Fun Finds v5.0

[vaz]

*cough* epic spells *cough*

oh, I'll just develop this spell that reduces the DC by 220, forcing you to cast over the course of an extra 100 days, 10 min... Oops, I just cast that spell as a standard action 

Epic spells don't take spell slots though do they?
[/quote]

[FlaminCows]

Yes they do. EDIT: But not really, see later in this thread. Epic spell slots are not like normal spell slots.

EPIC SPELLCASTING
Once an epic spell is developed, the caster knows the spell. A developed epic spell becomes an indelible part of the caster and may be prepared without a spellbook (if a wizard is the caster). Characters who cast spells spontaneously, such as sorcerers, can cast a developed epic spell by using any open epic spell slot. Druids, clerics, and similar spellcasters can likewise prepare epic spells using epic spell slots. A spellcaster can prepare or cast any epic spell she knows as many times per day as she has available epic spell slots.

[Lo77o]

Ohh dear.. looks like its been updated in complete arcana, and the wording is different now.

[vaz]

Shame.

But yh, Epic Spell slot =/= spell slot. Same as Epic Fighter Bonus feat =/= fighter bonus feat.

[FlaminCows]

While the original wording is hilarious, it is clearly not what the writer meant to say, and that they corrected it is a good thing, rather than a shame. It is a shame that they didn't see the mistake the first time.

[awaken_D_M_golem]

Players Guide to Faerun; Arcane Preparation

Benefi t: Each day, you can use one or more of your spell slots to
prepare spells you know. (Usually, you do this in order to apply a
metamagic feat to the spell.) Thereafter, you can cast that spell as
a standard action even if you apply a metamagic feat to the spell
as you cast it. Preparing a spell uses a slot of the appropriate level.
Once the spell is prepared, you can’t use that spell slot for anything
else until you cast the prepared spell.

Standard Action Planar Binding, Augury, etc.

(p) - sigh 

Linked Power metapsi can't do this.

[Prime32]

You can still do some of that through Arcane Archer, which also has the "standard action" wording.

[snakeman830]

You can still do some of that through Arcane Archer, which also has the "standard action" wording.

Or Anima Mage, which gets any spell at all as an Immediate action 1/day.

[zook1shoe]

Dragons of Faerûn mentions epic spell slots under the section 'Epic Spellcasting' on pgs 120-121. Also, in the sidebar on pg 120, the have a term description for epic spell slots.

what part of the epic section in Complete Arcane says epic spell slots are different? I can't find it.

[Ithamar]

The Arcane Preparation feat was edited / amended, not the bit about epic spell slots.

[vaz]

Dragons of Faerûn mentions epic spell slots under the section 'Epic Spellcasting' on pgs 120-121. Also, in the sidebar on pg 120, the have a term description for epic spell slots.

what part of the epic section in Complete Arcane says epic spell slots are different? I can't find it.

An Epic Spell slot is not a spell slot. Arcane Prep. specifies spell slots.

It's the same wording that prevents a Martial Monk from gaining Epic Fighter Bonus Feats. But this is a moot point, anyway.

[SorO_Lost]

Indeed.

An Epic Spell Slot is not synonymous with Spell Slot. It's a same-name fallacy and easily proved at that.

EPIC SPELL TERMS
Epic Spell: Spells that are different from common spells. Epic spells are usually custom-made. Epic spells do not take up normal spell slots, but instead are gained and used under a completely separate progression.

[linklord231]

spell slot: The “space” in a spellcaster’s mind dedicated to holding a spell of a particular spell level. A spellcaster has enough spell slots to accommodate an entire day’s allotment of spells. Spellcasters who must prepare their spells in advance generally fill their spell slots during the preparation period, though a few slots can be left open for spells prepared later in the day. A spellcaster can always opt to fill a higher-level spell slot with a lower-level spell, if desired.

Epic Spell: Spells that are different from common spells. Epic spells are usually custom-made. Epic spells do not take up normal spell slots, but instead are gained and used under a completely separate progression.

Epic Spell Slots:  You must have an available epic spell slot to prepare or cast an epic spell, just as you need a normal spell slot for a nonepic spell.  You don't gain epic spell slots by virtue of your level and class, however.  You get one epic spell slot for every 10 ranks you have in the relevant Knowledge skill (see below). 

Looks to me like even though not every spell slot is an epic spell slot, every epic spell slot is still a spell slot.  A square is a rectangle but a rectangle is not always a square and all that. 

[vaz]

Each day, you can use one or more of your spell slots to prepare spells you know

No, lets just check your quote from the ELH.

Epic Spell: Spells that are different from common spells. Epic spells are usually custom-made. Epic spells do not take up normal spell slots, but instead are gained and used under a completely separate progression.

Epic Spell Slots:  You must have an available epic spell slot to prepare or cast an epic spell, just as you need a normal spell slot for a nonepic spell.  You don't gain epic spell slots by virtue of your level and class, however.  You get one epic spell slot for every 10 ranks you have in the relevant Knowledge skill (see below). 

Case closed in all senses.

Because

a) The feat has been rewritten to ignore the original abuse from PGtF.
b) Epic Spells are different from normal spells, and need epic spell slots, not spell slots, and neither Epic Spells nor Epic Spell slots were mentioned in the feat.

[vaz]

Moving on from that;

Wind Kin arrows from The Complete Exotic Arms guide ignore the effect of wind, both magical and mundane, including effects designed to stop them. The one thing that always gets thrown around on how to stop archery is Wind Wall, and this near enough explicitly defeats it.

It still requires optimizing to deal damage to defeat enemy DR, and obivously can't deal equivalent uber charger damage, but for a +1 enhancement bonus to arrows, it's not half bad. In fact, must have, when any 5th level character can just shut you down.

[Kasz]

Moving on from that;

Wind Kin arrows from The Complete Exotic Arms guide ignore the effect of wind, both magical and mundane, including effects designed to stop them. The one thing that always gets thrown around on how to stop archery is Wind Wall, and this near enough explicitly defeats it.

It still requires optimizing to deal damage to defeat enemy DR, and obivously can't deal equivalent uber charger damage, but for a +1 enhancement bonus to arrows, it's not half bad. In fact, must have, when any 5th level character can just shut you down.

Also handy to have when facing air elementals or similar creatures... or druids/DMs that decide today should be a tornado day.

[deadkitten]

Moving on from that;

Wind Kin arrows from The Complete Exotic Arms guide ignore the effect of wind, both magical and mundane, including effects designed to stop them. The one thing that always gets thrown around on how to stop archery is Wind Wall, and this near enough explicitly defeats it.

It still requires optimizing to deal damage to defeat enemy DR, and obivously can't deal equivalent uber charger damage, but for a +1 enhancement bonus to arrows, it's not half bad. In fact, must have, when any 5th level character can just shut you down.

Also handy to have when facing air elementals or similar creatures... or druids/DMs that decide today should be a tornado day.

The Book doesn't have the Wizards of the Coast seal in it, but it does say that AEG was licensed by Wizards of the Coast to produce it, so I guess this should actually go in the 2nd party fun finds. Its been a  bit since anyone has posted there so I think it needs the attention, it is quite lonely. 

Also, if your DM allows you to take the Brand of the Nine Hell's feat, you can qualify for the Mark  of Nessus feat, Which is quite sexy.

Brand of the Nine Hellshttp://dndtools.eu/feats/fiendish-codex-ii-tyrants-of-the-nine-hells--67/brand-of-the-nine-hells--265/

(click to show/hide)

( Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, p. 81)

[General]

You gain an infernal brand, a symbol proclaiming you as the property of an archdevil. This brand might be a physical symbol, or it could be a strange change in your body's structure.
Prerequisite
devil, Lawful evil
Benefit
When you select this feat, choose an archdevil to whom you have sworn fealty. You gain a +2 bonus on Bluff, Diplomacy, and Sense Motive checks made against denizens of that archdevil's layer, but take a -2 penalty on the same checks made against denizens of other layers. In addition, you gain a +2 bonus on Intimidate checks. The brand grants an additional benefit, depending upon the archdevil with which it is associated.
Bel: The brand of Bel is a cold iron longsword or greatsword (your choice) that glistens with green hellfire. This weapon deals normal damage appropriate to your size, plus an extra 1d6 points of damage against good-aligned creatures, or an extra 2d6 points of damage against demons. You are proficient with this weapon, even if you normally lack weapon proficiency with the longsword or greatsword.
Dispater: In keeping with your lord's fearful paranoia, you grow a pair of eyes in the back of your head. You cannot be flanked, nor can you be caught flat-footed.
Mammon: The brand of Mammon allows you to better play the careful game of balance necessary of all devils. When faced with mighty foes, you grovel and ask for mercy. Against weaker enemies, you show no quarter. If you attack an opponent with more HD than you, you automatically begin to project an aura of pity in a 30-foot radius around you. All creatures in this area must make Will saves (DC 10 + 1/2 your HD + your Cha modifier) or take a -2 penalty on attacks against you. They see you as weak, pathetic, and barely worth the effort of slaying. Creatures with fewer HD than you, or any creature at half its maximum hit points or less (even one with more HD than you), suffer a different effect from this aura. These creatures become shaken (Will negates, DC 10 + 1/2 your HD + your Cha modifier) as you take on a ghastly, enraged aspect in their eyes. A creature with more HD than you that is subsequently reduced to half hit points must make a new save against this version of your aura. If it fails, the creature becomes shaken but it no longer takes the -2 penalty on attack rolls described above (if it failed its save against the first aura effect). This aura is a mind-affecting ability. A creature needs to save against each version of the aura only once every 24 hours. The aura's effect last as long as a creature is within its area.
Fierna and Belial: The brand of Fierna and Belial consumes you, infesting your thoughts with sinister urges. Once per round, you can use a melee touch attack to bestow these dark impulses on another creature. The target of this ability must make a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 your HD + your Cha modifier). If it fails this save, the target is dazed for 1 round, lost in starry dreams of endless treasure, arcane might, and wishes fulfilled. You can use this mind-affecting ability once every 1d4 rounds.
Levistus: The brand of Levistus grants you a mystical link to that trapped archdevil's prison. Once per day as a swift action, you become encased in armor of ice. You gain resistance to cold 20, and all of your natural attacks deal an extra 1d6 points of cold damage. This benefit lasts for 10 minutes.
Glasya: The brand of Glasya fills you with power, drawn from the shuddering remains of the Hag Countess. Once per day, you can activate this ability as a swift action. You gain fast healing 3 for 1 minute. Pulpy, tumorous flesh erupts from your wounds to seal your injuries.
Baalzebul: This brand causes your body to sweat a glistening slime. You gain a +4 bonus on grapple and Escape Artist checks. Your natural attacks deal an extra 1d6 points of acid damage.
Mephistopheles: The brand of Mephistopheles burns with unholy energy. Three times per day, as a swift action, you can invoke those flames to wreathe your body. For 1 round, all of your natural attacks deal an extra 1d6 points of fire damage. If you are grappled or struck by an unarmed attack, your attacker takes 1d6 points of fire damage. At the start of each of your turns, any creatures in squares adjacent to you take 1d6 points of fire damage.
Asmodeus: The brand of Asmodeus fills you with power and authority. Three times per day as a swift action, you can use command, as the spell, as a spell-like ability.
Special
Once a character gains a brand of the Nine Hells, it can never gain the brand of another archdevil. Nondevils can gain this feat, and the feats that require it as a prerequisite, by performing a particularly useful act for an archduke of Hell. This option is unavailable to player characters (unless a DM rules otherwise).

Mark of Nessushttp://dndtools.eu/feats/fiendish-codex-ii-tyrants-of-the-nine-hells--67/mark-of-nessus--1857/

(click to show/hide)

( Fiendish Codex II: Tyrants of the Nine Hells, p. 84)

[General]

All bow before Asmodeus. The Lord of Nessus grants you a hint of his commanding nature.
Prerequisite
Brand of the Nine Hells (FC2) , allegiance to Asmodeus,
Benefit
Few have the resolve necessary to confront Asmodeus himself, and you have learned to tap into this commanding authority. Whenever a creature would attack you, target you with a spell, or use spell-like or supernatural ability against you, it must fi rst succeed on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 your HD + your Cha modifi er). If it fails, it must select another target or take some other action. Once an opponent succeeds on the saving throw, it cannot be affected again by your Mark of Nessus for 24 hours. In addition, once per round as a swift action, you can infuse a single natural attack with hellfi re, dealing an extra 1d6 points of damage.

Granted the way it is worded, allies have to make a save to affect you as well, but still fun to have.

[Amechra]

All of the Mark of _____ feats are pretty nice, I have to say:

Mark of Avernus: Holy Shit, 1/Encounter make an attack or use an SLA as an Immediate action, with no restriction of the casting time of the SLA? This is sex on legs for Warlocks; also, any attacks made as part of a readied action get +4 attack and damage, and auto-confirm crits. Synchronicity makes this amazing.

Mark of Cania: This one's well known; stacking +1 to all d20 rolls and -1 to AC each time you miss with an attack or someone succeeds on a save against one of your SLAs... Yep.

Mark of Dis: ... is kinda a disappointment after the awesome of Mark of Avernus; still, +4 to AC or a single save, changed as an immediate action, isn't a bad thing, and the square you start each round in doesn't count as threatened for the purposes of AoOs... If this was not one of these feats, this would be in this thread so hard.

Mark of Maladomini: You stink. Your effluvia is so bad people walking near you have to make a balance check or then make a choice of either stopping their movement or going prone. People have to make a Fort save against being Sickened for 10 rounds for being near you. Sadly, unless your party is comprised mostly of the Undead, they have to make the save as well.

Mark of Malbolge: You have 3 + Con mod tumours growing on your body! As a swift action, you can spend a tumour to do one of the following:
     (A) Get a +10' enhancement bonus to your base land speed.
     (B) Heal 2d6 + HD hp, no cap on the bonus.
     (C) +5' reach with natural weapons for a round.
     (D) Force an adjacent creature to make a save against being Sickened for a round.
The best part? Each tumour regrows 10 rounds after it is used. In other words, infinite out of combat healing!

Mark of Minauros: Whoa Nellie! On a charge, your bonus to attack rolls is +2... with an additional +2 for every 10' you moved as part of the charge. Who needs the ability to apply Power Attack to AC? Less importantly, you get the same "starting square isn't threatened" dealie that Mark of Dis gets you.

Mark of Nessus: Has been covered.

Mark of Phlegethos: Hey! You ever want to be a sadomasochist? Then this feat is for you! Each time you deal or take damage, you gain a pleasure point; you may spend one as a Swift action to get a +4 bonus on your next attack roll, save, ability check, or skill check. All pleasure points go away at the end of the encounter.

Mark of Stygia: The big benefit is immunity to Grease and equivalent spells; beyond that, +4 to attack and damage on icy surfaces and the ability to add up to 2d6 damage to all your attacks for 1 round as a Swift action? Heck, I'd accept any of those (except for the last benefit) as individual feats.

Consensus: Man, Mark of Avernus is so goddamn good. Especially since psionic powers are SLAs. For the less "silly strong" ones, Mark of Nessus, Mark of Phlegethos, and Mark of Malbolge are all pretty damn sexy, and of the rest, the only ones I couldn't see taking are Mark of Dis and Mark of Minauros.

Then again, Dispater's power for Brand of the Nine Hells is AMAZING; immunity to being caught flat-footed and flanking makes up for the weak Mark of Dis feat. Mark of Phlegethos is also pretty amazing if you consider the version of Brand of the Nine Hells you need to take lets you Daze people for 1 round every 1d4 rounds.

Man, why couldn't the Demonic counterpart (Abyss-Bound Soul) be this good? The best option there is summoning a Demon with a CR of half your level for an hour 1/day. The other option are kinda pants...

[Amechra]

Chosen of Evil is also pretty nice if you are playing a character with a lot of Vile feats; as an immediate action, gain +[# of Vile feats] as a bonus to an attack roll, AC, or a save.

Of the feats that require it, Enemy of Good is kinda nice (+2 to the save DC of any spell or SLA you use against a creature with the Good subtype or who radiates an aura of Good.).

Slave to Evil minimizes damage from Evil spells, and you gain a bonus based off the intensity of the current Elder Evil sign (which come to +2 to saves, +1 to attack and damage, SR 11 + Half Level, and the Impeded Magic trait in an aura 30' around you... all of the above only function against Divine spells or Spellcasters.)

Finally, Master's Will is just silly; as an immediate action, beseech your Elder Evil master for aid. Then roll a d20; if you get an odd result, you get a +8 untyped bonus on one attack, save, or skill check you make in the next round. If you roll even, you take damage equal to your HD.

All of the above are from Elder Evils, which had some pretty good feats.

I mean, who could say no to Evil's Blessing? As a Standard action, get a profane bonus to all saves equal to your Charisma modifier for 5 rounds; if you deal damage to a creature with the Good subtype or who radiates an aura of good, the bonus is doubled for that round. If I was going Paladin hunting, I'd take this feat in a heart-beat.

Apostate gives you a +[1/2 ECL] profane bonus to all saves against Divine spells; however, you can't voluntarily fail a save against Divine spells, and taking the feat breaks the Code of Conduct of any Divine Spellcaster who has one, regardless of alignment.

Abominable Form: Yes, I want the feat that makes everyone with less HD than me have to roll a DC 15 + 2 * The number of Deformity feats I have or be Shaken for Con mod rounds. That doesn't have any limits on how often they have to make the save. Or any limits against stacking. In Elder Evils, there are 7 Deformity feats (strangely enough, the Willing Deformity feats in HoH don't count, because they lack the descriptor; I'd personally allow them to count, but that's just me), for a total possible save DC of 29. Yowch.

Not that the other Deformity feats are necessarily bad either:
Deformity (Eyes): Lets you see Invisible for 1 minute each day.
Deformity (Face): +2 to two skills. This one isn't too good, except for the implicit +2 to save DCs for Abominable form.
Deformity (Gaunt): Makes you into an Elf! More seriously, it gives you +2 Dex and -2 Con. This can be pretty good if you want the extra Dex.
Deformity (Madness): Awesome! It gives you a permanent -4 to your Wisdom score in exchange for immunity to all Mind-Affecting effects. As an immediate action 1/minutes, add half your character level to a single Will save.
    Reflexive Psychosis: Immediate action to get DR 5/- for 1 round, you are Confused for that round.
Deformity (Parasite): As an immediate action, negate a disease or poison affecting you; the next round you only get a Standard action or a Move action, not both.

Hellsworn is pretty niche; however, the Brimstone Caress option is pretty much worth it (constant +1 to the CL of Evil spells and SLAs? 1/Encounter +1 save DC and Corrupt Spell? I'd take it.)

[zook1shoe]

Mark of Minauros is the key to circular charging.

Deformity (gaunt) is soo powerful on an undead creature!
Deformity (obese) is perfect for a Deep Warden.
Deformity (madness) is one of my favorites from worshipping an Elder Evil.
Deformity (teeth) is great, since it stacks with your normal bite attack, if you have one. I've used it with a were-sewerm's Attach + Multigrab craziness