Creamsteak
Explorer
Here we have three examples of characters that are able to deal above average damage for their class, or deal some kind of destructive affect against opponents that may normally be a bit difficult to fight. Minimizing supplements use, these characters try to be tough, but not by abusing the rules. My question is, as a DM that allows these kind of characters because I understand how "cool" they can be to my players, what is the opinions of other DMs as a whole when they are presented with these ideas. These are the three "best" examples I've seen so far, all first level, all a match for other characters of their level and then some. So I poll you, what do you think?
Rogue
Abilities: Charisma 13+
Race: Human
Class: Rogue
Skills: Iaijutsu Focus (4 Ranks)
Feats: Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Quick Draw
Equipment: Sap
Supplements: Oriental Adventures, Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting
When the Rogue catches an opponent flat-footed and the Rogue has not yet drawn the sap, the Rogue can score a rather nasty subduel damage strike. For a non-human, drop Cosmopolitan and raise the Charisma to 16+ to get the same average damage.
Damage: The Rogue's sneak attack (1d6) + the Rogue's Iaijutsu damage (average 2d6) + Sap (1d6) + Strength Modifier. Excellent for taking down unaware opponents without allowing them enough time to say a word. If a CDG is ever possible in conjunction with an Iaijutsu Focus Check, the affects are cumulative.
Psionic Warrior
Abilities: Total Ability Scores 66+
Race: Human
Class: Psionic Warrior
Feats: Inner Strength, Talented, Body Fuel
Special: Mind Blast
Supplements: Psionics Handbook
The Psionic Warrior, through body fuel, can provide enough power points to fuel a Mind Blast. A Mind Blast, as a special purpose power, is not subject to the normal per-level power point expenditure limit, and it is not required to have a certain Charisma score in order to use the ability. Mind Blast's key advantage is that subjects that fail the saving throw are not limited by Hit Dice, allowing the Mind Blast to take down bigger, tougher, more dangerous opponents than a sleep spell cast by a first level caster. Ability Score Point loss can be recovered much more easily with a method to regenerate ability scores (such as the Egoist Power: Lesser Body Adjustment), so although it is possible to pull off two mind blasts in a day, the risk is extremely dangerous unless the necessary healing is available.
Errata: Body Fuel is limited to burning 60 Ability Score Points per day.
Damage: Will Save or 3d4 round Stun (No HD Limit), excellent for taking down groups of powerful weak-willed opponents.
Fighter
Abilities: Strength 14+
Race: Human
Class: Fighter
Skills: Ride
Feats: Mounted Combat, Ride-By-Attack, Spirited Charge
Equipment: Heavy Lance + Light Warhorse (160 GP)
Supplements: None
Using a Two-Handed Heavy Lance, on a Spirited Charge, the fighter can deal 3d8+9 damage with a strength of 14, or 3d8+18 damage with a strength of 18. That's an average of 21.5 or 30.5 damage. The lack of first level armor is a downfall, but the fact that a single much larger opponent can be taken down with a few Ride-By charges amounts to an effective way to deal with the big, dumb, powerful enemies.
Rogue
Abilities: Charisma 13+
Race: Human
Class: Rogue
Skills: Iaijutsu Focus (4 Ranks)
Feats: Cosmopolitan (Iaijutsu Focus), Quick Draw
Equipment: Sap
Supplements: Oriental Adventures, Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting
When the Rogue catches an opponent flat-footed and the Rogue has not yet drawn the sap, the Rogue can score a rather nasty subduel damage strike. For a non-human, drop Cosmopolitan and raise the Charisma to 16+ to get the same average damage.
Damage: The Rogue's sneak attack (1d6) + the Rogue's Iaijutsu damage (average 2d6) + Sap (1d6) + Strength Modifier. Excellent for taking down unaware opponents without allowing them enough time to say a word. If a CDG is ever possible in conjunction with an Iaijutsu Focus Check, the affects are cumulative.
Psionic Warrior
Abilities: Total Ability Scores 66+
Race: Human
Class: Psionic Warrior
Feats: Inner Strength, Talented, Body Fuel
Special: Mind Blast
Supplements: Psionics Handbook
The Psionic Warrior, through body fuel, can provide enough power points to fuel a Mind Blast. A Mind Blast, as a special purpose power, is not subject to the normal per-level power point expenditure limit, and it is not required to have a certain Charisma score in order to use the ability. Mind Blast's key advantage is that subjects that fail the saving throw are not limited by Hit Dice, allowing the Mind Blast to take down bigger, tougher, more dangerous opponents than a sleep spell cast by a first level caster. Ability Score Point loss can be recovered much more easily with a method to regenerate ability scores (such as the Egoist Power: Lesser Body Adjustment), so although it is possible to pull off two mind blasts in a day, the risk is extremely dangerous unless the necessary healing is available.
Errata: Body Fuel is limited to burning 60 Ability Score Points per day.
Damage: Will Save or 3d4 round Stun (No HD Limit), excellent for taking down groups of powerful weak-willed opponents.
Fighter
Abilities: Strength 14+
Race: Human
Class: Fighter
Skills: Ride
Feats: Mounted Combat, Ride-By-Attack, Spirited Charge
Equipment: Heavy Lance + Light Warhorse (160 GP)
Supplements: None
Using a Two-Handed Heavy Lance, on a Spirited Charge, the fighter can deal 3d8+9 damage with a strength of 14, or 3d8+18 damage with a strength of 18. That's an average of 21.5 or 30.5 damage. The lack of first level armor is a downfall, but the fact that a single much larger opponent can be taken down with a few Ride-By charges amounts to an effective way to deal with the big, dumb, powerful enemies.
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