Share your good SoulKnife Builds

[Zipher]

I guess it's hard to pick a level to stop SoulKnife progression because every level gives (or will cost) you something.

To answer the question about weaknesses of a All out SoulKnife, I feel that it would be Weak against:
a)Heavy Magic users (no special defenses... just saves )
b)Undead+Constructs (can't use psychic strike)

Have you guys taken a look at the PrC in CW called OccultSlayer? It is of my opinon that EVERY melee class should get at least 2 levels of this, the +1 to all saves, extra damage to creatures that use magic/magic-like-abilities (pretty much everyone at high levels) and Spell Turning 1/day is key. (this would take care of weakness "a" and then some... )

I have no idea how to handle weakness "b".

Also, I took a look at Vow or Poverty, it does give AC bonus (+4 at lev1, +1 every 2 levels thereafter). It also give a ton of other neat abilites. It definatly a good idea.

But Vow of poverty needs you to have 2 feats to pull off, (some pre-req feat + the vow itself). Assuming your not Human, you will need to use a "bonus feat" class in your first 2 levels to get it quickly... any ideas?

Thanks!
-Zipher

 

[Creamsteak]

Have you guys taken a look at the PrC in CW called OccultSlayer? It is of my opinon that EVERY melee class should get at least 2 levels of this, the +1 to all saves, extra damage to creatures that use magic/magic-like-abilities (pretty much everyone at high levels) and Spell Turning 1/day is key. (this would take care of weakness "a" and then some... )

Although I would allow that in my game, the flavor text describes the Occult Slayer as being very very focused on hatred for mages. Perhaps especially whatever an "occult" mage might happen to be in a particular game world, but generally it's very similar to a Forsaker in there hatred for magic. They've gone so far as to attune themselves to being able to "deflect" magic. Like I said, the flavor text doesn't really mean that much if you choose to have your own definitions (and I do, in this case). I think it compliments the hex-blade very nicely, though I don't remember if the two really function that great together.

For a soul-knife, it's not a bad idea for a feature. I wouldn't say that it's a must-have, but certainly interesting. I don't think it's worth it if you have to deal with the stigma attached to being an "Occult Slayer" though. In a Gestaldt game, it would certainly shine (and go into my Soul-Knife's progression, along with a spellcasting class, and that one class that allows the character to charge his blade with a damaging spell).

Also, I took a look at Vow or Poverty, it does give AC bonus (+4 at lev1, +1 every 2 levels thereafter). It also give a ton of other neat abilites. It definatly a good idea.

But you can't wear anything beyond mundane armor. That counts for something. You will want to have some other advantage to AC (high dex would help, or possibly one of the psionic armor feats/spells).

But Vow of poverty needs you to have 2 feats to pull off, (some pre-req feat + the vow itself). Assuming your not Human, you will need to use a "bonus feat" class in your first 2 levels to get it quickly... any ideas?

There is no class that grants bonus exalted feats at 1st level. I don't think there should be. I also don't really "like" the idea of the vow of poverty as a 1st level choice myself (even for a human). But, assuming it's what you want to do, you have to either be Human or wait till 3rd level. Unless your scrounging through a lot of other books, or making up your own homebrew material that is. I think technically some celestials in the Planar Handbook grant a feat at 1st level, but for those you must fulfill the entire monster-class first like in Savage Species.

 

[Chun-tzu]

But Vow of poverty needs you to have 2 feats to pull off, (some pre-req feat + the vow itself). Assuming your not Human, you will need to use a "bonus feat" class in your first 2 levels to get it quickly... any ideas?

A Half-Elf can also gain it at first level, however, if that first level is the Half-Elf Paragon racial class from Unearthed Arcana. They get a free bonus feat of any type at first level.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

Where is this "Vow of Poverty" found?

 

[Evilhalfling]

But Vow of poverty needs you to have 2 feats to pull off, (some pre-req feat + the vow itself). Assuming your not Human, you will need to use a "bonus feat" class in your first 2 levels to get it quickly... any ideas?
Thanks!
-Zipher

I would favor 2 levels of psionic warrior, for force shield and precognition offensive. Bonus feats Psionic Talent, and psionic body
then the rest soulknife, with VoP at 3rd level
The largest problem I have with soulknife is that having all your ablities focused on one weapon, was very restrictive.

According to my reading the mindblade starts as shortsword, and must be reshaped each time to another form. This means that throwing will really mess up the meele damage or attack stratagy

SRD
Shape Mind Blade (Su): At 5th level, a soulknife gains the ability to change the form of his mind blade. As a fullround action, he can change his mind blade to replicate a longsword (damage 1d8 for a Medium weapon wielded as a one-handed weapon) or a bastard sword (damage 1d10 for a Medium weapon, but he must wield it as a two-handed weapon unless he knows the Exotic Weapon Proficiency (bastard sword) feat). If a soulknife shapes his mind blade into the form of a bastard sword and wields it two-handed, he adds 1-1/2 times his Strength bonus to his damage rolls, just like when using any other two-handed weapon.
Alternatively, a soulknife can split his mind blade into two identical short swords, suitable for fighting with a weapon in each hand. (The normal penalties for fighting with two weapons apply.) However, both mind blades have an enhancement bonus 1 lower than the soulknife would otherwise create with a single mind blade

 

[Particle_Man]

Where is this "Vow of Poverty" found?

The Vow of Poverty is in the Book of Exalted Deeds. Popular with monks and sorcerors, too. But ya gotta be a real goody two-shoes to keep the benefits.

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

The Vow of Poverty is in the Book of Exalted Deeds. Popular with monks and sorcerors, too. But ya gotta be a real goody two-shoes to keep the benefits.

Ahhh...well, my guy is straight up neutral, so I guess I don't qualify! dang it...

Thanks!