Playable PvM (level 1-40), or PvP (really

Curse Blade (Sword Version – Dev.Crit (2006)
By Deborah Tyr

IS THE SONG STRONGER THAN THE SWORD?

Concept: this build is an improvement over my very first character here in the guild, the Hex Blade, who is that charismatic musician who went off to knight school and mastered his blade so well as to land a devastating critical, among other neat feats. Accordingly, this is a revised version of my very first character, my inaugural bard/wm/ftr in the guild; he was okay; however, using the exact same class combinations, I’ve completely re-tweaked him for much improved playability, and including (among other things) exceptional AB, higher HPs and, notwithstanding the drop in bard levels, much better arcane scroll access as a result of max’d out UMD/Spellcraft. His dev crit DC is much improved, too!

His saves may at first glance seem rather problematic, such saves should nonetheless be “savable” as a result of his/her UMD/scroll access, which also gives him some rather nice access to even more damage types and also self-buffs for everything, such that he can even self-buff himself to the cap.

His most impressive attribute, however, would appear to be his exceptional AB, and also the crit factor; as a high level weapon master with the strength to put out some serious damage, he can and should be able to make quick work of the enemy even if such enemy should manage to make their saving throw vs. dev.crit. Without further adieu, and with thanks, please meet the Curse Blade, Sword Version (the new and improved Song version (no dev. Crit) in due course will follow). In the meantime, I do so hope that everyone “really” enjoys this character who, for all intents and purposes takes over for the Hex; as always, I welcome and do so encourage all of your great thoughts, critiques and, most importantly, nice praises, too -- For everyone who shares my philosphy re: combat bards, and/or took the time to comment on my builds, this one's for you (and, of course, because the player's deserve all we can do

For the original character, please: Click Here

Curse Blade (Sword Version): Overview--
Fighter(12), Bard(3), Weapon Master(25),
Race: Human
Alignment: Neutral Good
Hitpoints: 502*

FINAL STATS:
STR: 16 (32)
DEX: 13
CON: 14
WIS: 8
INT: 14
CHA: 11


Saving Throws:
Fort: 25 (27 Endurance), +1 Song
Will: 17 (19 Owl’s Wisdom), +1 Song
Reflex: 23 (25 Cat’s Grace)

Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +8
Immunity: Mind-Effects (Protection Spell), Fear (UMD/Clarity)

Note: The Curse Blade is Fully Skilled in the use of UMD/Spellcraft, thus can buff his/her saves with UMD/scrolls, as follows (illustrative examples only):

+1 Resistance
+2 Aura of Vitality
+2 Protection
+2 Battletide
+1 Prayer

BAB: 29
AB (max, naked): 50/45/40/35
+5 UMD/Bull’s Strength
+3 UMD/Greater Magic Weapon
+1 UMD/Prayer
--
AB: 59/54/49/44 (*+6 Taunt)
+1 UMD/Divine Favor
+2 UMD/Battle Tide
+2 Aura of Vitality
+ MAXED UMD/True Strike
--
AB: 78/73/68/63 (*+6 Taunt)

Damage (mundane greataxe, illustrative):
1-12 + 22 (crit. 15-20/4)
+2 Bard Song
+5 UMD/GMW
+3 UMD/Aura of Vitality
+1 UMD/Prayer
+1 UMD/Battletide
+1 UMD/Aid
--
(36-47x’s 2 UMD/Haste = 72-94; Crit: 376 damage

Note: with this high level WM and also high STR, might also consider a scythe (for even more awesome crit damage).


AC: 21 (naked), 29 (mundane plate only)
+4 Mage Armor
+3 UMD/Shield
--
AC: 36

With Dex boost and +5 Items, AC > 60s


Spell Casting: Bard(1)
Cantrips (5 Spells)
Level 1 (3 Spells)
Note: Can unlock more spells with a Cha. Boost item or fill extra slots with meta-magic); fully skilled in the use of magical devices (UMD)/Spellcraft.


Final Skills (227):
Concentration 9(11), Discipline 41(52), Intimidate 4(4), Perform 9(9), Spellcraft 38(40), Taunt 42(42), Tumble 40(41), UMD 40(40)


Level Guide:

01: Bard(1): /Dodge & THEME FEAT ( Curse Song/Lingering song) –OR- Toughness*
02: Fighter(1): Weapon Focus: Greataxe
03: Fighter(2): power attack, mobility
04: Fighter(3): STR+1, (STR=17)
05: Fighter(4): spring attack
06: Fighter(5): expertise
07: Fighter(6): whirlwind attack
08: Fighter(7): STR+1, (STR=18)
09: Weapon Master(1): cleave, weapon of choice: greataxe
10: Weapon Master(2)
11: Weapon Master(3)
12: Bard(2): STR+1, knockdown, (STR=19)
13: Weapon Master(4)
14: Weapon Master(5)
15: Weapon Master(6): Improved Critical: Greataxe
16: Weapon Master(7): STR+1, (STR=20)
17: Fighter(8): Weapon Specialization: Greataxe
18: Weapon Master(8): blind fight
19: Fighter(9)
20: Fighter(10): STR+1, great cleave, (STR=21)
21: Weapon Master(9): Great Strength I, (STR=22)
22: Weapon Master(10)
23: Weapon Master(11)
24: Weapon Master(12): STR+1, Great Strength II, (STR=24)
25: Fighter(11)
26: Weapon Master(13): epic weapon focus: greataxe
27: Fighter(12): Great Strength III, epic weapon specialization: greataxe, (STR=25)
28: Weapon Master(14): STR+1, (STR=26)
29: Weapon Master(15)
30: Weapon Master(16): Great Strength IV, Overwhelming Critical: Greataxe, (STR=27)
31: Weapon Master(17)
32: Weapon Master(18): STR+1, (STR=28)
33: Weapon Master(19): Great Strength V, devastating critical: greataxe, (STR=29)
34: Weapon Master(20)
35: Weapon Master(21)
36: Weapon Master(22): STR+1, Great Strength VI, epic prowess, (STR=31)
37: Weapon Master(23)
38: Weapon Master(24)
39: Weapon Master(25): epic fortitude, armor skin
40: Bard(3): STR+1, (STR=32)

*Note: If take Theme Feat (i.e. Curse Song or Lingering Song), would result in -40 HPs (or, 468 total HPs); another option is Great Fortitude (for +2 fort, or Fort 27 (no buffs)).

Skills Progression:

01: Discipline(4), Intimidate(2), Perform(4), Spellcraft(4), Taunt(4), Tumble(4), UMD(4),
02: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Save(3),
03: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Save(6),
04: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Intimidate(1), Save(7),
05: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Intimidate(1), Save(8),
06: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Save(11),
07: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Save(14),
08: Concentration(1), Discipline(1), Save(17),
09: Discipline(1), Save(21),
10: Discipline(1), Save(25),
11: Discipline(1), Save(29),
12: Concentration(2), Discipline(1), Perform(4), Spellcraft(4), Taunt(8), Tumble(11), UMD(6),
13: Discipline(1), Save(4),
14: Discipline(1), Save(8),
15: Discipline(1), Save(12),
16: Discipline(1), Save(16),
17: Discipline(1), Save(20),
18: Discipline(1), Save(24),
19: Discipline(1), Save(28),
20: Discipline(1), Save(32),
21: Discipline(1), Save(36),
22: Discipline(1), Save(40),
23: Discipline(1), Save(44),
24: Discipline(1), Save(48),
25: Discipline(1), Save(52),
26: Discipline(1), Save(56),
27: Discipline(1), Save(60),
28: Discipline(1), Save(64),
29: Discipline(1), Save(68),
30: Discipline(1), Save(72),
31: Discipline(1), Save(76),
32: Discipline(1), Save(80),
33: Discipline(1), Save(84),
34: Discipline(1), Save(88),
35: Discipline(1), Save(92),
36: Discipline(1), Save(96),
37: Discipline(1), Save(100),
38: Discipline(1), Save(104),
39: Save(108),
40: Perform(1), Spellcraft(30), Taunt(30), Tumble(25), UMD(30).

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/07/06 05:51

Author's Note: if you like this character, and see what I do in him/her, and you happened to comment on any of my prior builds (especially, his liitle brother/sister, the Hex Blade, which would be the very first character I puts in here and, while "okay", hey, he's not the Curse! -- Anyway, please, if that's you, if you taught me something, or made me think, then pat yerself seriously on the back: like I always said, the learning is just so good here, and the Curse Blade is thus for you (thank you! -- and for real, ENJOY - this one is not only alright, but GOOD!, & I owe it all to you) ~ Tyr

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/07/06 06:11

Quote: Posted 07/07/06 05:49:55 (GMT) -- TyrTemplar

Playable PvM (level 1-40), or PvP (really

Saving Throws:
Fort: 25 (27 Endurance), +1 Song
Will: 17 (19 Owl’s Wisdom), +1 Song
Reflex: 23 (25 Cat’s Grace)

Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +8
Immunity: Mind-Effects (Protection Spell), Fear (UMD/Clarity)

Note: The Curse Blade is Fully Skilled in the use of UMD/Spellcraft, thus can buff his/her saves with UMD/scrolls, as follows (illustrative examples only):

+1 Resistance
+2 Aura of Vitality
+2 Protection
+2 Battletide
+1 Prayer

BAB: 29
AB (max, naked): 50/45/40/35
+5 UMD/Bull’s Strength
+3 UMD/Greater Magic Weapon
+1 UMD/Prayer
--
AB: 59/54/49/44 (*+6 Taunt)
+1 UMD/Divine Favor
+2 UMD/Battle Tide
+2 Aura of Vitality
+ MAXED UMD/True Strike
--
AB: 78/73/68/63 (*+6 Taunt)

Damage (mundane greataxe, illustrative):
1-12 + 22 (crit. 15-20/4)
+2 Bard Song
+5 UMD/GMW
+3 UMD/Aura of Vitality
+1 UMD/Prayer
+1 UMD/Battletide
+1 UMD/Aid
--
(36-47x’s 2 UMD/Haste = 72-94; Crit: 376 damage

Note: with this high level WM and also high STR, might also consider a scythe (for even more awesome crit damage).


AC: 21 (naked), 29 (mundane plate only)
+4 Mage Armor
+3 UMD/Shield
--
AC: 36

With Dex boost and +5 Items, AC > 60s


Spell Casting: Bard(1)
Cantrips (5 Spells)
Level 1 (3 Spells)
Note: Can unlock more spells with a Cha. Boost item or fill extra slots with meta-magic); fully skilled in the use of magical devices (UMD)/Spellcraft.



K please don't take this wrong, but the way you choose to post all the umd things makes for a very confusing post. In reality, any char with umd can do it, so it really isnt something that is important to put in a build, ESPECIALLY if you play on a pw where scrolls are hard to come by (as are many pws that I have played). IMHO, it is much better to lay the character as it is, not as it could be. In many ways, stating ab, ac, saves, damage,etc with UMD scroll buffs is NO different than posting a build for a specific weapon or a specific pw (which, if one isnt clear are both frowned upon here).

The thing Im tryin to figure out is, your AB is 50 "maxed", but what does that mean? Cuz, if it means what I think you are saying, the BASE ab would be 42, which is only 1 better than my rogue which can use ALL the same scrolls that you suggest.

I am also tryin to figure out your damage.. d12 yes +str (32-10=22/2=11 +6ews) 17 Why does it say 22? If you are going to add the extra, please dont put it in the total. It confuses the issue.

The other thing is the AC. You have 29 which is decent for a non-dexer in fp, then you list some spells. Then you suggest with +5 you get above 60! Now, I know that the +5 doesnt stack with these, I'm just hoping that EVERYONE does! IMHO it makes more sense to post the mundane ONLY and leave the fluff for ingame. It seems like you are trying to make your build better than it is through misdirection (remember I'm a SALESMAN and you can't sell a salesman ).

All in all, it pains me to see such a beautiful build being presented in such a way! The build in itself, without the trimings is GREAT! The umd stuff is totally unnecessary. The taunt stuff is unnecessary. Anytime you take high str and 25 wm lvls WITH bard you cannot go wrong! All I'm tryin to say is, you dont have to hide the build in alot of item specifics when it is beautiful as is. I guess I'm just a "natural" guy

peace
_________________
Quote: Posted 06/28/06 00:22:49 (GMT) -- TyrTemplar

This post is for general information purposes only, and does not constitute a legal opinion or render any legal advice. It may not be relied on for any purpose, and gives rise to
Hey, Av....and so nice to see ya (btw, you named a character after me (oh me god) - heck, ya know I'm gonna check that out --- As to natural, let's puts it this way: the Curse, he can buff total, he can breach the capped AB, AND he can gets some rather decent AC....

I puts all that in there (ie, UMD scrolls) 'cause, for real, I checked em all out in PvP, fully tested, etc.(since I am, afterall, suggesting that the Curse Blade, shall we say the Big Brother/Big Sister to me original character the Hex (again, s/he was alright, do ya well PvM, but in PvP . . . needed so much stuff as to make it worth it, unlike THIS character . . . Does it all by itself; thus, me callin' the Curse the PVP/big brother-big sister, so to speak - also said, just learned much

So, don't get confused, Av . . . honest, I seriously checeked it all out (as to ie. stacking, and yet, as we all know, there's more choices/equip't, like a simple ring of resitance to all saves +3/+5, which I didn't add In other words, there's a lot more easy buffin' out there possible, with this character's UMD/Spellcraft enablin' all such buffin and pluses for sure; point bein' though, I took it "only" to what I considered decent/necessary for PvP, and as a so-called proper measure of comparison to me very old character (the first I did here, and still as a concept do so love (cool, in other words, PvM or .... in other words, this one for real is PvP, but also Pvm, too: in PvM, less is more, ya know? (Hex is okay in that dept; this one's so "more" )

Anyway, point is, focussed on that wondrous AB thing (see the line); can't be nerfed, can't be tossed, no worries, just his own li'l charm as-is, and with UMD/Spellcraft max'ed out, well --- ah, but with WM and dev crit + crit factor, ..... well, what can I say, maybe no need extra buffs (again, the raw stats, CANNOT be nerfed!).... more is good, which he's got, dependig on where/how ya plays, yes? (thank you, everyone: for real, YOU ALL JUST TAUGHT ME WELL, and encouraged me on (including you AV, and wow, a character named after me or me god, the tyr, --- thank you so much, Av, gonna check it out!

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/07/06 06:52

edit: so-called "maxed" AB isn't the max, NOT to be confused with the Cap, but rather the totally naked (unbuffed, no equipment, just as in, BAB Warrior, +50 -as in, sleepin' naked with his axe the other stuff, well, it's all good (and as I said, don't mean to confuse you or anyone, but, to get to +78 xs 4 serious hits, AND decent everything else (ie., UMD/Spellcraft), once again, puts all that in there for a comparison to me very first character (as in, which you yerself said, since then, built some pretty fine ones )

Thanks so much Av and, for clarity's sake, AB +50 ain't the max, but so totally the minimus, and that can't be nerfed Comments, etc. please keep 'em coming; that's why the characters (in my view anyway just keeps on gettin' better, and better, and .... (once again, thanks everyone; this "curse blade" warrior is so for you

p.s. in other words, he can get his fort save well above 30-plus, his AB well into the mid-80s (78 + taunt, etc., etc. not to mention that DC dev.crit, too) . . . (seriously, thank you everyone; this concept, the whole Hex Blade thing, only a month-or-so old, but still one of my characters and I do so care: that I was able to improve upon the conccept, as the Curse Blade I trust shows, thank you: as above said, I owe it all to you folks, and I'm sure the players out there will so appreciate it, too But, if we can as yet improve upon the improvement, by all means: please, as always, keep those great comments coming! (as I trust and hope you all can see, I am SO listening! ~ Tyr

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/07/06 08:09

Nice meleer, I'd actually go for a more standard FTR 11/Bard 1/WM 28, Bard only for a final skill dump. Otherwise I'd give up some skillpoints and start with CHA 8, STR 17 and change Epic Fortitude to another Great STR probably keeping Bard only in epic for a net +2 AB and +1 to Dev Crit DC.

Solid straight meleer, not really much more to say. UMD adds a lot of versatility.


Cheers,
Kail
_________________
Looking for a realm of adventure? Check out World of Greyhawk, you won't regret it. Thanks, Kail! And great thinkin' ; I took bard pre-ep for the "theme reason" - ie, to enable curse song or what have you, should folks want it, plus some early spell (albeit low level) & some early UMD access; ah, but at only a couple levels of bard, that curse song: well, we're talking a curse here of only -1 AB, -2 damage, and -1 to saves (fort, will), so not exactly a powerful performance, but this one did give up the song for the knight path Plus, bards are just so much fun, & really do have some great skills (i.e., UMD).

But for sure, if don't want/care about the theme per se, or low level bard spells...(as always, Kail, great suggestions, and for sure a very nice alternative - afterall, even more AB and one more point on the DC dev crit factor, well, what's to argue (thanks, Kail!).

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/07/06 21:30

First, a character with 50 AB with mundane weapon can never get 78 AB without smite, a little disappointed in you here, Deb . Naked AB + Stat boost which is max +6 and then another +20 from the mother of all buffers. MAX 76!!!!!!!!!

I have to agree with Av here that all those buffs from scrolls/UMD should not be listed in the build. Add a line that states: and in addition, you got UMD, Taunt to lower opponents AC etc... We want stats from what YOUR character can do, where does he get hand of those scrolls? You are welcome to post the UMD AB farther down in the build if you like, but again I agree, you shame your great build by putting them in with the main stats.

Great build otherwise, though not exactly inventing the gunpowder here. Rock on.

Grim
_________________
I see the fear you have inside, you can run but never hide.
I will hunt you down and tear you limb from limb.

I run the Pre-Epic Builders guild. Join and share your experience. Hey, Grim, and thanks. Listen, I *know* we discussed all of this, we did, and I listened well, let me assure you; I fully checked, to confirm and test it all, I did.

Took this knight out, got him some nice scrolls (why, he shops where all rogues do (or clerics, mages, pally's, etc.) - point bein', he hunts it down and/or makes purchases like everybody else; he can do this b/c of the UMD I built into him (and thus such buffs come highly recommended as per the list, and reason for bard, apart from the theme of course). But, if scrolls are not available on your world, then it won't matter much anyway, since no one can get their hands on 'em either (in which case, his naked BAB 29, +50/45/30/35 sleeping with a mundane axe, able to dish 1-12 + 22 damage with that very same mundane axe, x's 4 crit (x's 5 if pick up the scythe) and his Bard "lesser dispel" spell, and resistance, and protection, and magic weapon at the very least...


But as to the AB thing, really, Grim: I checked it all out - on a server, on a player-made mod, AND in the Official Campaign (since we all know that sometimes those servers and/or mods do some, well, curious things all their own); here are the results, fully tested and confirmed, in all three places, brand new game (so no corrupt files), and I kid you not:

AB 50 (naked, with mundane axe only)
Cast the following (UMD/scrolls):
+5 Greater Magic Weapon
+2 Battletide
+1 Aid
--
AB 58
--
+20 True Strike
--
AB 78/73/68/63 (& enhancement to damage, saves & AC, too)

That's it; it worked, in all three places, and including the OC (which OC I just took him into again, confirmed that it was a mundane axe, he was totally naked, and just did the exact same thing again, and it once again breached the cap, as above stated (and thus I highly recommend doing same

Gun powder, huh? Did they have that yet in medieval times? Thinks that came later, yes, so too early to invent it yet, and makes no such claims I do however claims that I made some very nice improvements over me very first build (seriously, thanks, Grim; and glad you like him, and heck, learned so much from all of you; but even his unbuffed stuff, his naked stats alone, all by 'emselves, I agree (and thank you for that), should do ya just fine (appreciate your nice compliment, Sir Master of Norse Lore (thanks, Grim, and everyone once again - this would be the one I *meant* to build what now just seems so long ago

ps. the new and improved Song Version to follow, so please do stay tuned

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/08/06 04:26

Edit - OOps, those naked stats, once again, are:

BAB 29, +50/45/40/35 sleeping naked with a mundane axe

(and thanks so much again, Grim, Av, and Kail! Not to belabor the point, but because his predecessor was me first and all, your praises on this one really mean a lot to me (thanks, guys, once again I can clearly understand that someone calles me Thax instead of Thaxll'ssyllia, and I often shorten names like Grim, Finn, Mith, or Kail, but Av? come on! like if avado was a long name sheesh.

The build is very good, as a variant, I'd take Dev Crit off, you're a little short on feats on that matter, without Power Attack, Cleave and Great Cleave you could take the Bardsong "Theme" feats and Toughness, +2 Great Strengths from Ov and Dev crit for more AB and damage (I'm fanatic of high ABs).

I agree with Avado and Grimnir, adding True Strike (and others) to calculations may be possible via UMD, but it's cheap. On the other hand, it's not cheap, as all those scrolls should be very expensive

Edited By Thaxll'ssyllia on 07/08/06 05:04

Alright, here you go (just the bare naked truth folks -& ain't it grand

Curse Blade (Sword Version): Overview--
Fighter(12), Bard(3), Weapon Master(25),
Race: Human / Alignment: Neutral Good
Hitpoints: 502*

FINAL STATS:
STR: 16 (32)
DEX: 13
CON: 14
WIS: 8
INT: 14
CHA: 11


Saving Throws:
Fort: 25 (+2 Protection, +1 Resistance, +1 Song)
Will: 17 (+2 Protection, +1 Resistance, +1 Song)
Reflex: 23 (+2 Protection, +1 Resistance)

Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +8
Immunity: Mind-Effects (Protection).

Note: The Curse Blade is Fully Skilled in the use of meta-magic (UMD/Spellcraft), thus can buff his/her saves, AB, AC, etc. with scrolls, as desired.

Combat Vitals:

BAB: 29
AB 50/45/40/35 (naked, unbuffed)
+1 Magic Weapon
+1 Song
--
52/47/42/37
+6 Taunt
--
58/53/48/43

Assuming +12 STR, and +20 weaponry/items, AB 76, +6 taunt (or, AB 84)

Damage (mundane greataxe, illustrative):
1-12 + 22,
+2 Bard Song
+1 Magic Weapon
--
Total: 26-37 ; Crit: x’s 4, or 148 damage

Note (1): Another great weapon to consider would be the scythe which would deliver even more awesome crit damage (i.e., x's 5).

Note (1): Can also cast “expeditious retreat”, for 150-% movement enhancement


Devastating Crit (DC): 41 (Assuming +12 STR, DC: 47; if you are completely uninterested in bard spells and/or theme feats, and would prefer +2 AB (or, AB 52, sleeping naked, no buffs) AND another DC point (or, DC: 42 (with +12 str, that's DC 48 when brought to the cap), please see Sir Kail's recommendation, above.


Defense Vitals:

AC: 21 (naked), 29 (mundane plate only)
+2 Protection
+2 Expeditious Retreat
--
AC: 33


Spell Casting: Bard(1)
Also fully skilled in the use of meta-magic (UMD)/Spellcraft (allowing access to some amazing and wondrous buffs (AB & damage, AC, Saves, and also access to other, arcane damage types), including but not limited to the ability to take your AB up to +78/73/68/63, using only greater magic weapon, battletide, aid, and true strike). Highly recommended that extra slots be filled with meta-magics, ensuring you're fully covered in the event of an emergency


Final Skills (227):
Concentration 9(11), Discipline 41(52), Intimidate 4(4), Perform 9(9), Spellcraft 38(40), Taunt 42(42), Tumble 40(41), UMD 40(40)

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/08/06 06:03

As for those scrolls (only 8 of them in particular, albeit access to so much more (depending on circs, etc., as good for utility and/or in the event of an emergency, not that the Curse needs them, but nice to know they're available, should you ever want them. Oh, and don't forget about the bard toys (forgive me, but just *had* to fit that one in Alright, without further adieu or anything more, ...

Recommended Scrolls:

Aid
Aura of Vitality
Battletide
Bull’s Strength
Greater Magic Weapon
Haste
Mage Armor
True Strike


Combat (AB) Enhancements:
BAB: 29, AB 50 (No Buffs)
+5 UMD/Greater Magic Weapon
+2 UMD/Aura of Vitality
+2 UMD/Battletide
+1 UMD/Aid
+ UMD/True Strike
--
AB: 78/73/68/63 (*+6 Taunt)

(note, this combination managed to breach the +76 cap, by +2 (naked, no other buffs, with a mundane greataxe), as stated above).

Damage Enhancements:
+5 UMD/GMW
+2 UMD/Aura of Vitality
+2 UMD/Battletide
+1 UMD/Aid
+2 UMD/Bull’s Strength
--
(+10-plus)
--
Extra attack = double damage – UMD/Haste


Devastating Crit (DC), Enhancements:
+2 points (due to +4 STR enhancement): UMD/Aura of Vitality
+1-2 points (due to 1d4+1 STR enhancement): UMD/Bull’s Strength


Defense (AC) Enhancements:
+4 UMD/Mage Armor
+4 UMD/Haste


Saving Throw Enhancements:
+2 ALL Saves UMD/Battletide

UMD/Aura of Vitality:
+2 Fort (due to +4 Con enhancement)
+2 Reflex (due to +4 Dex enhancement)

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/08/06 07:16

Now that's more like it, UMD is ok separated like that IMO.

Recommended scrolls? lol, you miss lots of good ones, (True Strike's duration sucks, use other AB buffs), and I would recommend mostly long-term buffs like Darkfire or Flame Weapon, but anyway, no one recommends Tenser's Transformation now or what? it's awesomely strong and normally a problem to spellcasting, but you don't have a good spellcasting ot begin with, so excellency goes in.

Edited By Thaxll'ssyllia on 07/08/06 16:28

Quote: Posted 07/08/06 04:01:52 (GMT) -- TyrTemplar

...

But as to the AB thing, really, Grim: I checked it all out - on a server, on a player-made mod, AND in the Official Campaign (since we all know that sometimes those servers and/or mods do some, well, curious things all their own); here are the results, fully tested and confirmed, in all three places, brand new game (so no corrupt files), and I kid you not:

AB 50 (naked, with mundane axe only)
Cast the following (UMD/scrolls):
+5 Greater Magic Weapon
+2 Battletide
+1 Aid
--
AB 58
--
+20 True Strike
--
AB 78/73/68/63 (& enhancement to damage, saves & AC, too)

That's it; it worked, in all three places, and including the OC (which OC I just took him into again, confirmed that it was a mundane axe, he was totally naked, and just did the exact same thing again, and it once again breached the cap, as above stated (and thus I highly recommend doing same

...

Please, don't tell me you trusted the Character Sheet to test your AB. The sheet doesn't take into account the +20 hardcoded cap and it's known to lie about so many other things as to be untrustable. Check the combat logs or, better yet, use combat debugging.

With 50 AB, 76 (counting +12 to STR) is the max you'll get.


Cheers,
Kail
_________________
Heavy metal
Or no metal at all
Whimps and posers
Leave the hall! Hey, Kail: actually....Yes, I er did look at the character sheet, while dev critting some critters - ah, but indeed the sheet, it lies! I am also in contact with Grim about this, too (some minor edits to follow (see below). That sheet: strange thing though, 'cause it seems to heed the cap on everything else, but not TS, & hence, the issue (as for real, it *did* show up, and in writing no less

Anyway, while odd, the cap is indeed not breached by TS, even though the sheet says otherwise plain and clear. Thus, just so we're all clear on this,

* Sleeping naked with his axe (No buffs):
BAB 29, AB +50,
+1 Song,
+1 Magic Weapon,
--
Total: +52, +6 taunt (or 58)<---this bein' correct

* At the Cap:
BAB 29, AB +76, +6 taunt (or 82 -- NOT 84, since TS doesn't breach the cap).

AND as to the scrolls, while the formula I laid out will easily and quickly get ya to the cap (among so many other scroll combinations, and/or magical weaponry/other equip't of course), nothin' will take ya over on this class-combo, no matter what the character sheet says. Sure hope that +76 is enough Also, can taunt yer enemy's AC down (-6), so ya in turn gets a +6 AB boost (which gives an effective cap AB of +82

Tyr

ps. seriously, wish I had better news, folks; as the old sayin' goes, just when you think you've tested enough, get out there & test, test, test some more (at least, & once and for all, everyone now knows for sure about the so-called TS mystery; and certainty -- along with combat debug -- is good! (thanks, Kail; much appreciate the clarity on this, & helpful comment, too!)

~ Tyr

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/08/06 21:48

P.S., another sayin' of course goes, even if in writing, if it seems to good to be true, quickly now, consult an attorney (kiddin')

Here's a li'l tutorial from Grizz, for all who are interested in uncapping the mysteries of the AB cap, as follows (and should also help everyone choose from among all the great scrolls out there, should they wish to pursue/take advantage of the UMD/avenue):

Quote: Posted 06/24/06 18:59:38 (GMT) -- grizzled_dwarflord

Basically, everything stacks until you hit the +20 cap. Exceptions would be enhancements of the same flavor, such as Holy Avenger and Greater Magic Weapon, or GMW and a weapon that is already +5, etc.

The +20 AB cap can be crossed with things like Smite Evil/Good.

Item bonuses which count toward the cap
Weapon Enhancement bonus
Weapon Attack Bonus

Arcane spells which count toward the cap
TRUE STRIKE
Magic weapon
Greater magic weapon
Warcry

Divine spells which count toward the cap
Blade Thirst
Bless
Divine favor
Magic fang (and Greater)
Aid
Greater magic weapon
Prayer
Divine power
Awaken
Battletide
Holy Avenger

Special abilities which count toward the cap
Bard - Bard Song
Champion of Torm - Divine Wrath
Cleric - War domain's Battle Mastery
In other words, as I understands it, you're allowed a +12 STR boost, and also a +20 Weaponry/item(s) boost (this be the "cap"); then, there are all those other arcane scroll/device/bard toy possibilities...enjoy!

Thax, thanks! As to your scroll suggestions: very nice. Yeah, I went for the "economy box/cheap ticket" version, but you've some very cool recommendations in there! For sure, those skills, especially UMD, just adds so much more flavor and versatility to this character; while he doesn't need all that stuff, still, just so much more fun, indeed. A melee'r that can essentially buff to cap, and UMD/sling, providing a lot of versatility, and cool possibilities

Listen, if anyone knows of a link or something that has info as to all the great scrolls, etc. in the game, that would be very useful to put in here, if such a thing should exist. I've been looking but, alas, no such luck. Of course, exploring stuff is great fun, too.

And as for those who want even more AB/dev crit power, see: The Blade (inspired by Sir Kail & Sir Grim; that knight, well, his combat stats are: BAB 30, +52 (no buffs) with a cap of +78 (+6 taunt); so, if you *really* had your heart set on the capped +78 AB thing . . . .
Blade: Click Here

Hope the above helps, and thanks everyone once again. As stated, one more knight, Song Version (starring more bard and bard stuff, in lieu of dev crit), coming to the boards soon - so stay tuned

Edited By TyrTemplar on 07/08/06 23:04

Topic locked because a tided up reposting was made by the author. This topic is now linked in the reposted thread.


Cheers,
Kail
_________________
Heavy metal
Or no metal at all
Whimps and posers
Leave the hall!