Questions pertaining to character optimization (CharOp).
7
votes
1answer
90 views
What are the best uses of a Factotum's Cunning Brilliance (Ex)?
At 19th level, you become the ultimate jack of all trades. Your sharp mind and keen sense of your surroundings allow you to duplicate almost any ability you witness. At the start of each day, ...
18
votes
4answers
2k views
Can characters reach Mach 1 and higher in D&D 3(.5)?
A few years back our group tried to come up with the fastest possible D&D character. If I remember correctly we could build a character that could go faster than the speed of sound, but I can't ...
2
votes
9answers
379 views
Survivalist NPC build?
How can I best optimize an NPC so that instead of having perfect power attack or sneak attack, they're just really hard to kill? I can think of thief acrobat and perhaps exemplar or dungeon delver, ...
7
votes
7answers
813 views
Can a DM disallow the Candle of Invocation exploit using RAW?
The Candle of Invocation exploit is pretty cheesy. Basically, a player uses a candle to gate in an extra-planar being that grants more than one wish per summoning. One wish is used to get another ...
21
votes
11answers
16k views
Optimizing a D&D 3.5 Monk
I have complaints from someone in one of my groups that the 3.5 monk isn't good for anything offensive, only for defense and disarming (defenestration wasn't mentioned).
My experience has only been ...
2
votes
2answers
105 views
How can I optimize this Slayer?
I am Creating a 5th level Charge Happy Slayer. Should I choose to do an extra 1d8+3 damage on each charge or knock the enemy prone on every attack? Our party is Cleric, Paladin, Ranger, Rogue & ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
Optimizing a Warforged Fighter/Artificer for Survivability
I'm designing a Warforged character for a new 3.5 campaign I'm playing in. I'm looking at going the 'sword and board' route to maximize my AC, as I'll be the party's tank. Fighter is the main class ...
3
votes
1answer
69 views
Does Melee Training affect the secondary attack of Riposte Strike?
Melee Training Feat from Heroes of the Fallen Lands, say you can sub another Ability mod for your melee attack bonus and half that Ability mod for damage bonus. PC chooses Dexterity.
Riposte has, If ...
8
votes
2answers
182 views
Do Powerful Build and Monkey Grip Stack?
The Character in question is a Large half-Minotaur Goliath who is using monkey grip.
Normally a Large Goliath could wield a Huge weapon with no penalty.
Monkey Grip allows you to wield a weapon 1 ...
1
vote
3answers
605 views
How can I maximise my armour without magic items/spells?
In pathfinder I'd like to give my wizard the option to have an improved armour class when he's not got mage armor up (For those surprise night-time encounters)
What easy options for increasing AC ...
6
votes
1answer
119 views
How does two weapon fighting calculate the offhand attack?
I am making a character who uses two weapons at once, but this is the first time that I have attempted to make a dual-wielding character. He will have 2 attacks/round from his BAB. Two-weapon fighting ...
-2
votes
1answer
106 views
Two-Fisted Shooter Style optimization for Rogue (Thief) [closed]
OK, I'm building a Changeling ranged DPS Rogue (Thief) for a standard 4e game starting us off at level five.
I have the following feat chain:
Two-Fisted Shooter + Distant Advantage + Quick Draw
I ...
2
votes
2answers
469 views
What is an example of an optimized Ranger|Cleric build in D&D 4E?
I am totally new to D&D 4E. I have read that Ranger|Cleric is generally better than Ranger. Can someone give me an example build for Ranger|Cleric that goes up to level 30?
EDIT:
No house rules. ...
7
votes
5answers
540 views
Domains for a Sorcerer with Domain Access
Domain Access from Complete Champion p52 allows a sorcerer to take a cleric domain for the price of forever losing one L1 and one L2 spell known. The sorcerer gets the domain power, but can cast the ...
0
votes
1answer
273 views
Is there any way to reduce Metapsionic Costs?
I Already know of the Torc of Power Preservation and Earth Power and Metapower.
If it Matters the Character in Question(Though it isnt made yet.) is Level 10, has a Flaw which means he has 5 open ...
3
votes
1answer
133 views
What are the advantages and disadvantages of dual wielding in 13th Age?
Our normal 4e encounters group is running a 13th Age playtest session, and I'm creating a Level 1 fighter character based on Adam Jensen from Deus Ex: Human Revolution. I'm skimming the rules and the ...
11
votes
3answers
567 views
How can I get a character with the lowest hit points possible?
A friend of mine has asked me to help him create an escort mission for his April Fool's game (actually held this weekend, because, you know, scheduling). The players will be escorting a tenth-level ...
1
vote
2answers
697 views
What is the best two handed weapon in 4th edition?
There are several options available for two-handed weapons in 4e.
Ignoring build, is there a qualified best option? Analysis in each category would be welcome. What are the best options for Simple ...
5
votes
1answer
333 views
Which non-light weapons does Weapon Finesse apply to?
Weapon Finesse says it applies to all light weapons, and then a small number of other weapons (rapier, whip, spiked chain) from the "Player's Handbook". I know there are other non-light weapons ...
1
vote
3answers
134 views
What are some ways to increase melee damage?
I've got a character who needs more melee weapon damage. What kind of things can you buy with character points, besides ST, to increase the damage?
2
votes
2answers
379 views
What feats are useful for a Dragonfire Adept build?
I'm building a Human Dragonfire Adept (from Dragon Magic) with the Draconic template (as presented in Races of the Dragon), as well as a feat for Draconic Tail, but I need a bit of help picking out ...
2
votes
1answer
505 views
Feats for a wolf animal companion?
I have a two-weapon fighting ranger. Currently I am level 6 and am just getting my animal companion. I chose the wolf. At level 7 he becomes large because of the feat, boon companion. His stat bump ...
6
votes
2answers
445 views
How to better implement Spiked Chain build from OOTS 216?
I was wondering if the build posted on Order of the Stick 216 is still valid in pathfinder, and how to better implement in terms of:
Better races, preferably, being a common (medium sized) race, ...
1
vote
1answer
150 views
Is there a way to mix Unarmed Strike Damage with Natural Attack Damage or vice versa?
I want to maximize my damage output on my character by Finding a way to add his Unarmed Strike Damage to his Natural Attacks.
If there are ways to do this I would also Like to know at what levels it ...
14
votes
1answer
773 views
Can a Revenant Assassin be used where a high-damage striker is needed?
The Revenant racials, as a whole, seem to be focused on survivability/durability, granting the ability to stay in the fight even at zero HP. The Assassin class, while technically a Striker, seems to ...
5
votes
2answers
2k views
Can I increase my size with a +1 template?
I'm currently playing a D&D 3.5 campaign, and I'm playing a gnoll that is Large sized. (Gnolls are normally Medium.)
A long time ago, I was told that a Player Character could be one size larger ...
12
votes
4answers
685 views
Reasons to multiclass in 3.5
I have been playing AD&D (and some other systems) for a long time, but I am new to 3.5/Pathfinder. I have just started looking at the optimization material, and it seems that multiclassing with ...
9
votes
1answer
183 views
What major non-hermetic virtue would be appropriate for an ex-Ex Misc who wants to be Flambeau?
One of my PCs is creating a character that has left her (probably mystery cult) in Ex Misc, and tried (and failed) to join House Flambeau as part of her backstory.
I cannot find a major non-hermetic ...
16
votes
1answer
363 views
What is the Stormwind Fallacy?
In the context of another Question here, the Stormwind Fallacy was brought up. What exactly is the Stormwind Fallacy and how is connected to optimization?
3
votes
2answers
169 views
What Resources are available to expand my critical hit multiplier?
I've recently developed an interest in critical hits, and I'm looking to create the largest critical multiplier possible. Note that I'm not asking about critical threat range - I'm familiar with that ...
9
votes
2answers
256 views
What options in the Laundry system might make a character significantly more powerful than his group?
What skills sets are a game breaker and would make one PC much more powerful than the rest?
Or
How would you optimise a character so that they were incredibly more powerful than a "standard" ...
2
votes
1answer
241 views
Crafting on ten coppers a day
Using the 3.5 crafting rules, how would you optimize for the cheapest magic item crafting possible, and how cheap would it be? By default, crafting is 1/3rd the base price, or 33.33% + materials. ...
3
votes
1answer
382 views
How do multiple attacks with natural weapons work?
I'm planning a character that has 2 claw attacks and a tail attack as natural weapons, but now I'm a little confused about the mechanics of using them all.
1: Can both claws be used at once as a ...
7
votes
0answers
128 views
Why is the Monk class considered sub-par in some games of 3.5? [duplicate]
This question is a combination of theoretical-optimization and practical-optimization. In some games, I acknowledge that the monk can be a fun and flavourful choice. Unfortunately, looking at the ...
0
votes
1answer
152 views
Feat Selection for a Gestalt Druid/Ninja Wildshape assassin
I know the title isn't terribly descriptive, hopefully someone can help me out on that one.
I'm stating out a Pathfinder Gestalt Druid/Ninja who is trying to maximize usage of Wild Shape paired with ...
2
votes
2answers
239 views
How to make the best of a monk? [duplicate]
I have relatively recently teamed up with some high school buddies, joining an ongoing 3rd edition campaign. In the past we have played many 2nd (and even 1st edition) campaigns. Because the campaign ...
4
votes
1answer
186 views
Is there a way to advance both Wizard and Assassin casting?
I'm creating a character for a challenge ("How would you help this village defend against an orcish army?") and in the interests of doing something wacky I decided to try and mix Wizard and Assassin ...
4
votes
2answers
296 views
Druid: how to obtain rage?
I'm building a druid character for an upcoming E6 game, and I'm wondering if I can get myself rage along with 6 levels of shapeshift variant druid.
Unfortunately, shapeshift is obligatory, which ...
2
votes
1answer
165 views
Question about a Dragonfire Adept build
For part of a Dragonfire Adept build idea, I was considering using either Silverbrow Human or Dragon Descended, but then I had another idea: why not both? Would it be possible to combine those two ...
4
votes
2answers
254 views
How do I turn a daily into an encounter?
I'm looking for something that shifts a daily power into an encounter power. I want to take the Demigod Epic Path so I can use Blade Cascade whenever I want. Ideas?
6
votes
2answers
215 views
Samurais studying abroad: automatic killing machines?
I am confused by the "Multiple School" advantage in L5R 4th Ed. It basically allows your character to stop studying in his current school and start studying in another one. It costs a whole 10xp, and ...
6
votes
3answers
270 views
How can I acquire Charm Person/Charm Monster as an SLA for my NPC?
So, I'm creating the overarching villain for a campaign I intend to run - an Osyluth with class levels known as Molkor the Quartermaster - and I want to get him into the Fiend of Corruption prestige ...
4
votes
3answers
242 views
What Resources Are Available For Poison?
I find myself stopped up short in my efforts to create a major...well, not antagonist, but let us call him a very shady ally, for my PCs. The individual in question, Mykael the Grinner, is the master ...
8
votes
4answers
344 views
The fastest Elf in the West (at initiative anyway)
They called him Ernie, the fastest Elf in the West.
Ahem. I'm trying to improve the initiative of an Elf Wizard.
At the moment it's at a respectable: +15
+4 Dex (Base)
+4 Improved Initiative ...
15
votes
2answers
444 views
How can I play monsters and NPCs up to their potential?
In many cases discussions about balance in 3.5 will, inevitably, involve one side or another invoking an anecdote of the time they fought this monster, or a member of that class, and they didn't ...
2
votes
2answers
838 views
Feats for a TWF Ranger?
Trying to find feats that I should focus on for a two-weapon fighting human ranger. I just hit level 2 and I have picked up two weapon fighting, weapon focus (scimitar), and double slice. My strength ...
7
votes
1answer
2k views
How do I handle Arcane Spell Failure?
Recently, we’ve seen several questions related to the topic of Arcane Spell Failure, and how to get around it. I have answered these (here and here), but neither question is directly about ...
28
votes
14answers
1k views
Repercussions to DM-mandated limit on books allowable for characters?
When running a campaign, especially one with newer players mixed with optimizers, is it a fair call to limit the variety of books available for play? For feats, classes, prestige classes, magic items ...
3
votes
2answers
169 views
Does the War Domain grant Improved Unarmed Strike when given by a god who favors Unarmed Strikes?
I could have sworn that I read somewhere that the War Domain granted Improved Unarmed Strike when the god favored them, but I can’t find it now. Did I just imagine this, or is it an actual rule ...
1
vote
1answer
132 views
How do I gain access to Perception training as a Hexblade MC Rogue in early Heroic?
I am currently about to start playing as a 1st level fey-pact Hexblade stiker and I'm acting as the rogue (traps, locks, and so on) in a small party. I am currently planning to take the multi-class ...
