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4 years ago ::
Jul 30, 2009 - 2:38PM
#71
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Date Joined:
Jan 29, 2008
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It shows that there is not a one to one correlation between damage type and keyword; not doing the damage type doesn't remove the keyword and adding the damage type doesn't add the keyword.
That's not what I've been trying to imply, only that the RAW seems to say that if there's an effect type (such as a damage type), there's corresponding keyword, not necessarily that if there's a keyword, there's always a damage type (you could have, for example, untyped damage and poison effects).
Again, whether that section is on decoding (which it is, being the "how to read a power" section) doesn't matter; just the context of the line you use being part of a sentence that is an example of the line before it and the line before it not being about adding or changing keywords is enough.
You may be right. But seeing that you could very well interpret this in another way (as some people here clearly has), I think this is far from conclusive. I'm gonna try writing to CS and see if they might push this up to the devs.
Test your PC builds' combat prowess and pit them against other builds at the Core Coliseum - the online D&D arena.
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4 years ago ::
Jul 30, 2009 - 3:14PM
#72
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Date Joined:
Mar 12, 2002
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I'd like to point out that the Avatar of Storm Epic Destiny power Stormhand has to specifically point out it adds the thunder/lightning keyword respectively if you turn a power's damage into thunder and lightning damage, as opposed to just lightning or thunder damage.
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4 years ago ::
Jul 30, 2009 - 3:34PM
#73
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Date Joined:
Jan 29, 2008
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I'd like to point out that the Avatar of Storm Epic Destiny power Stormhand has to specifically point out it adds the thunder/lightning keyword respectively if you turn a power's damage into thunder and lightning damage, as opposed to just lightning or thunder damage.
Yeah, I've noticed this. It says (from DP, p 150):
Stormhand (21st level: When you use a light-
ning or a thunder power, you can choose to turn its
lightning damage or thunder damage into lightning
and thunder damage (if you do so, the power gains
the keyword of the second damage type if the power
didn't already have it).
Don't know if this actually changes anything relevant to the "adding damage of type = add keyword or not" discussion, though. This could just be a reminder, seeing that the feature doesn't actually add any damage, just a type (just as Arcane Admixture), or it could be an indication that adding typed damage doesn't in fact add the keyword (unless specifically saying so).
Test your PC builds' combat prowess and pit them against other builds at the Core Coliseum - the online D&D arena.
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4 years ago ::
Aug 02, 2009 - 4:26AM
#74
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Date Joined:
Jul 21, 2008
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Time to get this back on track.
I made some revisions to my Thundering Stormtrooper, and I think it can be improved upon.
Take Shielding Aegis instead of Assault. Stay Genasi, but start with a different Spread: Str 12+2, Con 14, Dex 13, Int 16+2, Wis 13, Cha 8. Boost Con and Int at every opportunity. For Paragon, take the Windrider path for the tasty + to attack and damage. Depending on how your troupe performs, you can still decide whether to stick with the feats as planned out, or to boost your defender side by picking up Greater Warding to improve your Aegis, and going Hide for higher AC.
The damage output doesn't change much: lightning and thunder powers still deal +40 plain, +3d8+46 with Promise of Storm and Elemental Echoes, though you lose the versatile boni of Academy Master. You gain another + to hit with all your thunder/lightning powers and the ones you Admixtured, and your party members will appreciate the added survivability that Shielding brings with it.
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4 years ago ::
Aug 02, 2009 - 7:26AM
#75
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Date Joined:
Jan 29, 2008
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Sounds like good suggestions, Isenhertz. I'm gonna add a couple of new builds and also update and change a couple of the other old ones, now that DP is out with some very interesting options for Stormtroopers. Especially the CD domain feat Storm Sacrifice and the ED Storm Avatar are awesome for any Str and/or Con based trooper. Combined with the new Avenger MC feat Hero of Faith and a couple of multi-attack powers you get a simply hilariously effective solo/elite slayer.
Test your PC builds' combat prowess and pit them against other builds at the Core Coliseum - the online D&D arena.
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4 years ago ::
Aug 08, 2009 - 1:50PM
#76
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Seriously super fun, upho. This is a fine collection here. Love the stormtrooper theme!
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4 years ago ::
Aug 11, 2009 - 4:18PM
#77
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Date Joined:
Sep 17, 2001
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Shielding Stormtrooper
Based on a Shielding Swordmage wielding a Spiked Chain, this genasi build aims to pump its MBA and threatening reach for devastating OAs with lots of control. The genasi race has an extremely nifty paragon feat to use with MoS, namely "Shocking Flame" which effectively adds a bit of Lightning damage to all melee attacks and lets this trooper use a weapon other than Lightning. MoS also has great synnergy with the Promise of Storm racial power. The +3 weapon, a high Int and the Lyrandar Wind-Rider pp gives very accurate and damaging melee attacks. With Giant's Might in Epic for extra reach and attack bonuses in those hard encounters, this build is quite a DPR- machine compared to most Shielding SMs. Double Manifestation and Windsoul for extra mobility. Should be a solid defender addition to virtually any party.
Shielding Stormtrooper:
Show
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Shielding Stormtrooper, level 30
Genasi, Swordmage, Lyrandar Wind-Rider, Chosen of Tempus
Build: Shielding Swordmage
Swordmage Aegis: Aegis of Shielding
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Constitution
Divine Spark: Divine Spark Intelligence
Quickened Spellcasting: Sword Burst
Background: Any
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 14, Con 26, Dex 15, Int 28, Wis 13, Cha 10.
STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 16, Dex 13, Int 16, Wis 11, Cha 8.
AC: 49 Fort: 44 Reflex: 43 Will: 36
HP: 215 Surges: 16 Surge Value: 53
TRAINED SKILLS
Arcana +33, Athletics +22, Endurance +30, History +33
FEATS
Level 1: Spiked Chain Training
Level 2: Melee Training (Intelligence)
Level 4: Focused Expertise (Spiked chain)
Level 6: Mark of Storm
Level 8: Spiked Chain Expert
Level 10: Two-Weapon Fighting
Level 11: Double Aegis (retrained to Total Aegis at Level 21)
Level 12: Shocking Flame
Level 14: Greater Swordmage Warding
Level 16: Two-Weapon Defense
Level 18: Weapon Focus (Light Blade) (retrained to Double Manifestation at Level 22)
Level 20: Dual Implement Spellcaster
Level 21: Quickened Spellcasting
Level 22: Extra Manifestation
Level 24: White Lotus Riposte
Level 26: Weapon Focus (Light Blade)
Level 28: Elemental Echo
Level 30: Two-Weapon Threat
POWERS
Swordmage at-will 1: Sword Burst
Swordmage at-will 1: Frigid Blade
Swordmage encounter 1: Sword of Sigils
Swordmage daily 1: Lashing Asp (retrained to Dimensional Thunder at Level 8)
Swordmage utility 2: Eldritch Speed
Swordmage encounter 3: Dimensional Vortex
Swordmage daily 5: Swordmage Shielding Fire
Swordmage utility 6: Swordmage's Decree
Swordmage encounter 7: Thunderclap Strike
Swordmage daily 9: Glamor Blade
Swordmage utility 10: Unerring Vision
Swordmage encounter 13: Seed of Fire (replaces Sword of Sigils)
Swordmage daily 15: Reaper's Challenge (replaces Dimensional Thunder)
Swordmage utility 16: Aegis of Lost Souls
Swordmage encounter 17: Snake Strike (replaces Dimensional Vortex)
Swordmage daily 19: Planar Shock (replaces Swordmage Shielding Fire)
Swordmage utility 22: Giant's Might
Swordmage encounter 23: Thunder Riposte (replaces Thunderclap Strike)
Swordmage daily 25: Sword Duel (replaces Glamor Blade)
Swordmage encounter 27: Circle of Devastation (replaces Seed of Fire)
Swordmage daily 29: Mirrorblade Army (replaces Reaper's Challenge)
ITEMS
Feytouched Starleather Armor +6, Bloodclaw Spiked chain +6, Opal Ring of Remembrance (epic tier), Shadow Band (epic tier), Iron Armbands of Power (epic tier), Boots of Teleportation (epic tier), Gauntlets of Destruction (paragon tier), Coif of Mindiron (epic tier), Periapt of Cascading Health +6, Belt of Vim (epic tier),
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======
Would it be possible to modify this to fit glaives instead of spiked chains? I've always been wary of the balances of Dragon articles and this feel very much like fine cheese, not to be rude or anything.
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4 years ago ::
Aug 11, 2009 - 7:14PM
#78
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Date Joined:
Jan 29, 2008
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Would it be possible to modify this to fit glaives instead of spiked chains?
Of course you may, just exchange the MC Chain feat for Battle Awareness and the two-weapon feats for Polearm feats (and HBO, if you like). Have a look at the Guardian Stoormtrooper as well (a Shielding SM that uses the Glaive to great effect without Dragon feats).
I've always been wary of the balances of Dragon articles and this feel very much like fine cheese, not to be rude or anything.
I understand your concern (don't worry, I don't think you're rude in the slightest) and this build is indeed cheesy in terms of how it optimizes the threatening reach, but I don't think it's cheesy in terms of overall power. I also recommend that you consider that a polearm version will be at least as cheesy in terms of overall power. The Spiked Chain feats (and the MC version of the Spiked Chain) are not overpowered IMO, especially since some of the more effective magic enhancements for a defender are limited to polearms. The Shielding Stormtrooper is more "exotic" and different to most defenders, but hardly overpowered compared to other optimized builds.
Test your PC builds' combat prowess and pit them against other builds at the Core Coliseum - the online D&D arena.
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3 months ago ::
Mar 10, 2013 - 4:40PM
#79
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I was inspired by reading upho's Cool Stormtrooper, and Matyr's Machine Gun Breathing - Dragonborn Dragonsorcerer and created a build inspired by the both of those: Spoiler:
Show
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Razaghast, level 30 Dragonborn, Sorcerer, Ninefold Master, Avatar of Io
Build: Dragon Sorcerer
Spell Source Option: Dragon Magic
Dragon Soul Option: Dragon Soul Lightning
Arcane Implement Proficiency Option: Arcane Implement Proficiency (heavy blade group)
Draconic Resistance Option: Draconic Resistance Lightning
Student of the Sword Option: Student of Two-Handed Weapons
Dragonborn Racial Power Option: Dragon Breath
Dragon Breath Key Ability: Dragon Breath Strength
Dragon Breath Damage Type: Dragon Breath Lightning
Gritty Sergent Proficiency: Weapon Proficiency (Glaive)
Gritty Sergeant (Gritty Sergeant Benefit)
Theme: Sensate
(My group uses a 24 point spread)
FINAL ABILITY SCORES STR 26, CON 12, DEX 16, INT 10, WIS 16, CHA 28
STARTING ABILITY SCORES STR 16, CON 10, DEX 13, INT 8, WIS 13, CHA 16
AC: 43 Fort: 39 Ref: 37 Will: 43 HP: 169 Surges: 15 Surge Value: 43
TRAINED SKILLS Arcana +22, Athletics +28, Bluff +29, Diplomacy +29, Intimidate +31
UNTRAINED SKILLS Acrobatics +18, Dungeoneering +18, Endurance +18, Heal +18, History +17, Insight +18, Nature +18, Perception +20, Religion +15, Stealth +18, Streetwise +24, Thievery +18
POWERS
Basic Attack: Melee Basic Attack
Basic Attack: Ranged Basic Attack
Dragonborn Racial Power: Dragon Breath
Sorcerer Attack 1: Burning Spray
Sorcerer Attack 1: Dragonfrost Sorcerer
Sorcerer Attack 1: Explosive Pyre
Sorcerer Attack 1: Lightning Breath
Utility 2: Dragonflame Mantle
Sorcere Attack 3: Flame Spiral
Sorcere Attack 5: Thunder Leap
Sorcerer Utility 6: Sudden Scales
Sorcerer Attack 7: Rimestorm
Sorcer Attack 9: Adamantine Echo
Sorcerer Utility 10: Narrow Escape
Ninefold Master Attack 11: Dragon Aura
Ninefold Master Utility 12: Countering Breath
Sorcere Attack 13: Thunder Breath (replaces Explosive Pyre)
Sorcerer Attack 15: Lightning Daggers (replaces Lightning Breath)
Sorcerer Utility 16: Draconic Majesty
Sorcerer Attack 17: Dragon Tail Meditation (replaces Flame Spiral)
Sorcerer Attack 19: Prismatic Lightning (replaces Thunder Leap)
Ninefold Master Attack 20: Dragon Tempest
Sorcerer Utility 22: Platinum Scales
Sorcerer Attack 23: Thunder Summons (replaces Rimestorm)
Quickened Spellcasting: Dragonfrost
Sorcerer Attack 25: Draconic Incarnation (replaces Adamantine Echo)
Avatar of Io Utility 26: Divine Resistance
Sorcerer Attack 27: Thunder Pulse (replaces Thunder Breath)
Sorcerer Attack 29: Wyrm Form (replaces Prismatic Lightning)
FEATS
Level 1: Armor Proficiency: Leather
Level 2: Ancient Soul
Level 4: Nusemnee's Atonement
Level 6: Hurl Breath
Level 8: Arcane Implement Proficiency (Heavy Blades)
Level 10: Draconic Spellcaster
Level 11: Student of the Sword (Two-Handed Weapons)
Level 12: Implement Expertise (Polearm)
Level 14: Mark of Storm
Level 16: Lasting Frost
Level 18: Wintertouched
Level 20: Polearm Momentum
Level 21: Draconic Arrogance
Level 22: Draconic Spellfury
Level 24: Quickened Spellcasting (Dragonfrost)
Level 26: Polearm Gamble
Level 28: Arcane Familiar (Disembodied Hand/ Rakshasa Claw)
Level 30: Dual Implement Spellcaster
ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit,
Frozen Whetstone (heroic tier),
Rapidstrike Bracers,
Circlet of Mental Onslaught (paragon),
Belt of Mountain Endurance (paragon),
Ring of Ramming,
Siberys Shard of the Mage (epic tier),
Bloodclaw Glaive +6,
Staff of Ruin +6,
Displacer Starleather Armor +6,
Gloves of Eldritch Admixture (epic tier),
Cloak of Displacement +6,
Boots of Quickness (epic tier),
Ring of Tenacious Will
====== End ======
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3 months ago ::
Mar 10, 2013 - 4:47PM
#80
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Date Joined:
Dec 22, 2010
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Well that's the largest of the recent huge necros.
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