Kinestecists / Energy blast / Spell penetration

[Spagetwin]

Can someone break it for me ?

Wana try kinestecists playthrough that i did not fully explore on Kingmaker. Although it seems some rules have changed with wotr and im not sure about taking some feats that worked before.

Does spell penetration have an effect for energy blasts ?

Was the case for Kingmaker but now its not recomended in game for Wotr but it seems using the same mechanics than before to go through.

[Sador]

Yes.

[braioch]

It does, but only for energy blasts as far as I've been able to tell.

It wouldn't do ♥♥♥♥ for me with normal blasts with my blood kineticist, because it's all bludgeoning damage. (Composite blasts on the other hand...)

[Sador]

Publicado originalmente por braioch:

It does, but only for energy blasts as far as I've been able to tell.

It wouldn't do ♥♥♥♥ for me with normal blasts with my blood kineticist, because it's all bludgeoning damage. (Composite blasts on the other hand...)

Yeah. Physical blasts target AC, whereas energy blasts target touch AC & spell resistance. So that's where spell penetration kicks in.

[Irx]

Considering ridiculous enemy AC in late game, physical blasts are not viable for late game imho, since kineticist has only 1 attack per round and low attack bonus gain. And the only energy composite blast is blue fire.

[Sador]

Publicado originalmente por Irx:

Considering ridiculous enemy AC in late game, physical blasts are not viable for late game imho, since kineticist has only 1 attack per round and low attack bonus gain. And the only energy composite blast is blue fire.

Composite blasts + AoE infusion on the other hand.

[Princess Pilfer]

Spell penetration is necessary for energy blasts. (fire/lightning/cold.)

It is not necessary for physical blasts with elemental damage (magma, blizzard, ect)

Kineticist can do full round attacks, provided you don't have to gather power.

AOE infusions (except blade whirlwind) are usually no-save damage, and is why physical blasts are so strong. You hit automatically and physical blasts deal more damage, the save is just to protect them from bowling infusion or unraveling infusion, ect.

[wendigo211]

Publicado originalmente por Irx:

Considering ridiculous enemy AC in late game, physical blasts are not viable for late game imho, since kineticist has only 1 attack per round and low attack bonus gain. And the only energy composite blast is blue fire.

That's why a late game kineticist uses Cloud, Deadly Earth and Wall infusions. None of them allow a save or target AC, so for a physical blast only DR can decrease the damage.

[Spagetwin]

Actually i was just here to confirm spell penetration was working for energy blast.

Thx all for your answers.

[tempest.of.emptiness]

Yes, spell penetration feats and gear do increase the chance that your kineticist energy blasts will penetrate enemy spell resistance.

[Sotanaht]

Publicado originalmente por Sador:

Publicado originalmente por Irx:

Considering ridiculous enemy AC in late game, physical blasts are not viable for late game imho, since kineticist has only 1 attack per round and low attack bonus gain. And the only energy composite blast is blue fire.

Composite blasts + AoE infusion on the other hand.

This. Deadly Earth, Cloud, and Wall infusion have no Hit roll, no Saving Throw, and no Spell Resist. Add in Ascendant Element and at least some of the damage will have no possible defense whatsoever.

But for earlier on and vs single targets you can hit reliably, simple Fire blasts/extended range with maxed out Spell Penetration is the way to go

[Koveras]

Publicado originalmente por Irx:

Considering ridiculous enemy AC in late game, physical blasts are not viable for late game imho, since kineticist has only 1 attack per round and low attack bonus gain. And the only energy composite blast is blue fire.

Problem is that energy blasts aren't great early game. Even low level demons have spell resistance. Frustrating to spend a turn powering up your empowered blue fire composite blast, hit the target, and have nothing happen because your spell penetration is too low!

I suspect the move is to start with a physical blast, then, if you're so inclined, respec to double fire.