Venizandrikal's page

If you use a Polymorph spell you get +1 to strength checks if you're medium, +2 if large, and +3 if huge. This should stack with separate size based break modifiers.

This is the kind of thing I was looking for. The juggernaut boosters as well.

Basically, I've got this Dragonkin Vanguard and, when in combat, he can full action (using breach with entropic strike) attempt to break with a +28 (currently level 12) to the Str check. I am trying to see if I can get it higher.

What ways do you know of to increase one's Str check to break?

So far I've got:
Large sized
Str ability score
Breach (weapon property)
Blast Through (vanguard discipline) [adds Con mod]

It really depends on how you want to play the vanguard.

My vanguard uses EP and/or reactions to protect himself and his allies (shelter ally->in harm's way, dampen, mitigate (in addition to his current DR).

Sometimes I even use flatten bullet, not because I need to, but because, if I succeed, the attack will deal no damage, for flavorful fun. Sometimes I'll use a reaction to in harm's way for an ally and then another reaction to mitigate/flatten bullet/energize to thematically 'catch' the attack and it does little to no damage to me.

I am a big fan of vanguards, particularly this one in SFS. I appreciate this guide.

From my experience, it feels important to note a build (both class/feat options and items) that focuses on damage mitigation with a lower AC. I have often found that enemies are far more prone to keep attacking my vanguard if they can consistently hit/deal damage. That, coupled with shelter ally seems to resign GMs to focus him down. Which, at higher levels, when he carries around a spell gem of resistant armor, is really tough.

I think it may be just you, though I do not disagree with your points.

I do not have, nor plan to have leg augs on this character. I suppose I haven't thought about the aeon stone. But, I probably won't because I don't really need the bonus to speed often, just every now and then.

I use that ability when I'm having a harder time hitting a creature with a high AC. But, even then, rarely.

I often use EP on discipline stuff.

I also often use EP on mitigate, the class ability. If it seems I am not going to get an opportunity to use the EP on anything else for the turn, I'll just mitigate. The secret there is that this char isn't dex based, therefore not an AC junkie. That enemies can hit me fairly easily seems to motivate them to continue doing so. So I am more of an 'hp' tank.

It is good to see fellow dragokin in the society.

Agreed! Thank you!

Ven nods approvingly at his crew as if to say "Well done".

"This sounds like it will be our best chance!" Ven bellows. "Let's go!" As Ven says the last part his heavy footsteps beat deeply on the floor. He then grabs Threz and Jim, one in each draconian arm, runs and leaps out the opening Gunnz is peering through.

Ven looks to Gunnz solemnly and nods, "I will gather them. Regardless of what they were or did in life, their bodies do not deserve to rot in a colossus." As he says this light glints from somewhere in the tekenki across his golden scales and gives him a regal appearance. He then looks to each of the others. "Get prepared to leave this creature and keep going. I will meet back with you at the entrance."

With that Ven begins rushing around the insides of the tekenki, gathering the dead bodies of the Aspis.

Agreed. We have the relics, we should skeedatle as per mission instructions.

Ven nods at Jim approvingly.

Ven snakes his head to look back at his allies, his draconian face a little unsure, "I can probably break it. Is that wise?"

Ven goes ham on the other large caypin.

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (1) + 15 - 4 = 12
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (5, 5, 1) + 22 = 33

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (19) + 15 - 4 = 30
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) + 22 = 34

same bodyguarding as before

Ven goes ham on the large caypin.

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (7) + 15 - 4 = 18
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (5, 3, 1) + 22 = 31

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (3) + 15 - 4 = 14
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (5, 6, 6) + 22 = 39

same bodyguarding as before

Ven will bodyguard and in harm's way the first two attacks on his allies within 10ft.

Ven follows behind Threz protectively.

Ven stomps up behind Threz and places a big clawed-hand on the dwarf's shoulder. "I am with you and we are a team," he rumbles warmly. "Let us go."

Ven will follow behind Threz and bodyguard and In Harm's Way if needed.

Perception: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (5) + 15 = 20

Seeing the powergrid turn off, Ven quickly thumps over and grabs the relic.

Ven follows Threz, keeping his eyes on the dwarf as his hearing will not be able to alert him.

Ven, still rubbing his minor wounds, glances over at Ziyass and then stays close to the rest of the party protectively.

Ven sighs and taps Threz with his big clawed-hand. He brings his other clawed-hand up, in front of his eyes, with the claws pointing away. He then, keeping the claws in front of his eyes, begins looking around while wiggling his claws.

Ven rubs his wounds after the excitement dies down. *grunt* "While I appreciate the investigativeness, let's make sure that we have our mission in mind. We don't have much time."

Did my AoO go off because it fired at me?

Ven roars in pain as the creature's new shots pierce his armor. He attacks more viciously.

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 15 - 4 = 26
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) + 22 = 31

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (17) + 15 - 4 = 28
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) + 22 = 28

I know it is not yet my turn, but figured I'd have this ready and be efficient.

Ven gives a draconic laugh as the creature's shots hit and leave minor scorch marks. He continues his semi-ranged assault.

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 - 4 = 20
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) + 22 = 28

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (15) + 15 - 4 = 26
A: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (1, 1, 4) + 22 = 28

The large, golden dragonkin steps over and in front of Buster as bolts of plasma fly swiftly at the robotic target. Without even dodging, Ven allows the bolts to hit his body. The resulting collision of plasma leaves only tiny scorch marks on his scales. Seemingly unfazed, Ven continues his inexorable march toward the strange blob-like creature.

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
A&B: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (4, 3, 4) + 22 = 33

When he gets a little closer he punches out at the ooze. While his clawed-fist doesn't reach the creature, a barely visible force seems to extend the range of his attack.

15ft reach. As there is likely no one necessary to defend, Ven will take an AoO presented

Partner Bond: A dragonkin can form a permanent bond with one willing non-dragonkin creature. Once this bond is made, a dragonkin cannot form another partner bond unless its current partner dies. A dragonkin and its partner can communicate with each other as if they both had telepathy with a range of 100 feet. In combat, when a dragonkin is within 30 feet of its partner, both creatures roll initiative checks separately and treat the higher result as the result for both of them.

Ven whips his head around to view the new hostile element. He grunts and squeezes his way back to the other side to protect his allies. He then adopts a readied posture and awaits the actions of his new enemies.

At the start of my turn I get an entropy point. As a part of the move action, I spend an entropy point to increase my speed by 10ft. I assume that every square will involve me squeezing, so 40ft to get to my current location. Standard action to ready an attack if a creature comes within his 15ft reach. Also, I will use Bodyguard (+3 AC) (and In Harm's Way if it still hits) on the first 2 attacks on Buster.

readied ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26
A&B damage: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (4, 2, 2) + 22 = 30

Ven shrugs and then squeezes to the other side while his allies play with the computers.

This vanguard used taclash -> meteor glaive -> lvl 10. That progression kept the entropic strike relevant without spending very much credits. The largest reduction of possible damage was between 3 and 6, which at the respective levels wasn't really very significant.

As for armor, I just kept my Con high and upgraded based on armor upgrade slots and the upgrades themselves.

In order to keep things moving, regardless of the rest resolution...

Ven moves back and squeezes through the right entryway once more to stand next to the dead bodies. "Someone search these bodies please. Fine manipulation is not my strong suit. They look possibly fragile. "

While it is definitely up to the crew, I was proposing no 10 min rests unless needed. While I don't know how the scenario manages it mechanically, in-game it definitely doesn't seem appropriate.

Edit: I am also willing to spend my own resources to bring folks back should death happen. Though, with In Harm's Way, I suspect that Ven not being the first to go down is quite low.

Ven places both claws into the hole and, with a deep grunt, rips the hole wider.

Str: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (5) + 19 = 24

Ven makes his way back to the hallway, ending next to Ziyass and Jim. He then takes a steadying breath, plants his feet, and attempts to break through the wall.

Str check: 1d20 + 19 ⇒ (13) + 19 = 32
+19 = 10 (breach) + 4 (size) + 5 (str)

"There are some dead bodies off to the right," Ven rumbles and then squeezes into that area.

Ven takes another step forward. Meanwhile, his tail seemingly reflexively stays close to the nearby dwarf.

Ven gives a nod, thumps down the hallway, and snakes his head around the corners.

After threading through the opening, Ven quickly extends his wings and beats two strong wing beats lowering himself and Threz to the floor of the chamber.

"That went w-" he begins to rumble when the others fly in seemingly trying to play pong with the walls of the tekenki.

He waits a moment for their movement to ensure that they are okay before rumbling softly, but seriously, "Normally I would suggest we take a moment to recover from that entrance, but we do not have much time. Be wary and stay close." He then adds resolutely, "I will protect you."

Ven gives Threz a nod and grabs him with both claws just under his arms. The ground beneath the two craters slightly as the large dragonkin jumps into the air and beats his great wings. Now airborne, the two fly toward the opening in the tekenki.

"Together, we are not small!" Ven yells to Threz over the colossal combat. Threz, being so close to Ven can feel his word reverberate through his body. "I will try to protect you!"

With that, Ven beats his wings even harder to gain height. After establishing a trajectory that is too high, he gives one final strong beat, aims a little lower, and then, at the last moment, wraps his wings around his charge while plummeting through the opening.

With your permission GM, I'd like to take the full damage in Threz's stead if he failed.

Another question: how much bulk is a character?

Do note, I can probably take some folks that can't fly if you wish to get around the Engineering check.

Ref: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 26
This might have a penalty from encumbered if I end up taking some others

After his wounds are treats and he rests with the others, Ven takes to the skies once more.

Ven gestures his head over toward Ziyass when he sees Jim pulling out the first aid kit. His head then shifts toward Gil, "Do what you need to do. Let's make sure we are fully prepared before we attract the attention of colossi."

After Jim treats Ven's scratch, Ven gives Jim a nod and a "Thank you."

I'm happy to take a 10 min.

Ven grabs the sharpwing's face with one claw as it tries to bite him. He then grabs its claw with his other. Unfortunately this leaves its other claw an opening and it rakes solidly across Ven's back. He roars loudly as blood begins oozing forth from the wound.

Ven faces the sharpwing while still holding it. He opens his great maw, looking as if he might take a bite. He then intakes a massive breath and exhales, engulfing the creature in an inferno.

Fire: 9d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2, 6, 6, 2, 5, 5, 1) = 39
Ref DC 22 for half

Ven also has an electrostatic shield mk II. And as the creature technically "touches you or deals damage to you with a melee weapon" ...
elec: 2d6 ⇒ (6, 4) = 10

Ven roars in irritation at the creature and, while still protecting Threz with a wing, bites and swings his tail at the creature.

ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (9) + 15 - 4 = 20
A/B: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (3, 3, 5) + 22 = 33
ES vs EAC: 1d20 + 15 - 4 ⇒ (11) + 15 - 4 = 22
A/B: 3d6 + 22 ⇒ (3, 3, 4) + 22 = 32

Ven will bodyguard and in harm's way at the first opportunity again

I have no problem with you jumping back in.

I am not familiar, but we could just delay/skip Threz.

Ven notices the danger and dive bombs, landing heavily next to Threz.

THOMP! "I am here librarian!" he rumbles after he lands.

run action

Ven has a 10ft reach and uses bodyguard and in harm's way at the first opportunity.

2 EP

Ven continues his slow air patrol.

...In addition, your custom rig can now be used as any engineering or hacking specialty kit of item level 6th or lower...

There are some arguments to be made about what this part means. However, my stance is that as engineering specialty tool kit is a specific item, I assume that is what was intended. All specialty tool kits provide a +2 circumstance bonus. Unfortunately, in all of the books there are only 2 specialty tool kits listed, armorcrafter and weaponsmithing. At any of my [GMed] tables, this ability essentially gives a +2 circumstance bonus to any engineering and hacking check as I read it that the custom rig counts as any conceivably applicable specialty toolkit. Some other GMs take the stance that you can only get the bonus to armorcrafting and weaponsmithing.

All of that said, if it applies to Computers, it only applies to hacking checks. So, for any Computers checks that aren't hacking, it would not apply.

My -701 is a level 13 mechanic. I have dug fervently into the wording of many of its abilities.

My goal is to just hang back. I can't really be helpful for most skill checks.