Bryan Y's page

Bards are hugely useful in an adventuring party. 7th level is when they really spike up in the power level. At 7th level, bards can start their performances as move actions. Which means in round one of combat, the bard can as a move action do inspire courage and as a standard action cast Good Hope (a 3rd level Bard Spell). This turn gives the party: +2 competence bonus to damage and attacks, +2 morale bonus to attack rolls, damage rolls, and saves. All those bonuses stack! By just one action turn, everyone in the party is getting +4 to hit, +4 damage and +2 on saves.

Plus, the Bard can stop his/her performance as an immediate action to cast Saving Finale to grant a party member a re-roll on a failed save.

Bards are awesome support characters.

So using the shield as a weapon, requires maintaining two separate pool costs - one for armor class and the other for offense. Does the shield need to be a masterwork weapon (i.e 300 gp) before it can be enhanced with weapon qualities? Or is the 300 gp masterwork requirement waived for it being a masterwork shield for defense (150 gp)?

You do not get the +1 to hit/damage. The +1 is to AC only unless you have the feat Shield Master that requires BAB +11 among other things. You must upgrade the shield separately for damage.

Also, you can two hand a heavy shield like you have. A light shield is considered a light weapon and you can't two hand light weapons.

Is the shield considered to be a magical weapon when bashing or do I have to spend 2,000 gp to get the +1 enhancement bonus to attack/damage rolls?

The character fights with a +1 Bastard Sword and carries a +1 Heavy Steel Shield for protection. I have no plans on TWFing, because I only have a 10 DEX. I will fight with the bastard sword, until I suffer heavy damage. In that case on my turn, I will drop the bastard sword as a free action, then swift action to Lay on Hands. Then full round attack with the Heavy Steel Shield as a two handed weapon.

I currently have a 4th Level Sacred Shield character with a +1 Heavy Steel Shield. Strength is 18. At 5th level, I plan on taking the Improved Shield Bash feat and enhancing the +1 Heavy Steel Shield with the Bashing property.

1) Is the cost to enhance the shield with Bashing property 3,000 gp?

2) Is the shield slam damage: 1d8+9 (+4 STR and +1 magical enhancement and +4 power attack)?

3) Can I use the shield as a two handed weapon for 1d8+13 (+6 STR and +1 magical enhancement and +6 power attack)?

Thought about making a Treesinger Druid. Then I saw how limited how Plant Companions and Wild Shape Plant were. I have not seen anyone play a Treesinger in the Chicagoland area.

I had a 1st level Beastmaster Ranger. I thought it would be awesome to gain a dino-raptor as a pet. Then I read the Archetype loses its 6th level combat style feat and its animal companion does not gain the favored enemy bonuses. As a result, I 1st level trained to core ranger.

It seems the Archetypes in the Advanced Player Guide were rough draft versions of the Advanced Class Guide. The Beastmaster Ranger looks like the Hunter Class. The Guide Ranger looks like the Slayer Class. The Skald Bard like the Skald Class.

You could go for an Archer based Hunter. They get Precise Shot as a bonus feat at 2nd level. Also, look at the Hunter pre-generated character that is a good example of an Archer based Hunter. Also, Hunters get the animal companion at 1st level.

I’m thinking of creating an Elf Treesinger Druid as my next PFS character. I never played a Druid before. So this will be a new experience. The mechanics of an Elf Druid scream Archer Druid. (But is it the only competent build for a Treesinger?) If I were to go that route, then DEX would be the priority stat, followed by STR and WIS. CHA would be least vital stat.

The preliminary character sketch would look like this:

20 Point Buy for PFS

STR: 14
DEX: 17
CON: 12
INT: 10
WIS: 14
CHA: 10

Faction: Dark Archive

Deity: Erastil

Traits: Deadeye Bowman (Religion) and Arcane Archivist (Dark Archive trait)

Plant Companion: Sapling Treant

Feats: The Archery Feat Chain
1st level – Point Blank Shot
3rd level – Precise Shot
5th level- Fighter Dip for the extra feat: Rapid Shot / Regular feat slot: Weapon Focus - Longbow
7th level – Natural Spell
9th level – Rime Spell
11th level - ?

Tactics

I imagine that Archery going to stink for this character until I get a Composite Longbow and Precise Shot feat at 3rd level. So for levels 1-2, I tactics will be casting Shillelagh on my quarterstaff and flank with my Treant. Once I hit 3rd level with Precise Shot, my Treant will charge the monsters with me shooting arrows from behind. If the need arises, I will be casting buffs and healing on my pet tree.

Spells

With a 14 WIS, I imagine the spells selected will be buffs and battlefield control like Entangle and Barkskin. Once I go pass 5th level, I will assume Wild Shape and hit the monsters with spells like Frostbite, Frigid Touch, Flurry of Snowballs, and other cold-based spells. Combined with the Rime Metamagic feat, I will be debuffing the monsters.

Pet Companion

I envision my Sapling Treant to be an evergreen tree, which I will decorate with all kinds of ornaments. Think of it as a walking, killer Christmas Tree. I will probably pick feats like Toughness, Weapon Focus (Slam), and Power Attack for the Treant. Also, I’ll be casting Barkskin and Bull Strength on the Treant. The Advanced Race Guide says plant companions are never proficient in weapons and armors. Since Leather Armor has an armor check penalty of zero, can my Sapling Treant wear it anyway?

Summary

This is what I thought of so far in the character concept. I’m new to building Druids. I like the flavor of the Treesinger. Having a walking Christmas Tree at my side, seems cool. Feel free to comment.

This coming weekend I will finally get to play the Inquisitor character for the first time at level 1. This character has accumulated GM credit in the higher level tiers. The final adjustments are these.

Race: Human
Deity: Iomedae
Class: Inquisitor
Archtype: Sanctified Slayer
Inquistion: Conversion

Strength: 16 = (racial)+14
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 12
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 7

Traits: Sure Thing (Silver Crusade Faction Trait), Deathtouched (Bloodline)

Feat Progression

Human: Heavy Armor Proficiency
1st: Improved Initative
3rd: Weapon Focus(Longsword)
3rd: Teamwork Feat: Precise Strike
5th: Discipline of the Sword (Inner Sea Gods)
6th: Teamwork Feat: Outflank
7th: Dazzling Display
8th: Talented Slayer: Rogue Trick - Combat Trick -Shatter Defenses
9th: Power Attack
9th: Teamwork Feat?
11th: Extend Bane

I'm guessing with the bane, studied target, and sneak attacks, that I can go sword and board and still keep up with the raging bloodrager.

I'll make these adjustments to my character.

Race: Half-Orc

Class: Inquisitor
Archtype: Preacher
Inquistion: Conversion

Strength: 17 = 2 (racial) + 15
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 7

I found about the spell, Blistering Incentive (UC). So I won't have to spend 2 feats to demoralize multiple foes. Any other advice is welcome.

Feat Progression

1st: Judgement Sruge
3rd: Power Attack
5th: Extra Bane
7th: Heavy Armor Prof.
9th: ???
11th:???

From Ultimate Magic concerning the Warning power.

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Warning: When a preacher’s ally within line of sight would be hit by a melee or ranged attack, she may call out a warning to that ally, and the attacker must reroll the attack and use the results of the second roll. The ally must be able to hear the preacher and must not be helpless for this ability to have any effect.

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The Warning power involves calling out to an ally. Speaking is a free action. Also speaking can done outside your turn.

Never played an Inquisitor before. This is my time at building an Inquisitor. Its for Pathfinder Organized Play.

The character concept would be a Mendev Crusader looking to recruit people to join the battle against Demons in the World Wound. I imagine the character to be something like a drill sergent who gives support to his allies. He would cast buffs like the Bless spell. He would help out the spell casters by using dazzling display to lower the enemy's saving throws. Plus with the Preacher Archtype, the character would give his allies re-rolls with the Determination power of the Archtype.

Race: Half-Orc

Class: Inquisitor
Archtype: Preacher
Inquistion: Conversion

Strength: 16
Dexterity: 14
Constitution: 14 = 2(racial)+12
Intelligence: 10
Wisdom: 15
Charisma: 7

Traits: Fate Favored, Sure Thing (Silver Crusade Faction Trait)
Alternative Racial Traits: Sacred Tatoo, Skilled.

Feat Progression

1st: Judgement Surge
3rd: Weapon Focus(Falchion)
5th: Dazzling Display
7th: Extra Bane
9th: Disheartening Display
11th: ???

Let me know what you think.

Another example on how restrictive PFS can be for ARG,

Half-Elves and Half-Orcs can't pick Human-only feats

However for the specific benefit of favored class bonuses, half-orcs and half-elves count for both their respective heritages. They specifically need elf blood or orc blood for the elf or orc favored class benefits.

Okay lets see if I got these things right.

1) A 1/2 Elf Paladin get invest in the Elf Favored Paladin Class Bonus to boost his Lay on Hands. As 1/2 Elves can pick the favored class bonuses of Elf, Human, or 1/2 Elf.

2) Human Characters with the Racial Heritage Feats can pick Ironhide (Dwarf) Feat and Well-Prepared (Halfling) Feat. As these racial feats are in the Advance Players Guide, not the Advance Race Guide.

3) A 1/2 Elf Rogue with the Major Magic - Rogue Talent can't cast the Blend spell. Since it is a Elf Spell in the Advance Race Guide.

4) A Human, Use Magic Device Skill expert, can't purchase a Paragon Surge scroll or even attempt to UMD such a scroll. since it is a 1/2 Elf spell found the Advance Race Guide.

The PFS rules can be confusing when players try to be cute.

You are correct. Racial Heritage does not allow you to access another race's material from the ARG and any other book bearing similar language. It works fine for any book that doesn't have that language on the AR page, though.

Do anyone have an official ruling by Brock or Compton on the matter? My table mates seem to be only willing to accept a ruling from them.

Yesterday, I was judging an adventure for PFS. One player announced that she had an Unchained Half -Elf Rogue who took the Racial Heritage Feat (Tengu) and then used that to obtain the Tengu Wings Feat. I declared that is not a legal build. I pointed to the Additional Resources page on the Advanced Race Guide to the below statement:

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Note: Alternate racial traits, racial archetypes, racial evolutions, racial feats, and racial spells are only available for characters of the associated race. Racial equipment and magic items can be purchased and used by any race as long as the specific item permits it (for example, only halflings can purchase and use solidsmoke pipeweed).
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However another guy at the table said the Additional Resource Page on the Advanced Race Guide only applies to characters without the Racial Heritage Feat. He argued that since the said player paid the feat tax in Racial Heritage (Tengu, then the build was legal.

Personally, in a home game, I don't see anything with wrong that. If I ran a home game, I'd allow the build. However since, we're talking about PFS, then what is the correct ruling.

I am building an Anti-Undead Paladin for PFS. I found the Sacred Servant Archtype interesting.

Here is my build.

Half-Elf Sacred Servant Paladin of Iomedae.

STR 15
INT 10
WIS 13
CON 14
DEX 10
CHA 16

Racial Trait: Ancestor Arms - Elven Curved Blade

Iomedae Domain: Sun at 4th Level

Lay on Hands will be used to tank. Channels will be used to kill undead.

Feats

1st: Fey Foundling
3rd: Power Attack
5th: Extra Channel
7th: Extra Mercy or Extra Lay on Hands
9th: Extra Mercy or Extra Lay on Hands

Question - Can a Human use the Racial Heritage Feat to gain access to the Paragon Surge Spell?

From the Mini Guide to Paragon Surge, the author says that a Human or Aasimar with Scion of Humanity can use the Racial Heritage Feat to get the spell. The guide below is almost 2 years old. Posters on that thread have not challenged the author's assertions regards to the Racial Heritage feat. I want to know if its legal for Society Organized Play.

Mini Guide to Paragon Surge

http://paizo.com/threads/rzs2ox7t?The-Mini-Guide-to-Paragon-Surge

****The Mini Guide to Paragon Surge

So, what is Paragon Surge and why does it deserve a guide all to itself?

Well it’s a Half Elf spell from the Advanced Race Guide. That means its available to Half Elves and Humans who pick the Racial Heritage feat. It’s a level 3 spell for Sorcerers, Wizards, Witches, Clerics/Oracles and Alchemists and Level 4 for the Paladin and Magus.*****

Thank you everyone for their input. I appreciate your opinions. I'm probably going to stay with the original stats. My primary weapon will be a Dwarf Longhammer. My secondary weapon will be the Dwarven Waraxe if the opponents come too close. I intend to spent 2 Prestige Points on a Wand of Enlarge Person and give it to the arcane caster, so he/she will have a body guard.

While I do acknowledge that the Stonelord Paladin lags behind the damage output of a barbarian or generic paladin, I thought the Archtype would be something different to play. It will force me and the PFS judges in my area to learn the rules on sundering.

I looked at the Stonelord Paladin Racial Archtype in the Advanced Race Guide. They are throw back from the Dwarven Defender Prestige Class from the DMG (v 3.5). I thought I would try the class out for Pathfinder Society Play. Here is my build. I am playing generic Dwarf (no alternative racial features). The 20 point buy is arranged as follows.

STR 16
DEX 10
CON 16
WIS 12
INT 8
CHA 13

Faction: Silver Crusade
Traits: Resilient, Beneficial Touch (Silver Crusade Faction).

Preferred Weapon: Dwarven Longhammer

I planning this character as a debuffing tank who breaks the enemy's weapons and armor.

My proposed feat progession is as follows:

1st level: Fey Foundling
3rd level: Power Attack Attack
5th level: Improved Sunder
7th level: Lunge
9th level: Extra Lay on Hands

Is this a sound build? Your thoughts are appreciated.

I made a 1st level paladin for PFS. I decided to try the Hospitaler type from the Advanced Palyer Guide. Here are the stats.

Aasimar Level 1.

Faction: Silver Crusade

STR 16
DEX 12
CON 13
INT 10
WIS 10
CHA 17

Traits: Blessed Touch (from Champions of Purity) and Benefical Touch (Silver Crusade Faction).

1st Level Feat: Toughness

Any advice for picking feats as I advance this character? I'm thinking of taking the feat - Extra Lay on Hands - a couple extra times. I want this character to be a decent front liner and excellent healer. I plan on starting as a sword and board. Then, advance to using a Sythce.

I didn't get to run it again, after all. Too many people didn't show up last night, probably due to the storm and the Blackhawks game, so we had less tables than originally planned. So I got to play Halls of Dwarven Lore instead.

Hello Fromper. So what happened in the Halls of Dwarven Lore after I left. Did the party die or did it limp to safety? That scenerio was one major spanking for the party.