Scenerio: Small group of adventurers of mid level (10th to 12th) are being equipped for what is described as a likely suicide mission to invade deep into an enemy stronghold. This is actually a side quest in our campaign, our regular characters are dealing with matters elsewhere, and these characters are "temps" that were rolled up with fairly generous stats, and are given the pick of the kingdom's vault to equip themselves. The main threat will be undead, necromancers, and a coven of witches. Teleportation of any type will be impossible within 10 miles of our goal. While most summons will work, Gates or summon planar ally type spells will not. Once we begin, the chance of resting, let alone surviving into the second day is very small. So choices will reflect that.
Party: Four total (will only have specific details about mine); Two warriors, each with Paladin levels; One Arcanist, possibly with two paladin levels; One Cleric (no other details). Each is allowed to equip themselves with 880,000 gp worth of gear.
My PC: Level 11; 1 Ranger/10 Paladin. Human. Favored enemy undead; Oathbound against Undead; Strength and Charisma 24. Likely feats (7): Power Attack, Furious Focus, Favored Defense, Combat Reflexes, Dodge, Blind Fight, Extra Lay on Hands. Other options: Quick Draw, Unsanctioned Knowledge. Traits: Reactionary & Magical Knack. Favored Class Bonus 10 point Energy Resistance in...Electricity?
Main Magic Items: Sun Blade with Adamantine, Keen and Mighty Cleaving added (101,335 gp); Mithral Kikko Armor +5 w/Deathless & Defiant (undead)(53,180 gp); Mithral Quickdraw Shield +1, Animated, Moderate Fortification, Defiant (undead)& Called (or Returning, waiting on DM ruling)(65,709 gp); Ring of Protection +5 (50k gp); Cloak of Resistance +5 (25k gp); Ring of Evasion (25k gp); Belt of Physical Perfection +6 (144k); Headband of Mental Prowess +6 (Char,Wis) (90k); Helm of Brilliance (125k); Unfettered Shirt (10k); Bracers of Avenging Knight (11.5k); Jaunt Boots (7.2k); Composite Longbow +1, Undead Bane (9.1k);Extend Metamagic Rod (3k); Necklace of Adaption (9k).
Probably will be filled out with some low level wands of healing, and potions.
Concept is that he will be a two handed fighter while the shield is animated, then grab the shield and fight 4 rounds sword and board while it recharges, then repeat. Spells memorized: 1)Heroes' Defiance, Divine Favor, Grace, Lesser Restoration; 2) Litany of Righteousness (x2), Resist Energy; 3rd) Deadly Juggernaut, Magical Circle against Evil.
Also, we will likely have some sort of magical assistance to enter the enemy area; either a DM special magic carpet; or perhaps a Phantom Chariot. Our strategy is not yet fully developed.
While I am fairly happy with the build I have, I am curious as to how others would tweak this build. This may be a character that is only played for one or two sessions; but would like to prove the DM wrong and actually succeed and survive.
You silly goose. You don't spend all the gold on personal equipment.
Hire the relevant crew to staff each one and aim the weapons. Make sure all your hired crew is of a decently high level, and has Gunslinger levels or something.
Bombard the ever-loving f%~$ out of the area you're going to touch down in with the siege engines. Repeat until you're out of ammo.
Wait for the smoke to clear.
Remember to have equipped yourselves and your ground crew/firing squad with Snapleaves and do the Invisible Paratroopa thing all the way to the ground.
Finish off the struggling survivors. A mere 100k from each of your funds will buy you one of these ships for each of you, and the crew won't cost all THAT much more in the grand scheme.
You silly goose. You don't spend all the gold on personal equipment.
Hire the relevant crew to staff each one and aim the weapons. Make sure all your hired crew is of a decently high level, and has Gunslinger levels or something.
Bombard the ever-loving f$%! out of the area you're going to touch down in with the siege engines. Repeat until you're out of ammo.
Wait for the smoke to clear.
Remember to have equipped yourselves and your ground crew/firing squad with Snapleaves and do the Invisible Paratroopa thing all the way to the ground.
Finish off the struggling survivors. A mere 100k from each of your funds will buy you one of these ships for each of you, and the crew won't cost all THAT much more in the grand scheme.
I guess I should have mentioned that some things like alchemists, gunslingers and summoners are NOT allowed in this campaign. Much more traditional. I had thought about a personal snapleaf though.
More background information...this kingdom is a peninsula that has been deluged by the undead that have been building up secretly for a very long time. Think of the undead as the Trollocs in the Wheel of Time. So, while the worst of it is at where our characters are going, the rest of the country is under siege.
Meh, buy an airship, whatever. Same concept.
My point is that it's much less of a suicide mission if you're smart about it.
If your GM lets you get really creative you can have an army of magical tanks and helicopters (there's one's powered by elementals in the books) wielding large Repeating Crossbows or something.
Draw out the undead, focus fire from a safe distance, rinse and repeat. Go in yourself once the fodder is dead and take out the more powerful ones like your vampires, liches, and so forth.
Still dangerous, but much less suicidal, since you're not burning your limited daily resources on things that don't matter.
Equip your cohorts with Wands or Necklaces of Fireball and watch them take out scores of skeletons and zombies with ease.
Plenty of ideas for that wealth that will probably end up better in the long run than loading up with magical bling and running headlong into an army.
Takes an army to fight an army.
Any ideas for fighting the witches, necromancers, liches, and other intelligent undead that would make mincemeat of the minions we brought? And, I can also tell you, the DM won't allow us bringing in that type of reinforcements. Summons- yes; Animal companions- yes; Critters that come from magic items- yes. Volunteers or recruits- no. We are not allowed the Leadership feat for that reason, also. There are restrictions, and it is basically what we can carry ourselves. And this is not one of the campaigns that is going to have elemental powered equipment to the degree you mentioned. Much more old school.
So basically this is a "You will die, because I will not let you intelligently allocate your resources" scenario?
That's sad, lots of potential for fun wasted there.
Buy 2 adamantine golems? You can't kill them, so that's pretty cool
We have been trying to figure out how to get some golems. Any idea where prices are listed in the standard Paizo/Pathfinder books? Third party information will not be allowed. And sadly, even if there is a price for them in the Bestiary, I have a feeling that will be vetoed by the DM, as either being a resource that is not available in the kingdom, or to valuable to leave the capitol.
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If it's only 1 or 2 sessions, I would invest more in one-shot items. Potions of high level cleric and wizard spells are nice. I would also get some "oh-s~+@" items like a Cube of Force or an Instant Fortress. If you're fighting witches, make sure the party is supplied with Beads of Newt Prevention - getting Baleful Polymorphed sucks big time. :p
Looking at that party, you're definitely going to need some items to help with crowd control. High-tier Necklace of Fireball is nice (as long as it doesn't blow up in your face!)
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buy ioun stones to make you immune to mind control (the don't eat slotted into a wayfinder), but also compulsion effects ie confusion etc. (you're immune to charm, but not confusion...)
Then also get a ring of regeneration, seriously good stuff, and jingasa of fortunate soldier, just ignore them fateful crits...
If it's only 1 or 2 sessions, I would invest more in one-shot items. Potions of high level cleric and wizard spells are nice. I would also get some "oh-s#+*" items like a Cube of Force or an Instant Fortress. If you're fighting witches, make sure the party is supplied with Beads of Newt Prevention - getting Baleful Polymorphed sucks big time. :p
Beads of Newt Protection! How did I miss that? Definitely writing that one down. Also getting a wand of Hex Ward.
Reynard & lantzkev. I did mention I have a Helm of Brilliance...that will help the Arcanist with some blast spells; but unfortunately it probably keeps me from getting the very nice Jingasa....though I suppose I could spend 1.5x more to add it to the Helm of B...
Although, with Moderate Fortification on my shield, that will prevent 50% of crits and sneak attacks, and the jingasa is just good for 1 attack. Although the +1 Luck AC may still be worth the price.
For 535,000 gp you can buy an Adamantine golem suit (note that it uses the rules from here to reduce the size of an adamantine golem to medium). This also makes you invincible vs single target effects. Also counts as a breastplate.
any attacks directed at the wearer first damage the construct...When a construct is destroyed while serving as armor, the wearer loses all the benefits...An adamantine golem is nearly impossible to destroy. Even if reduced below 0 hit points, its fast healing continues to restore hit points, though the golem is helpless unless above 0 hit points. It can only be permanently destroyed if reduced to negative hit points and then decapitated using an adamantine vorpal weapon—alternatively, miracle or wish can be used to slay it while it is at negative hit points.Because attacks always effect the goelm first, which is immune to magic and cannot be destroyed (basically), you don't get hit unless it is an AoE attack. Antimagic Field also doesn't effect golems, which is awesome.
After that you have 245K left, you'll probably a nice sword, decent bow, some wands of condition removal, a nice movement item, belt of stat ups, permanencyed arcane sight (8.38k gold, because if it has a magic item or spell on it, it glows), handy haversack or bog of holding, blah blah blah.
Adamantine Golem suits are amazing, and exactly what I'd expect a kingdom to keep in it's OH @#$% vault. Also it might make your DM a bit mad.
I am afraid that is from a source our DM is not permitting. I am not super worried about AC, more about magic. My pally is going to have a minimum 44 AC vs undead. The other tank said he may be above 50.
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I'd suggest swapping out the Ring of Evasion for one of these:
Ring of Inner Fortitude
Or
Spiritualist Rings
Witches and undead doesn't sound like you'll be facing a ton of AoE blasting, you can probably expect a lot of ability drain/damage.
Also, what is your plan for incorporeal undead? Just power through the 1/2 damage?
I'd suggest swapping out the Ring of Evasion for one of these:
Ring of Inner Fortitude
Or
Spiritualist RingsWitches and undead doesn't sound like you'll be facing a ton of AoE blasting, you can probably expect a lot of ability drain/damage.
Also, what is your plan for incorporeal undead? Just power through the 1/2 damage?
I originally had the ring of Inner Fortitude, but we are going to be covered with plenty of Death Ward spells. Also, the Undead Oath gives bonuses to that special attack as well, and against incorporeal attacks. See Invisible allows you to see ethereal, which should negate the miss chance against incorporeals...if not, we will probably just sludge through them at 1/2 damage, unless they are BBEG types that deserve a smite. I also Really need that ring of evasion, because my Helm of Brilliance has a chance to blow up if I take fire damage. With pally saves, and evasion, I should be safe. My deathless armor property gives some of the bonuses the spiritualist ring gives for protection against pos/neg energy.
Incorporeal is not miss chance, it is just 1/2 damage.
Smite doesn't affect it because it is not dr
I agree with you about the incorporeal being 1/2 damage. However MY DM prefers making it a 50/50 miss chance. In the past, he has allowed me to bypass this with See Invisible.
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Ah, then your DM is a follower of the Old Ways?
Oh! You need a pocketful of Pearls of Power. Since your spells only go up to level 3 they should be pretty economical.
Consider Fey-Touched Foundling as a feat: +2 hp to every die of healing is not to be sneezed at. That would also allow you to get some mileage out of Paladin's Sacrifice if you need to keep a teammate on their feet.
I am afraid that is from a source our DM is not permitting.It is originally on page 112-115 in Ultimate Magic, linking the SRD is just easier, and lists sources >95% of the time.
I also misread the text, only the constructor has to be the same size as the construct (odd, though bring on the crafting dragons), which means that this is legal without any other rules, albeit at 635k. You'll effectively be huge size, but also able to take on a castle single-handedly.
I found it, thanks. Will talk to the other players to see if they think this will work. I am pretty sure that we are going to need to go deep underground...and if I have to leave the suit behind to fit...that may be a deal killer. Any idea what level and class it takes to construct it? The kingdom has recently had some of its highest level wizard types assassinated...
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Also putting in fire/cold/elec etc resist on your armor...
Yes, the flat adds are a great idea with that much money. You might as well throw on Glamer for 1k gp each and have your armor looking like wizard robes and your sword like a walking stick. :) Never hurts to give the enemy a bit of extra Fear Uncertainty and Doubt when they are picking targets.
Ah, then your DM is a follower of the Old Ways?
Oh! You need a pocketful of Pearls of Power. Since your spells only go up to level 3 they should be pretty economical.
Consider Fey-Touched Foundling as a feat: +2 hp to every die of healing is not to be sneezed at. That would also allow you to get some mileage out of Paladin's Sacrifice if you need to keep a teammate on their feet.
I don't mean to brag, but my DM claims he has played with Gary G. Gygaxx back in the 70's. And he has been DMing for well over 35 years himself. So yeah...OLD School. Agree with the Pearls of Power, though they get pretty expensive after 2nd level. I will have to inquire about the Fey Foundling... We are in the DM's version of Greyhawk (of course), not Golarion.
Does he allow custom magic items? Something that has a continuous Death Ward effect would be something I'd snap up (though it'd be hella expensive. Good thing you have a heck of a lot of wealth!).
Does he allow custom magic items? Something that has a continuous Death Ward effect would be something I'd snap up (though it'd be hella expensive. Good thing you have a heck of a lot of wealth!).
Actually, one of our players designed a Death Ward item, and got it approved at 56,000 gp. I think it is underpriced, but I am not arguing with the DM on this one. That is why I am not that worried about level drains. Of course...there is also Mord's (mage's) Disjunction. We are probably going to be encountering 20th+ level casters (told you this was a suicide mission), so that is likely something the DM would do, once we all have our brand new toys.
honestly rather than fey foundling, pick up ioun stone for endurance, get die hard (now you can sleep in your armor) and then get fast healer.
If you get a ring of regen, you now have fast healing 1+1/2 con modifier, and you can act at negative hp...
While I do desire the Ring of Regen (90,000 gp), I think it would screw up my budget. However, I can get 4 wands of Cure Light Wounds for a total of 3000 gp, and do 1d8+1 hp of healing each round, when not in combat. During combat, have 14 Lay on Hands @ 5d6 healing (swift action). I am pretty sure, we will not be given any opportunity to rest/sleep. Thought about the Endurance feat for that reason, but going to have to hope the Remove Fatigue Mercy is enough.
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Blackjack and pesh then call it a day.
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If your Gm is allowing minor changes to specific magic items, see if he'll allow you to have the Sunblade based off the Nodachi instead of the Bastard sword.
Snapleaf and newt beads are nice as was said before.
Edit: Nodachi is a 2handed weapon thought....not to useful for sword and board....but really cool for crits.
Are Planar Ally or Planar Binding options open to your team, or have those spells been ruled out?
Just spend all the gold on having a really, really good time the night before your suicide mission ;)
Rod of Security
Be a magic boss and bring 199 of your best friends for 200 days to an extra dimensional swanky resort complex where they don't age. It's the vacation stick. Good for those moments when you want to go "Let me stop you right there Ancient Red Dragon, I have a pilates class in an hour".
Want to divide and conquer? Abduct one of you enemies and mercilessly destroy them in a sunny beach setting. You'll really enjoy your swift vengeance when you're sitting next to the sounds of the ocean and drinking your choice of fruit smoothie.
my own question, is why blow such a large chunk of change on helm of radiance?
It's really kewl for sure, but it's got some limitations, and is ultimately a one shot item in the end...
You could get jingasa, ring of regen, hand of lich, and the ioun stone for that price.
Well, the Helm of B DOES do constant damage to undead in a 20' radius, and it constantly gives any weapon I wield the flaming quality. On top of that, it gives Fire Resistance 30. Saving the prismatic rays for witches that stay out of melee reach. The fireballs and walls of fire will be situational...like if we are getting overrun. And being human, will have plenty of Daylight. I really do not consider it one shot. As long as I keep at least one gem unused, I continuously have the affects of the first 3 properties I listed.
The +1 luck bonus to AC from the jingasa is nice, but not extremely necessary, the other property of that hat is definitely one shot. Not sure if the ring of regen can keep up with the potential damage we are going to have. Perhaps we will have long stretches where we are not being swarmed, but as I pointed out, I can get much more healing faster, with wands (and potions) for much less money.
Not sure which item Hand of the Lich is...did it get renamed in Ultimate Equipment? And I may still get the spell absorbing Ioun stone. Only thing I don't like about that, is it says you need a readied action to use it. Wouldn't that mean to use it, you would have to forego any attacks, in hope you are targeted with a spell?
I'd load up on bane arrows; ten or so of every category of bane. More for the types of foes you know you'll face. I'm sorry if I missed it, but what style of combat is your character? Sword and board, two handed, etc.?
I'd load up on bane arrows; ten or so of every category of bane. More for the types of foes you know you'll face. I'm sorry if I missed it, but what style of combat is your character? Sword and board, two handed, etc.?
The main threat is undead. Lots of undead. HORDES of undead. Undead swarms. Undead of all levels and types. Leading them will be some necromancers...some of them may be alive. And there is at least one coven of witches known to be cooperating with them.
Main weapon is Sun Blade (bastard sword) that I will alternately wield two-handed (while shield animates) and sword and board (while shield recharges). Have a +1 composite bow with undead bane on it. Helm of Brilliance will also add the flaming quality to that. Good chance we will be attacked by flying foes. Have also considered getting a lance and a stone horse...or use the lance from the magic carpet that may be used to transport us there.
YOu need Ghost Touch on the Sun sword. DOn't argue, just take it. I'd personally add Undead Bane.
Are 3.5 magic items allowed? Token vs Undead would do it for you, too. Soulforge armor, which has that constant Death Ward, would be perfect for this mission.
Gents, remember that a Helm of Brilliance lets him add Flaming to his sword, AND has an AOE for 1-6 dmg/rd (forcing concentration checks, if nothing else) alerting you to undead nearby, AND has a ton of fireballs and prismatic sprays. Adding Ghost Touch to your armor and shield so the incorps can't touch you might also be wise.
I'd do the Energy Resistance from FC to fire or cold, myself, but your call.
Your biggest challenge is probably going to be what scrolls you bring along. Scrolls are cheap and you can afford a lot of them. Condition removal, raise deads and the like should dominate the list.
A wand of lesser restoration will probably be mandatory.
Note that you can use Lay on Hands as an offensive touch attack against undead, and Fey foundling at +2 hp/hd makes that a decently strong attack.
Anything which gives you more smites will be fine. And don't ignore ranged combat, because you can smite at range! Bring along a bow! You can always buff it with weapon bond.
==Aelryinth
Have you considered making the blade intelligent? Perhaps with a purpose of slaying undead, and the ability to detect all undead within 60'? It is an extra pair of "eyes" to watch for trouble, and those eyes could have blind sense to detect invisible enemies. If you are worried about the ego of an intelligent sword getting too high, you could have multiple intelligent items with different specialties. Perhaps your ring of regeneration can cast Restoration at will, you helmet have great senses to be your extra eyes, and your sword cast spells to help you in combat.
With that much money, why not buy off the enemy?
I realize the out-of-game answer is because that's no fun, but what is the in-game justification?
Buy a Sailing Ship that has been animated. You should be able to buy one for 70,000gp as per Ultimate Magic. We built ours with Additional Attack (1cp), Additional Movement (Burrow, Fly [Clumsy], Swim) (3cp), Constrict (1cp), and Grab (1cp). Cheaper to build one yourself, but your character is rich.
YOu need Ghost Touch on the Sun sword. DOn't argue, just take it. I'd personally add Undead Bane.
Are 3.5 magic items allowed? Token vs Undead would do it for you, too. Soulforge armor, which has that constant Death Ward, would be perfect for this mission.
Gents, remember that a Helm of Brilliance lets him add Flaming to his sword, AND has an AOE for 1-6 dmg/rd (forcing concentration checks, if nothing else) alerting you to undead nearby, AND has a ton of fireballs and prismatic sprays. Adding Ghost Touch to your armor and shield so the incorps can't touch you might also be wise.
I'd do the Energy Resistance from FC to fire or cold, myself, but your call.
Your biggest challenge is probably going to be what scrolls you bring along. Scrolls are cheap and you can afford a lot of them. Condition removal, raise deads and the like should dominate the list.
A wand of lesser restoration will probably be mandatory.
Note that you can use Lay on Hands as an offensive touch attack against undead, and Fey foundling at +2 hp/hd makes that a decently strong attack.Anything which gives you more smites will be fine. And don't ignore ranged combat, because you can smite at range! Bring along a bow! You can always buff it with weapon bond.
==Aelryinth
Each of us will have a customized item that has Death Ward on it. Because of the Oath against Undead, my pally will have Ghost Touch Armor and Shield. While I am debating about Ghost Touch on the sword, you have to remember that a Sun Blade does double damage against undead AND Crits are triple damage. My DM said they will stack...so with a minimum 2d10 + 38 + 1d6 (one handed) or 2d10 + 51 +1d6 (two handed)per hit, not counting crits, I may be able to get by without the ghost touch.
I agree with the wand of lesser restore, that was on my list that I did not mention, along with some other cheap wands. Raise Dead is not an option in this campaign...DM is hardcore that way...unless we have access to 9th level priest spells, and even that is with penalties that are not in normal PF. If they had an Extra Smite feat, I would take it, but I am going to have to ration out the ones I have.
Also, am going to avoid using LoH for either channeling or offensive attacks, unless an absolute emergency. They are far more useful as swift action heal self.