Talk:Hero of Time (3.5e Optimized Character Build)

Picture Question

Could someone please help me resize and relocate the picture so it looks better and fits on the page?

Is that better? - TG Cid 07:53, 21 July 2009 (MDT)

Much, thank you very much. --Ghostwheel 08:32, 21 July 2009 (MDT)

Equipment and Characterization

Anyone have any ideas on what equipment to add to make this more like Link? Perhaps a wand of Alter Self to replicate the various masks in Majora's Mask, or some kind of custom wondrous item for the Ocarina of Time? And are there any Hookshots already published, homebrew or from official sources? --Ghostwheel 12:06, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

I know that Jota has a lot of zelda based items.Summerscythe 12:17, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

I don't know if I would call three a 'a lot,' but I tried to make a few. I had intended to make more but I got sidetracked, and now I'm in the middle of trying to make a State Alchemist (FMA) class/prestige class, so I kind of want to finish that before I resume Zelda works. -- Jota 12:57, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

Also, a hookshot was something I wanted to do, but the mechanics of it seemed tricky. I thought I did okay with the gale boomerang in terms of remaining true to the games without being terribly clunky with the mechanics, but the hookshot, although undeniably awesome, seemed like a headache in waiting. The Goron's Tunic (chainmail plus fire resistance) and Zora Armor (chain shirt + water breathing + swim speed) were next on my list of things to do (mainly due to the apparent ease of conversion), along with the Hawkeye mask and the Master Sword. The Ocarina of Time would be, in my eyes, a major artifact whose abilities scaled with the user's Perform: Ocarina skill. I'll figure it all out at some point. -- Jota 13:04, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

Hmmm... could work. Mind if I link them at the bottom along with the wolf-form? --Ghostwheel 13:22, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

Not at all. You've done a great job with this build. Actually, I was going to do a Hero of Time class but given the variability between different games and other issues is just didn't seem worth it or feasible. Also, though the few items I have done are mostly static, one school of thought (if you intend to make some or want to offer a little variety) would be to make all of the items scaling (including DCs and whatnot), since Zelda doesn't really have character levels aside from more health. What I mean is, I tried to keep my items fairly low in terms of price and power so that you wouldn't have to wait until absurdly high levels to get them. That said, if you got the Hero's Bow at level one, and it had an enhancement bonus equal to your level divided by four, could make arrows flaming/frost at level 6 or so, flaming burst/icy burst at level 12 or so, and so on, then it could be level-appropriate from start to finish instead of being too powerful for all but a few levels and being too weak after that. I feel like I didn't explain that too well, but hopefully it isn't quite as bad on paper as it is in my head. -- Jota 13:44, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

In short... a legacy weapon? ;-) And thanks for the compliment--I think the build works well on a whole, both as Link and as a general "smarter" melee combatant. That's actually one of the things I advocate as far as design/imitating characters--there's enough material out there (especially with Tome of Battle) for almost any concept to be created while working well. No need to create a new class for every other character out there, y'know? --Ghostwheel 14:39, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

I like the build, but won't you take EXP penalties?

Ultimate Combo

I just loved that combo.

• First round: Avalanche of Blades/Time Stands Still + Combat Rhythm
• Second round: Time Stands Still/Diamond Nightmare Blade + Power Attack

(Add in Int to stuff mechanical bits)

And can't forget the flavor.

Link panted. He knew he could only lay down one more attack sequence. The courage within him was fading, Gannondorf's power overwhelming the young man's heart. But no, he could not give up--so close! With a roar, he slashes time and again at Gannondorf's body, the Master Sword ringing with every strike yet no scratch touches the evil lord's form.

"Is that all your have within you, weakling?" Gannondorf laughs as he prepares to strike down the young hero.

"I'm not done yet!" Link shouts in retort, slashing one last time at the evil that stands before him. Suddenly two-dozen slashes gush blood, as Power is defeated by Courage. --Ghostwheel 13:21, 24 July 2009 (MDT)

Flavor

I've detailed the mechanics out pretty well, but am having writer's block as far as the flavor goes. If anyone has some free time, could you help me clean up/rewrite parts of the article to identify the build more with Link? (Just the flavor bits, I think the mechanical ones works.) --Ghostwheel 13:59, 25 July 2009 (MDT)

variants

I am not a fan of the losing brains over brawn idea. That just just seems too awesome of a feat for any int based warrior.

I am working on a fire elf int melee build that uses keen intellect and racial weapon familiarity. This is how I found you post. Right now it is factotum 3 swashbuckler 3 warblade 13 with a single dip in eternal blade around 13-15 range. Knowledge is power and I love the unique and not uber power flavor this type of character can add to a fun game.

just so you know, the author of this build has moved over to here, and you can contact him far more easily there if ya wanna compliment him on posting it, leave him any comments on variants and the like, or even just to chat