Khalel's page

In no particular order:

1) Impossible Speed
2) Fleet Warrior
3) Precision
4) Precision
5) Precision

For feats:

1) Improved critical (mythic) is much better than using a keen weapon.

I am joining a Wrath of the Righteous campaign that is already underway that lacks an arcane caster. I request suggestions for a Wizard Archmage at level 4 wizard, mythic tier 1 using a 20pt buy for attributes. I am considering an elven wizard with school specialization in conjuration (opposed schools of necro and enchantment), familiar which will later be improved, wild arcana, campaign trait, and taking many metamagic feats. My thought was to pick up mythic spell lore as a feat, two regular metamagic feats, and plan for four path abilities of arcane metamastery starting at tier 3, especially for lots of quickened spells followed up the same round with mythic spells. Better ideas? Is Improved Initiative (mythic) or mirror dodge a must for a quickened casting archmage?

There a lot of great options for the archmage!

My recommendations:
1) As a conjuration wizard, I would strongly suggest flexible school in your mythic progression to obtain divination arcane school abilities. Always acting in the surprise round and having the highest initiative is the most powerful option a wizard has to set the battlefield up.
2) Arcane metamastery is also extremely powerful. 10 rounds of free quicken metamagic each round in the BBEG boss fight is priceless.
3) Mirror dodge is a no brainer and a life saver.
4) There are very high spell resistances for bosses in WoTR. The mythic feat for spell penetration can tilt thing back in your favor with up to a +10 bonus (assuming you take spell penetration and greater standard feats), and this synergizes also with Eldritch Breach allowing to always roll twice for the highest result. I know a conjurer does not rely as heavily on bypassing spell resistance, however it never hurts to keep your spell options open on those SR 37 baddies.
5) I do not recommend building a conjurer who relies primarily on summoning. Summoning always tends to fall a little behind in the final couple of levels, and this is magnified in mythic play. There are few to none options to keep your summons relevant later in the game, and you will find them to be annoyances rather than threats to your enemies (as they will almost never hit or have relevant DRs for the stronger mythic foes). This is not to say that summoning has no place, it just translates weaker than in a standard adventure path.
6) Divine source is the coolest ability in the history of pathfinder. You become a deity and grant domains to your followers. Oh yeah, and you gain a spell like ability for each level of mythic from the divine spell list. Mass heal 1/day when your cleric is down opens up your options.
7) Channel power. Take this as soon as you can. Period.

FYI, I am running a divination wizard in my WoTR campaign. It is still relatively early, but have done a fair amount of research into optimization that falls within my character concept (that of a mage who ascends to divine status and power after heroic triumph over these demon lords).

Planned wizard feat progression:
1-Improved initiative, Toughness
3-Spell penetration
5-Greater spell penetration, Persistent spell
7-Improved familiar
9-Empower spell
10-Opposition research (evocation)
11-Maximize spell
13-Quickened spell
15-Spell perfection (enervation), True name
17-Great fortitude
19-Lightning reflexes
20-Immortality

Mythic Feats:
1-Mythic Spell Lore
3-Improved Initiative
5-Spell penetration
7-Extra path ability
9-Toughness

Mythic Abilities/Specials:
1-Wild arcana, Flexible school (conjuration/teleportation)
2-Eldritch breach
3-Mirror dodge
4-Divine source
5-Arcane metamastery 1
6-Channel power
7-Arcane metamastery 2 & 3
8-Arcane metamastery 4
9-Greater familiar link
10-Enhanced ability (int)

I know summoning is generally a good tactic, but from what I am hearing it falls quite behind in mythic play, especially at higher levels. They will become extra bodies that cannot hit anything with DCs that can always be saved by mythic foes. I am by no means an expert on this topic having not played mythic yet, however I am disappointed at the lack of mythic scaling options for summon spells and feats.

Taking the "divine source" universal mythic path ability will allow you to cast a number of divine spells per day.

I recommend a divination wizard with this divine source mythic path ability. Oh wait, that is my character for WotR campaign starting in two days! This ascended character will have the domains of Good and Healing, and become a neutral good herald deity under Sarenrae.

This mythic path ability is epic^2.

Whether or not your interest align with it, strong-arming a celestial by use of it's truename seems, well, non-good. Even if you don't use it, the looming threat that you might deliberately mispronounce it's truename, or worse, spread knowledge of it's truename, is implied. That can't help the relationship any.

Then again, I've always considered truename magic more appropriate to evil characters, as it's essentially blackmail.

I agree 100% that it would be non-good to use on a celestial or good outsider. However, using True Name on an evil outsider is alike using a criminal informant to fight organized crime. You are using a lesser evil person to aid you in combating a greater evil. Again, this might conflict with certain moral codes (*cough* paladin), but is not necessary an evil act. It's depriving personal freedom, but that is more non-chaotic than non-good in my eyes.

Khalel wrote:

Detect Magic wrote:

An eldritch knight's diverse training adds to your wizard level for purposes of meeting feat pre-reqs (arcane discoveries can be taken in place of feats). However, I doubt a good character would bind a celestial with truename magic (it specifically states in the ability's description that creatures don't like being bound and should be called upon sparingly).

Edit: A celestial may allow itself to be summoned by a virtuous character, but exercising control over it, via truename, to cause it to become sickened/staggered, would no doubt end such an alliance. It would be forced to serve you, but only reluctantly. Also, consider that it probably has other duties and responsibilities--calling it away, when it might be needed elsewhere, would also cause tension.

It looks I misread that before. This character would be effective wizard level of 18 (for feats only), caster level of 19, and fighter level of 12 (again for feats only).

Yes, you'd need to be *nice* to the Planetar, but that's just good advice all around. If you summon it to help you destroy a town, it might be pissed at you. If you summon it to help you destroy a demon infested town, it would be all good. Personally I'm planning to adjudicate it in my game just like Charm Person/Monster; the closer your request is to it's nature, the more likely it is to obey. The further away it is, the more likely you are to catch a lightening bolt in the face.

Side note: Your previous build listed 30 hit points from Toughness instead of 20...how is that?
286 without Toughness; 316 with Toughness (about 9% higher)

Ooops on the numbers. Make that 286 vs. 306 for +6.5% hit points for Toughness. I may be able to sacrifice that for a better option. Pending DM discussion, True Name is on a short list. Thanks again for the input ECW.

An eldritch knight's diverse training adds to your wizard level for purposes of meeting feat pre-reqs (arcane discoveries can be taken in place of feats). However, I doubt a good character would bind a celestial with truename magic (it specifically states in the ability's description that creatures don't like being bound and should be called upon sparingly).

Edit: A celestial may allow itself to be summoned by a virtuous character, but exercising control over it, via truename, to cause it to become sickened/staggered, would no doubt end such an alliance. It would be forced to serve you, but only reluctantly. Also, consider that it probably has other duties and responsibilities--calling it away, when it might be needed elsewhere, would also cause tension.

Having a true name efreeti genie (with wish!) could come in handy when in a bind. Unfortunately a lawful good Paladin might morally oppose dealing with a lawful evil creature described as:

It certainly is an interesting option! Hmmm, corrupted wishes...

My advice is to not play an Eldritch Knight.

The archmage path essentially gives you full BAB for one path ability: Shapeshifting Mastery.

Because you can get the BAB so cheaply, I wouldn't spend levels on it.

Likewise, as noted above, avoiding arcane spell failure is very cheap because component freedom allows you to ignore somatic components.

Because you can get BAB and armor on the cheap, I would look for more attractive options for class levels. If you like class mashups, mythic arcane trickster is nasty.

I haven't seen a mythic arcane trickster yet, but I imagine you could make a mean one that synergizes Shapeshifting Mastery and Magical Knack.

oh i get you completely (im not part of that group myself either), just thought it worth saying that things are only as bad as the players make them--i tend to pop in as a devils advocate in threads, so don't feel like im jumping down your neck about it.

No offense taken. I just wanted to clarify my intention, because we all know how ineffective written communication can be to express emotion/mood/sense of humor/etc :)

I've been toying with the idea of a eldritch knight that takes advantage of the early entry rules with spell likes, the problem is is that I don't know what to do after level 12 or 13.

fighter 1, wizard 1 or 2, eldrich knight 10

the problem is if I continue wizard after lvl 2 I lose BAB, very important for somone using the vital strike feat chain, as it has high bab requirements, if I continue fighter no more spells, I'd be stuck at lvl 11, this isn't terrible, but I'd still like to go higher

I've looked at all the other prc's and none of the other prc's offer full bab with arcane casting.

While BAB is more important to me than casting I was wondering if anone knew of a way to at least get a couple more levels of casting without sacrificing more than one, (preferably no) bab?

Two ideal options:

Option #1 gives you an extra iterative attack, +1 BAB, +1 feat, scaling power attack bonus for +16 BAB, Bravery or fighter archetype level 2 bonus. It is caster level 19 for your spellbook, and can cast up to 9th level spells.

Option #2 trades the fighter love for 20th caster level and +1 level 8 & +1 level 9 spells.

What is the best way to improve armor class as an eldrich knight without having a high arcane spell failure chance, or taking up feats and the swift action? Is there such a thing?

If not what would you say is the best middle ground?

See my thread started two days ago (Sun 10/13/2013) for several conversation points related to Eldritch Knight.

If you allow mythic progression: one tier 3 archmage ability has you covered --> Component Freedom. Unfortunately, you would have to potentially suffer through several levels with arcane spell failure, no armor, or only casting spells with no somatic compounds.

Outside of that, you have mithral armor for -10%, celestial plate armor -20% (not core but ask your DM if its allowable), and two feats for -10% or -20% (arcane armor training, arcane armor mastery). Mythic arcane armor training also eliminates the swift action activation (again not an option in every campaign).

note that shapeshifting only takes things into 'furry' territory if someone fetishizes it. turning into a dire bear for a few minutes to maul someone doesnt have to be a weird thing unless someone takes it to that territory themselves.

I apologize if my "furry" comment could be interpreted as offensive. What I meant to communicate was that my image for this character is that of a classical/iconic knight-mage, who casts arcane spells in full plate and can hang with the melee hitters. This was stated in my thread introduction. I know there are alternative build concepts, but shapeshifting is not what I am aiming for.

That said, I also believe Shapeshifting Mastery provides inferior damage potential vs. a two-handed power attacking mythic hero (despite having sufficient BAB).

My advice is to not play an Eldritch Knight.

The archmage path essentially gives you full BAB for one path ability: Shapeshifting Mastery.

Because you can get the BAB so cheaply, I wouldn't spend levels on it.

Likewise, as noted above, avoiding arcane spell failure is very cheap because component freedom allows you to ignore somatic components.

Because you can get BAB and armor on the cheap, I would look for more attractive options for class levels. If you like class mashups, mythic arcane trickster is nasty.

That ability is for natural attacks only, not for Falchion with 15-20/x3 crit and 4 normal attacks in a full round, synergizing with mythic improved critical and mythic power attack that doubles power attack damage on crit BEFORE damage multiplier. Not to mention other mythic melee goodies like Champion's Strike and Precision! Hardly the same thing in my estimation.

For the cost of 3 mythic points at end game with only haste buffed ->
+40/+40/+40/+40/+40/+40/+35 [2d4+58, 15-20/(d+22)x3]

(with 40 STR end game, +5 weapon; extra free action attack (amazing initiative), extra swift action attack (champion's strike), extra attack by haste (I am 90% sure I read that haste stacks with extra mythic attacks); cost of 3 mythic points (ignore power attack penalty, amazing initiative free attack, champion's strike)

In addition, I can mythic TIME STOP to set the table before I rack in the mayhem with my sword! In addition I should always have tops initiative order and Prescience Divination ability to bank an extra roll. BOOM! (I apologize for the over excitement, I am dying to play this character against mythic demons and balors).

And finally, I can do all this wearing epic plate armor and do not have to resort to being a furry!

An eldritch knight's diverse training adds to your wizard level for purposes of meeting feat pre-reqs (arcane discoveries can be taken in place of feats). However, I doubt a good character would bind a celestial with truename magic (it specifically states in the ability's description that creatures don't like being bound and should be called upon sparingly).

Edit: A celestial may allow itself to be summoned by a virtuous character, but exercising control over it, via truename, to cause it to become sickened/staggered, would no doubt end such an alliance. It would be forced to serve you, but only reluctantly. Also, consider that it probably has other duties and responsibilities--calling it away, when it might be needed elsewhere, would also cause tension.

It looks I misread that before. This character would be effective wizard level of 18 (for feats only), caster level of 19, and fighter level of 12 (again for feats only).

Maintaining my objection that Improved Initiative > Power Attack, it looks good to me. You have an odd mix of emphasizing the fighter side in your feat selection, and the wizard side in your mythic progression, but I guess it all balances out in the end. I agree about the combat casting. 5 foot step and bang, problem solved.

Also, I'm not too sure about the value of Toughness, especially that late unless your DM is allowing for retraining. That's a total of 20 hitpoints by level 20, going up against things like CR 17 Mythic Blue Dragons that are hitting for Melee bite +26 (2d8+12/19–20), 2 claws +24 (2d6+8), tail slap +22 (2d6+12), 2 wings +22 (1d8+4). Better to spend that feat elsewhere, IMHO.

Things like Reach Spell, Empower Spell, and especially True Name (Planetar Pet FTW) will all get you much more mileage. Dead mobs deal no damage. Craft Rod is also good since it kind of backdoors you into all the other metamagic feats whether you know them or not.

Thanks again for your honest evaluation.

My final end hit points estimate:
+108 base (using max HP at 1st and 1/2 + 1 each subsequent level)
+8 favored class
+140 CON bonus (assuming 24 CON at very end game, as it will be much lower until wealth explodes later)
+30 mythic bonus
=TOTAL 286 without Toughness; 316 with Toughness (about 9% higher)

Based on this it is tough to judge whether I should use Toughness! Mirror Image & Mirror Dodge >>> Hit Points every time; however not dying is always better than dying if damage does get through from some mythic beasts.

As for True Name, I would love to have it, but unfortunately cannot meet the 11th wizard level prerequisite. For metamagic, I plan on only taking Quicken, and I will potentially use rods for others. The Channel Power mythic ability seems like a better option for certain metamagics (empower & extend), however it has the drawback of being a 6th tier requirement not available until somewhat later.

Channel Power (Su):
You gain the ability to channel raw arcane power into a spell. You can also expend one use of mythic power when casting an arcane spell to increase its damage by 50%. If the spell has a duration greater than 1 round, the duration doubles. Any saves required by the spell take a –4 penalty, although for mythic creatures, this penalty is reduced to –2. This spell ignores any spell resistance the targets have, although targets immune to the spell or to magic still retain that protection.

Khalel wrote:

Hello Paizo community,

This is my first post on these message boards, and I am requesting any advice or criticism for my Eldritch Knight build that I plan on using in my next campaign. This will start at level 1 and play until max level and max mythic tier. This build is intended to optimize for mid to end game and will use mythic rules. Low levels should progress fairly quick, and I am okay with weak points in the build progression. The character concept vision is that of a classical Gish wizard that can chop 'em up in melee also. For arcane flavor, I am aiming for more control and buffing, and am not interested in being a blaster. 9th level wizard spells are mandatory (TIME STOP!), and the character must cast in full plate. Based on these principles, the Magus does not interest me much with limited spell progression.

I have discussed this concept with my DM, and he is allowing the Magical Knack trait (+2 caster level) and Celestial Plate armor eventually which only has a 20% arcane spell failure chance. This armor coupled with Arcane Armor Training & Arcane Armor Mastery will take spell failure to 0%. In addition, the mythic feat Arcane Armor Training eliminates the swift action to activate spell failure reduction. It ends up being quite a feat tax, but rightly so in my opinion, because it should be hard to cast in plate!

Another point of discussion is the limitations that Eldritch Knights receive with Arcane Strike and Spell Critical class ability both requiring swift actions. There is a mythic Arcane Strike feat that makes it a 1 minute buff and no longer requires activation every round, effectively fixing the broken synergy. At caster level 19, this makes a +4 damage boost for the cost of 1 standard + 1 mythic feat. For this build, I have chosen to skip Arcane Strike feats and use Weapon Specialization, Greater Weapon Specialization, and Weapon Specialization (Mythic) instead. That sums to +9 damage at end game for the cost of 3 feats, with the only drawback

...

Version 3.0 -->

Human with dual talent alternative racial trait.

25 point buy:
STR 16+2=18
DEX 12
CON 14
INT 16+2=18
WIS 10
CHA 8

Traits (3):
Adopted/Warrior of Old or Paragon of Speed (+2 initiative), Magical Knack (+2 caster level), Riftwarden Orphan (required WotR campaign trait)

Feats (16):
1-Power attack, Weapon focus Falchion (F)
3-Improved initiative
5-Toughness
6-Quicken spell (W)
7-Furious focus (EK), Improved familiar
9-Weapon specialization Falchion
11-Improved critical (EK), Additional traits (Defender of the society, Indomitable faith)
13-Greater weapon focus Falchion
15-Critical focus(EK), Dodge
17-Tiring critical
19-Exhausting critical
20-Greater weapon specialization Falchion (F)

Wizard arcane school: Divination/Foresight
Opposed schools: Enchantment, Necromancy

Mythic Progression:
1-Archmage arcana (arcane surge), Mythic spellcasting, Feat: Power attack
2-Extra mythic feat: Weapon focus
3-Feat: Dual Path, Champion's strike (sudden attack), Component freedom
4-Precision
5-Feat: Improved critical, Precision (2)
6-Enhanced ability score (+2 int)
7-Feat: Improved initiative, Longevity
8-Mirror dodge
9-Feat: Weapon specialization, Channel power
10-True archmage, Enhanced ability score (+2 Str)

Khalel wrote:

ecw1701 wrote:

Also, if your DM allows Eclectic/Esoteric Training from Inner Sea Magic you could end up with 20th level casting rather than 17. However, based on your previous comments I'm going to assume he'll shoot that down. ;)

I can't find any details about these. Are they feats or traits? Can you link or provide any details?

It's from Inner Sea Magic page 22. Basically you can get +1 bonus to your caster level essentially effortlessly, and +3 to 1 class / +1 to another with some leg work. You gain fame by passing knowledge checks, deeds, or whatever your DM throws at you:

Eclectic Training (5 Fame): Guilds often require members to master and train in different subjects. When your Fame score in a guild reaches
5, choose one spellcasting class you have at least 1 level in—you increase
your effective caster level in that class (including the number of spells you know and can cast per day) by +1, to a maximum caster level equal to
your total Hit Dice. Single-classed spellcasters should still pick a class to which this bonus applies, since this bonus is retroactive.

Esoteric Training (35 Fame): The bonus to caster level you gain from Eclectic Training increases to +3 (but is still limited by your total Hit Dice). You may select a second spellcasting class to gain a +1 bonus to effective caster level.

Not too bad, and surely someone who has earned the right to become a mythic hero would already be turning heads at their social club. ;)

Thanks for the information. I will share it with my DM and ask his thoughts.

Your logic is sound, just not quite how I'd play it. I don't think there is anything wrong with going how you have it laid out.

Do note that you'll lose the +4 initiative from your familiar once you get an improved one, so picking up the feat then will be a wash, but ymmv.

And you get around that poor BAB by remembering the Wizard side of your Fighter/Wizard. True Strike, Hypnotize, Color Spray, Magic Missile, Unprepared Combatant, are great and Enlarge Person is super sexy. Drop Grease or something terrible on them before you wade in and clean up.

Bulls Strength, Cat's Grace and the backup you summon for yourself all help a lot. Not only offset your weaknesses, but take away their strength. If you try to hang with the Barbarian, you can't. If you try to hang with the straight Wiz, you can't. But if you play your cards right, neither of them can hang with *you*. Drop an Ennervation on an unsuspecting friend just to strike a little fear in their hearts from time to time. ;)

Now that you put it that way, I may just bump Improved Initiative to level 3. At that level, I may be more wizard than fighter, and that would make it near certain that I always go first. Luckily my party has a sword and board tank that I can flank off of when I go melee style.

Also, if your DM allows Eclectic/Esoteric Training from Inner Sea Magic you could end up with 20th level casting rather than 17. However, based on your previous comments I'm going to assume he'll shoot that down. ;)

I can't find any details about these. Are they feats or traits? Can you link or provide any details?

Khalel wrote:

ecw1701 wrote:

Did I miss what race you are selecting?

If you take one with an appropriate SLA you can qualify for EK at level 3 and make your life a bit easier.

Other than that, my only build advice is get improved initiative as soon as possible. Action economy is the holy grail of the game, and it's hard to put too much value on going first. It doesn't really matter how sweet your power attack would have been if the BBEG gets you first.

I also think you're taking Dual Path way too late. For you, I'd take it even before mythic spellcasting, simply because word is you are some sort of crazy melee/hybrid caster. ;)

I am taking human with the dual talent alternative racial trait. My DM is not recognizing the racial SLA ruling. It's all for the better, since I prefer to play a human usually, and I can have a more advantageous stat buy that way (at the expense of tougher EK road for levels 1-10).

With our 25 point buy (not allowed to dump stat to 7), I start at:
STR 16+2=18
DEX 12
CON 14
INT 16+2=18
WIS 10
CHA 8

Traits:
Either reactionary or adopted/warrior of old if allowed, magical knack, riftwarden orphan (cannot be changed since I want to go mythic archmage)

If I use Adopted/Warrior of Old, that would leave a combat trait slot open to select Additional Traits as a feat later. Perhaps I could replace Iron Will with this for Defender of the Society + Indomitable Faith. This will depend on negotiation and DM approval.

I edited my previous post to add:

You may have already seen all of this, but the D20 SRD had feat progression advice pending what you want your character to do; you can kind of blend them:
Archmage Builds

Champion Builds

And, this might be a little dated but it might give you some insight into what feats are...

Thanks for the information. I had not stumbled on those sample builds yet, and I will give them a gander tonight.

I previously read Zolthux's guide which is nice starting point, however it is lacking in mythic consideration --> hence my post here to gain some insight from the community which I know is starting to digest mythic epicness!

Did I miss what race you are selecting?

If you take one with an appropriate SLA you can qualify for EK at level 3 and make your life a bit easier.

Other than that, my only build advice is get improved initiative as soon as possible. Action economy is the holy grail of the game, and it's hard to put too much value on going first. It doesn't really matter how sweet your power attack would have been if the BBEG gets you first.

I also think you're taking Dual Path way too late. For you, I'd take it even before mythic spellcasting, simply because word is you are some sort of crazy melee/hybrid caster. ;)

I will consider Dual Path (Champion) earlier, however I am most excited about this for the Precision mythic ability which increases all iterative attacks by +5. This is a tier 3 ability that I cannot use until mid level, and I plan on taking it twice to make base BAB +16/+16/+16/+11 eventually. The Champion's Strike/Sudden Attack is nice, but it is a swift action that can also be used to cast Archmage Arcana/Arcane Surge spell that does not take a spell slot. I can true strike to auto hit, debuff, haste, etc. and still contribute with my mythic swift action economy (which is more limited at lower mythic tiers with less points to spend). By 10th level I should be mythic tier 3 and have ultimate melee/caster versatility with champion/archmage options.

I would love to squeeze improved initiative in earlier, and I recognize the power of acting first (note: I will take the +4 initiative familiar and a trait for +2 more, plus divination class bonuses), but its a tough balancing act. I chose level 7 for improved initiative as my EK bonus combat feat, and I would also like to get an Improved Familiar as soon as I qualify at this level. In addition, I will not qualify for the other combat feats I would like to take yet at level 7 such as Weapon Specialization (needs 4 levels fighter/EK), Greater Weapon Focus, Improved Critical, Critical Focus, etc. Toughness is not a combat feat so I cannot choose it there. I could delay Weapon Focus and Furious Focus, however I need some way to overcome poor Wizard BAB for some of my infancy levels.

Did I miss what race you are selecting?

If you take one with an appropriate SLA you can qualify for EK at level 3 and make your life a bit easier.

Other than that, my only build advice is get improved initiative as soon as possible. Action economy is the holy grail of the game, and it's hard to put too much value on going first. It doesn't really matter how sweet your power attack would have been if the BBEG gets you first.

I also think you're taking Dual Path way too late. For you, I'd take it even before mythic spellcasting, simply because word is you are some sort of crazy melee/hybrid caster. ;)

I am taking human with the dual talent alternative racial trait. My DM is not recognizing the racial SLA ruling. It's all for the better, since I prefer to play a human usually, and I can have a more advantageous stat buy that way (at the expense of tougher EK road for levels 1-10).

With our 25 point buy (not allowed to dump stat to 7), I start at:
STR 16+2=18
DEX 12
CON 14
INT 16+2=18
WIS 10
CHA 8

Traits:
Either reactionary or adopted/warrior of old if allowed, magical knack, riftwarden orphan (cannot be changed since I want to go mythic archmage)

If I use Adopted/Warrior of Old, that would leave a combat trait slot open to select Additional Traits as a feat later. Perhaps I could replace Iron Will with this for Defender of the Society + Indomitable Faith. This will depend on negotiation and DM approval.

Hello Paizo community,

This is my first post on these message boards, and I am requesting any advice or criticism for my Eldritch Knight build that I plan on using in my next campaign. This will start at level 1 and play until max level and max mythic tier. This build is intended to optimize for mid to end game and will use mythic rules. Low levels should progress fairly quick, and I am okay with weak points in the build progression. The character concept vision is that of a classical Gish wizard that can chop 'em up in melee also. For arcane flavor, I am aiming for more control and buffing, and am not interested in being a blaster. 9th level wizard spells are mandatory (TIME STOP!), and the character must cast in full plate. Based on these principles, the Magus does not interest me much with limited spell progression.

I have discussed this concept with my DM, and he is allowing the Magical Knack trait (+2 caster level) and Celestial Plate armor eventually which only has a 20% arcane spell failure chance. This armor coupled with Arcane Armor Training & Arcane Armor Mastery will take spell failure to 0%. In addition, the mythic feat Arcane Armor Training eliminates the swift action to activate spell failure reduction. It ends up being quite a feat tax, but rightly so in my opinion, because it should be hard to cast in plate!

Another point of discussion is the limitations that Eldritch Knights receive with Arcane Strike and Spell Critical class ability both requiring swift actions. There is a mythic Arcane Strike feat that makes it a 1 minute buff and no longer requires activation every round, effectively fixing the broken synergy. At caster level 19, this makes a +4 damage boost for the cost of 1 standard + 1 mythic feat. For this build, I have chosen to skip Arcane Strike feats and use Weapon Specialization, Greater Weapon Specialization, and Weapon Specialization (Mythic) instead. That sums to +9 damage at end game for the cost of 3 feats, with the only drawback being no bonus melee...

Version 2.0 --> trading Arcane Armor feat chain for Component Freedom mythic ability. This reorders several feats/abilities in the progression, and effectively opens up two extra normal feats. I chose Iron Will and Dodge, but am open to suggestion on improvements.

Other options that I can think of: another metamagic feat, spell focus, spell penetration, improved iron will, bleeding critical, combat reflexes, arcane strike (I only like this feat if I also take the mythic version, however mythic feats are worth a higher premium in my eyes). I considered magic item crafting feats, but my DM is leaning towards not allowing them in this setting.

Feats:
1-Power attack, Weapon focus Falchion (F)
3-Furious focus
5-Toughness
6-Quicken spell (W)
7-Improved initiative (EK), Improved familiar
9-Weapon specialization Falchion
11-Improved critical (EK), Iron will
13-Greater weapon focus Falchion
15-Critical focus (EK), Dodge
17-Tiring critical
19-Exhausting critical
20-Greater weapon specialization Falchion(F)

Wizard arcane school: Divination/Foresight
Opposed schools: Enchantment, Necromancy

Mythic Progression:
1-Archmage arcana (arcane surge), Mythic spellcasting, Feat: Power attack
2-Extra mythic feat: Weapon focus
3-Feat: Dual Path, Champion's strike (sudden attack), Component freedom
4-Precision
5-Feat: Improved critical, Precision (2)
6-Enhanced ability score (+2 int)
7-Feat: Improved initiative, Longevity
8-Mirror dodge
9-Feat: Weapon specialization, Competent caster
10-True archmage, Enhanced ability score (+2 Str)

On another side note, the mythic ability of Competent Caster pretty much renders the Combat Casting feat obsolete.

Competent Caster (Ex)
You automatically succeed at concentration checks to cast arcane spells. This ability doesn't apply to spells of the highest spell level you can cast.

Oddly enough, I think I've found a 3rd-Tier Archmage ability that could eliminate the need for the Arcane Armor Training feat chain. It's called "Component Freedom" and, basically, it allows you to ignore one of the following components, whenever you cast an arcane spell: focus, material, somatic, or verbal.

Thus, if your character takes this path ability, he no longer suffers from arcane spell failure chance and can effectively cast in whatever armor he chooses (by selecting to ignore the somatic components of spells he casts).

Seems strange, though, that a single path ability would completely invalidate an entire feat chain (including a mythic feat, no less).

Perhaps this in an oversight? Or maybe I'm just missing something...

Bazinga! Since WotR gives Mythic 3rd Tier at approximately level 9, that is definitely a better option.

By RAW, that ability absolutely replaces the Arcane Armor feat chains.
"Armor restricts the complicated gestures required while casting any spell that has a somatic component. The armor and shield descriptions list the arcane spell failure chance for different armors and shields.
If a spell doesn't have a somatic component, an arcane spellcaster can cast it with no arcane spell failure chance while wearing armor. Such spells can also be cast even if the caster's hands are bound or he is grappling (although concentration checks still apply normally). The metamagic feat Still Spell allows a spellcaster to prepare or cast a spell without the somatic component at one spell level higher than normal. This also provides a way to cast a spell while wearing armor without risking arcane spell failure."

Late night thought ...

If one was to reproduce Gandalf in Pathfinder, what would your build look like?

Yes, I know that it is a hard because Gandalf did things that no single class really encompasses ... but within the PF rule-set, how would you accomplish a build as close to the core of Gandlaf as you could get?

He looks human, but is much more closer to a aasimar if you delve into the books. He is listed as a "wizard" frequently, but seems to cast spells more like a sorcerer. Then again, that staff looks an awful lot like and arcane bond. And he obviously has a lot on skills in the knowledge areas ...

Specialist Wizard? Sage Sorcerer? Magus? ('cuz of the whole sword thing)

Thoughts?

Gandalf is definitely a native outsider bard.

We're starting an undead themed campaign soon. I'm curious as to what might be the most effective undead hunter. Paladin? Cleric? Maybe Oracle or Inquisitor? If anyone has any advice, I'd appreciate it. This is being run in a modified Forgotten Realms setting. No talents. Other than that, mostly just normal Pathfinder rules, with all official books available.

Paladin (Undead Scourge) or Ranger (Favored Enemy: Undead) are my favorites.

Are you sold on wizard for your theory build? Its much cheaper to be a sorcerer (and not have to pay for all your spells past 1st level). Also, for armor, Darkleaf Lamellar Leather is +4 AC for a 5% ASF, which is so laughable, a lot of wizards and sorcerers use it. And Transmutation is actually quite nice if you put it into con, because it means you don't need a Con/Str/Dex belt and can settle for a Str/Dex belt for more damage.

He would still only qualify for a +1 enhancement bonus, because his wizard level never progresses past first. Wizard level does not equal caster level or spell level. And naturally, this +1 does not stack with other enhancement scores, as you always take the highest enhancement.

"At the indicated levels, an arcane archer gains new spells per day as if he had also gained a level in an arcane spellcasting class he belonged to before adding the prestige class. He does not, however, gain other benefits a character of that class would have gained, except for additional spells per day, spells known (if he is a spontaneous spellcaster), and an increased effective level of spellcasting."

@Khalel, with regards to Arcane Strike, from the PRD:

** spoiler omitted **

So if you can qualify for EK by using the aasimar's daylight spell like ability, then you can also qualify for this. As the caster level for daylight is equal to the aasimar's class level then you would get the full benefit from arcane strike.

Consider an aasimar ftr 20, he would get full benefit of being a level 20 caster (of daylight) so he would get the full +5 dmg. So if you decide to mix in actual arcane caster the daylight would still work as a level 20 caster.

Btw, my apologies for not putting this in my previous answer.

Thanks for the clarification. I had heard of this new ruling for early PrC qualification, but wasn't aware that it affected Arcane Strike caster level requirement. Very peculiar ruling indeed.

Since the FAQ came out that allowed spell-like abilities to be used to qualify for arcane casting requirements, an assimar Eldritch Knight build has been bubbling in my head. Then to round out to level 20, take levels of Arcane Archer.

So, this build isn't finished by any means, but I'm currently playing around with a Ftr 1/Wiz 1/EK 10/AA 8. It gives me +19 BAB, lvl 8 spells (caster lvl 16) and 19d10+1d6 HD.

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **...

In addition, you may want to consider a variant Aasimar heritage if you DM allows it, preferably one that provides racial bonus to Int or Dex.

I also love Divination/Foresight as the arcane school for a "Gish" (fighter/mage), mainly for Prescience ability! The drawback is that divination has some poor spell choices, but that can be mitigated with true strike and quickened true strikes filling up any higher slot with poor options.

Transmutation enhancement bonus does not stack with wondrous belt item. This makes it a poor choice unless you really want this school for the spell slots.

Since the FAQ came out that allowed spell-like abilities to be used to qualify for arcane casting requirements, an assimar Eldritch Knight build has been bubbling in my head. Then to round out to level 20, take levels of Arcane Archer.

So, this build isn't finished by any means, but I'm currently playing around with a Ftr 1/Wiz 1/EK 10/AA 8. It gives me +19 BAB, lvl 8 spells (caster lvl 16) and 19d10+1d6 HD.

** spoiler omitted **

** spoiler omitted **...

FYI at caster level 16, you would not gain full Arcane Strike bonus of +5, but rather be limited to a bonus of +4. There is a mythic feat that makes it a one minute buff, and would no longer conflict with other swift actions for the round.

Leadership!

I'm just wondering if anyone has gotten into the system to build mythic big bads and done anything particularly interesting... I've started working on a few characters that were begging for mythic treatment... the sort that really shouldn't die without a huge effort by the PCs.

As examples, I've got an almost unstoppable barbarian with 740 hp, DR 20, and insane attacks... and I'm working on an archmage that has very few limits. I'm hoping they're powerful enough to be the world shakers they're supposed to be.

What has anybody else come up with?

I am interested in the details! Can you post more information on how you built that Barbarian? I had a mythic barbarian concept, but only finished building levels 1-20.

Planned Progression: Barbarian (Invulnerable Rager)
1 – Fast Movement, Rage, Feat: Power Attack
2 – Invulnerability, Rage Power: Superstition
3 – Extreme Endurance, Feat: Furious Focus
4 – Rage Power: Reckless Abandon
5 – Feat: Raging Vitality
6 – Rage Power: Lesser Beast Totem
7 – Feat: Extra Rage Power, Rage Power: Beast Totem
8 – Rage Power: Unexpected Strike
9 – Feat: Toughness
10 – Greater Rage, Rage Power: Greater Beast Totem
11 – Feat: Combat Reflexes
12 – Rage Power: Come and Get Me
13 – Feat: Raging Brutality
14 – Indomitable Will, Rage Power: Eater of Magic
15 – Feat: Extra Rage Power, Rage Power: Strength Surge
16 – Rage Power: Knockdown
17 – Tireless Rage, Feat: Weapon Focus
18 – Rage Power: Witch Hunter
19 – Feat: Greater Weapon Focus
20 – Mighty Rage, Rage Power: Spell Sunder

Hello Paizo community,

This is my first post on these message boards, and I am requesting any advice or criticism for my Eldritch Knight build that I plan on using in my next campaign. This will start at level 1 and play until max level and max mythic tier. This build is intended to optimize for mid to end game and will use mythic rules. Low levels should progress fairly quick, and I am okay with weak points in the build progression. The character concept vision is that of a classical Gish wizard that can chop 'em up in melee also. For arcane flavor, I am aiming for more control and buffing, and am not interested in being a blaster. 9th level wizard spells are mandatory (TIME STOP!), and the character must cast in full plate. Based on these principles, the Magus does not interest me much with limited spell progression.

I have discussed this concept with my DM, and he is allowing the Magical Knack trait (+2 caster level) and Celestial Plate armor eventually which only has a 20% arcane spell failure chance. This armor coupled with Arcane Armor Training & Arcane Armor Mastery will take spell failure to 0%. In addition, the mythic feat Arcane Armor Training eliminates the swift action to activate spell failure reduction. It ends up being quite a feat tax, but rightly so in my opinion, because it should be hard to cast in plate!

Another point of discussion is the limitations that Eldritch Knights receive with Arcane Strike and Spell Critical class ability both requiring swift actions. There is a mythic Arcane Strike feat that makes it a 1 minute buff and no longer requires activation every round, effectively fixing the broken synergy. At caster level 19, this makes a +4 damage boost for the cost of 1 standard + 1 mythic feat. For this build, I have chosen to skip Arcane Strike feats and use Weapon Specialization, Greater Weapon Specialization, and Weapon Specialization (Mythic) instead. That sums to +9 damage at end game for the cost of 3 feats, with the only drawback being no bonus melee damage for low levels.

Wizard arcane school choice was a difficult decision, but after weighing pros and cons, I am leaning Divination/Foresight. Transmutation enhancement bonus does not stack with wondrous belt enhancement, and conjuration dimension shift ability ends your turn after the port (wish that wasn't so!). Divination increase to initiative and prescience ability to bank an extra d20 roll pre-turn seems like the best choice for the Gish from what I can gather. That leaves me with some sub-par divination spell slots to fill, and for those I say --> True Strike and/or Quickened True Strike.

Standard Levels:
- Fighter 2, @ levels 1 & 20
- Wizard 8, @ levels 2-6 & 17-19
- Eldritch Knight 10, @ levels 7-16
- BAB +16/+11/+6/+1
- Caster level 19 (with Magical Knack) and 9th level arcane spells

Feats:
1-Power attack, Weapon focus Falchion (F)
3-Furious focus
5-Arcane armor training
6-Quicken spell (W)
7-Arcane armor mastery (EK), Improved familiar
9-Improved initiative
11-Improved critical (EK), Weapon specialization Falchion
13-Greater weapon focus Falchion
15-Critical focus (EK), Toughness
17-Tiring critical
19-Exhausting critical
20-Greater weapon specialization Falchion(F)

Wizard arcane school: Divination/Foresight
Opposed schools: Enchantment, Necromancy

Mythic Progression:
1-Archmage arcana (arcane surge), Mythic spellcasting, Feat: Arcane armor training
2-Extra mythic feat: Power attack
3-Feat: Dual Path, Champion's strike (sudden attack), Precision
4-Extra mythic feat: Improved critical
5-Feat: Weapon focus Falchion, Precision (2)
6-Enhanced ability score (+2 int)
7-Feat: Improved initiative, Longevity
8-Mirror dodge
9-Feat: Weapon specialization, Competent caster
10-True archmage, Enhanced ability score (+2 Str)

Thanks in advance for any responses!