Right, but a mind blade isn't a weapon and can't be enchanted, which makes a one level dip to weapon finesse a 2h weapon less than ideal. When you want to upgrade you'd need to switch to a mundane weapon, and that would require picking up Exotic WP for the curved blade (or being an elf I suppose). Of course the point is moot since it seems you've come up with a solution.
Ah, yes, very true.
Actually, if you're going Cutthroat, I'd stay with the Dex build. At 5th level Soul-knife you can make your weapon +1 agile, so you're set on damage. Higher dex will go well with evasion/imp. evasion, which you can pick up with blade skills as a cutthroat. Also, while you don't get Weapon Finesse for free, you can pick it up as a Blade Skill at level 2. Do keep at least 13 str for Power Attack though, since a 2H finesse weapon doesn't work with Piranha strike.
Well, we have a few options here. Let's assume that my stat options are 18 Dex / 14 Str, or 16 Dex / 16 Str. And that without having to take Agile, I'd take something like Flaming.
14 Str / 18 Dex
Light Finesse w/ Agile: 1d4 + 4
One-Handed Finesse w/ Agile: 1d6 + 4
Two-Handed Finesse w/ Agile: 1d8 + 4
16 Str / 16 Dex
Light w/ Flaming: 1d4 + 3 + 1d6
One-Handed w/ Flaming: 1d6 + 3 + 1d6
Two-Handed w/ Flaming: 1d8 + 3 + 1d6
The only way I think the Finesse / Agile thing might work is if I also pick up TWF. But then I'm two feats, a blade skill, and a weapon enhancement behind. Plus not having spent the feats on those means I'd be free to pick up Power Attack, or Weapon Focus or something.
Thinking of using that Noble Wild rulebook and going as a Noble Big Cat-if I take a level in their racial class thingy, I get pounce, along with a few nice ability bonuses and natural armor. Put that on a barbarian, and hoo boy that's gonna be fun.
The 2H Mindblade would still be 2d6 damage (Finesse greatsword, woop!) since the base 2h damage is 2d6, and the Mindblade Finesse skill allows you to apply it even if that weapon type would not normally allow it.
So:
14 Str/18 Dex
+1 Two-Handed Finesse w/Agile & Power Attack: 2d6 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 18 avg
16 Str/16 Dex
+1 Two-Handed Str w/Flaming & Power Attack: 2d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 4 (4.5 rounded down) + 6 = 21.5 avg
Str definitely starts off better, and if you were to focus entirely on strength, it definitely wins in damage later on. On the other hand Dex will net you better saves and AC, at a small (3.5 + 0.5*stat mod) loss in average damage. Dex also allows for better Acrobatics, which you'll need to get your greatsword backstabs in.
Edit: The averages above neglect that you're +1 to hit with the dex, which is roughly 5% more damage.
The 2H Mindblade would still be 2d6 damage (Finesse greatsword, woop!) since the base 2h damage is 2d6, and the Mindblade Finesse skill allows you to apply it even if that weapon type would not normally allow it.
So:
14 Str/18 Dex
+1 Two-Handed Finesse w/Agile & Power Attack: 2d6 + 1 + 4 + 6 = 18 avg16 Str/16 Dex
+1 Two-Handed Str w/Flaming & Power Attack: 2d6 + 1 + 1d6 + 4 (4.5 rounded down) + 6 = 21.5 avgStr definitely starts off better, and if you were to focus entirely on strength, it definitely wins in damage later on. On the other hand Dex will net you better saves and AC, at a small (3.5 + 0.5*stat mod) loss in average damage. Dex also allows for better Acrobatics, which you'll need to get your greatsword backstabs in.
Edit: The averages above neglect that you're +1 to hit with the dex, which is roughly 5% more damage.
I'm a Blue, so the damage will be scale down 1 step - 1d8 instead of 2d6. Otherwise that does seem accurate.
Though I don't agree on the +1 to hit with Dex, since I could easily take Weapon Focus instead of Weapon Finesse, it would even out. But still, hrm, yes. I may go that route after all. I'm still not sure that the loss of feats makes up the difference, though.
Thinking of using that Noble Wild rulebook and going as a Noble Big Cat-if I take a level in their racial class thingy, I get pounce, along with a few nice ability bonuses and natural armor. Put that on a barbarian, and hoo boy that's gonna be fun.
Take all the levels and you'll get nice stuff, really. I'm considering a Constrictor Snake too, actually.
I'm a Blue, so the damage will be scale down 1 step - 1d8 instead of 2d6. Otherwise that does seem accurate.Though I don't agree on the +1 to hit with Dex, since I could easily take Weapon Focus instead of Weapon Finesse, it would even out. But still, hrm, yes. I may go that route after all. I'm still not sure that the loss of feats makes up the difference, though.
Oh ok, missed the bit about Blue being small. Not so familiar with the Psi-races.
Weapon finesse isn't a huge cost as a blade skill given that you get so many, but it's a valid point nevertheless. In the end Dex can't win in damage, so it's more about whether you feel the extra AC/Reflex and boost to skills like acrobatics and stealth is worth it.
Also, high Dex applies to ranged attacks as well, which could help.
Cutthroat also grants some sneak attack as well.
You could run a Ranged build and go with Marksman.
Can never have too many ranged characters. =)
Until there are no front liners.
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Bah, who needs 'em. There'll be so many arrows flying we'll all have Total Concealment.
Weapon finesse isn't a huge cost as a blade skill given that you get so many, but it's a valid point nevertheless. In the end Dex can't win in damage, so it's more about whether you feel the extra AC/Reflex and boost to skills like acrobatics and stealth is worth it.
Also, high Dex applies to ranged attacks as well, which could help. Cutthroat also grants some sneak attack as well.
You could run a Ranged build and go with Marksman.
These are all good points. I did have it in mind that I didn't want to go with ranged, though, as it didn't fit the character I had in mind. Anyway, I did some statting up - there's a few things I haven't worked out yet, but here's how she's looking at the moment for anyone curious. Takesh. I'm still writing the backstory, but any feedback on the build is of course welcomed. (I did end up going with the Dex build).
Bah, who needs 'em. There'll be so many arrows flying we'll all have Total Concealment.
Gonna withdraw from contention. There's a ton of competition, and by the time the GM can get back, I'll be travelling. Good luck everyone.
Part of me wants to do a marksman as well. I've been wanting to try that cannoneer archetype.
Hello,
Though I have played Pathfinder numerous times in the past, this will (hopefully) be my first time playing online.
I am very excited about trying this! I want to play a Soulknife.
Here is my character. At the bottom you will find boxes for background / personality / appearance. http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=975112
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Nice to meet you. You'll find that we are using the gestalt rules(which can be found on the d20srd, but not the d20pfsrd) and a funny point buy I can't remember right now. We're also level five.
So, Im actually IN?!?
If so, GREAT, when do we play? I can be level 5 in half an hour tops, if you give me the appropriate details (point buy, gold)
i am familiar with the gestalt rules. I will probably gestalt with a fighter.
EDIT: ok someone got overexcited. 26 1 for 1 point buy sounds amazing ^__^
although i really dont know what kind of monstrocity we will be facing :P
I will go edit my character to a level 5 gestalt soulknife/fighter O_O which actually gives all good saves XD
i will get standard level 5 gold, will edit if DM says more/less
http://www.myth-weavers.com/sheetview.php?sheetid=978771
there it is! (remember, background/personality/appearance at the bottom)
(+1 breastplate gives +7 armor instead of +8, but i put +8 because of the bracers of armor, so that Touch and Flat-Footed AC could be calculated correctly)
(I used pathfinder average HP = 6 for d10, and used 4/5 favorite class as HP and 1 as SP)
(For the Emulate Melee Weapon blade skill I essentially emulated wakizashi, but I like the sound of katana more ^__^ so i just wrote it down as a small katana)
gotta say, I'm loving these buffed up stats
...Cricket, it's your ball for the backstory...
Wasn't someone talking about running an all psionic game a while back? Whatever happened to that?
I think that was me at one point. :)
Anybody heard from Ocularus?
*Wind blows*
*Tumbleweed rolls*
Unfortunately, Rynjin, I believe so.
It's like one of the old Amazing Stories or Twilight Zone episodes where a guy walks away from a car crash into a bar, parties hard, buys the bar after winning at gambling, then wakes up to find he is a ghost now tied to an empty bar...
I guess I mean, it was awesome... and therefore too good to be true. :(
I'm messaging the GM now. Will let you know what's up asap.
I'm back to post this for you all! Sorry for my absence, my glucose levels have been going from low to high and it's taken a lot out of me about the last week or so. If any of you would like proof of my issues, I can post some doctors findings. I don't want people to just think I decided to abandon everyone for some trivial reason. This campaign IS still happening though, so don't pack your proverbial bags and head home just yet! I know someone will probably say they'll believe it when they see it, but you will indeed see it later. I'm about to cash in for the night since it's almost dawn, but prepare for a substantial post on stats, if not everything including all the fluff about Axos!
excellent. cant wait for more races.
Good news!
Oh, so I can't take over ,that's good news.
Ok, the basics on CC.
3PP friendly.
RACES: Those I listed, which stats will be posted for.
CLASSES: Gestalt, with one half REQUIRED as a Psionic class.
Max HP per HD.
2 traits.
Starting Level 7.
Max Starting Gold + GP based on character level.
26 point buy, one a 1-1 basis from a base of 10, may reduce a score up to 2 points to gain that amount to distribute amongst other scores.
Sorry all I posted is the basics, but I've been working on catching up reading with my campaigns and working on an important assignment. Races and fluff will trickle in, but for now, it's time to log out!
EltonJ, if you want, I can send you some material I have prepared. If you are interested, that is!
I'll certainly check it out.
I'm going to withdraw from consideration for this; I have more irons in the fire than I thought I did.
GL & HF
Ghorrin
I'm going to ask before I do this, because some GMs might consider it cheesy.
How do you feel about me "juggling" class levels in Metamorph?
For example (well example in the sense of "this is exactly what I want to do") take one level of Metamorph swapping off Aegis, then the second, third, fourth, and fifth from Psion, then the sixth level off Aegis, and back to Psion.
I ask because it seems like a handy way to get around losing TWO whole Manifester Levels from the PrC.
If so, I'd probably do at least four levels of Aegis in that (grabbing the Student of the Astral Suit Feat to keep up the one thing I care about from Aegis, the suit and its beastly augmentations), then the rest Psion barring those two "lose a manifester level" levels.
I understand if that's a negative though.
Takesh reporting in for consideration.
Finally!
Whoa... Level 7? Hmmm... Might have to think about that. But still, ought to be fun!
Seems it ate my earlier post. Eh, wasn't very important anyway.
Just said I was waiting on more setting details before solidifying my story into something more specific than "Survives in the wilds of <Insert location Here> because he neither understands people very well nor do they understand him, and he developed reactive shapeshifting powers to help him survive".
Also need basic plot/campaign details to fix that up into a coherent "But now he has a reason", or scrap it entirely and rebuild story-wise.
Just said I was waiting on more setting details before solidifying my story into something more specific than "Survives in the wilds of <Insert location Here> because he neither understands people very well nor do they understand him, and he developed reactive shapeshifting powers to help him survive".
Also need basic plot/campaign details to fix that up into a coherent "But now he has a reason", or scrap it entirely and rebuild story-wise.
Yeah, mine's pretty absurdly vague at the moment, too. Figure I can patch it up as more information becomes available.
I expected way more applicants for this game. Has everyone just kind of wandered of? Although I suppose a lot of them may be waiting for Race information as well.
Waiting on race info myself
There were a lot of applicants at the start but when a Recruitment thread drags on for almost a month with very few posts from the prospective GM people start to lose interest.
. . . when a Recruitment thread drags on for almost a month with very few posts from the prospective GM people start to lose interest.
True enough.
I'm still thinking a blue psion/thrallherd//tactician, but I've not put anything together. Maybe should throw a few other ideas together... like a half giant vitalist//psychic warrior who tosses around hostile empathic transfers like angry smites?... :D
I've decided on a Marksman/Rogue (Sniper). Race is TBD at this time.
Is Path of War stuff kosher? If so I would like to submit an Elan Psion (Nomad)//Warder (Zwiehander Sentinel)
I'm still here.
*Violently shoves a fork into the thread*
I think it's done.