Author Topic: Bahamut's Axe  (Read 4574 times)

Offline SleepyShadow

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Bahamut's Axe
« on: June 22, 2013, 01:51:44 PM »
A while back I got to thinking "Hey, why does nobody use Dragon Disciple?" As I smoked a tobacco pipe over this question, I began to understand why this prestige class was so maligned. I was able to come to the following conclusion:

The class requires casting, yet does almost nothing to promote its use.
Melee characters interested in taking it are forced to bear with a low HD, no BAB level.


It dawned on me that there could be a way to  utilize, nay optimize, this template disguised as a prestige class. And so I present for your analysis and critique: Bahamut's Axe!

(Note: The formatting I'll be using draws heavily from the Weekly Optimization Showcase. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, after all.)

Books Used: PHB, DMG, DMG II, PHB II, ToB, DM, RoS, RotD.

Race: Gold Dwarf (from the DMG), though any variety of dwarf will work in a pinch. However, I chose this race because it penalizes dexterity rather than charisma, which is far more important to the build.

Alignment: Any non-lawful. This is mandatory, though beyond that it's up to you. I chose neutral good while working on this.

 Abilities: 16/12/16/10/10/12 using 32 point buy, before racial modifiers. Put all stat increases into constitution as you level up. Tomes and other items for constitution and strength are a priority.

Mundane Gear: Since we have proficiency with it, let's go ahead and use a dwarven waraxe and a heavy shield early on. Once we pick up Power Attack, switch to whatever two-handed weapon you like (I chose greataxe to stick with the theme).

Magical Gear: Nothing unusual for a melee character. Constitution and Strength items, magical weapons and armor, so on and so forth. If you're strapped for cash (for whatever reason), you can save some money by relying on your wings rather than items. However, a Badge of Valor would certainly come in handy.

Build Stub: Crusader 6/Bard 2/Dragon Disciple 10/Deepwarden 2

1 - Crusader 1 [Endurance] (Furious Counterstrike, Steely Resolve 5) (Crusader's Strike, Charging Minotaur, Stone Bones, Leading the Attack) (Martial Spirit)
(click to show/hide)

2 - Crusader 2 (Indomitable Soul) (Leading the Charge)

3 -  Bard 1 [Song of the White Raven] (Bardic Music, Bardic Knowledge, Countersong, Fascinate, Inspire Courage +1)
(click to show/hide)

4 - Crusader 3 (Zealous Surge) (Mountain Hammer)
(click to show/hide)

5 - Bard 2
(click to show/hide)

6 - Dragon Disciple 1 [Extra Music] (Natural Armor +1, Bronze Dragon Choice)
(click to show/hide)

7 - Dragon Disciple 2 (Str +2, Claws and Bite)
(click to show/hide)

8 - Dragon Disciple 3  (Breath Weapon 2d8)
(click to show/hide)

9 - Dragon Disciple 4 [Power Attack] (Str +2, Natural Armor +2)
(click to show/hide)

10 - Dragon Disciple 5 (Blindsense 30')
(click to show/hide)

11 - Dragon Disciple 6 (Con +2)

12 - Dragon Disciple 7 [Extra Granted Maneuver] (Breath Weapon 4d8, Natural Armor +3)
(click to show/hide)

13 - Dragon Disciple 8 (Int +2)

14 - Dragon Disciple 9 (Wings)
(click to show/hide)

15 - Dragon Disciple 10 [Dragonfire Inspiration] (Blindsense 60', Dragon Apotheosis)
(click to show/hide)

16 - Deepwarden 1 [Track] (Trapsense +1)

17 - Deepwarden 2 (Stone Warden)
(click to show/hide)

18 -  Crusader 4 [Entangling Exhalation] (Steely Resolve 10) (Elder Mountain Hammer > Mountain Hammer)
(click to show/hide)

19 - Crusader 5 (Irresistible Mountain Strike)

20 - Crusader 6 (Smite 1/day, Inspire Courage +2)
(click to show/hide)


So there you have it. A dragon disciple who puts his casting class to use, ends up with +16 BAB, more HP than you can shake a stick at, and uses his draconic abilities as a staple rather than a gimmick. Please let me know what you think, and if there's any room for improvement.

Thanks!

Offline Cyrocloud

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #1 on: June 22, 2013, 02:20:53 PM »
Since the character is called Bahamut's Axe and you're using RotD is there any reason to not take Dragonborn also?

Offline SleepyShadow

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #2 on: June 22, 2013, 04:05:59 PM »
I was concerned about it disqualifying him from dragon disciple, since it states that you cannot already be a dragon to enter. If it does not disqualify him, then being a dragon born is perfect.

Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2013, 04:29:12 PM »
I believe it's referring to type in that case.  Dragonborn do not have the Dragon type.

Offline altpersona

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #4 on: June 22, 2013, 06:51:19 PM »
DD10 still dq's you from DD1 right?
The goal of power is power. - 1984
We are not descended from fearful men. - Murrow
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Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #5 on: June 22, 2013, 06:57:44 PM »
DD10 still dq's you from DD1 right?

Since going to the 10th level is a possibility in this case, it's assumed that taking all 10 levels does not disqualify the DD from taking any levels in the class and then turn the whole thing into a moronic paradox.

Offline altpersona

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #6 on: June 22, 2013, 07:40:41 PM »
i dont deny either the paradox or the moronic..
The goal of power is power. - 1984
We are not descended from fearful men. - Murrow
The Final Countdown is now stuck in your head.

Anim-manga still sux.

Offline SleepyShadow

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #7 on: June 22, 2013, 07:47:37 PM »
For the sake of discussion let's agree to the class not disqualifying itself.

Offline snakeman830

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #8 on: June 22, 2013, 07:55:18 PM »
If you could find a way to fit it in, it may be worth taking the feat from Races of the Dragon that lets you use your breath weapon once every 1d4 rounds rather than 1/day.  Especially if you're sinking a feat on Entangling Exhalation.

Also, why a Bronze dragon instead of Copper?  Acid is resisted less frequently than electricity.
"When life gives you lemons, fire them back at high velocity."

Offline SleepyShadow

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #9 on: June 22, 2013, 10:01:06 PM »
That's a good idea. Dropping Extra Granted Maneuver in exchange for Dragon Breath would be worth it. As for the breath type, I couldn't remember which was more common. Good catch.

Offline Jackinthegreen

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #10 on: June 23, 2013, 10:42:37 AM »
Acid also works much better against objects.

Offline SleepyShadow

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #11 on: June 23, 2013, 10:49:25 AM »
Acid also works much better against objects.

So does Elder Mountain Chainsaw  :D

Offline Ithamar

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #12 on: June 25, 2013, 02:42:09 PM »
Personally I like Duskblade entry into Dragon Disciple.  They are spontaneous arcane casters after all, will have better HD, better BAB, and good Fort & Will saves.  You loose a few skill points, but not the end of the world, as you're certainly not going to be the group's skill monkey.

Offline SleepyShadow

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Re: Bahamut's Axe
« Reply #13 on: June 27, 2013, 12:22:23 AM »
While that is true, using Duskblade also prevents Bahamut's Axe from adding multiple d6's of energy damage to the entire party's weapons as a swift action.