X4: Master of the Desert Nomads - OOC

kinem · Nov 19, 2009

Hello, Dragonwriter.

A shadowcaster or warlock would be fine.

As long as healing is covered, which it is, I don't require a balanced party (except at low levels when it matters more).

Dragonwriter · Nov 19, 2009

Shadowcaster is okay? Awesome. I've been wanting to try one out for a long while...

I'm think along the lines of this:
Human Shadowcaster 6/Master of Shadow 3
He'd mainly focus on control/messing with opponents, and sometimes letting loose with a Reach Umbral Touch as a little ranged attack, that also happens to slow the opponent. And his big Shadow Elemental buddy could do hit-and-run stuff.

(I realize he's not so much a ranged blaster, but his Umbral Touch can be quite nasty and his area control mysteries can immobilize, weaken and otherwise hamper groups.)

[sblock=Personality]
Easy-going and chatty, though generally he tries to draw attention away from himself. Somebody who likes to experiment, but also can have a mean streak and toy with enemies, if he thinks they're weak and simple. He would see treasure as a means to an end, not caring too much about it. Very dedicated and loyal, seeing it as his duty to fulfill his mission, or die trying.
[/sblock]

Background would be more in line with the first option. He would have been selected for his stealth and subtle magics.

I have a couple more questions concerning this, though...

1. Given the mystery advancement of Master of Shadow, would you be willing to say his Apprentice mysteries are now spell-like, or would that be considered a class feature of Shadowcaster?

2. Would the Favored Mystery feat grant an extra use of the mystery per day, as it does advance the way it is cast (and according to the text, that grants extra uses)?

(And would you be willing to take a look at some proposed patches by the class designer? They're here on EnWorld, right here. If you say no, I don't mind.)

And if these questions are a bit too much, I can change my character around. Nothing's really set-in-stone as of this point.

Rhun · Nov 19, 2009

I've never seen a shadowcaster in play, so I'm excited to see how it plays!

kinem · Nov 20, 2009

Dragonwriter said:
Shadowcaster is okay? Awesome. I've been wanting to try one out for a long while...

Cool. Character concept looks good.

1. Given the mystery advancement of Master of Shadow, would you be willing to say his Apprentice mysteries are now spell-like, or would that be considered a class feature of Shadowcaster?

2. Would the Favored Mystery feat grant an extra use of the mystery per day, as it does advance the way it is cast (and according to the text, that grants extra uses)?

3. (And would you be willing to take a look at some proposed patches by the class designer?)

1. It's a class feature, I'd say.

2. Not sure what you're asking but the feat would do what it says it does: bump a mystery from spell to SLA, SLA to Su, or if already Su increase the uses/day by 1.

3. I'd rather stick to the RAW as much as possible for this game, except for anything that is obviously broken and needs nerfing. (I'm not very familiar with shadow magic so I reserve the right to veto something that looks off. The only thing that stands out right now is that flesh fails and greater flesh fails need Fort saves.)

Dragonwriter · Nov 20, 2009

kinem said:
2. Not sure what you're asking but the feat would do what it says it does: bump a mystery from spell to SLA, SLA to Su, or if already Su increase the uses/day by 1.

The reason I asked is that when a mystery gets upped to SLA or Su, it gets more uses per day. There's been lots of debate (without official clarification, as far as I know) as to whether the feat increases the number of castings in addition to the way it is cast (as normal for the class feature/casting).

3. I'd rather stick to the RAW as much as possible for this game, except for anything that is obviously broken and needs nerfing. (I'm not very familiar with shadow magic so I reserve the right to veto something that looks off. The only thing that stands out right now is that flesh fails and greater flesh fails need Fort saves.)

That's fine. The patches were originally done due to the Shadowcaster being largely regarded as weak. I'm fine running one without them anyway. And I'm okay with Flesh Fails having a Fort save (not planning on using that too much anyway). Would it be for half or negates?

And I'll just work around not having as many uses per day of my mysteries. I think I'll have enough to fall back on, even without my extra SLA level mysteries.

Walking Dad · Nov 20, 2009

Rhun said:
I've never seen a shadowcaster in play, so I'm excited to see how it plays!

Seconded!

And welcome!

kinem · Nov 20, 2009

Well, I think we've found our 4th player! Welcome aboard, Dragonwriter. You can begin making the PC.

It's hard to judge off hand how strong the SC is, but I'll tell you what: I'll allow Apprentice mysteries becoming spell-like to count as regular caster progression. I guess we all want to see some SLAs as that is a main class feature.

Flesh Fails will be Fort negates; DW, not that this applies to your planned build, but in general ability damage can get out of hand. Another potential fix would be making it a non-stacking penalty rather than damage, but I'll just go with the save.

Favored Mystery does not increase uses/day (except when it affects what is already a Su ability). I think it's clear on that. Also, it would be too strong to let it bump up high-level mysteries to many uses/day. In combination with the original un-nerfed Greater Flesh Fails, and maybe things like Quicken Mystery - well, would it be fair to put a party up against an NPC SC like that? I think not.

Rhun · Nov 20, 2009

Walking Dad said:
And welcome!

Oh yeah...I forgot to say "Welcome, Dragonwriter!" Look forward to having you in the game.

renau1g · Nov 20, 2009

Welcome Dragonwriter, I worry about poor Keira.... well not really

Dragonwriter · Nov 20, 2009

kinem said:
Well, I think we've found our 4th player! Welcome aboard, Dragonwriter. You can begin making the PC.

It's hard to judge off hand how strong the SC is, but I'll tell you what: I'll allow Apprentice mysteries becoming spell-like to count as regular caster progression. I guess we all want to see some SLAs as that is a main class feature.

Flesh Fails will be Fort negates; DW, not that this applies to your planned build, but in general ability damage can get out of hand. Another potential fix would be making it a non-stacking penalty rather than damage, but I'll just go with the save.

Favored Mystery does not increase uses/day (except when it affects what is already a Su ability). I think it's clear on that. Also, it would be too strong to let it bump up high-level mysteries to many uses/day. In combination with the original un-nerfed Greater Flesh Fails, and maybe things like Quicken Mystery - well, would it be fair to put a party up against an NPC SC like that? I think not.

Thanks very much on the SLA-level mysteries. More castings is always appreciated.

The Flesh Fails nerf kinda does affect my build, as it is part of the path for Umbral Touch, but I'm not really concerned about it. I just wanted to know how the save would affect it. And I'm fine with the Favored Mystery ruling. I just wanted to get the ruling, in case it would boost my Umbral Touch a little bit.

~~EDIT: Perhaps I'm blind, or just not paying enough attention, but how are you handling HPs?~~ Nevermind, found it on page 2.