I’m building a Psi Warrior for an ebberon campaign and I really want to flavor the character after Vayne from ffxii. Here is what I have so far at level 1
Custom lineage +2str +1 int
Str 18, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 8 and Cha 12
feat: crusher
Unarmed fighting fighting style
here is where I’m needing help as I plan the build I’m torn between heavy armor master or ASI at level 4. Heavy Armor Master works with the psi warrior ability to further reduce damage.
this is a pure unarmed build, as Vayne fights unarmed and uses swords as projectiles (see dissidia) he also knocks back with his fists. I don’t even really see a point to multi class as psi warrior has the flavor I’m Looking for. But past level 4 I’m not sure where to go with the build.
First, I'd switch around the scores for int and con. Until you hit level 3, that INT isn't gonna do much good.
Second, I'd take heavy armor master as your 1st lvl feat instead of crusher. Yes, while there is obvious synergy in unarmed fighting and crusher, you really get more mileage out of HAM in those earlier levels. Reducing attacks by 3 points at first level is way more significant than reducing hits by 3 at 4th level. You know?
So, after taking crusher at 4th level, your STR would be at 19, and your int at 13. At 6th level, you could either take a +1 to both STR and INT, or you can take a half-feat for either and cap off the other at 8th level. You could take telekinetic for mage hand and extra flavor, though you'd be at 19 STR until level 8 (not that it's a bad thing, since your'e still on curve as intended), or resilient INT. You could later take athlete feat, niche but useful in the right circumstances. Skill expert. You got options.
I might go with 1+ to both INT and STR at 6th level, then finish off 8th level with a quality of life feat. Some good options are Alert, Lucky, Resilient WIS, mobile. Maybe even +2 to CON. You can play this part by ear, but honestly you can't go wrong with any of them. Get what you think your character would benefit most from.
Other considerations: If HAM isn't that integral to character concept, you could just do away with it entirely, and start with crusher. Then adding +2 STR at 4th would be the better option. In that case, I'd pick up telekinetic at 6th, then free choice at 8th.
A few points as an experienced psi warrior player:
1. You are correct in putting Int > Con. However, tbh this isn't a great spread for a psi warrior. It's a very MAD fighter if you want to do it well, since Int is so integral to its true power.
2. Crusher isn't all that synergistic. The best psi warrior abilities come at 7, which are the ability to consistently knock enemies prone and insane movement. Neither of which really benefit from Crusher. If you want a feat, I'd go for one with a half ASI you can apply to Int, like Telepathic or Fey Touched. Your telekinetic thrust DC is the key to power.
3. Consider a 1-2 level Wizard dip. You get Shield, Silvery Barbs, Absorb Elements, and Find Familiar (plus misc utility as a ritual caster). Take an owl familiar, then have it flyby and use help to give adv on your first attack, knock it prone with tk thrust, and continue going nuts with adv.
I’m building a Psi Warrior for an ebberon campaign and I really want to flavor the character after Vayne from ffxii. Here is what I have so far at level 1
Custom lineage +2str +1 int
Str 18, Dex 10, Con 13, Int 14, Wis 8 and Cha 12
feat: crusher
Unarmed fighting fighting style
here is where I’m needing help as I plan the build I’m torn between heavy armor master or ASI at level 4. Heavy Armor Master works with the psi warrior ability to further reduce damage.
this is a pure unarmed build, as Vayne fights unarmed and uses swords as projectiles (see dissidia) he also knocks back with his fists. I don’t even really see a point to multi class as psi warrior has the flavor I’m Looking for. But past level 4 I’m not sure where to go with the build.
First, I'd switch around the scores for int and con. Until you hit level 3, that INT isn't gonna do much good.
Second, I'd take heavy armor master as your 1st lvl feat instead of crusher. Yes, while there is obvious synergy in unarmed fighting and crusher, you really get more mileage out of HAM in those earlier levels. Reducing attacks by 3 points at first level is way more significant than reducing hits by 3 at 4th level. You know?
So, after taking crusher at 4th level, your STR would be at 19, and your int at 13. At 6th level, you could either take a +1 to both STR and INT, or you can take a half-feat for either and cap off the other at 8th level. You could take telekinetic for mage hand and extra flavor, though you'd be at 19 STR until level 8 (not that it's a bad thing, since your'e still on curve as intended), or resilient INT. You could later take athlete feat, niche but useful in the right circumstances. Skill expert. You got options.
I might go with 1+ to both INT and STR at 6th level, then finish off 8th level with a quality of life feat. Some good options are Alert, Lucky, Resilient WIS, mobile. Maybe even +2 to CON. You can play this part by ear, but honestly you can't go wrong with any of them. Get what you think your character would benefit most from.
Other considerations: If HAM isn't that integral to character concept, you could just do away with it entirely, and start with crusher. Then adding +2 STR at 4th would be the better option. In that case, I'd pick up telekinetic at 6th, then free choice at 8th.
A few points as an experienced psi warrior player:
1. You are correct in putting Int > Con. However, tbh this isn't a great spread for a psi warrior. It's a very MAD fighter if you want to do it well, since Int is so integral to its true power.
2. Crusher isn't all that synergistic. The best psi warrior abilities come at 7, which are the ability to consistently knock enemies prone and insane movement. Neither of which really benefit from Crusher. If you want a feat, I'd go for one with a half ASI you can apply to Int, like Telepathic or Fey Touched. Your telekinetic thrust DC is the key to power.
3. Consider a 1-2 level Wizard dip. You get Shield, Silvery Barbs, Absorb Elements, and Find Familiar (plus misc utility as a ritual caster). Take an owl familiar, then have it flyby and use help to give adv on your first attack, knock it prone with tk thrust, and continue going nuts with adv.
Well, you can start of by doing a legal build. Custom Lineage only gives you a +2 to one ability, not +2/+1.
That said, I agree with the cube. A two level dip into war wizard (to benefit from your Int) is really useful for a Psi warrior.