Is Vow of Poverty broken?

[Particle_Man]

Well... i guess VoP fits best for a Monk, as other fighter types need weapons to fight properly

THe fighter can use simple weapons, at least (and there are some feats in Complete Warrior that give benefits for using such simple weapons as the Quarterstaff, the Light Mace, the Morningstar or the Heavy Mace).

I think a SoulKnife with VoP would be interesting, as would a Psion.

 

[3.5newbie]

At mid- to high levels, I agree that the "no magic items vs. VoP bonuses" is the critical issue. Starting a 1st level monk, I have another concern: it's highly painful to part with two feats for a starting character.

Starting with a human monk with two UA flaws you can put together a mix of six feets (including IUS). With those feats one can -- barely -- create an effective offensive package, with Imp. Int., Pwr Strike, Flying Kick, Power Attack (Iaj.), & Stunning Fist, for example.

Delete any two of those choices to lock in VoP and you'll have a character with a nice AC but is anemic offensively and behind in the race for complete MA styles and prerequistes.

I'd say VoP is pretty balanced overall, but, despite the awesome AC bonus, maybe a little bit of a disadvantage in the early game.

 

[Goolpsy]

The ac isn't that awsome... a well equiped monk could easily get about +60 AC at level 20.. even get more than 70.. and STILL have like half their gold left for other interesting stuff

 

[Hawkeye]

What about a character with VOP that is gifted with something like a Monk's tattoo or a power gives him another permament stat boost, but its not something they asked for. Does that violate the vow?

Hawkeye

 

[Rystil Arden]

What about a character with VOP that is gifted with something like a Monk's tattoo or a power gives him another permament stat boost, but its not something they asked for. Does that violate the vow?

Hawkeye

The FAQ says a tattoo or graft violates the vow and suggests that you just let him remove the tattoo or graft without gore unless you want to handle that kind of thing.

 

[Saeviomagy]

Isn't it presumptuous for one who has sworn to a life of poverty and humility to ask for the ability to raise the dead? Shouldn't he be prepared to weather the discomfort caused by undead creatures and not shelter behind his power?

Why SHOULD a wizard be allowed to gain the benefits of the VoP? Isn't he reaching beyond reality to grasp at power? That shows faith in his god how?

 

[cignus_pfaccari]

I think a SoulKnife with VoP would be interesting, as would a Psion.

I tried a VoP Psion in an epic game. I didn't want to have to worry about items.

The only real issue is that there aren't any Exalted feats specifically for psions. It's kinda annoying.

Brad

 

[Hawkeye]

The FAQ says a tattoo or graft violates the vow and suggests that you just let him remove the tattoo or graft without gore unless you want to handle that kind of thing.

So, the character gets drugged or drunk and wakes up with a new magical tattoo that can't be removed. What then?

Hawkeye

 

[Rystil Arden]

So, the character gets drugged or drunk and wakes up with a new magical tattoo that can't be removed. What then?

Hawkeye

The same as what happens when they get stuck with a Cursed item that they cannot get rid of--they lose all vow powers until they get rid of it and Atone. It's harsh, but those are the breaks.

 

[Hawkeye]

The same as what happens when they get stuck with a Cursed item that they cannot get rid of--they lose all vow powers until they get rid of it and Atone. It's harsh, but those are the breaks.

Well that is certainly a good way to fully screw a character. Didn't cursed items at one time have a negative gp value?

Edit: Or just have someone reverse pick pocket a few cursed GP on the VOP character and there goes everything. I would think the Powers that Be would be a bit more relenting and thoughtful with that sort of thing.

Hawkeye