Playing David Xanatos [4E]

[Hadrian_Emrys]

As the thread title suggests, I've recently found myself becoming obsessed with the idea of converting the infamous antagonist into a viable PC build. As it stands, I seem to have reached a point where an appeal to the community for input is the next logical step in the creation process.

For starters, the base framework for this character is that he is a Human, Psion/Warlord Hybrid. While the racial selection is appropriate due to thematic value alone, I feel that the additional at-will power is a vital mechanical component to the concept. To illustrate my meaning, the following are David's current skill and power selections by level three:

Bluff
Diplomacy
History
Intimidate

At-Will 1: Commander's Strike (Warlord)
At-Will 1: Mind Thrust
At-Will 1: Direct the Strike (Warlord)
Daily 1: Destructive Surprise (Warlord)
Utility 2: Perfect Recall (Skill, At-Will)
At-Will 3: Betrayal (Psion)

As you can see, the mechanical focus of this concept lies in wielding every creature in the field as one's weapons (both in, and out, of combat). So, while I have tentative selections for later levels, I also accept that many minds working together can do this idea far greater justice than mine alone ever could. So I ask you, the collective, for any and all suggestions that come to mind for the sake of creating the ultimate Magnificent Bastard, David Xanatos.

[realbombchu]

That's a tough, but very cool, question. Are you planning to keep his wealth, exo-suits, and other toys, or just his personality and some abilities? I would say he's an unaligned human warlord (either tactical or resourceful) with both the Arcane Initiate and Ritual Caster feats. I strongly suggest an arcane power source, not a psionic one.

[Hadrian_Emrys]

The wealth, exo-suits, and toys all feel setting specific to me. However, I do agree that the ritual casting would be highly appropriate for him. As for the call to go half-Psion, I stated that the idea was to have the character's play style "feel" like he is the manipulative troll that the source character is. The Psion aids in this effort by providing enemy manipulation (at-will) by level three and continues on to even grant multiple dominate effects in epic play. While I accept that this is not 100% thematically accurate, I also prioritize the overall theme of the character over the flavor details.

[Mando Knight]

The wealth, exo-suits, and toys all feel setting specific to me. However, I do agree that the ritual casting would be highly appropriate for him. As for the call to go half-Psion, I stated that the idea was to have the character's play style "feel" like he is the manipulative troll that the source character is. The Psion aids in this effort by providing enemy manipulation (at-will) by level three and continues on to even grant multiple dominate effects in epic play.

This. Xanatos's signature isn't his toys or fat wallet, it's his Trope-Naming manipulative planning powers.