The Glorious CHOKER HANDBOOK

[Libertad]

Credit goes to Cuindless for creating this awesome Handbook, Archao for the Half-Minotaur template idea, and Akalsaris for the idea behind the Wayne Brady build

OH MY GOD
THAT’S A FREAKIN’ CHOKER
I BET HE'S ROLLING FORTIES DOWN THE FREEWAY IN AN ESCALADE GOD DAMN

SO THESE POSTS ARE RESERVED.  DONT BE MAD BECAUSE THEY HAVE NOTHING USEFUL WRITTEN IN THEM.  CHECK BACK IN A WEEK YOU IMPATIENT BASTARD.

Obviously I've simply ported over RabidPirateMan's epic "THIS IS A THREAD THAT WILL BECOME A HANDBOOK" thread from the old Wizards community forums. I've made a few edits for spelling and such, but that's about it. I do not want to claim originality, I just want BG to become a one stop shop for all your optimization needs, and the Choker is a badass monstrousity that should be here anyway.

Here's what you're thinking: What the hell is this thing, some kind of horrible cross between Cthulu and Robert Novak?
That's a freakin' Choker.
And it will own your mom.

What's that?  You need some proof to the man's aura of awesome-juice?  Why don't you open up the next spoiler tag.

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THAT’S RIGHT. THAT’S THE FREAKING MINIATURE YOU WILL BE USING IF YOU PLAY THIS DUDE.  FRED FREAKING ASTAIRE WITH OCTOPI FOR HANDS.

Sit down and shut up.  Prepare to learn about what the man can do.  Better go to the bathroom now before you do it IN YOUR PANTS.  WHICH WILL BE BLOWN AWAY.

First, the stats:

+6 Str +4 Dex +2 Con +2 Wis
Take a look at that.  Beautiful.  Your strength is that of a Half-Ogre.  Your dexterity is that of two halflings.  Your constitution is that of a Welsh.  Your Wisdom lets you see into the future.  Not bad.
Well, to be honest, there is a bad...

-6 Int -4 Cha
Wow.  Intelligence goes DOWN.  Charisma is near unsalvageable.  Looks like you wont be wooing anyone with your knowledge of 12th Century poetic verse.  However, what do you care?  You're a Choker.  If someone asks your opinion on the application of a postmodern view of postmodernism, choke them.


Constrict (Ex)

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A choker deals 1d3+3 points of damage with a successful grapple check against a Large or smaller creature. Because it seizes its victim by the neck, a creature in the choker’s grasp cannot speak or cast spells with verbal components.
"Small size creature going into a grapple for 1d3+3 damage?  Whats so useful about this?"
Read carefully- a victim of the Choker's STFU attack "cannot speak or CAST SPELLS WITH VERBAL COMPONENTS."  Under normal grapple rules, only somantic components are barred.  Why don't you look up Dimension Door and see what it requires to be cast.

"HEY JERK I SAID SMALL SIZE, GRAPPLE SUCKS WITHOUT BEING LARGE SINCE YOU INCUR A PENALTY"

Improved Grab (Ex)

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To use this ability, a choker must hit a Large or smaller opponent with a tentacle attack. It can then attempt to start a grapple as a free action without provoking an attack of opportunity. If it wins the grapple check, it establishes a hold and can constrict. Chokers receive a +4 racial bonus on grapple checks, which is already included in the statistics block.
The +4 bonus essentially overrides the -4 penalty to grappling for being small.  Is this a fair trade?  Not exactly.  However, realize that most wizards are not Half-Ogres with 30 Strength; going into a grapple with Wizard McMediumsizedcreature isn't as dangerous as you think.

BUT WAIT, ACT NOW AND YOU'LL GET THESE LIMITED TIME EXTRAS!

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Improved Initiative as a bonus feat - Just because I love you.
+4 Natural Armor - Probably because nobody wants to touch him cause he's all icky.
Darkvision 60 - You can see in the dark!
Climb Speed 10 - Chokers also get a +8 racial modifier to Climb and can take 10 on checks.  There's actually a guide on how climb is really good.  Search for it at the Handy Dandy Link section.  No I will not link it.

"Aright, this seems a bit boring.  The stats are OK, and I'm sure you could do neat things with the grapple.  And who doesn't like extra initiative?  But RabidPirateMan, I don't see anything about the Choker yet that makes it deserve its own Handbook, even if it is as poorly written as yours."

Aright, lets throw you a curve ball.

Chokers get 10' Reach

"So what?  Half-Ogres have reach.  Heck, I could just use a spiked chain."

Yeah, well, the Choker?  SMALL SIZED CREATURE.
This guy has ten foot reach and he's as big as a halfling.  That interesting enough for ya?

THE BIG GUNS - What the Choker is really all about
So lets say that the above isn't enough for you.  The Choker has 3d8 Hit Die of Abberation tailing him, a massive penalty to Int and Cha, a semi counteractive grapple modification and reach as a small sized creature.  What is it that is so amazing about him? 

Its a little thing I like to call...

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Quickness (Su)
Although not particularly dexterous, a choker is supernaturally quick. It can take an extra standard action or move action during its turn each round.

WHAT THE HECK, DO YOU REALIZE THE IMPLICATIONS OF THIS THING?

AN EXTRA MOVE ACTION IS THE ABILITY TO REPOSITION YOURSELF.
AN EXTRA STANDARD ACTION IS THE ABILITY TO WHACK THAT GUY ONE MORE TIME AT YOUR HIGHEST BAB.
AN EXTRA MOVE ACTION IS NEVER HAVING TO WORRY ABOUT BEING PRONE.
AN EXTRA STANDARD ACTION IS ACTIVATING A WAND VIA UMD.
AN EXTRA MOVE ACTION IS OPENING A DOOR.  MY GOD YOU CAN OPEN DOORS ALL DAY LONG.
AN EXTRA STANDARD ACTION IS A SPELL FOR FREE.
AN EXTRA MOVE ACTION IS THE QUICKDRAW FEAT EXCEPT NOT STUPID AND EVERYONE EVEN FORGETS IT TAKES TIME TO UNSHEATHE YOUR WEAPON SO WHO CARES.
AN EXTRA STANDARD ACTION IS TURNING OFF CAPSLOCK.

For a comparison of versatility this thing has, check this out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwRISkyV_B8.

[Libertad]

ATTENTION: DO YOU WANT TO HELP ME WRITE THIS THING SO I CAN STUDY INSTEAD? WRITE ME UP A BLURB ABOUT HOW WELL THE SWORDSAGE, WARBLADE AND CRUSADER WORK WITH A CHOKER. I WILL ADD YOUR NAME TO THIS IMMORTAL HANDBOOK, AND WHEN WE ARE ALL DEAD, YOUR LEGACY WILL LIVE ON.

It's difficult to say what class best fits the Choker's Quickness. What class doesn't enjoy an extra move/standard action? This mode of thinking is not within the code of the Rabid Pirate. Gentlemen, think OUTSIDE THE BOX! Instead of asking what class compliments the Choker, ask what you would do if you could throw in an extra standard or move action.

Sadly, because of the Choker's stats, you wont be able to play certain classes to their effectiveness.

Here's the list so far.

Archivist

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Ahhhhh, you thought I was going to start off with a no-no, right?

Well, yeah, I did... No Int = no spells = no Choker Archivists.

Barbarian

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Well lets see- Chokers are small, which means they get sizing penalties and less movement. However, Chokers get giant strength, great dexterity and a constitution boost to boot, AND reach. A fair trade. Barbarians are fantastic for a one level dip for Pounce, Rage, Whirling Frenzy, Fast Movement or Illiteracy.

Bard

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C'mon, you knew I was going to say no. Why did you even check this tag? Do you think I was going to say 'OH WHY YES THERE ARE CERTAINLY WAYS TO BOOST YOUR INTELLIGENCE ENOUGH TO BE SKILL MONKEY AND STILL BE PRETTY ENOUGH TO SING?' I have school. I have work. I have a freaking pet dog that I haven't fed for three days because I sit here and write mediocre guides for YOU.

Beguiler

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Noooooooooooooooooo.

Cleric

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Ah, wait wait wait! I know I was rude, but this class is actually not that bad! Chokers have a boost to wisdom and constitution, and you don't need to worry about your physical stats. Quickness means you can pump out a spell for free. This is actually not bad. Beware- if you multiclass into something that doesn't get full casting, you will not get ninth level spells.

I suggest worshiping Jack Thomson, since he will save us all from ourselves.

Dragon Shaman

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Be a warlock instead

Dread Necromancer

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Derp derp derpy, derp derep dep drr. Derrip derp derpderp derp, derp derp derr depity derp derp- derp du depreripderp derp derpity derp derp. Derp derr drp derp derp. De derp derp derp Derpp dreperoo.

Druid

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Yeeaaaaahhhhh BUDDY! Nice nice nice- boosts to Con and Wis, Improved Initiative and the ability to speak in sign language! Druids are fantastic Chokers since they can shift into animals. For more information, read a book.

Factotum

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FUN FACT(TOTUM): CHOKERS ARE BAD AT THIS

Favored Soul

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The Battle of Waterloo, fought near the town of Waterloo (pronounced... eh... "Waterloo") in Belgium on Sunday 18 June 1815, was the decisive battle of the Waterloo Campaign, and Napoleon Bonaparte's last. Waterloo marked the end of the period known as the Hundred Days, which began in March 1815 after Napoleon's return from Elba, where he had been exiled after his defeats at the Battle of Leipzig in 1813 and the campaigns of 1814 in France. The defeat put a final end to Napoleon's rule as Emperor of the French.

After Napoleon returned to power in 1815, many states which had previously resisted his rule formed the Seventh Coalition and began to mobilise armies to oppose him. The first two assembled close to the northeastern border of France. They consisted of a Prussian army under the command of Gebhard von Blücher, and an Anglo-Allied army under the command of the Duke of Wellington. Napoleon chose to attack in the hope of destroying them before they, with other members of the Seventh Coalition, could join in a coordinated invasion of France. A secondary, political, objective was for a Napoleonic victory parade through friendly, French-speaking Brussels.

The campaign consisted of four major battles: Quatre Bras (16 June), Ligny (16 June), Waterloo (18 June), and Wavre (18 June–19 June). According to the Duke of Wellington, the battle at Waterloo was "the nearest-run thing you ever saw in your life."

Fighter

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If you did want to make a straight fighter, the Choker isn't bad: extra attacks or the ability to position yourself for a full round attack is good. In multiclass fashion, a 2 level dip is fine and dandy.

Healer

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Healing is like cabbage- old people smell like it.

Hexblade

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I don't know. Maybe. I never played one. Why dont you write a guide since you're so fancy?

Marshal

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Gary

Monk

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One of the most creative uses for a Choker, IMO. An extra move action will help you get into position to use a flurry of blows, and while not optimal, their ability to shut you the hell up when in a grapple can lead to interesting things. Although they get a penalty to INT, they still get bonuses to where it counts. Finally, Climb and Reach are things that are often neglected or too hard to obtain with Monks- but not for a Choker!

Ninja

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Doable- Ninja's are supposed to be skill monkeys, but lets face it, if you want to be a ninja, its because you watch Naruto and wish you could be him. But you wont. You will never be Naruto, because its a cartoon.

Paladin

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Isn't there that thing that lets you key all your abilities off wisdom? What book is that from?

By the way, I was thinking about it, and I have a few nitpicks with the first Batman movie. I saw the second one and thought, 'Gee, I should watch the first, since Scarecrow is my favorite batman villain.' So I did.

Now, its a good movie, sure, and I might like the comic books, but I haven't read them all like some enthusiasts have. I understand that the movie cant cater to the hardcore fans, since their would narrow their demographic too much, but this isn't exactly due to how well they carried the comic to the movie.

First thing I'd change is that when Batman is driving away with Rachel after she gets sprayed in the face with the fear gas, show it from her point of view. I mean, sure, the car is fast, there are bad guys chasing you and there's the batman right next to you. Show what she sees- I wanna know her fear. Otherwise she just looks kind of silly screaming.

Secondly, Scarecrow needs more depth. Why why why why why? Is it a true love for science? Is he really just a masochist? The second movie made sure everything was one big gray area, where the audience needed to question everyone's actions. Scarecrow just seems... one dimensional in comparison. I don't know, maybe they changed in the second one because they were dissapointed too.

Third, the fight scenes: who isn't tired of expecting to see a total kickass fight scene, only to be disappointed with a shaky camera and ten billion edits? I can understand for the common street thug running into batman- he doesn't know how to fight, cant follow him and is confused: shakey camera puts us into his frame of mind. But when he's fighting the trained ninjas? Cmon, fork over the money to buy a fight choreographers for that scene at least, to show that Batman has more of a hard time.

The feat that makes the Paladin powered by Wisdom (Now: Longer Lasting! Plus, boosts your will saves and makes monk combos not suck... as hard!) is called Serenity, and is from Dragon. You can find it in the Dragon Magazine Compendium.

It's a general feat, with the only prerequisite divine grace, and it makes divine grace, lay on hands, smite evil, and turn undead based off of Wisdom.

Psion

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No int.

Psychic Warrior

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ESPECIALLY when combined with Monk, Psychic Warriors are fantastic with Chokers! Expansion is one of the only ways you can make yourself large size. A two level dip does most people good.

Ranger

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I'll say... yes?

EDIT: Another gem from Carnivore

Choker 3/ Scout 3/ Ranger 4/ Highland Stalker 10

BAB +19
7d6 Skirmish

feat:
Swift Hunter

Rogue

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Meh.

To tell the truth, skills are pretty key for a rogue; if you only get two or three a level, you wont be that great. However, UMD is on their class list, so I guess it could work for a Wand Choker. Combatwise, I'd say there are better options.

Samurai

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Why weren't any worms allowed in Noah's Ark?
Because they came in apples, not pairs!

Shugenja

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There is no Santa Clause. Your parents lied to you because they don't love you. Join the revolution.

Sorcerer

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DCcjJ7mx2PI

Soulknife

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The only time I ever see someone making a build out of this is when Carnivore posts. What the heck is with this guy and the Soulknife? Everyone says its crap, and he always puts in at least twelve levels.

I demand Carnivore provide me with a Soulknife Choker. If he doesn't, he's a coward.

EDIT: Carnivore responded as follows:

Little Mindblade Bomb

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Choker 3/ Soulknife 12/ Warmind 5

32 pt buy:
@1st lvl:
22 Str(16+6 racial)
18 Dex(14+4 racial)
16 Con(14+2 racial)
8 Int(14-6 racial)
14 Wis(12+2 racial)
4 Cha(8-4)

@20th lvl:
38 Str(16+6 racial+5 Levels +5 Inherent+6 item)
28 Dex(14+4 racial+6 item+4 Inherent)
22 Con(14+2 racial+6 item)
8 Int(14-6 racial)
20 Wis(12+2 racial+ 6 item)
4 Cha(8-4)

Feats:
Improved Initiative(choker bonus)
Weapon Focus (mind blade) (soulknife bonus)
Wild Talent(soulknife bonus)
Speed of Thought(soulknife bonus)
Greater Weapon Focus (mind blade)(soulknife bonus)

1st lvl: Aberant Blood(Lords of Madness)(eyes.... +2 Spot and Search)
3rd lvl: Aberant Reach(LoM)(+5' reach)
6th lvl: Improved Unarmed Strike
9th lvl: Raptor School
12th lvl: Improved Grapple
15th lvl: Practiced manifester(Warmind)
18th lvl: Deep Spawn(LoM)...gain 2 more Tentacle attacks(with 15' reach)

Class features:
+3 mind blade with +2 Mind blade enhancement
Psychic strike +3d8
Warmind powers Known:
1st lvl:
Expansion
Grip of Iron
2nd lvl:
Strength of My Enemy

Chain of Personal Superiority (Ex): At 1st level, a war mind learns the first principle of warfare for the individual combatant: the ability to both deal punishment and take it. Calling upon inner reserves of knowledge and dedication, a war mind can provide himself with a +2 insight bonus to Strength and Constitution for up to 1 minute. A war mind can use this power three times per day. Activating this power is a free action. At 7th level, the insight bonus to Strength and Constitution improves to +4.

Chain of Defensive Posture (Ex): At 2nd level, a war mind learns the second principle of warfare for the individual combatant: the ability to avoid the enemy’s counterattacks if that enemy is not immediately overwhelmed. Calling upon inner reserves of knowledge and dedication, a war mind can provide himself with a +2 insight bonus to Armor Class for up to 1 minute. A war mind can use this power three times per day. Activating this power is a free action. At 8th level, the insight bonus to Armor Class improves to +4.

Enduring Body (Ex): At 3rd level, a war mind learns the third principle of warfare for the individual combatant: to unleash in oneself the spirit of the enduring body. The spirit of the ideal body transforms a war mind, granting him damage reduction 1/-. At 6th level, his damage reduction improves to 2/-. At 9th level, his damage reduction improves to 3/-.

Sweeping Strike (Ex): At 5th level, a war mind gains the ability to make great, sweeping swings with a melee weapon. On each melee attack a war mind makes, he can choose squares he threatens that are adjacent to each other, and his attacks apply to creatures in those two squares equally. A war mind can use this ability on any attack, even an attack of opportunity or a cleave attempt.
A war mind cannot use this ability if he has moved more than 10 feet since the end of his last turn. If a war mind drops one or both of his foes with a sweeping strike, he can attempt a cleave normally; however, he makes only one cleave attempt per sweeping strike, even if he drops more than one foe.

what does this give:

BAB +16
Base saves:F 11/ R 13/ W 10
Adjusted saves(assume +5 Resistance item):F 22/ R 27/ W 20 ..... great saves

what do you do with this:

Bladewind (Su): At 9th level, a soulknife gains the ability to momentarily fragment his mind blade into numerous identical blades, each of which strikes at a nearby opponent.

As a full attack, when wielding his mind blade, a soulknife can give up his regular attacks and instead fragment his mind blade to make one melee attack at his full base attack bonus against each opponent within reach. Each fragment functions identically to the soulknife’ wrote:
Bladewind (Su): At 9th level, a soulknife gains the ability to momentarily fragment his mind blade into numerous identical blades, each of which strikes at a nearby opponent.

As a full attack, when wielding his mind blade, a soulknife can give up his regular attacks and instead fragment his mind blade to make one melee attack at his full base attack bonus against each opponent within reach. Each fragment functions identically to the soulknife’s regular mind blade.
When using bladewind, a soulknife forfeits any bonus or extra attacks granted by other feats or abilities (such as the Cleave feat or the haste spell).

The mind blade immediately reverts to its previous form after the bladewind attack.

thus you can be using a Bastard Sword Sized Mind Blade(1d10 damage +1.5x Str(38 + 2 insight Warmind = 40) = 5.5+22.5+3 Enhancement= 31 Damage to all targets 15' radius when Small sized.... with Expansion(+2 sizes bigger) (+4 Str,+10 reach)= 34 damage to all targets within 25' radius Twice..due to Sweeping Strike= 68 damage to all Targets

Normal Attack mode is as follows:

BAB+16+17 Str+3 Enhancement+2 WF(GWF)= +38 with Mindblade

Full attack +38/+33/+28/+23(34 damage(19-20/x2) ....with 2 tentacle attacks @+33/+33(1d4+17 damage= 19 average)

note: if he studies his prey 3 rounds before attacking... he gets +6 Attack and Damage to all attack(Raptor school)

but wait... he can Drain Strength with each attack(Strength of my Enemy).. and grow even Stronger while they grow weaker!

the fun thing is this little guy has an extra standard action.... he can move then make a Full Attack... or if he is already in melee... he can Full Attack and move Away(tumbling and Hiding(since it is part of his move) a reverse pounce hideaway


if he wants to Grapple... he gets a +45 grapple check when Expanded to Large...with a 25' reach(30' Tentacles), +53 Grapple Check with Grip of Iron... with a good roll he could Grapple and Pin a Wyrm White Dragon(Grapple check +57)[/size]

here are some additional soulknife builds

Choker 3/ Soulknife 2/ Soulbow 8/ Horizon Walker 6/ Cragtop Archer 1

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BAB +16
great Archery .... evertything based on Wis(Attack,Damage).... and can Dimension Door at will (every 1d4 rounds , CL= Character lvl)

Choker 3/ Monk 1/ Soulknife 2/ Soulbow 4/ Warmind 10

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BAB+16
great All Around abilities, Close Combat Shot, Sweeping Strike, Psionics(5th lvl Psychic Warrior @ 14th lvl manifester), Monk Abilities:Unarmed Damage as 20th, Greater Flurry, AC as 16th lvl.... why, Tashalatora(Warmind), Superior Unarmed Strike, Improved Natural Attack(unarmed Strike)... even works with a VOP

a variation on this is:

Choker 3/ Monk 4/ Soulknife 8/ Warmind 5... more Melee oriented... use Flowing Blade... Flurry with Mindblade

Spellthief

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T-H-I-E-F. There, I did it.

Spirit Shaman

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The crap is this thing anyway? I have no clue. Sure, Chokers are awesome Spirit Shamans. Play one, tell me how it went.

Swashbuckler

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A one level dip nets you Weapon Finess for free. Going further than that is difficult since Chokers have bad int. However, see if your DM can turn their -6 penalty into a +6 penalty, cause then it would be worthwhile.

Warblade

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Saladin77 gives us this concept:

Choker 3/Warblade 17

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Try this:
Time Stands Still
Diamond Nightmare Blade

Warlock

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Be a dragon shaman instead

Warmage


Wilder

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MY GOD I JUST GOT BACK FROM MEXICO AND I AM DARKER THAN A STEPHEN KING NOVEL. I NEED TO GO ON A DATE RIGHT NOW BEFORE I LOSE THIS FABULOUS GLOW. ITS JUST TOO BAD I'M STILL SPENDING TWO HOURS ON THE TOILET EVERY TEN FREAKING MINUTES. ITS THE EXPLOSIVE KIND, BY THE WAY, WHERE YOU CAN FEEL THE PRESSURE BUILDING UP LIKE A MENTOS IN A BOTTLE OF COKE. I BET IF I HOLD IT IN LONG ENOUGH I COULD CREATE ENOUGH ENERGY TO PROPEL ME TO WORK AT THE LUMBER YARD. I DONT ENVY ANYONE WHO SITS NEXT TO ME ON THE BUS, CAUSE I'M RIPER THAN A PEACH SITTING IN THE SUN ON A HOT JULY AFTERNOON, AND WETTER THAN THE TEARSTAINED CHEEKS OF EVERY RON PAUL SUPPORTER. DANIEL PLAINVIEW CAME TO SURVEY MY BUTT LOOKING FOR OIL- NICE GUY. THERE'S A METALOCALYPSE QUOTE THAT DESCRIBES MY TOILET: "BLACKER THAN THE BLACKEST BLACK TIMES INFINITY". ITS SO HOT COMING OUT, I BET I COULD MARKET THE STUFF AS MY HOMEMADE BRAND OF PICANTE SALSA. SO ANYWAY, IF ANY GIRLS ARE INTERESTED IN MEETING WITH ME, MESSAGE MY OKCUPID ACCOUNT. SMOOCHES.

Wizard

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OK, I want to take the time to go over a couple things regarding Chokers and Int based classes.

Now I'll come out and say it- they're bad. Their Int score is so low that you have to at least put one point in or they're unplayable according to the rules. However, just because its not the best doesn't mean its impossible.

So lets start from the beginning: You feel special, and want a character that shares that uniqueness that landed you on the short bus playing DnD with your imaginary friends. This leads you to a Choker Wizard. On a standard 28 point buy, you put an 18 into Int- necessary, since you wont be able to cast anything but cantrips, and a 17 gives you a +0 modifier. The next thing you do is put a 12 into Con. Yes, a 12. I'll go over this in a bit. With your remaining points, you split a 12 each into Str and Dex. Your final scores look like this:

18 Str
16 Dex
14 Con
12 Int
10 Wis
4 Cha

Not bad... for anything but a wizard... But onto the next point-

Lets compare the above Choker Wizard 1 with a Human Wizard 4. The human wizard will be casting 2nd level spells, so that means glitterdust, grease and color spray galore. His DCs will be pretty high considering the same point buy. All in all, better caster.

You will be stuck with 1st level spells; a meager selection at that. You're three caster levels behind and your DCs are laughable in comparison. So far, so bad.

However, what happens when both of you run out of spells? At 4th level, it might just be that a couple spells are burnt on lucky saves or bad rolls. A couple spells count for a large percentage of your daily spells, though. When they're all expended, the wizard has to sit back and try to plunk people with his crossbow.

Mr Choker Wizard, however, has a better idea. When he runs out of the three spells per day he has, he takes out his longspear and rushes into battle! YEAH! THATS RIGHT, OUR CHOKER GOES IN LIKE A MONGOOSE RUSHING TOWARDS A VIPER, SMALL TEETH FOAMING AS HE LUNGES FOR THE SERPENT'S HOOD!

Really! Choker Wizard has a BAB of 2 and a Str mod of 4, so its a +6 to hit. With his Quickness, he gets two attacks, each dealing an average of 3.5+6=9.5 damage. A generic Fighter at his level with Weapon Focus and Spec Greatsword has +9 to hit and deals 7+6+2=15, but he doesn't get two attacks unless hasted (and we can be hasted for threeeee attacks). Also, the fighter doesn't get Reach. Also, the fighter is going through a tough time in his relationship with his wife, and is under pressure to undergo counseling. The Choker Wizard has 99 problems, but a ***** aint one of them. A wizard's health will be (considering 14 Con) 4+(3*2.5)+8=20.5, while the Choker has 8+9+2.5+8=27.5. The wizard's AC would be (considering 14 Dex) 14 (maybe 15, maybe +4 from mage armor). The Choker's would be 17 (because blah blah blah). Right now, the only thing boring ol' human wizard has over our choking friend is that he has more spells, stats and caster levels, and is better. WHEN HAVE THOSE EVER BEEN IMPORTANT AS THINGS LIKE 3 NATURAL ARMOR?

So what spells will the Choker Wizard cast? How about Mage armor? Or Shield? Or Fist of Stone for another +6 Str? Yup, at low levels, the Choker Wizard plays as a Gish.

As for higher levels, the key is money management. Starting out with 12 Int sucks, but remember that the minimum level you can play a Choker with class levels is 4, so you immediately get a stat boost. According to the DMG's standard wealth bar, you have just enough gold by 4th level to buy a headband of intellect +2. That boosts your Int to 15. You theoretically afford a +4 headband at 7th or 8th, and a +6 at 10th or 11th, depending on how well you mitigate your funds. Using only the three core books, at 20th level, our Choker Wizard with 12 Int can grab +5 from stats, +5 from a tome and +6 from his headband for a total of 28 Int. The human wizard can get much more, but he doesn't get an extra standard action to blow off another spell (and yes, I know about Quicken spell. The Choker gets it too. THATS THREE SPELLS A TURN THEN).

If you still need convincing, I suggest turning to the Bible.

So, can a Choker be a wizard? Yes. Its hard and probably wont be as powerful as a straight wizard, but its doable. This can potentially go for all Int based classes and all Int or Cha based casters, since the Choker has access to 9th level spells if he doesn't deviate from gaining caster levels.

Wujen

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Wujen't you like to know?

[Libertad]

DO YOU HAVE BETTER VERSIONS OF THE BUILDS I SUPPLIED BELOW? DO YOU WANT TO ADD YOUR OWN SUPER COOL IDEAS? HIT REPLY AND I'LL TAKE CREDIT FOR THEM!

OK, so now you know what classes are good for a Choker. Its now time for...

TACTICS!!!

Thats right! Because the Choker is so weird and sexy, its better to try and base specific builds around him that simply finding out if he does well as a fighter or a truenamer.

So how are we going to do this? Start off by thinking you are playing DND. Now, imagine up a character for yourself. You're in the middle of the game, and suddenly, you think to yourself, "Gee, I sure wish I was a CHOKER right about now."

Now ask yourself- Why did you think that?

Other than I told you to do so, of course.

Well, after years of silent meditation under a waterfall, I've come up with a couple situations where Chokerdom might be useful.

FIRST UP: CHAAAARRRRGGEEE 

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Stop me if you've heard this one- you start counting out squares to see whether you can whack this guy with a charge. Turns out, its JUUUUUUUST right! So you move up, declare your charge attack, and roll...

A TWENTY! YOU FREAKING KNEW IT WOULD BE WORTH IT TO USE A SCYTHE!

So you're hearts racing, your eyes are pounding, the sweat is rolling down your Star Wars shirt like butter dripping off a hot biscuit. When out of the corner...

"Hey, there's a corner in the way of your charge! You cant do that!"

And you look... is it a mistake? Did the DM's hand shake when he drew out the room? Nope. Corner. No charge. Go back, dont pass go, no crit for you.

However, with a Choker, charging is all too easy!

The general who advances without coveting fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do good service for his sovereign, is the jewel of the kingdom.
-Sun Tzu

THE SETUP: Chokers use their extra move action to position themselves for a charge. They then use their full round action to... CHARGE!

You following me, camera guy?

"Now that sounds kinda cool, but what happens after you charge? Seems like a lot of effort just to be in line for a charge."


...why the hell wont you let me finish before I'm done?

So you just underhanded this anthropomorphic sofa or whatever. After the wizard casts fireball, the fighter swings his two large bastard swords, the cleric goes into a rant about how he never gets to roleplay his character's backstory and you contemplate taking up sports again, its your turn. What do you do?

You use your move action to GTFO of there. AND THEN YOU CHARGE AGAIN!

"But wait, wouldn't moving out of-"
EH BUT WAIT RABIDPIRATEMAN, WOULDNT MOVING BLAHDIBLAH BLAH BLAH shut up. You have REAAAAAACH! It wont be able to hit you!

This is what I like to call... THE RUSHER

Here are some sample builds:
 
GEDDY LEE, LEAP ATTACK STYLE!

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Choker 3/Lion Totem Barbarian 1/Dungeon Crasher Fighter 6/Bear Warrior or Frenzied Berserker 7/Exotic Weapon Master 1/Ronin 2
Recommended Feats: Exotic Weapon Focus BASTARD SWORD!!!, Improved Bullrush, Leap Attack, Headless Charge, Shock Trooper
Recommended Stats: 28 Point Buy
Str 18 (24)
Dex 10 (14)
Con 14 (16)
Int 10 (4)
Wis 10 (12)
Cha 8 (4)

Geddy Lee likes to whack things into things. Set up your charge, and then let'r rip. Alternatively, you can charge, pwn your opponent from 10 feet away and then retreat back to do it again! Unless the opponent has some way of going past your reach, you will be able to take an AoO if they try and copy you. Put all your ranks into jump and leap like a pro!

Some people may ask, 'Doesn't the -4 penalty to Bullrushing suck?' But remember that 'Candle in the Wind' is the best selling song of all time, so people are often wrong. You get a +2 bonus for charging with a bullrush and +6 strength from the get go. Deal.

UPDATE: Ronin is exactly what this build needs: Subtract 19 AC for +19 damage. Whack away, beating your opponent harder than an 8 year old. (Like if you were playing an 8 year old in chess. You'd beat them. Hard. Were you thinking like you were going to beat a child physically? You're sick. Stop reading my guide, psycho.) After you decimate them, rush back and stay safe from enemy retaliation. Exotic Weapon Master adds double strength to your attacks, so you wont care about the lost levels of Frenzy Berzerker or Bear Warrior.

 
ALEX LIFESON, SKIRMISH STYLE

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Dictum goes over how a one level dip into Cleric is fantastic for Swift Hunters, since it gives them their precious little Travel Devotion. Well I say screw that: the only people devoted to traveling are old people who are about to die and are secretly searching for the fountain of youth. I say, CHOKER IT UP!

Choker 3/Whirling Frenzy Lion Totem Barbarian 1/Scout 5/Ranger 11
Recommended Feats: Improved Skirmish, Swift Hunter, Two Weapon Fighting tree
Recommended Stats: 28 Point Buy
Str 8 (14)
Dex 16 (20)
Con 12 (14)
Int 16 (10)
Wis 12 (14)
Cha 8 (4)


Unlike the Geddy Lee, Alex Lifeson uses Pounce to get a full attack with his charge. He can either position himself to have a clear path with his initial move action, or 'spring back' after he dealt the pain. The best thing about him is that he has a ton of feats open for you to pick. Take Exotic Weapon Proficiency Kasuri-Gama to get 20' reach. Get Lightning Maces, Snap Kick and Aptitude Weapons for tons of attacks for when you crit. Get Darkstalker so you can hide. Get Toughness four or five times for tons of life. You don't have any bonus to Int, but Ranger and Scout have a lot of skill points. However, if you wanted to stick to dealing damage, put more into Dex and Strength.

 

NIEL PEART, PALADIN STYLE

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The Paladin alternate class feature Charging Smite allows you to TRIPLE the damage of a smite when charging. THIS IS AWESOMESAUCE. However, the Choker's bad charisma score means we need to burn a feat for Serenity, which allows Wisdom to take the place of Charisma. However, we dont give a crap.

Choker 3/Lion Totem Barbarian 1/Charging Smite Paladin of Freedom 6/Pious Templar 10
Recommended Feats: Serenity, Power Attack, Awesome Smite, Battle Blessing
Recommended Stats: 28 Point Buy
Str 16 (22)
Dex 8 (12)
Con 14 (16)
Int 10 (4)
Wis 16 (18)
Cha 8 (4)

For added fun, put all your skill ranks into Jump and get Leap Attack! If Pious Templar isn't your thing, Knight of the Raven, Knight of the Chalice and Knight of the Living Dead are good substitutes. 


After that, FIRE!!!!!!

 
Hmm... Extra standard action... Extra standard action... What is an extra standard action? I know I can swing my weapon, and I know I can open doors...

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Well wait a second! Isn't that skill trick Spot the Weak Point a standard action?

Spot the Weak Point: Stare so hard at your opponent, they become NAKED. All you have to do is hit their touch AC and you're in, baby! Requires: Spot 12 ranks, Choker.

Wow, seems like it was just made for Chokers! Use the extra standard action to gain a chance for your next attack to be a touch attack! This is a strategy I call... VOYEURISM!

Just imagine a Choker watching you through the window at night while you undress... Mmmm......

Confront them with annihilation, and they will then survive; plunge them into a deadly situation, and they will then live. When people fall into danger, they are then able to strive for victory.
-Sun Tzu

Saaaaample Builds:

Peepin' Tom Choker

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Choker 3/Scout 4/Ranger 13
Recommended Feats: Archery tree, Improved Skirmish, Greater Manyshot
Recommended Stats: 96 Point Buy
Str 18 (24)
Dex 18 (22)
Con 18 (20)
Int 18 (12)
Wis 18 (20)
Cha 18 (14)

Tommy here begins his round by checking out his sexy, sexy opponent. Once they are thoroughly swooned by his piercing eyes and suggestive mannerisms (like Choking), he shoots them with Cupid's arrows. Alternatively, you could use your Quickness to move, and then take a full round action to Rapidshot. You could also hit your crotch with a hammer if you wanted to, so just do what makes you happy, crotch crusher.

Coming up next, SPELL-uh, well... CASTING... just open the damn tab.

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Standard action. Extra standard action. Every round. You KNOW you want to cast some spells.

So how do you get beyond the crippling fact that you have polio? Well, DnD will take the attention away from the pain. Think about how you can make a Choker cast stuff... 3 Hit die means you either want fast progression casting or no deviation from full casting... Int and Cha are hit too hard to use classes that require them... So that means you should focus on classes that require high wisdom, namely Clerics and Druids, and Ur-Priests. I know it will be difficult, but you just have to work with what you're given with.

Join the army, my parents said. Be a general. Fight wars. God, I didn't want to do this. My mom always degraded me, saying my writing wouldn't go anywhere. At the very least you could write a guide to war, she said. I wanted to do musical theater; heck, Mamma Mia is doing pretty good in the box office right now. Instead, I write fortune cookies for people looking to kill one another. I can only hope people don't over-quote me.
-Sun Tzu

With the extra standard action in hand, you basically get the Quicken Spell metamagic effect for free every round. Thats why I call him... DOMINOS.

No its not because they sell pizza you freak, TWOFER TUESDAY. God.

CLICK HERE TO WIN A PLAYSTATION 3

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"Mini Can of Butt-Kick"

This build was generously donated by carnivore. Thanks carnivore! The gift basket is being sent to your house.
carnivore wrote:

Choker 3/ Ranger 1/ Ardent 2/ Ur priest 2/ Psychic Theurge 8/ Slayer 4

BAB +13
9th lvl Divine Spells(CL = 10 +8 (Psi/magic transparency =(ML=CL) +4 practiced Caster = 20th lv Caster)
9th lvl Powers(ML = 17th with Practiced Manifester)


no need to worry about Actions

 

btw I totally love your handbook its the best thing ever sometimes I wish I could be as cool as you maybe you can give me a call sometime and we could go to an amusementpark or play some video games or something or i dont know also friend me on myspace

-carny

WHAT THE CHOKER DOES BEST: CHOKING

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Well, the Choker doesn't do it best. It does it differently. However, when I was a child, I drew differently than everyone else, and my mom said that because of that, they were the best. Are you saying my mom is wrong?

Good god, what the hell is that thing? It looks like some horrible cross between Robert Novak and a squid. Jesus, its all slimy andddrRKKKKGGHAHBKBLACKHC ACKKEHNTBREABAHCEAAKCKHHGGHGHG
-Sun Tzu

Chokers in grapple with opponents automatically deny them the use of speech, something that regular grapplers have to get to pinning to even try. During that time, most spellcasters (the primary targets for grapples) just dimension door or teleport away, since they only require verbal components. Chokers bypass this little trick.

Before I get to the builds, an interesting note- there isn't (to my knowledge) any other creature who has the ability to automatically deny speech while grappling. In order to do so in a regular grapple, you have to pin them, and then its optional (like, putting your hands over their mouth). Therefore, it is obvious to me that in the DnD multiverse, Chokers are the only creatures who know how to choke. There is no other way to make sense of this other than to say that this knowledge is so obtuse that even the wisest of warriors, sages and Elves with TWF and EWP Bastard Sword have no idea the tactical advantage gained from simply ringing an opponent's neck. So, even though there are races that have higher intelligence scores than the Choker, I would still argue that the Choker is THE MOST INTELLIGENT CREATURE IN THE GAME. I don't care if you are as smart as a dragon if you don't have any common sense.

Anyway, a Choker that utilizes grappling is a Choker utilizing the STFU attack.

So, does a Choker begin combat by running forward and initiating a grapple?

YES THEY DO, RPM!

No, they don't. They have improved grab, so they attack with their tentacles.

Now lets get esoteric- hardly anything has improved grab, so hardly anyone notices the special ability attached: Unless otherwise noted, improved grab works only against opponents at least one size category smaller than the creature. (Yeah, well it IS noted that the Choker can initiate a grab with anyone large size or smaller, you dirty ho). The creature has the option to conduct the grapple normally, or simply use the part of its body it used in the improved grab to hold the opponent. (That'd be your tentacle) If it chooses to do the latter, it takes a -20 penalty on grapple checks, but is not considered grappled itself; the creature does not lose its Dexterity bonus to AC, still threatens an area, and can use its remaining attacks against other opponents.

NOT CONSIDERED GRAPPLED. That means you can whack another person and GRAPPLE HIM!

Now go break out Savage Species. Now. I don't care if you have to drop what you're doing and go home, or break into a bookstore and steal a copy. Go look and come back when you've read it.

Back? Good, so I'm going to list what I wanted you to read.

MULTIGRAB and GREATER MULTIGRAB! These two feats negate the -20 penalties you incur when using this option!

Imagine it... a Choker... with sunglasses... looking so badass... and in each hand is a wizard, gasping for breath...

Sweet.

Here are some builds for you:

Wayne Brady

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Choker 3/Bear Totem Barbarian 1/Psychic Warrior 11/Sanctified Mind 5
Suggested Feats: Improved Grapple, Overchannel, Psionic Meditation, Extra Rage, Multigrab, Greater Multigrab
Suggested Stats: 28 PB
Str 18 (24)
Dex 8 (12)
Con 12 (14)
Int 10 (4)
Wis 14 (16)
Cha 8 (4)
Wayne Brady gets big bonuses to his grapple check because of his Psionic Powers. Expansion makes him big, Grip of Iron gives bonuses and Strength of my Enemy saps away strength. Bear Totem Barbarian gives him Improved Grapple, since Monk levels would lower his BAB to 16 (You'll have to get Improved Unarmed Strike with a Psywar feat). Of course, Multigrab and Greater Multigrab are stellar.

By the way, Psionic Focus requires a Move Action to regain with Psionic Meditation. You have a full round action to play with after regaining your focus. Spoiler alert for the next tactics block.

 

JAPANESE HENTAI STAR

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Choker 3/Ex-Monk 2/Psychic Warrior 2/Ranger 1/Primeval 10/Warblade 2
Suggested Feet: Two. Make sure they are different- ladies wont dance with you if you have two left feet.
Suggested Stats: 28 PB
Str 16 (22)
Dex 8 (12)
Con 14 (16)
Int 14 (8)
Wis 14 (16)
Cha 8 (4)

Less emphasizing psionics, more emphasizing turning into an animal. See if your DM can work up a Dire Squid for more tentacles. Because the Primeval subtracts your Int, you have to make sure it doesn't go under 3. Warblade gives you some pretty cool maneuvers and stances to work with. Ranger level is there for skill points and to retrain Track. Bear Warrior is a good alternative.

[Libertad]

FEATS

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Multigrab and Greater Multigrab?
Superior Unarmed Strike?
Improved Natural Attack?
Choke Hold?

TEMPLATES

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Archao suggests the Half-Minotaur from Dragon #313 p94. Your size will increase to Medium, Str +8, Dex -2, Con +4, Int -2, plus more. The Intelligence may be a bit too far (-8, yikes!) but come on. You'll be a slimy, horned, beefy-tentacled terror.

ALTERNATE PROGRESSIONS

ITEMS

SPELLS

MANEUVERS AND STANCES

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Crushing Grip of the Mountain Stance
Time Stands Still
Diamond Nightmare Blade

MISCELLANEOUS TRICKS

[Libertad]

And reserved!