Discussion and Suggestion Thread

[DonQuixote]

So far Anchorite 10 is the only way to have more than one aura at a time.  I understand the thought process behind that, but it really puts a damper on multiclassing into Ardent Soulshaper.

Technically, a 16th-level shaman of the elements can project two at a time.

I'm also slightly confused as to what any of that has to do with Ardent Soulshaper.  Ardent Soulshaper doesn't require that you be able to project more than one aura at once, nor does it give you any special benefits from being able to do so.

Isn't there a feat that can grant you an aura? Or does that still limit you to only having one at a time?

Still limits you to one at a time.  Having more than one at once is the anchorite's thing.

[sirpercival]

I'm also slightly confused as to what any of that has to do with Ardent Soulshaper.  Ardent Soulshaper doesn't require that you be able to project more than one aura at once, nor does it give you any special benefits from being able to do so.

I think he's saying he'd like to both project 2 auras at the same time, and multiclass into ardent soulshaper.  Which he can't do until after level 10.

[Nanshork]

So far Anchorite 10 is the only way to have more than one aura at a time.  I understand the thought process behind that, but it really puts a damper on multiclassing into Ardent Soulshaper.

Isn't there a feat that can grant you an aura? Or does that still limit you to only having one at a time?

It still limits you to one at a time.

[Nanshork]

I'm also slightly confused as to what any of that has to do with Ardent Soulshaper.  Ardent Soulshaper doesn't require that you be able to project more than one aura at once, nor does it give you any special benefits from being able to do so.

I think he's saying he'd like to both project 2 auras at the same time, and multiclass into ardent soulshaper.  Which he can't do until after level 10.

Exactly, since auras are the Ardent Soulshaper's shtick and all.   

[DonQuixote]

I could swear someone else brought this up earlier, but I can't quite recall.  Could have been a friend bringing it up in conversation.

Thing is, Anchorite/Ardent Soulshaper is actually intended to force this very decision.  You're giving up multiple auras in exchange for essentially making the party into a group of legion devils.

[Nanshork]

I can understand that.  I just don't like making the decision, especially since the first two levels of Ardent Spellshaper aren't amazing (which is fine, third level on is awesome and the first two levels aren't useless by any means). 

On another note, the Anchorite in general doesn't seem to have much support.  There's one set of Racial ACFs, one prestige class, and that's it for Anchorite specific stuff.  I don't have any ideas for what to add, but I feel like it could use some more love.

[DonQuixote]

Yeah, I actually have plans for alternative class features for the anchorite and the savant, I just got bogged down in terms of actually writing them.  I haven't figured out any feat ideas yet, sadly.  Rest assured, however, that I am definitely intending more support for the two Codex II base classes.

I'll note, though, that I tend to shy away from base-class-specific prestige classes.  There are some that follow thematically, but I try to avoid anything that prevents, say, a spellsage from becoming an elemental channeler.  Ardent soulshaper can be entered from pretty much any base class, with moderate feat investment.  While anchorites can certainly enter into it easily--and have good thematic tie-ins--I wouldn't necessarily consider it an "anchorite" prestige class.  After all, the only time I've played one, I was an elemental adept.

[Nanshork]

Yeah, I noticed that it wasn't an Anchorite prestige class but my views are skewed based off of options that are limited due to a) other player's in the pbp and b) my general preferences for classes.  I have it narrowed down to Anchorite and Elemental Adept and the Elemental Adept would take a lot of investment to get the Nature's Balance aura.

[sirpercival]

Brainstorms! Note that the only reason to be an "anchorite" is for the auras, which you can get with a feat, so they aren't anchorite-only.

An Anchorite/Incarnum prc that lets you (a) boost the power of your spellshape attack & auras with essentia, and (b) lets you project the benefits of your soulmelds as an aura.

An Anchorite/Binder prc that can project different auras based on what vestiges they bind.  Maybe restrict the available vestiges to cut down on writing new auras.

A prc where the Anchorite binds with a particular aura, giving up access to all others, and grants that aura sentience and some semblance of autonomy.

[DonQuixote]

So, I tend to avoid prestige classes that combine with non-SRD material, with the notable exception of the Tome of Battle, primarily because I don't want to drag in too many other books.  I am generally of the opinion that homebrew--especially something as large as this--shouldn't also require a complete book collection.  I consider the number of classes that reference spells and abilities in non-core books to be the biggest failing of this subsystem.

That said, of course, I will poke at the first two ideas, just with a slightly longer stick than usual.  It doesn't help matters that the incarnum system isn't intuitive for me--though Hanako has made great strides in helping me understand it--and that I have a rather large issue with binders.  (In case you're wondering, my issue is that I get too attached to individual vestiges and can't bring myself to stop binding Amon.)

The third one is an interesting idea, especially given that--by the anchorite fluff--taking levels in such a class would mean that the character was actually turning away from the goal of the anchorite class.  Instead of seeking greater understanding of the self and all the different facets thereof, one chooses to focus entirely on one aspect of the soul and magnify it.  Possibly harming oneself in the process...and definitely making enlightenment far more difficult.

[sirpercival]

So, I tend to avoid prestige classes that combine with non-SRD material, with the notable exception of the Tome of Battle, primarily because I don't want to drag in too many other books.  I am generally of the opinion that homebrew--especially something as large as this--shouldn't also require a complete book collection.  I consider the number of classes that reference spells and abilities in non-core books to be the biggest failing of this subsystem.

That said, of course, I will poke at the first two ideas, just with a slightly longer stick than usual.  It doesn't help matters that the incarnum system isn't intuitive for me--though Hanako has made great strides in helping me understand it--and that I have a rather large issue with binders.  (In case you're wondering, my issue is that I get too attached to individual vestiges and can't bring myself to stop binding Amon.)

The third one is an interesting idea, especially given that--by the anchorite fluff--taking levels in such a class would mean that the character was actually turning away from the goal of the anchorite class.  Instead of seeking greater understanding of the self and all the different facets thereof, one chooses to focus entirely on one aspect of the soul and magnify it.  Possibly harming oneself in the process...and definitely making enlightenment far more difficult.

I know incarnum inside & out, and I love binders.  If you want, I can write the first two. 

[DonQuixote]

Go ahead, if you are so inclined!  I never object to other people writing stuff.  If anything, it will get me more exposure... 

[phaedrusxy]

I'm also slightly confused as to what any of that has to do with Ardent Soulshaper.  Ardent Soulshaper doesn't require that you be able to project more than one aura at once, nor does it give you any special benefits from being able to do so.

I think he's saying he'd like to both project 2 auras at the same time, and multiclass into ardent soulshaper.  Which he can't do until after level 10.

Exactly, since auras are the Ardent Soulshaper's shtick and all.   

Having just read the Ardent Soulshaper for the first time, I just have to say... Wow... Now I want to roll up one of these, and RP him as a zen-like communist.

[DonQuixote]

And, for whatever reason, my brain decided to interpret that idea as far more sinister than I think you meant it.

[radmelon]

And, for whatever reason, my brain decided to interpret that idea as far more sinister than I think you meant it.

Related to that, guess what I'm planning for an elder evil in a game I'm running? 

[DonQuixote]

I am filled with approval.

[radmelon]

Actually, I'm gonna throw two elder evils at them at once. Phyrexia and something inspired by SCP-610. It's going to be Metal vs. Meat. They're so screwed.

[DonQuixote]

I'll be honest, I don't see a "vs." here.  From what I know, 610 sounds like exactly the sort of thing that the Phyrexians would tame and use.  Remember, they aren't made entirely of metal, but also of compleated flesh.  And 610 sounds like the perfect way to begin compleation of the unwilling.

[Amechra]

Why not add a third? Of dead things and corpses?

It ain't gonna be compleated, let me tell you that...

Hell, I need to write up my 3+ Elder Evil concepts.

[sirpercival]

Question.  How/where should I post those two prestige classes?  Should I:

(a) PM you/post here/otherwise convey to you the info, so you can edit & post;
(b) Post myself, in a thread on this forum, and you will edit as necessary using your scrumtrelescent mod powers;
(c) Post myself elsewhere, like on the main homebrew forum, and you will suggest edits while critiquing and then link to the finished product?