Low Level Nova (3.5e Optimized Build)

Introduction
Summary::An example of a low-level nova-er, dealing 20d6+12 damage at level 3.

Spells

 * Blade of Blood
 * Shocking Grasp
 * True Strike

Progression
Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments): (Assuming 32 Point Buy) 18 12 14 14 8 8

Race (Templates): Maenad]]


 * Optional Feats include...
 * Improved Buckler Defense (CW)
 * Arcane Strike (CW)
 * Battle Caster (CA)
 * Versatile Spellcaster (RotD)
 * Knowledge Devotion (CC)
 * If you do take this, pick up the Collector of Stories skill trick (CS)
 * Shock Trooper (CW) with Leap Attack (CV)
 * If you pick up Leap Attack, think about also picking up the Extreme Leap skill trick (CS) to move even farther
 * Combat Brute (CW) for the next round after charging
 * Greater Psionic Weapon (XPH)
 * Deep Imapct (XPH)

Items

 * Triple Weapon Capsule Retainer
 * Quickspark/Quickflame/Quickfrost Weapon Capsules
 * Potion of Divine Sacrifice
 * Deep Crystal Greatsword

Tactics

 * Prep: Drink a potion of Divine Sacrifice
 * Round 1: Cast True Strike, move close to your foe.
 * Round 2: Cast Blade of Blood, sacrificing 5 HP. Attack your foe with a Channeled Shocking Grasp. Power Attack for -3 to get +6 damage. Take 10 damage from Divine Sacrifice. Expend your 2 PP to activate Deep Crystal.

Damage Potential

 * 2d6 (Greatsword) + 2d6 (Psionic Weapon) + 3d6 (Triple Weapon Capsule) + 3d6 (Channeled Shocking Grasp) + 3d6 (Blade of Blood) + 6 (Two-handed Str) + 6 (Power Attack) + 5d6 (Divine Sacrifice) + 2d6 (Deep Crystal) = 20d6+12 or 82 damage on average

Further Optimization

 * Not really much to add at this low of a level.

Limitations

 * Low HP
 * Uses up 2-3 spells (depending on whether you cast True Strike first)

DM Counters

 * Usual non-AC defenses apart from concealment (True Strike penetrates concealment)
 * Mobility after True Strike has been cast