View source for User:Franken Kesey/Bodyguard (3.5e Optimized Character Build)

{{author
|author_name=Franken Kesey
|date_created=2/6/2011
|status=ready for criticism
|editing=
|balance=Rogue  
}}

== Introduction ==

[[Summary::The ultimate party defender. Ngao is a mix of homebrew and published material.]] 

This build uses fighter and rogue level material. The compleate list of homebrew articles is as follows (along with balence levels):
#[[New Level-Dependent Benefits (3.5e Variant Rule)]] (Transformational)
#[[Better Initiative (3.5e Variant Rule)]] (Supplemental)
#[[Martial Aptitude Warblade (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)]]
#[[Army of One (3.5e Martial Discipline)]] (fighter)
#[[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)]] (fighter)
#[[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)]] (rogue)
#[[Combat Expertise, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)]] (rogue)
#[[Dueling Shield (3.5e Equipment)]]

== References ==

[[New Level-Dependent Benefits (3.5e Variant Rule)]]

[[Better Initiative (3.5e Variant Rule)]]

32 point buy

=== Items ===

+2Autoplate

Enchanted [[Dueling Shield (3.5e Equipment)|Dueling Shield]] w/ +4[[SRD:Defending|Defending]]-[[SRD:Armor Spikes|Armor Spikes]] 

[[SRD:Locked Gauntlets|Locked Gauntlets]]

=== Progression ===

'''Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments):''' 12Str, 8Dex, 19Con, 14Int, 8Wis, 10Cha (32 Point Buy) 

'''[[UA:Character Traits]]:'''
*''[[UA:Character Traits#Musclebound|Musclebound]]:'' +1 bonus on Strength-based skill checks and ability checks; and -2 penalty on Dexterity-based skill checks and ability checks. 
*''[[Hulking Brute (3.5e Trait)|Hulking Brute]]:'' You may use Strength rather than Charisma for the purpose of intimidation checks.

'''[[UA:Character Flaws]]'''
Flaws:
*''[[UA:Shaky]]:'' take a −2 penalty on all ranged attack rolls.
*''[[UA:Poor Reflexes]]:'' take a −3 penalty on Reflex saves.

'''Race:''' [[SRD:Dwarves, Mountain (Race)|Mountain Dwarf]] 

''Starting Racial Traits:'' +2 Constitution, -2 Charisma 


{| class="zebra d20" 
|+
|- 
! rowspan="2" | ECL
! rowspan="2" | Class
! colspan="6" | [[SRD:Ability Scores|Ability Scores]]
! rowspan="2" | Class Features
! rowspan="2" | Feats
! rowspan="2" | Special 
|- 
! [[SRD:Strength|Str]] || [[SRD:Dexterity|Dex]] || [[SRD:Constitution|Con]] || [[SRD:Intelligence|Int]] || [[SRD:Wisdom|Wis]] || [[SRD:Charisma|Cha]] 
|-
| 1st || [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] 1 || 12 || 8 || 21 || 14 || 8 || 8  
| [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Battle clarity (Reflex saves)], [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Battle clarity (Reflex saves)] || [[SRD:Improved Shield Bash|Improved Shield Bash]], [[SRD:Toughness|Toughness]], [[SRD:Tower Shield Proficiency|Tower Shield Proficiency]] 
| 
|-
| 2nd || [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] 2 || 13 || 9 || 22 || 15 || 9 || 9
| [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Uncanny dodge] || 
|
|-
| 3rd || [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] 3 || 13 || 9 || 22 || 15 || 9 || 9  
| [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Battle ardor (critical confirmation)] || [[SRD:Endurance|Endurance]] 
| 
|-
| 4th || [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] 4 || 14 || 10 || 24 || 16 || 10 || 10  
| — ||  
| 
|-
| 5th || [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] 1 || 14 || 10 || 24 || 16 || 10 || 10  
| [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Concealing Shield|Concealing Shield]] (20%), [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Shield Fighting|Shield Fighting]], [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Tower Bash|Tower Bash]] || [[SRD:Diehard|Diehard]], [[SRD:Two-Weapon Fighting (Feat)|Two-Weapon Fighting]]<sup>2</sup>
|  
|-
| 6th || [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] 5 || 15 || 11 || 25 || 17 || 11 || 11  
| [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Bonus feat] || X<sup>1</sup>
| 
|-
| 7th || [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] 6 || 15 || 11 || 25 || 17 || 11 || 11  
| [http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Improved uncanny dodge] || [[Combat Expertise, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)|Variant Combat Expertise]]
| 
|-
| 8th || [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 1 || 16 || 12 || 27 || 18 || 12 || 12  
| [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Arcane Armorer|Arcane Armorer (Novice)]], ''+1 Autoplate'', [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Core Ignition|Core Ignition]] || 
| 
|-
| 9th || [[SRD:Dwarven Defender|Dwarven Defender]] 1 || 16 || 12 || 27 || 18 || 12 || 12  
| Defensive stance 1/day || [[SRD:Run (Feat)|Run]]
|  
|-
| 10th || [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] 2 || 17 || 13 || 28 || 19 || 13 || 13  
| [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Powerful Arm|Powerful Arm]], [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Shield Stance|Shield Stance]] +1 ||  
|  
|-
| 11th || [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] 3 || 17 || 13 || 28 || 19 || 13 || 13  
| [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Concealing Shield|Concealing Shield]] (35%), [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Impact Shield|Impact Shield]], [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Tower Charge|Tower Charge]] || [[SRD:Dodge|Dodge]]
| 
|-
| 12th || [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 2 || 18 || 14 || 30 || 20 || 14 || 14  
| [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Expansion|Expansion]] ||  
|  
|-
| 13th || [[SRD:Dwarven Defender|Dwarven Defender]] 2 || 18 || 14 || 30 || 20 || 14 || 14  
| Uncanny dodge || [[SRD:Sidestep Charge|Sidestep Charge]]
| 
|-
| 14th || [[SRD:Dwarven Defender|Dwarven Defender]] 3 || 19 || 15 || 31 || 21 || 15 || 15  
| Defensive stance 2/day || 
| 
|-
| 15th || [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] 4 || 19 || 15 || 31 || 21 || 15 || 15  
| [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Shield of the Heart|Shield of the Heart]], [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Shield Stance|Shield Stance]] +2 || [[SRD:Two-Weapon Defense|Two-Weapon Defense]]
|
|-
| 16th || [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] 5 || 20 || 16 || 33 || 22 || 16 || 16  
| [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Concealing Shield|Concealing Shield]] (50%), [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Evasion|Evasion]], [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Immediate Cover|Immediate Cover]], [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)#Improved Shield Fighting|Improved Shield Fighting]] || [[SRD:Improved Two-Weapon Fighting|Improved Two-Weapon Fighting]]<sup>2</sup>
| 
|-
| 17th || [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 3 || 20 || 16 || 33 || 22 || 16 || 16  
| [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Upgrade|Upgrade]] || [[SRD:Mobility|Mobility]]
|   
|-
| 18th || [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 4 || 21 || 17 || 34 || 23 || 17 || 17  
| ''+2 Autoplate'', [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Progressive Design|Progressive Design]] ||   
| 
|-
| 19th || [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 5 || 21 || 17 || 34 || 23 || 17 || 17  
| [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Expansion|Expansion]] || [[SRD:Spring Attack|Spring Attack]]
| 
|-
| 20th || [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 6 || 22 || 18 || 36 || 24 || 18 || 18  
| [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Upgrade|Upgrade]] || [[SRD:Quick Draw|Quick Draw]] 
|  
|-
| colspan="11" class="foot" |
#bonus feat from [[Martial Aptitude Warblade (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)|Martial Aptitude Warblade]] class.
#bonus feat from [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] class.
|}

Final progression: [[Final Class Progression::Warblade 6 /  [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]] 5 / [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] 6 / [[SRD:Dwarven Defender|Dwarven Defender]] 3]]

Ngao turns at 7th level, synergizing at 9th level, becoming optimal at 15th level

== Highlights ==

===At level 20 (buffed)===

*'''Ability Scores:''' Str24, Dex18, Con40, Int24, Wis18, Cha18 
*'''HP:''' 11d12+5d10+4d8+178(338){+3(feat)}[w/+40Defensive Stance] <!--71.5+27.5+18--><!--5x1 +6x2 +7x4 +8x2 9x2 10x4 11x2 12x2 13x1-->
*'''AC:''' 76-89(+0-13situational) = 10Base+4Dex+0(medium)+7Armor(autoplate+7)+10Shields([[SRD:Tower Shield|Tower Shield]]+4, 1 w/ +4defending armor spikes; [[Dueling Shield (3.5e Equipment)|Dueling Shield]]+2)+4Shield Stance+4Defensive Stance+18[[Combat Expertise, MS Variant (3.5e Feat)]]+2[[SRD:Two-Weapon Defense|Two-Weapon Defense]]+2Fighting Defensively+1Dwarven Defender+4Guardian Upgrade+10variant.
*'''Speed:''' 20' (20' base)
**[[SRD:Run (Feat)|Run]] (feat): can run 5x speed (100')
*'''Reach:''' 5'
*'''Initiative:''' +17 
*'''BAB:''' +0/+5/+5/-10/-15 ()
*'''Saves:''' fort+40, ref+25, will+20 (Con+15, Dex+4, Wis+4 ([[Martial Aptitude Warblade (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)|Martial Aptitude Warblade]]+5+2+2, [[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]]+4+4+1, [[SRD:Dwarven Defender|Dwarven Defender]]+3+1+3, [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]]+5+2+2), +2DD(defensive stance), +6 variant, +7ref(Battle Clarity), -3ref(flaw)) 

====Taunt====

'''[[Army of One (3.5e Martial Discipline)|Army of One]] (discipline):'''
*1st
#[[Foe-Drawing Challenge (3.5e Maneuver)|Foe-Drawing Challenge]]: Strike — Enemy must move towards you.
#[[Vanguard Feint (3.5e Maneuver)|Vanguard Feint]]: Strike — Make a feint using an Intimidate check.
#
*2nd
#[[Hero’s Challenge (3.5e Maneuver)|Hero’s Challenge]]: Counter — Enemy must attack you instead of allies.
#[[Push Back (3.5e Maneuver)|Push Back]]: Strike — Push all foes in reach back 5 feet.
*4th
#[[Menacing Challenge (3.5e Maneuver)|Menacing Challenge]]: Counter — Make an Intimidate check to block a foe's attack against an ally; enemy must move towards you.
*5th
#[[Golden Phalanx Defense (3.5e Maneuver)|Golden Phalanx Defense]]: Stance — You gain a +1 bonus to AC for every enemy adjacent to you and may attack enemies flanking you.

====Armor and Shields====

[[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)#Core Ignition|Autoplate]]: +5AC, +8 max dex.
*''+2 Autoplate:''
*''Guardian Upgrade:'' Your autoplate gains +4 AC and confers 40% fortification. Each round, it regains 10 hitpoints. 

Small Enchanted [[Dueling Shield (3.5e Equipment)|Dueling Shield]] w/ +4[[SRD:Defending|Defending]]-[[SRD:Armor Spikes|Armor Spikes]]: +6AC
*1d6/1d6 damage, 20/x2 crit
**Armored Spikes: 1d6 damage, 20/x2 crit
***Shield Stance: +2 AC bonus

Small [[SRD:Tower Shield|Tower Shield]] w/ [[SRD:Armor Spikes|Armor Spikes]]: +4AC 
*1d8 damage, 20/x2 crit
**Armored Spikes: 1d6 damage, 20/x2 crit
***Shield Stance: +2 AC bonus

[[SRD:Locked Gauntlets|Locked Gauntlets]]: provides a +10 bonus on any roll made to keep from being disarmed in combat.

''Uncanny Dodge:'' a dwarven defender retains his [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] bonus to [[SRD:AC|AC]] (if any) regardless of being caught [[SRD:Flat-Footed|flat-footed]] or struck by an [[SRD:Invisible|invisible]] attacker. (He still loses any [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] bonus to [[SRD:AC|AC]] if immobilized.)
:''Improved Uncanny Dodge:'' a warblade can no longer be flanked. This defense denies a rogue the ability to sneak attack the warblade by flanking him, unless the attacker has at least four more rogue levels than the target has warblade levels. If a character already has uncanny dodge (see above) from a second class, the character automatically gains improved uncanny dodge instead, and the levels from the classes that grant uncanny dodge stack to determine the minimum level a rogue must be to flank the character. 

====Situational AC & Saves====

'''[[SRD:Dwarves, Mountain (Race)|Mountain Dwarves]]:''' 
*''Stability'': A mountain dwarf gains a +4 bonus on [[SRD:Ability Check|ability checks]] made to resist being [[SRD:Bull Rush|bull rush]]ed or [[SRD:Trip|trip]]ped when standing on the ground (but not when climbing, flying, riding, or otherwise not standing firmly on the ground).
*+2 racial bonus on [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throws]] against [[SRD:Poisons|poison]].
*+2 racial bonus on [[SRD:Saving Throw|saving throws]] against spells and spell-like effects.
*+1 racial bonus on [[SRD:Attack Roll|attack rolls]] against [[SRD:Orc|orcs]] and [[SRD:Goblinoid Subtype|goblinoids]].
*+4 dodge bonus to [[SRD:Armor Class|Armor Class]] against monsters of the [[SRD:Giant Type|giant type]]. Any time a creature loses its [[SRD:Dexterity|Dexterity]] bonus (if any) to [[SRD:Armor Class|Armor Class]], such as when it’s caught [[SRD:Flat-Footed|flat-footed]], it loses its dodge bonus, too.

'''[[Shieldmaster (3.5e Prestige Class)|Shieldmaster]]:'''
*''Tower Charge:'' A shieldmaster may perform a [[SRD:Bull Rush|bull rush]] with a tower shield, gaining a +6 circumstance bonus to the bull rush thanks to the shield. You cannot use this feature if you are not proficient in tower shields. 
*''Shield of the Heart:'' He gains his shield bonus to touch AC against spells and spell-like abilities. In addition, so long as he has his shield bonus he gains a +2 insight bonus on saving throws against spells and spell-like abilities. 

'''[[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]]:'''
*Expansion:
**''Environmental Package:'' You gain the benefits of constant ''[[SRD:Endure Elements|endure elements]]'' and ''[[SRD:Water Breathing|water breathing]]'' spells and a +5 alchemical bonus to saves against poisons and diseases.
***''Alternatively, by committing 3 Energy to this Expansion, you gain the benefits of constant ''[[SRD:Freedom of Movement|freedom of movement]]'', ''[[SRD:Endure Elements|endure elements]]'' and ''[[SRD:Water Breathing|water breathing]]'' spells, immunity to poisons and diseases, and resist 15 acid, cold, electricity and fire.'' This secondary mode cannot be used by an autoplate pilot of less then 5th level.

'''Feats:'''
*''[[SRD:Dodge|Dodge]]:'' +1 dodge bonus to AC against attacks from one opponent.
**''[[SRD:Mobility|Mobility]]:'' +4 dodge bonus to AC against attacks of opportunity.
**''[[SRD:Sidestep Charge|Sidestep Charge]]:'' +4 dodge bonus to AC against charge attacks.

===Examples===

====Against a [[SRD:Ogres—Merrows (Race)|Merrow Ogre]](6)-[[SRD:Barbarian|Barbarian]](24)==== 

'''Attack=56-61''' (only rolls of 19 or 20 purchase)
*Large Sized:-1 attack 
*Ability Scores: Str28, Dex10, Con20, Int10, Wis8, Cha6 
**Mighty Rage: +8Str, +8Con
**Ability Items: +16Str, +10Con
***Great Strength(2) (feat): +2Str
*BAB: +27/+22/+17/+12/+7/+2
*+10 weapon enchantment
*Weapon Focus Feats(2): +3 attack

'''Damage=164''' (1st(40+6d6+2d6x3), 2nd(40+6d6+2d6x3))
*Str: 54
*[[SRD:Gnome Hooked Hammer|Gnome Hooked Hammer]]: 2d6/1d8 (x3/x4)
**Overwhelming Critical (feat): +2d6/+3d6 on a crit
**+10 weapon enchantment
**Weapon Specialization Feats(3): +8 damage
**Greater Psionic Weapon: +4d6

'''Feats:''' 
*[[SRD:Power Attack|Power Attack]]→[[SRD:Cleave|Cleave]]→[[SRD:Great Cleave|Great Cleave]]; 
*[[SRD:Psionic Weapon|Psionic Weapon]]→[[SRD:Greater Psionic Weapon|Greater Psionic Weapon]]; *[[SRD:Weapon Focus|Weapon Focus]]→[[SRD:Epic Weapon Focus|Epic Weapon Focus]]; 
*[[SRD:Improved Critical|Improved Critical]]→[[SRD:Overwhelming Critical|Overwhelming Critical]]; 
*[[SRD:Great Strength|Great Strength]]-[[SRD:Great Strength|Great Strength]](2)

'''Total Damage/round:''' 
*164x.1=16.4 -8fast healing='''8.4'''

Could last almost indefinitely against a creature 10 levels greater!

=== Tactics ===

<!-- How does the build function in combat? What are the common actions one pulls off in a round? -->

=== Limitations ===

<!-- conditions of when this build works, and, if needed, tricks for the DM (provided they allow this build) to keep the abuse to a minimum. -->

Super slow, principle needs to be a ranged unit. Otherwise Ngao will not be able to keep up!!! It also takes a while for Ngao to get into the battle field, usally uses the first round to station himself. 

=== Variants ===

'''Replace [[Autoplate Pilot, Variant (3.5e Class)|Variant Autoplate Pilot]] with [[Dualist (3.5e Prestige Class)|Dualist]]''' 


'''Replace [[Meat Shield (3.5e Class)|Meat Shield]] with [[Grey Guardian (3.5e Class)|Grey Guardian]]''' 


'''Replace [[Martial Aptitude Warblade (3.5e Alternate Class Feature)|Martial Aptitude]]-[http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20060802a&page=2 Warblade] with [[Meat Shield (3.5e Class)|Meat Shield]] 

'''Replace the [[New Level-Dependent Benefits (3.5e Variant Rule)]] with the below iteams:'''
*[[SRD:Ioun Stone|Ioun Stone, Pink]]: +2Con; 8,000 
*[[SRD:Amulet of Health|Amulet of Health]]: +6Con; 36,000 
*[[SRD:Manual of Bodily Health|Manual of Bodily Health]]: +5Con; 137,500 
*[[SRD:Headband of Intellect|Headband of Intellect]]: +6Int; 36,000  
*[[Belt of Great Prowess (3.5e Equipment)]]: +6Str, +6Dex, +6Con; 112,500
*[[SRD:Bracers of Armor|Bracers of Armor]]: +8AC; 64,000 

----
{{3.5e Optimized Character Builds Breadcrumb}}

[[Category:3.5e]]
[[Category:User]]
[[Category:Optimized Character Build]]