Largest Number of Attacks?

[Revolving Door Alternate]

A friend wants a reoccurring lone NPC that will be used throughout most of the campaign.
So levels 3 to around level 12, probably kept within 1 level of APL.
Lone, so can't rely on buffs from an ally.
ARG races only, no Grell or hydra please

He wants the NPC to have the largest number of attacks possible. he doesn't really care if they have a moderately crappy to hit modifier or even do much damage. Actually it might be better if they do not do a huge amount of damage.

A 'buzz saw' or 'death my a thousand cuts' type of build.

I'm not sure where to start, but my first thought was combining flurry of blows and TWF (not sure if that is that even possible). So, any suggestions on a build with the most attacks?

[GeneMemeScene]

You can't combine Flurry with TWF.

An eidolon can two weapon fight with weapons while having lots of natural attacks to get 13 attacks on a full attack.

[Revolving Door Alternate]

I think he is wanting just 1 character, but a synthesis should work for what he described. Never thought of that.

[Ellioti]

For level 11/12, the best thing you can do is combine Improved Two-Weapon Fighting with Rapid Shot and Haste and Flurry of Stars Ninja Trick (+spend another Ki point for one more), which is doable for throwing weapons. Shurikens are most flavorful.

The Shuricannon would shoot at -6/-6/-6/-6/-6/-6/-6/-11/-11

Full BAB Class with Greater TWF would be at -4/-4/-4/-4/-9/-9/-14/-14

[Brad McDowell]

a 10th level monk with Medusa's Wrath would have 4 attacks plus the 2 from MW. At 12th level they would have 5+2 and a much easier time of getting MW to work.

[StabbittyDoom]

For sheer quantity you're not going to beat synthesist. If they use quadruped base form they can take Extra Limbs (Arms) and Tentacle to start with 3 attacks (1 manufactured, 2 natural), then quickly build more with TWFing at 3rd or 5th level along with growing natural attack quantities. You should be able to hit double-digit attack quantities by around 9th level using your own power. (5 natural, 4 manufactured, +1 haste).

Alternatively, use Biped base form and just cross out the free claws and buy tentacles so you can start with 4 attacks (5 with TWFing).

[Ellioti]

StabbittyDoom wrote:

For sheer quantity you're not going to beat synthesist. If they use quadruped base form they can take Extra Limbs (Arms) and Tentacle to start with 3 attacks (1 manufactured, 2 natural), then quickly build more with TWFing at 3rd or 5th level along with growing natural attack quantities. You should be able to hit double-digit attack quantities by around 9th level using your own power. (5 natural, 4 manufactured, +1 haste).

Alternatively, use Biped base form and just cross out the free claws and buy tentacles so you can start with 4 attacks (5 with TWFing).

Eidolons are limited in their number of natural attacks according to the Eidolon table

[StabbittyDoom]

Ellioti wrote:

StabbittyDoom wrote:

For sheer quantity you're not going to beat synthesist. If they use quadruped base form they can take Extra Limbs (Arms) and Tentacle to start with 3 attacks (1 manufactured, 2 natural), then quickly build more with TWFing at 3rd or 5th level along with growing natural attack quantities. You should be able to hit double-digit attack quantities by around 9th level using your own power. (5 natural, 4 manufactured, +1 haste).

Alternatively, use Biped base form and just cross out the free claws and buy tentacles so you can start with 4 attacks (5 with TWFing).

Eidolons are limited in their number of natural attacks according to the Eidolon table

A limit to which I adhered. (EDIT: I do admit that there does not appear to be language saying you can forfeit free evolutions, but most DMs would probably allow it. If not you have to buy Additional Limbs(Arms) to wield your weapons so that you don't have wasted natural attacks.)

The synthesist still has the most attacks without requiring on circumstance (e.g. whirlwind or come and get me). Most characters can get at most 7 attacks, or 8 with haste or a haste-like effect. Synthesist can get that many JUST with natural attacks at 19th level, PLUS can also do a full manufactured attack spread on top (though at medium BAB, this caps at 6 attacks instead of 7). That's a total of 13, or 14 with haste. Only circumstantial abitilities designed for hitting lots of little guys once each can pass that. Even without TWFing that's 10 attacks, which is still quite impressive.

[ShroudedInLight]

Ragebred Skinwalker Alchemists are pretty buff with 8 Natural Attacks.

A gunslinger duel-wielding double barrled Pistols can manage 8 by late game, but double barreled pistols fire two shots so it's like 16. That's super munchkiny though.

4 from BAB, 3 from TWF line, 1 from Rapid Shot.

[Imbicatus]

An enlarged dwarf with a reach weapon and the dwarven cleave feats can put out a very large number of attacks, limited only by the number of opponents.

They aren't going to be against single targets, but with Goblin Cleaver and Orc Hewer making it you can cleave non-adjacent foes, you are only limited by reach.

[Rodinia]

Here's a mid-level human cleric and mount who sometimes gets 11 attacks per round. Similar to what Imbicatus suggests above, really. The same build would work for any mounted humanoid, and doesn't need to be a cleric. This defensive build only gets this huge number of attacks when several foes are stupid enough to move close. Fortunately for you, that sort of aggressive-to-the-point-of-stupid behavior is exactly how many player characters tend to fight. You know your players.

This build is not particularly dangerous if your PCs are cautious and use smart tactics, but is crushingly effective against tactically-challenged loose-cannon PCs who always rush into battle.

P.s. The link mentions Haste from an ally, but a cleric can self-buff the Haste effect in several different ways. Also Haste is not very important in this case. Note that, if the rider is a spell caster, it can move and cast a spell every round, yet still take up to 7 AoOs if anything tries to approach. This build is most effective as a Spell Caster on a Martial Chassis, although it also works for a pure martial.

P.P.s. This build is especially effective against PCs built to fight adjacent to foes, such as TWF. Add in Longarm, some Spell Resistance, the ability to Deflect Missiles, and Enlarge both for 15-25' reach, and this monstrosity can possibly stand up to an entire party for a while.

P.P.P.s. Again, it depends how tactically savvy your PCs are. This build approach is a trap for stupid. A stupid PC will try to rush this foe, with humorous (from GM's perspective) results. I.e. First the charger gets tripped at reach by the mount, then takes a prone AoO (extra +10 to hit!),then must eventually stand up and take 2 more prone AoOs (at extra +8 and +10 to hit from mount and rider, respectively). It can do this versus several foes each round. Tactically savvy PCs will refuse to engage, and will instead hang back and pound it with missile fire and spells.

[Timdog]

Monk with two weapon fighting and claws +bite from dragon. Gets fun :)