I started a similar thread in the advice forums but I figured I'd ask here as well.
I'm looking for mechanics ideas for fleshing out an Android Spellcaster concept. Instead of spells the character would use tech upgrades in his own body to project Hardlight Constructs (Like Drones and Barriers in Mass Effect) or integrated weapon system to throw Evocation type spells. Think a Mass Effect Sentinel for concept.
The obvious build would be a Conjuration specialist Wizard, but I'm playing a Wizard in another campaign. It's a different build and I don't mind playing the same class twice but something different would be cool.
Any suggestions for class and build options using this theme would be great!
For a hard Light build I would recommend Conjuration Specialist Wizard. For tech upgrades I would recommend an Abjuration specialist wizard if you wanted to do magic or perhaps a Barbarian or Monk if you wanted to do melee.
For either concept though, I wouldn't change anything other than the words. It's still effectively magic just with fancier names.
Oh I don't plan to change any mechanics at all. I'm looking for the best set of mechanics that I can find to support the concept of the character.
The character might cast a Magic Missile spell, but from an aesthetic point of view a ring of tiny missile launchers opens up around his wrist releasing projectiles that seek targets unerringly. A "fireball" might be represented by tossing a micro-grenade. A Mage Armor spell might instead be represented by tiny projectors implanted along the characters torso and vital areas that project panels of hard light. Those same projectors might also be able to allow the character to call forth a construct made entirely of hardlight in the form of an Eagle (using the stats for an Eagle).
I'm basically just trying to find out what class most seamlessly integrates with this theme and allows for the easiest aesthetic adjustment without changing mechanics.
Try using a Spellslinger, that's what I am doing.
Hmm, if your GM is letting you use the Advanced class guide you could theme a Arcanist as selecting which gadgets they are packing for the day and using battery charges to power them. Not sure on a build though as I just got the class.
Not really liking Arcanist. I tend to dislike spontaneous casters because of their late entry into each spell level. Having to stick with 1st level spells until level 4 is just something I never learned to accept.
I've gone with a Conjuration specialist Wizard, and I plan on taking the following feats:
1-Spell Focus (Conjuration)
3-Augment Summoning
5-Evolved Summoned Monster
5-(Bonus) Craft Wondrous Items
7-Evolved Summoned Monster
9-Greater Spell Focus (Conjuration)
10-(Bonus) Craft Rod
11-Improved Initiative
13-??
15-Craft Staff
15-(Bonus) Staff-Like Wand
The campaign ends at 16 so I didn't bother planning beyond that.
The general idea is that I will summon Earth Elementals at each level and use Evolved Summoned Monster to give them a bite and a pair of claws in addition to their slam. They tend to have higher strength than cats of equal level and better HP/AC so I'm going to use that to my advantage in combat.
Once I develop a name for the character I'll post the backstory idea I have so far. Any name suggesions for an Android Tech-Wizard would be helpful! Also any suggestions for a feat at 13th level I guess. Haven't decided what to take there.
Don't know anything about mass effect...but I'm building an Android Synthesist based on the idea that he has more advanced/magically enhanced nanites (probably a Technic experiment)....