Description

Fighter 12 / Bard 1 / Red Dragon Disciple 10 / Weapon Master 7

The DragonMaster Negotiator: equally deadly with words and weapons!

I always liked the combination of RDD & WM to make a powerful character that can easily hold his
ground against a lot of enemies at the same time over a prolonged period without relying on any buffs.
This version of the "Classic Dragon-Bard" F(12), B(1), RDD(10), WM(7) combines a strong prowess in
battle, using the Falchion with the maximum unbuffed critical range of 13-20 x3. All Focus and
Specialization feats (normal, greater, epic) are included as well as the ability to talk anyone down with a
high diplomatic skill (33 Skillpoints).

Being able to complete the SP Campaigns using Diplomacy is a very satisfying thing to do for any lawful
or good character (e.g. talking Torio down in the NWN2 OC Ember Trial).

low/mid-level Modules (below lvl. 30):

At Level 16 this build is already very strong with 30 Strength and Immunity to Fire, Paraysis and Sleep
and a high amout of skills. Might come in handy for mid-level Modules.

VariantsEdit

There are many versions of the F(12), B(1), RDD(10), WM(7) build, which only emphasises its usefullness.

Other builds focus more on pure Strength which could be accomplished by using an Earth Genasi (you
could reach Str 40), which would mean much less Skill Points and an ECL adjustment.

The DragonMaster Negotiator (Useful for Campaigns) is especially skilled in Diplomacy, Taunt and the
use of the two-handed Falchion (Critical Range of 13-20 x3, all Focus/Spec. Feats). It is ideal for the OC
and MotB or other RP Modules - no resting or buffing is needed. Also has Improved Knockdown against
Monsters/People.

The DragonMaster Spotter (Useful for PvP) on the other hand has been improved for PvP (Player vs.
Player). PvP is different to the normal OC/MotB or RP modules, because a warrior doesn't need
Diplomacy or other Conversation skills - instead Spot, Listen, UMD, Improved Disarm, a high AC and a
high Attack are called for. The DragonMaster Spotter has all these. (Thanks to JeminiZero for this variant
Name Idea)

Character CreationEdit

Initial

Values

Final

Values

STR

18

34

DEX

14

14

CON

12

14

INT

14

16

WIS

CHA

8
10

Base attack bonus

26

Fortitude save

20

Reflex save

16

Will save

14

Spell resistance

Hit Points

376

Natural AC

20

Race: Human

Classes: Fighter 12, Bard 1, Red Dragon Disciple 10, Weapon Master 7

Cleric Domains: -

Build Nature: PvM, PvP

Alignment: any nonlawful

Deity: any

Weapon of ChoiceEdit

Falchion (choosen because of a high critical range 13-20 at WM7 and two-handed weapon)

Weapon Alternatives
Scythe (high multiplier, but lower critical range - two-handed weapon)

Rapier (13-20 at WM7, but lower overall damage and no power attack possible - one-handed weapon)

Scimitar (13-20 at WM7, but lower overall damage, power attack possible - can be wielded two-handed)
- EDIT Neven666 11:18, 25 June 2008 (UTC)

My Reasons for Falchion:

The Rapier does less damage than the Falchion, but could be used with a shield for more AC. This build
can use Monkey Grip to equipt a Heavy Shield but gets an -2 to hit.

One could even use his Falchion/Sycthe + Shield to do a full BAB Whirlwind attack without the monkey
grip penalty. See Whirlwind description for more Information.

Falchion/Rapier crits more often than the Scythe, but the Scythe crits harder when it crits.

Conclusion:

I think the Weapon of choice is really that - a Weapon of choice - different people prefer different
weapons.

Combat stats at lvl 30Edit

Mundane Falchion:

Main Hand Attack Bonus: +43/+38/+33/+28/+23/+18

Damage: 2-8 +24 Critical Range 13-20 x3

no Bonus Damage

Falchion +7:

Main Hand Attack Bonus: +52/+47/+42/+37/+32/+27

Damage: 2-8 +24 Critical Range 13-20 x3

+7 Slashing Damage

Falchion +7, + Haste, Strength Belt +8:

Main Hand Attack Bonus: +56/+51/+46/+41/+36/+31

Damage: 2-8 +30 Critical Range 13-20 x3

+7 Slashing Damage

Falchion +7, + Haste, Strength Belt +8, MonkeyGripped Heavy Shield +8:

Main Hand Attack Bonus: +54/+49/+44/+39/+34/+29

Damage: 2-8 +22 Critical Range 13-20 x3

+7 Slashing Damage |

Armor Class

AC 20 naked + Haste, Boots of the Sun Soul +5, Mithril Full Plate +8,

Cloak or Ring of Protection +8, Amulet of Natural Armor +8, Heavy Shield +8

= AC 69

DragonMaster Negotiator

Pro & ConsEdit

Pro

no ECL adjustments and no XP Penalty -> fully playable from Level 1-30

Critical Range 13-20 x3 with two handed Falchion

Strength 34, Improved Knockdown and Blind-Fighting

Immunity to Sleep, Paraysis and Fire

highly developed Skills Diplomacy (33), Spellcraft (33), Taunt (33), Tumble (33), Use Magic Device (33)

Use Magic Device (33) can be used to equipt otherwise restricted items (e.g. Boots of the Sun Soul +5)
and cast spells from scrolls!

Inspire Courage (Bard) (doesn't need to be recast, but stays active)

no buffs OR rests needed to continuously play this build

Con

no buffs

no Spot/Listen

Level Progression NegotiatorEdit

Tumble

Use Magic Device

Taunt

Intimidate

Spellcraft

Lore

Diplomacy

Perform

CL

Class

Feat

Bonus/Class Feats
Attributes

Fighter 1

Bully, Mobility, Dodge, Able Learner

Note: Save 4 skill points

Bard 1

Inspire Courage, Countersong, Fascinate

4

Fighter 2

Knockdown, Combat Expertise

Fighter 3
1

+1 str

Fighter 4

Weapon Focus (Falchion)

RDD 1
Weapon Specialization (Falchion)

Natural armor increase I

RDD 2

+2 Strength

8
RDD 3

Breath weapon I x1

+1 str

RDD 4

Improved Knockdown

Natural armor increase II, +2 Strength

2
10

RDD 5

Blind-fight

11

RDD 6

+2 Constitution

1
12

RDD 7

Spring Attack

Natural armor increase III, breath weapon II x1

+1 str

13

RDD 8

+2 Intelligence

1
14

RDD 9

15

RDD 10

Whirlwind Attack

Natural armor increase IV, breath weapon III x1, +4 Strength, +2 Charisma, half-dragon

2
16

Weapon Master 1

Weapon of Choice (Falchion), Ki Damage (1 per day)

+1 str

17

Weapon Master 2

Ki Damage (2 per day)

2
18

Weapon Master 3

Monkey Grip

Ki Damage (3 per day)

19

Weapon Master 4

Ki Damage (4 per day)

1
2

20

Weapon Master 5

Increased Multiplier, Superior Weapon Focus, Ki Damage (5 per day)

+1 str

21

Fighter 5

Great Strength (+1)

Epic Character

1
1

22

Fighter 6

Epic Prowess

23

Fighter 7

Power Critical (Falchion)

1
1

24

Fighter 8

Greater Weapon Focus (Falchion)

+1 str

25

Fighter 9

Improved Critical (Falchion)

1
1

26

Fighter 10

Armor Skin

27

Fighter 11

Epic Weapon Focus (Falchion)

1

28

Fighter 12

Greater Weapon Specialization (Falchion)

+1 str

29

Weapon Master 6

Epic Weapon Specialization (Falchion)

Ki Damage (6 per day)

30

Weapon Master 7

Ki Critical, Ki Damage (7 per day)

For those keeping count that leaves 4 skill points at levels 27-30 unaccounted for. The most obvious
candidate to put them in would be Appraise.

DragonMaster Spotter
Pro & ContraEdit

Pro

no ECL adjustments and no XP Penalty -> fully playable from Level 1-30

Critical Range 13-20 x3 with two handed Falchion

Strength 34, Improved Disarm and Blind-Fighting

Immunity to Sleep, Paraysis and Fire

highly developed Skills Spot (33), Listen (33), Spellcraft (33), Tumble (33), Use Magic Device (33)

Use Magic Device (33) can be used to equipt otherwise restricted items (e.g. Boots of the Sun Soul +5)
and cast spells from scrolls!

Inspire Courage (Bard) (doesn't need to be recast, but stays active)

no buffs OR rests needed to continuously play this build

Con

no buffs

no Diplomacy/Taunt

Level Progression SpotterEdit

CL

Class

Feat

Bonus/Class Feats

Attributes

Fighter 1

Bully, Mobility, Dodge, Able Learner

2
Bard 1

Inspire Courage, Countersong, Fascinate

Fighter 2

Disarm, Combat Expertise

Fighter 3

+1 str

Fighter 4

Weapon Focus (Falchion)

RDD 1

Weapon Specialization (Falchion)

7
RDD 2

RDD 3

+1 str

RDD 4

Improved Disarm

10

RDD 5

11

RDD 6

12
RDD 7

Spring Attack

+1 str

13

RDD 8

14

RDD 9

15

RDD 10

Whirlwind Attack

16

Weapon Master 1

Weapon of Choice (Falchion)

+1 str

17
Weapon Master 2

18

Weapon Master 3

Monkey Grip

Ki Damage

19

Weapon Master 4

20

Weapon Master 5

Increased Multiplier, Superior Weapon Focus

+1 str

21

Fighter 5

Great Strength (+1)

Epic Character

22
Fighter 6

Epic Prowess

23

Fighter 7

Power Critical (Falchion)

24

Fighter 8

Greater Weapon Focus (Falchion)

+1 str

25

Fighter 9

Improved Critical (Falchion)

26

Fighter 10

Armor Skin

27
Fighter 11

Epic Weapon Focus (Falchion)

28

Fighter 12

Greater Weapon Specialization (Falchion)

+1 str

29

Weapon Master 6

Epic Weapon Specialization (Falchion)

30

Weapon Master 7

Ki Critical

Skillpoint Distribution SpotterEdit

Skillpoints 186

Skillpoints 186

Heal 2 (He)

Intimidate 4 (I)
Listen 33 (Li)

Lore 8 (Lo)

Perform 3 (Pe)

Spellcraft 33 (SC)

Spot 33 (Sp)

Tumble 33 (Tu)

Use Magic Device 33 (UMD)

Level 1: I 4, Li 2, Lo 4, UMD 2, Save 4

Level 2: Li 3, Lo 1, Pe 3, Tu 3, UMD 3, Save 0

Level 3: Li 1, Lo 1, Tu 2, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 4: Li 1, Lo 1, Tu 2, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 5: Li 1, Lo 1, SC 1, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 6: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 7: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 8: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 9: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 10: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 11: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 12: Li 1, SC 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 13: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 1, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 14: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 15: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 16: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 17: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 18: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 19: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 20: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 21: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 22: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 23: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 24: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 25: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 26: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 27: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 28: Li 1, SC 1, Sp 2, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 29: He 1, Li 1, SC 1, Sp 1, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Level 30: He 1, Li 1, SC 1, Sp 1, Tu 1, UMD 1, Save 0

Comments

If you use the Heavy Shield you lose 2 to Hit and +8 Damage with the Falchion, which may not sound
bad, but you have an easier time hitting and making criticals when you don't use the Shield. One could
change Monkey Grip to Toughness or another Feat, but it is always nice to have the option of extra AC
from an Heavy Shield +8 ;)

Falchion Epic Feats Bug

Because of a Bug in NWN2 (v 1.12) you don't seem to need Greater Weapon Focus and Greater Weapon
Specialization for their Epic counterparts when using a Falchion. Because I changed the level progression
a bit around this build would still be legit even if this bug is ever fixed.

To make this Build work the last two levels of Weapons Master or Red Dragon Disciple must be taken at
level 29 and 30. Otherwise the character couldn't take Greater Weapon Specialization (Falchion), which
needs Fighter 12. You could shift the levels around to get WM & RDD finished earlier, but you would lose
feats or Skill points, which wasn't an option for me.

I took the Weapons Master levels last for the simple reason that the RDD immunities are too important
to take at a later time (immunity to FIRE - Fire based Spells do not do damage!).

If you don't care about the Bug you can simply take WM 6 & WM 7 at lvl 22 and 23, allowing you to get
the higher crtical range early on.

The Build Progression would then look like this for the Epic Level Range:

Lvl 22: Weapon Master(6)

Lvl 23: Weapon Master(7): EWF (Falchion), {Ki Critical}

Lvl 24: Fighter(6): Epic Prowess

Lvl 25: Fighter(7): Impr.Crit. (Falchion)

Lvl 26: Fighter(8): Armor Skin

Lvl 27: Fighter(9): Pow.Crit. (Falchion)

Lvl 28: Fighter(10): STR+1, GWF (Falchion)

Lvl 29: Fighter(11): EWS (Falchion)

Lvl 30: Fighter(12): GWS (Falchion)

History

v2.3 Incorporated Monkey Grip for PvP purposes, removed Overwhelming Critical and prerequisites.
Seperate Skill & Feat Tree for Spotter variant.

v2.1 Strength 18, Constitution 12, Wisdom 8, Charisma 8 as initial stats, "normal" Knockdown Taunt 33
(Spot 33 as Spotter Variante)

v2.0 Strength 18, Constitution 10 and Charisma 8 as initial stats + Improved Knockdown, changed Taunt
to Spot 33 Epic Character Builders Part Deux link

v1.0 Strength 16, Constitution 14 and Charisma 10 as initial stats (included Taunt 33) Epic Character
Builders Part Deux link