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The Thinktank => Min/Max It! => : dna1 October 24, 2011, 06:53:21 AM

: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: dna1 October 24, 2011, 06:53:21 AM
hey all!
just need some help flushing out a character im starting to build. ecl 15, 32pt buy, nearly all sources available. LA buy off is still in question..

mostly need help thinking up a good start.. race/template's etc

half-minotaur or maybe something tauric -6/ Spirit Lion Totem Barbarian 1/ Runescarred Berserker 8
(f)Endurance, (f)Power Attack, (1)Imp. BR,  (3)Shock Trooper, (6)Combat Brute,  (9)Knockback, (12)Steadfast Determination,(15)Rampaging Bull Rush, IronWill(otyugh hole) Flaws (Shaky), (Vulnerable)
1. Divine Favor, True Strike, See Invisibility, Blank
2. Darkvision(?), Invisiblity, Keen Edge, Protection from Elements
3. Death Ward, Freedom of Movement, haste
4. Righteous Might, Restoration
5. Anti-Magic Field or Heal
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: sirpercival October 24, 2011, 07:33:12 AM
Half-minotaur half-giant?  For LA +3, large size, and +10 str?

HMHG 3/Lion-totem Barbarian 1/Runsecarred Berserker 10/X1
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: dna1 October 24, 2011, 08:26:12 AM
large with a powerful build as well right? that could be pretty sweet... is the half giant a +2 la? the half minotaurs a +1 la correct?  hmm seems like with a +2 la i could get more bang for my buck. i will have to check on that.
IIRC the RB has a prereq of BaB+7. i was hoping to get up to 5th level RB spells but you have to be atleast 9th in the Prc. im unaware of any cheese to get a higher bab like that. so im trying to keep as many RB levels as possible  :P

: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Gribel October 24, 2011, 10:04:01 AM
IIRC, Combat Brute requires Improved Sunder.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: sirpercival October 24, 2011, 10:16:11 AM
Hmm, you're right about the BAB requirement of RB, so you're not gonna start out w/ 10 levels.  I think half-minotaur is a good start, and then why don't you throw down some crusader (since you get no Cha penalty)?

Half-minotaur 1/crusader 6/lion-totem barb 1/RB 7

Also, I feel like it might be fun to rock a Ronin/RB build with Neraph Charge (though this severely reduces your # of RB levels):

HM 1/Samurai 1/Ronin 10/lion-totem barb 1/RB 2

First charge against a foe automatically does sneak attack damage, plus you're pouncing.  Of course, it might be much easier to get sneak attack damage by just spending feats to grab Assassin's stance and using magic items... either way, lots of sneak attack + pouncing charger build + neraph charge (which you can qualify for with a 15 wis) =  fun times.

But anyway, your normal charger will probly be better.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Rebel7284 October 24, 2011, 11:19:34 AM
Half giant is only LA+1, but a goliath is almost strictly better unless you want to use psionics.

As for classes to take before runescared berserker, TOB classes are certainly good.  The Maneuver that allows you to make a concentration check instead of a will save possibly frees up the need to take steadfast determination.  Also, a second level of barbarian can give you improve trip.

Consider: Barbarian 2 (Spirit Lion, Wolf)/Warblade 5/RuneScarred Berserker 8

Iron Heart Surge is very flavorful for a character like this. :)

edit: warblade 5 also gives you endurance as a bonus feat :)
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: bearsarebrown October 24, 2011, 11:26:54 AM
•Don't waste time with serious LAs. Half Minotuar is all you need, Large size, +12 Str, +6 Con, Scent, Track, Gore, +10' speed... it's one of the only +1s worth it.
•Consider Arctic which grants -2 Cha, +2 Con at a +0 LA.
•Buy Iron Will from Otugyh Pit
•Find out if you can progress spellcasting with another class. RAW you cannot but DM's are sometimes nice. If so, Ruby Knight Vindicator.
•Dip Barbarian 1 or 2 to steal all the good ACFs, then ToB classes till BAB 7.
•If you want to get weird go Runescarred 5 then try to enter Swiftbalde. RAW this doesn't work but whatever it's cool.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: sirpercival October 24, 2011, 11:40:21 AM
Crap, I meant half-ogre and not half-giant.  But either way bears is probably right.

IHS ftw.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Rebel7284 October 24, 2011, 01:59:58 PM
•Don't waste time with serious LAs. Half Minotuar is all you need, Large size, +12 Str, +6 Con, Scent, Track, Gore, +10' speed... it's one of the only +1s worth it.

RAW, this is correct as they specifically mention applying size increase stats changes as per the monster manual.

MOST DMs rule that large size is enough of a bonus and only give the written +4 Str.

Frankly, it's probably still fair at that point.  :)
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: bearsarebrown October 24, 2011, 02:27:50 PM
Considering other players in the game are full casters, binders with EBL 27, and leadership is allowed, I bet he's getting +12 Str.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: dna1 October 24, 2011, 04:13:11 PM
Ya in order to keep up with all the casters Im going to have to min/max this guy pretty hard  :lol

After your input(thanks guys!) i have considered the following.

Arctic,Half-Mino,Human 1/Lion Barb 2/Warblade or Crusader 5/RuneScarred Berserker 7.

IIRC, Combat Brute requires Improved Sunder.
Ahh crap I knew I was forgetting something. Well If Warblade 5 nets me Endurance as a bonus feat I can sneak Imp Sunder in its place. Also I could go human for my base race and get an extra feat that way..
Any thoughts for gear? Spiked chain came to mind... but Im open to input  :P
Edit: I was considering Heavily trying for a Legacy weapon, IIRC that takes up to 3 feats though correct?
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: weenog October 24, 2011, 11:06:20 PM
Look real hard at what you actually get from the legacy weapon before you decide you want it.  They sound better than they are, I think one or maybe two are actually worth using, and not for all builds.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: sirpercival October 24, 2011, 11:09:10 PM
Edit: I was considering Heavily trying for a Legacy weapon, IIRC that takes up to 3 feats though correct?

No, you get the feat for performing the ritual.  Basically you just buy it.

And you could make a good one if einherjar lets you.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Mixster October 25, 2011, 03:20:09 AM
•Don't waste time with serious LAs. Half Minotuar is all you need, Large size, +12 Str, +6 Con, Scent, Track, Gore, +10' speed... it's one of the only +1s worth it.
•Consider Arctic which grants -2 Cha, +2 Con at a +0 LA.
•Buy Iron Will from Otugyh Pit
•Find out if you can progress spellcasting with another class. RAW you cannot but DM's are sometimes nice. If so, Ruby Knight Vindicator.
•Dip Barbarian 1 or 2 to steal all the good ACFs, then ToB classes till BAB 7.
•If you want to get weird go Runescarred 5 then try to enter Swiftbalde. RAW this doesn't work but whatever it's cool.
Feral is good as well.

My suggestion is much simpler:
Feral Half-Minotaur Arctic Exiled Dwarf. (Bought off)
Spirit Lion Panther Totem (Whirling Frenzy?) Barbarian 2/Warblade 5/Runescarred Berserker 8

With a valorous weapon you can easily combine the best of a Hood build into a Battlefield Controller with this build.

EDIT: Replacing a level of either class with a level of exoticist fighter is pretty decent as well, getting a bonus feat and 4 exotic weapons is decent.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Tr011 October 25, 2011, 04:37:27 AM
Feral Half-Minotaur Arctic Exiled Dwarf. (Bought off)
This depends on how your DM allows LA-buyoff. If he just grants the 105k XP a lvl 15 char would have, you can buy off 4 LAs for 12k XP (http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=12169) (so you end up on 93k XP, more than enough for lvl 14). 4 LA+1 Templates may be Feral, Half-Minotaur, Mineral Warrior and Dark Creature. And then you may still be an Arctic Exiled Dwarf.
Total benefit would be Darkvision, Hide in Plain Sight, Superior Low-light vision, Track, Scent, Large Size, Bonus Feat, Natural Attacks, str +18, -4 dex, con +16, cha -6, int -8, natural armor +14, DR 8/adamantine, fast healing, +30ft. movement speed. But I think his DM would be kinda stupid to allow LA-buyoff.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Rebel7284 October 25, 2011, 11:32:03 AM
Considering other players in the game are full casters, binders with EBL 27, and leadership is allowed, I bet he's getting +12 Str.

Was not aware of this detail.  In this case, yeah, +12 all the way.

Feral is good as well.

Doesn't that actually LOWER the HD in this build? All the D12s become D10s.

Edit: Incarnate Construct Warforged is -2 LA.  If you can convince your DM to apply half-minotaur and another +1 template after that, you will be well off without LA buyoff.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Tr011 October 25, 2011, 02:22:16 PM
Halfminotaur Feral Incarnate Warforged would work IIRC.
Btw: only racial HD are changed.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: PhaedrusXY October 25, 2011, 02:28:45 PM
Edit: I was considering Heavily trying for a Legacy weapon, IIRC that takes up to 3 feats though correct?
You get those feats for free as bonus feats.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: Rebel7284 October 25, 2011, 04:03:26 PM
Halfminotaur Feral Incarnate Warforged would work IIRC.

Of course the problem is having to apply two inherited templates AFTER an aquired one ;) Which is why I recommend checking with the DM.

Btw: only racial HD are changed.

Hit Dice: Change to d10.

This is the exact text.  It does not say racial or monster HD, it just says HD.  Quite useful for any squishy types that don't rely too much on Int (rare combination, but it happens).
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: dna1 October 25, 2011, 04:48:46 PM
On lunch so posting super fast  :bigeye

Those are all bad ass suggestions  :devil    The DM is not allowing LA Buy off though. Sorry should of mentioned it in the OP, that being said.. How should I build this out?
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: ksbsnowowl October 25, 2011, 07:14:34 PM
Blah blah blah/ Spirit Lion Totem Barbarian 1/ Runescarred Berserker 8
(f)Endurance, (f)Power Attack, (1)Imp. BR,  (3)Shock Trooper, (6)Combat Brute,  (9)Knockback, (12)Steadfast Determination,(15)Rampaging Bull Rush, IronWill(otyugh hole) Flaws (Shaky), (Vulnerable)
Unless you have some serious house rules in place, you don't qualify for Runescarred Berserker.  It requires Survivor and at least one Berserker Lodge feat (and maybe Iron Will...?)

And it also requires +7 BAB.  Unless you don't have any LA, then you're not fitting in 8 levels of RSB for an ECL 15 game.
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: dna1 October 25, 2011, 10:33:07 PM
Blah blah blah/ Spirit Lion Totem Barbarian 1/ Runescarred Berserker 8
(f)Endurance, (f)Power Attack, (1)Imp. BR,  (3)Shock Trooper, (6)Combat Brute,  (9)Knockback, (12)Steadfast Determination,(15)Rampaging Bull Rush, IronWill(otyugh hole) Flaws (Shaky), (Vulnerable)
Unless you have some serious house rules in place, you don't qualify for Runescarred Berserker.  It requires Survivor and at least one Berserker Lodge feat (and maybe Iron Will...?)

And it also requires +7 BAB.  Unless you don't have any LA, then you're not fitting in 8 levels of RSB for an ECL 15 game.

Ahh I have ran into conflicting data in some other threads. So then whats the reqs for the most current  RB prc?  If its not Endurance/SteadfastDetermination/Iron Will then what is it?
: Re: Runescarred Berserker - ECL 15
: sirpercival October 25, 2011, 11:00:22 PM
Base Attack Bonus: +7.
Skills: Craft (scarring) 5 ranks, Intimidate
5 ranks, Sense Motive 2 ranks.
Feats: Iron Will, Survivor (FRCS),
at least one berserker lodge feat from
Chapter 3: Regions and Feats.
Special: The character must be able to
rage at least once per day, as the barbarian
class ability, and must be a member of
a berserker lodge. (For more information
about berserker lodges, see Chapter 10:
Rashemen.) Also, the character must qualify
to select regional feats from Rashemen
(Rashemen is his home region, or he
has 2 ranks in Knowledge [local—
Rashemen]).