Need advice for on a Totemist - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Need advice for on a Totemist

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
tdsaw111
Jun 04, 2009 22:45:04 Hey folks. So I am thinking of playing a totemist in an upcoming game. The game will be in Eberron, and looks to be starting at 1st level. I am looking mostly at using things like Dragon Tail and Claws of the Wyrm to start, switching out CotW for Girallon Claws once I can totem bind.

Looks like the rest of the party will be a dwarven cleric with protection/glory domains, a paladin, and a rogue going toward arcane trickster. So basically I will be the front line. Basically looking for any suggestions. Thanks in advance.
#2
dawnmor
Jun 04, 2009 23:18:34 Ok your not going to get much of a response.

You may wish to put down stats, books allowed, house rules, what level your starting out, what level your going too.

What race you wish to play, you need to put down these lil tid bits if you want to get ANY! help what so ever.
#3
tdsaw111
Jun 04, 2009 23:30:15 Well it is an open ended game set in Eberron. The DM has not set anything except other campaign settings as off limits. Stats, ah yes forgot those sorry.

14, 14, 16, 9, 11, 13-Rolled stats.

As for race that is one of the suggestions I am looking for. Like I said, basically, I know I will need to be a front line guy, and I want to play a totemist. I did include that we are starting at first level. Actually the third sentence of my first post "The game will be in Eberron, and looks to be starting at 1st level."

So I guess the only thing you listed I actually missed was the Stats. My bad. Sorry. So yea, any help would be great.
#4
ikildkenny
Jun 05, 2009 6:36:28 firstof ... read the totemist's handbook ... andor the incaranum compilation (something along these lines - check surreal's indes)

second ... there's a CO-Diary of a Scarn totemist heading for totem Rager - have a look in that one too

third:

STR 14
DEX 14
CON 16
INT 11
WIS 13
CHA 9
#5
Koenig
Jun 05, 2009 7:33:16 If you play a Skarn with the Feral template, you can freely multiclass into barbarian, allowing you to play a Totemist/Barbarian/Totem Rager. You can add Bear Warrior and Warshaper to gain further benefits.

Skarn: Str +2, Dex -2
[Feral]: Str +4, Dex -2, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +2, LA +1, HD is at least 1d10

Girallon Arms (Totem): You gain 4 claw attacks.
Lamia Belt (Totem): You gain 2 secondary claw attacks.
Ankheg Breastplate (Totem): You gain a bite attack.
Sphinx Claws (Hands): You can make a full attack at the end of your charge action.
Totem Avatar (Shoulders): Your natural weapons deal damage as if you were one size category larger.
Worg Pelt (Hands): Trip opponents as a free action if you hit with a bite attack.

If you plan to bind Worg Pelt to your hand chakra you should bind Ankheg Breastplate instead of Lamia Belt to your totem chakra.

You need the feat Double Chakra (totem chakra) to bind Girallon Arms and Lamia Belt/Ankheg Breastplate. The feat Improved Natural Attack stacks with Totem Avatar (Shoulders), any item granting the same benefit stacks also. If you play a Skarn, you can select Multiattack at 1st level, otherwise you have to wait until you are able to bind Girallon Arms to your totem chakra. To add some fun to your build, you can take the Neraph Charge feat to deny your charged opponent its Dex modifier to its AC (and all subsequent effects depending on Dex to AC).
#6
dragonson
Jun 05, 2009 16:50:40 Okay, you say you want to go Totemist and use the Girallon Arms on your Totem at level 2... Are you focusing on the claw attacks or are you looking for grappling power?

The stat arrangement ikilldkenny proposed is probably your best option with your rolls. Feral Skarn looks nice, or you could consider a race with Powerful Build, such as Goliath or Half-Giant if you want to go the grapple route. A level of Monk also gets you Improved Grapple for 1 BAB. But I'd say it's worth it, rather than spending your precious feat slots on Imp. Unarmed Strike. Unless you can use Flaws... If so, you can go 1 Monk/Totemist X, pouring feats like Improved Soulmeld Capacity (Girralon Arms) and other things to maximize your grappling power.
#7
tdsaw111
Jun 06, 2009 10:36:37 Well as we are starting at first level I will not be able to take the Feral Template. Ditto on Goliaths. I like the idea of a Skarn though. Too bad I can't get Multiattack at first level. Was also considering a Shifter.

I read over the CO Diary, and while interesting, it was plagued with misuses of binds and such so was a bit limited. A while back I remember there being a really indepth handbook for Totemists, but when I search now all I find is one that appears to be a work in progress.

So for now I am thinking:

Human Totemist 1
Stats as suggested.

Feats: Power Attack, Bonus Essentia.

At third level I should be able to take Multiattack and at 6th Improved Natural Weapons. Any other suggestions?
#8
poignant123
Jun 06, 2009 10:51:45 Remember you can't bind the Dragon Magic soulmelds unless you have the Dragonblood Subtype.
#9
tdsaw111
Jun 06, 2009 10:55:14 Yeah I just read that last night. So I think I will have to wait until Level 2 to really do much offensively. Then i will have Girallon Arms bound to my Totem Chakra. I am more looking to go for a myriad of attacks.

What do yall think, Human gives me a bonus feat, Skarn and Shifter give natural attacks, then there is always Dwarf. Opinions?
#10
dragonson
Jun 06, 2009 19:18:51 Skarn is a good choice. The spines open up some more options. Even so, I'd go Human. Power Attack is a poor choice for you, at least in my opinion. You don't have a 2-handed weapon, and only Medium BAB. And the claws from Girallon Arms would only get 1/2 the penalty you take. Not worth it in my opinion.

If you can use ToB, you could consider throwing some Warblade levels in there (focusing on Tiger Claw) and take Bloodlcaw Master later (letting you Multiattack with all 4 claws without penalty on a full attack). Human also negates multiclass penalties with that. Could be fun. Even if not, Totemist or going Totemist/Barbarian/Totem Rager is really sweet.

And are you focusing on grapple or shredding your opponents flesh?
#11
tdsaw111
Jun 06, 2009 23:03:40 Wouldn't mind grappling early, but in my experience I have found that Grappling in mid+ levels just doesn't work. Everything is either too big, too strong, or you just plain have better options than to grapple. So I am mainly looking at shredding people.

So thinking that looking it over, I think I will go with Totemist/Barb/Totem Rager. Seems the most like what i want to do. Though I think I will take the Whirling Frenzy and Wolf Totem ACFs. I think Whirling Frenzy is nice and Wolf Totem gives me access to Imp. Trip with out the messy pre-reqs. Which, with so many attacks, can be absolutely crazy.

Had the crazy idea of maybe taking a Beast Heart Adept in place of Totem Rager. While I know that that would be less powerful, it would be interesting flavorwise. So if I go Skarn would Bonus Essentia be a good choice for my 1st level feat?
#12
dragonson
Jun 07, 2009 21:10:39 Sadly, Bonus Essentia can't be your first-level feat (requires Character level of 6), but you could take Cobalt Rage or something... Basically any Incarnum Feat, so as to boost your pool. And definitely go Expanded Soulmeld Capacity for Girallon Arms, I would say at 1. Then take Multiattack at 3 and Bonus Essentia at 6. It starts setting you up for some cruel abilities...
#13
poignant123
Jun 07, 2009 22:01:24 You could always use Silverbrow Human to get both the dragonblood subtype and the bonus feat. But personally I like races that have natural attacks, it's just a preference.
#14
tdsaw111
Jun 08, 2009 6:51:04 Currently torn between the Silverbrow Human and a Skarn. Also considered an Orc. Still not sure about Totem Rager. Doesn't seem to really give that much. But I do like the idea of taking Barbarian with the Whirling Frenzy and Wolf Totem substitutions. Free Imp Trip, plus a bonus attack, 2 levels of full BAB, and a free attack? Yes please!

So any further suggestions? I should be starting to play this on Tuesday. Maybe I will do a diary here... anyway, Suggestions?
#15
the_shaman
Jun 08, 2009 7:13:16
You could always use Silverbrow Human to get both the dragonblood subtype and the bonus feat. But personally I like races that have natural attacks, it's just a preference.

Normally good, but it's best to make sure they don't overlap with the totemist ones. I can't think of any low-HD ones right now, though - the dragons' wings, centaur's hooves, and the satyr's headbutt are all that comes to mind. Would a slam attack work in addition to claws and bite? I always thought it was a fist or something, which precluded a claw.
#16
ikildkenny
Jun 08, 2009 8:46:36 I would go the Skarn Route - you want to attack and deal damage - thats your best start.
I would allready decide whether you want to go Totem Rager or not.

because taking Barbarian as your first level and playing a Skarn looks quite good to me:
Bab+1, 12 HP, 4+int Skills, Rage and natural attacks ... you delay your totem chakra by one level, but it really doesn't matter that much
#17
poignant123
Jun 08, 2009 10:33:26 Only two LA +0 races I can think of that have natural weapons that don't overlap are the Warforged and Skarn.

As for races that don't have natural weapons, a Dragonborn will net you pretty nice things if you don't take Human. I'd select the Breath Weapon or the Wings.

Too bad RAW you lose natural weapons when you turn into a Dragonborn, otherwise a Dragonborn Skarn would be the best choice.
#18
tdsaw111
Jun 08, 2009 18:50:47 No love for the Orc huh?

Ok. Well as it stands, I am thinking that I should go Skarn or Orc. Either one has it's bonuses, and since I am in Eberron I can negate the Light Sensitivity with a 2 SP set of goggles. The Strength bonus would be nice, not sure if the one extra 1d6 attack is worth it. I guess I could do Barbarian as my first level, take Whirling Frenzy and then go into Totemist from there. Eventually pick up 2nd level of Barb for Wolf Totem to get the trip. Any other suggestions aside from Totem Rager? I could see maybe Reaping Mauler, even if it isnt that good. Any suggestions?

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 tdsaw111 Jun 04, 2009 22:45:04	Hey folks. So I am thinking of playing a totemist in an upcoming game. The game will be in Eberron, and looks to be starting at 1st level. I am looking mostly at using things like Dragon Tail and Claws of the Wyrm to start, switching out CotW for Girallon Claws once I can totem bind. Looks like the rest of the party will be a dwarven cleric with protection/glory domains, a paladin, and a rogue going toward arcane trickster. So basically I will be the front line. Basically looking for any suggestions. Thanks in advance.
#2 dawnmor Jun 04, 2009 23:18:34	Ok your not going to get much of a response. You may wish to put down stats, books allowed, house rules, what level your starting out, what level your going too. What race you wish to play, you need to put down these lil tid bits if you want to get ANY! help what so ever.
#3 tdsaw111 Jun 04, 2009 23:30:15	Well it is an open ended game set in Eberron. The DM has not set anything except other campaign settings as off limits. Stats, ah yes forgot those sorry. 14, 14, 16, 9, 11, 13-Rolled stats. As for race that is one of the suggestions I am looking for. Like I said, basically, I know I will need to be a front line guy, and I want to play a totemist. I did include that we are starting at first level. Actually the third sentence of my first post "The game will be in Eberron, and looks to be starting at 1st level." So I guess the only thing you listed I actually missed was the Stats. My bad. Sorry. So yea, any help would be great.
#4 ikildkenny Jun 05, 2009 6:36:28	firstof ... read the totemist's handbook ... andor the incaranum compilation (something along these lines - check surreal's indes) second ... there's a CO-Diary of a Scarn totemist heading for totem Rager - have a look in that one too third: STR 14 DEX 14 CON 16 INT 11 WIS 13 CHA 9
#5 Koenig Jun 05, 2009 7:33:16	If you play a Skarn with the Feral template, you can freely multiclass into barbarian, allowing you to play a Totemist/Barbarian/Totem Rager. You can add Bear Warrior and Warshaper to gain further benefits. Skarn: Str +2, Dex -2 [Feral]: Str +4, Dex -2, Con +2, Int -4, Wis +2, LA +1, HD is at least 1d10 Girallon Arms (Totem): You gain 4 claw attacks. Lamia Belt (Totem): You gain 2 secondary claw attacks. Ankheg Breastplate (Totem): You gain a bite attack. Sphinx Claws (Hands): You can make a full attack at the end of your charge action. Totem Avatar (Shoulders): Your natural weapons deal damage as if you were one size category larger. Worg Pelt (Hands): Trip opponents as a free action if you hit with a bite attack. If you plan to bind Worg Pelt to your hand chakra you should bind Ankheg Breastplate instead of Lamia Belt to your totem chakra. You need the feat Double Chakra (totem chakra) to bind Girallon Arms and Lamia Belt/Ankheg Breastplate. The feat Improved Natural Attack stacks with Totem Avatar (Shoulders), any item granting the same benefit stacks also. If you play a Skarn, you can select Multiattack at 1st level, otherwise you have to wait until you are able to bind Girallon Arms to your totem chakra. To add some fun to your build, you can take the Neraph Charge feat to deny your charged opponent its Dex modifier to its AC (and all subsequent effects depending on Dex to AC).
#6 dragonson Jun 05, 2009 16:50:40	Okay, you say you want to go Totemist and use the Girallon Arms on your Totem at level 2... Are you focusing on the claw attacks or are you looking for grappling power? The stat arrangement ikilldkenny proposed is probably your best option with your rolls. Feral Skarn looks nice, or you could consider a race with Powerful Build, such as Goliath or Half-Giant if you want to go the grapple route. A level of Monk also gets you Improved Grapple for 1 BAB. But I'd say it's worth it, rather than spending your precious feat slots on Imp. Unarmed Strike. Unless you can use Flaws... If so, you can go 1 Monk/Totemist X, pouring feats like Improved Soulmeld Capacity (Girralon Arms) and other things to maximize your grappling power.
#7 tdsaw111 Jun 06, 2009 10:36:37	Well as we are starting at first level I will not be able to take the Feral Template. Ditto on Goliaths. I like the idea of a Skarn though. Too bad I can't get Multiattack at first level. Was also considering a Shifter. I read over the CO Diary, and while interesting, it was plagued with misuses of binds and such so was a bit limited. A while back I remember there being a really indepth handbook for Totemists, but when I search now all I find is one that appears to be a work in progress. So for now I am thinking: Human Totemist 1 Stats as suggested. Feats: Power Attack, Bonus Essentia. At third level I should be able to take Multiattack and at 6th Improved Natural Weapons. Any other suggestions?
#8 poignant123 Jun 06, 2009 10:51:45	Remember you can't bind the Dragon Magic soulmelds unless you have the Dragonblood Subtype.
#9 tdsaw111 Jun 06, 2009 10:55:14	Yeah I just read that last night. So I think I will have to wait until Level 2 to really do much offensively. Then i will have Girallon Arms bound to my Totem Chakra. I am more looking to go for a myriad of attacks. What do yall think, Human gives me a bonus feat, Skarn and Shifter give natural attacks, then there is always Dwarf. Opinions?
#10 dragonson Jun 06, 2009 19:18:51	Skarn is a good choice. The spines open up some more options. Even so, I'd go Human. Power Attack is a poor choice for you, at least in my opinion. You don't have a 2-handed weapon, and only Medium BAB. And the claws from Girallon Arms would only get 1/2 the penalty you take. Not worth it in my opinion. If you can use ToB, you could consider throwing some Warblade levels in there (focusing on Tiger Claw) and take Bloodlcaw Master later (letting you Multiattack with all 4 claws without penalty on a full attack). Human also negates multiclass penalties with that. Could be fun. Even if not, Totemist or going Totemist/Barbarian/Totem Rager is really sweet. And are you focusing on grapple or shredding your opponents flesh?
#11 tdsaw111 Jun 06, 2009 23:03:40	Wouldn't mind grappling early, but in my experience I have found that Grappling in mid+ levels just doesn't work. Everything is either too big, too strong, or you just plain have better options than to grapple. So I am mainly looking at shredding people. So thinking that looking it over, I think I will go with Totemist/Barb/Totem Rager. Seems the most like what i want to do. Though I think I will take the Whirling Frenzy and Wolf Totem ACFs. I think Whirling Frenzy is nice and Wolf Totem gives me access to Imp. Trip with out the messy pre-reqs. Which, with so many attacks, can be absolutely crazy. Had the crazy idea of maybe taking a Beast Heart Adept in place of Totem Rager. While I know that that would be less powerful, it would be interesting flavorwise. So if I go Skarn would Bonus Essentia be a good choice for my 1st level feat?
#12 dragonson Jun 07, 2009 21:10:39	Sadly, Bonus Essentia can't be your first-level feat (requires Character level of 6), but you could take Cobalt Rage or something... Basically any Incarnum Feat, so as to boost your pool. And definitely go Expanded Soulmeld Capacity for Girallon Arms, I would say at 1. Then take Multiattack at 3 and Bonus Essentia at 6. It starts setting you up for some cruel abilities...
#13 poignant123 Jun 07, 2009 22:01:24	You could always use Silverbrow Human to get both the dragonblood subtype and the bonus feat. But personally I like races that have natural attacks, it's just a preference.
#14 tdsaw111 Jun 08, 2009 6:51:04	Currently torn between the Silverbrow Human and a Skarn. Also considered an Orc. Still not sure about Totem Rager. Doesn't seem to really give that much. But I do like the idea of taking Barbarian with the Whirling Frenzy and Wolf Totem substitutions. Free Imp Trip, plus a bonus attack, 2 levels of full BAB, and a free attack? Yes please! So any further suggestions? I should be starting to play this on Tuesday. Maybe I will do a diary here... anyway, Suggestions?
#15 the_shaman Jun 08, 2009 7:13:16	You could always use Silverbrow Human to get both the dragonblood subtype and the bonus feat. But personally I like races that have natural attacks, it's just a preference. Normally good, but it's best to make sure they don't overlap with the totemist ones. I can't think of any low-HD ones right now, though - the dragons' wings, centaur's hooves, and the satyr's headbutt are all that comes to mind. Would a slam attack work in addition to claws and bite? I always thought it was a fist or something, which precluded a claw.
#16 ikildkenny Jun 08, 2009 8:46:36	I would go the Skarn Route - you want to attack and deal damage - thats your best start. I would allready decide whether you want to go Totem Rager or not. because taking Barbarian as your first level and playing a Skarn looks quite good to me: Bab+1, 12 HP, 4+int Skills, Rage and natural attacks ... you delay your totem chakra by one level, but it really doesn't matter that much
#17 poignant123 Jun 08, 2009 10:33:26	Only two LA +0 races I can think of that have natural weapons that don't overlap are the Warforged and Skarn. As for races that don't have natural weapons, a Dragonborn will net you pretty nice things if you don't take Human. I'd select the Breath Weapon or the Wings. Too bad RAW you lose natural weapons when you turn into a Dragonborn, otherwise a Dragonborn Skarn would be the best choice.
#18 tdsaw111 Jun 08, 2009 18:50:47	No love for the Orc huh? Ok. Well as it stands, I am thinking that I should go Skarn or Orc. Either one has it's bonuses, and since I am in Eberron I can negate the Light Sensitivity with a 2 SP set of goggles. The Strength bonus would be nice, not sure if the one extra 1d6 attack is worth it. I guess I could do Barbarian as my first level, take Whirling Frenzy and then go into Totemist from there. Eventually pick up 2nd level of Barb for Wolf Totem to get the trip. Any other suggestions aside from Totem Rager? I could see maybe Reaping Mauler, even if it isnt that good. Any suggestions?