Marshal Class Overview: The Marshal class excels at battlefield leadership, using auras to boost allies’ abilities and providing strategic advantages through coordination and charisma based skills.
Dragon Tribe Warleader[1]: A formidable leader who rides into battle on a dragon, leveraging powerful draconic auras and breath weapons.
Goblin Chief[2]: Master of stealth and tactics, the Goblin Chief[2] commands an army of goblins, using Warchief frenzy bonuses and high Dexterity for rapid, lethal skirmishing.
Diplomatic Enforcer[3]: A charismatic leader with exceptional AC, capable of enhancing allies’ combat effectiveness and demoralizing enemies through intimidation and diplomacy.
Pirate Captain[4]: Combining Marshal leadership with the flair of a Dread Pirate, this build excels in skirmishes, offering mobility and support to allies with Charisma based abilities.
The Tactical Marshal: A master of battlefield control, they utilize aura abilities and leadership skills to inspire allies and dominate enemies.
Buffing Auras and Leadership – Provides significant bonuses to allies through auras like Motivate Dexterity and Major Auras, alongside commanding dragons through Dragon Leadership.
Limited Spellcasting and Range – The build lacks ranged combat capabilities and spellcasting, relying on melee and breath weapons.
Mass Goblin Control – With the Warchief’s Tribal Frenzy and Leadership feat, you can lead a massive goblin army, boosting their strength significantly.
Low Strength and Survivability – With an initial Strength of 8 and vulnerable flaws, this build can struggle against high damage enemies.
High AC and Buffing Capabilities – Before any buffs, your AC is already formidable, and with Major Auras, you significantly enhance your allies’ combat abilities.
Lack of Mobility – Heavy armor and limited speed can make this character less mobile compared to other builds.
Skirmisher and Support – With Acrobatic Charge and Rally the Crew abilities, you can maintain high mobility while providing Charisma based AC bonuses and rallying allies.
Limited Damage Output – While versatile, the build might struggle to deal significant damage compared to more specialized melee characters.
Battlefield Control and Intimidation – Use your aura abilities and intimidate to control the battlefield, inspiring your allies and demoralizing your enemies.
Single Target Focus – This build might struggle against swarms of enemies due to its focus on intimidation and single target attacks.
Dragon Tribe Warleader
The Dragon Tribe Warleader[1] is a Half-Dragon Silverbrow Human who excels in mounted combat, riding a dragon into battle. As a Marshal, this character enhances the party’s abilities with powerful auras and can unleash devastating breath weapons on enemies.
Buffing Auras and Leadership – Provides significant bonuses to allies through auras like Motivate Dexterity and Major Auras. Alongside commanding dragons through Dragon Leadership.
Limited Spellcasting and Range – The build lacks ranged combat capabilities and spellcasting, relying on melee and breath weapons.
Double Draconic Auras – You can have two Draconic Auras active simultaneously, providing even more buffs to your team.
Goblin Chief
The Goblin Chief[2] is a master of stealth and tactical leadership, capable of leading an army of goblins into battle. Using the Warchief class, this build capitalizes on frenzy bonuses and high Dexterity for rapid and lethal skirmishing.
Mass Goblin Control – With the Warchief’s Tribal Frenzy and Leadership feat, you can lead a massive goblin army, boosting their strength significantly.
Low Strength and Survivability – With an initial Strength of 8 and vulnerable flaws. With these flaws, this build can struggle against high damage enemies.
Warg Riding – Embrace the classic trope and ride a Warg as a mounted skirmisher for excellent mobility and combat effectiveness.
Diplomatic Enforcer
The Diplomatic Enforcer[3] is a charismatic human Marshal who excels in boosting allies’ combat effectiveness while maintaining high AC. Utilizing skills like Diplomacy and Intimidate, this build serves as an excellent face for the party and a capable combatant.
High AC and Buffing Capabilities – Before any buffs, your AC is already formidable. As well as with Major Auras, you significantly enhance your allies’ combat abilities.
Lack of Mobility – Heavy armor and limited speed can make this character less mobile compared to other builds.
Intimidancer Combo – With Imperious Command and other Intimidation feats. With these you can debilitate enemies, making them cower or flee with a mere glare.
Pirate Captain
The Pirate Captain[4] combines the leadership of a Marshal with the swashbuckling flair of a Dread Pirate. Skilled in two weapon fighting and acrobatics, this build excels in skirmishes and buffs allies with its presence.
Skirmisher and Support – With Acrobatic Charge and Rally the Crew abilities, you can maintain high mobility while providing Charisma based AC bonuses and rallying allies.
Limited Damage Output – While versatile, the build might struggle to deal significant damage compared to more specialized melee characters.
Fearsome Reputation – Leverage your fearsome reputation to demoralize and intimidate foes, creating openings for your crew to capitalize on.
The Tactical Marshal
The Tactical Marshal is a charismatic leader and powerful battlefield controller, using intimidate and leadership abilities to dominate combat. With a mix of Barbarian, Fighter, and Legendary Leader classes, this build excels in both leading and fighting.
Battlefield Control and Intimidation – Use your aura abilities and intimidate to control the battlefield. As well as inspiring your allies and demoralizing your enemies.
Single Target Focus – This build might struggle against swarms due to its focus on intimidation and single target attacks.
Swift Demoralization – Utilize Swift Demoralization to make enemies cower as a swift action, providing tactical advantages in combat.
FAQ
What is the primary role of the Marshal class in D&D 3.5?
The primary role of the Marshal class is to serve as a battlefield leader who enhances the abilities of allies through auras and strategic coordination. Marshals use their Charisma to inspire and motivate their party. All this making them excellent support characters that can also hold their own in combat.
The Dragon Tribe Warleader[1] build utilizes its dragon features by riding into battle on a dragon and using Draconic Auras and breath weapons to boost allies and damage enemies. This combination makes the Warleader[6] a powerful force on the battlefield, capable of providing both offensive and defensive support.
What are the advantages of the Goblin Chief[2]’s Warchief class levels?
The Goblin Chief[2] benefits from the Warchief class levels by gaining access to Tribal Frenzy, which significantly boosts the Strength of goblin allies, and Leadership feats, which allow the Goblin Chief[2] to command a massive army. These abilities make the Goblin Chief[2] a potent leader in battles that involve large numbers of minions.
The Diplomatic Enforcer[3] build is a strong party face due to its high Charisma and skills in Diplomacy and Intimidation. With the ability to significantly boost allies’ effectiveness and handle social interactions with ease, the Diplomatic Enforcer[3] can navigate both combat and negotiation scenarios effectively.
What makes the Pirate Captain[4] build unique compared to other Marshal builds?
The Pirate Captain[4] is unique because it blends the Marshal’s leadership abilities with the swashbuckling flair of the Dread Pirate. This combination allows the Pirate Captain[4] to excel in skirmishes, enhance team mobility, and inspire allies with charisma based bonuses, making it a versatile and exciting build to play.
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They separated into four teams of two. The Captain and the Barbarian Champion arrived at the Chromatic Tribe. These were barbarians devoted to Tiamat. Their warchief, atop a black dragon, rode to them.
“Why are you here,” he growled.
As the Captain was formulating a reply, the Barbarian Champion intoned, “To crush you and make sure your tribe will never be a problem again.”
The Captain stood aghast as the Dragon Lord bellowed a thunderous laugh.
“Very well human, you shall be today’s meal.“
The Captain, regaining his composure, turned to the Barbarian Champion, “I suppose you have a plan?“
“Yes, I kill them all,” the Champion replied smugly.
Race
Half-Dragon Silverbrow Human
Class
Marshal 8/Dragon Lord 10/Dragonrider 2 (3 LA Buyback)
A spear, shield and the best armor you can afford. Eventually a Lance for weapon.
Goal
Yep, you ride a dragon into battle like an absolute gigachad. You, yourself a half-dragon, you have up to two breath weapons at your disposal every 1d4 rounds each.
Additionally, you’re able to buff all your allies with your various auras, which includes two Draconic Auras at that.
The goblin tribe had managed to creep close to the Capital’s walls. They were ready to attack under the cover of night.
Their chief ordered the charge, and the mass of a hundred goblins charged at the gate. They hacked at it with more strength than should be possible for their small size. The entire lot foamed at the mouth like rabid dogs.
“Finally the master will see that my tribe was worth keeping around!” intoned the Goblin Chief with an evil, crooked smile full of bloodlust.
Suddenly, two figures dropped from the city’s wall, and began to slaughter his goblin army like butter.
He screamed, “What? What is this? How is that possible!?“
He drew closer, though he only saw a massive wolf rampaging through his troops. Atop the wolf, working in perfect tandem, a female clad in fur armor. As they rode and rampaged, the Goblin Chief saw the summoned wrath of the totems of past beasts.
Race
Goblin
Class
Marshal 5/Stonedeath Assassin 5/Warchief 10
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 16/Con 12/Int 12/Wis 8/Cha 16
Skills
Hide 8, Move Silently 8
Equipment
A spear, a shield, a medium armor and a light crossbow
Flaws
Inattentive, Vulnerable
Goal
Goblins are hilarious creatures, yet they can be surprisingly effective in large enough number.
This build uses that notion by taking all ten levels of Warchief and the Leadership feat to have an army of goblins. You can not only buff with very good bonuses, but make them frenzy at will for a +10 Str.
You can take a Warg Cohort to play the Warg riding goblin trope. With Stonedeath Assassin, you become extremely effective yourself as a mounted skirmisher.
The eight of them were seated around the table in the room they were renting from the inn.
Nervously, the guard’s captain looked at them while they were discussing their next move. Two sisters, one renowned as the White Wolf, a vigilante who kept the criminal underworld in check. The other a ranger of great reputation who fought toe to toe with the legendary Monster Tamer.
Two noble brothers, one a knight and a secret agent for his Majesty the King. The other an investigator and powerful spellcaster.
Another, a Barbarian Champion, covered in scars. As well as his daughter, a war shaman who was said to be able to summon totems of great beasts to help her in battle.
Finally the Lady of the South Kaer, a dedicated warlord and one of the best warriors in the entire world. And he was tasked to herd THESE cats?
He shook his head in bemusement. Truly, he needed a raise.
Race
Human
Class
Marshal 20
Ability Scores
Str 14/Dex 11/Con 14/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 16
Skills
Diplomacy, Intimidate, various Knowledge
Equipment
A Longsword, a Tower Shield and the best armor you can afford. Eventually a Mountain Armor.
Goal
Your AC is so high you need a telescope to see it.
We are talking 24/28AC before any magic enchantment, buffs or anything.
You can significantly buff your allies, be a great party face and are a functioning Intimidancer.
With the help of Knowledge Devotion you increase significantly your damage output too.
The corsair was caressing his beard while listening to the pair’s offer. The young nobleman’s pleas proved his relative youthfulness, though of more interest to the Corsair was the woman in plate armor. She had the air of knowing, someone who had seen a few scraps. The young man, not so much.
“So let me get this straight. The King is willing to pay me what amounts to a year’s salary for my entire crew. That is on the condition that I bring you both in and we go destroy the Infernal Drake. Ship of my long time rival, a pesky dishonorable pirate who had a hand in slaughtering the Free City,” he snarled a moment at the thought, “My favorite port. This sounds too good to be true, there must be a catch.” The Corsair eyed the two suspiciously.
The nobleman shrugged.
“Well, we do need to interrogate him, so ideally catching him alive,” the woman intoned.
The sailor smiled, “Ah, there it is. There It is! That man will never let himself be caught alive.“
“So…that’s a no?” Asked the woman, a smirk on her face.
The corsair laughed, “Ma’am, of course I am in. You crazy? This is the best entertainment I will have had since breaking the naval blockade of the Dark Empire ten years ago! You’ve got yourselves a ship.”
Race
Human
Class
Marshal 10/Dread Pirate 10
Ability Scores
Str 10/Dex 16/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 16
Skills
Appraise 8, Profession(Sailor) 8, Swim 4, Use Rope 4
Equipment
Chainshirt, a Rapier and a Dagger.
Goal
Because everything is better with Pirates.
Dread Pirate enhances your buffing abilities, while granting you excellent mobility via Acrobatic Charge. This making you a strong skirmisher build that can buff allies by your mere presence. Eventually it’ll allow you to add your Charisma to your team’s AC and charge damage.
Yeah, pirates do make everything better. Huh.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Marshal
10
Skill Focus(Diplomacy), Cosmopolitan (Appraise), Nymph’s Kiss
The nobleman and the woman in her white coat had managed to infiltrate the main camp via invisibility. They stood a slight distance from the dark army. An army that should have been defeated, yet still numbered in the thousands.
Their Grand Marshall & High Commander was to speak to this highly ordered formation. They were nothing like the dark army that assailed the Free City, but were extremely disciplined. All were on guard for the slightest disruption.
“So…is your brother single?” The woman asked discreetly.
The nobleman looked over from his notes about force composition, “Yeah, why?“
“Just asking.”
“This is a weird moment to ask, don’t you think?”
“Oh I’m sorry. See, I wasn’t raised learning etiquette,” she replied in a teasing manner.
“Shhh, they’re starting”, he replied. She peeked her head out of their hiding place and watched as the commander began his speech.
“Gentlemen, it has often been said that I like war…”
Yep, you are essentially playing the Major, but competent in a fight.
You are a great talker, both excellent in Diplomacy and Bluff. But, above all else, you are the single most power intimidancer build that doesn’t uses spells in the entire game. You’re capable of sending enemies cowering with a swift action with the proper Skill Trick.
In a charge, you can deal significant damage with your greatsword. You also buff your allies with crazy good buffs with your Commander Auras, Marshal Auras and your ability “To Hell and Back.”
As the team made their way through the cult’s base, suddenly, a loud scream, as if five dragons had roared together, shook the entire cavern. Out of the shadows emerged a Draconic Hobgoblin, wielding a mace in the image of his unholy goddess – Tiamat. He pointed it towards the team.
-Leave, and I might spare you.
The Half-Dragon and his Golden brother replied in unison
-Surrender, and we might spare YOU.
Race
Draconic Hobgoblin
Class
Dragon Shaman 10/Talon of Tiamat 10 (2 LA Buyback) Str 10/Dex 10/Con 22/Int 8/Wis 8/Cha 20
Skills
Bluff 4, Intimidate 4, Knowledge(Arcana) 4
Equipment
Heavy Mace, the best armor you can get, a shield.
Goal
You are the fury of Tiamat incarnate. Both a capable leader with a Dragon’s Frightful Aura, the ability to borrow her Breath Weapons for you to use, and the capability to wield her relics, make you a more than capable frontliner, despite your lower strength.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Dragon Shaman
16
Dreadful Wrath
Draconic Aura +1, Totem Dragon (Red)
2
Dragon Shaman
1d10+6
Skill Focus(Bluff)
–
3
Dragon Shaman
1d10+6
Dragonthrall
Draconic Adaptation
4
Dragon Shaman
1d10+6
–
Breath Weapon 2d6, Draconic Resolve, +1 Cha
5
Dragon Shaman
1d10+6
Imperious Command
Draconic Aura +3
6
Dragon Shaman
1d10+6
–
Breath Weapon 3d6, Touch of Vitality (Heal Wounds)
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