DRAGON RIDER (the “Mighty Blade”)
By Deborah “Tyr” Templar

Concept:
Dragon Blades were an elite fighting force, comprised of combat warriors who actually rode and fought upon dragons; the pair, rider and dragon, were dedicated to the preservation and defense of a far away land, somewhere in the desert. It is said the bond between dragon and his/her rider is a strong and magical one. It is also said that, in time, the bond grows between a rider and his/her dragon, such that they begin to “see” and “think” as one, and that each of the pair eventually take on many characteristics of the other. It is widely believed all Dragon Blades (and their dragons) died out during the time of the dragon wars.

They are wrong: a few survived.

Character:
This character is a “mighty” variant, if you will, of my original Dragon Blade, and thus asks: Want more mighty in your rage and EDR damage-shrugging power in lieu of magic in your rider? Then this, the third and final character in my latest Dragon Blade series, may be your ticket! Inspired by Grim (whose helpful comments and review are graciously acknowledged), this dragon rider comes complete with high AB (self-rage to str. cap, no assembly or equipment required), serious HPs (over 800 raging!) –and- EDR II (or III), bolstered by a terrifying rage DC 57-66.

Others in the Rider Series:
If you want more magic/bardic song power instead, then you be seeking the Magical Rider, Click Here , with much more bard than has this one, thus a much, much better song (and level 5 spell access), being also a more “magical variant” (if you will) of the original Dragon Blade. To see the original Dragon Blade (with links therein also to the 11 other cool builds, being “others of the species” using this splendid class combo, including Finn’s most clever “Mighty and Terrifying and Thundering Gnomish Barbarian” which. albeit different, shares the same level split as this one), Click Here

And now, without further ado, please meet:

DRAGON RIDER (the “Mighty Blade”)—
Barbarian(28), Red Dragon Disciple(10), Bard(2)

Race: Human
Alignment: Any Non-Lawful (Theme: Chaotic Good, Chaotic Neutral, or Chaotic Evil)

I. Attributes:
STR: 17 (34)
DEX: 10
CON: 16 (21)
WIS: 8
INT: 13 (15)
CHA: 8 (10)

II. Level Guide:
01: Barbarian(1): iron will, weapon proficiency exotic*
02: Barbarian(2): {Uncanny Dodge I}
03: Barbarian(3): weapon focus: bastard sword*
04: Barbarian(4): STR+1, (STR=18)
05: Barbarian(5)
06: Barbarian(6): knockdown
07: Barbarian(7)
08: Barbarian(8): STR+1, (STR=19)
09: Barbarian(9): blind fight
10: Barbarian(10)
11: Barbarian(11)
12: Barbarian(12): STR+1, improved knockdown, (STR=20)
13: Barbarian(13)
14: Barbarian(14)
15: Barbarian(15): improved critical
16: Barbarian(16): STR+1, (STR=21)
17: Barbarian(17)
18: Barbarian(18): skill focus: intimidate
19: Barbarian(19)
20: Barbarian(20): STR+1, (STR=22)
21: Bard(1): epic weapon focus
22: Red Dragon Disciple(1)
23: Red Dragon Disciple(2): (STR=24)
24: Barbarian(21): CON+1, terrifying rage, (CON=17)
25: Red Dragon Disciple(3)
26: Red Dragon Disciple(4): (STR=26)
27: Red Dragon Disciple(5): epic prowess
28: Red Dragon Disciple(6): CON+1, (CON=18)
29: Red Dragon Disciple(7): (CON=20)
30: Red Dragon Disciple(8): epic skill focus: intimidate*
31: Red Dragon Disciple(9): (INT=15)
32: Red Dragon Disciple(10): CON+1, {Darkvision}, (STR=30), (CON=21), (CHA=10)
33: Barbarian(22): mighty rage
34: Barbarian(23)
35: Barbarian(24): epic damage reduction I
36: Barbarian(25): STR+1, great strength I, (STR=32)
37: Barbarian(26)
38: Barbarian(27)
39: Bard(2): great strength II, (STR=33)
40: Barbarian(28): STR+1, epic damage reduction II, (STR=34)


• * Armor/Weapon Note: In light of the extreme hps and benefits re: EDR, I recommend (on this variant) using i.e., bastard sword or katana (dealing 1-10 damage (compared to a big knife’s 2-12), while allowing (unlike the big knife) for shield use, as may be desired; weapons, however, are a matter of personal choice, so feel free to switch out for another of your own choice, and/or pick up heavy armor prof. instead.

• Connotes feat may be exchanged for another of your own choice; alternates (in lieu of ESF:Intim.) to consider: Grt.Con (not only hps and fort but another round of already very long-lasting raging power) or, depending on environs, EDR III.


III. Basics:
a. Hitpoints: 632 (+240 Mighty+Greater Rage, or: 872)

b. Saving Throws
Fort: 27 (+6 Mighty/Grt Rage, or: 33)
Will: 17 (+4 Mighty Rage, +1 Song: or, 22)
Reflex: 16 (Uncanny Dodge)

Saving Throw bonuses: Spells: +5, Traps: +5

Other:
Terrifying Rage, Barbarian Speed, DR 12/-
RDD: Darkvision, Immunity to Fire, Paralysis, Sleep
Fully trained in the art of UMD
More than ample strength to cart clarity potions

IV. Combat Vitals:

a. Terrifying Rage (DC): 56 (+1d10), or: 57-66

b. Attack Bonus (mundane weapon)
BAB: 30, AB: 46 (no buffs)
+6 Mighty Rage/Greater Rage*
+1 Bard Song
+6 Taunt (lowers enemy AC, effectively raising your AB)
--
AB +59 (Self-Buffs only; does not include any magical equipment or UMD)

Capped: (assuming umd/weaponry): AB +72, +6 Taunt, or: AB +78

*Rage Note: +3 AB Grt.Rage alone (+6 str), and +4 AB Mighty Rage (+8 str.): together, w. nothing more, readily hits Bioware’s +12 ability-cap


c. Damage (illustrative):
Mundane Bastard Sword: 1-10+18 (crit: 17-20/x2) (-6 one-handed/i.e., used w. shield)
+ 1 Bard Song
+ 9 Mighty/Grt. Rage (-3 one-handed/i.e., shield use)



V. Defense Vitals:

22 AC (naked)
+5 mundane breastplate*
+3 tower shield
--
AC 30 (-2 raging); does not include any magical equipment or UMD

Note: If took heavy armor prof., i.e., full plate, would add +3 AC (or, AC 33)

Other:
Epic Damage Reduction 12/-
Fully trained in the art of UMD
Terrifying Rage (enemies can’t hit you when they’re terrified


VI. Skillpoints (247)
Discipline 43(55), Heal 1(0), Intimidate 43(56), Lore 8(12), Perform 6(6), Spellcraft 23(25), Taunt 43(43), Tumble 40(40), UMD 40(40)

VII. Spell Casting: Bard(0)
Cantrips:- 3 Spells / day
Also, fully trained in the art of UMD

Edited some miscalculations at builders request - Grimnir

Edited By Bromium on 10/12/07 20:12

Quote: 
30: Red Dragon Disciple(8): epic skill focus: intimidate*
31: Red Dragon Disciple(9): (INT=15)
32: Red Dragon Disciple(10): CON+1, {Darkvision}, (STR=30), (CON=21), (CHA=10)
33: Barbarian(22): mighty rage
35: Barbarian(24): epic damage reduction I
36: Barbarian(25): STR+1, great strength I, (STR=32)
37: Barbarian(26)
38: Barbarian(27)
39: Bard(2): great strength II, (STR=33)
40: Barbarian(28): STR+1, epic damage reduction II, (STR=34)

• Connotes feat may be exchanged for another of your own choice; alternates (in lieu of ESF:Intim.) to consider: Grt.Con (not only hps and fort but another round of already very long-lasting raging power) or, depending on environs, EDR III.

This is so darn difficult, not taking EDR III at this rate is like having gold in front of you and not looting it, I'd drop ESF anytime for it, or even Epic Prowess.

Hmmm, if this was to be played as level 40 PvP I'd definitely go Dwarf, increase CON lowering CHA (forgetting about Iron Will) and raise STR where you raised CON. But it should be best like it is for playable concerns.

Edited By Thaxll'ssyllia on 02/15/07 04:17

Wow, Thax -- I feel your pain! (Ain't those options just a

Yeah, the extra 3/- from EDRIII would be nice, (would add up to 15/- as opposed to the current 12/- s/he's got (ie, being 6/- from epic barbarian DR and 6/- from EDRII, & not the 10/- as currently posted (sorry folks, edit's a comin'); and, uh, in the meantime, don't ya feel a li'l better knowin' there's another 2/- ?

Seriously though, great eyes and great call re: dwarf, which would indeed let you do it all, just like you said; unfortunately, also bang on as to why I didn't go that route - i.e. serious xp penalties, which would (for many players) hamper playability. Then again, if picking it up from level 40 ....

Conversely, if playing this up and yet really wanting that extra 3/-, while by no means integral, you should (always) feel free to adjust, taking whatever's most important to your style/environs. Highly effective w.o, I assure you; but Thax' be some great thinking, too (& spoken like a true dragon - thanks!!

Edited By TyrTemplar on 02/16/07 18:37