Alas, I don't remember the exact wording, and don't know where or what thread I heard the specifics in beyond it being on Somethingawful forums.

Researching staff fighting for Raichel (mostly for drawing purposes, but also to help myself be further in character with her when in combat) and came across something fun; Raichel stumbling across a gentleman's guide to fighting with a cane.

http://www.elite-fighters.com/...e/cane_fighting2.htm

Awesome!

  This reminds me, since Tim deleted the original parts of the Quartilia thread it's not stated anywhere Emerald is sporting the Halfling look (or are they now?) instead of the usual fox look.  As the only mention of such is now gone, while there are still all the usual indicators of IS FOX.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:52, Mon 31 Oct 2011.

  What does one say in this situation?  ah, yes.

  Duuuuuuuuuur! @.@

Tread doesn't have any of her RP stuff filled out in her character sheet. I'll need to fix that sometime. Maybe a reminder from Joe when I'm on IM next time or something (currently on my dad's computer, which I expressly try not to spend to much time on a given post or such, lest I get kicked off by a parent and lose everything.)

While trying to find out what in the world he's talking about, I found this:
http://i13.tinypic.com/62sunid.jpg
(Shifter with sword.  Riiiight.)

Tim figured out he's talking about Thundercats.  So I wind up finding out that Lion-O was the voice of Count Chocula and Sonny the Cuckoo Bird.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larry_Kenney

Also, Epic pic:
http://www.zoom-comics.com/arc...ndercats-vs-he-man-2

  Proper Icarus Sheet Uploaded.

  EDIT: If Seth is using a Radiance Shard for Gilant's Sunblade, then yeah I think we're all in agreement Ice Shard for Frost weapon works just as well.

  For the moment, Icarus Sheet has been written assuming it does work and assuming Cold damage is being used for damage total (+8 DMG at lv 2, with potential for +9 if Bow Expertise Gimmick triggers, yeesh).  Also, congratulations your tiny pixie has more HP than anyone else in the party <.<

 Also, when they made all those changes to Fly, Fly can shift now right (not that it matters too much with altitude Limit 1)? I'm still brain locked into the old 'Hover is Combat flight, Fly=Haha you're going to SUFFER in combat' stuff.

  Also Also, The Sequel, I finished this at like 7:00 in the morning so proofreading was not my strong point.  I'll stare at it more later.

  Some reminders of the Quirks of Tiny Size. (I'm expecting errata in regards to Pixies, or notes in the finished product of Feywild book).

  Things two sizes smaller or larger can move through a Non-Helpless Enemy's space. (So, Tiny can move through medium enemy space, but not Small Enemy Space or Tiny enemy space, the mind boggles.  This still of course Triggers AoO).
  Tiny creatures can end their turn inside a large enough creature's square, but moving into their tile Triggers Movement AoO (Guess you can't shift into or through an occupied square regardless?).

  I'm picturing a LOT of enemies muscling in on Icarus's space if they aren't a back row blaster.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:12, Fri 04 Nov 2011.

Much thanks!  :)

Now I know what bow expertise even does, heh.  Guess I'll be picking on lone enemies.

Surya adds:
Nice touch on the DS map, Seth!

Oh!  I've been meaning to mention.  According to the PHB2 FAQ, Spirit Companions do not provoke AoOs.  http://wizards.custhelp.com/ap...ers/detail/a_id/1695

Shards like the radiant and cold shards add damage when the augmented WEAPON is used to make attacks with that damage type keyword, in Michael's case Radiant, and in Icarus' case Cold. So yes these shards boost damage dealt by weapons (even when said weapons are used as implements).

The sole exception to this is the Mage shard which adds its damage to damage rolls with implement attacks that use the augmented weapon, instead of attacks with a specific damage type keyword.

Thus for staff users like Shale and Michael, the Mage shard would work for their implement attacks, but not Michael's warlord attacks (although Michael is sticking with lazy warlord powers so that is a moot point anyways.

Spirit companions don't trigger AoOs.... interesting. The really neat part on that page you linked is that conjured spirits can also float so they can attack things in the air, or I could float the spirit of athas (which is a conjuration just like the spirit companion) and make it work as a 3x3 zone beneath it...I'll do that and have it floating, next round Seluku will move it to over Fletch's head so it can affect the entire party.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:09, Fri 04 Nov 2011.

I'm curious what you guys (Will and Seth) can find that would assist Raichel with damage in my campaign. Thanks to talks with Will about Pyromancer, I'm a lot more satisfied in thinking of Pyromancer as a striker (rather than its mislabeled controller). However, I'm still curious about what kinds of damage feats I can take and how I can get more AoE from my powers when I'm limited to only lightning and thunder powers (My character literally can't use powers outside of those keyewords because of who she is). My limited resources have shown these results for damage feats (I list feat bonuses where there are feat bonuses, otherwise, just assume it's a flat bonus):

Devastating Critical (11th level. +1d10 dmg on crit)
Dual Implement Spellcaster (Add enh bonus to dmg when weilding an implement in each hand)
Echoes of Thunder (When you git with thunder, +1 dmg rolls until end of next turn)
Lightning Arc (11th level. Instead of max dmg on crit, roll dmg. Another enemy in 10 takes same dmg as main target)
Rapid Assault (+2 dmg rolls on first turn in encounter)
Two-Weapon Fighting (While holding melee weapon in each hand, gain +1 to dmg rolls with main weapon)
White Lotus Riposte (Enemy you hit with at-will; if they attack you, they take dmg equal to the mod (cha))

(And accuracy feats can help with damage in that if you don't hit, you can't do damage at all):
Oncoming Storm (When you hit with lightning, +1 to thunder attack until end of next turn.)
Versitile Expertise (+1 feat bonus to attack rolls with weapon and implement choice)

Also, took a look at Surging Flame. When you use a fire power to hit a target that has fire resistance, any fire power deals extra 5 fire damage until the end of your next turn. Now imagine you ignore fire resistance normally, that fire damage is no longer compensating, but adding. But since I'm not fire, that doesn't help my case.

Anyway... that's just what I've found so far. Your help is appreciated. Now for me to go post!

  It's been so long since Ive read up or had in mind Monk stuff personally.  I Never looked at the other Paragon paths outside of 'requires Stone Fist Monk' Mountain Devotee.  Which includes 'Punching and Flurry Hurts even MORE!' (that the tools did not apply -.-).

  Dual Implement spellcaster is tricky because of the requirements of HOLDING two implements in each hand, bare hands+focus don't count for that.  Same problem for all of the two weapon feats, which only work for WEAPON attacks anyways.  However, as you are likely Dex/Wis, you will have the stat requirements for both Staff Fighting (turns a staff into a double weapon), and Dual implement, THEN it would work.

  However, Dual Implement Spellcaster only buffs ARCANE attack powers.  So Two-Weapon fighting is completely useless to you, while Dual Implement would require a prior feat (though, Staff fighting also gives you a +1 Defense with staff), and only Buff your Sorcerer Powers.

  Rapid assault is garbage in my personal view, (Though you all know I've never been a fan of First Round Only Bonus Feats).  ALL White lotus Feats are lovely but, again, Only ARCANE at-wills.  If you're looking to up your average damage, Crit Bonus feats won't help you any either... I was going to suggest you switch from L strike to the thunder burst 1 range attack... But apparently that sorcerer At-Will only existed in my mind -.o

  Ye Olde Staff Of Ruin if you don't already have it.  Remember, it adds the damage to ALL attacks using that thing, so your Monk attacks and Melee basic would benefit.  Unless you have a preferred Staff/Focus.

  If you ever make it to lv 16 (its inevitably Raichel's paragon path was Lightning fury), if you hit ANYONE with a Lightning power, EVERY enemy that moves adjacent to you or makes a melee attack vs you take 2d6+Dex Lightning.  Sine you're a Monk mindset and oh so love to dive into a Melee, that will stack up.

  Do you have Staff Expertise yet?  To-Hit+Handy for your point blank sorcerer use.  Remember that the Reach for melee only works for WEAPON attacks, so would not function for Monk powers.

 Focusing Spellfury: When you hit Two or More targets with a Sorcerer At-will... (there are very few multi target sorc at-wills), +2 Bonud to DMG rolls with ANY ranged or melee attack until end of your next turn.  L strike, arc means always hits at lest two targets unless it's a solo.

  Rising Spell Fury: USELESS, because L Strike Arc means more than one enemy will be hit preventing the bonus, plus it only gives the bonus to Close and Area attacks.

  Tempest Magic:  The feat I keep mentioning.  You need Sorc, Storm Magic, Dex 13, and Con 13.  Arcane powers with Lightning or Thunder Keyword get +1 per tier Feat DMG rolls.. BUT! When bloodied you get +2/+4/+6. Damage bonus, plus makes the enemy pay for targeting you.  However, I do not know if you have 13 Con (I'm guessing No due to likely Dex/Cha/Wis mix).  Irony, Terdisas Can't use this either because he Wis 13.

  A lot of the challenge isn't just trying to find methods of upping your damage.  But ways that work with the fact you are a hybrid. Though there don't seem to be much in the way of Monk Damage booster feats that I noticed offhand.
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:31, Sat 05 Nov 2011.

Actually if you want to optimize a Monk/Sorc for damage then you might want to look at these three threads on the Wizards of the Coast Forum:

http://community.wizards.com/g...=506638321#506638321

http://community.wizards.com/g...1:_The_Monk_Handbook

http://community.wizards.com/w...nd:Sorcerer_handbook

Also if you want you can post on the Wizards of the Forum's Character optimization thread and post a challenge, given these constraints "hybrid Monk/Sorceror for a given race, what optimization can be made for it." I've seen people throw out questions like that several times. if you want to to be playable from lvl 1, or just playable form level X is another factor to consider.

The people who regularly post in that thread are far more skilled than either Will or myself at this sort of thing. Also you don't have to be a DDI insider with an active account to post on the WotC forums.

Thanks for all the help! And I appologize, I forgot to offer what my build WAS, so you would both have been offering advice blind. Needless to say, though, I took everything staff-related as it's IC for Raichel. :) But it was cool to have my choices reaffirmed. Anyways, I'll post more on the topic another time. Now it's late and I gotta head for bed to wake up at 6:50am. XD

Here's the build I'm considering:

====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&D Character Builder ======
Surya, level 2
Shardmind, Invoker
Divine Covenant: Covenant of Wrath
Shardmind: Perception Bonus
Windrise Ports Benefit: Windrise Ports (Perception)
Background: Windrise Ports (Windrise Ports Benefit)

FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 14, Dex 10, Int 13, Wis 20, Cha 8.

STARTING ABILITY SCORES
Str 10, Con 14, Dex 10, Int 11, Wis 18, Cha 8.


AC: 17 Fort: 14 Reflex: 13 Will: 17
HP: 28 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 7

TRAINED SKILLS
Religion +7, Arcana +9, Perception +13, Insight +11

UNTRAINED SKILLS
Acrobatics, Bluff, Diplomacy, Dungeoneering +6, Endurance +4, Heal +6, History +2, Intimidate, Nature +6, Stealth, Streetwise, Thievery, Athletics

FEATS
Invoker: Ritual Caster
Level 1: Superior Implement Training (Accurate staff)
Level 2: Solar Enemy

POWERS
Invoker at-will 1: Hand of Radiance
Invoker at-will 1: Sun Strike
Invoker encounter 1: Blades of Astral Fire
Invoker daily 1: Brilliant Beacon
Invoker utility 2: Divine Protection

ITEMS
Ritual Book, Chainmail, Accurate staff
RITUALS
Hand of Fate
====== Copy to Clipboard and Press the Import Button on the Summary Tab ======

Well for one thing Invokers have a 2nd ritual in their ritual books beyond hand of fate.

Also two questions I have:
- is it worth giving up other stats to go from Wis 18 to Wis 20?
- is it better to go for accurate staff over staff expertise which would let you use your ranged and area attacks without drawing AoOs if someone got in your face. At this point both would give the same +1 to hit so you wouldn't be giving up accuracy.

  Question 3(Asked many a time for many a bare bones export): What are your dang languages.
  Q4: Assumption you'd be keeping your current theme?
This message was last edited by the player at 05:41, Thu 10 Nov 2011.

1) yeah.  i really, really like hitting stuff.  i'm not really planning on using anything but wiz.  only had int before because i was going to take wizard powers.
2) because i'm not counting on finding an accurate staff unless i buy it at the beginning?  guess i'm being paranoid?  because expertise wouldn't add any accuracy since we have that houseruled in anyway?  and i'm not expecting to need the other use since I have a utility power for preventing AoO?
3) same as before?  primordial, deep speech, common?

I'm so indifferent to the ritual that i'd just as soon not pick one.  or run with whatever you guys want me to take.

re 2) Reminding you again since I told you last night.  DS house rules are different.  No freebie expertise in DS (Seth mods down monster defenses instead).  Though I can understand the IC logic of not being certain you can get a finely crafted magical implement out in the magic fearing 99% of the world.  On the other hand, Artificer in party.

re 3) That... That's one less language than Surya is supposed to have (Shardminds also get a freebie, on top of your BG lv 1 freebie).  Also I'm trying to get you into the habit of actually saying your languages when you throw export dumps at people, because it's one of those clarifications I've got to ask for every single character sheet I've written for you that has any choice in the matter.

  EDIT: Ah, you got Draconic on current sheet.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:58, Thu 10 Nov 2011.

so... could get expertise on top of enemies already being gimped?  as much as i like to hit, that would make me feel guilty, so i'll pass on anything +acc beyond superior implement.

draconic works.  honestly, i'm indifferent to languages with few exceptions.  so long as i can chat with the pcs i'm fine.  feel free to "punish" me whenever in the future i don't list languages by putting in whatever amuses you.  i tend to just pick primordial or elf when i make a char for lazy 'primordial is cool' and 'elf is spanish' reasons.

That makes no sense, especially since the 'gimping' is just reestablishing parity turning +acc feats into options but not mandatory feat taxes, and taking a feat like staff expertise or rod expertise is as much about the secondary feature of the feat as anything.

Rod Expertise = A rod functions like a light shield
Staff Expertise = Staff as a melee weapon has reach, as an implement makes it so ranged and area attacks don't cause AoOs.

To you.  Makes no sense to you.  You (and Joe) have a very different mindset on how to enjoy the game.  And to me, your mindset makes no sense.  I have my own mindset.  It is why I will not accept any houserule that favors PCs for my characters.

*looks over houserules thread*

Yup.  No exception.  Won't take advantage of any for my characters.  And I need to update that one about double moves and warlocks curse.

the DS houserules are to achieve equality between PC and NPC/mob regarding attack/defenses, and tweaking damage to be reasonable, or swapping out a mob's weapon... why use a 1d6 for 'dagger' attacks when you can toss a shortsword on the medium sized mob that is supposed to do 1d6dmg?... Feats are feats and there are NPCs/mobs that do take advantage of what seem to be feats or have other really broken stuff.

At will ongoing dmg, or at will blind, or at while all sorts of stuff...I have seen heroic solo mobs with an at will vs. will  dominate...no save since it is one turn only but they can keep chaining it... oh by the way, if I recall it is only a MINOR action to pull that stunt.

If you want to boycott certain feats go ahead. You can also resort to using shimmering armor to get the same effect as staff expertise, so there are other ways around it.
I like Staff expertise enough that even in threads where expertise is given out free, I still heavily consider it. Michael will be taking it at lvl 2 for the melee range extension and the range/area no longer causes AoOs. Shale already has it as I fully expect mobs to get in shale's face, and with that feat he can tell them to take a hike, or worse.

  Chris has no problems with Staff Expertise, they get it all the time.  (Mittens Wizard is Lv 1 expertise, lv 2 accurate staff for example as well.  Mittens Pyro meanwhile is accurate staff lv 1, staff expertise lv 2.  In RL Mittens Pyromancer is Staff Expertise Lv 1, Accurate Staff lv 2.  Notice a pattern yet?)

  The confusion there is probably caused because one of the reasons Chris gives for why he wont get it now is 'because we have the bonus houseruled in anyways'...  But now he is reminding the world they will never use that house rule bonus ever... So... yeah.  Make no sense reason there at least, even in Chris logic.

  Other Chris logic that doesn't make sense to me.  "Oh, you can 'punish' me by saving me the effort of thinking about language myself entirely, sucker."  But that's more likely from a poor choice of wording on his part.  Punish? Really?

EDIT: Oh, huh.  Surya has switched from a preserving Invoker style to a Wrathful one.  I wonder if this is a sign of some kind?
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:28, Thu 10 Nov 2011.