Warlock Character Build, Advice Sought

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Tetsubo wrote:
> After a long dry spell of not gaming I've decided to scare up a game
> to join. To get back into the mood I've created a 1st level Warlock.
> I've never designed a Warlock before. I'm wondering how this looks and
> can anyone offer any advice? TIA.
>
> Pavel the Enervated (AKA Coenric Winterhaven)
>
> Human Male, Warlock, 1st Level, Chaotic Neutral
>
> Str: 10 (2 points) +0
> Dex: 14 (6 points) +2
> Con: 10 (2 points) +0
> Int: 14 (6 points) +2
> Wis: 10 (2 points) +0
> Cha: 16 (10 points) +3
> 28 Point Buy

If you're concentrating upon Eldritch Blast use rather than a lot of
invocations with saving throws, it may be worth putting the 16 into DEX
rather than CHA, to keep your attack bonus up. And no CON bonus can hurt
with a d6 hit die - maybe steal points from INT or WIS for it.

> Skills: 1st level points: 20 (2 + 2 (+2 IN)) x 4 + 4 (Human Bonus) =
> 20 5 each following level (2 + 2 (+2 IN)) +1 (Human Bonus) = 5
>
> Class Skills:
> Bluff (CH) +5 (2 ranks + CH Bonus)
> Concentration (CN) +2 (2 ranks)
> Disguise (CH) +2 (CH Bonus)
> Intimidate (CH) +7 (4 ranks + CH Bonus)
> Knowledge (Arcana) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Knowledge (The Planes) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Knowledge (Religion) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Spellcraft (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Use Magic Device (CH) +7 (4 ranks + CH Bonus)

Concentration can be an important skill for a Warlock, as all his
invocations provoke AoOs if not cast defensively. You may want to max it out
at low levels. Steal a rank each from Planes and Religion, perhaps.

> Feats: 2 total at 1st level
> Improved Initiative: +4 to Init.
> Precise Shot: No BAB penalty for shooting into melee.

Precise Shot has Point Blank Shot as a prerequisite.

> 6th Level: Feat (Empower Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast),
> Invocation (Fell Flight)
>
> 7th Level: N/A
>
> 8th Level: Invocation (Walk Unseen), +1 CH
>
> 9th Level: Feat (Maximize Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast)

Maximise gets you a better power boost than Empower, and both are available
at the same level. That being the case, get Maximise first, then Empower.

--
Mark.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Tetsubo wrote:
> After a long dry spell of not gaming I've decided to scare up a game to
> join. To get back into the mood I've created a 1st level Warlock. I've
> never designed a Warlock before. I'm wondering how this looks and can
> anyone offer any advice? TIA.
>
> Pavel the Enervated (AKA Coenric Winterhaven)
>
> Human Male, Warlock, 1st Level, Chaotic Neutral
>
[cut]
> Goals:
>
> Pavel wants to become a great Warlock. He takes great pleasure in using
> his Eldritch Blast as often as he can. He sees himself as some sort of
> arcane living weapon, a mythic archer who never needs an external item
> to take down his targets. He also wants to show his parents that a
> Warlock can be just as important as a Guild Wizard can. He also secretly
> wants to earn a Lordship in his own right, rather than inherent such a
> title from his parents.
>
> Personality:
>
> Pavel is the quintessential 80’s era punk. Rebelling against his
> parent’s conservatism. He has a very selfish worldview. He is also
> rather short sighted. The larger, world picture is beyond him. He knows
> that there are starving people in the world. But that happens “over
> there”. If he were to encounter such a person face to face he would
> react on a personal level. He is fiercely loyal to those that except him
> for whom he is, Pavel the Enervated, Warlock at large. He enjoys being
> the charming rogue. He also enjoys the success with the ladies that his
> charm gains him.
>
> The world is Pavel’s oyster… and he’s hungry. Now if he just had some
> money…
>
> Alignment View:
>
> Pavel will not knowingly harm an innocent. He will not attack an unarmed
> person unless in self-defense. If he perceives an armed person as a
> threat he is not above a “preemptive strike”. He bases his views on how
> people act, rather than what they preach. He is a bit of a cad when it
> comes to women. He sees them as conquests rather than equals. This view
> could change but he would need to see a strong female in action first.
> He sees much of the world as resources for his own, personal use.
>

This alignment view is more /neutral/ than chaotic neutral. Chaotic
neutral would see people as getting what they deserve, they most
certainly would knowingly harm an innocent if they had any notion to do
so, and loyalty is to themselves over anyone else. A neutral person
would also knowingly harm an innocent, they just are unlikely to ever
benefit from it. Only the good avoid knowingly harming innocents.


> Build Plan: Feat, Invocation Choices and Ability Boosts
>
> 1st Level: Feats (Improved Initiative, Precise Shot), Invocation
> (Eldritch Spear)
>

Consider the feat , education, or other feats that better represent your
character's artistocratic upbringing. Perhaps instead of precise shot,
since improved initiative is quite useful if your thinking of keeping
him a shootfirstquestionlater kind-of-guy.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 11:14:08 -0400, Shawn Roske
<shawn_roske@sympatico.ca> wrote:


>> Pavel will not knowingly harm an innocent. He will not attack an unarmed
>> person unless in self-defense. If he perceives an armed person as a
>> threat he is not above a “preemptive strike”. He bases his views on how
>> people act, rather than what they preach. He is a bit of a cad when it
>> comes to women. He sees them as conquests rather than equals. This view
>> could change but he would need to see a strong female in action first.
>> He sees much of the world as resources for his own, personal use.
>>
>
>This alignment view is more /neutral/ than chaotic neutral. Chaotic
>neutral would see people as getting what they deserve, they most
>certainly would knowingly harm an innocent if they had any notion to do
>so, and loyalty is to themselves over anyone else. A neutral person
>would also knowingly harm an innocent, they just are unlikely to ever
>benefit from it. Only the good avoid knowingly harming innocents.

That's a bit rigid, not to mention wrong. People who avoid harming,
but won't help either unless there is something in it for them fit
very comfortably into the neutral range between Good and Evil.
Besides, he isn't all that careful about determining the innocence of
potential threats when there's any tension in the situation.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

David Johnston wrote:
> On Sun, 31 Jul 2005 11:14:08 -0400, Shawn Roske
> <shawn_roske@sympatico.ca> wrote:
>
>
>
>>>Pavel will not knowingly harm an innocent. He will not attack an unarmed
>>>person unless in self-defense. If he perceives an armed person as a
>>>threat he is not above a �reemptive strike・ He bases his views on how
>>>people act, rather than what they preach. He is a bit of a cad when it
>>>comes to women. He sees them as conquests rather than equals. This view
>>>could change but he would need to see a strong female in action first.
>>>He sees much of the world as resources for his own, personal use.
>>>
>>
>>This alignment view is more /neutral/ than chaotic neutral. Chaotic
>>neutral would see people as getting what they deserve, they most
>>certainly would knowingly harm an innocent if they had any notion to do
>>so, and loyalty is to themselves over anyone else. A neutral person
>>would also knowingly harm an innocent, they just are unlikely to ever
>>benefit from it. Only the good avoid knowingly harming innocents.
>
>
> That's a bit rigid, not to mention wrong. People who avoid harming,
> but won't help either unless there is something in it for them fit
> very comfortably into the neutral range between Good and Evil.

Yes. I just don't read the character as being all that chaotic.


> Besides, he isn't all that careful about determining the innocence of
> potential threats when there's any tension in the situation.


Exactly.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Malachias Invictus wrote:

>"Tetsubo" <tetsubo@comcast.net> wrote in message
>news:zvSdnRfX4b6F8HHfRVn-jg@comcast.com...
>
>
>> After a long dry spell of not gaming I've decided to scare up a game to
>>join. To get back into the mood I've created a 1st level Warlock. I've
>>never designed a Warlock before. I'm wondering how this looks and can
>>anyone offer any advice? TIA.
>>
>>
>
>Personally, I would not bother with Improved Initiative. I would also take
>advantage of the Extra Invocation feat at pretty much every opportunity.
>
>
>
After having it pointed out that Precise Shot needs Point Blank Shot
as a prerequisite I dropped Improved Initiative. Though I really like
that Feat. Being the first one to get off an Eldritch Blast is important
to a low HP character.

I thought about Extra Invocation... I just couldn't justify it.

--
Tetsubo
My page: http://home.comcast.net/~tetsubo/
--------------------------------------
If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-- Anatole France

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

"Tetsubo" <tetsubo@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:NI2dnabDHZRW1HDfRVn-vA@comcast.com...
> Malachias Invictus wrote:
>>"Tetsubo" <tetsubo@comcast.net> wrote in message
>>news:zvSdnRfX4b6F8HHfRVn-jg@comcast.com...

>>> After a long dry spell of not gaming I've decided to scare up a game to
>>> join. To get back into the mood I've created a 1st level Warlock. I've
>>> never designed a Warlock before. I'm wondering how this looks and can
>>> anyone offer any advice? TIA.

>>Personally, I would not bother with Improved Initiative. I would also
>>take advantage of the Extra Invocation feat at pretty much every
>>opportunity.

> After having it pointed out that Precise Shot needs Point Blank Shot as
> a prerequisite I dropped Improved Initiative. Though I really like that
> Feat. Being the first one to get off an Eldritch Blast is important to a
> low HP character.

I prefer to use Walk Unseen to get the drop on my enemies; it is generally
more reliable than a die roll, and useful in many other ways as well.
Voracious Dispelling is simply *disgusting* at lower levels as well.

> I thought about Extra Invocation... I just couldn't justify it.

Hmm. With both my Warlock characters, I took that feat at every
opportunity. Invocations are simply too juicy to pass up.

--
^v^v^Malachias Invictus^v^v^

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the Master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my soul.

from _Invictus_, by William Ernest Henley

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Shawn Roske wrote:

> The paragraph, beginning "People who are neutral..." bottom of 104p. PH
> depicts a person or group of people who would knowlingly send innocents
> to die if they were not in the in-group.

No, it doesn't. Read it again. It suggests reasons why a neutral
person might sacrifice himself to protect others; it's got nothing to do
with innocents, and it certainly has nothing to do with knowingly
harming innocents!

The fact is that a neutral person might knowingly harm an innocent
person, but he wouldn't be at all happy about it, and he'd have to have
a very compelling reason to do so. They have COMPUNCTIONS against
harming innocents.

<snip>

> Add chaos to neutral with the coresponding rebellion from authority and
> the emphasis on individualism, this places relations to others on a
> sharper grade of me-verses-everyone-else.

No -- it more likely gives you a personality like "Do what you want,
just don't keep me down."

> Harming the innocent does not
> always occur through malice, and most often occurs through not giving a
> damn.

Which is enough, really. Such people "simply have no compassion for
others."

> My statements concerning CN is in line with 105p. see the sentences
> containing the phrases, "individualist", "values own liberty", "doesn't
> strive to protect others' freedom", and the rest of the paragraph.

Except for the bit you made up about hurting innocent people.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

"Shawn Roske" <shawn_roske@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:xynHe.876$pH4.181358@news20.bellglobal.com...
> Will Green wrote:

>> The fact is that a neutral person might knowingly harm an innocent
>> person, but he wouldn't be at all happy about it, and he'd have to have a
>> very compelling reason to do so. They have COMPUNCTIONS against harming
>> innocents.
>
> Yes. This does not counter my statements. You are supporting my
> position. So what if they feel "a slight regret", they'll still toss the
> virgins into the volcano. The reason does not have to be that compelling
> to overcome a scrupple.

?!?

First of all, what is a "scrupple"?

Secondly, where do you get the idea that sacrificing innocents would cause
no more than a "slight regret" in a Neutral?

>> Which is enough, really. Such people "simply have no compassion for
>> others."

> Precisely my point about neutrality. A neutral person would harm an
> innocent this way. They are simply unlikely to be the one pulling the
> trigger without, "feeling compunctions about it".
>
> A chaotic neutral person would feel even less "picking of conscience" than
> a neutral person.

Evidence?

--
^v^v^Malachias Invictus^v^v^

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the Master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my soul.

from _Invictus_, by William Ernest Henley

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Malachias Invictus wrote:

> "Shawn Roske" <shawn_roske@sympatico.ca> wrote in message
> news:xynHe.876$pH4.181358@news20.bellglobal.com...
>
>>Will Green wrote:
>
>
>>>The fact is that a neutral person might knowingly harm an innocent
>>>person, but he wouldn't be at all happy about it, and he'd have to have a
>>>very compelling reason to do so. They have COMPUNCTIONS against harming
>>>innocents.
>>
>>Yes. This does not counter my statements. You are supporting my
>>position. So what if they feel "a slight regret", they'll still toss the
>>virgins into the volcano. The reason does not have to be that compelling
>>to overcome a scrupple.
>
>
> ?!?
>
> First of all, what is a "scrupple"?
>
> Secondly, where do you get the idea that sacrificing innocents would cause
> no more than a "slight regret" in a Neutral?
>
>
>>>Which is enough, really. Such people "simply have no compassion for
>>>others."
>
>
>>Precisely my point about neutrality. A neutral person would harm an
>>innocent this way. They are simply unlikely to be the one pulling the
>>trigger without, "feeling compunctions about it".
>>
>>A chaotic neutral person would feel even less "picking of conscience" than
>>a neutral person.
>
>
> Evidence?
>

IMHO, alignment is simply too imprecise to reach these conclusions.
Flexability in interpretation is a key part of the alignment system. It
can be either or both ways, because there's just no right answer here.

CH

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

I had a big long post which seems to have gotten lost, I'll try to
recreate it.

Since I'm actually playing a warlock...

Tetsubo wrote:
> Str: 10 (2 points) +0

Str is pretty useless to a pure warlock. I'd drop this one to 8.

> Dex: 14 (6 points) +2
> Con: 10 (2 points) +0
> Int: 14 (6 points) +2
> Wis: 10 (2 points) +0

Wisdom is not necessary to a warlock, and they have a good will save
anyway, again I'd drop this. Put the points anywhere else and you'll
be better off.

> Cha: 16 (10 points) +3

> Initiative: +6 (+2 DX, +4 Improved Initiative)

Well you already changed this so skipping.

> Class Skills:
> Bluff (CH) +5 (2 ranks + CH Bonus)
> Concentration (CN) +2 (2 ranks)

You probably want to max this out, as mentioned elsewhere. You might
be able to get away without it.

> Disguise (CH) +2 (CH Bonus)
> Intimidate (CH) +7 (4 ranks + CH Bonus)
> Knowledge (Arcana) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Knowledge (The Planes) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Knowledge (Religion) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
> Spellcraft (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)

You want at least 5 ranks here ASAP for the synergy bonus to UMD.

> Use Magic Device (CH) +7 (4 ranks + CH Bonus)
>
> Invocations:
> Eldritch Spear (Least, 1st level): Eldritch Blast range increased to 250'.
>

There are better things than this at 1st lv. Spider Climb or Baleful
Utterance. But you can't go wrong with it either.

> Pavel is of slightly above average height (5' 10" )

I thought that was average?

> 2nd Level: Invocation (See the Unseen)
>

There's a better version later - Devil Sight, and it's not really
needed this early, either of the other ones mentioned above would be
better.

> 3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
>

Not sure what this does.

> 4th Level: Invocation (Beguiling Influence), +1 CH
>

Not sure about this one.


> 6th Level: Feat (Empower Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast), Invocation
> (Fell Flight)
>

Metamagic doesn't work really well with eldritch blast, since you have
to do lower damage to use it, It might barely be worth it - and there's
some argument if you can even use it with the blast. I'd check with
your DM first. Extra Invocation is probably a better way to go. But
if you want to focus on the blast, one metamagic is probably o.k.

One thing to consider is the feat to increase level against SR. Most
of that is taken care of by Vitriolic Blast, but there's still those
pesky Acid Immune creatures.

> 9th Level: Feat (Maximize Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast)

I'd only get either Maximize or Empower, not both, they don't stack
well for the Blast.

> 12th Level: Feat (Improved Critical: Eldritch Blast), +1 CH
>

Interesting choise, but I'd really go with Craft Wonderous Item here,
unless your DM is going to let you buy a Chasubel of Fell Power, the
greater one adds +2d6 to your Eldrich Blast. If you weren't so focused
on the Eldrich Blast I'd suggest Scribe Scroll (hey all spells in the
book in scroll form!) or Craft Staff. Another option to consider is
Craft Rod for the Warlock Rod, which increases your Blast damage for
charges, and is a +2 Mace.

> 16th Level: Invocation (Retributive Invisibility, swap out Walk Unseen
> for Eldritch Chain), +1 CH
>

You really only need one blast shape, but chain can be useful too,
there's just so many other good invocations.

> 18th Level: Feat (Inured to Energy: Fire ER +10), Invocation (Eldritch Doom)

Again with the one blast shape.

> 20th Level: Invocation (Dark Discorporation), +1 CH

A flavorful choice. I'm not sure so wise. You don't need the flight
capability since you already have Fell Flight. You can't use your
blast in this shape, and you are putting so much into it, that this
seems counter to your focus. It can be useful, you can distract
casters, if you are lucky, but you put yourself at a great risk taking
+50% damage from are effects. It's alright aginst purely weapon based
challenges since they can't harm you at all, but you're probably better
off for your companions to just get rid of the threat quicker with your
blasts. That leaves escaping grapples, and it's really good for that,
but that's all it's really good for.

- Justisaur

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Justisaur wrote:

>I had a big long post which seems to have gotten lost, I'll try to
>recreate it.
>
>Since I'm actually playing a warlock...
>
>Tetsubo wrote:
>
>
>>Str: 10 (2 points) +0
>>
>>
>
>Str is pretty useless to a pure warlock. I'd drop this one to 8.
>
>
I am highly hesitant to have a stat penalty. It might just be my
style of gaming.

>
>
>>Dex: 14 (6 points) +2
>>Con: 10 (2 points) +0
>>Int: 14 (6 points) +2
>>Wis: 10 (2 points) +0
>>
>>
>
>Wisdom is not necessary to a warlock, and they have a good will save
>anyway, again I'd drop this. Put the points anywhere else and you'll
>be better off.
>
>
See above.

>
>
>>Cha: 16 (10 points) +3
>>
>>
>
>
>
>>Initiative: +6 (+2 DX, +4 Improved Initiative)
>>
>>
>
>Well you already changed this so skipping.
>
>
>
>>Class Skills:
>>Bluff (CH) +5 (2 ranks + CH Bonus)
>>Concentration (CN) +2 (2 ranks)
>>
>>
>
>You probably want to max this out, as mentioned elsewhere. You might
>be able to get away without it.
>
>
>
>>Disguise (CH) +2 (CH Bonus)
>>Intimidate (CH) +7 (4 ranks + CH Bonus)
>>Knowledge (Arcana) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
>>Knowledge (The Planes) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
>>Knowledge (Religion) (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
>>Spellcraft (IN) +4 (2 ranks + IN Bonus)
>>
>>
>
>You want at least 5 ranks here ASAP for the synergy bonus to UMD.
>
>
Eventually I would have 5 ranks of both Spellcraft and Bluff for the
synergy bonus. I'm trying to create a well rounded skill list though.
One that reflects the characters past. Pavel is also a pushing SOB, thus
the high Intimidate...

>
>
>>Use Magic Device (CH) +7 (4 ranks + CH Bonus)
>>
>>Invocations:
>>Eldritch Spear (Least, 1st level): Eldritch Blast range increased to 250'.
>>
>>
>>
>
>There are better things than this at 1st lv. Spider Climb or Baleful
>Utterance. But you can't go wrong with it either.
>
>
My character concept is much like an arcane archer. Kill them when
they are "over there".

>
>
>>Pavel is of slightly above average height (5' 10" )
>>
>>
>
>I thought that was average?
>
>
Modern American males are around 5' 8" - 5' 9" on average.

>
>
>>2nd Level: Invocation (See the Unseen)
>>
>>
>>
>
>There's a better version later - Devil Sight, and it's not really
>needed this early, either of the other ones mentioned above would be
>better.
>
>
I like the abilities of Darkvision and See Invisible too much.

>
>
>>3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
>>
>>
>>
>
>Not sure what this does.
>
Adds a +2 to any saved based features of the focused ability.

>
>
>>4th Level: Invocation (Beguiling Influence), +1 CH
>>
>>
>>
>
>Not sure about this one.
>
>
Adds a +6 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy and Intimidate for 24 hours.

>
>
>
>>6th Level: Feat (Empower Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast), Invocation
>>(Fell Flight)
>>
>>
>>
>
>Metamagic doesn't work really well with eldritch blast, since you have
>to do lower damage to use it, It might barely be worth it - and there's
>some argument if you can even use it with the blast. I'd check with
>your DM first. Extra Invocation is probably a better way to go. But
>if you want to focus on the blast, one metamagic is probably o.k.
>
>One thing to consider is the feat to increase level against SR. Most
>of that is taken care of by Vitriolic Blast, but there's still those
>pesky Acid Immune creatures.
>
>
>
>>9th Level: Feat (Maximize Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast)
>>
>>
>
>I'd only get either Maximize or Empower, not both, they don't stack
>well for the Blast.
>
>
I think I might agree with dropping Empower and just taking
Maximize. I will keep Quicken however. The ability to get off TWO
Eldritch Blasts in one round three times a day is just too tempting. In
place of the Empower I think I will take Extra Invocation and choose
Flee The Scene.

>
>
>>12th Level: Feat (Improved Critical: Eldritch Blast), +1 CH
>>
>>
>>
>
>Interesting choise, but I'd really go with Craft Wonderous Item here,
>unless your DM is going to let you buy a Chasubel of Fell Power, the
>greater one adds +2d6 to your Eldrich Blast. If you weren't so focused
>on the Eldrich Blast I'd suggest Scribe Scroll (hey all spells in the
>book in scroll form!) or Craft Staff. Another option to consider is
>Craft Rod for the Warlock Rod, which increases your Blast damage for
>charges, and is a +2 Mace.
>
>
Pavel isn't a creator. He is a Destroyer. He likes to blow stuff up.

>
>
>>16th Level: Invocation (Retributive Invisibility, swap out Walk Unseen
>>for Eldritch Chain), +1 CH
>>
>>
>>
>
>You really only need one blast shape, but chain can be useful too,
>there's just so many other good invocations.
>
>
I'm maximizing my Eldritch Blast for utility. Thus the multiple
blast shape Invocations. Pavel will have a shape for all occasions...

>
>
>>18th Level: Feat (Inured to Energy: Fire ER +10), Invocation (Eldritch Doom)
>>
>>
>
>Again with the one blast shape.
>
>
>
>>20th Level: Invocation (Dark Discorporation), +1 CH
>>
>>
>
>A flavorful choice. I'm not sure so wise. You don't need the flight
>capability since you already have Fell Flight. You can't use your
>blast in this shape, and you are putting so much into it, that this
>seems counter to your focus. It can be useful, you can distract
>casters, if you are lucky, but you put yourself at a great risk taking
>+50% damage from are effects. It's alright aginst purely weapon based
>challenges since they can't harm you at all, but you're probably better
>off for your companions to just get rid of the threat quicker with your
>blasts. That leaves escaping grapples, and it's really good for that,
>but that's all it's really good for.
>
>
So, which Dark Invocation would you recommend as a replacement?
Utterdark Blast and Word of Changing both have something to be said for
them... Utterdark Blast has the character concept advantage of modifying
the Eldritch Blast, which fits Pavel well.

>- Justisaur
>
>
>
Thank you for your thoughts.

--
Tetsubo
My page: http://home.comcast.net/~tetsubo/
--------------------------------------
If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.
-- Anatole France

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Justisaur wrote:

> Tetsubo wrote:

>> 2nd Level: Invocation (See the Unseen)
>>
>
> There's a better version later - Devil Sight, and it's not really
> needed this early, either of the other ones mentioned above would be
> better.

Devil's Sight isn't really better - it has the advantage of letting you see
in magical darkness, but the range is only 30' rather than See the Unseen's
60' darkvision, and it lacks the See Invisibility aspect.

>> 6th Level: Feat (Empower Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast),
>> Invocation (Fell Flight)
>>
>
> Metamagic doesn't work really well with eldritch blast, since you have
> to do lower damage to use it, It might barely be worth it - and
> there's some argument if you can even use it with the blast. I'd
> check with your DM first. Extra Invocation is probably a better way
> to go. But if you want to focus on the blast, one metamagic is
> probably o.k.

The Complete Arcane errata clears up whether it's usable - Eldritch Blast is
corrected from spell level of half caster level to 1st level, allowing any
metamagic spell-like ability feat to be taken with it. The only downside is
that you can't stack it with level-increasing blast shapes or eldritch
essences until you're higher level, but by the time he's intending to take
Brimstone Blast he'll be high enough level to add it and still use Empower
or Maximise, so there's no downside up to that point.

The only problematic ones are Eldritch Cone, which he can't Empower or
Maximise until 14th level, Vitriolic Blast, which has to wait for 16th, and
Eldritch Doom, which would have to wait until 20th. Quicken has stronger
constraints, of course, but then even a regular Eldritch Blast as a free
action is pretty useful.

>> 9th Level: Feat (Maximize Spell-like Ability: Eldritch Blast)
>
> I'd only get either Maximize or Empower, not both, they don't stack
> well for the Blast.

3X damage three times per day is better than 2X, as is three each of 2X and
1.5X. However, Empower definitely gets you less bang for your buck, so it
may be worth swapping for something else.

>> 20th Level: Invocation (Dark Discorporation), +1 CH
>
> A flavorful choice. I'm not sure so wise. You don't need the flight
> capability since you already have Fell Flight. You can't use your
> blast in this shape, and you are putting so much into it, that this
> seems counter to your focus. It can be useful, you can distract
> casters, if you are lucky, but you put yourself at a great risk taking
> +50% damage from are effects. It's alright aginst purely weapon based
> challenges since they can't harm you at all, but you're probably
> better off for your companions to just get rid of the threat quicker
> with your blasts. That leaves escaping grapples, and it's really
> good for that, but that's all it's really good for.

I'd certainly agree with that - it's definitely not one of the more optimal
invocations. I know the OP is going for offensive capability, but I'd really
suggest looking at Path of Shadow here - Shadow Walk is a seriously
excellent travel-utility spell that can help out the whole party, and the
improved healing is just a bonus.

--
Mark.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Tetsubo wrote:
> Justisaur wrote:
>
> I am highly hesitant to have a stat penalty. It might just be my
> style of gaming.
>

It's not going to cripple you either way, so don't worry about it.


> >>3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >Not sure what this does.
> >
> Adds a +2 to any saved based features of the focused ability.

Not sure that actually does anything since Eldrich Blast doesn't have a
save...

>
> >
> >>4th Level: Invocation (Beguiling Influence), +1 CH
> >>
> >Not sure about this one.
> >
> Adds a +6 bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy and Intimidate for 24 hours.
>

Just not sure about it. Depends on how your DM runs all these, and how
much you will be making use of them.

> >
> >>12th Level: Feat (Improved Critical: Eldritch Blast), +1 CH
> >
> >Interesting choise, but I'd really go with Craft Wonderous Item here,
> >unless your DM is going to let you buy a Chasubel of Fell Power, the
> >greater one adds +2d6 to your Eldrich Blast. If you weren't so focused
> >on the Eldrich Blast I'd suggest Scribe Scroll (hey all spells in the
> >book in scroll form!) or Craft Staff. Another option to consider is
> >Craft Rod for the Warlock Rod, which increases your Blast damage for
> >charges, and is a +2 Mace.
> >
> >
> Pavel isn't a creator. He is a Destroyer. He likes to blow stuff up.
>

Sometimes you have to create to destroy... +2d6 to your blast is
nothing to sneeze at, it's a hell of a lot better than Improved
Critical, and you can always take one or the other later, I wasn't
specifically saying don't take Improved critical, just that an item
creation feat can really help your blast. Of course if your DM is
letting you buy them you can safely skip it.

> >
> >>18th Level: Feat (Inured to Energy: Fire ER +10), Invocation (Eldritch Doom)
> >>

Ah, forgot to mention this, It seems a pretty weak feat to me as well,
what was your reasoning here?


> So, which Dark Invocation would you recommend as a replacement?
> Utterdark Blast and Word of Changing both have something to be said for
> them... Utterdark Blast has the character concept advantage of modifying
> the Eldritch Blast, which fits Pavel well.
>

Utterdark Blast appears to be pretty useful. The Shadow Walk one is my
favorite though.

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Justisaur <justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:
>> >>3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
>> >
>> >Not sure what this does.
>> >
>> Adds a +2 to any saved based features of the focused ability.
>
>Not sure that actually does anything since Eldrich Blast doesn't have a
>save...

Not the base "Xd6 damage" part, but several of the side effects allow saves.

DOnald

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

"Donald Tsang" <tsang@soda.csua.berkeley.edu> wrote in message
newscmh1m$179k$1@agate.berkeley.edu...
> Justisaur <justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> >>3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
>>> >
>>> >Not sure what this does.
>>> >
>>> Adds a +2 to any saved based features of the focused ability.
>>
>>Not sure that actually does anything since Eldrich Blast doesn't have a
>>save...
>
> Not the base "Xd6 damage" part, but several of the side effects allow
> saves.

....including reflex saves for half on the area effect stuff.

--
^v^v^Malachias Invictus^v^v^

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the Master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my soul.

from _Invictus_, by William Ernest Henley

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

In news:zvSdnRfX4b6F8HHfRVn-jg@comcast.com,
Tetsubo <tetsubo@comcast.net> typed:
> After a long dry spell of not gaming I've decided to scare up a game
> to join. To get back into the mood I've created a 1st level Warlock.
> I've never designed a Warlock before. I'm wondering how this looks and
> can anyone offer any advice? TIA.

With the amount of magick items available at higher levels (assuming
standard world), is fire res. really worth a feat? Or See the Unseen worth
keeping past midlevels?

--
T. Koivula

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

Donald Tsang wrote:
> Justisaur <justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:
>
>>>>>3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
>>>>
>>>>Not sure what this does.
>>>>
>>>
>>> Adds a +2 to any saved based features of the focused ability.
>>
>>Not sure that actually does anything since Eldrich Blast doesn't have a
>>save...
>
> Not the base "Xd6 damage" part, but several of the side effects allow saves.

If you're using different invocations then it's not an Eldritch
Blast any more is it? I'd think you'd need ability focus for the ability
you're acctually using, Vitriolic Doom is a different power to a
Sickening Spear.

--
tussock

Aspie at work, sorry in advance.

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

In news:QLednYkgqK42enLfRVn-hQ@comcast.com,
Tetsubo <tetsubo@comcast.net> typed:
> I've never liked being dependent on magic items for my characters
> survival. That's one of the attractions of the Warlock, innate power.
> Magic items are great, I will have a high UMD skill. But I would
> rather not be completely dependent on them...

Naturally, just wondering if fe. fire res. is costeffective to take as a
feat instead of magic item...

--
T. Koivula

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

"tussock" <scrub@clear.net.nz> wrote in message
news:42f05cd8@clear.net.nz...
> Donald Tsang wrote:
>> Justisaur <justisaur@gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>>>>>3rd Level: Feat (Ability Focus: Eldritch Blast)
>>>>>
>>>>>Not sure what this does.
>>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Adds a +2 to any saved based features of the focused ability.
>>>
>>>Not sure that actually does anything since Eldrich Blast doesn't have a
>>>save...
>>
>> Not the base "Xd6 damage" part, but several of the side effects allow
>> saves.
>
> If you're using different invocations then it's not an Eldritch Blast
> any more is it?

Yes, it is. It is clear in the book that Ability Focus affects Eldritch
Blasts of any type. There is even a discussion (in the errata, I believe)
about how Blast Invocations effect your ability to use feats like Quicken
Spell-Like Ability on your Eldritch Blast.

--
^v^v^Malachias Invictus^v^v^

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the Master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my soul.

from _Invictus_, by William Ernest Henley

Archived from groups: rec.games.frp.dnd (More info?)

"tussock" <scrub@clear.net.nz> wrote in message
news:42f35e55@clear.net.nz...
> Malachias Invictus wrote:
>> "tussock" <scrub@clear.net.nz> wrote in message
>> news:42f05cd8@clear.net.nz...
>>
>>> If you're using different invocations then it's not an Eldritch Blast
>>> any more is it?
>>
>> Yes, it is. It is clear in the book that Ability Focus affects Eldritch
>> Blasts of any type. There is even a discussion (in the errata, I
>> believe) about how Blast Invocations effect your ability to use feats
>> like Quicken Spell-Like Ability on your Eldritch Blast.
>
> Cool, thanks. I can see why one gets short on feats for these guys.

Indeed. Too much good stuff. You *really* want Quicken, Empower, and
Maximize, but raising the save is good, and getting more Invocations...

--
^v^v^Malachias Invictus^v^v^

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishment the scroll,
I am the Master of my fate:
I am the Captain of my soul.

from _Invictus_, by William Ernest Henley