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Post by hfb on Dec 12, 2012 18:14:10 GMT
1. What are the mechanics of "pseudo touch attacks" and "shadow attacks"? Which feats apply? Does CW apply? Buffs? E.g. does EP or LWF (something/unarmed)? Do they apply in accordance w/ the feat application progression as per LFFs?
E.g.: Shadow attack: Iron Golem's Crumple Armor E.g.: Pseudo touch attack: Beholder's Inflict Ray
2. How crucial is it to have more than Epic Spell Pen on an Outsider spec.ed Shifter? Are the non-SR respecting abilities sufficient to deal with high SR foes in deep hells and beyond?
I want to build a Shifter w/ full WS and 3 fully upgraded forms (OS, UD, Construct), which requires all of the Legendary and Paragon feats. This is the driving question behind 1. and 2.
3. Besides LSA Tumble or Discipline(handled w/ Bard splash + Able Learner), are there any other bits I may have forgotten for a full on "Ability Mage" Shifter? (Side long glance at Star, Tyran, Deso, Cata, et.al.)
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Post by gandoron on Dec 12, 2012 21:27:03 GMT
I personally would avoid doing a splash. I had a monk splash then ranger. I think full DC and EP is the way to do. I've split my build between various foci only maxing wild and UD (banshee rocks). I did the SP tome as well for drider and some other spells. I think LSA tumble is the only thing worthwhile. Low disc means that if you are killed by a slagging mob you will basically 100%, however in practice that's rare. Ichors are the only massive issue. Assuming you are playing as an ability mage shifter and not a tank. Most other slagging mobs will be less likely to hunt you down and own you. You also shouldn't be close to Asmo.
-G
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Post by desocupado on Dec 13, 2012 0:06:32 GMT
1 - I'm not 100% sure on differences between the two, but i believe CW doesn't apply, as it only works for Weapons. By NWN default, touch attacks ignore lots of the AC and Legendary shifter have no problem hitting anything with them (well, anything without concealment). 2 - There are a few other spells, Drider's IGMS, Belhorn's two, Specter's Bestow Curse, Crystal Golem's Prismatic Cone, Humanoid's Darkness/Web. but as a rule of thumb you should only consider Leg Spell Pen on outsider, but even them it's not that necessary. I personally would avoid doing a splash. I had a monk splash then ranger. I think full DC and EP is the way to do. I've split my build between various foci only maxing wild and UD (banshee rocks). I did the SP tome as well for drider and some other spells. I think LSA tumble is the only thing worthwhile. Low disc means that if you are killed by a slagging mob you will basically 100%, however in practice that's rare. Ichors are the only massive issue. Assuming you are playing as an ability mage shifter and not a tank. Most other slagging mobs will be less likely to hunt you down and own you. You also shouldn't be close to Asmo. -G Both my builds have some melee prowess keeping full DC, if you want to make a pure shifter, you should try Wild + Construct + Undead (as the two later forms get the most benefit from pure shifter).
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Post by hfb on Dec 13, 2012 2:52:57 GMT
That's the ticket. Great to know. Thanks a ton. RE: Bard splash, the loss of 1 DC for access to Tumble, Parry, Discipline, and UMD is a very good trade for the style of play for this toon, imho. Elf nets less CON and has to pay for more INT to make the Able Learner work, but all four skills makes for much less squishiness and even more utility. Oh, and the Shifter skill set is almost as bad as the joke played on Shadow Dancers. Feh to that!
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Post by desocupado on Dec 13, 2012 2:59:16 GMT
That's the ticket. Great to know. Thanks a ton. RE: Bard splash, the loss of 1 DC for access to Tumble, Parry, Discipline, and UMD is a very good trade for the style of play for this toon, imho. Elf nets less CON and has to pay for more INT to make the Able Learner work, but all four skills makes for much less squishiness and even more utility. Oh, and the Shifter skill set is almost as bad as the joke played on Shadow Dancers. Feh to that! Well shifters have 4 skill points per level and great saves. On the bright side, Listen is a class skill. Also you don't lose DC to splash on shifter you lose PL and/or CL.
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Post by tomaan on Dec 13, 2012 17:07:41 GMT
If I was going to splash, it would have to be Ranger. You only lose DC on spell-like abilities, but you keep your PL maxed out and you get access to parry and discipline (still have to take blooded for tumble).
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