Thri-kreen Dervish (3.5e Optimized Character Build)
Introduction
Deep in the desert live the mysterious Thri-Kreen, insect nomads. Seven-foot four-armed Mantis Warriors are terrifying on the face of it, but the deadly Thri-kreen dervish is frightening even to others of his race.
References
Player's Handbook Version 3.5
Oriental Adventures
Unearthed Arcana
Expanded Psionics Handbook
Optional: The Walking Lands (WL) (http://www.wakinglands.com/htm_files/the_classes_page.htm)
Game Rule Components
This build requires non-lawful alignment.
Race and Templates
Thri-kreen.
Classes
This build uses the Berserker (WL, but substainally the same as the Barbarian of the PHB).
Feats
Deflect Arrows
Improved Initiative
Multiweapon Fighting
Fast Healing
Dodge
Mobility
Spring Attack
Cleave
Traits
Aggressive (+2 initiative, -1 AC)
Quick (base speed +10ft., -1 hp per level)
Flaws
Murky-eyed (role miss chance for concealment twice)
Shaky (-2 to ranged attacks)
Spells, Powers, Items
Gythka (deep crystal): 1d10/1d10
Chatkcha (deep crystal): 1d6 (20ft.)
Miscellaneous
This build makes use of several optional rules from Unearthed Arcane including the use of traits, the use of flaws, and a variant rule for a barbarian's rage ability.
This build also makes use of the "monster class" rules. The build takes four levels of Thri-kreen over the course of its development in lieu of LA.
The Berserker is substantially identical to the Barbarian, with the following exceptions; instead of trap sense, the Berserker gains "frentic reflexes" which make it harder to avoid his or her attacks of opportunity. Use the Barbarian exactly as written in the PHB, if desired, and for "Berserker" read "Barbarian."
The Thri-kreen deverish uses the Whirling Rage variant described on page 66 of UA (+4 Str., +2 AC, +2 Reflex saves, may chose to make +1 attack with -2 penalty to all attacks).
Progression
Initial scores (28 point buy):
Thri-kreen
At ECL 1: Str: 16 Int: 6 Wis: 16 Dex: 16 Con: 14 Cha: 4
| ECL | Class/HD/LA | Feats | Special |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Thri-Kreen 1 | Multiweapon Fighting, Deflect Arrows, Improved Initiative, | Thri-kreen base traits, natural armor +1, |
| 2nd | Thri-Kreen 2 | +2 Dex, natural armor +2 | |
| 3rd | Thri-Kreen 3 | Dodge | natural armor +3, Psi: chameleon 3/day, know direction 3/day |
| 4th | Thri-Kreen 4 | poison bite, psionic displacement 1/day, metaphysical claw 1/day | |
| 5th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 1 | Rage, Fast Healing | |
| 6th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 2 | Mobility | Uncanny Dodge |
| 7th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 3 | Frenetic reflexes (withdraw) | |
| 8th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 4 | Rage 2/day | |
| 9th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 5 | Spring Attack | Improved unncanny dodge |
| 10th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 6 | Frenetic reflexes (leaving) | |
| 11th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 7 | Damage reduction 1/— | |
| 12th | Thri-Kreen 4 /Berserker 8 | Cleave | Rage 3/day |
Highlights
Base speed is 60ft. (Thri-kreen 40 + 10 (Quick) + 10 (Berserker/Barbarian)).
The build's AC is helped by the +3 natural armor.
Thri-kreen have a racial bonus of +30 to Jump checks, and the build adds a speed bonus of +12.
Thri-kreen are able to charge their deep crystal weapons for an additional 2d6 damage on their next successful hit (or until one minute has passed: cost of 2 power points.)
Munchkin-Size Me
Lose the deep crystal weapons.
Side Notes
Limitations
Clearly not the character you want as the party's ambassador. Armor is not really in the character of this build, and in addition it wastes the Thri-kreen natural armor bonus, but the player does not have a lot of feats with which to improve it.
DM Counters
I love flaws, but allowing them gives 2 extra feats at first level, which goes a long way to making this build possible.
Miscellaneous
This is a very simple and satisfying character to play; a child of the desert, uncomfortable in civilization; a hunter, a tracker, and in battle, a fearless and deadly attacking machine.
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