Core Only 5 Level Build

[LordOfCain]

Only the DMG, PHB, and MM. As well as only subraces of the races mentioned in the PHB (plane touched do not count). Go nuts. (35 PB)

[Grod_The_Giant]

What happened to the build you were putting together in the last two threads?

EDIT: but to offer an actual suggestion, wild elf Rogue 1/Ranger 4. Ranger is probably the best non full caster in core, what with having good skill points and some spells for utility. A splash of Rogue gives you a few more skill options and a bit of bonus damage, which is also nice. You can go TWF with a greatsword and armor spikes, or- maybe a better option, with those huge stats- a switch hitter becomes plausible. (Archery combat style, with normal feats for, oh, a trip build- Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Combat Reflexes; maybe Power Attack as well). Feel free to add a level or two of Fighter for heavy armor and an extra feat or two.

[Malroth]

Druid+ Fleshraker companion feats and stats don't matter, throw on your hours/lv buffs, Wildshape into another fleshraker then rampage around.

[Kraken]

Just...anything? Would a human druid with a dog be okay? You can blend in just fine both in cities and the wilds. It's worked well for me before.

Feats: Spell focus (conjuration), augment summoning, improved initiative, take natural spell at level 6.

Grab a riding dog as your companion and give it improved natural attack with its extra feat from hit dice. Weapon focus (bite) is an okay option for its next feat once you get to level 6.

Do you get to pick your magic items?

[daremetoidareyo]

Just...anything? Would a human druid with a dog be okay? You can blend in just fine both in cities and the wilds. It's worked well for me before.

Feats: Spell focus (conjuration), augment summoning, improved initiative, take natural spell at level 6.

Grab a riding dog as your companion and give it improved natural attack with its extra feat from hit dice. Weapon focus (bite) is an okay option for its next feat once you get to level 6.

Do you get to pick your magic items?

One of the feats that give +2 to saves would be good too.

@ OP

Go with sorcerer of a specific theme. Read the spellcasting entry for sorcerer, you can totally get druid ranger paladin cleric and bard spells on your spells known.

[eggynack]

One of the feats that give +2 to saves would be good too.

Seems like that'd be a lot worse than the alternatives, even in core. In addition to the noted feats, you could have extend spell, craft wondrous item, flyby attack, and even multiattack if you want to go kinda deep. Those generic numerical feats just don't seem as good.

[daremetoidareyo]

Seems like that'd be a lot worse than the alternatives, even in core. In addition to the noted feats, you could have extend spell, craft wondrous item, flyby attack, and even multiattack if you want to go kinda deep. Those generic numerical feats just don't seem as good.

LOL. My bad, I should have been clearer. For your dog animal companion, the +2 is an ok choice.

Unless I get to throw power attack on him, a plus +2 to will is better than many other core feats for an animal companion.

[Biffoniacus_Furiou]

Gnome Druid 5, Spell Focus: Conjuration and Augment Summoning, war-trained Riding Dog (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/monsters/dogRiding.htm) animal companion. Ability scores should be Wis > Con > Dex > Int > Cha > Str.

You should have 9,000 gp worth of gear, get a Lesser Metamagic Rod of Extend, a Wand of Cure Light Wounds, a Handy Haversack, and everything from Shax's Indispensable Haversack (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?148101-3-x-Shax-s-Indispensible-Haversack-(Equipment-Handbook)) that you can get (most of the mundane items should be available regardless of their source, since you can buy a sack of flour anywhere, but those books provide rules for their use). If you have enough left over, a Cloak of Resistance +1 is probably worthwhile. Also get (+1) leather armor and a (+1) heavy wooden shield.

Your dog will have one additional feat for its extra HD, which should probably be Combat Reflexes. Put masterwork studded leather or chain shirt barding on it, and always try to keep it between you and your opponents when you're not riding it.

You can use the Lesser Rod of Extend to put Endure Elements on yourself and your companion each day, you only need to cast it on each of you every other day so it takes one 1st level slot and one charge of the rod per day. Other prepared spells should include Entangle, Produce Flame, Obscuring Mist, Heat Metal (use it on an opponent's weapon so they'll drop it), Summon Swarm, Barkskin, and Sleet Storm. Use the Lesser Rod of Extend with whatever would be the most beneficial, which is usually going to be Sleet Storm or Heat Metal. Use Summon Nature's Ally II for a Wolverine or a Dire Bat or a Crocodile (to grapple small opponents), or SNA III for a Lion.