[3.5] Statting out a character concept

[Scorpions__]

My player wants to play a Chaotic Evil melee-type that has some magic (preferably not spells) and is somewhat elemental (fire, water, air, earth).

What would you recommend?



DM[F]R

[Greenish]

Most non-caster elementalist PrCs are rather poor, in my experience.

Ardent tashatalora.
A Pyrokineticist (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/pyrokineticist.htm) (or variant (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040625e)).
Barbarian/Frostrager (possibly with refluffed fist of the forest, maybe with Blazing Berserker).
A swordsage.
A totemist.

[Edit]: Planar Handbook had the elemental warrior, but I can't remember much about it.

[Forged Fury]

Planar Handbook had the elemental warrior, but I can't remember much about it.
Not great, not horrible. You basically have to be 7th level in a Full BAB class to enter. 5 level class, 3/4 BAB, good Fort save, provides you with a suite of powers based on your chosen element. Powers generally take the shape of defensive boosts (such as DR), empowering weapons with elemental energy, special movement types, and special touch attacks. I personally like Earth Affinity because burrowing is money.

Edit: It does seem to be exactly what you're looking for, if he can take the BAB hit.

[Kaje]

Swordsage
Glaivelock

[Bang!]

EDIT: Not spells. I misunderstood.

Ardent (or an Ardent gish) with elemental mantles (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20070629a)?

Artificer is good at covering unusual concepts.

Complete Champion's Devotion feats might be useful for this.

DragoonWraith's Swordmage (http://wiki.faxcelestis.net/index.php?title=Swordmage) would fit the bill if you're not opposed to homebrew.

EDIT2: Changed Swordmage URL.

[Runestar]

Think manual of the planes? has the half-elemental templates.

Forgotten realms have the genasi, which are essentially elemental planetouched. (unfortunately, you will need FRCS for their stats and races of faerun for the fluff).

Tome of battle has fire and earth-themed maneuvers.

[AslanCross]

Swordsage: Desert Wind discipline for fire, Stone Dragon for earth, Diamond Mind for water, Setting Sun or Shadow Hand for wind?

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

I'd say get just one level of Pyrokineticist (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/prestigeClasses/pyrokineticist.htm) or preferably Sonokineticist (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040625e) since fewer opponents will be immune. You can use the fire lash (or sonic lash or whatever) with any feats that can be used with a standard whip, Power Attack included. It makes ranged touch attacks, so get point-blank shot for a +1 to attack and damage and be sure to take precise shot. Swing it two-handed with power attack and you get to ignore your opponents' armor, shield, and natural armor bonuses to AC. Strength won't add to attack or damage so put a minimum 13 there to qualify for power attack and put everything toward Dex.

Keep in mind any extra damage such as from power attack, sneak attack, etc. is the same type of damage as the weapon's base damage. Those things will add additional energy damage of the same type that the lash deals, which makes it even more important to pick one that opponents won't be commonly immune to. You can't AoO with the lash, so be sure to wear armor spikes (or get improved unarmed strike) so you'll still threaten and be able to AoO into adjacent squares. Another option would be an entirely Wis-focused build, with Zen Archery and Swordsage or Monk levels. The loss of BAB will reduce your power attack damage, but it won't be a huge difference and you'll hit just as often though you'll be waiting longer for more iterative attacks. Get the Fiery Fist line of feats from PH2 and a set of Gloves of Endless Javelins in MIC but which create lightning bolt shaped javelins of force, and maybe a circlet of blasting (or make it goggles/lenses, the rays come out of his eyes) for a more complete master-of-elements theme.