Pure sorc to DD, poly reliant idea

[plaidwandering]

I've been tossing around this idea of running a pure sorc up into DD

Would rely primarily on natural attacks gained from polymorph spells and/or bloodline powers - maybe a bit of simple weapon action at low level

I was thinking Sorc 1-6 to get into monstrous physique as quickly as possible. Then DD for better HP/to hit etc.

My idea of doing pure sorc into it rather than 1 and a martial is for the poly and other spells...leading up to it blur, alter self, eventually haste, greater invis, shield, mage armor off wand likely

Going to want melee stats to help survive and just enough CHA to cast buffs as you get to them

So likely on a 20 pt buy:

str 14+2
dex 14
con 14
int 10
wis 10
cha 14

obviously some races could adjust to desired stats better than others.

Feats: 1st toughness or arcane strike, 3rd power attack, 5th extend maybe? or + saves

Haven't thought through traits at all yet.

Going all gargoyle and other such just seems quite fun.

[EvilPaladin]

If its available, Angelkin variant Aasimar bloodline is nice for this, since it give Strength and Charisma bonuses. Otherwise, I'd suggest Human for the bonus feat, get Toughness&Arcane Strike at first level. Also, if you are going Dragon Disciple, getting Magical Knack is a good idea for the +2CL. And later, picking up Improved Eldritch Heritage Orc or Abyssal might be a good idea for some more Strength bonuses.

[Claxon]

Even with going Dragon Disciple you would be behind the curve for to hit and damage.

May I instead suggest you use the Bloodrager from the Advanced Class guide. In fact, you can take the Dragon Bloodline and do exactly what it sounds like you want with 0 problems, and the bloodrager is a combination barbarian sorcerer. Then, if you really want you can still take levels in Dragon Disciple for the other bonuses.

[plaidwandering]

Yes Angelkin would be great for this, both the stats and SLA. For PFS players with under a month to get 1 xp, I'd like to build with the thinking it won't be available. If it is available, I could see starting with 18 STR.

How do you feel about the dex level, is the 14 for a little AC and Init too much for the buy cost?

Improved heritage for orc/abyssal would be a nice lvl 11 boost and continue scaling, thanks for that.

I'm not interested in the bloodrager for this character, as they won't be polying(and very limited) until quite a bit higher.

The to hit and damage should mostly be taken care of by the poly spells and STR bonuses. Gargoyle, then 4 armed gargoyle, and then dragonform give a lot of attacks and flying.

[Claxon]

Problem is that you only gain 2 strength by changing into a gargoyle. Sure, you will get plenty of natural attacks.

But between your relatively poor strength and your poor BAB progression as a sorcerer and only 3/4 BAB as a dragon disciple you will have a terrible time trying to hit anything.

Even as you turn into bigger creatures with higher strength bonuses you wont make up for the missing BAB. And by giving yourself so little charisma you wont have many spells you can cast in a day and none will be successful offensively because you save DCs will be incredibly low.

Not to mention you will lack hp. At level 1 you have 8 hp. Get hit twice and you're most likely unconcious. Of course, low levels are very swingy like that.

But even at level 6 you will only have an average of about ~33 hp. Not to mention that you wont have access to any of the shape changing spells until you get third level spells. At level 6. Six levels of not even being able to polymorph into something useful to help you out.