I know this is a bit on the low level side, but I thought I’d post some comments from our games last weekend. We converted our Shackled City characters to Pathfinder, but the DM is running the AP as is. In this session we finished the scenario revolving around the Flood Festival. I’m also posting this to see if anyone has comments on whether we are playing the rules correctly.
The party consists of 5th level PCs including:
1. Fighter
2. Cleric
3. Rogue 3/ Fighter 2
4. Wizard 3/ Fighter 2
I played the fighter. I tried playing something that we typically do not see at our table; a smart, fast, mobile fighter. The feats I chose were; Improved Initiative, Quick Draw, Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack, Combat Expertise, and Whirlwind Attack.
So here are the comments:
AC: My AC at this point was 22 without Dodge the bonus, or Combat Expertise. In most fights I didn’t get hit often. Against BBEGs, CE saved my arse. That is until the DM remembered Touch Attacks.
Whirlwind Attack: This feat is great if you can set yourself up against multiple mooks. I’m surprised none of my player have ever taken this feat. Maybe it becomes less useful at high levels. However, in this session, I could clear a room of low level guys in 2 rounds with good rolls.
Steamroller?: At times, I think the DM was a little frustrated by the lack of damage the fighter took. However, it is hard to say if it is an issue of the character, poor rolls by the DM, or adventure design. The adventure itself seemed to present a lot of easy fights by mooks. However, the boss fights were near TPKs each time. Our typical strategy was also to have the cleric right behind the fighter to keep him on his feet with healing.
We finished the session at 7th Level which raises the following questions.
1. AC: Does this AC seem right? The group decided to give some extra wealth to beefing up the fighter. Potentially, I could upgrade to Breastplate +2, and a Shield +2. Combine this with Armor Training +2, Dexterity of 17, and an Amulet of Natural AC +1, I would have an AC 29. Throw in CE and I could be at AC 34 against a single opponent. Does this sound reasonable?
2. Arcane Armor Training: Eventually the Wizard/ Fighter will have access to Quickened Spells. As written, is it feasible to cast a Quickened True Strike and attack in the same round with Power Attack?
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2008 Top 4, Legendary Games
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2. Arcane Armor Training: Eventually the Wizard/ Fighter will have access to Quickened Spells. As written, is it feasible to cast a Quickened True Strike and attack in the same round with Power Attack?
Sure it's feasible, but it's hardly a gamebreaking effect unless you can do it at will. Think about it, you're burning a FIFTH level spell slot to go power attacking for ONE attack.
Wouldn't you rather just cast a 5th level spell that stood on its own? You know, feeblemind, cone of cold, hold monster, wall of force, etc.
Sure it's feasible, but it's hardly a gamebreaking effect unless you can do it at will. Think about it, you're burning a FIFTH level spell slot to go power attacking for ONE attack.
Wouldn't you rather just cast a 5th level spell that stood on its own? You know, feeblemind, cone of cold, hold monster, wall of force, etc.
Thanks. I was just making sure that I am interpreting the rules correctly. Sometimes what I think is reasonable, is not really in line with RAW.
You made a good point, but also consider that this PC will be 18th level by the point this is even relevant, if he alternates classes at each level. I should have pointed out that he focuses on transmutation spells as well. At 18th level, I would expect most opponents to make saves against a 9th level caster, so most 5th level spells will be a bit of a gamble. He's probably going to get better milage from spells that alter himself, the terrain, or his allies.
Or am I off base there?
You are a little off base...as caster level doesn't set DCs...DC is set by spell level and caster attribute...so a L5 spell from a 9th level caster is as dangerous as one from a 20th level caster though the 20th level might've taken the time to up his attribute a bit more and maybe feats like spell focus...but the 9th could just as easily as in your case they are equal level characters...so both of their feebleminds or whatever should be fairly comparatively effective...especially if you use the right spells vs. the right types of monsters to hit their low saves.
<hits forehead>. You are of course, correct, and I'm not sure what I was thinking there. Some days, I think the geek police should come and revoke my DM's card.