TOPIC: Optimize my build

Trying to figure out what additional tokens I should try to get to optimize my build for next year?    I really haven't got the funds to get purples so figuring on using mostly rares.  I plan on playing the Barbarian or alternately the Fighter or Paladin.  <br /><br />Melee Weapon:  Have +1 Bastard Sword<br />Alternate for Paladin Have: +1 Longsword<br />Missle Weapon: + 1 Darkwood Longbow<br /><br />Armor: Have Leather Curiass (thinking Wolf Totem Armor?)<br />Armor (alternate for Fighter/Paladin):  Have Plate Mail<br /><br />Shield: Have Tower Shield<br /><br />Head:  Have Cassis and Helm of the Boar (thinking Helm of Clear Thought?)<br />Cloak: Have Cloak of Phalanx (thinking the immune to fear part might be really useful against Smoak?)<br />Neck:  Have Torc of Natural Armor<br />Arms: Have Bracers of Deflection or Bracers of Archery<br />Hands: Have Gauntlets of Ogre Power<br />Waist: Have nothing currently, thinking Belt of Retrieval<br />Boots: Have Boots of Sure Footing<br />Rings: Have Ring of Reflexes, Ring of Gea, Ring of Feather Fall, Ring of Shock Resistance<br />Ioun Stones:  Have 1 Violet Prism and Iridescent Spindle<br /><br />Consumables: Have healing potions and potions of bulls strength<br /><br />Any suggestions appreciated

I should add that if the 2010 list ends up being final I would probably go for:<br /><br />Ioun Stone - Black Pearl<br />Belt of Ogre Power<br />Ring of Fire Resistance<br />+ 1 Bracers of Defense

I recommend getting a Ring of Fire Resistance and using that with the Ring of Reflexes this year.  <br /><br />You have the best Rare Weapon and Shield already for the Barbarian.  <br /><br />Getting the Ioun Stone that gives +1 to Savings throws would be good.  <br /><br />Bracers of Archery might be good this year, as it looks like Smoak might be flying.  <br /><br />Wolf Totem Armor would be a good choice for you, the Reflex save is key vs. the Flame Breath.    

Any idea how the fire resistance and saves will work together?    Suppose Dragon Breath is 24 fire damage.    If you have a ring of fire resistance that halves it for 12 AND you make your save do you only take 6 damage?    Or is the save based on the 24 and you still take 12?

<br />Any idea how the fire resistance and saves will work together?    Suppose Dragon Breath is 24 fire damage.     If you have a ring of fire resistance that halves it for 12 AND you make your save do you only take 6 damage?    Or is the save based on the 24 and you still take 12?<br />

<br /><br />Jeff and Dave are going to clarify that, along with how it works with Dragonscale Armor, Censer of Protection, etc. 

The best non purple armor for the barbarian at least pre 2010 (as I have not updated my chart with those tokens yet) is the Wolf Totem Armor .  If you need to trade for one of these it shouldn't be too hard as it is an uncommon.  The best nonpurp for the fighter/paladin is the full plate you already have.  Helm of the Boar is nice for damage but with the minus to reflex saves...its a risk this year.  Helm of clear thought well if you've got what you need to get the red then sure, but its only better by a plus vs saves to charm from the Great Helm or Cassis so at least I wouldn't stress overly on that one.  Good luck with your improvements <br /><br />Jennifer

Does anyone think "fear" is going to be a big issue with the Dragon next year?    I presume it's a will save?    Was thinking Cloak of the Phalanx with immune to fear might be more useful than a +2 Cloak?

Fear would typically be a will save.  Does anyone else think the elixir that was taken from the Trollmage would be something to aid against the fear?<br /><br />"There they must find among his possessions a bottle of Fearbane Elixir.  This vial will be vital to the success of the upcoming battle to rid the realm of the one vile monster to escape the tower – Smoak."<br /><br />This is from the latest newsletter.  Of course it could just reduce not eliminate the save or I could be nuts and it could have nothing to do with it...anyone know?<br /><br />Jennifer <br />

<br />I think you guys (ares and shastelly) are on the right track with fear/fearbane elixir.  It could be that since we found the fearbane elixir this year, next year we won't have to worry about the fear effect of a dragon.... however, if this is not the case, then you're right, ares, the Cloak of the Phalanx will be a key item!<br /><br />Can anyone think of any other item that gives immunity to fear? 

From the 3.5 SRD<br /><br />Frightful Presence (Ex): A young adult or older dragon can unsettle foes with its mere presence. The ability takes effect automatically whenever the dragon attacks, charges, or flies overhead. Creatures within a radius of 30 feet x the dragon’s age category are subject to the effect if they have fewer HD than the dragon. A potentially affected creature that succeeds on a Will save (DC 10 + 1/2 dragon’s HD + dragon’s Cha modifier) remains immune to that dragon’s frightful presence for 24 hours. On a failure, creatures with 4 or less HD become panicked for 4d6 rounds and those with 5 or more HD become shaken for 4d6 rounds. Dragons ignore the frightful presence of other dragons.<br /><br />Also:<br /><br />Panicked: Characters who are panicked are shaken, and they run away from the source of their fear as quickly as they can. Other than running away from the source, their path is random. They flee from all other dangers that confront them rather than facing those dangers. Panicked characters cower if they are prevented from fleeing.<br /><br />Assuming that Smoak is a Young Adult the will save is 21

<br /><br /><br />Can anyone think of any other item that gives immunity to fear?  <br />

<br /><br />Besides Cloak of the Phalanx, only the Celestial Gridle and Dwarven Mead that I see?    I don't see anything that removes fear? 

I think the Fearbane elixir is meant to take care of that.<br />