kemmotar
2016-02-15, 04:30 PM
Ok, so...I've been wondering how one might make a playable squirrel (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Squirrel_%283.5e_Creature%29) character (or any critter really). Even before thinking what sort of class it'd be worth it going for, we have to build it.
A few options are open to us, first, obviously you need awaken which adds 3d6 int and 1d3 cha. Would this add anything to your level adjustment? My first instinct would be to say no.
Second, a 1/8hd critter wouldn't survive for very long or be entirely useful. Three templates could be applied dire (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Dire_%283.5e_Template%29) or monstrous beast (http://kahdnd.pbworks.com/w/page/34340903/Monstrous%20Beast) or feral (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Feral_%283.5e_Template%29).
The first provides some physical stats and natural armor, notably +8 str and +4 dex, which would take our squirrel to 10str and 21 dex which isn't bad for a more physical character, problem is even with dire you're still tiny. Tiny gives you +8 to hide (and i'd say move silently as well) but the weapon damage is too tiny (pun intended) to be anything other than a moderate sneeze. It also doubles your HD which would put you on a firm 2/8HD and make it easier for a DM to swallow a 0 LA squirrel.
Monstrous beast, I didn't like very much, +2 LA and gives some abilities, which though nifty, aren't really worth +2 LA and don't solve any of your squirelly problems. If you play a physical class, doesn't add any stats. If you play something more level dependent like a spellcaster, you don't want the LA.
Feral could be fun at later levels if you get a combination of multiattack and improved natural attack (squirrel has a bite attack and feral gives two claw attacks). Though a frenzied berserker squirrel pounce charging you sounds hillariously awesome, I doubt it would be very effective anyway.
That said, I get the feeling you'd need to gravitate more towards spellcasting classes, though unless you get really lucky with your rolls for intelligence, you wouldn't have very good stats to start with.
If lucky, you can get 20 intelligence, though I don't get the feeling wizard (or any other intelligence based spellcasting class would fit, though maybe psion would be amusing). Charisma is right out (unless your dm gives you some sort of modified rolling for stats) with a grant total of max 9 cha. Wisdom is ok at 12, though still not really up to scratch (any ideas on raising this?).
A wild shape focused druid could work or a variant druid, but that would be defeating the point of playing a squirrel.
A rogue could actually work, weapon damage isn't a rogue's main weapon, additional attack roll/AC from being diminutive/tiny as well as hide (and maybe move silently). A swashbuckling roguish squirrel could be fun.
To be entirely honest I was gravitating towards a druid, but I've no clue how to make it work without effectively making the choice of race a non-choice. A degree of abuse may be required but let's avoid silly stinking cheese like the 1d2 crusader. The aim is to make it playable not overpowering.
Thanks for the help, both for druid and for overcoming the general physical restrictions.
A few options are open to us, first, obviously you need awaken which adds 3d6 int and 1d3 cha. Would this add anything to your level adjustment? My first instinct would be to say no.
Second, a 1/8hd critter wouldn't survive for very long or be entirely useful. Three templates could be applied dire (http://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Dire_%283.5e_Template%29) or monstrous beast (http://kahdnd.pbworks.com/w/page/34340903/Monstrous%20Beast) or feral (https://www.dandwiki.com/wiki/Feral_%283.5e_Template%29).
The first provides some physical stats and natural armor, notably +8 str and +4 dex, which would take our squirrel to 10str and 21 dex which isn't bad for a more physical character, problem is even with dire you're still tiny. Tiny gives you +8 to hide (and i'd say move silently as well) but the weapon damage is too tiny (pun intended) to be anything other than a moderate sneeze. It also doubles your HD which would put you on a firm 2/8HD and make it easier for a DM to swallow a 0 LA squirrel.
Monstrous beast, I didn't like very much, +2 LA and gives some abilities, which though nifty, aren't really worth +2 LA and don't solve any of your squirelly problems. If you play a physical class, doesn't add any stats. If you play something more level dependent like a spellcaster, you don't want the LA.
Feral could be fun at later levels if you get a combination of multiattack and improved natural attack (squirrel has a bite attack and feral gives two claw attacks). Though a frenzied berserker squirrel pounce charging you sounds hillariously awesome, I doubt it would be very effective anyway.
That said, I get the feeling you'd need to gravitate more towards spellcasting classes, though unless you get really lucky with your rolls for intelligence, you wouldn't have very good stats to start with.
If lucky, you can get 20 intelligence, though I don't get the feeling wizard (or any other intelligence based spellcasting class would fit, though maybe psion would be amusing). Charisma is right out (unless your dm gives you some sort of modified rolling for stats) with a grant total of max 9 cha. Wisdom is ok at 12, though still not really up to scratch (any ideas on raising this?).
A wild shape focused druid could work or a variant druid, but that would be defeating the point of playing a squirrel.
A rogue could actually work, weapon damage isn't a rogue's main weapon, additional attack roll/AC from being diminutive/tiny as well as hide (and maybe move silently). A swashbuckling roguish squirrel could be fun.
To be entirely honest I was gravitating towards a druid, but I've no clue how to make it work without effectively making the choice of race a non-choice. A degree of abuse may be required but let's avoid silly stinking cheese like the 1d2 crusader. The aim is to make it playable not overpowering.
Thanks for the help, both for druid and for overcoming the general physical restrictions.