2/28/2013 - Update on Thumb
12/31/2012 - There's a New Comic
12/12/2012 - The "Lost" Holiday Ornament (and Child's Play)
11/26/2012 - Leftover OOTS Swag on Sale (+Thumb Report)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Order of the Stick 889 Get Real
Erfworld 163 The End of Book One
Erfworld Now at Erfworld.com!
RSS Feeds: OOTS

The Duke's Wolf, Part Four by Amber E. Scott
The Duke's Wolf, Part Three by Amber E. Scott
The Duke's Wolf, Part Two by Amber E. Scott

The New World, Part 9: Barbarians by Rich Burlew
The New World, Part 8: Gnomes by Rich Burlew
The New World, Part 7: Names and Cultures by Rich Burlew
Looking for the Gaming Articles?

 



Welcome back! Be sure you have read and understand the Forum Rules.


Go Back   Giant in the Playground Forums > Gaming > Roleplaying Games
Register FAQ Members List Mark Forums Read End

Roleplaying Games The all-purpose forum for general advice or system-independent (or multi-system) discussion. Come discuss adventure plots, gamemastering dilemmas, or player advice here. For ruleset-specific discussions, see the subforums.

Closed Thread
 
Thread Tools
Old 10-15-2010, 04:10 AM   Top  -  End  -  #241
WinWin
Bugbear in the Playground
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

I was going to send in a correction to a statement a judge made, but I really don't care.

Any ETA for the next challenge?
WinWin is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 09:22 AM   Top  -  End  -  #242
OMG PONIES
Ettin in the Playground
 
WolfInSheepsClothing
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bosleigh
Bosleigh has some of the strongest melee stats of any contestant. The main focus is damage and tripping is only an addition since it is effective. He also has very versatile power list and soul melds allowing him to move anywhere and even heal out of combat. The incarnum and ardent aspects are all focused on amplifying the melee powers from a talshtora war mind.

He learns the open chakra power at the same point that he retrains the open chakra feat.
Yes, when all his soulmelds and powers are up, Bosleigh is a force to be reckoned with. Unfortunately, when an encounter is dropped on you without adequate preparation, the outcome looks vastly different. While I won't say that Bosleigh is entirely incapacitated, he fell squarely between "relying entirely on items or adequate preparation rounds" (which is a 2) and "functioning without items or adequate preparation rounds...at a reduced capacity" (which is a 3).

However, I did miss that you took the Open Chakra psionic power. Because of this power's 24 hour duration, I will adjust my power score for Bosleigh to an even 3.
__________________
ON VACATION 5/23-5/31. Posting may be slow or nonexistent until the first week in June, but I'm still around.

The Iron Chef Optimization Hall of Heroes

Unofficial Iron Chef Optimization Old Head and Archivist
OMG PONIES is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 09:47 AM   Top  -  End  -  #243
true_shinken
Banned
 
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Quote:
Originally Posted by Ozymandias9 View Post

Interestingly enough, that dispute wasn't from the chef, but rather from someone else (who is apparently a big Dark Wolverine fan). The comic geek in me felt compelled to forward it, even if the character isn't my favorite.
So he really has fans?! This really surprised me.

Suggestions for the next secret ingredient: Vigilante (Complete Adventurer), Ardent Dilettante (Planar Handbook), Seeker of the Song (Complete Arcane).

Last edited by true_shinken : 10-15-2010 at 09:47 AM.
true_shinken is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 09:48 AM   Top  -  End  -  #244
The Vorpal Tribble
Banned
 
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: 
The Mindfields
Gender: Female
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

With Halloween being around the time of next contest's end maybe we could have a creepy-themed PrC, like from Heroes of Horror or something.

Last edited by The Vorpal Tribble : 10-15-2010 at 09:53 AM.
The Vorpal Tribble is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 10:18 AM   Top  -  End  -  #245
OMG PONIES
Ettin in the Playground
 
WolfInSheepsClothing
 
Join Date: Jun 2009
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Haha, the only problem is that our Halloween competition might last until Thanksgiving, with the length of rounds we've been seeing...

Updated my judging and non-final tally to reflect a 0.5 addition to power for Bosleigh.
__________________
ON VACATION 5/23-5/31. Posting may be slow or nonexistent until the first week in June, but I'm still around.

The Iron Chef Optimization Hall of Heroes

Unofficial Iron Chef Optimization Old Head and Archivist
OMG PONIES is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 03:02 PM   Top  -  End  -  #246
Cieyrin
Ettin in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: 
Wisconsin
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

My vote is either Ghost-Faced Killer or Avenging Executioner!
__________________
Rule of Cool Contributor and Goon

Goblin Cannon Crew avatar by Vrythas.
Spoiler
My Homebrew
The Gunslinger's Handbook
Archetype Combo List!
Cieyrin is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 03:34 PM   Top  -  End  -  #247
true_shinken
Banned
 
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Quote:
Originally Posted by OMG PONIES View Post
Haha, the only problem is that our Halloween competition might last until Thanksgiving, with the length of rounds we've been seeing...

Updated my judging and non-final tally to reflect a 0.5 addition to power for Bosleigh.
Yeah, I'll have to agree with OMG here. IC XIII on Halloween does sound cool, but IC XIII with a Halloween theme on Thanksgiving... not so much, no.
true_shinken is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 03:35 PM   Top  -  End  -  #248
kestrel404
Bugbear in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Hmm. I like the Halloween idea. There are some really flavorfull classes for a spooky theme.

There's Death Delver from HoH, Dirgesinger from LM, Darkrunner from LoM, and even the Thief of Life from Faiths of Eberron.

All good, flavorful halloween PRCs.
kestrel404 is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 04:18 PM   Top  -  End  -  #249
Amphetryon
Troll in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

+1 ghost-faced killer
__________________
Star Metallurgist of the Roy Fanclub

Who made my awesome Dwarf Hexblade avatar, you ask? BRC did!
Spoiler
Amphetryon is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 04:42 PM   Top  -  End  -  #250
BG
Dwarf in the Playground
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: 
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

I guess because of my youth, I will always associate the Ghost-Face Killer more with the Wu-Tang Clan than with horror. Though a Wu-themed entry is something I can get behind.
__________________
Would that there were a fantasy series chronicling the adventures of Sir Lucious Left Foot; Son of the champion Chico Dusty, Sworn Knight of Stankonia, and Oath brother to Andre of the Three-Fold Millenium Brotherhood.
BG is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 10:08 PM   Top  -  End  -  #251
WinWin
Bugbear in the Playground
 
Join Date: Jun 2010
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

b-but casters are scarier. I would suggest Nightmare Spinner or Dread Witch, only 5 levels each though.

It does not matter if the submission ends a few days before halloween. It's IC 13...That merits a spooky comeptition all by itself. Even I'm inspired to wite a coherent backtory this time.
WinWin is offline  
Old 10-15-2010, 10:15 PM   Top  -  End  -  #252
true_shinken
Banned
 
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: 
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Full casters tend to be pretty boring, I think. "Oh, look, I'm doing LogicNinja's Baman with a different class. Oh, I scare people as well. Boo!"

I like Souldrinker (is that the name?) from Book of Vile Darkness. Optimizing it to the fullest is a serious challenge.
true_shinken is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 12:01 AM   Top  -  End  -  #253
Ozymandias9
Barbarian in the Playground
 
GnomeWizardGuy
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Quote:
Originally Posted by true_shinken View Post
Yeah, I'll have to agree with OMG here. IC XIII on Halloween does sound cool, but IC XIII with a Halloween theme on Thanksgiving... not so much, no.
Actually, I'll be closing this one up and posting XIII tomorrow. If we run at about the same rate, we should be towards the end of judging around Halloween.
__________________
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

Last edited by Ozymandias9 : 10-16-2010 at 12:01 AM.
Ozymandias9 is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 12:03 AM   Top  -  End  -  #254
ranagrande
Dwarf in the Playground
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

To celebrate Halloween, I would suggest the Scaled Horror from Savage Species.

If instead we want to celebrate Thanksgiving, I would suggest the Apostle of Peace from The Book of Exalted Deeds.
ranagrande is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 12:29 AM   Top  -  End  -  #255
BobVosh
Ogre in the Playground
 
NecromancerGuy
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Eye of Gruumish? Can't we go with horrifying rather than scary? :D
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alabenson
Evil Intelligence is knowing the precise ritual that will allow you to destroy the peaceful kingdom that banished you.

Evil Wisdom is understanding that you probably shouldn’t perform said ritual while you’re standing in the estimated blast radius.
BobVosh is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 02:22 PM   Top  -  End  -  #256
Zaq
Troll in the Playground
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Maybe we could do True Necromancer? It's certainly horrifying on several counts, and takes a lot of skill to turn into a tasty dish... but I'm not sure how many different things can be done with it, so that's a concern.
__________________
In the Beginning Was the Word, and the Word Was Suck: A Guide to Truenamers ALL HAIL KING TORG!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Doc Roc View Post
Gentlefolk, learn from Zaq's example, and his suffering. Remember, seven out of eleven players who use truenamer lose their ability to taste ice cream.
When you ask a question, and I respond with something about the Truenamer, it might be because I think it's the best answer. More likely, though, is that I'm saying it because no one else will.
Zaq is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 02:47 PM   Top  -  End  -  #257
The Vorpal Tribble
Banned
 
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: 
The Mindfields
Gender: Female
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Quote:
Also, VT, the Ardent thing is perfectly legal.
Spoiler

Last edited by The Vorpal Tribble : 10-16-2010 at 02:48 PM.
The Vorpal Tribble is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 07:46 PM   Top  -  End  -  #258
Ozymandias9
Barbarian in the Playground
 
GnomeWizardGuy
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

And, since we have 4 complete scores in from the Judges and there are not outstanding disputes, we have our winners:

In first place, with a score of 64.25: The Gilded Duke's "Ultimo Tarrasco Jr."
In second place, with a score of 60: Nerdanel's "Esha Two Bears"

A special round of congratulations to this round's winners.

As noted, this round's trophies will be delayed due to the chairman failing a save against his own ray of stupidity.

The final standings for the other contestants are as follows:

ContestantBuildScore
Rancor1Dolgan Whurard56.5
Player3Khalanatari, Ascetic Nightmare55.5
AmphetryonDaken55.5
WinWinXepher Lod, Harbinger of Consumption54.75
Rancor1Bosleigh Eddon54.5
T.G. OskarViolet Rose50.5
kestrel404Krelb the Canny47.5
Cadian 9thTanis Bloodblade47.25
Duke of URLSublime Mind of War42

Congratulations to all the contestants for a battle well fought.

In addition I would like to thank the Judges this round, especially since more than one filled in on short notice.

The next round will be up later tonight.
__________________
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
Ozymandias9 is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 08:32 PM   Top  -  End  -  #259
Keld Denar
Titan in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 
Seattle, WA
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Quote:
Originally Posted by The Vorpal Tribble View Post
"This feat does not affect your powers known."
Tell me then, what else governs when and how an Ardent learns their powers? It has to be based on ML. Practiced Spellcaster affects your ML. Think of it like IL and marital adepts. If you take 1 level of Warblade, then 18 levels of Fighter, then 1 level of Warblade, you'll have an IL of 11 and can learn a 6th level power. Ardents function similarly. If you take some Ardent levels, then some non-Ardent/non-+Manifester levels with PM, then some more Ardent or +Manifester levels, you get the higher level powers based on your ML. The phrase you quoted is for all other Manifesters (and casters in the case of Practiced Spellcaster) to clarify that it only increases your caster level, not your spellcaster level like a level of a +spellcaster class would do.

With spellcasters, you have two things. You have your caster level and your effective spellcaster level. Spellcaster level determines things like spell/day and spells known. Caster level is only used to determine things like duration, range, # of targets, # of dice, etc. You generally get +1 CL for each spellcaster level you have, plus more for certain feats, effects, and abilities. CL has no bearing on what level spells you know, only how hard your spells hit. For most psionic classes, its the exact same thing. Your effective Psion level determines how many powers known you have, and what your base PP pool amount is. ML affects how much you can augement powers by, and things like duration and how many bonus PP you get for a high caster stat. Ardents are different though. Ardents are ONLY dependant on their Manifester Level. Ardents are the exception. Thats one of the reasons why a lot of people like them...they are very dip-friendly and make great gishes. They do pay for that price in their severely limited number of powers known and low pool of available powers to learn.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fax Celestis View Post
AILHAY THULUCAY! AILHAY THULUCAY! AILHAY THULUCAY!
_________________________________
A beholder’s favorite foods include small live mammals, exotic mushrooms and other fungi, gnomes, beef, pork, colorful leafy vegetables, leaves, flower petals, insects, and birds.
Keld Denar is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 09:30 PM   Top  -  End  -  #260
T.G. Oskar
Ogre in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: May 2009
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Ugh. Still not a complete vindication from that utter failure from last time.

Why it is that hindsight has to be annoyingly 20/20? It's so annoying that, two seconds after I posted the thread, the idea of "Carmendine Monk" came to mind. But I oddly went with Swashbuckler for no particular reason...the entry requirements for BAB were only +3, and I entered a bit late in that regard (probably was thinking of a +6 for some reason.

Psychic Warrior wasn't meant to be entry to War Mind; I used Half-Giant specifically because of Powerful Build + natural PP pool. It was mostly to take advantage of the extra feat; I could have used Fighter for that, but the net result would have been a bit terrible for multiclass penalties and half-giants already have PsyWar as a favored class, so it was a bit advantageous.

Also; should have definitely placed a bit more emphasis on Drow Scorpion Chain. A few days later, I noticed I could have used the Sandstorm feats related to Scorpions on that regard, but then again, that would have only worked with someone with a bit more feats.

But really...should have gone with Monk. The options would have been quite effective, and I would have developed even more synergy with the feats I could have had at my disposal (maybe even dabble in grapple, which meant two good things that could use a large size) and Decisive Strike + Perfect Riposte (and maybe Chain of Overwhelming Force) for a brutal third.

Again, hindsight is annoyingly 20/20. Oh well...as usual; anyone else might want to polish their judging skills while next competition comes by making an extra-official judging of an idea? It helps me improve more than just keep competing and realizing that I can't cook for anything...
__________________
Now with a shiny new Homebrewer's Sig. See the magic! Use the retools in your campaign...today!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Seerow View Post
I'm not sure he's actually capable of making a post with fewer than 500 words. That's why we love him though.
T.G. Oskar profile by Specter.

Last edited by T.G. Oskar : 10-16-2010 at 09:33 PM.
T.G. Oskar is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 09:44 PM   Top  -  End  -  #261
Keld Denar
Titan in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: 
Seattle, WA
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Man, I'm surprised Bosleigh didn't rank higher. I thought that was a pretty amazing build. It is kinda 2 concepts, but they weave together in fantastic fashion that creates a whole with more power than the sum of the parts. Mauling Gauntlets + stacking size on UAS is brutal...
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fax Celestis View Post
AILHAY THULUCAY! AILHAY THULUCAY! AILHAY THULUCAY!
_________________________________
A beholder’s favorite foods include small live mammals, exotic mushrooms and other fungi, gnomes, beef, pork, colorful leafy vegetables, leaves, flower petals, insects, and birds.
Keld Denar is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 09:47 PM   Top  -  End  -  #262
Cadian 9th
Ettin in the Playground
 
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: 
Sydney, NSW, Australia
Gender: Male
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

A Huge CONGRATULATION! to the Winners and Competitors!

A Winner is YOU!

Quote:
Originally Posted by T.G. Oskar View Post
Ugh. Still not a complete vindication from that utter failure from last time.

Why it is that hindsight has to be annoyingly 20/20? It's so annoying that, two seconds after I posted the thread, the idea of "Carmendine Monk" came to mind. But I oddly went with Swashbuckler for no particular reason...the entry requirements for BAB were only +3, and I entered a bit late in that regard (probably was thinking of a +6 for some reason.
Spoiler
Ditto, hindsight.

Spoiler


I kinda assumed that Sweeping Strike would work with Bloodstorm Blade's thunderous throw, but RAW it doesn't. Fair enough. All in all, I'll take away a lot from this competition (and be ready for the next one )... First time I've designed a 1-20 build, and I love it. Some kinks with pre-reqs and things I've got to iron out, but mainly I forgot some of the things I pretty much always would get anyway, e.g. Practised Manifester. Next time I'll see if I can accomplish the dish with one class, the PrC and make it even more elegant. I was most pleased with my non-choppy progression, but It had some flaws.

Once more into the breach!
__________________
Awesome Avatar by Lord Fullbladder, Master of Goblins!

Retired from active duty

It means I am rarely on this site anymore. It's been an honor serving with you all.


PEACH
Cadian 9th is offline  
Old 10-16-2010, 11:43 PM   Top  -  End  -  #263
BobVosh
Ogre in the Playground
 
NecromancerGuy
 
Join Date: Aug 2008
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Congrats, and I really found the winners build to be hilarious, thought that is more to do with the backstory.
__________________
Quote:
Originally Posted by Alabenson
Evil Intelligence is knowing the precise ritual that will allow you to destroy the peaceful kingdom that banished you.

Evil Wisdom is understanding that you probably shouldn’t perform said ritual while you’re standing in the estimated blast radius.
BobVosh is offline  
Old 10-17-2010, 02:32 AM   Top  -  End  -  #264
BG
Dwarf in the Playground
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: 
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Viva la lucha!
__________________
Would that there were a fantasy series chronicling the adventures of Sir Lucious Left Foot; Son of the champion Chico Dusty, Sworn Knight of Stankonia, and Oath brother to Andre of the Three-Fold Millenium Brotherhood.
BG is offline  
Old 10-17-2010, 04:10 AM   Top  -  End  -  #265
Nerdanel
Barbarian in the Playground
 
BlueWizardGirl
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Wow, I got the second place with my build that was finished in a hurry and submitted two minutes before the deadline!

The whole thing was done with the aid of the SRD + the Crystalkeep PDFs + Google. I had a great difficulty coming up with a prestige class to finish off the build. Horizon Walker looked unlikely on the first glimpse, but I was already grasping at straws and so found out it wasn't that bad a choice after all. (Frenzied Berserker? - Antisynergy. Bear Warrior? - Antisynergy. Elocater? - Awful prerequisites for questionable benefits and a total disjunct of flavor. And so on. In addition, the Crystalkeep PDFs gave me only the first two levels of the first two...)

I thought of Practised Manifester, but didn't have access to its text.

The nice thing about Powerful Charge is how it synergises with Expansion.

I chose Destructive Rage mostly for flavor (Esha solves problems by hitting them with his sword!) and because I was running out of time.
Nerdanel is offline  
Old 10-18-2010, 10:37 PM   Top  -  End  -  #266
The Gilded Duke
Barbarian in the Playground
 
Kobold
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Default Re: Iron Chef Optimization Challenge XII

Awesome.
Yeah, a grappling build seemed natural to go with with large size + Expansion, but it only really came together with the idea of grappling multiple creatures with the wording of sweeping strikes. Once I finally looked up what improved grab could do, the build really came together.

And then I had a bland but powerful grappler, so Lucha Libre was the obvious way to go.


Looking at the various judgings, what would have made it better was to cut out some fighter, start totemist earlier to get the soul chakra going from low levels. Completely cut out the weapon focus grapple, and get improved grapple from normal feats. With improved grab he never really needed it, but a +4 still didn't hurt. There might have been some way to make it better with other feats, but most of the usual grapple feats (Lords of Madness stuff) was humanoid only.

If I did all that though, could have made it a 19 level build, and not caused so many problems with LA.

The very early build idea was a half-giant barbarian War Mind, and I think some traces of that build remain. Actually swapped things over to totemist after going through gear options.

Also looking forward to a Halloween themed competition. Perhaps something notoriously bad... what was it, True Necromancer?
The Gilded Duke is offline  
Closed Thread


Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

vB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:49 AM.



Powered by vBulletin®
Copyright ©2000 - 2013, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Usage of this site, including but not limited to making or editing a post or private message or the creation of an account, constitutes acceptance of the Forum Rules.