Intro
As detailed in
this thread (A standard of optimization across the levels), there was a proposal for a benchmark handbook. Since the previous topic got derailed and confused, I wanted to gather information for this proposed handbook.
Rules for Proposing Benchmarks
1: No infinite loops. No nearly infinite loops. No infinite loops. No nearly infinite loops. No infinite loops. No nearly infinite loops.2: Be as descriptive as practical in your proposal. Saying, "Geez! Get more hit points!" doesn't help. Saying, "You should get this cheap item that gives an unnamed boost to CON from
this source" is preferred.
3: Each benchmark must be meaningful. Think about what aspects you'd want to have on a character.
Here are some suggestions, but the list is mostly complete. We can use
Surreal's Lists of Stuff for "Acquiring This Benchmark."
[spoiler]
[ DAMAGE ]-Energy Damage Per Hit-Energy Damage Per Round-Physical Damage Per Hit-Physical Damage Per Round-Z Rest[ DEFENSES ]-AC-Damage Reduction (DR)-Energy Resistance (Acid/Cold/Electricity/Fire)-Energy Resistance (Other)-Hide Checks-Miss Chance-Move Silently Checks-Saves-Z Rest[ DEFENSE PENETRATION ]-Bypassing Damage Reduction (DR)-Bypassing Energy Immunity-Bypassing Evasion & Mettle-Bypassing High Saves-Bypassing Spell Resistance (SR)-Z Rest[ HEALING & RECOVERY ]-Ability Damage-Ability Drain-Blindness-Dazing-Death (Not Undeath!)-Deafness-Disease-Fatigue & Exhaustion-Fear Effects (Shaken, Frightened, and Panicked-Lost Limb-HP Damage-Immobilization-Negative Levels-Paralysis-Petrification-Poison-Sickening-Stunning-Z Rest[ IMMUNITY ]-Charm, Compulsion, and [Mind-Affecting] Effects-Crits and Precision Damage (Sneak Attack, Skirmish, Sudden Strike, Etc.)-Death Effects-Divinations-Energy Damage (Acid/Cold/Electricity/Fire)-Energy Damage (Other)-Flat-Footedness-Grappling & Movement Hindrance-Illusions-Z Rest[ INITIATIVE ][ MOVEMENT ]-Burrow Speed-Fly Speed-Short-Range Teleporation (100' or Less)-Medium-Range Teleportation (Between 101' and 1 Mile)-Long-Range Teleportation (More than 1 Mile)-Interplanar Travel-Other 3D Movement (Climb Speed, Levitating, Swim Speed)[ SENSES ]-Blindsense-Blindsight-Darkvision-Listen Checks-Low-Light Vision-Search Checks-See Invisibility-Spot Checks-True Seeing-Z Rest[/SPOILER]
Sample Benchmark
Short-Range Teleportation (100' or Less)
Benchmark Level: 5 (deadly games), 8 (casual games)Acquiring This Benchmark
[spoiler]
[ - = ITEMS = - ]Anklet of Translocation (Magic Item Compendium 71)
Action: Swift, Range: 10', Requires LoS & LoE, 1400G, Slot: FeetComments: It's a weaker Abrupt Jaunt that anyone can have.
[ - = PSI POWERS = - ]Dimension Swap (Expanded Psionics Handbook XX)Nomad2, PsyWar2, Action: Standard, Range: Close (25' + 25'/2Lvl), Requires LoEComments: Two Large or smaller creatures within range swap places (+2PP per each larger size category). PsyWars must include themselves as a target. Willing targets only.
[ - = SPELLS = - ]Benign Transposition (Spell Compendium 27)Sor/Wiz1, Action: Standard, Range: Medium (100' + 10'/Lvl), Requires LoEComments: Two Large or smaller creatures within range swap places. You may include yourself as a target. Willing targets only.[/spoiler]
