dungeons and dragons: looking for a powerful CR 20 PC any suggestions?

Question

Looking for a good race for a cavalier: using the rules from core 3.5 and the "complete" series, or if you have a different suggestion for class, that's fine.

This won't be a RP character, I'll just be using it in a CR 20 arena battle with some of my friends.

Answer 1

Sticking with the cavalier, I'd suggest you start out as a paladin so you get the benefit of the paladins special mount, otherwise your mount is likely to be very vulnerable. As a paladin, your most important attributes are Strength and Charisma. Sadly, if you want a race with no level adjustment, all the ones with ST bonuses have CH penalties. However, there are a few very appropriate and powerful alternative choices if you use races with ECL.

The Aasimar has a CH and WI bonus, some minor resistances and a tendency to become paladins anyhow.

Half-Celestials have a ton of bonuses, resistances and spell-like abilities, with an ECL to match. However, Cavalier seems an odd class choice for someone who can fly.

Half-Dragons are also powerful, and two of their highest bonuses are ST and CH, plus they get a useful breath weapon (although by level 20 it's a bit underpowered to say the least). Furthermore, Medium sized half-dragons lack wings, making them a more reasonable choice for Cavalier.

The biggest problem with these two is that you won't be able to reach 10th level as a Cavalier by CR20, losing the Unstoppable Charge ability, to get that, you need a level adjustment of 2 or less.

If you do go with one of the half-breed templates, you need to consider the base race. I'd stick with a no adjustment race, you have a big enough adjustment already. Human is good for the extra feat while Half-Orc gives you strength (and with the template bonuses, the penalties aren't that big of a problem). I'd probably pick one of those two, but any of the core races would be a viable choice. (Yes, even a halfling or gnome can be a ************ damage machine with one of those templates.)

Biggest weakness of this character is lack of defenses vs magic. At CR20, magic is king. You'll need to make that up with your gear or go for another build. I'd suggest any items that grant SR, elemental resistances or saving throw bonuses at the highest level you can afford. You'll also want some way to deal with fliers, invisible foes and magical barriers. And of course, don't forget to protect your mount. Magic barding is a must at that kind of power level, unless you happen to be riding something like a dragon (and even then, it might not be a bad idea). You'll have a ton of money at CR20 and you'll need every penny.

Hope this helps out at least some.

Answer 2

sticking with cavalier .. guess it really don't' matter what race.
but, if ya wanna be true to the class. you need to be human. ( this was the only race that could be a cav' way back when it fist was introduced into the D&D world, when TSR still owned the game rights). it basica;y had to do with humans being the only race that send folks out on relious quest ( or crusades ). sure other races go out quest.. but not with the religios fervor or the human palidan / cavalier.

cavalier should be a hard class to play.. many many hurdles should be faced in order to play it and maintain your tanding with your diety. it's hard playing an allinment to the letter. for this reason you shold worry about then race.. but weather or not you can play < or roleplay > such a disciplined class. the rest of your adventuring group aught to be pulling their hairs out at your peity / arrogance / resolve to do it "this way" ect

while humans are the classic race for this class .. one might argue that elves ( and 1/2 elves ) could also undergo such crusades) other than that, be the race you like , just play the class, and have fun.

Answer 3

Dwarf Monk. The monk boost to speed makes up for the dwarf loss for it, the bonus con gives you more hps that you wouldn't normally get, and monks are magebane. Mages, at high level, will be the only real threats.

Alternatively, if you want a kickass level 1, Halfling fighter, 20 dex, weapon focus (a thrown weapon), and a thrown weapon. +10 to hit at level 1 (+5 dex, +1 size, +1 halfling throwing weapon, +1 BAB, +1 weapon focus). Crap damage, but you never miss.

Answer 4

You shouldn't mess with that demonic stuff

Answer 5

well lets see... I dont know