Post by desolationangel on Dec 16, 2010 18:46:01 GMT
TROPIC THUNDER
Dragonstorm Mage
BDD 39/Sorcerer 18/Paladin 3
This build is loosely based on the Open Incinerator by Csivils, but with a very different focus. It trades Strength for Charisma and sacrifices criticals and overt damage for more effective spellcasting and Charisma-based abilities.
I named it Tropic Thunder because it uses the jungle-dwelling Yuan-Ti as the basis for a Dragonstorm Mage that uses primarily lightning based attacks. However, it is also appropriate because the build is very much style (Charisma) over substance (Strength) and is patently ridiculous on a number of levels (large creature using a rapier, using epic feat slots for general feats, using Charisma as the basis of a tank, ect) but should still work, more or less.
The build relies on its +23 Charisma bonus for more spell slots and higher DC as well as for better damage when using Divine Might and higher saves through Divine Grace. It also utilizes Rapier Wit and Tensor’s Transformation to achieve a top-level AB. When fully buffed, this build should be able to effectively tank and cast offensive spells in any environment. However, the drawback is that it will never be quite as good in melee as a dedicated tank or quite as good at spellcasting as a dedicated caster.
PROS
- Operates at roughly 85% of normal Tank, 85% of normal Caster
- Effective Attack Bonus relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Effective Armor Class relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Caster Level 57 (60 when Channeling) for Dragonstorm Mage spells
- DC of 38 to 46 for Dragonstorm Mage spells
- Spell Penetration of 66 to 88 for Dragonstorm Mage spells
- Inflicts -6 penalty to target’s Spell Resistance using Persuade
- Spells grant 50% Concealment, Physical and Elemental Soak
- Divine Grace bonus of +23 to all saves (after penalties)
- Divine Might Bonus of +20 damage to all hits
- Natural Spell Resistance of 65 at level 60
- Epic Spells Hellball & Dragon Knight
- Effective Melee Tank and Combat Caster in virtually any setting
CONS
- Low Damage relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Lower Hit Points relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Lower DC and Charisma relative to normal Sorcerer Builds
- Ineffective Critical Hits relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Limited Range of Spells (primarily Electrical and Sonic Damage)
"Yuan-Ti"
- FCs: Wizard, Rogue / BC: Sorcerer
- CHA +2, INT +1, DEX +1, WIS-3, STR -1, +5 Spellcraft, sr5 +1/lvl, speaks Draconic, speaks Yuan-ti
Strength 10 (9) +12 =21 +12 =33 (+11)
Dexterity 13 (14) =14 +12 =26 (+8)
Constitution 10 +6 =16 +12 =28 (+9)
Wisdom 8 (5) =5 +12 =17 (+3)
Intelligence 13 (14) +4 =18 +12 =30 (+10)
Charisma 18 (20) +20+4 =44 +12 =56 (+23)
Pre-Epic Levels
Level 1:
Class: Sorcerer 1
Feat: Spell Focus Evocation, Greater Spell Focus: Evocation
Skills: (16) Concentration 4, Lore 4, Tumble 2, save 4
Other: Familiar
Level 2:
Class: Sorcerer 2
Skills: (9) Concentration 5, Lore 5, save 7
Level 3:
Class: Paladin 1
Feat: Weapon Focus: Rapier
Skills: (12) Discipline 6, Persuade 6
Other: Divine Grace, Divine Health, Lay On Hands
Notes: If you speak to the Rowan Guardian in the Town of Ascension, you will automatically gain level 3 as your starting point. At this point, the build is too weak to effectively fight, but too limited as a caster to effectively nuke. The best strategy at this point is to buy a longbow and magic arrows and used ranged attacks to support your party or familiar.
Level 4:
Class: Sorcerer 3
Stat Point: Charisma 21
Skills: (5) Concentration 7, Lore 7, save 1
Level 5:
Class: Sorcerer 4
Skills: (6) Concentration 8, Lore 8, Tumble 4
Level 6:
Class: Dragon Disciple 1
Feat: Rapier Wit
Skills: (5) Concentration 9, Discipline 9, Lore 9
Notes: With Rapier Wit this build becomes much more effective in combat, although still causes low damage and is weak compared with fighting classes. It will not be an effective caster until it achieves Dragonstorm Mage at level 21. At this point, the best strategy is to purchase the best available full plate armor and tower shield and ignore casting. If possible, join parties for better XP, otherwise you will have a hard time soloing.
Level 7:
Class: Dragon Disciple 2
Skills: (5) Concentration 10, Discipline 10, Lore 10, Tumble 5
Other: Draconic Abilities: Strength 11
Level 8:
Class: Dragon Disciple 3
Stat Point: Charisma 22
Skills: (5) Concentration 11, Discipline 11, Lore 11, Persuade 8
Other: Dragon Breath 2d10, Draconic Armor +1 AC
Notes: You MUST find the altar and choose Blue Dragon Disciple prior to gaining another level of Dragon Disciple.
Level 9:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 4
Feat: Greater Weapon Focus: Rapier
Skills: (5) Concentration 12, Discipline 12, Lore 12, Tumble 6
Other: Draconic Abilities: Strength 13, Hit Die Increase d8
Level 10:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 5
Skills: (6) Concentration 13, Discipline 13, Lore 13, Persuade 10
Level 11:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 6
Skills: (5) Concentration 14, Discipline 14, Lore 14, Tumble 7
Other: Hit Die Increase d10, Draconic Armor +2 AC
Level 12:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 7
Stat Point: Charisma 23
Feat: Resist Energy: Electrical
Skills: (5) Concentration 15, Discipline 15, Lore 15, Persuade 12
Other: Draconic Abilities: Constitution 12, Dragon Breath 4d10
Level 13:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 8
Skills: (5) Concentration 16, Discipline 16, Lore 16, Tumble 8
Other: Draconic Armor +3 AC
Level 14:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 9
Skills: (5) Concentration 17, Discipline 17, Lore 17, Persuade 14
Other: Draconic Abilities: Intelligence 16, Draconic Armor +3 AC
Level 15:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 10
Feat: Blind Fight
Skills: (6) Concentration 18, Discipline 18, Lore 18, Persuade 15, Tumble 9
Other: Draconic Abilities: Charisma 25, Improved Dragon Breath
Level 16:
Class: Sorcerer 5
Stat Point: Charisma 26
Skills: (6) Concentration 19, Lore 19, save 4
Level 17:
Class: Sorcerer 6
Skills: (10) Conc. 20, Lore 20, Tumble 10, save 6
Level 18:
Class: Sorcerer 7
Feat: Power Attack
Skills: (12) Conc. 21, Lore 20, save 10
Level 19:
Class: Sorcerer 8
Skills: (16) Conc. 22, Lore 22, Tumble 11, save 12
Level 20:
Class: Sorcerer 9
Stat Point: Charisma 21
Skills: (18) Conc. 23, Lore 23, save 16
Epic Levels
Level 21:
Class: Sorcerer 10
Feat: Epic Weapon Focus
Skills: (22) Conc. 24, Lore 24, Tumble 12, save 18
Other: Epic Spell: Hellball, Epic Spell: Dragon Knight
Notes: This build has now achieved Dragonstorm Mage status, gaining two useful Epic Spells and bringing its Caster Level from 9 to 20. This build will not gain its most potent spells or tanking potential until later, but will now be essentially able to perform as intended, acting in a supporting melee role while casting effective offensive spells. This build should now switch to Medium Armor and a Medium Shield to achieve the best AC. Combat Caster ability causes any light or medium armor worn by the Dragonstorm Mage to have its spell failure chance reduced to zero.
Level 22:
Class: Sorcerer 11
Skills: (24) Conc. 25, Lore 25, save 22
Level 23:
Class: Sorcerer 12
Skills: (28) Conc. 26, Lore 26, Tumble 13, save 24
Notes: Make sure to learn Tenser’s Transformation as this build’s first level 6 spell. This will greatly enhance its overall effectiveness as a melee fighter, adding bonuses to Natural AC, Hit Points, Strength, Dexterity and Constitution. It also eventually gives the build a greatly improved AB and two bonus attacks. This buff is key to the effectiveness of the entire build.
Level 24:
Class: Paladin 2
Stat Point: Charisma 22
Feat: Epic Prowess
Skills: (6) Conc. 27, Disc. 27, Lore 27, Parry 7, Persuade 27
Other: Aura of Courage, Smite Evil
Level 25:
Class: Sorcerer 13
Skills: (6) Conc. 28, Lore 28, Tumble 14, save 2
Level 26:
Class: Sorcerer 14
Skills: (8) Conc. 29, Lore 29, save 6
Level 27:
Class: Paladin 3
Feat: Divine Might
Skills: (12) Conc. 30, Disc. 30, Lore 30, Parry 9, Pers. 30, Tumble 15
Other: Remove Disease, Turn Undead
Notes: This level not only gives the build Divine Might, adding the Charisma Bonus to the build’s melee damage, but also fulfills the conditions to gain the maximum effect from Tenser’s Transformation.
Level 28:
Class: Sorcerer 15
Stat Point: Charisma 23
Skills: (6) Conc. 31, Lore 31, save 4
Level 29:
Class: Sorcerer 16
Skills: (10) Conc. 32, Lore 32, Tumble 16, save 6
Level 30:
Class: Sorcerer 17
Feat: Epic Toughness I
Skills: (12) Conc. 33, Lore 33, save 10
Level 31:
Class: Sorcerer 18
Skills: (16) Conc. 34, Lore 34, Tumble 17, save 12
Notes: This build has now gained its full range of spells, including Thunderstorm (Meteor Swarm). It will continue to become more effective as its Caster Level increases for Dragonstorm Mage spells and Lore increases bonus damage. It will also continue to gain spell slots from an increasing Charisma Bonus and better gear. It will also grow more effective as a tank as it gains its Legendary levels as a Blue Dragon Disciple.
Level 32:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 11
Stat Point: Charisma 24
Skills: (18) Conc. 35, Disc. 35, Lore 35, Parry 16, Pers. 35
Level 33:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 12
Feat: Epic Toughness II
Skills: (6) Conc. 36, Disc. 36, Lore 36, Pers. 36, Tumble 18
Level 34:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 13
Skills: (6) Conc. 37, Disc. 37, Lore 37, Parry 18, Pers. 37
Level 35:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 14
Feat: Epic Toughness III
Skills: (6) Conc. 38, Disc. 38, Lore 38, Pers. 38, Tumble 19
Level 36:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 15
Stat Point: Charisma 25
Feat: Epic Toughness IV
Skills: (6) Conc. 39, Disc. 39, Lore 39, Parry 20, Pers. 39
Draconic Abilities: Strength 15
Level 37:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 16
Skills: (6) Conc. 40, Disc. 40, Lore 40, Pers. 40, Tumble 20
Level 38:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 17
Skills: (6) Conc. 41, Disc. 41, Lore 41, Parry 22, Pers. 41
Level 39:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 18
Feat: Epic Toughness V & VI
Skills: (6) Conc. 42, Disc. 42, Lore 42, Pers. 42, Tumble 21
Level 40:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 19
Stat Point: Charisma 26
Skills: (24) Conc. 43, Disc. 43, Lore, 43, Parry 24, Pers. 43
Legendary Levels
Level 41:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 20
Skills: (6) Conc. 44, Disc. 44, Lore 44, Pers. 44, Tumble 22
Draconic Abilities: Strength 17, Constitution 14, Intelligence 18
Level 42:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 21
Stat Point: Charisma 27
Feat: Epic Toughness VII
Skills: (7) Conc. 45, Disc. 45, Lore 45, Parry 27, Pers. 45
Level 43:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 22
Skills: (7) Conc. 46, Disc. 46, Lore 46, Parry 28, Pers. 46, Tumble 23
Level 44:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 23
Stat Point: Charisma 28
Skills: (7) Conc. 47, Disc. 47, Lore 47, Parry 31, Pers. 47
Level 45:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 24
Feat: Epic Toughness VIII
Skills: (7) Conc. 48, Disc. 48, Lore 48, Parry 32, Pers. 48, Tumble 24
Level 46:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 25
Stat Point: Charisma 29
Skills: (7) Conc. 49, Disc. 49, Lore 49, Parry 35, Pers. 49
Other: Draconic Attributes: Strength 19
Level 47:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 26
Skills: (7) Conc. 50, Disc. 50, Lore 50, Parry 36, Pers. 50, Tumble 25
Level 48:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 27
Stat Point: Charisma 30
Feat: Epic Toughness IX
Skills: (7) Conc. 51, Disc. 51, Lore 51, Parry 39, Pers. 51
Level 49:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 28
Skills: (7) Conc. 52, Disc. 52, Lore 52, Parry 40, Pers. 52, Tumble 26
Level 50:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 29
Stat Point: Charisma 31
Skills: (7) Conc. 53, Disc. 53, Lore 53, Parry 43, Pers. 53
Level 51:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 30
Feat: Epic Toughness X
Skills: (7) Conc. 54, Disc. 54, Lore 54, Parry 44, Pers. 54, Tumble 27
Draconic Abilities: Strength 21, Constitution 16, Charisma 33
Notes: This build has now achieved level 30 in Blue Dragon Disciple, and will gain all the special Draconic Abilities that come with that, to include increased size and alternate forms, Wing Buffet and Dragonfear Armor.
Level 52:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 31
Stat Point: Charisma 34
Skills: (7) Conc. 55, Disc. 55, Lore 55, Parry 47, Pers. 55
Level 53:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 32
Skills: (7) Conc. 56, Disc. 56, Lore 56, Parry 48, Pers. 56, Tumble 28
Level 54
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 33
Stat Point: Charisma 35
Feat: Legendary Weapon Focus
Skills: (7) Conc. 57 Disc. 57 Lore 57 Parry 51 Pers. 57
Level 55:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 34
Skills: (7) Conc. 58, Disc. 58, Lore 58, Parry 52, Pers. 58, Tumble 29
Level 56:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 35
Stat Point: Charisma 36
Skills: (7) Conc. 59, Disc. 59, Lore 59, Parry 55, Pers. 59
Level 57:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 36
Feat: Legendary Spell Penetration(Epic Spell Penetration from Tome)
Skills: (7) Conc. 60, Disc. 60, Lore 60, Parry 56, Pers. 60, Tumble 30
Level 58:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 37
Stat Point: Charisma 37
Skills: (7) Conc. 61, Disc. 61, Lore 61, Parry 59, Pers. 61
Level 59:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 38
Skills: (7) Conc. 62, Disc. 62, Lore 62, Parry 62, Pers. 62
Level 60:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 39
Stat Point: Charisma 38
Feat: Armor Skin
Skills: (7) Conc. 63, Disc. 63, Lore 63, Parry 63, Pers. 63, Tumble 31
Skills:
- Concentration: 63
- Discipline: 63
- Lore: 63
- Parry: 63
- Persuade: 63
- Tumble: 31
Spells:
- Level 1: (5) Negative Energy Ray, Lesser Orb of Electricity, Lesser Orb of Sound, Shocking Grasp, True Strike
- Level 2: (5) Gedlee's Electric Loop, Shock Weapon, Flame Weapon, Vocalize, Death Armor
- Level 3: (4) Lightning Bolt, Scintillating Sphere, Greater Magic Weapon, Needle Point
- Level 4: (4) Elemental Shield, Stoneskin, Orb of Sound, Improved Invisibility
- Level 5: (4) Ball Lightning, Energy Buffer, Greater Shadow Conjuration, Mestil’s Acid Sheath
- Level 6: (3) Chain Lightning, Tenser's Transformation, Stone to Flesh
- Level 7: (3) Great Thunderclap, Greater Orb of Sound, Static Field
- Level 8: (2) Mind Blank, Greater Sanctuary
- Level 9: (1) Thunderstorm (Meteor Swarm)
Equipment:
This build utilizes a Rapier, Medium Shield and Medium Armor for the best effective Armor Class and weapon bonuses. At level 60 Tenser’s Transformation will effectively maximize bonuses to Strength, Dexterity & Constitution, leaving the gear open for other things, such as;
- +12 Charisma Bonus to maximize DC, saves, AB and spell slots
- +12 Wisdom Bonus to increase Will Save
- Skill Bonuses to Concentration, Discipline, Lore, Parry & Persuade
- Armor Class Bonuses
- Saving Throw Bonuses
- Haste
- True Seeing
- Bonus Spell Slots
- Enhancement Bonuses
- Divine, Magic or Positive Damage Bonuses
Tacitica:
The use of this build will vary greatly depending on the party.
Party: Generally, the party will include a more effective tank, and this build should then act in a secondary melee role to that tank, assisting them in combat and capable of splitting off to deal with additional threats, especially casters. However, if the build is the best available tank, it can fulfill the role of primary tank adequately. Due to it’s weapon choice of Rapier, relatively lower Strength and lack of the Devastating Critical line, this build will do lower damage than a typical Dragon Disciple tank. However, its 7 attacks, high AB and +20 damage from Divine Might will allow it to chew through virtually anything over time. This build’s solid AC, high hit points and exceptional saves will allow it to survive as a tank, if it is effectively supported by a party. If the party lacks casters, this build can also effectively hang back and blast enemies using offensive spells.
Solo: When soloing, the player will be able to tank in most situations. However, they can also summon either an Adult Dragon or a Celestial Avenger to act as the primary tank, allowing them to cast and act in a supporting melee role and take less of the brunt of the attack.
Buffs: This build will want to use; Mage Armor (AC+1-5*), Shock Weapon (Fire Damage +1-4*), Displacement (50% Concealment), Greater Magic Weapon (Enhancement Bonus +1-6*), Elemental Shield (50% immunity to Cold/Fire, 2-66 damage vs. attackers*), Stoneskin (Soaks 10/+5 to 20/+15*, absorbs 70-900* melee damage), Energy Buffer (Soaks 40/- to 60/-1*, absorbs 60-3000* elemental damage), Legend Lore (+19 Lore) and Tenser’s Transformation when available. Obviously, any buffs available from party members or Bardsong are also helpful. If acting in a melee capacity, this build will want to use Channeling to cast Stoneskin, Energy Buffer and Tenser’s Transformation at level 60, but will otherwise want to leave the spell slots open for casting.
Divine Might: This build uses a Rapier, which causes less damage, and does not have the Devastating Critical line, and therefore does not cause as much critical damage. To balance this out, Divine Might adds the Charisma Bonus (capped at +20) to the damage. This is listed as Divine damage, but is technically added physical damage. This lasts for a number of rounds equal to the Charisma bonus and utilizes a Turn Undead attempt. The build will have a number of Turn Undead attempts equal to the Charisma Modifier +3.
Persuade: Against top enemies, this build may experience difficulties penetrating the opposing Spell Resistance. Persuade may be used in the same way as Taunt in these situations to reduce the Spell Resistance of a target by up to -6. This will also benefit any members of your party casting against that target. This does not require an action and may only be used once per round. This can be activated using !opt tauntpersuade.
Dragonstorm Mage
BDD 39/Sorcerer 18/Paladin 3
This build is loosely based on the Open Incinerator by Csivils, but with a very different focus. It trades Strength for Charisma and sacrifices criticals and overt damage for more effective spellcasting and Charisma-based abilities.
I named it Tropic Thunder because it uses the jungle-dwelling Yuan-Ti as the basis for a Dragonstorm Mage that uses primarily lightning based attacks. However, it is also appropriate because the build is very much style (Charisma) over substance (Strength) and is patently ridiculous on a number of levels (large creature using a rapier, using epic feat slots for general feats, using Charisma as the basis of a tank, ect) but should still work, more or less.
The build relies on its +23 Charisma bonus for more spell slots and higher DC as well as for better damage when using Divine Might and higher saves through Divine Grace. It also utilizes Rapier Wit and Tensor’s Transformation to achieve a top-level AB. When fully buffed, this build should be able to effectively tank and cast offensive spells in any environment. However, the drawback is that it will never be quite as good in melee as a dedicated tank or quite as good at spellcasting as a dedicated caster.
PROS
- Operates at roughly 85% of normal Tank, 85% of normal Caster
- Effective Attack Bonus relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Effective Armor Class relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Caster Level 57 (60 when Channeling) for Dragonstorm Mage spells
- DC of 38 to 46 for Dragonstorm Mage spells
- Spell Penetration of 66 to 88 for Dragonstorm Mage spells
- Inflicts -6 penalty to target’s Spell Resistance using Persuade
- Spells grant 50% Concealment, Physical and Elemental Soak
- Divine Grace bonus of +23 to all saves (after penalties)
- Divine Might Bonus of +20 damage to all hits
- Natural Spell Resistance of 65 at level 60
- Epic Spells Hellball & Dragon Knight
- Effective Melee Tank and Combat Caster in virtually any setting
CONS
- Low Damage relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Lower Hit Points relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Lower DC and Charisma relative to normal Sorcerer Builds
- Ineffective Critical Hits relative to normal Dragon Disciple Builds
- Limited Range of Spells (primarily Electrical and Sonic Damage)
"Yuan-Ti"
- FCs: Wizard, Rogue / BC: Sorcerer
- CHA +2, INT +1, DEX +1, WIS-3, STR -1, +5 Spellcraft, sr5 +1/lvl, speaks Draconic, speaks Yuan-ti
Strength 10 (9) +12 =21 +12 =33 (+11)
Dexterity 13 (14) =14 +12 =26 (+8)
Constitution 10 +6 =16 +12 =28 (+9)
Wisdom 8 (5) =5 +12 =17 (+3)
Intelligence 13 (14) +4 =18 +12 =30 (+10)
Charisma 18 (20) +20+4 =44 +12 =56 (+23)
Pre-Epic Levels
Level 1:
Class: Sorcerer 1
Feat: Spell Focus Evocation, Greater Spell Focus: Evocation
Skills: (16) Concentration 4, Lore 4, Tumble 2, save 4
Other: Familiar
Level 2:
Class: Sorcerer 2
Skills: (9) Concentration 5, Lore 5, save 7
Level 3:
Class: Paladin 1
Feat: Weapon Focus: Rapier
Skills: (12) Discipline 6, Persuade 6
Other: Divine Grace, Divine Health, Lay On Hands
Notes: If you speak to the Rowan Guardian in the Town of Ascension, you will automatically gain level 3 as your starting point. At this point, the build is too weak to effectively fight, but too limited as a caster to effectively nuke. The best strategy at this point is to buy a longbow and magic arrows and used ranged attacks to support your party or familiar.
Level 4:
Class: Sorcerer 3
Stat Point: Charisma 21
Skills: (5) Concentration 7, Lore 7, save 1
Level 5:
Class: Sorcerer 4
Skills: (6) Concentration 8, Lore 8, Tumble 4
Level 6:
Class: Dragon Disciple 1
Feat: Rapier Wit
Skills: (5) Concentration 9, Discipline 9, Lore 9
Notes: With Rapier Wit this build becomes much more effective in combat, although still causes low damage and is weak compared with fighting classes. It will not be an effective caster until it achieves Dragonstorm Mage at level 21. At this point, the best strategy is to purchase the best available full plate armor and tower shield and ignore casting. If possible, join parties for better XP, otherwise you will have a hard time soloing.
Level 7:
Class: Dragon Disciple 2
Skills: (5) Concentration 10, Discipline 10, Lore 10, Tumble 5
Other: Draconic Abilities: Strength 11
Level 8:
Class: Dragon Disciple 3
Stat Point: Charisma 22
Skills: (5) Concentration 11, Discipline 11, Lore 11, Persuade 8
Other: Dragon Breath 2d10, Draconic Armor +1 AC
Notes: You MUST find the altar and choose Blue Dragon Disciple prior to gaining another level of Dragon Disciple.
Level 9:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 4
Feat: Greater Weapon Focus: Rapier
Skills: (5) Concentration 12, Discipline 12, Lore 12, Tumble 6
Other: Draconic Abilities: Strength 13, Hit Die Increase d8
Level 10:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 5
Skills: (6) Concentration 13, Discipline 13, Lore 13, Persuade 10
Level 11:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 6
Skills: (5) Concentration 14, Discipline 14, Lore 14, Tumble 7
Other: Hit Die Increase d10, Draconic Armor +2 AC
Level 12:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 7
Stat Point: Charisma 23
Feat: Resist Energy: Electrical
Skills: (5) Concentration 15, Discipline 15, Lore 15, Persuade 12
Other: Draconic Abilities: Constitution 12, Dragon Breath 4d10
Level 13:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 8
Skills: (5) Concentration 16, Discipline 16, Lore 16, Tumble 8
Other: Draconic Armor +3 AC
Level 14:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 9
Skills: (5) Concentration 17, Discipline 17, Lore 17, Persuade 14
Other: Draconic Abilities: Intelligence 16, Draconic Armor +3 AC
Level 15:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 10
Feat: Blind Fight
Skills: (6) Concentration 18, Discipline 18, Lore 18, Persuade 15, Tumble 9
Other: Draconic Abilities: Charisma 25, Improved Dragon Breath
Level 16:
Class: Sorcerer 5
Stat Point: Charisma 26
Skills: (6) Concentration 19, Lore 19, save 4
Level 17:
Class: Sorcerer 6
Skills: (10) Conc. 20, Lore 20, Tumble 10, save 6
Level 18:
Class: Sorcerer 7
Feat: Power Attack
Skills: (12) Conc. 21, Lore 20, save 10
Level 19:
Class: Sorcerer 8
Skills: (16) Conc. 22, Lore 22, Tumble 11, save 12
Level 20:
Class: Sorcerer 9
Stat Point: Charisma 21
Skills: (18) Conc. 23, Lore 23, save 16
Epic Levels
Level 21:
Class: Sorcerer 10
Feat: Epic Weapon Focus
Skills: (22) Conc. 24, Lore 24, Tumble 12, save 18
Other: Epic Spell: Hellball, Epic Spell: Dragon Knight
Notes: This build has now achieved Dragonstorm Mage status, gaining two useful Epic Spells and bringing its Caster Level from 9 to 20. This build will not gain its most potent spells or tanking potential until later, but will now be essentially able to perform as intended, acting in a supporting melee role while casting effective offensive spells. This build should now switch to Medium Armor and a Medium Shield to achieve the best AC. Combat Caster ability causes any light or medium armor worn by the Dragonstorm Mage to have its spell failure chance reduced to zero.
Level 22:
Class: Sorcerer 11
Skills: (24) Conc. 25, Lore 25, save 22
Level 23:
Class: Sorcerer 12
Skills: (28) Conc. 26, Lore 26, Tumble 13, save 24
Notes: Make sure to learn Tenser’s Transformation as this build’s first level 6 spell. This will greatly enhance its overall effectiveness as a melee fighter, adding bonuses to Natural AC, Hit Points, Strength, Dexterity and Constitution. It also eventually gives the build a greatly improved AB and two bonus attacks. This buff is key to the effectiveness of the entire build.
Level 24:
Class: Paladin 2
Stat Point: Charisma 22
Feat: Epic Prowess
Skills: (6) Conc. 27, Disc. 27, Lore 27, Parry 7, Persuade 27
Other: Aura of Courage, Smite Evil
Level 25:
Class: Sorcerer 13
Skills: (6) Conc. 28, Lore 28, Tumble 14, save 2
Level 26:
Class: Sorcerer 14
Skills: (8) Conc. 29, Lore 29, save 6
Level 27:
Class: Paladin 3
Feat: Divine Might
Skills: (12) Conc. 30, Disc. 30, Lore 30, Parry 9, Pers. 30, Tumble 15
Other: Remove Disease, Turn Undead
Notes: This level not only gives the build Divine Might, adding the Charisma Bonus to the build’s melee damage, but also fulfills the conditions to gain the maximum effect from Tenser’s Transformation.
Level 28:
Class: Sorcerer 15
Stat Point: Charisma 23
Skills: (6) Conc. 31, Lore 31, save 4
Level 29:
Class: Sorcerer 16
Skills: (10) Conc. 32, Lore 32, Tumble 16, save 6
Level 30:
Class: Sorcerer 17
Feat: Epic Toughness I
Skills: (12) Conc. 33, Lore 33, save 10
Level 31:
Class: Sorcerer 18
Skills: (16) Conc. 34, Lore 34, Tumble 17, save 12
Notes: This build has now gained its full range of spells, including Thunderstorm (Meteor Swarm). It will continue to become more effective as its Caster Level increases for Dragonstorm Mage spells and Lore increases bonus damage. It will also continue to gain spell slots from an increasing Charisma Bonus and better gear. It will also grow more effective as a tank as it gains its Legendary levels as a Blue Dragon Disciple.
Level 32:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 11
Stat Point: Charisma 24
Skills: (18) Conc. 35, Disc. 35, Lore 35, Parry 16, Pers. 35
Level 33:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 12
Feat: Epic Toughness II
Skills: (6) Conc. 36, Disc. 36, Lore 36, Pers. 36, Tumble 18
Level 34:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 13
Skills: (6) Conc. 37, Disc. 37, Lore 37, Parry 18, Pers. 37
Level 35:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 14
Feat: Epic Toughness III
Skills: (6) Conc. 38, Disc. 38, Lore 38, Pers. 38, Tumble 19
Level 36:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 15
Stat Point: Charisma 25
Feat: Epic Toughness IV
Skills: (6) Conc. 39, Disc. 39, Lore 39, Parry 20, Pers. 39
Draconic Abilities: Strength 15
Level 37:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 16
Skills: (6) Conc. 40, Disc. 40, Lore 40, Pers. 40, Tumble 20
Level 38:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 17
Skills: (6) Conc. 41, Disc. 41, Lore 41, Parry 22, Pers. 41
Level 39:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 18
Feat: Epic Toughness V & VI
Skills: (6) Conc. 42, Disc. 42, Lore 42, Pers. 42, Tumble 21
Level 40:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 19
Stat Point: Charisma 26
Skills: (24) Conc. 43, Disc. 43, Lore, 43, Parry 24, Pers. 43
Legendary Levels
Level 41:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 20
Skills: (6) Conc. 44, Disc. 44, Lore 44, Pers. 44, Tumble 22
Draconic Abilities: Strength 17, Constitution 14, Intelligence 18
Level 42:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 21
Stat Point: Charisma 27
Feat: Epic Toughness VII
Skills: (7) Conc. 45, Disc. 45, Lore 45, Parry 27, Pers. 45
Level 43:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 22
Skills: (7) Conc. 46, Disc. 46, Lore 46, Parry 28, Pers. 46, Tumble 23
Level 44:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 23
Stat Point: Charisma 28
Skills: (7) Conc. 47, Disc. 47, Lore 47, Parry 31, Pers. 47
Level 45:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 24
Feat: Epic Toughness VIII
Skills: (7) Conc. 48, Disc. 48, Lore 48, Parry 32, Pers. 48, Tumble 24
Level 46:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 25
Stat Point: Charisma 29
Skills: (7) Conc. 49, Disc. 49, Lore 49, Parry 35, Pers. 49
Other: Draconic Attributes: Strength 19
Level 47:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 26
Skills: (7) Conc. 50, Disc. 50, Lore 50, Parry 36, Pers. 50, Tumble 25
Level 48:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 27
Stat Point: Charisma 30
Feat: Epic Toughness IX
Skills: (7) Conc. 51, Disc. 51, Lore 51, Parry 39, Pers. 51
Level 49:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 28
Skills: (7) Conc. 52, Disc. 52, Lore 52, Parry 40, Pers. 52, Tumble 26
Level 50:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 29
Stat Point: Charisma 31
Skills: (7) Conc. 53, Disc. 53, Lore 53, Parry 43, Pers. 53
Level 51:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 30
Feat: Epic Toughness X
Skills: (7) Conc. 54, Disc. 54, Lore 54, Parry 44, Pers. 54, Tumble 27
Draconic Abilities: Strength 21, Constitution 16, Charisma 33
Notes: This build has now achieved level 30 in Blue Dragon Disciple, and will gain all the special Draconic Abilities that come with that, to include increased size and alternate forms, Wing Buffet and Dragonfear Armor.
Level 52:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 31
Stat Point: Charisma 34
Skills: (7) Conc. 55, Disc. 55, Lore 55, Parry 47, Pers. 55
Level 53:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 32
Skills: (7) Conc. 56, Disc. 56, Lore 56, Parry 48, Pers. 56, Tumble 28
Level 54
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 33
Stat Point: Charisma 35
Feat: Legendary Weapon Focus
Skills: (7) Conc. 57 Disc. 57 Lore 57 Parry 51 Pers. 57
Level 55:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 34
Skills: (7) Conc. 58, Disc. 58, Lore 58, Parry 52, Pers. 58, Tumble 29
Level 56:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 35
Stat Point: Charisma 36
Skills: (7) Conc. 59, Disc. 59, Lore 59, Parry 55, Pers. 59
Level 57:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 36
Feat: Legendary Spell Penetration(Epic Spell Penetration from Tome)
Skills: (7) Conc. 60, Disc. 60, Lore 60, Parry 56, Pers. 60, Tumble 30
Level 58:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 37
Stat Point: Charisma 37
Skills: (7) Conc. 61, Disc. 61, Lore 61, Parry 59, Pers. 61
Level 59:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 38
Skills: (7) Conc. 62, Disc. 62, Lore 62, Parry 62, Pers. 62
Level 60:
Class: Blue Dragon Disciple 39
Stat Point: Charisma 38
Feat: Armor Skin
Skills: (7) Conc. 63, Disc. 63, Lore 63, Parry 63, Pers. 63, Tumble 31
Skills:
- Concentration: 63
- Discipline: 63
- Lore: 63
- Parry: 63
- Persuade: 63
- Tumble: 31
Spells:
- Level 1: (5) Negative Energy Ray, Lesser Orb of Electricity, Lesser Orb of Sound, Shocking Grasp, True Strike
- Level 2: (5) Gedlee's Electric Loop, Shock Weapon, Flame Weapon, Vocalize, Death Armor
- Level 3: (4) Lightning Bolt, Scintillating Sphere, Greater Magic Weapon, Needle Point
- Level 4: (4) Elemental Shield, Stoneskin, Orb of Sound, Improved Invisibility
- Level 5: (4) Ball Lightning, Energy Buffer, Greater Shadow Conjuration, Mestil’s Acid Sheath
- Level 6: (3) Chain Lightning, Tenser's Transformation, Stone to Flesh
- Level 7: (3) Great Thunderclap, Greater Orb of Sound, Static Field
- Level 8: (2) Mind Blank, Greater Sanctuary
- Level 9: (1) Thunderstorm (Meteor Swarm)
Equipment:
This build utilizes a Rapier, Medium Shield and Medium Armor for the best effective Armor Class and weapon bonuses. At level 60 Tenser’s Transformation will effectively maximize bonuses to Strength, Dexterity & Constitution, leaving the gear open for other things, such as;
- +12 Charisma Bonus to maximize DC, saves, AB and spell slots
- +12 Wisdom Bonus to increase Will Save
- Skill Bonuses to Concentration, Discipline, Lore, Parry & Persuade
- Armor Class Bonuses
- Saving Throw Bonuses
- Haste
- True Seeing
- Bonus Spell Slots
- Enhancement Bonuses
- Divine, Magic or Positive Damage Bonuses
Tacitica:
The use of this build will vary greatly depending on the party.
Party: Generally, the party will include a more effective tank, and this build should then act in a secondary melee role to that tank, assisting them in combat and capable of splitting off to deal with additional threats, especially casters. However, if the build is the best available tank, it can fulfill the role of primary tank adequately. Due to it’s weapon choice of Rapier, relatively lower Strength and lack of the Devastating Critical line, this build will do lower damage than a typical Dragon Disciple tank. However, its 7 attacks, high AB and +20 damage from Divine Might will allow it to chew through virtually anything over time. This build’s solid AC, high hit points and exceptional saves will allow it to survive as a tank, if it is effectively supported by a party. If the party lacks casters, this build can also effectively hang back and blast enemies using offensive spells.
Solo: When soloing, the player will be able to tank in most situations. However, they can also summon either an Adult Dragon or a Celestial Avenger to act as the primary tank, allowing them to cast and act in a supporting melee role and take less of the brunt of the attack.
Buffs: This build will want to use; Mage Armor (AC+1-5*), Shock Weapon (Fire Damage +1-4*), Displacement (50% Concealment), Greater Magic Weapon (Enhancement Bonus +1-6*), Elemental Shield (50% immunity to Cold/Fire, 2-66 damage vs. attackers*), Stoneskin (Soaks 10/+5 to 20/+15*, absorbs 70-900* melee damage), Energy Buffer (Soaks 40/- to 60/-1*, absorbs 60-3000* elemental damage), Legend Lore (+19 Lore) and Tenser’s Transformation when available. Obviously, any buffs available from party members or Bardsong are also helpful. If acting in a melee capacity, this build will want to use Channeling to cast Stoneskin, Energy Buffer and Tenser’s Transformation at level 60, but will otherwise want to leave the spell slots open for casting.
Divine Might: This build uses a Rapier, which causes less damage, and does not have the Devastating Critical line, and therefore does not cause as much critical damage. To balance this out, Divine Might adds the Charisma Bonus (capped at +20) to the damage. This is listed as Divine damage, but is technically added physical damage. This lasts for a number of rounds equal to the Charisma bonus and utilizes a Turn Undead attempt. The build will have a number of Turn Undead attempts equal to the Charisma Modifier +3.
Persuade: Against top enemies, this build may experience difficulties penetrating the opposing Spell Resistance. Persuade may be used in the same way as Taunt in these situations to reduce the Spell Resistance of a target by up to -6. This will also benefit any members of your party casting against that target. This does not require an action and may only be used once per round. This can be activated using !opt tauntpersuade.