A Silver Bulette for D&D? [Archive] - Wizards Community

A Silver Bulette for D&D? [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Balthanon
12-05-06, 01:57 AM Probably not, but this seemed like fun. :)

I don't usually post builds to the forum, however, after the threads that have come up recently on shield bashing, I decided to add my own variation. Basically just putting together some of my ideas on the subject of a shield bashing character that doesn't necessarily fit the traditional "sword and board" model.

I began with the firm intent to do a primarily fighter build to take advantage of all the myriad feats that exist for shields now. Then I decided that I wanted a few skills, so I might as well throw in some ranger. At that point I didn't have much in the way of extra damage outside of weapon specialization, so that necessitated some Nightsong Enforcer. After that, it seemed silly not to up that with assassin's stance and between one thing and another I ended up with the traditional 2 levels of fighter. :)

Character Name: Guld "The Bulette" Barattar

Class Build Name: Dwarven Bulette
Preferred Race: Dwarf (Weapon Familiarity - Dwarven Waraxe, Dwarven Buckler-Axe) [optional Mineral Warrior]
Build: Ranger 2/Fighter 2/Warblade 2/Exotic Weapon Master 1/Rogue 3/Nightsong Enforcer 10

Prestige Class Requirements:

Nightsong Enforcer
+5 BAB
Hide 10, Move Silently 10
Improved Initiative
Evasion

Exotic Weapon Master
+6 BAB
Proficiency/Weapon Familiarity w/Exotic Weapon
Weapon Focus (Exotic Weapon)

Ability Scores:
Str Dex Con Int Wis Cha
16 16 14 12 10 12 (32 Point Buy)
16 15 14 12 9 8 (25 Point Buy)
18 16 15 13 11 11 (Rolled)
- - - - - - - - - - - -
+ 2 -2 (Racial Adjustments)
--------------------------------------------
16 16 16 12 10 10 (Final Stats - 32 Point Buy)
18 16 20 10 8 8 (Final Stats - Mineral Warrior)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level | Class | Feats | BAB
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1: Ranger [Track], Mercantile Background +1
Level 2: Fighter [Axe Focus*] +2
Level 3: Ranger [Two-Weapon Fighting], Imp. Shield Bash +3
Level 4: Fighter [Improved Initiative] +4
Level 5: Warblade +5
Level 6: Warblade Martial Study (Cloak of Deception) +6
Level 7: Exotic W. Master /Twin Exotic Weapon Fighting/ +7
Level 8: Rogue (1d6) +7
Level 9: Rogue Imp. Two-Weapon Fighting +8
Level 10: Rogue (2d6) +9
Level 11: N. Enforcer (3d6) +10
Level 12: N. Enforcer Martial Stance (Assassin's Stance) +11
Level 13: N. Enforcer +12
Level 14: N. Enforcer (4d6) +13
Level 15: N. Enforcer Improved Critical (Buckler-Axe) +14
Level 16: N. Enforcer +15
Level 17: N. Enforcer (5d6) +16
Level 18: N. Enforcer Greater Two Weapon Fighting +17
Level 19: N. Enforcer +18
Level 20: N. Enforcer (6d6) +19

Character Skills:
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hide | 4 6 8 9 10
M. Silently| 4 6 8 9 10

Class Abilities:

Maneuvers:
5 - Mountain Hammer (Stone Dragon, Strike)
5 - Disarming Strike (Iron Heart, Strike)
5 - Moment of Perfect Mind (Diamond Mind, Counter)
6 - Emerald Razor (Diamond Mind, Strike)
6 - [Cloak of Deception (Shadow Hand, Boost)

Stances:
5 - Leading the Charge (White Raven)
12 - [Assassin's Stance (Shadow Hand)]

Important Items:

Sword Coast Regional Equipment - (5) 50 gp gold bar
Weapons of Choice - (2) +1 keen dwarven buckler-axes of bashing (9,350 gold a piece)

"The Bulette" is mainly named so because of the image that two buckler-axes on a dwarf inspired. Combined with a stubborn, bullish nature and it just seemed appropriate.

Early on, the character can utilize a dwarven waraxe and dwarven buckler-axe for the increased damage. Later, after the level of Exotic Weapon Master, there should be funds for two +1 dwarven buckler-axes of bashing (3,000 gold a piece due to Mercantile Background). Those weapons are primarily where the "bulette" theme comes in, but if you want to take it to extremes, the mineral warrior template grants a nice burrow speed to go along with that.

Once the character has both of these it really starts getting into the gist of the build, beginning to focus upon its two-weapon fighting capabilities. Each weapon deals 2d6+1 damage with a 20/x3 critical. Two-weapon fighting is only at a -1 penalty and you technically have both hands free, so if you wanted to wield a wand or have a ranged weapon available it shouldn't be a problem.

By the end of the build, you should reliably be doing 10d6 damage + Str on 4 attacks with your primary hand and 10d6 + Str/2 on 3 attacks with your off hand between Cloak of Deception and flanking. With 19 BAB you shouldn't have any trouble hitting and if you do, you can always utilize an Emerald Razor strike to use a touch attack. AC and hit points shouldn't be an issue and your saves should be decent with the exception of Will, which is accounted for with a Concentration check built up with ranger and warblade. Additionally, you can double up as a trapfinder and scout for the party, though you would likely need to sacrifice almost everything other than search, disable device, move silently, and hide. For you, open lock is called "Mountain Hammer" strike.
GaffeR
12-05-06, 02:10 AM Cool. :D
LordMongoose
12-05-06, 03:14 AM How are you getting Dex to damage? A buckler-axe is a Shadow Hand favored weapon?
Balthanon
12-05-06, 03:24 AM How are you getting Dex to damage? A buckler-axe is a Shadow Hand favored weapon?

Definite oversight. :) That's what I get for doing this at 1 in the morning.

Corrected for now, though I'll need to think about whether there are any better alternatives than Improved Critical. (Preferably workable on those immune to sneak attack.)
PhoenixInferno
12-05-06, 03:32 AM You'll want to find a way to work Stormguard Warrior into that. No TWF'ing Martial Adept should be without it. At least, very few of them.
Balthanon
12-06-06, 06:01 PM Hmm... Stormguard Warrior would be a good replacement for the Dex to damage, particularly for opponents who are immune to sneak attack-- however, it involves dropping either Assassin's Stance or Greater Two-Weapon Fighting in order to pick up the requisite feats.

The most efficient manner would likely be the feat rogue variant from Unearthed Arcana if I were going to drop Assassin's Stance from the build anyway. I could then take Assassin's Stance with a bonus feat plus Improved Two-Weapon Fighting and move Ironheart Aura and Stormguard Warrior into those feat slots.

That 10d6 damage number did sound nice though. :) (And Stormguard Warrior always struck me as having the potential to be very easy to interupt by the opponent if they moved away.) Still, it is likely the best option available... I'll just have to add some elemental damage to the weapons I suppose.
Aegeu
12-06-06, 06:17 PM Greater TWF, IIRC, doesn't grant you that great a bonus because you make your extra attack at such a penalty. So, you could drop that for Stormguard Warrior
Balthanon
12-06-06, 06:29 PM Greater TWF, IIRC, doesn't grant you that great a bonus because you make your extra attack at such a penalty. So, you could drop that for Stormguard Warrior

Hitting with a standard attack is difficult with Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, since it's at a -10. Ironically though, hitting with Stormguard Warrior + Greater Two Weapon Fighting is not such an issue-- and you pick up an extra +5 bonus to damage on the next round.

Alternate Progression:

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level | Class | Feats | BAB
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Level 1: Ranger [Track], Mercantile Background +1
Level 2: Fighter [Axe Focus*] +2
Level 3: Ranger [Two-Weapon Fighting], Imp. Shield Bash +3
Level 4: Fighter [Improved Initiative] +4
Level 5: Warblade +5
Level 6: Warblade Martial Study (Cloak of Deception) +6
Level 7: Exotic W. Master /Twin Exotic Weapon Fighting/ +7
Level 8: Rogue (2d6) [Martial Stance (Assassin's Stance)] +7
Level 9: Rogue Ironheart Aura +8
Level 10: Rogue [Imp. Two-Weapon Fighting] +9
Level 11: N. Enforcer (3d6) +10
Level 12: N. Enforcer Stormguard Warrior +11
Level 13: N. Enforcer +12
Level 14: N. Enforcer (4d6) +13
Level 15: N. Enforcer Greater Two Weapon Fighting +14
Level 16: N. Enforcer +15
Level 17: N. Enforcer (5d6) +16
Level 18: N. Enforcer Darkstalker +17
Level 19: N. Enforcer +18
Level 20: N. Enforcer (6d6) +19

I tend to prefer interpreting the feat rogue variant as replacing sneak attack with feats, as it keeps the feats more balanced with the progression of its other special abilities.
Eled_the_Worm_Tamer
12-09-06, 01:20 PM You'll want to find a way to work Stormguard Warrior into that. No TWF'ing Martial Adept should be without it. At least, very few of them.

Sorry for the noobish question, but where can I find Stormguard Warrior?
Balthanon
12-09-06, 01:32 PM Tome of Battle.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Balthanon 12-05-06, 01:57 AM	Probably not, but this seemed like fun. :) I don't usually post builds to the forum, however, after the threads that have come up recently on shield bashing, I decided to add my own variation. Basically just putting together some of my ideas on the subject of a shield bashing character that doesn't necessarily fit the traditional "sword and board" model. I began with the firm intent to do a primarily fighter build to take advantage of all the myriad feats that exist for shields now. Then I decided that I wanted a few skills, so I might as well throw in some ranger. At that point I didn't have much in the way of extra damage outside of weapon specialization, so that necessitated some Nightsong Enforcer. After that, it seemed silly not to up that with assassin's stance and between one thing and another I ended up with the traditional 2 levels of fighter. :) Character Name: Guld "The Bulette" Barattar Class Build Name: Dwarven Bulette Preferred Race: Dwarf (Weapon Familiarity - Dwarven Waraxe, Dwarven Buckler-Axe) [optional Mineral Warrior] Build: Ranger 2/Fighter 2/Warblade 2/Exotic Weapon Master 1/Rogue 3/Nightsong Enforcer 10 Prestige Class Requirements: Nightsong Enforcer +5 BAB Hide 10, Move Silently 10 Improved Initiative Evasion Exotic Weapon Master +6 BAB Proficiency/Weapon Familiarity w/Exotic Weapon Weapon Focus (Exotic Weapon) Ability Scores: Str Dex Con Int Wis Cha 16 16 14 12 10 12 (32 Point Buy) 16 15 14 12 9 8 (25 Point Buy) 18 16 15 13 11 11 (Rolled) - - - - - - - - - - - - + 2 -2 (Racial Adjustments) -------------------------------------------- 16 16 16 12 10 10 (Final Stats - 32 Point Buy) 18 16 20 10 8 8 (Final Stats - Mineral Warrior) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level \| Class \| Feats \| BAB ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level 1: Ranger [Track], Mercantile Background +1 Level 2: Fighter [Axe Focus*] +2 Level 3: Ranger [Two-Weapon Fighting], Imp. Shield Bash +3 Level 4: Fighter [Improved Initiative] +4 Level 5: Warblade +5 Level 6: Warblade Martial Study (Cloak of Deception) +6 Level 7: Exotic W. Master /Twin Exotic Weapon Fighting/ +7 Level 8: Rogue (1d6) +7 Level 9: Rogue Imp. Two-Weapon Fighting +8 Level 10: Rogue (2d6) +9 Level 11: N. Enforcer (3d6) +10 Level 12: N. Enforcer Martial Stance (Assassin's Stance) +11 Level 13: N. Enforcer +12 Level 14: N. Enforcer (4d6) +13 Level 15: N. Enforcer Improved Critical (Buckler-Axe) +14 Level 16: N. Enforcer +15 Level 17: N. Enforcer (5d6) +16 Level 18: N. Enforcer Greater Two Weapon Fighting +17 Level 19: N. Enforcer +18 Level 20: N. Enforcer (6d6) +19 Character Skills: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level \| 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hide \| 4 6 8 9 10 M. Silently\| 4 6 8 9 10 Class Abilities: Maneuvers: 5 - Mountain Hammer (Stone Dragon, Strike) 5 - Disarming Strike (Iron Heart, Strike) 5 - Moment of Perfect Mind (Diamond Mind, Counter) 6 - Emerald Razor (Diamond Mind, Strike) 6 - [Cloak of Deception (Shadow Hand, Boost) Stances: 5 - Leading the Charge (White Raven) 12 - [Assassin's Stance (Shadow Hand)] Important Items: Sword Coast Regional Equipment - (5) 50 gp gold bar Weapons of Choice - (2) +1 keen dwarven buckler-axes of bashing (9,350 gold a piece) "The Bulette" is mainly named so because of the image that two buckler-axes on a dwarf inspired. Combined with a stubborn, bullish nature and it just seemed appropriate. Early on, the character can utilize a dwarven waraxe and dwarven buckler-axe for the increased damage. Later, after the level of Exotic Weapon Master, there should be funds for two +1 dwarven buckler-axes of bashing (3,000 gold a piece due to Mercantile Background). Those weapons are primarily where the "bulette" theme comes in, but if you want to take it to extremes, the mineral warrior template grants a nice burrow speed to go along with that. Once the character has both of these it really starts getting into the gist of the build, beginning to focus upon its two-weapon fighting capabilities. Each weapon deals 2d6+1 damage with a 20/x3 critical. Two-weapon fighting is only at a -1 penalty and you technically have both hands free, so if you wanted to wield a wand or have a ranged weapon available it shouldn't be a problem. By the end of the build, you should reliably be doing 10d6 damage + Str on 4 attacks with your primary hand and 10d6 + Str/2 on 3 attacks with your off hand between Cloak of Deception and flanking. With 19 BAB you shouldn't have any trouble hitting and if you do, you can always utilize an Emerald Razor strike to use a touch attack. AC and hit points shouldn't be an issue and your saves should be decent with the exception of Will, which is accounted for with a Concentration check built up with ranger and warblade. Additionally, you can double up as a trapfinder and scout for the party, though you would likely need to sacrifice almost everything other than search, disable device, move silently, and hide. For you, open lock is called "Mountain Hammer" strike.
GaffeR 12-05-06, 02:10 AM	Cool. :D
LordMongoose 12-05-06, 03:14 AM	How are you getting Dex to damage? A buckler-axe is a Shadow Hand favored weapon?
Balthanon 12-05-06, 03:24 AM	How are you getting Dex to damage? A buckler-axe is a Shadow Hand favored weapon? Definite oversight. :) That's what I get for doing this at 1 in the morning. Corrected for now, though I'll need to think about whether there are any better alternatives than Improved Critical. (Preferably workable on those immune to sneak attack.)
PhoenixInferno 12-05-06, 03:32 AM	You'll want to find a way to work Stormguard Warrior into that. No TWF'ing Martial Adept should be without it. At least, very few of them.
Balthanon 12-06-06, 06:01 PM	Hmm... Stormguard Warrior would be a good replacement for the Dex to damage, particularly for opponents who are immune to sneak attack-- however, it involves dropping either Assassin's Stance or Greater Two-Weapon Fighting in order to pick up the requisite feats. The most efficient manner would likely be the feat rogue variant from Unearthed Arcana if I were going to drop Assassin's Stance from the build anyway. I could then take Assassin's Stance with a bonus feat plus Improved Two-Weapon Fighting and move Ironheart Aura and Stormguard Warrior into those feat slots. That 10d6 damage number did sound nice though. :) (And Stormguard Warrior always struck me as having the potential to be very easy to interupt by the opponent if they moved away.) Still, it is likely the best option available... I'll just have to add some elemental damage to the weapons I suppose.
Aegeu 12-06-06, 06:17 PM	Greater TWF, IIRC, doesn't grant you that great a bonus because you make your extra attack at such a penalty. So, you could drop that for Stormguard Warrior
Balthanon 12-06-06, 06:29 PM	Greater TWF, IIRC, doesn't grant you that great a bonus because you make your extra attack at such a penalty. So, you could drop that for Stormguard Warrior Hitting with a standard attack is difficult with Greater Two-Weapon Fighting, since it's at a -10. Ironically though, hitting with Stormguard Warrior + Greater Two Weapon Fighting is not such an issue-- and you pick up an extra +5 bonus to damage on the next round. Alternate Progression: ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level \| Class \| Feats \| BAB ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Level 1: Ranger [Track], Mercantile Background +1 Level 2: Fighter [Axe Focus*] +2 Level 3: Ranger [Two-Weapon Fighting], Imp. Shield Bash +3 Level 4: Fighter [Improved Initiative] +4 Level 5: Warblade +5 Level 6: Warblade Martial Study (Cloak of Deception) +6 Level 7: Exotic W. Master /Twin Exotic Weapon Fighting/ +7 Level 8: Rogue (2d6) [Martial Stance (Assassin's Stance)] +7 Level 9: Rogue Ironheart Aura +8 Level 10: Rogue [Imp. Two-Weapon Fighting] +9 Level 11: N. Enforcer (3d6) +10 Level 12: N. Enforcer Stormguard Warrior +11 Level 13: N. Enforcer +12 Level 14: N. Enforcer (4d6) +13 Level 15: N. Enforcer Greater Two Weapon Fighting +14 Level 16: N. Enforcer +15 Level 17: N. Enforcer (5d6) +16 Level 18: N. Enforcer Darkstalker +17 Level 19: N. Enforcer +18 Level 20: N. Enforcer (6d6) +19 I tend to prefer interpreting the feat rogue variant as replacing sneak attack with feats, as it keeps the feats more balanced with the progression of its other special abilities.
Eled_the_Worm_Tamer 12-09-06, 01:20 PM	You'll want to find a way to work Stormguard Warrior into that. No TWF'ing Martial Adept should be without it. At least, very few of them. Sorry for the noobish question, but where can I find Stormguard Warrior?
Balthanon 12-09-06, 01:32 PM	Tome of Battle.