Advice sought: Sacred Fist of Azuth

[Kauaiian]

Hello everyone,

Requesting critique of this build: http://nwn2db.com/build/?251462.

This is a pretty standard build I copied from Chad's Loviator Sacred Fist Build with a tweak or two. This is my first time playing a SF and I have to say, I'm liking it alot. Some requests for insight:

-One of the things I noticed though was the AC. I get up to 41 before a shield or IMA spell. I was thinking of swapping fiery fist and extra stunning attacks with for CE/ICE to assist with the AC. Itll lower the attack and unuseable with Flurry of Blows but with all the cleric battle buffs I don't think it'd be much of an issue?

-How useful is Epic Mass Heal compared to the 9th level Mass Heal? I could gain another Great Str (start with 14) and raise dex to 15 to be used with a +3 item. Can't use a Ring of the Knight any more but small trade off.

-It maintains 30 CL with one extra Hierophant feat. Any suggestions?

-Chose Craft Wondrous item as it fits perfectly with the dogma and to be prepared for the upcoming enchanting system.

Typing from my iphone so I couldn't make any changes in the builder but the Deity will be Azuth with Spell and either Magic/Knowledge domains.

Any thoughts?

[mrm3ntalist]

There is not much to say. You got most things covered. I think it worths it to drop 1cl and go for monk6 for knockdown/Imp. knockdown. With 22STR +6 that would be very efficient.

Other than that, you should go for it

[Kauaiian]

There is not much to say. You got most things covered. I think it worths it to drop 1cl and go for monk6 for knockdown/Imp. knockdown. With 22STR +6 that would be very efficient.

Other than that, you should go for it

Thats a good point! I forgot to ask that question. Ill see if i can fit it in. Any comment concerning the trade off of Fiery Fist/Extra Stunning for CE/ICE?

Also, has EDE opened it's doors to half elves yet?

[mrm3ntalist]

There is not much to say. You got most things covered. I think it worths it to drop 1cl and go for monk6 for knockdown/Imp. knockdown. With 22STR +6 that would be very efficient.

Other than that, you should go for it

Thats a good point! I forgot to ask that question. Ill see if i can fit it in. Any comment concerning the trade off of Fiery Fist/Extra Stunning for CE/ICE?

Also, has EDE opened it's doors to half elves yet?

You cant use the flurry with CE/ICE. ICE is good for a DC cleric/SF but not for a melee one.

As far as EDE it depends on the Half-elf. If he is more on the elven than human something can be done. We already did for 1 or 2.

EDE is changing a bit, epsecialy with the Miyeritar plot i am trying to move forward. We could use someone with some background in Miyeritar lore and chartography. There are rumors that even the help of drow was seeked

The plan is to have a guild, with players with different classes and make balanced groups for adventures and events.

[Kauaiian]

There is not much to say. You got most things covered. I think it worths it to drop 1cl and go for monk6 for knockdown/Imp. knockdown. With 22STR +6 that would be very efficient.

Other than that, you should go for it

Thats a good point! I forgot to ask that question. Ill see if i can fit it in. Any comment concerning the trade off of Fiery Fist/Extra Stunning for CE/ICE?

Also, has EDE opened it's doors to half elves yet?

You cant use the flurry with CE/ICE. ICE is good for a DC cleric/SF but not for a melee one.

As far as EDE it depends on the Half-elf. If he is more on the elven than human something can be done. We already did for 1 or 2.

EDE is changing a bit, epsecialy with the Miyeritar plot i am trying to move forward. We could use someone with some background in Miyeritar lore and chartography. There are rumors that even the help of drow was seeked

Okay, copy on EDE.

Drats on CE/ICE. Guess Ill have to deal with the AC issue then.

[chad878262]

I think you will find AC is less of an issue than you are considering as long as you use efficient spells and get some decent items (dodge boots, deflection AC item and natural armor amulet +3/4, whatever you can afford). I forget if Cleric has a deflection AC spell, but I think they do and it goes up to +4 iirc. In addition Magic Vestment is +5 AC (only one less than IMA and doesn't require an expensive wand, plus uses your CL so more difficult to dispel/not on breach list). A friend of mine said he is playing a variation on the same build and is enjoying it, so I doubt he's experiencing AC issues, though I do not know what level he's at. My Loviator monk was having no issues up to level 8 (which I realize doesn't tell you much)... The concept of the build though is to have lots of options for defense and options by using the spells for buffs in conjunction with solid damage.

I do agree with M3nt, as after I posted that build I actually did make one that went M6 with CL29 (thanks to a discussion with Tsidkenu!) and I like it better that way. IKD is worth it.

[Kauaiian]

Thanks Chad. Gonna rework the build around to incorporate KD/IKD

[Steve]

Ugly half-elves are actually Bhaalspawn!

Anyway, AC :

22 + 2 DEX (w/ Cats) + 2 (w/ +3 WIS) +5 Deflection (shield of faith) + 5 AC (Magic Vestment) +4 natural amulet +4 dodge boots = 44 ( +1 IMA wand +4 shield wand = 49)

You could take Luck of Heroes and ditch Craft Wondrous Items.

Just invest in numerous wands of displacement. And use them after your toon is hit with Greater Dispel!!

[chad878262]

Ugly half-elves are actually Bhaalspawn!

Anyway, AC :

22 + 2 DEX (w/ Cats) + 2 (w/ +3 WIS) +5 Deflection (shield of faith) + 5 AC (Magic Vestment) +4 natural amulet +4 dodge boots = 44 ( +1 IMA wand +4 shield wand = 49)

You could take Luck of Heroes and ditch Craft Wondrous Items.

Just invest in numerous wands of displacement. And use them after your toon is hit with Greater Dispel!!

Cats Grace is not on the Cleric spell list, but Owl's Wisdom is... So they could go odd DEX even WIS, use +3 DEX item and cast owl's wisdom for max AC Benefit.

[Steve]

I know Chad, but I'd assume a scroll or maybe Kai has an epic item? Either way, the AC is conditional because of dispelling (and I would try to take Plant domain!).

[chad878262]

I know Chad, but I'd assume a scroll or maybe Kai has an epic item? Either way, the AC is conditional because of dispelling (and I would try to take Plant domain!).

Fine!

Plant domain is a good defensive measure to be sure, but there are lots of useful domains for a melee cleric and Strength cannot be discounted for allowing level four and five slots to cast extended divine power.

[Kauaiian]

If only Azuth or Mystra had Plant domain

[Steve]

If only Half-Elves were that ugly!!

[Kauaiian]

They are!

[chad878262]

not the greatest domains for a sacred fist, but spell (for greater any spell) and magic (for mantle) would help defensively...