Drow warblade with 18 strength focusing on unorthodox drow fighting style... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Drow warblade with 18 strength focusing on unorthodox drow fighting style... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
zephiel7
04-09-08, 08:48 PM Hi...just wanted people's opinion. I was offered the chance to play drow fighting class of my choosing. Just wanted people's input on him.

He's going to be an unorthodox drow - I fully intend to give this guy at the very least a 16 strength. He's going to be around 5'6-5'7 (tall for a drow elf). His favoured weapon shall be the greatsword. His fighting style is going to emphasize on skill(intelligence), power(dex, str), AND some grace (an unusual combination, but hey, he IS a drow)

How do you people imagine a big drow elf would look? Dare I say, stocky (if that's even possible for an elf :p)? I have to have his description plotted out before the game begins.

For the class, I've chosen warblade. The combat style of warblade is geared towards graceful fighting, but also caters towards power at the same time - the way I imagine this guy would fight. The combination I imagine is fairly good, the drow spell resistance shall cover the warblade's relatively weak saving throws. He gets a +2 to intelligence, which is nice for many of the warblade's interesting abilities. The d12 serves to cover the drow's unfortunate -1 hp/level.

Any tips to optimize this class while remaining true to the concept I have planned out for him? Thanks.
sonofzeal
04-09-08, 10:27 PM It sounds like you'd be well-served by a Warblade/Swordsage multiclassing, with a focus on Iron Heart, Diamond Mind, and Shadow Hand. Also keep in mind that you do qualify for Eternal Blade, which is a pretty solid elf-only PrC.
Shaggy_Shaggs
04-10-08, 02:37 AM Stocky is possible for drow (or at least, I never got any complaints about my stocky drow ages ago) but it'd be pretty rare... I suppose it would depend somewhat on your Con, too. A tough guy that can absorb a lot of punishment in addition to dishing it out is likely to be big and brawny, with kinda bulky muscles that pad impact and support joints so hits that'd break a lesser man's bones or dislocate them just leave really nasty bruises on this guy. An especially strong but relatively fragile sort, on the other hand, seems more likely to be sinewy but really lean, some bone structure (ribs, large joints) faintly visible when not covered, and not padded much. Given that you're somewhat Int-based, the strength could even be explained away as not brute force and muscle mass at all -- he could be a scrawny beanpole that simply has a good grasp of rudimentary physics, and takes a great deal of advantage from leverage and careful load balancing.
Raxxman
04-10-08, 06:55 AM for muscles think Bruce Lee over Arnie. Lean but Ripped
UnderworldLord
04-12-08, 02:02 PM I give you Ryld Agrith. War of the Spider Queen series. He was awesome.

R.I.P. Ryld.
Shiftkitty
04-14-08, 03:32 PM Ryld lives on in my game, your Lordship!

As for the OPs physical description, elves don't "bulk up". Raxxman's got it on the money. Schwarznegger's muscles are based on the fairly repetitive and predictable training of body-building, while Bruce Lee's muscles have toned through the spontaneous and unpredictable motions of martial arts as well as through routine exercise. Big, beefy biceps can pack a lot of power, but they aren't much good if you can't bring them around in the blink of an eye. The speed and grace of Bruce Lee and other martial artists is far more suited to an elf, especially a drow, than the unstoppable wall of Conanesque body-builders, which is suited more to the human and orc/hobgoblin races.

(I drew my observations from an article in an old issue of Karate Magazine which asked the question of who would win, Bruce Lee or Mohammed Ali. My only conclusion was that Lee could land a hundred hits before Ali got off even one, but one was all Ali would need...:D )
sonofzeal
04-14-08, 08:23 PM (I drew my observations from an article in an old issue of Karate Magazine which asked the question of who would win, Bruce Lee or Mohammed Ali. My only conclusion was that Lee could land a hundred hits before Ali got off even one, but one was all Ali would need...:D )
In a no-rules match? Bruce Lee hands down. Dude was not only fast, and tough as nails, he was downright freakishly strong. That, if anything was his most defining physical trait - other martial artists can match his agility, some (Jet Li comes to mind) can probably beat his speed, but Bruce Lee's muscle development and sheer strength beats most professional body builders. He's over half a foot shorter than Cassius Clay, but I'd put money on him being able to do more damage in a single punch.

But yeah, Bruce Lee (http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/8/85/The.Way.Of.The.Dragon.1972.Bruce.Lee.fle x.front.jpg) isn't the poster child for sleek, un-bulked strength. Jet Li (http://images.china.cn/images1/200701/381114.jpg), maybe?

zephiel7 - any update on what's going on? Have you made the character, or had any more thoughts on what you want out of him?
zephiel7
04-15-08, 08:50 PM Wow. Thanks for the input everyone!

I've talked to my DM about the drow warblade wielding a greatsword, which he merely smirked and replied that dual wielding weapons was the drow way - he was okay with it though.

We're using a 32 point buy (monster encounters will be scaled appropriately) so my stats are going to be roughly around:

Character profile

Str: 16
Dex: 16
Con: 14
Int: 16
Wis: 10
Cha:10

Should I take points from dex and put it into strength? Are there any dex based feats that could benefit such a fighter?

He's going to be around 5'7 1/2, sinewy, lean, and very muscular. Condensed if you will. :p That picture of Bruce is the right type of bulk...the type that doesn't slow you down in a fight. He's more of an Anderson Silva than a Mike Tyson (if you know MMA and boxing :p)- lean but heavy handed.

Background

Bare bones right now...I would love some creative input. Even as a child, he was genetically strong for a drow - he would outwrestle orc slaves, or beat them through bare knuckle brawling. Before a fight, he feels out his opponents style, memorizes any patterns (if any) and then he strikes with an incredible amount of power that belies his small frame.

Upon learning of drow martial arts, he found he benefited greatly from the range, leverage, and power of a two handed weapon. He excelled against many of his colleagues and earned the attention of several benefactors.

Now's the clincher- where would a drow warblade learn his craft? Warblade stances and maneuvers are rather esoteric. Would it be an academy, or a lone teacher teaching my PC?

I was aiming for the idea of how he was taught by a fairly powerful warrior (warblade) - who lives outside of drow society. He only spends precious time teaching a select few aspirants in the Sublime Way - those with required athleticism and intelligence to pursue such a demanding path.

As for the PC's views:

One thing is for certain - my character is not particularly fond of the spider queen - not because of any moral compulsions but because she places several restrictions on how much a male can advance in society. For that reason he works with the matron mothers - but grudgingly. At the moment, he know's better than to bite the hand that feeds him.

Mechanics

SonofZeal - you mentioned that a warblade/swordsage with shadow hand/diamond mind/tigerclaw, would be better than a pure warblade? Are you referring to a dex/int build that uses a shadow hand stance + the feat that lets you add dex bonus instead of strength for damage?

You also mentioned the runeblade....I don't have Bo9S with me...what does that class have again that would benefit my concept (power +skill). Thanks!

What I was originally intending was synergizing my int-based abilities, strength, and maneuvers to deal some heavy damage. My spell resistance and some of the diamond mind maneuvers should allow me to "tank" some magical damage as well (which most fighters would indeed have a difficult time doing).

If I have spare maneuvers, I wouldn't mind having some battlefield control options (I usually let the mages have fun with that. :p)

SonofZeal, everyone else, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Shiftkitty
04-15-08, 10:13 PM I rather like the lone teacher approach. Suppose your boy there got really good at sneaking out of town. Far better to practice his fighting skills where rivals can't watch him and maybe take him out early. He stays close enough to the city so that he's within patrol range, but isolated enough to be alone. He switches his practice location every so often just in case someone tries to track him along a worn path. One day he heads out for a new spot and tries a few motions and patterns he's been thinking about. Problem is he's wandered too close to the hideout of a drow warrior who survived a failed overthrow in a distant city and has been living out in the wilds a la Drizzt. Your boy tries to defend himself but gets his butt whupped eight ways to Sunday by this guy who is an obvious master at his art. The warrior is impressed with what the youth has so far displayed, however, and spares his life, offering him training in exchange for some of the luxury items he's missed from his days as a Matron Mother's consort (before he separated her head from her shoulders). He's where your boy learned that the Matrons are not the be-all and end-all of existence and that the Spider Queen doesn't have complete control over all drow. Your boy learned a lot of dangerous things from his teacher.

YOUR BOY: When do I graduate?
TEACHER: When you kill me.
sonofzeal
04-15-08, 10:36 PM Mechanics

SonofZeal - you mentioned that a warblade/swordsage with shadow hand/diamond mind/tigerclaw, would be better than a pure warblade? Are you referring to a dex/int build that uses a shadow hand stance + the feat that lets you add dex bonus instead of strength for damage?

You also mentioned the runeblade....I don't have Bo9S with me...what does that class have again that would benefit my concept (power +skill). Thanks!

What I was originally intending was synergizing my int-based abilities, strength, and maneuvers to deal some heavy damage. My spell resistance and some of the diamond mind maneuvers should allow me to "tank" some magical damage as well (which most fighters would indeed have a difficult time doing).

If I have spare maneuvers, I wouldn't mind having some battlefield control options (I usually let the mages have fun with that. :p)

SonofZeal, everyone else, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Well, the reason I like Swordsage/Warblade over straight Warblade is for the sheer number of maneuvers Swordsages get in their first few levels. It shouldn't be hard to find a few mid-level maneuvers that are worth the time. The AC Bonus, boost to initiative, and free Weapon Focus are nice too.

The Prestige Class I mentioned was Eternal Blade. It's in ToB itself, and you can find out more here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=14400541&postcount=6). Just scroll down a bit. It's elf-only, the flavour involves dueling endlessly with the spirit form of an ancient elven warrior during your trance, and there's a lot of Int Synergy and some powerful abilities.

For tanking, don't forget Iron Heart Surge, possibly the best thing to ever happen to tanks since... well, ever.

For Battlefield Control... I suppose the standard answer here is to dip Crusader (instead of Swordsage most likely) for Thicket of Blades, get yourself a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes, and possibly Stand Still (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/psionicFeats.htm#standStill). Note that while Stand Still is in the Psionic Feats section, it's listed as "General" and hence can be taken by non-psi characters.
runestar
04-16-08, 01:19 AM I am thinking tall and lean (somewhat like Mido Ban from the Get Backers anime).:P

As for multiclassing martial adepts, xp penalties aside, it is not a bad idea. Hope this article will be able to help you somewhat.

http://forums.gleemax.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-683268
RobbyPants
04-16-08, 09:31 AM Should I take points from dex and put it into strength? Are there any dex based feats that could benefit such a fighter?
Well, with a warblade only being proficient in medium armor, a 16 Dex could still be a handy way to keep your AC up. If you wear mithirl fullplate, you can still use that +3 Dex mod to AC.

Also, as for feats, how often does the DM have monsters provoke AoOs? If monsters are constantly running through your threatening areas, Combat Reflexes might be a good investment. If the DM tends to run the monsters more cautiously, it might be a wasted feat.

The problem with moving points from Dex to Str is that it costs a lot to do so with point-buy. If the stats you listed are after ability adjustments are figured in, then droping your Dex by two only gains you two points. Raising your Str score by two will cost you six, however. I seldom spring for an 18 on an ability score with point-buy (even 32 points) unless the class doesn't depend on many atributes. I think the stats look pretty good as-is.
SolenVlos
04-16-08, 11:29 AM I'd point you to Uthegental.

while Ryld is a stronger-than-dextrous, Uthegental is as unorthodox as a drow can get.

Huge, fullplate, trident and net, mohawk, many facial piercings, and a powerful battle frenzy.
zephiel7
04-16-08, 02:50 PM Thanks all for replies. After I finish my exams, I guess I can get my game plan up for this guy :D

Shiftkitty - I really like that idea about the master being a drow from another city. Perhaps he killed his matron mother when she told him to do something he really didn't want to do and now he is being persecuted for it. Perhaps he was the sole survivor from an attack against another drow house...

Regardless, my PC saw how athletic and powerful this man is. How he can stand against dark magiks with just strength of will alone. He sees enough to realize that training with this guy would be extremely beneficial.

SonofZeal -The elven runeblade sounds very interesting...I'll definitely have to take a look into it. Iron heart surge and the diamond mind maneuvers added to drow spell resistance should make this guy a beast against early-mid level wizards and clerics :D.

RobbyScore - Yeah, I was thinking about putting combat reflexes. My DM is rather well balanced in his approach - he doesn't seem to favor either style. The problem is I was considering going weapon supremacy path so that I can use my two handed weapon in a grapple. :p I still haven't planned out all my feats as of yet...

I didn't know you could add +3 dex in mithril fullplate. Nice!

SolenVos - Yeah, Uthengal Dem Argo (I think how you spell?) was pretty crazy. My problem with him is that he relied soley on his brute force, granted he was able to outmuscle an entire brigade of dwarves - it's not what I am aiming for. If I had to take Salvatore's characters and analyze their style, I guess my guy would be in between Uthengal and Drizzt.

As for Ryld, I've never read "War of the Spider Queen" books. Should I?
Shiftkitty
04-16-08, 03:12 PM Glad to be of help! And I recommend WotSQ, even if only for their entertainment value. I'm in the middle of it right now and have really grown attached to the characters. (I know, big mistake with a drow character.) I haven't read very many other drow-based novels, but I do like how WotSQ dabbles inot drow psychology from time to time. Helped me craft a nasty mis-placed priestess of Lloth in my Eberron campaign. Hee hee! Those boys never knew what hit 'em!
sonofzeal
04-16-08, 04:44 PM {sorry, double post}
sonofzeal
04-16-08, 04:44 PM SonofZeal -The elven runeblade sounds very interesting...I'll definitely have to take a look into it. Iron heart surge and the diamond mind maneuvers added to drow spell resistance should make this guy a beast against early-mid level wizards and clerics :D.
The PrC is "Eternal Blade". I'm not sure where you're getting "Runeblade" from.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
zephiel7 04-09-08, 08:48 PM	Hi...just wanted people's opinion. I was offered the chance to play drow fighting class of my choosing. Just wanted people's input on him. He's going to be an unorthodox drow - I fully intend to give this guy at the very least a 16 strength. He's going to be around 5'6-5'7 (tall for a drow elf). His favoured weapon shall be the greatsword. His fighting style is going to emphasize on skill(intelligence), power(dex, str), AND some grace (an unusual combination, but hey, he IS a drow) How do you people imagine a big drow elf would look? Dare I say, stocky (if that's even possible for an elf :p)? I have to have his description plotted out before the game begins. For the class, I've chosen warblade. The combat style of warblade is geared towards graceful fighting, but also caters towards power at the same time - the way I imagine this guy would fight. The combination I imagine is fairly good, the drow spell resistance shall cover the warblade's relatively weak saving throws. He gets a +2 to intelligence, which is nice for many of the warblade's interesting abilities. The d12 serves to cover the drow's unfortunate -1 hp/level. Any tips to optimize this class while remaining true to the concept I have planned out for him? Thanks.
sonofzeal 04-09-08, 10:27 PM	It sounds like you'd be well-served by a Warblade/Swordsage multiclassing, with a focus on Iron Heart, Diamond Mind, and Shadow Hand. Also keep in mind that you do qualify for Eternal Blade, which is a pretty solid elf-only PrC.
Shaggy_Shaggs 04-10-08, 02:37 AM	Stocky is possible for drow (or at least, I never got any complaints about my stocky drow ages ago) but it'd be pretty rare... I suppose it would depend somewhat on your Con, too. A tough guy that can absorb a lot of punishment in addition to dishing it out is likely to be big and brawny, with kinda bulky muscles that pad impact and support joints so hits that'd break a lesser man's bones or dislocate them just leave really nasty bruises on this guy. An especially strong but relatively fragile sort, on the other hand, seems more likely to be sinewy but really lean, some bone structure (ribs, large joints) faintly visible when not covered, and not padded much. Given that you're somewhat Int-based, the strength could even be explained away as not brute force and muscle mass at all -- he could be a scrawny beanpole that simply has a good grasp of rudimentary physics, and takes a great deal of advantage from leverage and careful load balancing.
Raxxman 04-10-08, 06:55 AM	for muscles think Bruce Lee over Arnie. Lean but Ripped
UnderworldLord 04-12-08, 02:02 PM	I give you Ryld Agrith. War of the Spider Queen series. He was awesome. R.I.P. Ryld.
Shiftkitty 04-14-08, 03:32 PM	Ryld lives on in my game, your Lordship! As for the OPs physical description, elves don't "bulk up". Raxxman's got it on the money. Schwarznegger's muscles are based on the fairly repetitive and predictable training of body-building, while Bruce Lee's muscles have toned through the spontaneous and unpredictable motions of martial arts as well as through routine exercise. Big, beefy biceps can pack a lot of power, but they aren't much good if you can't bring them around in the blink of an eye. The speed and grace of Bruce Lee and other martial artists is far more suited to an elf, especially a drow, than the unstoppable wall of Conanesque body-builders, which is suited more to the human and orc/hobgoblin races. (I drew my observations from an article in an old issue of Karate Magazine which asked the question of who would win, Bruce Lee or Mohammed Ali. My only conclusion was that Lee could land a hundred hits before Ali got off even one, but one was all Ali would need...:D )
sonofzeal 04-14-08, 08:23 PM	(I drew my observations from an article in an old issue of Karate Magazine which asked the question of who would win, Bruce Lee or Mohammed Ali. My only conclusion was that Lee could land a hundred hits before Ali got off even one, but one was all Ali would need...:D ) In a no-rules match? Bruce Lee hands down. Dude was not only fast, and tough as nails, he was downright freakishly strong. That, if anything was his most defining physical trait - other martial artists can match his agility, some (Jet Li comes to mind) can probably beat his speed, but Bruce Lee's muscle development and sheer strength beats most professional body builders. He's over half a foot shorter than Cassius Clay, but I'd put money on him being able to do more damage in a single punch. But yeah, Bruce Lee (http://content.answers.com/main/content/wp/en/8/85/The.Way.Of.The.Dragon.1972.Bruce.Lee.fle x.front.jpg) isn't the poster child for sleek, un-bulked strength. Jet Li (http://images.china.cn/images1/200701/381114.jpg), maybe? zephiel7 - any update on what's going on? Have you made the character, or had any more thoughts on what you want out of him?
zephiel7 04-15-08, 08:50 PM	Wow. Thanks for the input everyone! I've talked to my DM about the drow warblade wielding a greatsword, which he merely smirked and replied that dual wielding weapons was the drow way - he was okay with it though. We're using a 32 point buy (monster encounters will be scaled appropriately) so my stats are going to be roughly around: Character profile Str: 16 Dex: 16 Con: 14 Int: 16 Wis: 10 Cha:10 Should I take points from dex and put it into strength? Are there any dex based feats that could benefit such a fighter? He's going to be around 5'7 1/2, sinewy, lean, and very muscular. Condensed if you will. :p That picture of Bruce is the right type of bulk...the type that doesn't slow you down in a fight. He's more of an Anderson Silva than a Mike Tyson (if you know MMA and boxing :p)- lean but heavy handed. Background Bare bones right now...I would love some creative input. Even as a child, he was genetically strong for a drow - he would outwrestle orc slaves, or beat them through bare knuckle brawling. Before a fight, he feels out his opponents style, memorizes any patterns (if any) and then he strikes with an incredible amount of power that belies his small frame. Upon learning of drow martial arts, he found he benefited greatly from the range, leverage, and power of a two handed weapon. He excelled against many of his colleagues and earned the attention of several benefactors. Now's the clincher- where would a drow warblade learn his craft? Warblade stances and maneuvers are rather esoteric. Would it be an academy, or a lone teacher teaching my PC? I was aiming for the idea of how he was taught by a fairly powerful warrior (warblade) - who lives outside of drow society. He only spends precious time teaching a select few aspirants in the Sublime Way - those with required athleticism and intelligence to pursue such a demanding path. As for the PC's views: One thing is for certain - my character is not particularly fond of the spider queen - not because of any moral compulsions but because she places several restrictions on how much a male can advance in society. For that reason he works with the matron mothers - but grudgingly. At the moment, he know's better than to bite the hand that feeds him. Mechanics SonofZeal - you mentioned that a warblade/swordsage with shadow hand/diamond mind/tigerclaw, would be better than a pure warblade? Are you referring to a dex/int build that uses a shadow hand stance + the feat that lets you add dex bonus instead of strength for damage? You also mentioned the runeblade....I don't have Bo9S with me...what does that class have again that would benefit my concept (power +skill). Thanks! What I was originally intending was synergizing my int-based abilities, strength, and maneuvers to deal some heavy damage. My spell resistance and some of the diamond mind maneuvers should allow me to "tank" some magical damage as well (which most fighters would indeed have a difficult time doing). If I have spare maneuvers, I wouldn't mind having some battlefield control options (I usually let the mages have fun with that. :p) SonofZeal, everyone else, what are your thoughts on the matter?
Shiftkitty 04-15-08, 10:13 PM	I rather like the lone teacher approach. Suppose your boy there got really good at sneaking out of town. Far better to practice his fighting skills where rivals can't watch him and maybe take him out early. He stays close enough to the city so that he's within patrol range, but isolated enough to be alone. He switches his practice location every so often just in case someone tries to track him along a worn path. One day he heads out for a new spot and tries a few motions and patterns he's been thinking about. Problem is he's wandered too close to the hideout of a drow warrior who survived a failed overthrow in a distant city and has been living out in the wilds a la Drizzt. Your boy tries to defend himself but gets his butt whupped eight ways to Sunday by this guy who is an obvious master at his art. The warrior is impressed with what the youth has so far displayed, however, and spares his life, offering him training in exchange for some of the luxury items he's missed from his days as a Matron Mother's consort (before he separated her head from her shoulders). He's where your boy learned that the Matrons are not the be-all and end-all of existence and that the Spider Queen doesn't have complete control over all drow. Your boy learned a lot of dangerous things from his teacher. YOUR BOY: When do I graduate? TEACHER: When you kill me.
sonofzeal 04-15-08, 10:36 PM	Mechanics SonofZeal - you mentioned that a warblade/swordsage with shadow hand/diamond mind/tigerclaw, would be better than a pure warblade? Are you referring to a dex/int build that uses a shadow hand stance + the feat that lets you add dex bonus instead of strength for damage? You also mentioned the runeblade....I don't have Bo9S with me...what does that class have again that would benefit my concept (power +skill). Thanks! What I was originally intending was synergizing my int-based abilities, strength, and maneuvers to deal some heavy damage. My spell resistance and some of the diamond mind maneuvers should allow me to "tank" some magical damage as well (which most fighters would indeed have a difficult time doing). If I have spare maneuvers, I wouldn't mind having some battlefield control options (I usually let the mages have fun with that. :p) SonofZeal, everyone else, what are your thoughts on the matter? Well, the reason I like Swordsage/Warblade over straight Warblade is for the sheer number of maneuvers Swordsages get in their first few levels. It shouldn't be hard to find a few mid-level maneuvers that are worth the time. The AC Bonus, boost to initiative, and free Weapon Focus are nice too. The Prestige Class I mentioned was Eternal Blade. It's in ToB itself, and you can find out more here (http://forums.gleemax.com/showpost.php?p=14400541&postcount=6). Just scroll down a bit. It's elf-only, the flavour involves dueling endlessly with the spirit form of an ancient elven warrior during your trance, and there's a lot of Int Synergy and some powerful abilities. For tanking, don't forget Iron Heart Surge, possibly the best thing to ever happen to tanks since... well, ever. For Battlefield Control... I suppose the standard answer here is to dip Crusader (instead of Swordsage most likely) for Thicket of Blades, get yourself a reach weapon and Combat Reflexes, and possibly Stand Still (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/psionicFeats.htm#standStill). Note that while Stand Still is in the Psionic Feats section, it's listed as "General" and hence can be taken by non-psi characters.
runestar 04-16-08, 01:19 AM	I am thinking tall and lean (somewhat like Mido Ban from the Get Backers anime).:P As for multiclassing martial adepts, xp penalties aside, it is not a bad idea. Hope this article will be able to help you somewhat. http://forums.gleemax.com/wotc_archive/index.php/t-683268
RobbyPants 04-16-08, 09:31 AM	Should I take points from dex and put it into strength? Are there any dex based feats that could benefit such a fighter? Well, with a warblade only being proficient in medium armor, a 16 Dex could still be a handy way to keep your AC up. If you wear mithirl fullplate, you can still use that +3 Dex mod to AC. Also, as for feats, how often does the DM have monsters provoke AoOs? If monsters are constantly running through your threatening areas, Combat Reflexes might be a good investment. If the DM tends to run the monsters more cautiously, it might be a wasted feat. The problem with moving points from Dex to Str is that it costs a lot to do so with point-buy. If the stats you listed are after ability adjustments are figured in, then droping your Dex by two only gains you two points. Raising your Str score by two will cost you six, however. I seldom spring for an 18 on an ability score with point-buy (even 32 points) unless the class doesn't depend on many atributes. I think the stats look pretty good as-is.
SolenVlos 04-16-08, 11:29 AM	I'd point you to Uthegental. while Ryld is a stronger-than-dextrous, Uthegental is as unorthodox as a drow can get. Huge, fullplate, trident and net, mohawk, many facial piercings, and a powerful battle frenzy.
zephiel7 04-16-08, 02:50 PM	Thanks all for replies. After I finish my exams, I guess I can get my game plan up for this guy :D Shiftkitty - I really like that idea about the master being a drow from another city. Perhaps he killed his matron mother when she told him to do something he really didn't want to do and now he is being persecuted for it. Perhaps he was the sole survivor from an attack against another drow house... Regardless, my PC saw how athletic and powerful this man is. How he can stand against dark magiks with just strength of will alone. He sees enough to realize that training with this guy would be extremely beneficial. SonofZeal -The elven runeblade sounds very interesting...I'll definitely have to take a look into it. Iron heart surge and the diamond mind maneuvers added to drow spell resistance should make this guy a beast against early-mid level wizards and clerics :D. RobbyScore - Yeah, I was thinking about putting combat reflexes. My DM is rather well balanced in his approach - he doesn't seem to favor either style. The problem is I was considering going weapon supremacy path so that I can use my two handed weapon in a grapple. :p I still haven't planned out all my feats as of yet... I didn't know you could add +3 dex in mithril fullplate. Nice! SolenVos - Yeah, Uthengal Dem Argo (I think how you spell?) was pretty crazy. My problem with him is that he relied soley on his brute force, granted he was able to outmuscle an entire brigade of dwarves - it's not what I am aiming for. If I had to take Salvatore's characters and analyze their style, I guess my guy would be in between Uthengal and Drizzt. As for Ryld, I've never read "War of the Spider Queen" books. Should I?
Shiftkitty 04-16-08, 03:12 PM	Glad to be of help! And I recommend WotSQ, even if only for their entertainment value. I'm in the middle of it right now and have really grown attached to the characters. (I know, big mistake with a drow character.) I haven't read very many other drow-based novels, but I do like how WotSQ dabbles inot drow psychology from time to time. Helped me craft a nasty mis-placed priestess of Lloth in my Eberron campaign. Hee hee! Those boys never knew what hit 'em!
sonofzeal 04-16-08, 04:44 PM	{sorry, double post}
sonofzeal 04-16-08, 04:44 PM	SonofZeal -The elven runeblade sounds very interesting...I'll definitely have to take a look into it. Iron heart surge and the diamond mind maneuvers added to drow spell resistance should make this guy a beast against early-mid level wizards and clerics :D. The PrC is "Eternal Blade". I'm not sure where you're getting "Runeblade" from.