"Per-encounter" Classes allowed for a new campaign - need critique

[Dannyalcatraz]

Some thoughts

You might try the BattleDancer (DCv1) or Shaman (OA) in place of the Monk; the Lurk (CompPsi) or Ninja (CompAdv) for the Rogue; Warmage (CompArc) for Sorcerer; Wu-Jen (OA) for Wizard; Divine Mind (CompPsi) or Soulborn (MoI) for Paladin; the Jester (DCv1) for Bard; Spellsinger (KoK) for Bard, Sorcerer or Wizard; the Shaman (KoK) or Greenbond (AU/AE...using Druid spells) for Druid.

 

[blargney the second]

Ah, but you can alway keep moving around so easy reach isn't an easy option.

I've found a few things that can help increase the effectiveness of Iron Guard's Glare:
1) Using Elusive Target to cause overreach can trip them which prevents them from moving away and imposes a further -4 to hit my allies.
2) Setting up a flanking position often helps to keep them from getting away from me.
3) Goad. (Theoretically.)

But seriously, it's a first level stance. I don't expect it to do all that much as a 10th level character. If it annoys my enemies and nothing more, that's good enough for me!
-blarg

ps - Prone enemy + Shield Block + Iron Guard's Glare = -14 to hit one of my allies. Whee!

 

[blargney the second]

Back on topic, a couple more thoughts for replacing the wizard. The wu jen idea upthread was a good one. You could also use the specialized specialists - beguiler, dread necro, warmage, etc.

 

[el-remmen]

Henry, I thought you disliked "per encounter" balancing. . . You have betrayed the cause!

 

[Piratecat]

I agree with Danny; the Lurk would make a wonderful replacement for the rogue. I'm not sure it's "per encounter," though.

 

[Nifft]

More options: use a variant Sorcerer / Swordsage ("Swordcerer"?) as described in the Swordsage's adaptation section.

Actually, that would be interesting -- allow him longer duration spells as Stances (one active at a time), and Instantaneous or 1-round duration spells as Maneuvers. (Buffs like swift haste become Boosts, attacks like scorching ray become Strikes, Instantaneous spells which exist in the Spell Compendium become Counters.) You'd need to do some substantial work on the spell list, but it might be worth it.

All other spells become Rituals (e.g. identify would require 8 ranks in Kn(Arcana) and 100 gp).

Cheers, -- N

 

[Wulf Ratbane]

Henry, I thought you disliked "per encounter" balancing. . . You have betrayed the cause!

MUHAHAHAHAHAHA!

 

[Nifft]

.... and one last idea: a Sorcerer who gains a bonus [Reserve] feat at 5, 10, 15 and 20th level.

Cheers, -- N

 

[NilesB]

• Favored Soul -- replaces Cleric and Druid (complete Divine, 4 skill points, add Turn Undead, add survival, handle animal, and know-nature as skills)

Why not replace Druid with Spirit Shaman?

 

[Henry]

Henry, I thought you disliked "per encounter" balancing. . . You have betrayed the cause!

If the TV network is replacing all my favorite shows with reality TV, then I can at least try to watch a show or two...

Seriously, it's not that I can't stand it -- I just dislike what it does to one of the primary sources of fun I get out of D&D. I want to see first hand from the DM's chair what it does, since I have seen it from the player's side, but only with one or two people using it. If I run a whole freakin' campaign of it, I can find out first-hand how much of a problem it is going to be for me for the next edition.

I'm planning on running or getting into some Star Wars Saga games, too.