Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 friendlyhippocampus Jun 09, 2011 21:45:09	Hi everyone, so recently we started doing alot of core stuff (PHB, DMG, MM) as a challenge, and so after some googling, it seems in core, other than spellcasting, tripping is pretty effective. I don't really like playing spellcasters, so I'm trying out a tripping build I'm not very good at builds, but I was thinking: Human (str 15, dex 14, con 12, int 13, wis 10, cha 8 elite array ) Planning on going from levels 1-12 Fighter 2/Barbarian 1/Monk 2/Assassin 3/Dragon Disciple 4 1) Combat Reflexes, EWP (Spiked Chain), Iron Will ? 2) Combat Expertise 3) Improved Trip 4) Improved Grapple 5) Deflect Arrows 6) Power Attack 9) Cleave 12) Improved Initiative ? I'd like to stay with dragon disciple for the strength increases, and as for spiked chain, I just think it'd be cool to see a half-dragon guy breaking people in half with a big chain Monk just for saves and evasion, since in the past I always seem to get killed by a fireball or breath weapon Any feedback is appreciated, thanks!
#2 ryu_bonkosi Jun 10, 2011 8:41:10	Boom! Hope that helps.
#3 Tempest_Stormwind Jun 10, 2011 12:59:02	AH! THAT'S where I saw that! Thanks, Ryu! (I'd saved a local copy ages ago but forgot to attribute it to the original author.) Yes, I was going to suggest the horizon tripper approach as well. It works alarmingly well for core, and I've suggested it and variations on it more than once.  However, Friendly Hippocampus, I would suggest you take another look at your alignment before progressing along the proposed path. Barbarian requires nonlawful (and loses abilities if lawful), while monk requires lawful (and gives up its advancement if nonlawful). Several DMs will cry foul at planned alignment shifts like that. Monk also costs you base attack and doesn't really grant you much in return (since you lose evasion if you wear armor, and as a tripper you'll *want* armor - you're dedicating most of your resources into Strength and Dexterity, so Constitution and Wisdom are lower than necessary). You'll go from being killed by fireballs to being killed by attackers.  I'd suggest ranger levels instead - since you're not using a ranger style, you can wear medium armor without losing much, and ranger gives you the skill points needed to get into assassin (assuming you want that route after reading the Horizon Tripper).