Rules Lawyer Build #1: The Tank (Pathfinder 2e)

[@knavesquill9198]

I love the tongue and cheek approach to a tank build. If my players did this though, I'd never hear the end of "the big mommy protecting us." lol

[@foujiz]

Cultured players right here.

[@rod4309]

I'd want to get slime body and oozemorph dedication JUST so i could say that i was eating them to protect them :D

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

EDIT: Why are some of you so serious? ;) MORE IDEAS: This "tank" has low AC. So the druid and bard should be healing Amiri from below. Also slap on high-level Heroism to give +2 and buff her defenses as much as possible. A champion can get a reach weapon with Retributive Strike to help protect the barb and give this tank some pokey-pokey. In real-life tanks, it took several people to operate the tank. PF2e is a TEAM GAME! [CORRECTION: Alas, Amiri does not provide regular cover when a giant is involved. The creature in between must be at least 2 size categories larger than BOTH the attacker and the target! Still, she provides lesser cover (+1 circumstance bonus to AC) in both directions (it hinders the druid's longspear attack, too) BTW check out my associate SwingRipper's video for another take on the tank concept: "You Have Been Tanking Wrong (Pathfinder 2e)" kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqOlZJ-vnbJ0itk I forgot to say that she took the Sentinel Archetype Dedication Feat which lets her wear heavy armor. So she is wearing Full Plate, bringing her raging AC to 30, which is still ONE less than a typical party member's AC. So NOT the best for Tank Criterion #2: "Can Take a Hit" Unlike 5E barbarians, barbarians in PF2E have lots of hit points and some resistances, but have a lower AC when raging. Giant Instinct Barbarians are additionally Clumsy 1, so their AC is usually TWO lower than other party members' ACs. And Every +1 Matters! EDIT 2: Another thing not explored here are what you can do with Cover: Hiding, "leaning out" from behind one of Amiri's legs, using her legs as terrain features basically!!

[@ghostyuki-kfpinquisitor1038]

If you want to go tank barb, i'd say get one of the non-giant ones and champ instead of sentinel (if good) imo. Oh, and grab a shield. Barbs actually have enough health to get full use out of sturdy shield's massive health pools.

[@trikovi1628]

I'm super hyped for the monk series cause I've non ironically heard people saying monks in pf2e are bad too which is insane to me

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

_Rules Lawyer shocked face_

[@hawktitan7896]

One of my favorite monk builds is a Monk archetyped with Psychic. You're basically a Jedi. The idea is to get in a spell 'saving throw' attack in as well as Flurry of Blows or if you need to move, Move/Psi Burst/Flurry. Free Archetype isn't needed but kicks the build into high gear.

[@leitmotif6854]

It's really just one very very vocal guy on the PF2 subreddit I swear

[@DankLilGnurblin]

love the super fast combat demo

[@TheKarishi]

"Something you can climb in" is indeed a trait of tanks, yet definitely not one I've encountered on any other tank build ever.

[@ostravaofboletaria1027]

As a GM, build vids like these is a great way to learn different options I can recommend later to players.

[@lyracian]

I found that rather silly (but amusing). Having everyone else crawling around underneath her they will get stepped on!

[@hi123452008]

*_Even better!_*

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

Good point. They'll need to get themselves resistance to bludgeoning damage...

[@0MoonFox0]

Cool. Next step is adding some large caliber gun instead of sword.

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

I'm disappointed in myself for not thinking that! Hmm, probably a combination weapon from Guns & Gears so she can also use it as a melee weapon...

[@Ond4r]

@@TheRulesLawyerRPG Why not just let sniper with Arquebus sit on her shoulder?

[@imveryangryitsnotbutter]

Amiri: "Doctor! Are you sure this will work?!" Fumbus: "Haha...! I have no idea!"

[@ghostyuki-kfpinquisitor1038]

​@@TheRulesLawyerRPGcan always attach a bayonet

[@dinovaldo9341]

Gunlance, nuff said

[@christopherg2347]

A small thing: Being prone does give you a -2 Attack penalty. So you want to use the Shrinking approach all the time.

[@fnvtyjkusg]

This is the most cursed party strategy I've ever seen, I love it

[@Senaul]

Thanks for the video. I would be up for more short video demos like this one.

[@pangolimazul6055]

I think this is a great format for build videos, since you can present the concept and the main ideas quickly. One thing that sometimes pull me away from pf2e videos is that they are often 1h long with skow speach, this fast pace but precise videos are great

[@ponytail336]

I like the simplicity of this. It's not really a full build so much as "here's something funny you can do with a handful of feats/ class options". I feel a lot of other content creators get caught up in the minutia of choices or assume their viewers can't read what a class does (especially 5e youtubers, who must go over every class feature every time). so yes, much like, very goodly

[@dyne313]

I love the Giant Stature Barbarian! Especially on a Small character, like a Goblin.

[@Walthanar]

Nice example! I also rolled off my chair when you mentioned the "DEFENESTRATED Frost Giant" 😂 that module can create pretty silly adjectives 😂😂😂

[@rayvalkren1950]

Now I'm imagining a level 13+ Wizard/Druid going "Quick! Everyone get under the Giant Snapping Turtle/Deadly Mantis/Purple Worm(how?)/Black Scorpion!" as they proceed to summon said big boy! 😂

[@JessieShadowhold]

If you’re doing concept builds, I would love to see the ultimate stealth build in your opinion, mostly because I’m interested in how this system handles stealth at high levels.

[@michaely.4071]

I just got my giant instinct barbarian to level 12 in my main campaign and picked up titan stature. I'm having a ton of fun with it.

[@adelineesther17]

This is very helpful for beginners to the system as well as the whole TTRPG game like me. Thank you. Please have them coming!

[@RadeFoxxy]

OMG, D4 is gonna love this too! Great video Ron! 🎉

[@wilywonky]

I like this. I wouldn't mind more build videos. I always love seeing combat demos.

[@Azazel226]

I like the blend of character/party build concept and illustrating how the PF2E system accomodates them.

[@mistaree8394]

Hilarious! I foolishly expected to be seeing a champion, fighter or monk. Little did I know.

[@Kiaulen]

This is amazing. I love how the tank is not only big and bulky, but also dealing giant amounts of damage. That whirlwind strike was :chefkiss:

[@coolboy9979]

As a forever GM i will be using this for my monsters lol. Sounds like a fun and memorable encounter

[@karensottile7141]

I especially love build with combat demo

[@alessandrodellanno948]

I like it! But i still prefer something in between this and the battle fights examples with more classes to look at. Those are Hella cool

[@laroast8531]

Goliath and the Davids! I'm interested in seeing where this series goes.

[@saprone8885]

Conrasu Sylph: Fighter + Halberd + Heavy Armor Ancestry Feats: Elemental Eyes 1, Swift 5, Wings of Air 9, Ceremony of Growth 13, Eternal Wings 17 Class Feats: Lunge 2, Lunging Stance 12, Whirlwind Strike 14 Stats maxed-out: - 30 speed (Conrasu, Fleet, Swift, heavy armor) - 20ft reach (Halberd, Lunging Stance, Ceremony of Growth) - Darkvision (Sylph, Eternal Eyes) - Flight (Eternal Wings) Main downside of this build is that Conrasu is a rare ancestry. Enlarge at will is strong though. Reach with with flight is potent, because you can Whirlwind Strike a larger area (enemies under you). Sylph/Nephilim are strong heritages. They can provide more speed, darkvision and perma flight. Reach is strong in general, even more so with AoO a Fighter has by default.

[@PurpleCyanideTube]

The one problem I see with this build/strategy is that if you are prone you get a -2 penalty to attack rolls and are flat footed so the bonus to ac from having cover is negated and you would be missing more often

[@pirosopus9497]

Defenestrated Frost Giant sure is a name. I love the adjective randomizer.j

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

I actually don't know if that's in the default database. This is the first time I've actually named one myself =D

[@RogueAero]

Make it easier on yourself. Make the tank whatever you want it to be but the rest of the party plays sprites so theyre naturally tiny.

[@PluxBR]

The end! LMAO! Thats so funny, couldn't stop laughing. So effective too

[@Dezbood]

I love my friend’s LG champion. He plays the character like the world’s biggest goody two shoes. When we have downtime, he doesn’t earn income, he works for free lol. The party used some of our shared funds to upgrade his sturdy shield to the level 7 version, which has more HP than any of us, and the champion in turn always uses their reaction to prevent attacks against us. Such a simple build so far, but it’s so rewarding for the entire party.

[@merlannin2108]

I would love to see you do some p2e build videos!

[@psimas1982]

Love build videos. And the sample combat is a nice touch, too. How about a catfolk (with claws) swashbuckler (acrobat/shadowdancer)? One of my favorites....

[@tegual]

This is pretty funny. Though it isn't so much a tank build but a party build.

[@LightningRaven42]

Alternative name for the build: The Mamma Goose Barbarian.

[@jasonmed2119]

Kool beenz

[@TenkDD]

Note: The "Cover and large creatures" rule says "two or more sizes larger than BOTH you and your target", so she does not provide standard cover against the frost giant attacks, since she is only 1 size larger than them.

[@kaanguler8997]

I watch your videos no matter the length ( ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°) ) but as someone with ADHD, this quick demo very much works for me.

[@SwingRipper]

That's super clever, literally hide inside an ally lol

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

Oh crap, I should have had the druid use the Hide action as well. Missed opportunity

[@RS-xt3qh]

I have a butt-load of ADHD and very much appreciate the shorter videos

[@dji7732]

Good stuff!

[@rb3537]

I would like more of a step by step build, level 1-20, just like how D4 does it.

[@Richybabes]

What stops the barbarian just immediately falling over dead the moment everyone now focuses on them? A giant instinct barbarian has such low AC that they’re just gonna die from all the critical hits. They’ve got decent hit points, sure, but the AC is so low that they end up being a Glass cannon, and the resistance is a really situational.

[@ReinManYYC]

I like the format, but as a (former) DnD DM, switching to PF2 with my group, I personally would get more out of a guide that starts at low level. Still a great video!

[@docopoper]

Here's an idea. I wonder if you could make a totem pole party where everyone is stacked on top of eachother using the mounted combat rules.

[@Solrex_the_Sun_King]

Note, each one except the top and bottom would be using 2 actions a turn to carry someone else or stabilize themselves

[@kalleendo7577]

Awesome!!!

[@SirMoribund]

This was very amusing lol :D

[@clockworkcthulhu8195]

The cover is mitigated by the off-guard dough. I mean I think if I built that I would really want to pick out a reach weapon, just for the 5 ft extra reach.

[@NNextremNN]

Being prone and having -2 to attacks and -2 to AC and being prone to Sneak Attacks from being flat footed sounds dangerous. But it is a funny idea.

[@fnvtyjkusg]

man's buildin'

[@draggo69]

Nice!

[@felixheitzer2262]

This is great 😂

[@ghostyuki-kfpinquisitor1038]

Feels like this build could be renamed The Bunker

[@calgrier]

Good meme, but I was a little disappointed you didn’t talk about how to actually tank for a party in PF2. Is it just “play Champion and reactive strike”?

[@abobbins]

Fighter paladin with reach weapon is S tier in my experience. Aoo gives area denial and good dpr boost.

[@Lerker2000]

Great vid as always! Will you ever be putting the full vods of your pathfinder games on youtube?

[@rulethegamer]

What are these "silly concentration mechanics" you've mentioned *giggles*

[@duxwontobey4887]

Yknow those war Oliphant's in lord of the rings? Well....

[@cajeb5396]

Would not rlly call this a tank build but it’s a nice cheese combo amongst the party

[@ghostyuki-kfpinquisitor1038]

it's a decent idea to do behind the actual tank. AoEs are still going to be an issue though.

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

I think dropping prone as an action puts this into the, shall we say, the "cool idea" category...

[@phasestar7787]

Hilarious!

[@sammayes948]

I now have a need to be a giant instinct barb

[@coolboy9979]

In theory that is possible with anyone if you can somehow cast enlarged at level 4 at yourself (or someone from your group). Trick magic item, or a single dip into a fitting spellcasting archetype could give you access to 4th level enlarge Wand. Doing this with a champion might be even better with the high AC and defensive features/feats

[@FirstLast-wk3kc]

Those animations are beautiful, wow. What's that?

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

3 Foundry mods working together: Automated Animations (the sequencer) JB2A Animated Assets PF2E Animations (assigns the assets to PF2E events)

[@FirstLast-wk3kc]

@@TheRulesLawyerRPG thanks

[@mr.cauliflower3536]

>certain company that hires goons Always rember never forger

[@ostravaofboletaria1027]

I am still disappointed that Giants are not giant size in Pathfinder. Of course I change it on my tables, but still a bit bothersome.

[@SigurdBraathen]

Is Giant the most played Barbarian instinct? (The few times I've seen people talk about barbarian then giant is the preferred choice)

[@RobinMcDermott]

@TheRulesLawyerRPG what module are you using to get the grey cross on the creatures starting position?

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

Combat Booster

[@jojolt1467]

What was the module to see the white line for amiris AOO/reactive strike

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

I just manually drew it using the Drawing tools in Foundry

[@justjunk3803]

I see you're still using Pathfinder UI, does that work fine with version 11 of Foundry for you? I love the style of it but don't wanna run into any bugs or stability issues.

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

I haven't upgrade to v11 yet, I usually let a new version simmer a bit. Is it time to update? EDIT: If you're asking I guess not yet!? Will check it out soon tho

[@mkmasterthreesixfive]

is that token growth effect core or is it a module

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

Pretty sure it's core

[@user-cy9ps4ly5j]

Please, can someone tell me what song is starting to play at 6:00

[@vehemetipolygoniae2197]

Brain Trust

[@kadelittlefield4815]

What is the software he’s using to simulate combat?

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

Foundry VTT

[@wizarbme]

What are you using to simulate the battle?

[@TheRulesLawyerRPG]

Foundry VTT

[@bvelhacob]

It looks like a April Fool's video

[@honestbenny]

There is much wrong about this Giant Barbarian Build: 1. Giant Barbarian is HORRIBLE tank. His action economy if you want to utilize his size feats suck. 1 action - Rage, 2nd action - increase size, 3rd action- Stride... nothing to do in first turn. You could Rage -> Grapple -> Strike and next turn Size-> Grapple-> Strike but at that point you are making only singel -5 MAP strike very turn. Also you only did one AoO attack for your turn. At level 11 he can FINALLY (that's half a career...) use single action for both grow and Rage. But he still has no decent feats to tank. He has one AoO, that's it. 2. How is it supposed to work on levels 1-10? A good build works from lower levels, not from level X where he can finally do his role. Before level 11 Giant Barbarian has to burn many actions to grow in size and has horrible AC. And if he doesn't have horrible AC (took Sentinel), he has horrible combat feats for tanking. No Champion Reaction, No Combat Grab, no Suplex, no self-heals, no Raise Shield, no Reactive Shield, nothing. He can just stand and rely on single AoO. That's hardly a worthy tank. Even with Sentinel he will still always be 2 AC behind Full Plate Fighter, 4 AC behind Champion/Monk, 2 AC behind Animal Skin till level 13 and 1 AC behind on level 13. 3. Funny how you didn't show the result of Giants Turn where they all would attack poor Barbarian AC.... If you really want to make Barbarian tank, make Animal Deer Barbarian with Wrestler, Animal Skin (1 AC higher than Full Plate Fighter at this point) and Bastion using Reactive Shield in one hand, free-hand for combat grab, Suplex for tripping, Raise shield for more AC, all that with D12 reach weapon. You can Strike and Grab, Raise/Reactive, you have Deny Advantage and you can still attack with reach D12. Clinch Strike is good reaction here as nobody will want to stay grappled by you and eat D12 attacks in face while not being able to hit you. And it works from level 4. Even Fighter with Bastard Sword would work better faster because he has no action lost for Rage. He can stride and already engage target with Dual Handed Assault -> Combat Grab, locking enemy in combat with him and protecting backline. You can add Wrestler for Suplex and Martial Artist for unarmed attack to scale with his Weapon Mastery so he has same bonus for bastard sword and for unarmed attacks (Suplex, Strangle). Or add medic instead of Wrestler + Godless Healing for big self-heals in combat. Monk with Tangled Forest Stance, whip in one hand (for reach increase for Forest passive immobilize), tower shield in other, with 3x Wholeness of Body per combat in stumbling stance will also tank way better. He doesn't even need to grapple as enemies have to make Reflex Save every time they want to get away from him. The tanking in PF2e is quite simple: 1. Tie enemy in combat with you. Grapple is the best way (and Tangled Forest Stance). 2. Deal good damage as just holding enemy down is useless, he needs to die too 3. Make him not want to stay with you so he has to waste actions to get away. That means high damage and high sustain (AC, HP, heals) so he feels like he is wasting time trying to kill you first. 4. Make him pay for trying to leave (Escape, AoO, Clinch Strike, Tangled Forest Stance etc.).