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(English is not my first language, sorry for weird phrasing)
Hello everyone,
I am going to begin the Tyrant's grasp next week, the GM told us it would be hardcore si I am coming to you for advise as I need to optimise my build. Our group will conssist of a Life Oracle, an Urban Ranger, a Pole Fighter, a Vivisectionist/Barbarian and me a Spirit Binder Wizard (I will fight buffing and polymorphing my familiar while still providing spells in the back).
This guide was my inspiration for this build
The DM also told me that familiars and any other companions on this campaign will not be available until level 5 minimum, mostly level 7. (I can still provides buffs and spell to my teamate, great polymorphing spells arrive at that level anyway)
Class : Wizard (Archetype Spirit Binder)
Race : Tiefling
School : Transmutation (Enhancement)
Opposing schools : Necromancy, Evocation (or Enchantment, I am not sure)
Traits : Transmuter or Korada (Bull's strenght) / Lawbringer (campaign trait)
CHARACTERISTICS :
25pt point buy
Strength : 8
Dexterity : 14 (12+2)
Constitution : 17
Intelligence : 19 (17+2)
Wisdom : 10
Charisma : 7 (9-2)
The campaign will reach levels 17-18 if I understood correctly, so that means +4 stats progression / "+4 physical enhancement bonus" from our specialised school.
Lvl 4 : +1 Intelligence (20) / "+1 Constitution" (18)
Lvl 8 : +1 Constitution (18) / "+2 Constitution" (20)
Lvl 12 : +1 Intelligence (21) / "+3 Constitution" (21)
Lvl 16 : +1 Intelligence (22) / "+4 Dexterity" (18) at this point, I'd probably have got a Constitution Belt +6 (24)
so stats by level 17 should be like this :
Strength : 8
Dexterity : 18
Constitution : 24
Intelligence : 28
Wisdom : 10
Charisma : 7
FEATS :
The archetype replace the wizard's bonus feats to his familiar instead, it also sacrifice the scroll free feat for the ability for the familiar to chose the old favored class of his soul, giving him the BAB and save of this class (obviously Ranger or Slayer).
1 : Toughness
3 : Reach spell (or Extended spell)
5 : Distant spell link
7 : Superior familiar
9 : Spell focus Transmutation
11 : Idealize
13 : Quicken spell
15 : Craft wondrous item
17 : Greater spell focus Transmutation
Craft at lvl 15 is probably too late but apparently the campaign doesn't offer the possibilies to craft/buy until the end of the 4th book.
1 : Toughness / Flyby attack (Arbiter)
5 : Power attack
10 : Hammer the gap
15 : (no idea yet)
The archetype is mostly for the excellent BAB and save for the familiar, losing bonus on the wizard feat hurt a little nevertheless
The main reason for me to ask you help tonigh is my choice of familiar.
Animal :
Compsognathus : Initially I was going with a mauler version of this one but being a very exotic animal (and without the possibility to take it at lvl 1 with a RP explanation [spoiler everyone die ate the beginning]) I am not sure I can find one in this campaign (apparently the visit to the magic mall is not going to happen soon either).
Fox : They also make great mauler and would be far more easy to find in the Last Wall area where the campaign take place. But there is not a lot of savor or special abilities to it and its bonus (+3 reflex) is less tempting than the Compsognathus (+4 initiative).
Superior :
At least I can summon one so I don't need to go looking after the right animal, especially if this is not a great time for fox hunting in the story.
Arbiter : My main source of concern. My DM told me that - for him - if she dies while polymorphed and I cancel the spell within a few rounds, its regeneretaion/chaotic will kick in again, making her very resilient. With that and all the constructs immunities it has, it look like the best possible choice for her to cheat death. But ... can I cast all my buff spell on an Inevitable Arbiter familiar ? (because of his nature) There is also the problem of item slots (the arbiter lacks Belt and neck who are very important for him but I suppose I could give her the Extra item feat or does that not work like taht ?
The Nycar offers quite a similar option with its regeneration/cold iron, but has the default of not having as much utility of the Arbiter (no immunities, no communication, no fly, no shortsword, etc ...)
I would really appreciate any opinion on the subject :)