[3.x] Suggestions for Death Knight

[Holocron Coder]

In case anybody isn't acquainted with the particular Death Knight type I am referring to, see spoiler.

Spoiler

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Possibly enlightening page: http://www.wowwiki.com/Death_knight_abilities

Yes, it is a WoW-centric idea, but I like the feel of the idea on its own merit.

Essentially, the idea is a heavy plate-wearer that uses a two-handed weapon. Abilities focus on Frost, Undeath, Rage, and Disease, with some fear thrown in for measure.

So, how can I accomplish making a character like this? Give it the full 20 levels, with ability 'biases' (rather than claiming a point buy, give an order of importance, i.e., str>wis>con>... etc). Hopeful race is Human, though I'm open to suggestions.

If at all possible, I'd like to have some raging (Few Barbarian levels), some undead/disease/fear relation (dread necro?), and possibly something with paladin/blackguard. Hopefully some ice-based abilities (or things refluff/feat-ed to be ice damage). Of course, if you have a better idea, I'm up for it

[Hawriel]

Isnt there a death knight templet?

[Holocron Coder]

In 3.x?...

...

No

[Adumbration]

Maybe go with cleric, then prestige to Winterhaunt of Iborighu?

[Holocron Coder]

Winterhaunt? Where is that from?

[Darrin]

In 3.x?...

...

No

Yes, the Death Knight template on page 207 of Monster Manual 2 totally doesn't exist. Really, just an elaborate hoax perpetrated by the Holy Order of Kender Typesetters & Layout Specialists.

[Adumbration]

Frostburn. If I remember correctly, it's a ten-level prestige class that has some cleric casting and slowly turns you into living profane ice and snow with an aura of cold around you.

I'll have to check it again for more information...

EDIT: It's actually a full-casting cleric prestige class, very nice actually. At the end of it you turn into an elemental with the evil subtype and some other nifty stuff. Your attacks also deal extra cold damage, you gain natural armor, resistance to cold and the ability to summon the Entombed.

[Holocron Coder]

Yes, the Death Knight template on page 207 of Monster Manual 2 totally doesn't exist. Really, just an elaborate hoax perpetrated by the Holy Order of Kender Typesetters & Layout Specialists.

Ah, well, never ran into it, personally, and I don't have my books with me... but, yeah. Does it fit the aforementioned desired mechanics?

[RTGoodman]

(Note: I'm away from books so I can't check on everything, but here's some ideas.)

Start with a Cleric with the Cold and maybe Death domains, and take the Tomb-Tainted Soul feat. Throw on maybe one level of Barbarian, though if you play with alignment restrictions it's not a good idea. If you want to mimic "rage," just take Power Attack and say that, when you use it you're "raging."

A little later, once you qualify, see if your DM will let you combine the Prestige Paladin with the Paladin of Tyranny (that is, use the Prestige Paladin but swap things from the LG Paladin with stuff from the LE Paladin). Maybe ask if you can exchange the Mounted Combat prerequisite for something else.

After 5 levels of Prestige Paladin of Tyranny, leave it and jump in some Winterhaunt of Iborighu it's full casting or nearly full casting, which is great since you're already losing two levels of casting from Prestige Paladin and don't want to miss out on 9th level spells. Full BAB isn't necessary since your spells can make up for it.

Once you're a higher level, you can focus your spells on combat stuff (standard Clericzilla stuff - divine power, etc.) and, if your DM allows the spontaneous domain variant that's somewhere in UA (I can't seem to find it) that lets you spontaneously convert spells to domain spells rather than cure or inflict spells, that could work, too.

[Starsinger]

I take it purchasing the WoW RPG or the Warcraft d20 RPG is out of the question?

[Keld Denar]

Errrmmmm,

Sounds like a case for a reflavored Duskblade. Swap out some of the normal damage spells with either cold versions (Kelgore's Frost Bolt), or new spells involving cold (swap Shocking Grasp for Chill Touch), throw in some necromancy such as Cause Fear, Inflict Wounds, and maybe even Animate Dead (and of course, Enervation!). Maybe swap out some features with things like an Aura of Dread, a fear based aura that gives a penalty to attacks and saves, since foes find themselves less able to defend themselves against your frightening countanance.

After that, Duskblade20 and you got it.

:)

[Ascension]

After that, Duskblade20 and you got it.

:)

So in other words, if you change everything about the duskblade, then you can use it? Heh.

I like the sound of the Winterhaunt thing. I think that should work for you. Sort of.

[Keld Denar]

So in other words, if you change everything about the duskblade, then you can use it? Heh.

I like the sound of the Winterhaunt thing. I think that should work for you. Sort of.

Not everything... Keep spell progression, most class features (including weapon/armor proficiencies) and HD. Its easier to modify one class than make up a new one. Beguiler basically took the Warmage, took away Edge to grant Trapfinding and more skill points, among other things, changed the spell list from Evocation/Conjouration to Enchantment/Illusion, and called it a level 20 class. I'm taking the Duskblade, changing the spell list around a bit, swapping out 2-3 abilities and calling it a Death Knight. Maybe I should work for WotC?

[Holocron Coder]

Hehe, all very good ideas need to get to my books so I can look into these more...