It was pointed out at the time how Phantom AC worked rather well with wisdom based builds. It was thought a non-issue since it was deemed to be nothing comparted to the likes of the Monk/Sacred Fist combination.mrm3ntalist wrote:However, with new classes we have the freedom to implemented them from scratch. The phantom base class, was not designed to be a good dip for the cleric base class. Yes, the phantom class can use some rework but not to make it better for clerics or druids or SSs. The phantom base will be adjusted to be more efficient on its own.
And the thing is, Phantom is not that good of a dip for the cleric class. Sure, it works with the Darkfire Disciple PRC, but the fact remains that the Cleric 7/Monk 3/Sacred Fist 10/Hierophant 10 is the superior alternative in all ways.
So let us have look at that: Cleric 7/Monk 3/Sacred Fist 10/Hierophant 10 build that can be made right now.Valefort wrote:Druid 17 / Hiero 10/ Phantom 3, 42 WIS with ICE and tower shield proficiency :
AC : 10 (base) + 16 (WIS to AC) + 3 (Tumble) + 4 (dodge boots) + 4 (tower shield) + 4 (armor enchant) + 4 (shield enchant) +6 (ICE) + 9 (tortoise shell) +4 (DEX) + 4 (halo of sand) = 68 AC
AC: 10 (Base)
+ 12 (Wisdom to AC)
+ 4 (Dexterity)
+ 3 (Tumble)
+ 3 (Sacred Fist AC)
+ 4 (Dodge Boots)
+ 5 (Armor Enchantment, Magic Vestment)
+ 4 (Shield Enchantment, Shield Wand)
+ 6 (Improved Combat Expertise)
+ 5 (Natural Armor Enchantment, Spiderskin/Barkskin)
+ 5 (Deflection Enchantment, Shield of Faith)
= 61
Clearly the AC of 61 is not an issue on this server.
Thus how about we change it to the 'hypothetical' Druid 7/Monk 3/Sacred Fist 10/Hierophant 10 build:
AC: 10 (base)
+ 16 (Wisdom to AC)
+ 4 (Dexterity)
+ 3 (Tumble)
+ 3 (Sacred Fist AC)
+ 4 (Dodge Boots)
+ 4 (Armor Enchantment)
+ 4 (Shield Enchantment, Shield Wand)
+ 6 (Improved Combat Expertise)
+ 9 (Natural Armor Enchantment, Tortoise Shell)
+ 4 (Deflection Enchantment, Halo of Sand)
= 67
Do you know what the difference between the Cleric and Druid versions is? In melee, the cleric build hits like a truck, while the druid alternative sits still like a lame duck.
If that is the case, then some of you might wonder why the Druid/Monk combination was banned on this server way back when. The simple answer lies in the Druid's ability to Wild Shape that used to gain the benefit from Monk's Wisdom based AC. Many Wild Shape forms come with 30+ strength, which gave the Druid/Monk combinations decent AB, in addition to the wisdom based AC. This is not the case anymore, wisdom based AC can be disabled.
And as for the 'Druid 17/Hierophant 10/Phantom 3' build Valefort brought up, if you disable Phantom AC whenever a shield is equipped, you lower the AC of said combination to 60 or 64 from 68. Any dispel or breach will remove the Shield Wand effect. Additionally, apart from relying on Zen Archery, this combination has nonexisting AB and the Druidic spell book is not exactly known for spells that increase ranged damage.
Therefore, a far more sensible way to balance the Phantom class for 'Wisdom based' caster dips is to disable the wisdom AC if a shield is equipped. The description of Phantom's Wisdom AC is basically just missing the tail end of the Monk's Wisdom AC description.
As for Phantoms that might lose the use of shields they are not even proficient at to begin with, you can come up with additional Ki Powers. Call it Ki Defense, have it raise the Phantom's AC for three rounds. (A duration that is also extended with 'Extend Ki Power' feats.) Let the Phantom use their Ki Power points for various different things, which is something that doesn't exactly benefit the builds that took three level dip in the class.