By Christopher "cdaulepp" Aulepp
Reformatted by HipMaestro & pals, 110913

Mindless zombies are scary. Brilliant wizards are scary. Heavily armoured warriors are scary. Combine all three together? That's the making of nightmares. The Undead Lord is a nightmare personified.

Wizard(6), Fighter(4), Pale Master(30), Human, Lawful Neutral (Any Non-good, per Hip 110913)

STR: 18 (26)
DEX: 8
CON: 12
WIS: 8
INT: 16 (20)
CHA: 8

01: Fighter(1): Power Attack, Cleave, Weapon Focus: Scimitar
02: Wizard(1
03: Wizard(2): Extend Spell
04: Wizard(3): STR+1, (STR=19)
05: Pale Master(1)
06: Pale Master(2): Spell Penetration
07: Pale Master(3)
08: Pale Master(4): STR+1, (STR=20)
09: Pale Master(5): Great Cleave
10: Pale Master(6)
11: Pale Master(7)
12: Pale Master(8): STR+1, Greater Spell Penetration, (STR=21)
13: Pale Master(9)
14: Pale Master(10)
15: Fighter(2): Still Spell, Improved Critical: Scimitar
16: Fighter(3): STR+1, (STR=22)
17: Wizard(4)
18: Wizard(5): Toughness, Empower Spell
19: Wizard(6)
20: Fighter(4): STR+1, Weapon Specialization: Scimitar, (STR=23)
21: Pale Master(11): Overwhelming Critical: Scimitar
22: Pale Master(12)
23: Pale Master(13): Epic Spell Penetration
24: Pale Master(14): STR+1, Great Strength I, (STR=25)
25: Pale Master(15)
26: Pale Master(16): Epic Spell: Epic Mage Armor
27: Pale Master(17): Devastating Critical: Scimitar
28: Pale Master(18): INT+1, (INT=17)
29: Pale Master(19): Epic Spell: Greater Ruin
30: Pale Master(20): Great Intelligence I, (INT=18)
31: Pale Master(21)
32: Pale Master(22): INT+1, Epic Spell: Epic Warding, (INT=19)
33: Pale Master(23): Automatic Still Spell I
34: Pale Master(24)
35: Pale Master(25): Automatic Still Spell II
36: Pale Master(26): INT+1, Epic Weapon Focus: Scimitar, (INT=20)
37: Pale Master(27)
38: Pale Master(28): Automatic Still Spell III
39: Pale Master(29): Armor Skin
40: Pale Master(30): STR+1, (STR=26)

Hitpoints: 362
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 24/22/15
Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +9
BAB: 22
AB (max, naked): 33 (melee), 21 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 31/42

Skillpoints: 273
Concentration 43(44), Discipline 23(31), Listen 30(29), Lore 20(25), Move Silently 30(29), Spellcraft 43(48), Spot 21(20),
Tumble 21(20)

01: Concentration(4), Discipline(4), Lore(4), Spot(2), Tumble(2), Save(4),
02: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(5), Save(4),
03: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1), Save(4),
04: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(8),
05: Concentration(1), Listen(8), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1),
06: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(3), Spellcraft(1),
07: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(3), Spellcraft(1),
08: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(3), Spellcraft(1),
09: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(3), Spellcraft(1),
10: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1),
11: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1),
12: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(2),
13: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(4),
14: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Move Silently(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(6),
15: Discipline(12),
16: Concentration(1), Discipline(3), Tumble(1),
17: Concentration(2), Spellcraft(3), Save(1),
18: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(2), Save(1),
19: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(2), Save(1),
20: Concentration(1), Discipline(4), Spot(1),
21: Concentration(1), Listen(2), Move Silently(1), Spellcraft(2),
22: Concentration(1), Listen(2), Move Silently(2), Spellcraft(1),
23: Concentration(1), Listen(2), Move Silently(2), Spellcraft(1),
24: Concentration(1), Listen(2), Move Silently(2), Spellcraft(1),
25: Concentration(1), Listen(2), Move Silently(2), Spellcraft(1),
26: Concentration(1), Listen(2), Move Silently(2), Spellcraft(1),
27: Concentration(1), Listen(1), Lore(1), Move Silently(2), Spellcraft(1),
28: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(2),
29: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(2),
30: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1),
31: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1), Save(1),
32: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(3),
33: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1), Save(1),
34: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(3),
35: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1), Save(1),
36: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(3), Save(1),
37: Concentration(1), Spellcraft(1), Spot(2), Tumble(1), Save(1),
38: Concentration(1), Lore(7), Spellcraft(1),
39: Concentration(1), Lore(2), Spellcraft(1), Spot(1), Tumble(1),
40: Concentration(1), Lore(6), Spellcraft(1),

Background, Analysis and Comments by Author

Equipment
Scimitar
Full Plate Mail
Tower Shield

Offensive Capabilities
Summons: The Undead Lord's study of the necromantic arts has given him mastery over the undead, and as such, he can summon forth a demilich to fight at his side once per day. The lesser demilich is immune to spells level 3 and lower, giving him an edge against casters. The Undead Lord can also summon a skeleton warrior from the dead to fight with him. Finally, a panther accompanies the Undead Lord serving as a distraction with sneak attacks.

Devastating Critical: Thanks to his combat feats and access to the "keen edge" spell, the Undead Lord scores critical hits on a 12-20, or 45%, of the time. With three normal attacks per round and one extra from haste, the Undead Lord can take down ancient dragons, or anyone else not immune to critical hits, in one blow.

True Strike: With this spell, the Undead Lord gains a +20 attack bonus, though its effects are short-lived. True Strike should be saved for monsters that are harder to hit.

Reciprocal Damage: Each time an enemy strikes the Undead Lord they will take 1d6 + 12 acid damage from acid sheath, 1d6 + 6 fire damage from elemental shield, and 1d4 + 5 sonic damage from death armor.

Spell Casting: Perhaps the true offensive power of the Undead Lord comes from access to all the wizard/sorcerer spells. The Undead Lord should focus on those spells that have no save, such as the Bigby's line of spells, to disable opponents. Power Word Kill and Power Word Stun are great to take down wounded enemies. You might also wish to cast an occasional Greater Ruin or empowered Isaac's Greater Missile Storm. This character has it all.

Spells the Undead Lord should seek out are:
Level 9 - Mordenkainen's Disjunction, Power Word Kill
Level 8 - Mind Blank, Greater Sanctuary,
Level 7 - Shadow Shield, Bigby's Grasping Hand, Power Word Stun, Spell Mantle
Level 6 - Bigby's Forceful Hand, True Seeing, Isaac's Greater Missile Storm
Level 5 - Bigby's Interposing Hand, Energy Buffer
Level 4 - Improved Invisibility, Isaac's Lesser Missile Storm
Level 3 - Keen Edge, Greater Magic Weapon, Haste
Level 2 - Flame Weapon
Level 1 - True Strike

Defensive Capabilities
Armour Class: The Undead Lord has quite an impressive naked AC of 31! Thanks to his training as a fighter and the Automatic Still Spell feats, the Undead Lord can wear mundane full plate mail and a tower shield with no chance of disrupting his arcane spell casting. This brings the Undead Lord's AC to an impressive 42. The Undead Lord is extremely difficult to hit and the extra AC is handy against mobs of monsters. Good, Neutral, and Evil creatures alike will know the difficulty of hitting the Undead Lord whose AC will be a whopping 68 AC minimum after buffing with spells such as Haste, Mage Armor, Cat's Grace, and Epic Spell: Epic Mage Armor.

Concealment: Combining the high armour with class with concealment obtained through Improved Invisibility and Bigby's Interposing Hand (no save), the Undead Lord is very difficult to hit.

Immunity to Critical Hits: The Undead Lord invokes fear and awe in others because of his natural ability to resist critical strikes. He also gains benefits from his palemaster heritage, including immunity to hold, paralyzation, and stun. Watch and laugh as the pathetic weapon mas

Created by: Christopher "cdaulepp" Aulepp
Epic Character Builds Overlord: Torias
Reformatted by HipMaestro & pals, 110912

"Mistress, they are coming! The Shroud leads his armies to your gate!"

She turned from the pale bones that lay across her cluttered desk, annoyed by the interruption. She was so close! She had been deep in study for the better part of a week and had refused her head-of-staff entry into her sanctum despite his increasingly desperate wailing at the huge, oaken door. He had taken it upon himself to hire three rather large men to bash the door down as a final measure to gain her attention. She noticed he was still talking to her.

"...demands your surrender to his unholy hordes!"

"Really?" Her eyebrows arched to show some mild interest in recent developments. "Well then, I guess we had better speak to this...Shroud...you said? Yes, good idea. Go and bring him would you?"

"He is HERE Mistress!"

"Ah well, very good then, show him in." Just then, a giant of a man clad in smoldering black armor covered in cruel designs, strode into the room. Power glided in a wave before him. "You must be the reason for the delay in my studies."

"I AM SHROUD, DESTROYER..." She waved her hand in his direction. He became a tiny black dog that yapped.

"Ohh...very cute. Now, no more interruptions Cecil, or I will get very cross with you." She turned and resumed her study of the bones. "Find good homes for them would you?" She waved her hand in the direction of the window.

He made to reply but was drowned out by the vast army of howling dogs that inexplicably now lay stretched across the sprawling fields surrounding his lady's keep.
* * *
The Exalted Sorceress is the embodiment of an epic spell caster. Not to be trifled with, she has focused her studies on the art of necromancy and specializes in death-like spells. She dislikes little dogs too.

Sorcerer(38), Paladin(1), Monk(1), Human, Lawful Good

STR: 12
DEX: 12
CON: 14
WIS: 8
INT: 14
CHA: 16 (30)

01: Sorcerer(1): Extend Spell, Expertise
02: Sorcerer(2)
03: Sorcerer(3): Improved Expertise
04: Sorcerer(4): CHA+1, (CHA=17)
05: Sorcerer(5)
06: Sorcerer(6): Empower Spell
07: Sorcerer(7)
08: Sorcerer(8): CHA+1, (CHA=18)
09: Sorcerer(9): Spell Focus: Necromancy
10: Sorcerer(10)
11: Sorcerer(11)
12: Sorcerer(12): CHA+1, Greater Spell Focus: Necromancy, (CHA=19)
13: Sorcerer(13)
14: Sorcerer(14)
15: Sorcerer(15): Maximize Spell
16: Sorcerer(16): CHA+1, (CHA=20)
17: Sorcerer(17)
18: Sorcerer(18): Still Spell
19: Sorcerer(19)
20: Paladin(1): CHA+1, (CHA=21)
21: Sorcerer(20): Combat Casting
22: Sorcerer(21)
23: Sorcerer(22)
24: Sorcerer(23): CHA+1, Epic Skill Focus: Discipline, Automatic Still Spell I, (CHA=22)
25: Sorcerer(24)
26: Sorcerer(25)
27: Sorcerer(26): Automatic Still Spell II, Automatic Still Spell III
28: Sorcerer(27): CHA+1, (CHA=23)
29: Sorcerer(28)
30: Sorcerer(29): Great Charisma I, Epic Spell Focus: Necromancy, (CHA=24)
31: Sorcerer(30)
32: Sorcerer(31): CHA+1, (CHA=25)
33: Sorcerer(32): Great Charisma II, Epic Spell: Epic Warding, (CHA=26)
34: Sorcerer(33)
35: Sorcerer(34)
36: Sorcerer(35): CHA+1, Great Charisma III, Epic Spell: Epic Mage Armor, (CHA=28)
37: Sorcerer(36)
38: Sorcerer(37)
39: Sorcerer(38): Great Charisma IV, Improved Combat Casting, (CHA=29)
40: Monk(1): CHA+1, (CHA=30)

Hitpoints: 250
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 30/30/27
Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +8
BAB: 20
AB (max, naked): 21 (melee), 21 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 19/30

Skillpoints: 217
Concentration 43(45), Discipline 43(54), Heal 3(2), Lore 43(45), Spellcraft 42(44), Tumble 43(44)

01: Concentration(4), Lore(4), Spellcraft(4), Save(8),
02: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(10),
03: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(12),
04: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(14),
05: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(16),
06: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(18),
07: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(20),
08: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(22),
09: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(24),
10: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(26),
11: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(28),
12: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(30),
13: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(32),
14: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(34),
15: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(36),
16: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(38),
17: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(40),
18: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(42),
19: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(44),
20: Concentration(1), Discipline(23), Lore(1), Save(24),
21: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(2), Save(25),
22: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(27),
23: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(29),
24: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(31),
25: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(33),
26: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(35),
27: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(37),
28: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(39),
29: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(41),
30: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(43),
31: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(45),
32: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(47),
33: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(49),
34: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(51),
35: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(53),
36: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(55),
37: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(57),
38: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(59),
39: Concentration(1), Lore(1), Spellcraft(1), Save(61),
40: Concentration(1), Discipline(20), Heal(3), Lore(1), Tumble(43)

Equipment
Full Plate
Tower shield
Staff

Spell casters have always ruled the world and the Exalted Sorceress perhaps rules the spell casters. She is the Queen Bee of the hive. The Exalted Sorceress has a very nice caster level of 38, letting her do full damage on almost all her spells. She can throw around Flame Arrows, Missile Storms, Ice Storms, or even Acid Arrows, doing tons of damage, but she really shines with necromancy spells, such as Wail of the Banshee, Horrid Wilting, and Negative Energy Burst. She also can call upon the Bigby line of spells to help disable her opponents with things like Bigby's Crushing Hand, Bigby's Forceful Hand, or Bigby's Grasping Hand.

The Exalted Sorceress has very nice saving throws thanks to the Divine Grace she receives from being a Paladin. Her base saves are as follows: Fort 30, Ref 27, Will 30. The Exalted Sorceress has the potential to raise these statistics even further with access to magical equipment. She should seek out charisma boosting items because, for every two points boosted in charisma, the Exalted Sorceress' saving throws increase by 1.

If you are looking for a character that is easy to play all the way throughout the build, then this might be your ticket. The Exalted Sorceress has one level of monk to help her maximize such skills as discipline and tumble, but, more importantly, she gains feats like Evasion. Evasion will allow her to take no damage from spells that allow a reflex save if she succeeds at her saving throw. With a base reflex score of 27 (naked) and her spellcraft bonus of +8, the Exalted Sorceress can reliably Evade most reflex saving throw spells. This is a very nice boost to her defense and allows her to not fear many Evocation spells that other wizards or sorcerers use.

The Exalted Sorceress was built for Player vs. Player combat. She focused her training in casting spells while wearing Full Plate Armor. She is able to cast spells in armor without fear of spell failure and she is hard to knock down because she took Epic Skill Focus: Discipline. Only the most determined (and lucky) of opponents should be able to knock her down in battle.

The Exalted Sorceress doesn't fight alone though. She has a level 38 aberration who fights at her side, whose gaze attack has a chance of knocking down the opponent. The Exalted Sorceress also balances hit points with spell casting power. She has a base hit point total of 250, with the potential of reaching over 490 hit points with items. This means that an opponent will have to cast three Isaac's Greater Missile Storms to kill her. The Exalted Sorceress also has the very potent Spell Mantles up. This allows her to absorb the first few incoming spells from an opponent.

In a group, the Exalted Sorceress can stay in the back, raining death and destruction upon the enemy, while the lesser beings hack and slash the monsters up close. She also has the ability to spontaneously cast whatever spell is needed and is not bound by preparing her spells in advance like wizards do. This added bit of flexibility makes the Exalted Sorceress very tough.

Against annoying melee opponents, the Exalted Sorceress has several defenses:
Thanks to her Automatic Still Spell feats she can wear Full Plate Armor and use a Tower Shield
She can enter Improved Expertise Mode and gain an additional 10 AC
The Exalted Sorceress can cast Epic Mage Armor and raise her AC by 20 points
She can reduce her opponents' damage by 50/+20 with Epic Warding
Her opponents will miss half of the time because of Improved Invisibility
The Exalted Sorceress' AC when fully buffed and without magical items, is a whopping 65

Combined, these factors make her very hard to hit!

Any opponent striking the Exalted Sorceress will take reciprocal damage from Mestil's Acid Sheath, Elemental Shield, and Death Armor. Acid Sheath will do 1d6 + 76 damage. Elemental Shield will do 1d6 + 38 fire damage. Finally, Death Armor will do 1d4 + 38 sonic damage. Only ranged combat is truly safe against the Exalted Sorceress.

But who needs defense when perhaps the easiest way to kill those Devastating Critical hitters is to disable them? Her best defense may just be her offense. The Exalted Sorceress can knock her opponents down (Bigby's Forceful Hand), grapple them (Bigby's Grasping Hand), or for those opponents who have immunity to knockdown and have Freedom of Movement, the Exalted Sorceress can stop them dead in their tracks with Bigby's Crushing Hand. The "cut-scene" effect of Crushing Hand will disable just about anybody. A disabled opponent is easy pickings for the Exalted Sorceress who can easily finish them off with her offensive spells.

The Exalted Sorceress should seek out items that boost charisma, but she should also focus on acquiring good, magical armor and shield because these will boost her already high AC to levels that will make her invincible against melee opponents.

Recommended Spells:
Level 0: All cantrips
Level 1: Mage Armor, Magic Missile, Protection from Alignment, Shield, Ray of Enfeeblement
Level 2: Eagle's Splendor, Bull's Strength, Endurance, Death Armor, Melf's Acid Arrow
Level 3: Haste, Vampiric Touch, Negative Energy Burst, Flame Arrow
Level 4: Improved Invisibility, Ice Storm, Elemental Shield, Minor Globe of Invulnerability
Level 5: Mestil's Acid Sheath, Energy Buffer, Firebrand, Lesser Mind Blank
Level 6: Bigby's Forceful Hand, Isaac's Greater Missile Storm, True Seeing
Level 7: Shadowshield, Spell Mantle, Bigby's Grasping Hand
Level 8: Horrid Wilting, Greater Sanctuary, Sunburst
Level 9: Mordenkainen's Disjunction, Bigby's Crushing Hand, Wail of the Banshee

This bad boy was built around the concept of delivering the most damage in one hit with a scythe. Created by uber-moderator Christian "Torias" Gillott, the damage adept is not someone you'd want to meet in a dark alley--or a bright alley, for that matter.

Reformatted by HipMaestro & pals, 110911

Paladin(13), Weapon Master(5), Champion of Torm(22), Elf, Lawful Good

STR: 13
DEX: 13
CON: 6
WIS: 12
INT: 13
CHA: 17 (29)

01: Paladin(1): Weapon Proficiency Exotic
02: Paladin(2)
03: Paladin(3): Weapon Focus: Scythe
04: Paladin(4): CHA+1, (CHA=18)
05: Paladin(5)
06: Paladin(6): Dodge
07: Paladin(7)
08: Champion of Torm(1): CHA+1, (CHA=19)
09: Champion of Torm(2): Mobility, Spring Attack
10: Champion of Torm(3)
11: Champion of Torm(4): Expertise
12: Champion of Torm(5): CHA+1, Whirlwind Attack, (CHA=20)
13: Weapon Master(1): Weapon of Choice: Scythe
14: Paladin(8)
15: Paladin(9): Power Attack
16: Weapon Master(2): CHA+1, (CHA=21)
17: Weapon Master(3)
18: Paladin(10): Divine Might
19: Weapon Master(4)
20: Weapon Master(5): CHA+1, (CHA=22)
21: Paladin(11): Great Charisma I, (CHA=23)
22: Paladin(12)
23: Paladin(13)
24: Champion of Torm(6): CHA+1, Great Charisma II, Improved Power Attack, (CHA=25)
25: Champion of Torm(7)
26: Champion of Torm(8): Great Smite I
27: Champion of Torm(9): Great Smite II
28: Champion of Torm(10): CHA+1, Great Smite III, (CHA=26)
29: Champion of Torm(11)
30: Champion of Torm(12): Great Smite IV
31: Champion of Torm(13)
32: Champion of Torm(14): CHA+1, Great Smite V, (CHA=27)
33: Champion of Torm(15): Great Smite VI
34: Champion of Torm(16)
35: Champion of Torm(17)
36: Champion of Torm(18): CHA+1, Great Smite VII, Great Smite VIII, (CHA=28)
37: Champion of Torm(19)
38: Champion of Torm(20)
39: Champion of Torm(21): Great Smite IX
40: Champion of Torm(22): CHA+1, Great Smite X, (CHA=29)

Hitpoints: 320
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 40/36/42
Saving Throw bonuses: Mind Effects: +2
BAB: 30
AB (max, naked): 33 (melee), 31 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 15/26

Skillpoints: 129
Discipline 43(44), Heal 12(13), Intimidate 4(13), Persuade 26(35), Tumble 20(21)

01: Intimidate(2), Persuade(4), Tumble(2),
02: Persuade(1), Save(2),
03: Intimidate(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(1),
04: Persuade(1), Save(2),
05: Intimidate(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(1),
06: Persuade(1), Save(2),
07: Persuade(1), Tumble(1), Save(2),
08: Discipline(5),
09: Discipline(3),
10: Discipline(3),
11: Discipline(3),
12: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
13: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
14: Persuade(3),
15: Persuade(3),
16: Discipline(3),
17: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
18: Persuade(3),
19: Discipline(2), Heal(1),
20: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
21: Persuade(3),
22: Persuade(3),
23: Persuade(1), Tumble(1),
24: Discipline(3),
25: Discipline(2), Heal(1),
26: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
27: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
28: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
29: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
30: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
31: Discipline(1), Heal(2),
32: Discipline(1), Heal(2),
33: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
34: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
35: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
36: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
37: Discipline(1), Tumble(1),
38: Discipline(1), Heal(2),
39: Discipline(1), Heal(2),
40: Discipline(1), Heal(2),

Background, Analysis and Comments by Author

Equipment
Scythe
Full Platemail

This character does the most damage possible with a scythe when using Smite Evil and inflicting a critical hit at the same time.

Here are the buffs, using no magical equipment and the following spells and special abilities:
Divine Favour: +4 to Attack and Damage
Eagle's Splendor: +2 Charisma (at least)
Bull's Strength: +2 Strength (at least)
Divine Might: +10 Damage
Divine Wrath: +7 Attack and Damage (Improved by Epic CoT levels)

Here is the minimum damage calculations for smite evil:
2 (Minimum Scythe Damage) +
3 (Strength Bonus * 1.5) +
4 (Divine Favour) +
10 (Divine Might) +
7 (Divine Wrath) +
385 (Smite Evil = 11 (Great Smite X) * 35 (Pal 13 + CoT 22))
----------------------------------------
411

Combined with a Critical Hit:
411 * 5 (Scythe *4 +1 Increased Crit Multiplier from Weapon Master) = 2055 Minimum Damage

Now that's with no magical equipment at all. Magical Strength and Charisma Enhancing Equipment and a Magic Scythe can easily add another +20 base damage.

Warning: This build requires a permanent alignment change to Evil at level 12.

Created by: Nicholas Foley
Indispensable Edit Guy: Doug_G.
Reformatted by HipMaestro & pals, 110914

It's not that he was squeamish of course.

He fancied the taste of blood, but only when it was freshly wrung from the newly dead--a sign of victory and of complete domination over another. When blood cools, it tastes like a coppery mess. He was very hungry but that was because he waited too long. He brushed a small bit of flesh from his blackened armor, mildly annoyed that its luster had been compromised with the remains of the unworthy. Those still alive huddled in the corner, whimpering, eyes wide, jaws quivering in terror. Some clutched the dead to their breasts, silently wailing and rocking back and forth; some stared in catatonic terror at the blood and bone scattered over the floor.

He sighed and dropped the severed hand he had been holding. He wasn't sure who it had belonged to. In fact, the whole tired scene was becoming boring. He returned to his horse and pale, shaking squire.

"You were right lad, your family's inn was not to my liking. Let's push on shall we?"

The Infernal Warrior is evil. A shard of absolute blackness dwells in his soul and cannot be removed. There is nothing so horrific than a Paladin who has fallen from grace. As a character, they are dark army unto themselves. They bring dark magic and fighting skills that are truly terrifying as you know they will be used for the ruin of order and civilization.

Fighter(8), Paladin(3), Blackguard(29), Human, Lawful Good* (Lawful Evil from level 11 to level 40, per Hip 110914)

STR: 16 (18)
DEX: 10
CON: 14
WIS: 8
INT: 14
CHA: 14 (26)

01: Fighter(1): Toughness, Power Attack, Cleave
02: Fighter(2): Weapon Focus: Longsword
03: Fighter(3): Knockdown
04: Paladin(1): CHA+1, (CHA=15)
05: Paladin(2)
06: Paladin(3): Extra Turning
07: Fighter(4): Weapon Specialization: Longsword
08: Fighter(5): CHA+1, (CHA=16)
09: Fighter(6): Extra Smiting, Improved Critical: Longsword
10: Fighter(7)
11: Blackguard(1): *Alignment Change to Evil*
12: Blackguard(2): CHA+1, Divine Might, (CHA=17)
13: Blackguard(3)
14: Blackguard(4)
15: Blackguard(5): Divine Shield
16: Blackguard(6): CHA+1, (CHA=18)
17: Blackguard(7)
18: Blackguard(8): Improved Knockdown
19: Blackguard(9)
20: Blackguard(10): CHA+1, (CHA=19)
21: Fighter(8): Epic Weapon Focus: Longsword, Epic Weapon Specialization: Longsword
22: Blackguard(11)
23: Blackguard(12)
24: Blackguard(13): CHA+1, Great Charisma I, Armor Skin, (CHA=21)
25: Blackguard(14)
26: Blackguard(15)
27: Blackguard(16): Great Charisma II, Epic Fiendish Servant, (CHA=22)
28: Blackguard(17): CHA+1, (CHA=23)
29: Blackguard(18)
30: Blackguard(19): Great Charisma III, Epic Prowess, (CHA=24)
31: Blackguard(20)
32: Blackguard(21): CHA+1, (CHA=25)
33: Blackguard(22): Great Charisma IV, Great Smite I, (CHA=26)
34: Blackguard(23)
35: Blackguard(24)
36: Blackguard(25): STR+1, Improved Sneak Attack I, Improved Sneak Attack II, (STR=17)
37: Blackguard(26)
38: Blackguard(27)
39: Blackguard(28): Improved Sneak Attack III, Improved Sneak Attack IV
40: Blackguard(29): STR+1, (STR=18)

Hitpoints: 520
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 43/31/32
Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +4
BAB: 30
AB (max, naked): 38 (melee), 31 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 16/27
Alignment Changes: 1

Skillpoints: 215
Discipline 43(47), Hide 5(5), Persuade 39(47), Spellcraft 20(22), Taunt 43(51), Tumble 20(20)

01: Discipline(4), Hide(2), Spellcraft(2), Tumble(2), Save(4),
02: Discipline(1), Save(8),
03: Discipline(1), Hide(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(6),
04: Discipline(1), Persuade(6), Save(4),
05: Discipline(1), Hide(1), Persuade(2), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1),
06: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Save(3),
07: Discipline(1), Hide(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(1),
08: Discipline(1), Save(5),
09: Discipline(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(5),
10: Discipline(1), Save(9),
11: Discipline(1), Persuade(5), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(4), Tumble(1),
12: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
13: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
14: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
15: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
16: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
17: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
18: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
19: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
20: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
21: Discipline(1), Spellcraft(1), Tumble(1), Save(2),
22: Discipline(1), Persuade(2), Taunt(2), Save(2),
23: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
24: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
25: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
26: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
27: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
28: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
29: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
30: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
31: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
32: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
33: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
34: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
35: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(1), Tumble(1),
36: Discipline(1), Persuade(1), Taunt(1), Save(2),
37: Discipline(1), Spellcraft(1), Taunt(2), Tumble(1),
38: Discipline(1), Taunt(4),
39: Discipline(1), Taunt(4),
40: Discipline(1), Taunt(4),


Equipment
Longsword
Tower Shield
Full Plate

Special note from the author: The idea and a stellar example of an Infernal Warrior in history came from real-life ghoulish historical figure Gilles de Rais whose exploits are so heinous that they must be read to be believed. A devoted Catholic for all but the last portion of is life (where he attempted to sell his soul to Satan), he would be labeled a serial killer in this day and age.

Key Advantages
Against non-critical immune foes, the Infernal Warrior is deadly with a base damage of 1-8+10, +8 divine damage from Divine Might, and +13d6 Sneak Attack.

When fighting against Undead, the Infernal Warrior has a strong Turn Undead--an impressive 17 uses a day!

The Infernal Warrior can strike fear (and more) into the forces of good 3 times a day, with Smite Good that gives +8 attack and +58 damage. Evil critters shouldn't get too comfortable either, since the Infernal Warrior also gets to Smite Evil 3 times a day, for +8 attack and +6 damage.

Let's not forget the Infernal Warrior's fall from grace has brought him an Epic Vrock to summon at will--a level 25 warrior with 28 AC, 375 HP, +32/27/22/17 Attack Bonus, 1-8+7 damage, and both Damage Resistance and Damage Reduction.

Defensively, the Infernal Warrior is no slouch, with 520 HP and 27 AC wearing Full Plate and a Tower Shield, and 35 AC using Divine Shield.

The Infernal Warrior isn't going to be walked over by casters either with a 47 Fortitude, 36 Reflex and 35 Will saves.

Overall, the Infernal Warrior is balanced and effective against many different types of foes, whether he's fighting a jealous Necromancer's undead, or just having some fun laughing in the face of a stricken Paladin--which isn't to say he can't sweet talk when he needs a temporary ally or just wants to get by the gate of a city to plunder it.

The Whirling Death is a most fearsome opponent, especially when she is outnumbered. Created by uber-moderator Christian "Torias" Gillott, this character has been built to maximize the odds of getting critical hits and doing massive damage against multiple melee opponents in a round.

Reformatted by HipMaestro & pals, 110914

Bard(23), Red Dragon Disciple(10), Weapon Master(7), Elf, Any Non-Lawful

STR: 15 (26)
DEX: 16 (23)
CON: 12 (14)
WIS: 8
INT: 12 (14)
CHA: 14 (16)

01: Bard(1): Dodge
02: Bard(2)
03: Bard(3): Weapon Focus: Rapier
04: Bard(4): DEX+1, (DEX=17)
05: Bard(5)
06: Red Dragon Disciple(1): Mobility
07: Red Dragon Disciple(2): (STR=17)
08: Red Dragon Disciple(3): DEX+1, (DEX=18)
09: Red Dragon Disciple(4): Spring Attack, (STR=19)
10: Red Dragon Disciple(5)
11: Red Dragon Disciple(6)
12: Red Dragon Disciple(7): DEX+1, Power Attack, (DEX=19), (CON=14)
13: Red Dragon Disciple(8)
14: Red Dragon Disciple(9): (INT=14)
15: Red Dragon Disciple(10): Expertise, (STR=23), (CHA=16)
16: Bard(6): DEX+1, (DEX=20)
17: Bard(7)
18: Bard(8): Whirlwind Attack
19: Weapon Master(1): Weapon of Choice: Rapier
20: Weapon Master(2): DEX+1, (DEX=21)
21: Weapon Master(3): Improved Critical: Rapier
22: Weapon Master(4)
23: Weapon Master(5)
24: Weapon Master(6): DEX+1, Cleave, (DEX=22)
25: Weapon Master(7)
26: Bard(9)
27: Bard(10): Great Cleave
28: Bard(11): DEX+1, (DEX=23)
29: Bard(12)
30: Bard(13): Improved Whirlwind Attack
31: Bard(14)
32: Bard(15): STR+1, (STR=24)
33: Bard(16): Overwhelming Critical: Rapier
34: Bard(17)
35: Bard(18)
36: Bard(19): STR+1, Devastating Critical: Rapier, (STR=25)
37: Bard(20)
38: Bard(21)
39: Bard(22): Epic Weapon Focus: Rapier
40: Bard(23): STR+1, Curse Song, (STR=26)

Hitpoints: 372
Saving Throws (Fortitude/Will/Reflex): 21/22/28
Saving Throw bonuses: Mind Effects: +2
BAB: 25
AB (max, naked): 37 (melee), 31 (ranged)
AC (naked/mundane armor/shield only): 28/33

Skillpoints: 207
Discipline 43(51), Intimidate 4(7), Lore 30(55), Perform 43(46), Persuade 43(46), Tumble 40(46)

01: Discipline(4), Intimidate(2), Lore(4), Perform(4), Persuade(4),
02: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Save(1),
03: Discipline(1), Intimidate(1), Lore(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1),
04: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Save(1),
05: Discipline(1), Intimidate(1), Lore(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1),
06: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
07: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
08: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
09: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
10: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
11: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
12: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
13: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
14: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1),
15: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Persuade(1), Save(1),
16: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(3), Persuade(1), Tumble(1),
17: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(3), Persuade(1),
18: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(3), Persuade(1),
19: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(2),
20: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(4),
21: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(6),
22: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(8),
23: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(10),
24: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(12),
25: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Save(14),
26: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(12), Persuade(6),
27: Discipline(1), Lore(1), Perform(1), Persuade(3),
28: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
29: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
30: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
31: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
32: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
33: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
34: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
35: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
36: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
37: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
38: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
39: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),
40: Discipline(1), Perform(1), Persuade(1), Tumble(3),


Equipment
Rapier
Leather Armour

Key Spells Known
Bull's Strength
Cat's Grace
Haste
Keen Edge
Improved Invisibility
War Cry
Dirge

Whirling Death has the spell casting and bard song of a level 23 bard, incredibly good stats, Devastating Critical, and Improved Whirlwind Attack. She is also a Rapier Master.

With a normal non-magical rapier, the character would have the critical stats of 13-20 / x3. If they have a keen rapier, the critical stats are 10-20 / x3. This means that each attack has a 55% chance of threatening a critical hit.

Combined with Improved Whirlwind Attack, Whirling Death can reign devastation down upon every opponent within 10 feet for a truly spectacular amount of damage. She should be able to kill approximately 40% of the crit vulnerable enemies that are within 10 feet of her, each and every turn.