This Knight can take a serious hit and keep fighting. They can draw enemy attention and protect allies effectively.
Stat Block Level 1:
Mongrelfolk Avenger[1]: male, Mongrelfolk Mineral Warrior Dragonborn of Bahamut Knight 1; CR 2; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood, Earth); HD 1d12+8; hp 20; Init -1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 21, touch 9, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +1; Grp +3; Atk Quarterstaff +3 melee (1d6+2) or Sling +0 ranged (1d4); Full Atk Quarterstaff +3 melee (1d6+2) or Sling +0 ranged (1d4); SA Fighting Challenge +1; SQ Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, AC Bonus +4; AL LG; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 26, Int 8, Wis 8, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Intimidate +4, Diplomacy +4; Toughness, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty. Fighting Challenge +1: +1 bonus on attacks and damage. Knight’s Challenge: Use challenges per day equal to Cha mod +2. Knight’s Code: Must follow a strict set of moral and ethical guidelines. Possessions: Wooden Heavy Shield, Quarterstaff, Club, Sling.
Level 5 Brief:
A high-defense build with remarkable endurance, this Knight can endure significant damage and lead enemies’ focus away from allies.
Stat Block Level 5:
Mongrelfolk Avenger[1]: male, Mongrelfolk Mineral Warrior Dragonborn of Bahamut Knight 5; CR 6; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood); HD 5d12+45; hp 81; Init -1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 23, touch 7, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk quarterstaff +9 melee (1d6+4); Full Atk quarterstaff +9 melee (1d6+4); SA Fighting Challenge +1; SQ Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, AC +5, Endure Elements, Bulwark of Defense; AL LG; SV Fort +11, Ref -1, Will -1; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 26, Int 8, Wis 8, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Intimidate +8, Diplomacy +8; Toughness, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Mounted Combat, Nymph’s Kiss, Endurance. Special Attacks and Qualities: Knight’s Challenge – grants bonuses against designated targets; Fighting Challenge +1 – increases fighting prowess against designated foes; Bulwark of Defense – hampers enemies’ movement around the Knight; Endure Elements – immunity to harsh environmental conditions. Possessions: Wooden Heavy Shield, quarterstaff, club, sling.
Level 10 Brief:
This Knight build is resilient with high AC and damage capabilities. The character can fly, making them highly mobile and versatile.
Stat Block Level 10:
Mongrelfolk Avenger[1]: Male, Mongrelfolk Mineral Warrior Dragonborn of Bahamut Knight 10; CR 11; Medium Humanoid (Dragonblood, Earth); HD 10d12+90; hp 160; Init -1; Spd 20 ft., fly 30 ft.; AC 28, touch 10, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk Quarterstaff +13 melee (1d6+3) or Sling +9 ranged (1d4+2); Full Atk Quarterstaff +13/+8 melee (1d6+3) or Sling +9/+4 ranged (1d4+2); SA Test of Mettle; SQ Fighting Challenge +1, Knight’s Challenge, Knight’s Code, Shield Block +1, Bulwark of Defense, Exalted Strike +2(Good), DR 5/Magic, Endure Elements, Dependability (blocked the attack), AC Bonuses, Vow of Poverty benefits, Sustenance, Resistances, and Flying. AL LG; SV Fort +16, Ref +7, Will +4; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 26, Int 8, Wis 8, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Intimidate +13, Diplomacy +4; Toughness, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Mounted Combat, Nymph’s Kiss, Improved Toughness, Nimbus of Light, Endurance, Holy Radiance, Power Attack, Diehard, Servant of the Heavens. Special Attacks and Qualities: Exalted Strike +2(Good) DR 5/Magic, Improved Toughness, Endurance, Holy Radiance. Possessions: Wooden Heavy Shield, Quarterstaff, Club, Sling.
Level 15 Brief:
This avenger knight build is tanky, boasts high AC, and effectively forces enemies to target him. He flies, has DR 5/Evil, and several immunities.
Stat Block Level 15:
Mongrelfolk Knight: male, Mongrelfolk Mineral Warrior Dragonborn of Bahamut Knight 20; CR 15; Medium humanoid (dragon, living construct); HD 20d12 +260; hp 410; Init +0; Spd 20 ft., fly 30ft.; AC 40, touch 10, flat-footed 40; Base Atk +20; Grp +22; Atk +25 melee (1d6+6, Quarterstaff) or +25 melee (1d4+6, Club); Full Atk +25/+20/+15/+10 (1d6+6, Quarterstaff) or +25/+20/+15/+10 (1d4+6, Club); SA Fighting Challenge +3, Daunting Challenge; SQ DR 5/Evil, Exalted Strike +3, Improved Shield Ally, Freedom of Movement; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +19, Ref +9, Will +9; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 26, Int 8, Wis 8, Cha 12.
Skills and Feats:
Intimidate +29, Diplomacy +23; Toughness, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Mounted Combat, Nymph’s Kiss, Improved Toughness, Nimbus of Light, Endurance, Holy Radiance, Power Attack, Touch of Golden Ice, Combat Reflexes, Diehard, Servant of the Heavens, Vow of Obedience, Robilar’s Gambit, Vow of Abstinence, Great Fortitude, Dodge. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge +3 (grants bonuses in combat when fighting a single opponent), Daunting Challenge (causes enemies to prioritize him), Defensive Stance (gains bonuses while stationary in combat). Possessions: Wooden Heavy Shield, Quarterstaff, Club, Sling.
Level 20 Brief:
This Knight build excels in defense and survivability, with high AC, significant damage resistance, and the ability to fly. The character can force enemies to focus on him and withstand substantial damage before needing healing.
Stat Block Level 20:
Mongrelfolk Avenger[1]: male, Mongrelfolk Mineral Warrior Dragonborn of Bahamut Knight 20; CR 21; Medium humanoid (mineral warrior, dragonborn of Bahamut); HD 20d12+180; hp 310; Init +0; Spd 30 ft., fly 30 ft. (good); AC 43, touch 13, flat-footed 43; Base Atk +20; Grp +22; Atk +22 melee (1d6+2, Quarterstaff); Full Atk +22/+17/+12 melee (1d6+2, Quarterstaff); SA Fighting Challenge +4, Test of Mettle, Daunting Challenge; SQ DR 10/Evil, Exalted Strike +5, Regeneration, True Seeing, Loyal Beyond Death, Freedom of Movement; AL Lawful Good; SV Fort +24, Ref +10, Will +8; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 26, Int 8, Wis 8, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats:
Intimidate +23, Diplomacy +23; Toughness, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Mounted Combat, Nymph’s Kiss, Improved Toughness, Nimbus of Light, Endurance, Holy Radiance, Power Attack, Touch of Golden Ice, Combat Reflexes, Diehard, Servant of the Heavens, Robilar’s Gambit, Vow of Obedience, Vow of Abstinence, Great Fortitude, Dodge, Sanctify Martial Strike, Improved Sunder, Vow of Chastity, Stigmata. Special Attacks and Qualities: Fighting Challenge increases AC, attack rolls, and damage when focused on a single foe; Test of Mettle forces enemies to attack; Daunting Challenge reduces enemies’ AC within range; Regeneration allows recovery of non-lethal damage fast; True Seeing allows seeing through illusions; Loyal Beyond Death keeps fighting even at negative HP. Possessions: Wooden Heavy Shield, Quarterstaff, Club, Sling.
Level 1: Embrace the Knight’s Challenge and Knight’s Code to begin shaping your battlefield presence.
Level 5: Gain Vigilant Defender for improved protection of allies.
Level 10: Acquire Diehard and Servant of the Heavens to enhance your staying power.
Level 15: Reach new heights with Improved Shield Ally and Freedom of Movement for dynamic defense.
Level 20: Attain pinnacle abilities like Exalted Strike and Damage Reduction for ultimate survivability.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
Levels 1-5
– Quarterstaff – Wooden Heavy Shield – Chainmail Armor
– Quarterstaff: Basic melee weapon, 1d6 damage. – Wooden Heavy Shield: +2 AC. – Chainmail Armor: AC +5, Max Dex +2, Check Penalty -5.
Levels 5-10
– Masterwork Quarterstaff – +1 Heavy Steel Shield – +1 Full Plate Armor – Cloak of Resistance +1
– Masterwork Quarterstaff: +1 to attack rolls. – +1 Heavy Steel Shield: +3 AC. – +1 Full Plate Armor: AC +9, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -5. – Cloak of Resistance +1: +1 to all saving throws.
Levels 10-15
– +2 Flaming Quarterstaff – +2 Heavy Steel Shield – +2 Full Plate Armor – Amulet of Natural Armor +2
– +2 Flaming Quarterstaff: 1d6+2 damage +1d6 fire damage. – +2 Heavy Steel Shield: +4 AC. – +2 Full Plate Armor: AC +10, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -5. – Amulet of Natural Armor +2: +2 to AC.
Levels 15-20
– +3 Holy Quarterstaff – +3 Heavy Steel Shield – +3 Full Plate Armor – Ring of Protection +3
– +3 Holy Quarterstaff: 1d6+3 damage, +2d6 damage against evil creatures. – +3 Heavy Steel Shield: +5 AC. – +3 Full Plate Armor: AC +11, Max Dex +1, Check Penalty -4. – Ring of Protection +3: +3 to AC.
Combat Scenarios involving Mongrelfolk Avenger
Dungeon Crawls: Utilize Bulwark of Defense to block narrow passages, preventing enemies from advancing and allowing allies to attack from safety behind you.
Open Field: Use your mobility, including the ability to fly, to position yourself between enemies and allies, drawing attacks with Test of Mettle and maintaining battlefield control.
Ambushes: Quickly use Knight’s Challenge to draw enemy focus and Shield Block to protect yourself and allies from the initial onslaught, providing time for your team to regroup and counterattack.
Defensive Stands: Position yourself at critical points such as doorways or narrow corridors. Use Shield Ally and Improved Shield Ally to protect teammates, ensuring no enemy passes your defensive stance.
Urban Encounters: Use alleyways and narrow streets to your advantage, funneling enemies into single-file lines where you can use Fighting Challenge to engage them one by one, minimizing the risk to your party and maintaining control over the battlefield.
Party Synergy of the Mongrelfolk Avenger
While the Mongrelfolk Avenger is a formidable force on their own, they truly shine when part of a cohesive unit. Your role in the party is clear: you are the shield that guards the realms of your allies. You are the sentry at the gates, the first line of defense against the chaos that seeks to overwhelm your band of adventurers.
Use Shield Ally to provide cover for ranged attackers and spellcasters, enabling them to cast or shoot without threat.
Employ your Test of Mettle to manage enemy aggro, keeping foes focused on you and away from more vulnerable party members.
Coordinate with your party to exploit your Vigilant Defender stance, allowing melee allies to flank enemies or retreat to safety.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the Mongrelfolk Avenger
Weakness
Counters
Limited Mobility
– Boots of Striding and Springing: Increase base speed by 10 feet, mitigating the speed reduction from heavy armor. (DMG p.250) – Expeditious Retreat Spell: Provides a temporary speed boost to reposition quickly. (PHB p.228)
Magic Vulnerability
– Spell Resistance Gear: Equip items like Cloak of Resistance +3 (DMG p.253) and Spellguard Bracers (MIC p.139) for increased resistance to spells. – Protective Spells from Allies: Coordinate with spellcasting allies to receive spells like Protection from Evil and Resist Energy. (PHB p.266, p.272)
Lower Damage Output
– Buffing Spells: Use spells like Bull’s Strength to increase Strength and damage output. (PHB p.207) – Masterwork Weapons: Upgrade to masterwork and enchanted weapons like a +1 Quarterstaff or +1 Club for better attack and damage rolls. (DMG p.223)
Aggro Management
– Intimidate Skill: Use high Intimidate skill checks to draw enemy attention and control battlefield dynamics. – Taunt-Related Feats: Invest in feats like Improved Demoralize to enhance your ability to provoke and manage aggro. (Complete Warrior p.100)
Resource Dependency
– Efficient Use of Items: Use consumables like potions of Cure Light Wounds wisely to maintain health during encounters. (DMG p.230) – Rest Periods: Plan for regular rest periods to restore abilities and recover hit points, ensuring sustained combat readiness.
Roleplaying Themes
Embracing the role of a Knight Mongrelfolk Avenger isn’t just about combat prowess; it’s also about the rich roleplaying opportunities it presents. Your character is a mosaic of unique traits, each with its own backstory and motivations.
As a Mongrelfolk, you might be driven by a desire to prove your worth in a world that often looks down upon your kind.
Your path as a Knight could be motivated by a solemn vow to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
The Avenger aspect might stem from a personal vendetta or a divine calling that guides your every action.
FAQ
What Multiclassing Options Complement the Mongrelfolk-Avenger?
When considering multiclassing, think about classes that bolster your defensive capabilities or offer utility that benefits your party. For instance, a Crusader class could provide additional defensive skills and abilities that are synergistic with the Mongrelfolk-Avenger’s inherent traits.
Paladin: Offers healing abilities and further improves your tanking with Divine Grace.
Cleric: Provides access to supportive spells and divine intervention.
Fighter: Grants additional feats that can enhance your combat effectiveness.
Absolutely. With your robust hit points, damage reduction, and Knight abilities designed to protect and provoke, you are the ideal candidate to serve as your party’s main tank. Embrace this role and let your allies rally behind your unbreakable spirit.
What Are the Best Feats to Choose for a Mongrelfolk-Avenger?
Choosing the right feats is crucial for maximizing your build’s potential. Here are some top picks:
Toughness: Increases your hit points, making you even harder to take down.
Improved Shield Bash: Allows you to retain your shield bonus to AC when attacking with it.
Combat Reflexes: Enables you to make more attacks of opportunity, perfect for a defensive build.
How to Balance Roleplaying and Combat Efficiency?
Make decisions that support the success of the party and are consistent with your character’s motivations and backstory in order to strike a balance between combat efficiency and roleplaying. In combat, allow your character’s individuality to come through, but never lose sight of your party’s welfare.
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Writer, Editor, GM, Technologist – Andrew’s been playing TTRPGs since as far back as he can recall… at least sometime in the nineties… or was it the early 2000s?
The group of mongrelfolks, banished from yet another village for their hideous appearance, were slowly making their way in the misty forest. One of their members, a hunchback, was having difficulties navigating the rough terrain. Unbeknownst to the group, a cohort of bandits were observing them.
They suddenly charged, weapons ready to spill blood. And they very nearly did so, but the hunchback leapt a tremendous distance and intercepted the bandit leader’s sword. His staff cleanly refuted the attack and saved the mongrelfolk beneath the blade. It was revealed here that he was a draconic man with platinum scales. His hunchback and cloak merely being a guise to hide his majestic wings.
Dressed in rags, and armed with his staff and a wooden shield, he stood strong. The bandits, however, were truly were numerous. He stood his ground, but he would need help dealing with that many.
That’s when he smelled it. A strong smell of rose.
As he was facing several bandits, the mists suddenly grew thicker. A silhouette emerged from it. Oddly, it was a mongrelfolk, wearing somber armor with a black rose insignia. The bandits couldn’t strike true for it was as if this newcomer was made from the very mists he had emerged from.
Together, they repelled the attack. As the dragonborn turned to thank his sudden helper, the man had disappeared.
Slowly, the mists rolled back in the heart of the forest.
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