Khell DarkWolf's page

As the title says.

Currently I'm in a "online" group that has been playing for awhile and in this Campaign the GM and group of players have opted to "not use Attacks of opportunity".

The party make up is (without me included):

Barbarian
Warpriest
Oracle
Alchemist/wizard multiclass

_________________________________
Level 3 start
2 traits (up to 4 if you take drawbacks or trait feat)

- core/featured races approved, anything after that requires approval

- core/base/hybrid classes approved, anything after that requires approval.

- synthesist summoner banned
- occult classes banned

- Attribute score homebrew (take "80" flat points and distribute however you want, before race stats)

___________

I already made a character on the fly to play with this group (its a family member running it so I can't really complain) but its with the intention I'm just going to have fun with this Brawler/Ninja I made until he dies (going to town with it since I expect he might not survive anyway) and I'm working to have a backup character ready (part of the reason I'm making this post).

GM is pretty lenient and works with the players.

For a game that has "no AOO's" (attacks of opportunity), my question is:

- What would you play for this group or game?

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I'm so used to playing with AOO's, I thought I'd just ask to see what others would do.

Combat is usually a little slower (I know this from usual experience watching them in the past and some of the players are still kinda new ; But I haven't been in a combat encounter yet in this game to see what they're doing), it looks like the Barb and Warpriest are in the front. Oracle runs back and forth healing every now and then. The alchemist is in the rear.

GM isn't really known to be using a lot of traps, but there has been "a lot of travel".
To my knowledge of this game (what I've heard), the group seems to have had some issues with anything past 30 ft. Either with movement to getting to the targets (difficult terrain) or lack of ranged focus (someone that specializes with ranged attacks I.E.).

Had a question regarding tower shield and a PC of either a Small or Medium size against enemies of size.
For the sake of this example lets assume a PC of small.

diagram key:

x = empty space
E = Enemy occupying spaces
P = the PC

xxxxx
xxxxx
xxExx
xxPxx

We know that a tower shield placed at the north edge of the PC, is gaining full cover from the Enemy. This enemy is assumed to be a medium size.

Question 1:
What would happen if the the PC managed to occupy the enemy's square and has the tower shield deployed?
Can the Enemy attack at the PC?

___________
Diagram 2

xEEEx
xEEEx
xEPEx
xxXxx

The monster is huge (takes up a 3x3 space of 15 ft) and the PC has managed to get into the monsters occupying space.
If the PC (somehow) has his tower deployed on (example) his North facing of himself. What happens?

Question 2:

Can the monster attack the PC by being able to draw a line from it's (the monster's) corners to the PC's?

Okay, here are the drafts slapped together as quickly as I could do them.

Not entirely sure how I feel about this one.

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I was eye balling Exotic heritage feat to improved eldritch heritage to get the +2 inherent bonus to CON with pit-touched (infernal) bloodline but with feat room to consider and then I'm not sure if it is actually worth it.

Can still combo Steelblood or Hag riven or even urban bloodrager as other options.

The ability to have the auto-spell of Transformation as the 16th bloodline power is mouth watering, but its pretty far away...

I think being able to utilize wands could be cool as well. Just an idea.
Horizon Walker is also a possibility, dip enough to become immune to fatigue to rage cycle???

Both I can see have issues with reflex and really low ac.

@Meirril:

Its really only RP reasons. I wasn't looking to abuse ways for an alignment based character doing things he shouldn't be to get scott free of violating code.

We'll rewind a bit on that.

@Derklord:

Your right, it doesn't have to be a paladin. I've always gravitated towards Chaotic characters, and having never played a Lawful one was something I was thinking of giving a shot.

And I could follow an "internal" code of conduct or something even along the lines of a cavalier/samurai edict instead.

I'm exploring the creative bowl here.

@Mysterious Stranger:
With regards to the code of conduct I posted in the edit, it is on the lines of an "internal code of conduct" I was thinking the character followed.

I wrote it spring of the moment, and I can understand the conflict line 2 would give. I'll have to re-do it.

On the topic of Warpriest (champion of the faith), I'm exploring it at the moment and working to whip something up with it and I'll post it here when I get finished for draft.

Thank you.

@Secret Wizard:

Thank you Secret Wizard, I'm looking at the vigilante and the two archetypes you mentioned.

As I read the entire class though, I'm feeling not really drawn to it for this character concept. Part of it being flavor, the other being how the character is specializing.

Example being for a master chymist.

While the character would achieve an alter ego, the mutagen and everything about the prestige and alchemist class only enhance "the alter ego" aspect and leave the normal persona at a lower power level.

I would need something more generalized that "both" duality's can borrow and share from. I'm likely leaning more now on just ditching the ego being a class feature, and instead draw on the strength from a "darker" power to shift between to.

@avr:

Looking to my response to Secret Wizard, this is a much better "generalized" approach I was talking about.

Both can shape-shift, both "could" rage in theory (drawing on different anger/fury/desperation in heat of the moment), and both want the same stat arrays basically.

The character on his own would have normal abilities (or perhaps good/holy-like abilities), but can draw from inner dark energies to empower himself (arcanic in nature) to emphasize on the concept of Yin and Yang which I feel is a better route to pursue.

Like the Warpriest draft, I'm going to whip something up and post it here when I can for review. Thank you.

@Bloodrealm:

The point has been made. Thank you Bloodrealm.

@Weirdo:

Thank you Weirdo. I'm still interested in a paladin but it isn't the end all be all concept, as I'm still exploring the creativity bowl.

I'll post again soon with the drafts. Thank you.

Hello forum members,

I got another concept and it is something....I'm having some issues with and really want to see what you guys think.

Been doing some research on anything similiar to it but it'll sound crazy so here goes...

"Paladin [Morally oathbound] skinwalker that shapeshifts, has an internal alter ego that manifests itself like Mr. Hyde that either opposes his moral conduct or goes about it fulfilling it a different way"

This is sounds mechanically impossible really, given the direction of what I'm trying to achieve.

The character being a skinwalker witchwolf has the ability to shapeshift in hybrid form.
Chivalrous by nature and strives to uphold his code of conduct, but then develops a darker manifestation of himself that loses control now and then

It is a tall tale to cram two aspects of being a paladin and even having something similiar to the Master chymist let alone trying to "fake" it in some way to make it look like it.

I've been playing around with the idea of VMC barbarian and going Beastmorph alchemist into Master Chymist (Mutagen, rage +4 str/+10 Con saywut!?) but looking back at my feat list shorten so small makes me rethink it.

Going with the Paladin level focus instead though....I kinda scratch my head. Never having to play one I don't know what to expect and I usually like to multiclass my character concepts as well since I was eyeballing Divine Guardian paladin archetype.

I'm just kinda curious to see what someone else would suggest.

20 pt buy
Assuming level 15 the game ends?

I'm sure there is more I can add, but my brain is fried at the moment. Just ask me something if you want to know more cause I'm sure I forgot something.

EDIT: 12:27 AM

Code of Conduct:

1 - While others make vows, My word is oath binding
2 - Choice is of utmost importance, for we and the individual must make the choice of which path we journey on
3 - I will defend those that cannot, as the last bastion in a dire glimmer of hope those around me
4 - For those that abuse and violate my trust and oath, and so forth found guilty, will be justly dealt with

I don't quite know where to post this but I'd thought I would give it a shot here and see what people are thinking to this question.

Question:

If you have Brawler's flurry (Or two weapon fighting) and have the respected feats of such as Upsetting shield style (including even Unhindering shield feat) and weld both of them in one hand.

Could you Shield bash with the arm, then alternate to the weapon that is being held with the strapped Buckler with attacks after or vice versa?

So some context:

I was making a character that has Brawler's flurry and his main thing was going to be welding a weapon to flurry with while having a buckler in his off hand to provide some utility and defense. Namely going down the upsetting shield style line and stumbling bash feats etc.

After I created the concept and put it on paper I was satisfied, but another thought occurred to me if it was possible to go further with it.

You cannot shield bash with a Tower shield but I was thinking more defensive AC for my character would fit the theme and then the idea dawned on me.

What if he welded a Tower shield in his off hand, but strapped a buckler in his main hand and also drew his main weapon as well.

Effectively he would hold his weapon and a buckler (since the buckler can be shield bashed with due to feats) in his main-hand and have a tower shield in the off-hand which is effectively a dead hand like normal since you cannot weld or manipulate anything while using it.

I'm well aware shield bonuses do not stack because of the tower shield and buckler and that there is an additional -1 penalty to the arm with the buckler for attack rolls involving using it with a weapon. (TWF -2 plus the -1 buckler penalty totaling -3)

But all the threads I've scoured involved twf and whether or not you could shield bash with the buckler or something to the degree with two-handing weapons or using it with bows.

This is a unique question I wanted to ask that I had issues in finding with my search-fu.

Alright, so been busy with life and in my off times working on the concept (which I finished), but I was also working on the other character concepts that I was planning to throw out on the forums for critique.

I decided to try going down a different route, mainly with the idea of building off the Grippli's DEX.

How is this:

Maybe it is silly for a Rogue trying to emulate the effects of a hero and front line fighter but the thought sounded appealing cause you wouldn't think of it.

I wanted to go with a different weapon, so thematically I thought why not axes? The Greater Designating weapon ability also allows some buffs for the party for to-hit and damage. Throwing Axe matched the criteria.

The principle being, early on (or just always) to have combat expertise and fight defensively turned on. Character is wearing light armor so still qualifies for evasion for those reflex throws.

Brutal Beating means I can forgo a 1d6 sneak attack to make a target sickened while Scout's Charge means I can get it online through the use of a charge action. Did I mention he also has Debilitating Injury?

Any ally I'm defending or wishes to be up front with me, I got bodyguard for a little boost to their AC. :P

If I'm inclined, I could burn a feat for an extra rogue talent and get that re-positioning attack talent or just wade my way in to get that flank if needed.

Don't want to go in melee? I'll just chuck spectral axes at you...

13 Str, I still got an option to get power attack if I really wanted to (if not for the extra bit of carry weight).

The choice of Lore Warden is really just to get the combat Expertise feat for free and have some extra defensive CMD at this point. I could still go down a route of maneuvers but pushed it aside to see how it would look.

Does that look like a better use of the Race?

Q3: No. You only get to use rage powers in the qualifying class.

3. I'm not sure whether this question makes sense. If you have separate rage class features from different classes, how would you qualify for the extra rage power feat using one class but not the other?

It was a question pertaining towards classes that gave the class features of rage powers and different types of rages as we know them.

Just to list some examples:

Viking [Fighter Archetype]
Wild Stalker [Ranger Archetype]

Compared to those that don't qualify for the extra rage feat.

Primalist [Bloodrager]

The reason being is even though we know the ability as rage and bloodrage to be similar (in terms of function), they technically aren't really the same?

Since common Barbarian Rage is (Ex) and Bloodrage is (Su), Barb Rage can be used in an anti-magic field while Bloodrage cannot.

I wanted to see for question 3 if you had rage powers (including extra rage powers feat) if they can be cross used across the different types of rages. Especially for investments involved, if you did multiclass.

What I had thought originally seems to confirm that.

Not sure I want to make another thread on it but I have to also ask another question since it'll be related one way or another.

Question 3:
If you did have separate rage class features, from different sources.

If you could qualify for the "extra rage power", can the rage powers gained only be utilized for the qualifying class (i.e. Barbarian) or can it be issued to a different/both rage features? (I.E. Bloodrager's bloodrage)

So for clarification, I have 2 questions:

Question 1:
If you use the Dreadnought's (Barbarian archetype) Dead Calm (Ex) to rage, and then come out of rage. Can you bloodrage from the Bloodrager class immediately, assuming you could do it while fatigued?

The issue stemming from the text noting "The dreadnought cannot enter a rage for 1 minute after she ends her rage".

Question 2:
Taking the Extra rage feat, if you had multiple rage class features is it correct that the extra rage rounds are considered floating uses similar to how if you took extra channel or extra lay on hands?

FAQ link

References:

Okay, so I think we need to cover some basics here. You're playing a race with a Strength penalty, and you decide to go strength-based.

This is not recommended, since you can either take Agile Maneuvers/Weapon Finesse to apply your dexterity bonus to combat maneuvers.

And unless you're gonna use Mutagen/Rage, I'd not recommend you to start with a strength score higher than 13. You are playing a small race with a dexterity bonus. Use it.

Yeah...I suppose you're right. Kinda of a let down to think about though...

So then are you saying:

1. For races with str penalties to not bother going str at all.

2. Or if they have penalties, don't go str unless you're going with mutagen/rage.

If you're basing your build around maneuvers, then choose maneuvers that can be used 90% of the time, and make sure that you can contribute when your gimmick doesn't work. The Tekko-Kagi is nice because it allows you to disarm with minimal investment.

Disarm and Trip are both considered weak maneuvers, with some obvious hurdles. The dip into Spawn Slayer was clever, since it removes the size restriction that is arbitrary placed upon some maneuvers. But sooner or later, you will face an enemy that can't be tripped or disarmed.

Alright so then...

What is considered good and bad maneuvers?

Dirty Trick I know can be utilized more openly, assuming you can roleplay the associated status effect to be applied to the target which is why it is considered good.

But beyond that, what is considered good?

Khell DarkWolf wrote:

Damage is something I'm wondering if its going to be showing it lacks.

Yes, it was actually quite hard to make everything fit on the Grippli since it's generally considered a lackluster race.

It's more of a debuff-build than straight damage, but it's possible to hit harder if you go Str-based instead.

** spoiler omitted **

I'm going to pocket the build idea as one of a few alternatives to go with the character, since I still want to see how else we can mutate it some more without the need for the familiar and teamwork feats.

Pulling it apart a bit, I thought of two builds.

More focus will have to be put to using martial flexibility to get power attack or something else critically needed until I grab it in feat progression.

TWF orientated but not optimal, Flail hits make it easier to trip and the like with the weapon modification. Using Martial Flex if I really need it, I could try to grab the weapon trick feat by switching out different progressions than what was originally planned.

Build 3 is pretty gimmicky.

Build 3 is more reliant on using Brawler's flurry assuming the Versatile Design mod is allowed by a GM. I'd have to grab Improved Two-weapon fighting just as well to keep the thing working, but hey I'd be able to flurry with both and interchange either of their attacks.

Posting both of these builds and looking at it....I feel a little goofy for suggesting it. lol

If the Versatile Design mod wasn't allowed, I can just sub a different feat most likely.

Given the usage of Brutally Weighted onto a bludgeoning weapon, for build 3 I could just as well omit and drop using the Tekko-Kagi and use a different bludgeoning weapon in the off-hand.

If I wanted to get stupid (and if it were allowed), I could swap the warpriest level dip for a dip into Spawn Slayer.

What do you think about all this so far?

Also, that familiar will have a higher AC (27) than most of your party, and if you raise your HP with the retraining rules it could end up with more HP than your casters.

If the familiar uses total defense it'll get to that 27 AC, but using total defense excludes it from using AoO's.

In most cases, I'd prefer to go with more base and raw AC on something's character sheet.

Given the fact I have to worry about paying for enhancing two weapons, armor, and other gear before thinking about a familiar's own gear. I'm more inclined to just not bother with having to worry about it and save my money.

All this brain storming is giving me great ideas for another character concept I was working on as well, but that isn't the topic for this thread. ^^

I'd look into the Vanguard archetype for the slayer. You get Studied Target, slayer talents, and tactician. imo, more versatility than the Drill Sergeant archetype.

if you feel like the party won't benefit from your feats, you could always for Inquisitor- w00t Solo Tactics.

also, look at party composition when choose teamwork feats. that last team may have benefited more from Precise Strike and Escape Route.

I'll keep it in mind, having never played a Slayer I'll have to look over more in-depth on how the class works before working on a build.

Thank you.

*snip*
Tactic:
Flurry with the Tekko-Kagi and make Disarm Attempts at BAB +4/+4/-1. Every failed disarm provokes an AoO, which you'll take with your Scimitar. This is done with a +5 to your attack, and without TWF penalties.
If your attack hits, you get another free Disarm attempt that either succeeds or provokes another Attack of Opportunity.

Or you could just make a Disarm attempt in place of the AoO, giving you up to 8 additional Disarm attempts after the first.

o,O

Now that is an interesting tactic. Thank you. ^^

The fact it has a double factor in being a success or failure yields a result was quite ingenious.

Success with two-weapon trick arm bind would tangle them (on a target arm).

Failure with paired opportunist's and Improved disarm partner with a nearby ally on the same build = more Attacks of Opportunity.

Looking around for rulings and forum posts on the Tekko-Kagi I seem be having some trouble trying to define exactly how it's item description is formulating it to be used and considered as weapon or even a buckler.

The reason for it is the Dervish Dance feat calling out for:

"You cannot use this feat if you are carrying a weapon or shield in your off hand."

I'd be in the dog house if I can't prove it irrefutably to a GM that the Tekko-Kagi is not considered to be carrying a weapon or shield.

It is already in a grey area it seems, if it should even be treated as a buckler from what I saw since the discussions were if you even gained the armor check penalty and arcane spell failure as a buckler. My search-fu may have been flawed, but I still don't know what it means in the description by

"It can be used as an offensive weapon or defensively like a buckler, or used to disarm an opponent without provoking an attack of opportunity.

Class levels and Feats:
[Brawler 1] 1. Weapon Finesse, Martial Flexibility

[Brawler 2] 2. Dervish Dance (B), Brawler's Flurry

[Urban Bloodrager 1] 3. Two-Weapon Defense, Familiar

[Vampire Hunter 1] 4. Two-Weapon Trick: Arm Bind (and Off-Hand Opportunity)

[Drill Sergeant 1] 5. Combat Reflexes, Disarm Partner (B)

[Drill Sergeant 2] 6. Paired Opportunist (B), Improved Disarm Partner (B)

Familiar: Valet, Pig

Diplomacy (lv 6): +12

Vampire Hunter was a little gem I had no knowledge of and had to do a double take on trying to find it because I was wondering why a Inquisitor [Vampire Hunter] dip when I discovered on the pfsrd that is was an actual new class!

I'm not so sure though that I want to be trudging a familiar along with me and risk its death just to depend on the build combo.

If I can convince an ally to work with me on teamwork feats I think that would be swell, but it really took me awhile trying to wrap my head around this tactic and I'd hate to have to explain it to a GM more so than some other things.

Right now I'm trying to pull it apart and see what else I can do with it which I'm totally digging a shield claw while welding a main weapon in the other hand.

Damage is something I'm wondering if its going to be showing it lacks.

Well, what direction do you want to take?
You began with a support build, granting teamwork feats to allies. Then you went straight to combat maneuvers, leaving most of the original concept behind.

Well, I pretty much don't want to juggle multiple instances of book keeping trying to keep track of who or what conditional circumstances my allies can and can't do. So I'm leaving the teamwork feats completely behind for sure.

As for direction.

First: I want to go down the path of using combat maneuvers to disrupt and help control the flow of encounters when it comes up. Or at least incur debuffs/conditions to help everyone out.

Second: I'm split between being defensive or going more offensive, hence I wanted to see what others suggested on either of these two paths to take the character.

The current build I have listed in the OP is my draft of doing this but going down an offensive role for the character trying to do it with optimizing damage to stay as relevant as possible.

Particularly a focus on trying to force Attacks of Opportunity in conjunction with the trips.

Third: I wanted to address a back up means to deal with things such as flying creatures and what not since the current iteration of the character is very martial melee. I just don't quite know how to deal with this.

Example would be instead of throwing tanglefoot bags, I could be an alchemist and toss Frost bombs at aerial opponents threatening the group by entangling them to force them to fall or what have you.

Fourth: It isn't listed but more of just a personal preference as what I often find in groups I encounter. The characters I bring out usually almost always end up having to invest more into skills and skill points than normal since other players don't do it...

The character I made originally actually had to do a lot of the diplomacy with the goblin because the inquisitor was ALL invested in intimidating and pissing off the NPC villagers and guards (mind you I had taken a drawback trait and had a dumped CHA at the time with a +2 INT mod).

So with that said with my experience, its entirely plausible that I should be looking at a different class that has more base skills of 4+INT or higher, either that or I just pour a lot more into INT score.

I'm not entirely married to the combat maneuvers theme, I just thought it would be cool to try.

Also, Weapon Finesse can only be used with Light Weapons, and certain exotic weapons. Neither of the weapons you listed would allow you to use your dexterity to attack.

Aye I know Weapon Finesse works on light weapons, but I was under the impression that if I had Fighter's Finesse tied to the weapon group that it would fix this and allow me to utilize it.

Was there something I missed?

This was planned at the earliest of level 5 with the Advanced weapon training feat.

On another note

I really do try to be a "roleplayer" and a not "ROLL"player.

But my last group that I tried this character with really did make me feel inadequate and punished in my choice of trying to "roleplay" him out since his contributions as a whole were negligible.

If anything, I just want to contribute to the group while fitting the shoes of the character. Have my cake and eat it too right?

I found my original character sheet for that group, so I'll go ahead and show it to compare if you or anyone else was interested:

Mythweavers sheet

Hello Adventurers,

I'm currently working on a few character concepts to have on hand and ready to go for when I play with a group, and this one is directed as a Grippli concept.

I apologize for the wall of text.

By no means is this character set in stone or in use for a current game, as the character is one of many options to chose from to be played.

The character originally was derived from Frog in Chrono Trigger, I imagined a two handed sword welder and helped the party by giving them teamwork feats.

I did this as a Drill Sergeant archetype fighter at first.

When I tried to do this, the first party I was accepted into and played comprised of:

- An archer focused Human Fighter
- Melee focused (Rapier) Goblin Investigator
- Archer focused Tiefling Inquisitor that liked to constantly intimidate and shaken foes (and set them on fire)

The group didn't last long after a few sessions but I discovered that my idea of giving the party members Paired Opportunists and outflank really went to waste (lack of melee focus) and I didn't do too much on the front lines (even when I had the body guard feat).

Promptly after that I tossed that build out the window and started working on something else.

Here is the new concept

If my damage wasn't going to be spectacular hit for hit, I figured maybe a better route would be to just dish out as many attacks as possible. Perhaps take advantage of AoO's and even try to force them.

I saw Lore Warden and a sibling brought up Riptide attack.

My thought process was to try tripping foes as well in conjunction of my attacks.

Further drafting I tried to see about maybe using a buckler and utilize "Unhindering Shield" and "Upsetting shield style" line, perhaps I could be defensive and use a reach weapon and push back opponents if trips failed.

After some numerous attempts to juggle around feat allocation, assuming a level one start this is as far as I've gotten...

For reference:

I wanted to dip into Mouser for underfoot assault but the issue I see with running that was if I wanted to run as a Lore Warden I wouldn't have the armor proficiency (hence the bloodrager dip) unless I just omit Lore Warden and go a regular fighter (gain back armor training). My worry was too many dips and I botch the progression to survive and be meaningful as I level with the party.

Trying to use a two handed weapon and even shield bash (with a buckler) seemed pretty feat intensive and I wasn't even sure it was possible after researching and seeing all the discussions involved around the subject of TWF/Two-handing/shield bashing/Armor spikes.

A fun combination I was thinking of was the Crashing wave style, so I'll reference it here but couldn't seem to find a way to make it work.

I again apologize for the mess that is the wall of text.

Is there anyone with some insight and ideas on this that may want to take a crack at the direction of the concept build?

Offensive vs. Defensive? etc

Hello everyone,

I didn't know where to put this as it isn't really a core rules question and it is pertaining to create a concept to realization through either custom classes or archetype with spellcrafting involved.

So here goes.

I was seeking to join a game online and came across a variant of magic rules called Spheres of Power that a GM was using. While not giving it much thought until the idea sprung into my head, I decided I just had to bring to life a class I played from a different online game into Pathfinder as a character and class concept.

This class is the Dark Knight from FFXI: link

I tried to think of ways of incorporate this from the standard take levels in this and that to emulate it but then decided to try making an archetype with the requirement of research and design via spellcrafting new spells.

Reading up on Spheres of power and its form of spellcrafting, I got lost on the base variables of how to put together a new spell. I'm worried about balance and that I may have gotten it wrong on the creation but I'll post the spells for clarification.

Spheres of power Spellcrafting

These are the spells I worked on through the system but I'm not entirely sure I did it right as I have shown in the spoiler. Did I do it correctly? Or did I miss read a step? I'd much appreciate if someone could assist in going by this step by step.

I also don't know if you could call them balanced and would like some insight on them.

While doing all these spells, I was working on this one but didn't continue further.

The class archetype I was working on was based on the bloodrager as I thought it was pretty close but you tell me.

I was strongly considering just adding a clause in the archetype that makes it a 3/4 bab class but I wanted to hear feedback.

A few things I wanted to emphasize on was being able to get spells and sphere abilities to stick, debuffing creatures making it easier for the party as the theme. If it was a low casting class I don't think it could pull it off.

The arcane strike ability I feel could be dealt away with as I wanted to add the ability of Arcane Circle. Basically to grant teammates in an aura centered from the user a bonus to their saves...but a Paladin does that for specifics such as fear but does it in a 10 ft. radius if I remember. Not to mention that those are morale bonuses from the paladin and don't stack well from other sources.

I'm really torn on this for these two separate issues.

It makes me almost think I should just stay to core and just work with the original research and design method of creating new spells instead of trying to do it via Spheres of Power (and Might).

Does anyone have any advice on this quandary?

I'd greatly appreciate any help you could offer.

- Khell

I can't find an answer to this question so I present you with this:

Does Steadfast Slayer work with a Double Weapon being used NORMALLY as TWF (two-weapon fighting) for each end of the weapon, given it is still a two handed weapon.

Or must the double weapon be WIELDED with both hands to be used to attack with only one end of it for steadfast slayer to work.

Hello everyone,

I'm looking to start my own homebrew campaign, but I'm really green in that department as I've only been a player.

I apologize for the wall of text incoming warning now.

One of the things I'm looking into for a world setting is knowing the limitations and rules of what is going on in THIS world.

Without revealing too much into the story as it is also very pre-mature in the stages of being created I wanted to discuss about Magic and Gunpowder.

Currently in this world, there really isn't any gods, only denizens of the astral plane (angels, demons example) that play an interfering role of the happenings of the material plane (the Earth/Terra etc).

I decided there was going to be some naval ship sailing here and there in some parts of the game and wanted the option to use gunpowder cannons, so currently firearms are "emerging".

Cannons have started to be relatively common (still expensive to scarcity/demand of materials/specialty work), BUT hand-held weapons involved with gunpowder are still rare enough that they are being experimented with to make them common.

Magic is supposed to be rare, in the sense that it is more considered a lost art.

Magic is mostly inherent to beasts and other entities save to a few individually gifted people who either are discovered and taught under tutelage or have latent abilities that do not know how to properly channel their power.

I want players to be able to play what they would like, but I have to keep in mind of keeping them "in check" for how the world is supposed to be.

An example is, I plan to use a spell-less Ranger archetype I found for those that want to play a ranger.
One suggestion I found for bards was to remove the spells and implement the genius games archetype packages to swap out. (I never played a Bard so the scope of their role and how they work is something I haven't grasped yet)

I don't want to fully remove the PC's ability to "heal" themselves as we still clerics and such with divine gifts of healing etc.
But there is what I'm thinking and what to ask for an outside perspective:

----

- All Classes run off a medium to slow exp progression.

- Classes based off of the theme of being more tied to "nature" (witches, shamans, druids) or the divine (cleric, inquisitor, paladin) that are spellcasting are bunched up in a slow progression (or require 50% more maximum exp than other class choices to keep pace?)

- Wizards and Sorcerers are either in the category of 50%? 75%? 100%? Slow exp progression?

Does this sound too harsh of a rule?

This is what I came up with as a possibility alternative, instead of having to re-invent the wheel of altering each individual spell-casting class and how they progress exp pace with everyone.

I was going to put the Magus with the Wizard/Sorcerer exp progression, but having played one I know denying them level pace more already is off putting so I was going to place it in with the druid/witch nature progression spell casters since alot of the class gating work is done already in their progression tables (save for maybe BAB?).

Thoughts and ideas?

I'm guessing there either was something I missed or this is GM fiat territory?

I know the grappling thing has been beaten to death but after scouring thread upon thread and working on a current lizardfolk character I thought of this but had no concrete answer.

* Start Rage ->
* Move then standard attack / Full round attack ->
* Last attack in sequence as bite ->
* Hamatula strike/Tetori Grab to start Grapple w/ Feral Combat Training feat ->
* Strength Surge for CMB ->
* Raging Grappler to deal damage ->
* Death Roll feat kick in to force someone prone and not make yourself prone (/ or Raging Grappler has the option to make target prone and not yourself prone while letting go?)

Reference:

Is this plausible?

*Drools*

Thank you for the suggestions guys!

@ avr:

I suppose it would make sense to take Thug instead of Rake for what I'm doing is focusing on demoralizing foes.

@ Wiggz:

The Brawler has an appeal to it and sparked something to take a dip into for a completely different reason after I did more research.

Since it gives Improved unarmed strike it got me thinking about making use of it.

For the swashbuckler dipping, I would love the idea of parrying but I cannot wrap my head around the idea of using a Rapier.

It really doesn't fit in the theme or persona I'm going for with this character.

I really wish there was a way to parry that didn't involve a Rapier (or piercing weapon for that matter).

I did try toying the possible but silly idea of parrying with my crocodile-like bite (mouth) lol but I'm not sure if it would be even worth the time to capitalize on it.

----

Moving on.

With the Brawler dip and changing to the Rogue dip archetype to Thug.

Tell me how feasible or silly this is:

Fighter 8 / Brawler 1 / Thug 1

My original thought process was to move to either a full on Natural attacker or Multiattacker.

Fight with Combat Expertise always on, only rarely not use it off.

Use only one drawn weapon such as the Kukri/Scimitar and still full attack with the Claw and Bite.

Stack bleeds and a secondary effect from the crit.
Apply Cruel/Bane/Keen to Kukri/Scimitar, and Keen etc to an Amulet of mighty fists.

Make it somehow possible I use my bite last in my attack sequence, because after I damage with it I initiate Hamatula strike to start a grapple.

Following the next turn, spend a move action with Greater Grapple to maintain it to deal damage with it. Then follow up with Death Roll because it has been triggered and throw a foe prone as a free action.

Use standard action to attack.

-----

After typing all that out though, I'm kinda wondering if it'll even be feasible.

I thought about Vicious stomp to AoO the opponent I made prone, but other than that it I doubt the strategy of trying to go through all that work to make a target prone.

A better reason or tactic to employ while I do it? Some way to deal extra damage? Make an opponent waste turns trying to stand up?

It looks fun on paper, but doubts clouding my mind and my gut are telling me I most likely will have a hard time trying to obtain an amulet of mighty fists and other appropriate gear to make the notion of grappling/natural attacks in this build work.

Especially since no one in this group crafts, and no one enchants.

Am I over thinking this?

Khell DarkWolf wrote:

Attacks of Opportunity are in a weird spot, as they are limited to things granted from feats and abilities, as moving in and out of threatened zones doesn't provoke but if you move directly INTO their square (or pass through) via acrobatics as an example WILL PROVOKE.

...well, I would never play a fighting in this game. You don't provoke unless you do things like acrobatics and spells (I guess)?

Reach builds are one of the strongest things possible for fighters. It can completely change the dynamics of a class that is mostly just good at 'hitting things'.

Reach turns the art of 'hitting things' into a 25' wide circle of pain that threatens anyone that wants to get at the back line of squishy casters and archers. It turns you into a living obstacle. And this is made worse by trip build and the like, that further punish trying to get by you.

While reach still has advantages in getting full attacks (at least if you exploit it with things like lunge)... but without AoOs, it all seems rather empty.

- Khell:

Like if I had snap shot(?) to threaten squares to make AoO's.

So something like Combat Reflexes if I remember right? I could then capitalize on that. But even then I guess it would just be a personal taste if I want to go down that route.

So, I'm not very good at answering these "advice on builds" threads because I'm not sure what you want to keep vs. what you want help on... But here's what I can tell you:

Play what is fun for you. If you look at this character and you feel disappointed in any way, look at other options. From what you have provided, your character's numbers look "solid", and overall concept is not optimized (which is fine), but seems quite flexible (which I think as a good thing).

Things to consider: A level one dip in rogue isn't really much use, look into maybe 3 levels into unchained rogue if your GM allows (it will also let you use dex for damage with those kukris).

You seem to be lacking an arcane caster in your party... If you'd like to help fill the role, while keeping most of your melee potential, looking into a Fighter 1/Wizard 5/Eldritch Knight 4, taking the "Magical Knack" trait to keep full caster level. Only a suggestion, if you are set on a non magic class, ignore this.

Anyways, I hope you have fun! Good Luck!

- Khell:

I took the level one dip into rogue because the Archetype gives me Bravado's Blade:

Instead of going down Power attack to Cornugon smash, I could atleast still have this means to make demoralizing checks to shaken without involving feats and I can use this in conjunction with Circling Mongoose because my first attack and subsequent attacks count as flanking for sneak attack.

Since I was also investing alot into skills already, almost being a secondary skill monkey, I figured the extra skill points from the class wouldn't hurt either.

I'm kinda attached to:

- Extra Feats
- Armor & weapon training features
- Idea of Dual welding

I technically could play a Magus since indeed the group IS LACKING another spellcaster and I'm already playing one in a different campaign by a different GM so it wouldn't be new to me but honestly I'd have to think of something different because trying to Gish would be something I'd lean on at that point.

The GM already doesn't allow unchained rogue and monk since the current characters in the group happen to be a regular rogue, regular monk, and a two-handing enlarging powerattacking greatsword cleric.

I like to think of the classes and multiclassing more being a way to express HOW the character is supposed to show his playstyle, as opposed to:

- I have rogue class levels, so I have to be the stereotypical thief!

Hello all,

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

I wanted to ask for some suggestions on something I was working to play as a character but I'll give you the context first.

I'm still new to Pathfinder first and foremost but I'm learning quickly (atleast I'd like to think so) and I'm a substitute fill in player for a homebrew campaign and I'm working on a character to bring in for the event one of the player spots open up.

I would be making a character for level 10, there even is a chance I might not even get to play as I've heard from browsing the messageboards that most campaigns don't even get to level 20 usually?

The campaign is a desert world, things are dying and decaying etc and the GM already stated that there will be NO 3RD PARTY content, only Paizo (approved?) published stuff.

Alot of the reference I get is from the d20pfsrd website so I still check to make sure the things I look at don't read "3rd party publisher".

Attacks of Opportunity are in a weird spot, as they are limited to things granted from feats and abilities, as moving in and out of threatened zones doesn't provoke but if you move directly INTO their square (or pass through) via acrobatics as an example WILL PROVOKE.

Moving on:

The world has Dwarves, Humans, Elves, Half-Elves, Half-orcs & Gnomes, it also happens to have Lizardfolk.

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/races/other-races/more-races/standard-races-1-10-rp /lizardfolk-8-rp

Being in the desert setting, I wouldn't have the swim racial features but instead the climb features.

As per the lore with his world, the Lizardfolk character would have to be mean to others or basically a D**k. So I was going to go with a Chaotic Neutral (leaning almost evil).

So I was thinking of a Fighter with a level 1 dip into an Rogue Archetype (Rake).

http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/core-classes/rogue/archetypes/paizo---rogue -archetypes/rake

Here is the planned build idea.

17 point buy (Characters do not start with traits but could take additional traits feat)

STR 12 [+2 to 14]
DEX 19
CON 12 [+2 to 14]
INT 18
WIS 10
CHR 8

2x Kukri's [Masterwork]
Agile Breastplate [Masterwork]

Lvl 1: Combat Expertise
Lvl 1 Bonus: Two-weapon fighting
Lv 2 Bonus: Weapon Focus
Lv 3: Dodge ; Armor Training
Lv 4 Bonus:Mobility
Lv 5: Spring Attack ; Weapon Training group Light Blades
Lv 6 Bonus: Weapon Finesse (Combat)
Lv 7: Circling Mongoose (Combat) ; Advanced armor training [Armor Specialization - Agile Breastplate]
Lv8 bonus: Improved Critical (Combat)

CLv9 [Rogue lv 1 Dip]: Endurance
CLv10 [Fighter lv9]: NO FEATS HERE ; Advanced Weapon training - Focused Weapon

Planed later levels but are still unknown choices:

CLv11 [Fighter lv10] bonus: Critical Focus (Combat)
CLv11: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting (Combat)
CLv12: AAT - Armed Confidence
CLv13 Bonus [Fighter 12]: Bleeding Critical
CLv13: Iron Will
CLv14: AWT - Defensive Weapon Training
CLv15 Bonus [Fighter 14]: Staggering/Crippling Critical
CLv15 [Fighter 14]: Critical Mastery or Weapon Versatility (combat)
CLv16 [Fighter 15]: Armor Training again for +dex bonus or AAT: Critical Deflection/Master Armorer
CLv17 Bonus [Fighter 16]: Just out of reach
CLv17: ??? Feat / Weapon Specialization?
CLv18 [Fighter 17]: AWT - Armed Bravery
CLv19 Bonus [Fighter 18]: ??? Feat
CLv19: ??? Feat
CLv20 [Fighter 19]: Armor Mastery

AC Total: 25 [28 w/ Combat Expertise]
- 8 from Armor
- 4 from Dex bonus (armor)
- 1 from Dodge
- 2 Natural armor

Modifiers for weapons etc:
- Weapon Finesse: Add Dex to attack rolls (+4)
- Weapon Training [Light blades group]: add +2 to attack and damage rolls
- Weapon Focus: (+1)
- Enhancement Bonuses (if any): +1 Attack
- Two Weapon Fighting: -2 penalty attack rolls (Light weapons & feat) or -4 if no light in off hand
- Combat Expertise: -3 attack rolls & Combat maneuver for +3 dodge bonus
- Natural Attack penalty: -5 for natural attacks as full round action with manufactured weapons (Classed down to Secondary natural attacks)

Lizardfolk Fighter is a mercenary as backstory because he is an EXILED lizardfolk for his birth being an superstitious omen, having to deal with oddball requests and has to be deal with various things thrown at him. Rude and bloodcrazed [psycho?] and gets kicks demoralizing others with being actually smart (was thinking of taking Bruising Intellect with additional traits feat) and puts focus on being mobile and agile.

Idea is:
- To constantly keep up Combat expertise (don't get hit)
- Get in opponents face (originally going to take spring-heeled style and sprint to forcibly get into range)
- Crit fish to apply effects to make it harder for opponents to react to.
Circling Mongoose makes subsequent attacks count as flanking.
Forgo the 1d6 to make intimidate check to demoralize to give shaken.
Kurki's with Cruel effect to make them sickened.
Staggering Critical to further make things worse with a Bleeding Critical for an added threat to their action economy.
- Weapon Versitality to change between damage types with Kukri's

Commentary synapse:

Why am I using TWF? Well because the GM has decided he didn't want to see more Two handed greatswords and wants something different (thanks to the Cleric with the War/Strength domain enlarging himself 3x his size since he pulls double duty of healing and damage w/ the Rogue and Monk).

I most likely won't be outputting huge numbers per round, but I'd like to think that maybe I can make up for it if I try to debuff and still outlast fights through attrition.

What I'm afraid of though is the GM likes to throw stuff that challenges the players on what they are weak at.

He started using Constructs and undead so that puts alot of anything requiring fortitude saves and being mindless negating the shaken sickened and staggering stuff.

I'm also expecting because of low will saves, that there is a chance to encounter things that might try to dominate/mind control a character like this.

I know everything is circumstantial and most likely I bet what I'm trying to do is best done with a different class but I am kinda tied to the armor/weapon training features and the extra feats (who doesn't like extra feats right?).

Another thing is gold appears to kinda scarce as well as finding equipment, so I was already planning to possibly make my own weapons and armor (Reason for even more INT heavy skills). Maybe even be forced to take Master craftsman to get Craft magic arms and armor...

Any critique or thoughts maybe on this?

inb4 I get called a munchkin and apologies for my format, hopefully I made it clear enough to read.

Hello,

I've only started playing for a few months now and I'm learning as I go and I'm sorry to do this but I been combing the messageboards for this answer and either I'm not using the correct search tags or I some how missed it because it is a specific question.

From what I understand with TWF (Two-weapon fighting), when you weld a weapon in your off-hand (off hand left arm), you incur a penalty to your attack rolls.

Now, here is where I can't find my answer.

With the two-weapon fighting feat (or not), is the off-hand attack roll using your highest BAB and then calculated with the TWF penalty?

Example:

Joe is a lvl 3 fighter, he is choosing to use Kukri's in both his hands and has the two-weapon fighting feat. His BAB currently according to the table is +3.

He declares a full round attack action while welding these two kukri'.

His penalty to TWF is -2 to all his attack rolls because he is using a light weapon off hand.

now is it:

Scenario 1:

Joe's attacks - +1/-2 (+1 Primary / -2 Offhand)

Primary calculated +1 [Result = +3 BAB - 2]
Off hand calculated -2 [Result = 0 BAB - 2]

OR

Scenario 2:

Joe's attacks - +1/+1 (+1 Primary / +1 Offhand)

Primary calculated +1 [Result = +3 BAB - 2]
Off hand calculated +1 [Result = +3 BAB - 2]

Why do I ask this? Because I had player (brother) who is playing monk ask me questions about their flurry of blows.

At level 1 monk, his FoB is -1/-1.

The only conclusion I could think of why it is -1/-1 is because the table is ALREADY calculating the -2 penalty to the FoB (Flurry of Blows) with his monk level being his BAB. AND because it is his right hand and his left hand to calculate similar to two-weapon fighting.

Level 1 monk FoB BAB is = +1

FoB works like TWF (but really isn't TWF per reading it) so incurs a -2 penalty.

Result level 1 FoB: -1/-1 [+1 BAB - 2]

So what I need to know is.

For Joe (and possibly the monk player) is clarification on what scenario is it?

If it is Scenario 2, and it is indeed using your highest BAB (and maybe I'm not completely understanding terminology) from your off-hand attack roll calculation then where is it in the rule book or reference for that to show a GM for both cases of argument?

I could point to the Monk FoB table and its rules on use for Joe and his TWF but I'm still not clear on where this rule is for Two-weapon fighting after combing the rule book, feats and the messageboards.

Is the off-hand using no BAB (+0 BAB) or your main highest BAB to calculate your attack rolls for TWF for penalties?

Again, I apologize if this has been answered before.

EDIT: Fixed a math error in calculation.