Hero of Time (3.5e Optimized Character Build)

Introduction

3e Summary::The Hero of Time excels as an adventurer, insightful in his knowledge of both combat and puzzles. (Based loosely on Link from the Zelda series.)

References

• Flaws (Unearthed Arcana)
• Dungeonscape
• Player's Handbook 2
• Complete Champion
• Tome of Battle
• Complete Scoundrel

Game Rule Components

• Pick up Collector of Stories to help with the Int check for Knowledge Devotion.

Progression

Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments): (Assuming 32 Point Buy) 16 14 14 16 8 8

Race (Templates): [[3e Race::Fire Elf]] is best, but regular Elf also works

ECL	Class/HD/LA	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Feats	Class Features	Special
			Fort	Ref	Will
1st	Factotum 1	+0	+0	+2	+0	Power Attack, Font of Inspiration, Font of Inspiration	Inspiration, Cunning Insight, Cunning Knowledge, Trapfinding
2nd	Warblade 1	+1	+2	+2	+0		Battle Clarity, Weapon Aptitude
3rd	Factotum 2	+2	+2	+3	+0	Knowledge Devotion	Arcane Dilettante
4th	Warblade 2	+3	+3	+3	+0		Uncanny Dodge
5th	Factotum 3	+4	+4	+3	+1		Brains Over Brawn, Cunning Defense
6th	Warblade 3	+5	+4	+4	+2	Font of Inspiration	Battle Ardor
7th	Warblade 4	+6	+5	+4	+2
8th	Warblade 5	+7	+5	+4	+2	Ironheart Aura
9th	Warblade 6	+8	+6	+5	+3	Stormguard Warrior	Improved Uncanny Dodge
10th	Warblade 7	+9	+6	+5	+3		Battle Cunning
11th	Warblade 8	+10	+7	+5	+3
12th	Eternal Blade 1	+11	+9	+5	+3	Combat Reflexes	Blade Guide, Eternal Training 1/day
13th	Eternal Blade 2	+12	+10	+5	+3		Guided Strike
14th	Eternal Blade 3	+13	+10	+6	+4		Armored Uncanny Dodge, Eternal Training 2/day
15th	Eternal Blade 4	+14	+11	+6	+4	Robilar's Gambit	Eternal Knowledge
16th	Eternal Blade 5	+15	+11	+6	+4		Eternal Training 3/day
17th	Eternal Blade 6	+16	+12	+7	+5		Defensive Insight
18th	Eternal Blade 7	+17	+12	+7	+5	Font of Inspiration	Eternal Training 4/day
19th	Eternal Blade 8	+18	+13	+7	+5		Tactical Insight
20th	Eternal Blade 9	+19	+13	+8	+6		Eternal Training 5/day

At level 20: 3e Final Class Progression::Factotum 3 / Warblade 8 / Eternal Blade 9

Possible Homebrew Equipment

The equipment presented here is not needed for the build, but is a flavorful addition to bring the character closer to the concept.

• Bunny Hood
• Gale Boomerang
• Hero's Tunic
• Zora Armor

Highlights

• Similar to Link, this character is good at a great number of things. He can add his Factotum level to skills, giving him a wide array of options in almost any situation. With all the puzzles he needs to figure out, Link needs this high Intelligence, and this intelligence is channeled into the different abilities he gains. Finally, he gains a spiritual companion who can be as annoying or snarky as the player wishes, making for interesting roleplaying.
• At level 12, you gain a Blade Guide. (Navi or Midna, for example.)
• Int mod can be added to:
  • Attack and damage twice (Eternal Training, Cunning Insight)
  • Damage when flanking or catching foes Flat-footed (Battle Cunning)
  • AC twice (Defensive Insight, Cunning Defense)
  • Knowledge checks (Cunning Knowledge gives 3, Eternal Knowledge gives your Blade Guide your Int mod + 9 to Knowledge skills, so they can assist you for +2, and Collector of Stories another +5 for a total of Int + ranks + 10, adds to attacks through Knowledge Devotion)
  • Reflex Saves twice (Battle Clarity, Cunning Insight)
  • Strength and Dexterity checks and Strength- and Dexterity-based skill checks (Brains Over Brawn)
  • Critical Confirmation rolls (Battle Ardor)
• Use Robilar's Gambit in combination with Stormguard Warrior to gain a bonus to attack and damage whenever an enemy attempts to attack you. (Capitalize on this with Power Attack.)
• Shore up that low Will save by picking up Moment of Perfect Mind.
• Access to level 9 maneuvers by level 19; Combat Rhythm + Time Stands Still followed in the next round by Diamond Nightmare Blade can be very devestating.

Munchkin-Size Me

• Not much to add.

Limitations

• Usual melee counters (difficult terrain, illusions, AC, etc)
• The "ultimate combo" mentioned above requires a round to set up.

DM Counters

• Defenses apart from AC (illusions, concealment, etc)

Variants

• If you don't mind losing Cunning Defense, trade out the third level of Factotum for another level of Warblade to get Combat Reflexes as a bonus feat. Then, instead of taking Combat Reflexes take Font of Inspiration once more for more Inspiration Points.
• Take Insightful Reflexes instead of one of the Fonts of Inspiration to add Intelligence once more to Reflex saves, replacing Dexterity.

Miscellaneous

• UMD a wand/scroll of Aspect of the Wolf (Spell Compendium) to gain the wolf form in Twilight Princess.

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