Eldritch Scion solo build - suggestions?

[aaronmv]

So I am trying to solo the game with an ES Arcane bloodline build - currently about to hit level 5. Trying to decide which way to play this - I have Call of the Wild and Favored Class mods so am able to get some feats that aren't available in base game like Intensify Spell and Spell Perfection, etc.

Current stats are 16/16/12/12/8/16 - level 5 is a big one for ES as they get 2 feats, a free spell, and boosted weapon enhancement. Currently have Toughness and Dodge feats along with the trait that lets me metamagic Shocking Grasp for -1 level, and +2 initiative along with Hare familiar.

I was initially thinking of an Evocation specialized magus using Spell Perfection with Dragon's Breath and Dazing Spell/Persistent Spell to have alternative ways of controlling the battlefield later in the game. Not sure if that really makes sense though as it doesn't really get the most benefit out of my trait enhancing Shocking Grasp.

Was thinking the following for feats:

5- Weapon Focus: Scimitar, Bonus Feat: Spell Focus: Evo

7- Intensify Spell

9- Blindfight (obviously needed)

11- Dazing Spell, Bonus Feat: Persistent Spell

13- Critical Focus (unless this doesn't stack with the same benefit provided by Assassin's Chain - then open to suggestion?)

15- Spell Perfection: Dragon's Breath

17- Sickening Critical, Bonus Feat: Greater Spell Focus: Evo

19- not sure yet - maybe here and 13th I take Eldritch Lineage and combine with Abyssal bloodline to get the strength bonus if Assassin's Chain doesn't stack with Critical Focus? Two feats seems a bit much for that, but not sure what else...Empower/Maximize?

For my bloodline bonus spells, was going to take Heroism, Icy Prison (for Farnirras or any other low reflex boss) and wasn't sure about the last one. Wondering if Suffocation could take out the Spawn of Rovagug although Reflex is his weaker save but he's immune to paralyze.

Arcana would be Arcane Accuracy, Enduring Blade, Spell Blending (Resist Elements), Dimension Strike, Bane Blade, and then either Ghost Blade or Devoted Blade (character is lawful so helpful against Fey).

Suggestions? I am still early although it's entirely possible I have gimped him from the start with traits and other early choices...

[bullse]

The Tyrant Solution, among a very few other solo scion builds, might be worth searching for via your favorite search engine?

[Stink Bug]

Be warned, E Scions are spontaneous casters thus it takes then a full round to use metamagic feats; that means no intensify with spell combat and only Spellstrike when you start the round already in melee range; the feat tax for spell perfection isn’t worth it IMO, you’re better off using a rod.

The Frostbite spell is a great one to invest in for everyday use; the damage scales decently, you get 1 charge per caster level (meaning you get a lot of endurance out of a single level 1 spell), and it auto-fatigues the enemy. You could have a rod of or even invest a feat in elemental metamagic for things that are immune to cold. Since you only have to cast it once to benefit from subsequent charges you can easily use it with two-handed weapon builds too.

[aaronmv]

Publicado originalmente por bullse:

The Tyrant Solution, among a very few other solo scion builds, might be worth searching for via your favorite search engine?

Yes, I saw that build. Wasn't quite what I was looking for thematically as I am playing an elf, not a gnome - and was hoping for a build not reliant on Illusion. That said I do find it odd that the Spawn can be killed by Phantasmal Killer as it is a mind affecting spell, which it is supposedly immune to.

Also, my intent was to go pure ES, not multi-classing at all.

[aaronmv]

Publicado originalmente por Stink Bug:

Be warned, E Scions are spontaneous casters thus it takes then a full round to use metamagic feats; that means no intensify with spell combat and only Spellstrike when you start the round already in melee range; the feat tax for spell perfection isn’t worth it IMO, you’re better off using a rod.

The Frostbite spell is a great one to invest in for everyday use; the damage scales decently, you get 1 charge per caster level (meaning you get a lot of endurance out of a single level 1 spell), and it auto-fatigues the enemy. You could have a rod of or even invest a feat in elemental metamagic for things that are immune to cold. Since you only have to cast it once to benefit from subsequent charges you can easily use it with two-handed weapon builds too.

Yep I know how spontaneous casters work - fortunately the Metamagic Adept ability of Arcane bloodline takes care of that (to some extent), especially at level 20 with Arcane Apotheosis. Just means I need to be careful for when I absolutely need that casting time speed reduced. But going solo I will have plenty of money for rods as well.

Interesting idea to use Frostbite. Any thoughts on viability and feats to use?

[Arcadian]

How the hell can you solo a game that throws so many enemies at you? You're going to need healing. But if you're looking for a good ES build: https://www.neoseeker.com/pathfinder-kingmaker/builds/Main_Character#Dex_Scion

[aaronmv]

Publicado originalmente por Arcadian:

How the hell can you solo a game that throws so many enemies at you? You're going to need healing. But if you're looking for a good ES build: https://www.neoseeker.com/pathfinder-kingmaker/builds/Main_Character#Dex_Scion

Plenty of people have beaten the game solo at much harder difficulties than what I am trying. Thanks for the link, but aiming for single class ES.

[InEffect]

Publicado originalmente por Arcadian:

How the hell can you solo a game that throws so many enemies at you?

Easiest way would be
Step 1: pick sylvan
Step 2: know what you are doing
Step 3: win the game
Solo unfair is not that difficult, just kinda boring. Quite a lot of classes can do it. Single-class arcane bloodline scion is what I'd pick for it, though.

[Arcadian]

Publicado originalmente por InEffect:

Publicado originalmente por Arcadian:

How the hell can you solo a game that throws so many enemies at you?

Easiest way would be
Step 1: pick sylvan
Step 2: know what you are doing
Step 3: win the game
Solo unfair is not that difficult, just kinda boring. Quite a lot of classes can do it. Single-class arcane bloodline scion is what I'd pick for it, though.

So you can solo the game as a Sylvan on unfair, but you need a tank MC on normal if not playing solo. Is this because you get so much more XP when playing solo?

[aaronmv]

Publicado originalmente por Arcadian:

Publicado originalmente por InEffect:

Easiest way would be
Step 1: pick sylvan
Step 2: know what you are doing
Step 3: win the game
Solo unfair is not that difficult, just kinda boring. Quite a lot of classes can do it. Single-class arcane bloodline scion is what I'd pick for it, though.

So you can solo the game as a Sylvan on unfair, but you need a tank MC on normal if not playing solo. Is this because you get so much more XP when playing solo?

Solo you end Chapter 1 around level 9 - yeah, that's the idea. You are far more powerful than you'd be normally.

[aaronmv]

Publicado originalmente por InEffect:

Publicado originalmente por Arcadian:

How the hell can you solo a game that throws so many enemies at you?

Easiest way would be
Step 1: pick sylvan
Step 2: know what you are doing
Step 3: win the game
Solo unfair is not that difficult, just kinda boring. Quite a lot of classes can do it. Single-class arcane bloodline scion is what I'd pick for it, though.

I am not playing on Unfair - I understand single class Arcane ES is probably not the best. Is there a single class scion you would recommend?

[InEffect]

Publicado originalmente por aaronmv:

I am not playing on Unfair - I understand single class Arcane ES is probably not the best. Is there a single class scion you would recommend?

I wouldn't recommend a single class scion to begin with since armor is a pretty meh choice. If I had to do one, I'd probably pick Abyssal since you at least would get strength progression for your efforts.
Ultimately, below unfair most things are good enough. Although the lack of access to the legendary proportions would hurt a bit.

[aaronmv]

Publicado originalmente por InEffect:

Publicado originalmente por aaronmv:

I am not playing on Unfair - I understand single class Arcane ES is probably not the best. Is there a single class scion you would recommend?

I wouldn't recommend a single class scion to begin with since armor is a pretty meh choice. If I had to do one, I'd probably pick Abyssal since you at least would get strength progression for your efforts.
Ultimately, below unfair most things are good enough. Although the lack of access to the legendary proportions would hurt a bit.

Yeah I know - but it does have access to Undead Anatomy III, which is almost as effective. It provides the same strength and armor bonus, slightly less damage resistance as well as elemental resistances. Of course since I haven't advanced that far, I don't know if that spell allows you to cast while under the effect.

[Stink Bug]

Publicado originalmente por aaronmv:

Publicado originalmente por InEffect:

I wouldn't recommend a single class scion to begin with since armor is a pretty meh choice. If I had to do one, I'd probably pick Abyssal since you at least would get strength progression for your efforts.
Ultimately, below unfair most things are good enough. Although the lack of access to the legendary proportions would hurt a bit.

Yeah I know - but it does have access to Undead Anatomy III, which is almost as effective. It provides the same strength and armor bonus, slightly less damage resistance as well as elemental resistances. Of course since I haven't advanced that far, I don't know if that spell allows you to cast while under the effect.

All iterations of undead anatomy allow you to cast, plus you get a free bite attack that stacks with every other bite attack you can get. Not much damage but it’s another opportunity for a frostbite charge to go off, and your magus weapon enhancements affect it as well.

[aaronmv]

I've adjusted this build to focus on dueling blades with the intent to get Bloodhound.

Still an elf, starting stats are 10/18/10/12/10/17 -> 22

Feats as follows:

1 - Weapon Finesse
3 - Dodge
5 - Spell Focus: Evocation & Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Dueling Sword)
7 - GSF: Evocation
9 - Intensify Spell
11 - Persistent Spell & Dazing Spell
13 - Critical Focus???
15 - Spell Perfection: Dragon's Breath
17 - Blind Fight & Sickening Critical
19 - still not really sure?

Question I have now is does Critical Focus stack with the effect from Assassin's Chain Shirt? I have searched quite a bit and still no answer to this. If it does, not sure what to take in place at level 13.

So open to suggestions on level 13 and 19.