Hey,
So I've got a character idea in my head, that I figure someone has probably worked with some. The basic idea is, in ten-words-or-less, "Apostate of Rull." A half-orc Eldritch Guardian, using Improved Familiar to have a lightning elemental familiar, and have him flit around the battle, sparking guys as opportunity permits.
Anyone worked on something similar? If so, I'd love to hear some feedback.
Later on,
Ghorrin Redblade
Make sure you OK with your GM that he'll houserule an Eldritch Guardian being able to take Improved Familiar.
Gah, I knew there was going to be a bit of fine print I glossed over...!
Prerequisites: Ability to acquire a new familiar, compatible alignment, sufficiently high level (see below).
Okay, apart from the level 5 requirement, I don't see anything that prevents this. Am I missing something from somewhere else?
If you look at the chart the level you need is like "5 levels arcane caster" and a fighter isn't an arcane caster so you're never a "sufficiently high level".
I'd figure the EG's text about, "treating his fighter level as his effective wizard level for the purpose of this ability," to cover that. Seems like the sort of thing where, if a DM was going to give me static over that, that should be a warning sign right there. :)
So if we set that aside for now, any other issues with the plan?
I say check. You have a wizard level for you familiar. That doesn't mean you have one for feats. because if it counts for that feat what stops it from counting for arcane strike? So I would check, and I wouldn't blame a GM for following rules. It might mean that you can't make the character you wanted, but a mauler fox is a good companion for the fighter.
But assuming it works, you're a fighter with better saves and 2 less feats for a buddy that can work with the feats you have. So you take teamwork feats and the like since you know you can have 1 character helping you.
Well naturally, I would clear it with any DM I was going to run this with to make sure we're playing from the same sheet music. But honestly, even if it isn't strict RAW, it seems like a pretty benign step outside the lines.
(To answer your question, I believe Arcane Strike specifically states the ability to cast spells in its prereq, versus an Arcane caster level. Plus, AS doesn't have a d*** thing to do with having a familiar, and if I tried working that angle I'd be forced to start punching myself in the face like Tyler Durden negotiating a severance package.)
Good point on teamwork feats. I'm also thinking the couple of combat maneuvers that use Sparky's +10 bonus from Spark Leap might be a good idea.
Thanks!