Character planning

[VennDygrem]

Orphans have always been good fodder for heroic adventurers. 

Anyway, yeah, that sounds fine. I didn't want to just say he was abandoned by his human parent at birth, since I wanted him to have a more complex history. However, it's also midnight and I've barely gotten any sleep this week, so please forgive any extra babble from me.

We'll say that he was left with the human parent, who eventually abandoned him after it became clear that he was a "tiefling" of sorts, inheriting demonic traits rather than simply being a normal child as they had hoped. Captured by slavers, he was freed by the monks, who taught him both the combat and subversive arts. He shined at social manipulation, but truly excelled at the martial arts. Being immortal, Cade could certainly have been there when the two others attempted to steal the sword, and certainly could be just as old as is necessary for the campaign. I can work on this part to fit around just how Agita decides the rogue came to be part of the monastery.

It also seems we have a primarily neutral and evil party so far. Is anyone else who's still planning their character planning on being good? How does this alignment set affect the overall goal of the campaign?
For reference, I don't plan on Cade being Evil, but neither is he outright Good. Either True Neutral or Chaotic Neutral seem to fit best. Being demonspawn, chaotic fits more, not to mention with his personality, though I seem to roll lots of CN characters. Perhaps this is the first chance I'll get to play the alignment correctly? 

[Agita]

I was planning more on Umbral Awn being basically spoils of war that my character picked up after the Temple of the Nine Swords (see ToB) was destroyed and being petrified at some later point in time. I'm fine with it being a planned gig, but that would remove the aspect of her not knowing what the dagger actually is and beg questions like"why didn't they take UA away after they petrified her as a punishment?". Whatever you guys like best.

As far as alignment is concerned, My character is Evil leaning towards Neutral, more on the evil because it's more convenient side, rather than deliberately immoral. I can just change this to True Neutral if anyone's concept would cause problems with it.

[InnaBinder]

I was planning more on Umbral Awn being basically spoils of war that my character picked up after the Temple of the Nine Swords (see ToB) was destroyed and being petrified at some later point in time. I'm fine with it being a planned gig, but that would remove the aspect of her not knowing what the dagger actually is and beg questions like"why didn't they take UA away after they petrified her as a punishment?". Whatever you guys like best.

As far as alignment is concerned, My character is Evil leaning towards Neutral, more on the evil because it's more convenient side, rather than deliberately immoral.

Working on the concept that I know your character and was part of the original attempt to steal or recover it, my thought was that they kept it petrified at first as a method of preventing its capture by those forces that sacked the Temple of 9 to begin with.  Perhaps the survivors concocted the "Wielder of Umbral Awn one of the Nine Swords, in life-size; artist's rendition (artist unkown)" story and plaque so that it would be safe.  As years passed, the origins of the statue got confused, information got lost and misremembered, and the statue was eventually considered 'just a statue', until....*dunDUNDUN*

Sejanus' involvement in the heist was part of his attempt to establish a power base.  Earlier attempts to increase his personal power had resulted in failure in Mulhorand, which forced Sejanus to flee in exile to [starting point].  After licking his wounds, Sejanus found the capture of an artifact like the Umbral Awn an opportunity too tempting to pass up.  Things again went badly, and Sejanus barely escaped with his life.  With the extended lifespan afforded him by his Elan nature, he was content to lay low for a long time, awaiting some opportunity to again attempt a power grab, this time better prepared.  When he heard that someone matching Ris-Janna's description was around, he investigated, found his old co-conspirator, free and in possession of the Umbral Awn.  The time seemed right, but a kobold's dabbling with a Sarrukh's power put all that in jeopardy...   

[Kuroimaken]

Can I get a katana-reflavored Gnome Quickrazor? 

[PhaedrusXY]

Can I get a katana-reflavored Gnome Quickrazor?  

Oh god... are you going to be an Iaijutsu Master now?

Did you notice the Combat Looting feat in Races of War? No more need to use a dinky and ridiculous gnome's razor anymore for your slicing and dicing needs!

http://dungeons.wikia.com/wiki/Races_of_War_%283.5e_Sourcebook%29/Warriors_with_Style#The_Failure_of_Feats

Combat Looting [Combat]
You can put things into your pants in the middle of combat.

Benefits: This is a combat feat that scales with your Base Attack Bonus.

    * +0: You may sheathe or store an object as a free action.
    * +1: You get a +3 bonus to Disarm attempts. Picking up objects off the ground does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
    * +6: As a Swift action, you may take a ring, amulet/necklace, headband, bracer, or belt from an opponent you have successfully grappled. You may pick up an item off the ground in the middle of a move action.
    * +11: If you are grappling with an opponent, you may activate or deactivate their magic items with a successful Use Magic Device check. You may make Appraise checks as a free action.
    * +16: You can take 10 on Use Magic Device and Sleight of Hand checks.

I don't know what use magic device has to do with it, though. I think I'd rather replace that last one with something else, but I'm not sure what.

[Kuroimaken]

Can I get a katana-reflavored Gnome Quickrazor? 

Oh god... are you going to be an Iaijutsu Master now?

Did you notice the Combat Looting feat in Races of War? No more need to use a dinky and ridiculous gnome's razor anymore for your slicing and dicing needs!

http://dungeons.wikia.com/wiki/Races_of_War_%283.5e_Sourcebook%29/Warriors_with_Style#The_Failure_of_Feats

Combat Looting [Combat]
You can put things into your pants in the middle of combat.

Benefits: This is a combat feat that scales with your Base Attack Bonus.

    * +0: You may sheathe or store an object as a free action.
    * +1: You get a +3 bonus to Disarm attempts. Picking up objects off the ground does not provoke an attack of opportunity.
    * +6: As a Swift action, you may take a ring, amulet/necklace, headband, bracer, or belt from an opponent you have successfully grappled. You may pick up an item off the ground in the middle of a move action.
    * +11: If you are grappling with an opponent, you may activate or deactivate their magic items with a successful Use Magic Device check. You may make Appraise checks as a free action.
    * +16: You can take 10 on Use Magic Device and Sleight of Hand checks.

I don't know what use magic device has to do with it, though. I think I'd rather replace that last one with something else, but I'm not sure what.

Just planning on using the skill, actually.

[PhaedrusXY]

Just planning on using the skill, actually.

You know... how about we just say you can apply it to all your attacks after you draw your weapon (but not attacks of opportunity, etc), and not make you sheathe and redraw your weapon over and over? Because the latter is just retarded...

[Kuroimaken]

Just planning on using the skill, actually.

You know... how about we just say you can apply it to all your attacks after you draw your weapon (but not attacks of opportunity, etc), and not make you sheathe and redraw your weapon over and over? Because the latter is just retarded...

Oooh, don't forget the flat-footed bit, which is even moreso!

Wouldn't I still have to resheathe the weapon if I wanted to do it next round though?

[PhaedrusXY]

Just planning on using the skill, actually.

You know... how about we just say you can apply it to all your attacks after you draw your weapon (but not attacks of opportunity, etc), and not make you sheathe and redraw your weapon over and over? Because the latter is just retarded...

Oooh, don't forget the flat-footed bit, which is even moreso!

Wouldn't I still have to resheathe the weapon if I wanted to do it next round though?

Yeah, I wasn't implying that this would work if they weren't flatfooted. And yes, you'd need to resheathe to do it again on the next round. How were you planning on making them flat-footed again, though? (I know there are ways. Just wondering what you're planning on using.)

To be honest... I don't really like the Iaijutsu Focus skill all that much. It feels like pseudo-sneak attack, especially if it is cheesed out to apply to all of your attacks, and I think you should have to invest more than a few skill points to get something like that. I don't really think it's going to break the game or anything, though (unless you use it on a cheesed out IM, but that's really a problem with the PrC, not the skill).

I won't ban it, but I'm not going to house rule stuff to enable it. Well...more than not having to resheathe after every attack, which I think is a pretty decent bonus. You could get a Least Weapon Crystal of Return and take the Combat Looting feat I posted above, and be able to do what you want. Or use a gnome quickrazor...

[Kuroimaken]

Just planning on using the skill, actually.

You know... how about we just say you can apply it to all your attacks after you draw your weapon (but not attacks of opportunity, etc), and not make you sheathe and redraw your weapon over and over? Because the latter is just retarded...

Oooh, don't forget the flat-footed bit, which is even moreso!

Wouldn't I still have to resheathe the weapon if I wanted to do it next round though?

Yeah, I wasn't implying that this would work if they weren't flatfooted. And yes, you'd need to resheathe to do it again on the next round. How were you planning on making them flat-footed again, though? (I know there are ways. Just wondering what you're planning on using.)

To be honest... I don't really like the Iaijutsu Focus skill all that much. It feels like pseudo-sneak attack, especially if it is cheesed out to apply to all of your attacks, and I think you should have to invest more than a few skill points to get something like that. I don't really think it's going to break the game or anything, though (unless you use it on a cheesed out IM, but that's really a problem with the PrC, not the skill).

I won't ban it, but I'm not going to house rule stuff to enable it. Well...more than not having to resheathe after every attack, which I think is a pretty decent bonus. You could get a Least Weapon Crystal of Return and take the Combat Looting feat I posted above, and be able to do what you want. Or use a gnome quickrazor...

I like Iaijutsu Focus more for its flavor than its functionality as a cheesed skill. There's just something about the entire concept that I find extremely attractive (having practiced some Iaijutsu probably has to do with this).

[PhaedrusXY]

I like Iaijutsu Focus more for its flavor than its functionality as a cheesed skill. There's just something about the entire concept that I find extremely attractive (having practiced some Iaijutsu probably has to do with this).

Edit: Yeah, I like the flavor, but hate the implementation. Functionally, there isn't much difference between it and Sudden Strike, except Sudden Strike requires class levels and is easier to pull off. So mechanically, I'd prefer a reflavored Sudden Strike to having something like Iaijutsu that is based on a skill. In fact, if I were redoing a Samurai class to include Iaijutsu, I'd probably give them a Sudden Strike progression and call it Iaijutsu.

[Agita]

One, since a Tiefling's favored class is Rogue, I can take any sub levels I want. This opens up the Goliath Rogue's Mountain Mettle, which is basically Evasion for Fort, with a +4 tacked on. A good Fort save is always nice, but I'm wondering how useful MM would be compared to Evasion. There are many Ref half or partial effects that are good to avoid entirely. There are fewer Fort half/partial effects, and most aren't that impressive when you make the save (like 5d6 damage or whatever). Just randomly strolling through a Cloudkill, stabbing its caster in the gut, and being like "yo what's up" does sound appealing, though.

Still Undecided on this. Any opinions or points I haven't considered?

[PhaedrusXY]

One, since a Tiefling's favored class is Rogue, I can take any sub levels I want. This opens up the Goliath Rogue's Mountain Mettle, which is basically Evasion for Fort, with a +4 tacked on. A good Fort save is always nice, but I'm wondering how useful MM would be compared to Evasion. There are many Ref half or partial effects that are good to avoid entirely. There are fewer Fort half/partial effects, and most aren't that impressive when you make the save (like 5d6 damage or whatever). Just randomly strolling through a Cloudkill, stabbing its caster in the gut, and being like "yo what's up" does sound appealing, though.

Still Undecided on this. Any opinions or points I haven't considered?

You can gain Evasion from the Tome version of Lightning Reflexes. In my house rules I state that the Tome versions of these feats are limited to those that already have the respective save as a "good save" (which can be accomplished by taking my version of these feats), but if you're a rogue that isn't a problem. I could probably be persuaded to drop that requirement anyway, if someone really wanted me to.


And how are you getting the thing about taking any sublevels you want?

[Agita]

One, since a Tiefling's favored class is Rogue, I can take any sub levels I want. This opens up the Goliath Rogue's Mountain Mettle, which is basically Evasion for Fort, with a +4 tacked on. A good Fort save is always nice, but I'm wondering how useful MM would be compared to Evasion. There are many Ref half or partial effects that are good to avoid entirely. There are fewer Fort half/partial effects, and most aren't that impressive when you make the save (like 5d6 damage or whatever). Just randomly strolling through a Cloudkill, stabbing its caster in the gut, and being like "yo what's up" does sound appealing, though.

Still Undecided on this. Any opinions or points I haven't considered?

You can gain Evasion from the Tome version of Lightning Reflexes. In my house rules I state that the Tome versions of these feats are limited to those that already have the respective save as a "good save", but if you're a rogue that isn't a problem. I could probably be persuaded to drop that requirement anyway, if someone really wanted me to.


And how are you getting the thing about taking any sublevels you want?

From here. If you don't want to go with that one, that's fine too, then the point is basically moot anyway.

[Prime32]

Here's an idea for you guys - what if your means of time travelling is harnessing the natural "skipping" ability of Kuro's character? Just find him a magical golden bracelet with a gem to control it, which occasionally sends him telepathic messages from your employer...

[PhaedrusXY]

/Warriors_with_Class#Favored_Classes]here[/url]. If you don't want to go with that one, that's fine too, then the point is basically moot anyway.

Nah, that's fine. I'd just missed that. I only read so far as "we're throwing out multiclass XP penalties".

I have no problem with the "cross-class skills don't count double skill points" rule, either. Basically, everyone would get Able Learner for free. I should have probably mentioned that before now. Hope it doesn't make our resident clerk/assassin flip out and stab me with a pen or something.

Here's an idea for you guys - what if your means of time travelling is harnessing the natural "skipping" ability of Kuro's character? Just find him a magical golden bracelet with a gem to control it, which occasionally sends him telepathic messages from your employer...

Ok I'm missing a reference somewhere, I guess...

I had thought of tying in his ability, or the "time demon's", to the... er... mechanism I plan on giving them to travel through time. I still might. I haven't decided.

I don't think I'm going to give them an "employer", although it does make things easier on the DM to do it that way... and I had considered it earlier.

[Bozwevial]

/Warriors_with_Class#Favored_Classes]here[/url]. If you don't want to go with that one, that's fine too, then the point is basically moot anyway.

Nah, that's fine. I'd just missed that. I only read so far as "we're throwing out multiclass XP penalties".

I have no problem with the "cross-class skills don't count double skill points" rule, either. Basically, everyone would get Able Learner for free. I should have probably mentioned that before now. Hope it doesn't make our resident clerk/assassin flip out and stab me with a pen or something.

Marlowe is perfectly fine with his four ranks in Forgery.

[Agita]

Nah, that's fine. I'd just missed that. I only read so far as "we're throwing out multiclass XP penalties".

Okay, cool. I had totally forgotten about Lightning Reflexes and pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I wouldn't be getting Evasion if I wanted that +16 BAB. That's cool, then. I'll need to think up a feat progression. Something like
Background: IUS
1: Weapon Finesse
Fighter 1: TWF
3: Blind Fighting
Fighter 2: Elusive Target
Swordsage 1: Weapon Focus (Shadow Hand Preferred Weapons)
6: Spring Attack
9: Shadow Blade
12: Lightning Reflexes
15: Gloom Razor
18: Adaptive Style? Blitz or Danger Sense or whatever. Not like we're gonna get this high in all likelyhood.

EDIT: How could I forget Darkstalker?

[VennDygrem]

So I've been trying to come up with a list of equipment for my character. Core monks need a lot of items to boost unarmed strike damage/levels, but the tome monk is quite a bit different. To that end, I'm Large-sized in combat, which has given me a good damage boost, but all the items that can still boost my damage are too expensive for this level. I could technically have a custom item of Mighty Wallop a level 8 item (4000 gp), according to the SRD rules for creating magic items. A fanged ring (from DrM) would technically work but it's supposed to affect unarmed strike, not a Slam attack. I suppose if Phaedrus allows it, it could be modified, but it gives a feat that I don't need (IUS) and an ability which is nice, but already performed by one of my Fighting styles (con damage, though if they stack it would end up being fairly nice, though unnecessary). If there were rules about the cost of replicating feats in items, I could just subtract the cost of IUS from the Fanged Ring and there's a chance I could even afford it. Necklace of Natural Weapons would also be of use, but again, can be quite costly and at this level all I could get was the scaling enhancement bonus. I suppose I can always add the abilities onto it afterward, though.

If you guys have any ideas for other items that might be useful for me and/or the group, I'd appreciate it.

[Agita]

Strongarm Bracers let you wield weapons as if you were one size category larger. I don't know if that also works for natural attacks, though. Come up with an item that gives Imp Natural Attack?