21: Damage Reduction I 24: Undead Shape 27: Damage Reduction II 28 (Epic Shifter): Epic Energy Resistance: Acid I 30: Damage Reduction III 31 (Epic Shifter): Epic Energy Resistance: Fire I 33: Epic Prowess 36: Armor Skin 36 (Epic Defender): Epic Energy Resistance: Acid II 39: [Epic Weapon Focus: Unarmed Strike] 40 (Epic Defender): Epic Energy Resistance: Fire II
[] Indicates a substitutable choice.
Rely on Undead Forms in epic levels. Risen Lord vs. fighter types, Vampire vs. caster types. Every form soaks 21/- damage.
Risen Lord effectively soaks 42/- vs. piercing and slashing damage (50% immune applies prior to soak). Has +5 scythe that is vampiric (+2). Vampire soaks 21/-, 20/- vs. Acid, Fire, Cold and Electrical, +8 Regen. Has level drain attack (drains 2 levels) at DC 31. (not sure about DC) Vampiric and any form which does not replace Con has enormous HP (Con 28+Toughness = +400 HP over 40 levels).
Pros: high HP, quickly powers up, damage absorption+critical immunity , single stat focus, converts any martial/simple weapon into a scythe Cons: low AB, never gets higher shifter forms, low AC, enemy clerics (ouch!) and monks (blunt damage)