Author Topic: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]  (Read 18838 times)

Offline popanas

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Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« on: April 02, 2012, 11:08:35 PM »
This Handbook will threat about a prestige class that I really love, the Fiend of Possession. This class is a ultimate class made to buff your comrades and manipulate everything. This guide will firstly discuss the entry techniques, then the abuses that this class can put up. It is based on this older version of the handbook http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=10938

First post will refer to a class portfolio
Second post will refer to races
third post will refer to entry tricks (Other than race)
Fourth post will refer to builds (Might refer to later post if I need more space)
Fifth post will refer to diverse Item enchantment that you will be able to procure and how broken they are.

(I will format and modify that soon)

FoP Abilities

(click to show/hide)

Entry Requirements:
-Outsider Type with the Evil Subtype
-Base Will save of +5
-Hide and Knowledge arcane

The outsider (evil) type is the main stumbling block for entry into this class.  Unfortunately there is no easy way to meet this requirement in one section, so I will go through base classes, races, and entry tricks to meet this requirement.


Base Classes

There a large number of base classes that can help with entry into the FoP.  The main consideration at this point is to select classes with a high will save and the necessary skills to gain entry into the class.  It is also important to note that to reach the base Will save of +5 as earlier as possible, at least 2 different classes should be taken.

Prime Classes

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Secondary Classes


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Third Tier Classes:  Mainly a list of good will save classes that don’t off much more.

Divine Mind, Dragon Shaman, Druid   , DuskBlade,   
Favored Soul, Healer, Hexblade, Knight,           
Lurk, Mindblade, Monk, Sorc  ,   
Warmage, Wilder           

Other Classes

Bloodlines: A real power house.  They advance all level based effects by the number of levels in bloodlines.  This ability is great for boosting the FoP’s ability to enchant weapons.  3 levels of bloodlines push the total bonus granted by a FoP to weapons to a +9, allowing for the Everdancing epic weapon property.  This will be discussed in more detail later, but allows you to be your own flying sword.  Additionally this class helps with PrC entry for some spell caster and manifestor classes.  PrC stacking with this class will be discussed later.

Magic of Incarnum Classes: There abilities may well place them in the secondary tier of classes if there is a meld that interests you, but I don’t know the system sufficiently enough to recommend any examples.  It is important to note that the “Planar Chasuble” soul meld has gained much attention in relation to the FoP.  The short list description of this power stats it grants you a subtype based on a plane you select, but this is inaccurate.  The full power description stats it gives you an alignment trait and the extraplanar subtype.  Unfortunately it does not grant an alignment subtype.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2012, 09:41:58 AM by popanas »

Offline popanas

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #1 on: April 02, 2012, 11:09:12 PM »
Races

The most obvious choice of race is an outsider with the evil subtype.  This grants a quick fulfillment of FoP requirements, but is not always an option in low level campaigns.  Here is a list of races that can make it into the FoP PrC one way or another.

LA+0
(click to show/hide)

LA+1
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LA+2
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ECL 3 (1HD + 2LA)

(click to show/hide)

ECL 4 (2HD +2 LA)
(click to show/hide)

ECL over 4
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Special mention

The half-fiend template might be a tempting way to gain the outsider type, but has a steep +4 LA.  Luckily wizards allowed you to break this template down into 4 levels and you don’t need to take all 4.  Even better, level 1 makes you an outsider.

Half-fiend:  http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/sp/20031010a

Also a good look at the ritual of alignment is a good idea as it can give any outsider, like an aasimar, the evil subtype for a very small price of 56,000 gold pieces
and 2,240 XP
« Last Edit: February 28, 2018, 10:43:38 AM by popanas »

Offline popanas

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #2 on: April 02, 2012, 11:10:48 PM »
FoP ENTRY TACTICS

Now that we got some possible races and base classes to work with, it is time to work on entry tactics.  Besides playing an actual outsider (evil) race, there are some alternative methods of entry.  The first is the otherworldly feat pared with the Ritual of alignment.

Otherworldly with ritual of alignment
(click to show/hide)

Cleric Entries

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Melee Entry
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Wizard Entry
(click to show/hide)

Just a little note here, the faster you get into FoP, the better. Some of the alternatives ways to get into the class aren't worth it, most of the time your better off with an outsider evil race, like Kaorti.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2012, 10:01:13 AM by popanas »

Offline popanas

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #3 on: April 02, 2012, 11:12:39 PM »
Builds

THE FoP

This is the most dedicated Fiend of Possession build.  Everything is focused on you getting around without ever making yourself seen.  Any race is possible, therefore I will stick to 16 levels for the base build if you don’t have access to the above entry tricks.

(click to show/hide)


The Psion

Psionics are perfect since most of them are purely mental actions, which the FoP can perform while possessing an object or person.  There are two main options.  Go for the straight forward telepath which is more versatile but losses out on high level powers.  Or go for the limited power list and play an ardent.  I listed the Illumian as the race of choice, but this depends on wether your DM uses psion/magic transparency.  The +2 caster level would work great for your manifestor level.
(click to show/hide)

Chameleon

This is just a straight forward FoP build with chameleon thrown in for all of its usual tricks.

(click to show/hide)

(I will check that line and see the specifics uses of it.
Savage Bard 1/ Monk 1/ Bloodline 1/ Savage Bard 1/ FoP 6/ Ur-Priest 2/ Mystic Theurge 8

Phaerimm Trickery

Phaerimm’s have the nifty ability to cast their sorcerer spells as spell-like abilities without somantic, vocal, or material components.  Use the ritual of alignment as before.

(click to show/hide)

Shadowcraft Mage, FoP light


The illusion flavor of the master specialist gets free still, silent, and eschew materials with illusion spells, but not until level 10 in the class.  You can always switch the order of Master Specialist and Shadowcraft mage.

(click to show/hide)

Warlocks and Eldritch blast


I originally did not think warlock would work well since the invocations are spell-like abilities that require somantic components.  Notice though that eldritch blast is not an invocation but is a spell-like ability.  Bingo, you can blast while in the object, just not add an invocations on the fly.  Luckily Hellfire warlock also saves the day by boosting your damage by 12d6 (don’t forget bloodlines).

(click to show/hide)

Theoretical builds

Cleric and a half

The idea here is to be a full cleric/wizard and a FoP.  We are going to use the usual Other Worldly/ritual of alignment for entry to FoP.  Afterwards we are going to enter the Eldrich Master PrC from dragon mag #280.  It does not progress spell casting, but grants a bonus spell slot 1 level higher than you can currently cast and bonus metamagic feat at level 3.  Add this slot to cleric to pick up level 2 spells.  Then at level 4 it lets you add a spell list from another casting class to your exsisting spell casting classes.  These spells are all cast as arcane spells regardless of how the spells are usually cast.  That means you cleric is now both an arcane and divine casting class.  Use Mystic Theurge then to double progress the class.  You end up with 9th level spells cast off of one stat and set of spells slots, but come from both the cleric list and another list of your choice (probably wizard).  Use Arcane thesis for orb of force of another spell of choice to get free still and silent spell added for free.

(click to show/hide)

Cohorts

Fiends of Possession make optimal cohorts for characters of the appropriate alignment.  The key feature is their ability to augment your character and remain out of sight.  One of the biggest problems I have with leadership is picking a cohort that is useful, out of the way, and does not overshadow other party members.

The Fixer

This cohort can make any armor, ring, weapon, or wonderous item, plus buy and sell things at the best prices.  You can leave him at home when you want or take him on the go.  The xp mechanic with leadership makes the cohort useful even after he hits his max level, just continue to burn the xp or hide it with the link below.

(click to show/hide)

The standard FOP build in the two sections above is the other optimal cohort build.
« Last Edit: April 03, 2012, 10:08:23 AM by popanas »

Offline popanas

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #4 on: April 02, 2012, 11:13:04 PM »
Some little tricks

Equipment

(click to show/hide)

Feat

(click to show/hide)

Other things to notice

By level 5 you are the best field controller. Why? Because you can be the terrain your foes are on and animate it. "Oops, I made a pit under you. I'll fix that." Is a good way to buries your opponents alive. Animate the air and create a vacuum.

« Last Edit: April 03, 2012, 02:15:05 PM by popanas »

Offline popanas

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #5 on: April 02, 2012, 11:14:04 PM »
Just a post in case I go wild and write too much. Just to say, when this handbook will be finished I plan on making a .pdf out of it.

And with that, I will go sleep for now, I will work on formatting everything and starting to add thing tomorrow.

Offline sirpercival

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #6 on: April 03, 2012, 08:05:38 AM »
Here's another build involving major FoP abuse ;)  Kind of a variation on your first build.

Requires: LA buyoff, Substitute Powers ACF from Mind's Eye

Build: Kaorti 2/Ardent 1/Fiend of Possession 6/Thrallherd 1/Legacy Champion 10

Feats:
1st - free, EWP (ribbon dagger)
3rd - Practiced Manifester (Ardent)
5th - Least Legacy [bonus]
6th - Inquisitor
9-18 free

Gets you a thrall and believers, and 14 effective FoP levels.
I am the assassin of productivity

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Offline popanas

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #7 on: April 03, 2012, 11:16:57 AM »
I never checked the LA buyoff, but it is clear that if it is available, you must take it. haven't you considered taking a bloodline? It could replace your level of thallherd for an effective FoP level of 15.

Thank you for your build, I'll add it soon.

Offline sirpercival

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #8 on: April 03, 2012, 11:29:05 AM »
Yeah, but thrallherd is so perfect for an FoP you can't leave it out ;)
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Offline wotmaniac

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Re: Fiend of Possession Handbook [update]
« Reply #9 on: April 05, 2022, 11:14:46 PM »
i would just like to point out that using Divine Minion as an entry strategy is a bit suspect.
as per the template text, it only changes alignment subtypes, but does not add them.