Techsmith's Gondsman upgrade options
Posted: Wed Sep 05, 2018 11:07 pm
I’ve been considering making a Techsmith, and in the planning stages I’ve got wondering about what the ideal approach to upgrading the Gondsman to be. Seems that it will cap out at 23 HD (10 from Techsmith levels, 10 from 1/3rd of 30, 3 bonus), leaving it with +17 BAB, 5 Natural AC, 15 STR (for Medium) base. I’m assuming one doesn’t get an upgrade point for the Gondsman at first level, so that leaves 9 upgrades to choose from.
Since its STR starts at an odd number, and the creator could be presumed to have access to Bull’s Strength, putting 1 (for +1 AB, +1 damage) or 3 (for +2 AB, +2 damage/+3 damage if two-handing) points into STR seems a decent investment. At that point, it would leave 4 points to go to BAB for one more attack at +21, and 2-4 points for AC.
Conversely, putting all 9 upgrade points into BAB would net two extra attacks at +26, which in between higher hit probability and additional attacks may prove to be more effective than putting anything in Strength. Alternatively, I suppose all the upgrade points can be slapped into AC just to make the Gondsman as tanky as possible, screw offense.
Any thoughts from those who’ve already had experience with the class?
Was also hoping to clarify the one line in the ability description, “It can use any equipment appropriate for its size”. Does this refer to just weapons? Armor? Full character loadout, accessories included?
EDIT: Also, forgot to ask what weapon/shield proficiencies the Gondsman has access to. Are exotic weapons and tower shields available?
Since its STR starts at an odd number, and the creator could be presumed to have access to Bull’s Strength, putting 1 (for +1 AB, +1 damage) or 3 (for +2 AB, +2 damage/+3 damage if two-handing) points into STR seems a decent investment. At that point, it would leave 4 points to go to BAB for one more attack at +21, and 2-4 points for AC.
Conversely, putting all 9 upgrade points into BAB would net two extra attacks at +26, which in between higher hit probability and additional attacks may prove to be more effective than putting anything in Strength. Alternatively, I suppose all the upgrade points can be slapped into AC just to make the Gondsman as tanky as possible, screw offense.
Any thoughts from those who’ve already had experience with the class?
Was also hoping to clarify the one line in the ability description, “It can use any equipment appropriate for its size”. Does this refer to just weapons? Armor? Full character loadout, accessories included?
EDIT: Also, forgot to ask what weapon/shield proficiencies the Gondsman has access to. Are exotic weapons and tower shields available?