Balance, Bluff, Climb, Concentration, Craft, Decipher Script, Diplomacy, Disable Device, Disguise, Escape Artist, Forgery, Gather Information, Heal, Hide, Intimidate, Jump, Knowledge (local), Knowledge (nobility and royalty), Knowledge (religion), Listen, Move Silently, Open Lock, Perform, Profession, Ride, Search, Sense Motive, Sleight of Hand, Spot, Swim, Tumble, Use Magic Device, Use Rope

Spoiler: Class Features

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Swashbuckler Feature (@ level)	Emulation (@ level)
Proficient with all simple and martial weapons, and with light armor @1	Proficient with all simple weapons + Rogue weapons, and with light armor @1; proficient with all martial weapons, with all types of armor, and with shields (except tower shields) @3
Weapon Finesse @1	Weapon Finesse @2
Grace +1 @2: +1 to Reflex saves	Divine Grace @4: +CHA bonus to all saves
Insightful Strike @3: +INT bonus to damage with finesse weapon hits	Favored Enemy (giants) @3: +2 damage vs. giants; Sneak Attack +1d6 @13: +1d6 bonus to damage when foe flanked or denied DEX to AC
Dodge Bonus +1 @5: +1 to AC	Combat Expertise feat @1; Dodge feat @3; Mobility feat @6; Defend the Weak @5: Combat Expertise, fighting defensively, or total defense dodge bonus also applies to adjacent ally; Spell Sense: +1 dodge bonus against spells and SLAs @6; AC Bonus +1 @8
Acrobatic Charge @7	Charge using Balance, Jump, and Tumble checks without Acrobatic Charge
Improved Flanking @8: +4 flanking bonus	Improved Flanking @1: +4 flanking bonus
Dodge Bonus +2 @10	Spell Sense +2 @10; also see first Dodge Bonus emulation
Grace +2 @11: +2 to Reflex saves	Divine Grace @4: +CHA bonus to all saves
Lucky @11: 1/day reroll any failed attack roll, skill check, ability check, or saving throw	Luck domain @9: 1/day reroll one roll that you have just made before the DM declares whether the roll results in success or failure
Acrobatic Skill Mastery @13: "take 10" always on Jump, Tumble	Movement Mastery @8: "take 10" always on Jump, Perform (dance), Tumble
Weakening Critical @14: add 2 points STR damage on critical hit	Crippling Strike @15, w/ Savvy Rogue feat: add 2 points STR damage w/ sneak attack, even against sneak-immune foe
Dodge Bonus +3 @15	Spell Sense +3 @14; also see first Dodge Bonus emulation
Slippery Mind @17: retry failed save vs. enchantment spell or effect	Slippery Mind @18: retry failed save vs. enchantment spell or effect
Wounding Critical @19: add 2 points CON damage on critical hit	Rattlesnake Strike feat @17: expend Stunning Fist use to inflict poison analog, 1d3 CON/1d3 CON damage
Dodge Bonus +4 @20	Spell Sense +4 @17; also see first Dodge Bonus emulation
Grace +3 @20: +3 to Reflex saves	Divine Grace @4: +CHA bonus to all saves; CHA bonus increased +1 @16

Spoiler: Commentary

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This was a hard Zinc Saucier dish, because Swashbuckler has a bunch of unique features. Even Duelist Grace doesn't match precisely, because it's "Grace" rather than "Grace +1". I did find an exact match for Improved Flanking, but that locked me into both Rilkan and Rogue (not a Rilkan favored class). That's not all bad, of course; Rogue was one of the ways to get Slippery Mind, another exact match. Plus, even with only 18 levels, this mostly-Rogue build ends up with way more skills than Swashbuckler 20.

Scarlett Pumpernickel has to accomplish everything a Swashbuckler can, but in only 18 levels instead of 20. Rilkan favored class is Incarnate, so she's subject to a 20% XP penalty when her Paladin and Rogue levels get more than 1 level apart: starting at level 9, through the rest of the build. 200,000 XP only brings her to 18th level + 14,200 XP. Because she's an efficient hero, she still gets the job done, with verve.

Scarlett's BAB only reaches +14. However, Law Devotion^CC61 adds +7 to her attacks, and Dervish Dance adds another +1, so she ends up comparable to Swashbuckler BAB +20. She's only got 1 level of Dervish, but the duration of Dervish Dance is 1 per 2 ranks in Perform (dance); with 20 ranks that means 10 rounds of Dervish Dance, enough to last Scarlett through most encounters.

[Sian]

Fighting for the dishonored true heir.

Design Concept:
Near-pure Fighter. Striving for simple elegance with minimal distractions.

Additional, self-imposed constraints:

• No Class Levels with spellcasting. Noncasting levels (Ranger/Paladin 1-3) are allowable, but non-ideal.
• No Prestige Classes.
• Power Level target: the same tier 4/5 as Swashbuckler.

Spoiler: Targets

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These are the benchmarks I'm using to see if this build is matching the Swashbuckler, by 5-level groupings.

(Save modifier targets are from Class Features/Feats only, as opposed to equipment or spells.)

Character Level	Base Attack Bonus	Fort Save Modifier	Ref Save Modifier	Will Save Modifier	Replicated Class Features
5th	+4 or +5	+4	+2	+1	Weapon Finesse, Int modifier to damage with Finesse weapons, Shield Bonus when wielding 2 weapons [1]
10th	+8 to +10	+7	+4 to +5	+3	Charge over difficult terrain, increased flanking bonus, increase to Shield Bonus
15th	+13 to +15	+9	+7	+5	Limited daily Rerolls, Improved Tumble and Jump abilities, Ability to do Strength damage, improved shield bonus
20th	+17 to +20	+12	+9	+6	Secondary Save against enchantments, Ability to do Con damage, improvements to Shield bonus

Robert, the Targe-gent at arms (NG Human)
Ranger 1/Fighter (Thug) 6/Rogue (Martial) 1/Fighter +5/Ranger +1/Fighter +2/Warblade 1/Fighter +3
(Ranger 2/Fighter 16/Rogue 1/Warblade 1)

Spoiler: Background/Characterization

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Hob had just entered the service of the Prince and was stationed on the border with Guilder, when the Coup d'Etat occurred. The official line was that the King's Miracle Worker, with the help of a Dread Pirate, revealed a plan of the Prince to seize the throne before his father was dead, but Hob knew better.

In truth, Hob knew that Guilder had hired the Dread Pirate Roberts, no relation, to tortured the old King and put their puppet on the throne. "The Crown fit so nice, he said I could keep it," is no way to determine the line of succession.

Hob knew his destiny at that point. He would train to become the last Wizard; not a spell caster, but a master of the art of the blade. None had earned the title in a generation -- there were rumors of a Spaniard who had been close, but he lost in a duel to a pirate, of all people -- but he would become one.

Mechanical Build:
Uses Elite Array

(Per level increases, no magic except final line)

Level	Strength	Dexterity	Constitution	Intelligence	Wisdom	Charisma
1st	10	16	15	14	8	12
4th	10	16	16	14	8	12
8th	10	17	16	14	8	12
12th	10	18	16	14	8	12
16th	10	19	16	14	8	12
20th	10	20	16	14	8	12
20th with persistent magical increases	10	28	24	22	8	12

Level	Class	HP	BAB	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skill Ranks	Feats	Class Features
1st	Ranger 1; ACF: Skilled City-Dweller [2], Urban Tracker [3], Voice of the City [4], Rival Organization [5]	10	+1	+2	+2	+0	(36 skillpoints) Balance 2, Bluff 2, Diplomacy 2, Knowledge (Arcana) 2, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) 4, Knowledge (Local) 2, Knowledge (Nature) 4, Knowledge (Religon) 2, Knowledge (The Planes) 2, Sense Motive 4, Tumble 4, Rope Use 4	Weapon Finesse, (Human) Able Leaner, (Urban Tracker Ranger) Urban Tracking [3]	Voice of the City [4], Favored Enemy (The Duke of Guilder's Men)
2nd	Fighter 1; Class Variant: Thug [6]	17	+2	+4	+2	+0	(7) Bluff to 4 (+2), Gather Information to 5 (+5)
3rd	Figher 2	25	+3	+5	+2	+0	(7) Bluff to 5 (+1), Knowledge (Local) to 5 (+3), Jump to 3 (+3)	Knowledge Devotion [7], Two-Weapon Fighting (Fighter)
4th	Fighter 3	36	+4	+5	+3	+1	(7) Balance to 5 (+3), Bluff to 5 (+1), Jump to 5 (+2), Tumble to 5 (+1)
5th	Fighter 4	45	+5	+5	+3	+1	(7) Diplomacy to 5 (+3), Knowledge (Arcana) to 5 (+3), Knowledge (Nature) to 5 (+1)	(Fighter 4) Improved Buckler Defense [8]

Spoiler: First Checkpoint

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Checkpoint: Robert has Weapon Finesse, On target BAB, better-than-target saves, and a shield bonus when two weapon fighting. All of those are on target or better. Instead of Int to damage rolls, Robert has the Knowledge Devotion feat, giving him a means of applying his Int bonus to attack and damage, albeit indirectly.

Level	Class	HP	BAB	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skill Ranks	Feats	Class Features
6th	Fighter 5	53	+6	+6	+3	+1	(7) Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to 5 (+3), Knowledge (Religion) to 5 (+3), Knowledge (The Planes) to 5 (+1),	Combat Reflexes
7th	Fighter 6	62	+7	+7	+4	+2	(7) Intimidate to 5 (+5), Sense Motive to 5 (+1), Use Rope to 5 (+1)	(Fighter 6) Vexing Flanker [9]
8th	Rogue 1; ACF: Mimic [10]; Class Variant: Martial [11]	68	+7	+7	+6	+2	(11) Balance to 9 (+4), Tumble to 11 (+6), Bluff to 6 (+1)	(Martial Rogue 1) Combat Acrobat	Disguise Self SLA once per day using Caster Level of Rogue Class Level
9th	Fighter 7	77	+8	+8	+6	+2	(7) Escape Artist to 5 (+5), Knowledge (Local) to 7 (+2)	Sly Fortune [12]
10th	Fighter 8	85	+9	+9	+6	+2	(7) Bluff to 7 (+1), Knowledge (Arcana) to 7 (+2), Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to 7 (+2), Knowledge (Religion) to 7 (+2)	Shield Specialization [13]

Spoiler: Second Checkpoint

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Checkpoint: Robert is on target for BAB, better-than-target for Fortitude and Reflex saves, although he is a little behind on Will saves. He has improved his Shield bonus, has the ability to ignore difficult terrain (Combat Acrobat), and improved bonuses for flanking (Vexing flanker). saves, and a shield bonus when two weapon fighting. All of those are on target or better. Instead of Int to damage rolls, Robert has the Knowledge Devotion feat, giving him a means of applying his Int bonus to attack and damage, albeit indirectly.

Level	Class	HP	BAB	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skill Ranks	Feats	Class Features
11th	Fighter 9	93	+10	+9	+7	+3	(7) Knowledge (Arcana) to 8 (+1), Knowledge (Nature) to 8 (+3), Knowledge (The Planes) to 8 (+3)
12th	Fighter 10	102	+11	+10	+7	+5	(7) Bluff to 10 (+3) Tumble to 15 (+4)	Unbelievably Lucky [14], (Fighter 10 Feat) Shield Ward [15]
13th	Fighter 11	110	+12	+10	+7	+5	(7) Diplomacy to 10 (+5) Social Recovery Skill Trick [23]
14th	Ranger 2	118	+13	+11	+8	+5	(9) Escape Artist to 8 (+3) Jump to 9 (+4) Easy Escape Skill Trick [23]	(Ranger Combat Style 2) Improved Two-Weapon Fighting [16]
15th	Fighter 12	116	+14	+12	+9	+6	(7) Diplomacy to 14 (+4) Jump to 10 (+1) Back on your feet Skill trick [23]	Leap of the Heavens [27], (Fighter Feat 12) Greater Two-Weapon Fighting

Spoiler: Third Checkpoint

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Checkpoint: Robert is on target for BAB, and is better-than-target for all saving throws. His Shield bonus has started to fall behind the Shield of Blades feature, but he can compensate by enchanting his buckler and he can apply the shield bonus to touch attacks and to defend against combat manuevers (Shield Ward). He has a much more limited ability to re-roll than the Swashbuckler, but that will get better. He cannot take 10 when jumping, but always counts as taking a running jump (Leasp of the Heavens), which is often better. Similarly, he cannot take 10 when tumbling, but has the ability to re-roll his Tumble checks multiple times a day (Sly Fortune, Unbelievable Luck). He does not, yet, have the means of dealing Strength Damage and is behind on that.

Level	Class	HP	BAB	Fort Save	Ref Save	Will Save	Skill Ranks	Feats	Class Features
16th	Fighter 13	125	+15	+12	+9	+6	(7) Diplomacy to 12 (+2) Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to 8 (+1) Knowledge (local) to 8 (+1) Knowledge (Religion) to 8 (+1) Knowledge (the planes) to 9 (+1) Nimble Stand skill trick [23]
17th	Warblade 1	134	+16	+14	+11	+6	(7) Diplomacy to 16 (+4) Knowledge (Arcana) to 10 (+2) Knowledge (The planes) to 10 (+1)		Martial Maneuvers [17]: Iron Heart Surge, Iron Heart Focus, Lightning Recovery, Absolute Steel Stance
18th	Fighter 14	143	+17	+15	+11	+6	(7) Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to 9 (+1) Knowledge (Local) to 9 (+1) Knowledge (nature) to 9 (+1) Knowledge (Religion) to 10 (+2) Collector of Stories Skill Trick [23]	Make Your Own Luck [18], (Fighter 14) Martial Study (Shadow Hand: Strength Draining Strike) [19]	Weapon Aptitude [20], Battle Clarity [21]
19th	Fighter 15	151	+18	+15	+12	+7	(7) Diplomacy to 18 (+2) Knowledge (Dungeoneering) to 10 (+1) Knowledge (Local) to 10 (+1) Knowledge (nature) to 10 (+1)
20th	Fighter 16	160	+19	+16	+12	+8	(7) Diplomacy to 21 (+3) Spellcraft to 2 (+2) Up the Hill skill trick [23]	(Fighter Feat 16) Mage Slayer [22]

Spoiler: Final Checkpoint

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Checkpoint: Robert is on target for BAB, and is better-than-target for all saving throws. His Shield bonus has to be supplemented by magic to stay on par with the class ability, but that's not overly expensive. His ability do re-rolls has shot well beyond the Swashbucklers, between his luck Feats and his Iron Heart Maneuvers, which are usable at least once per encounter and can be easily recovered using the Warblade's recovery mechanism. His ability to do Ability Damage is pretty strong between his Shadow Hand strikes; not the same as doing damage on Critical, but his also works on crit-immune creatures. He does have a faster movement speed, a better ability to shrug off enchantments than the Swashbuckler, albeit it a standard action rather than a free (Iron heart Surge), and could pick up nearly anything at 20th level, instead of Mage Slayer, if something better were available.

Spoiler: Selected Equipment and Expenditures at 20th level

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Wealth By Level: 760,000 gp

Stat Boosting:
Tome of +2 to Intelligence (55,000 gp)
Tome of +2 to Dexterity (55,000 gp)
Tome of +2 to Con (55,000 gp)
Gloves with +6 to Dexterity (36,000 gp)
Headband with +6 to Intelligence (36,000 gp)
Belt with +6 to Constitution (36,000 gp)

Defensive Items:
Millennial Breastplate of Nimbleness [24] (As per the item, but Breastplate rather than Chainmail) (20,200gp) (+5 Armor, +1 Enhancement, max dex bonus of +11, ACP -0, ASF 15%)
Vest of Resistance +5 (25,000 gp)
Mithral Buckler +3 (10,200 gp)
Crystal of Arrow Deflection, Greater (5,000 gp) [24] (+5 AC v ranged and Deflect arrows 1/round)
Crystal of Mind Cloaking, Lesser (4,000gp) [24] (+3 competence v Mind Affecting spells/abilities)
Ioun Stone, Dusty Rose (5,000 gp)

Offensive items:
Short Sword +1 of Wounding (18,400 gp)
Cold Iron Short Sword +1 Magebane (8,700 gp) [24]
Short Sword +1 Metaline (18,400 gp) [24]

Other Items:
Ioun Stones - Dull Gray, (with Continual Light cast upon it), Clear, Iridescent, Pale Green (200gp; 4,000 gp; 18,000 gp, 30,000 gp)
Headband of +10 competence for Knowledges (Arcane, Dungeoneeering, Local, Nature, The Planes, and Religion) (60,000 gp)
Shax's Haversack Type IV (69,187 gp) [25]
Additional Handy Haversack (2,000 gp)

Other Mandatory Effect items:[26]
Winged Mask (13,000gp)
Custom Continuous (Amulet) of Protection from Evil (4,000 gp)
Custom Continuous (Ring) of Favor of the Martyr (128,000 gp)
Scouts headband (Base item for Int item/Knowledge bonus item) (3,400 gp)
Dimension Stride Boots (2,000 gp)
Spellblade (Dispel Magic) on short sword of Wounding (+6,000 gp)

Itemized Total: 720,687. Nearly 60,000 remaining.

Spoiler: Footnotes

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1. Shield of Blades ACF -- PHB2, page 63. Ex. Gain Shield Bonus until start of next turn when attacking 2 light weapons in a round. Starts at +2 @ 5th level, increases every 5 levels until +5 @ 20th.
2. Skilled City Dweller ACF -- http://archive.wizards.com/default.a...d/we/20070228a Web Enhancement -- Citysacpe, Part 1: Urban Class Features. Trade Class Skills of Handle Animal, Survival, and Ride for Gather Information, Sense Motive, and Tumble (Respectively)
3. Urban Tracker ACF -- http://archive.wizards.com/default.a...d/we/20070228a Web Enhancement -- Citysacpe, Part 1: Urban Class Features. Trade Tracking feat for Urban Tracking feat.
4. Voice of the City ACF -- http://archive.wizards.com/default.a...d/we/20070228a Web Enhancement -- Citysacpe, Part 1: Urban Class Features. Trade Wild Empathy for ability to communicate with those who do not share a language.
5. Rival Organization ACF -- http://archive.wizards.com/default.a...d/we/20070228a Web Enhancement -- Citysacpe, Part 1: Urban Class Features. Select an Organization as a Favored Enemy rather than a Type/Subtype.
6. Thug Class Variant -- http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/cl...terClasses.htm -- Variant Character Classes (from UA, originally). No 1st Level Fighter Feat; 4+int Skill points per level. Bluff, Gather Information, Knowledge (Local) and Sleight of Hand added to class list. Urban Tracking added to fighter bonus feat list.
7. Knowledge Devotion Feat -- Complete Champion, page 60. Make a (free) knowledge check at the begining of combat for each opponent creature type. Gain a bonus to attack and damage based on the result of the check, from +1 (DC 15 or less) to +5 (DC 36+)
8. Improved Buckler Defense Feat -- Complete Warrior -- get AC bonus from buckler when attacking
9. Vexing Flanker Feat -- PHB2 Increases attack bonus when flanking
10. Mimic ACF - Exemplars of Evil pg 21. Disguise Self as a SLA
11. Martial Rogue Class Variant -- Unearthed Arcana pg 58. Lose Sneak Attack, gain Fighter Feats
12. Sly Fortune Feat -- Complete Scoundrel - gain a luck re-roll per day; can use luck re-roll for Hide, move silently, or tumble check.
13. Shield Specialization Feat -- PHB2. Increase AC bonus from shield
14. Unbelievably Lucky Feat -- Complete Scoundrel -- gain 2 luck re-rolls and a luck bonus to worst saving throw
15. Shield Ward Feat -- PHB2 Pg 82. Apply shield bonus to touch attacks, and to resisting bull rush, disarm, trip, and similar.
16. Ranger Combat Style 2 -- Robert already has Two Weapon Fighting, and has been using Gloves of the Balanced Hand for Improved Two Weapon; at this point, he retires the Gloves and takes Improved Two Weapon Fighting for real.
17. Iron Heart Maneuvers and Stance -- See Tome of Battle: The Book of Nine Swords. Iron Heart Surge cancels an ongoing status effect, Iron Heart Focus allows an attack re-roll (as a swift action). Lightning Focus allows a save re-roll (as an immediate action). The Stance grants a bonus to movement and to AC after moving. Robert had an Lesser Iron Heart Vest with Wall of Blades that he retired at this point.
18. Make Your own Luck Feat -- gain a luck re-roll. Can use re-rolls for any trained skill
19. Strength Draining Strike -- Robert has a set of Lesser Shadow Hands; prior to this level, they were granting Cloak of Deception. After gaining Strength Draining Strike, Robert removed and re-synchronized with the Hands to gain Drain Vitality.
20. Weapon Aptitude -- Book of Nine Swords, Warblade ability. Irrelevant for this build.
21. Battle Clarity -- Book of Nine Swords, int (max class levels) as Insight Bonus to Reflex Saving Throws
22. Mage Slayer Feat -- Complete Arcane, +1 to will saves, casters cannot cast defensively when threatened.
23. Skill tricks -- Complete Scoundrel, pages 83-90. Skill tricks cost 2 skill points each. Maximum of 1/2 Character level skill tricks. Social Recovery allows for retrying a failed Diplomacy check. Easy Escape gives bonuses to escape a grapple. Back on your feat allows a reaction to stand from prone. Nimble Stand allows stand from prone as a swift without AoO. Collector of Stories gives a bonus on identifying monsters/creatures.
24. Items from the Magic Item Compendium. Millennial breastplate is based on Millennial Chain-mail, which is a relic mithral armor. Armor & Weapon Crystals add enhancements to sufficiently enhanced magical (or masterwork, if least) armors./weapons . Nimbleness Armor Enhancement increases Max Dex Bonus and Reduces Armor check penalty. Magebane does extra damage to arcane casters/ability users, and does not increase the enchantment cost on cold iron weapons. Metaline allows the weapon to become different metal types for penetrating DR.
25. http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...ment-Handbook)[/url]
26. http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showt...ry-Magic-Items
27. Leap of the Heavens -- PHB2 pg 80. Do not double DC for jumps w/o running jump.

Spoiler: Commentary

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Hob's bonus to damage provided by the Knowledge Devotion is lower than the bonus would be from Swashbuckler class (a Max of +5 at 20th level, vis a vis +6 at 20th level from this build's Int bonus), but as the bonus applies to both attacks and damage from the Knowledge Devotion, this more than makes up for it.

The Re-roll from the Lucky class ability is much more flexible than the re-rolls that Hob gets from his luck feats and Warblade Maneuvers. On the other hand, he gets significantly more re-rolls from the various abilities, even if they are immediate/swift actions, rather than free. Hob is doing better in almost every case than a swashbuckler would be, but there are a few edge cases.

Spoiler: Desired revision

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I wanted to try to re-write this as Fighter (Thug) 12/Rogue (Martial) 4/Warblade 4 or 14/4/2, but I lacked the time to make that work in the end. Alas.

[Sian]

Those are it. Judge away

[dysprosium]

I'm glad that you were able to get three entries for this round, Sian.

That being said, with only three entries I hope that the Demon Real Life can be persuaded to allow me to judge these.

[AvatarVecna]

Dread Pirate was the idea I had, but I kept trying to tack too much on top of it, and ended up scrapping a whole slew of potential builds for being too complicated.

[samduke]

so 3 entries any updates on judging (judges) ?

[crunchykoolaid]

I'm relatively new here, but I've been lurking on these competition threads as long as I've known about this site. If theres no restrictions on newcomers judging, I'd be happy to help out this thread and get in on some judging action!

[samduke]

I'm relatively new here, but I've been lurking on these competition threads as long as I've known about this site. If theres no restrictions on newcomers judging, I'd be happy to help out this thread and get in on some judging action!

I do not think there is any requirements on judging or entering... but as judging goes just follow this guide (copied from above).

Judges will then have until Sunday, 10:00am UTC, 13 September, 2015, to post scores for all dishes.

Contestants will be judged and awarded a score out of 5 in each of 4 categories;

* Innovation (Uniqueness in character concept, race, class, etc)
* Power (How powerful and versatile it is compared to the base class)
* Elegance (What can only be described as how well the build "flows", i.e not using lots of 1-2lv dips, sacrificing flavour for power or using flaws)
* Ingredient (How well the build captures the abilities and feel of the base class)

[TheifofZ]

Aww, man. I didn't even know this thread was a thing until today.

I'd have definitely jumped in on this if I had seen it. I am now morose.

[crunchykoolaid]

Alright, I've written up most of my judgments on the characters here. I'll work on getting them formatted, then see about proofreading, checking my metric for consistency, and uploading them tomorrow.

[samduke]

Aww, man. I didn't even know this thread was a thing until today.

I'd have definitely jumped in on this if I had seen it. I am now morose.

there is always the next one