Factotum: Difference between revisions
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The '''factotum''' is a virtually unknown character class in [[Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition|3.5]] found in the Dungeonscape handbook. Unless you like optimization, then you're probably quite familiar with this flavour of cheese. | The '''factotum''' is a <s>virtually unknown</s> [http://brilliantgameologists.com/boards/index.php?topic=5293 solid tier 3] character class in [[Dungeons & Dragons 3rd Edition|3.5]] found in the Dungeonscape handbook. <s>Unless you like optimization, then you're probably quite familiar with this flavour of cheese.</s> Factotums are relatively cheeseless, and even with extreme iaijutsu focus optimization, they're still orders of magnitude behind similarly optimized uberchargers or even ToB melee builds - to say nothing of actual casters or manifesters. | ||
Basically, the factotum is a super-nerd who uses intelligence and observation to mimic other classes' abilities a couple times per encounter. This guy is quite possibly the best Skill Monkey in the game, has access to every skill in 3.5E including the Iajitsu Focus skill from Oriental Adventures, but is mostly known for breaking the Diplomacy skill. The class can also imitate the class features and spells of other classes, effectively making it the Harry Flashman of the party. | Basically, the factotum is a super-nerd who uses intelligence and observation to mimic other classes' abilities a couple times per encounter (or several with the heavily suggested feat Font of Inspiration). This guy is quite possibly the best Skill Monkey in the game, has access to every skill in 3.5E including the Iajitsu Focus skill from Oriental Adventures, <s>but is mostly known for breaking the Diplomacy skill</s> prompting many who are unfamiliar with the class's myriad of uses to simply suggest "iaijutsu factotum" when asked for advice in building one. That, and how useful it is as a dip - especially at first level, combined with the Able Learner feat; for three levels to get one's intelligence modifier added to all strength, dexterity, and constitution ability and skill checks (including initiative); and for a much longer eight levels to gain extra standard actions. The class can also imitate the class features and spells of other classes, effectively making it the Harry Flashman of the party. | ||
The typical class for people who can't make up their mind (and have even heard of it), and potentially the most indecisive badass of all time. | The typical class for people who <s>can't make up their mind* (and have even heard of it), and potentially the most indecisive badass of all time.</s> want a jack-of-all trades who is less bard and more [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/BadassBookworm badass bookworm], bonus points for one inspired by Indiana Jones, Batman, or an [http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?471369-Weekly-(-)-Optimization-Showcase-Assassin-s-Speed-(Tempest_Stormwind) acrobatic assassin]. | ||
*For those who can't make up their mind, the chameleon prestige class what you want - as a serial specialist, it is the polar opposite of the dedicated generalist factotum, virtually changing your class every day, and later, multiple times per day. The two actually pair together quite well, as factotum (or a factotum dip) makes a great entry into chameleon, especially when combined with changeling rogue substitution levels and/or a dip into cloistered cleric, monk, and/or warblade. | |||
{{D&D3-Classes}} | {{D&D3-Classes}} | ||
Revision as of 16:54, 20 December 2016
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The factotum is a virtually unknown solid tier 3 character class in 3.5 found in the Dungeonscape handbook. Unless you like optimization, then you're probably quite familiar with this flavour of cheese. Factotums are relatively cheeseless, and even with extreme iaijutsu focus optimization, they're still orders of magnitude behind similarly optimized uberchargers or even ToB melee builds - to say nothing of actual casters or manifesters.
Basically, the factotum is a super-nerd who uses intelligence and observation to mimic other classes' abilities a couple times per encounter (or several with the heavily suggested feat Font of Inspiration). This guy is quite possibly the best Skill Monkey in the game, has access to every skill in 3.5E including the Iajitsu Focus skill from Oriental Adventures, but is mostly known for breaking the Diplomacy skill prompting many who are unfamiliar with the class's myriad of uses to simply suggest "iaijutsu factotum" when asked for advice in building one. That, and how useful it is as a dip - especially at first level, combined with the Able Learner feat; for three levels to get one's intelligence modifier added to all strength, dexterity, and constitution ability and skill checks (including initiative); and for a much longer eight levels to gain extra standard actions. The class can also imitate the class features and spells of other classes, effectively making it the Harry Flashman of the party.
The typical class for people who can't make up their mind* (and have even heard of it), and potentially the most indecisive badass of all time. want a jack-of-all trades who is less bard and more badass bookworm, bonus points for one inspired by Indiana Jones, Batman, or an acrobatic assassin.
- For those who can't make up their mind, the chameleon prestige class what you want - as a serial specialist, it is the polar opposite of the dedicated generalist factotum, virtually changing your class every day, and later, multiple times per day. The two actually pair together quite well, as factotum (or a factotum dip) makes a great entry into chameleon, especially when combined with changeling rogue substitution levels and/or a dip into cloistered cleric, monk, and/or warblade.