The Tamer is an orc Ranger with a whip specialization. At level 1, Tamer has noteworthy abilities like Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Power Attack, and Improved Shield Bash. Start turning the action economy in your favor using Wild Empathy and the first favored enemy. Initial choice of companions, weapons, and equipment sets the tone for beast mastery.
Stat Block Level 1:
Tamer: male, orc ranger 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 1d8+3; hp 11; Init 0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +1; Grp +6; Atk whip +5 melee (1d3+5) or greataxe +6 melee (1d12+7); Full Atk whip +5 melee (1d3+5) or greataxe +6 melee (1d12+7); SA Power Attack, Improved Shield Bash, Track; SQ 1st Favored Enemy, Wild Empathy; AL NE; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will -1; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +4, Survival +4, Knowledge (Arcana) +4, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +4; Feats: Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Power Attack, Improved Shield Bash. Special Attacks and Qualities: 1st Favored Enemy (Humans).
This build focuses on handling multiple animal companions and turning battles to your advantage through sheer numbers. Your combat prowess is high due to your strong melee abilities and strategic use of your companions.
Stat Block Level 5:
Monster Tamer[1]: male, orc Ranger 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 5d8+15; hp 37; Init 0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +5; Grp +11; Atk Greataxe +11 melee (1d12+7/×3) or Whip +5 melee (1d3+7); Full Atk Greataxe +11 melee (1d12+7/×3) or Whip +5 melee (1d3+7); SA Favored Enemy; SQ Wild Empathy, Animal Companion; AL NE; SV Fort +7, Ref +4, Will +1; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 6.
At level 10, this build is a tactically versatile powerhouse. With multiple animal companions, including magical beasts like a Behir and a Wyvern, it excels in controlling the battlefield. The character skillfully employs a whip to direct these beasts. Additionally, their strength and equipment make them a formidable melee combatant.
Stat Block Level 10:
Tamer: male, orc Ranger 5/Beastmaster 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid (orc); HD 5d8+3 + 5d10+3; hp 69; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +10; Grp +16; Atk whip +16 melee (1d3+6) or greataxe +16 melee (1d12+6/×3); Full Atk whip +16/+11 melee (1d3+6) or greataxe +16/+11 melee (1d12+6/×3); SA favored enemy (humans +2, undead +2), monster handler, monstrous companions; SQ animal companion, low-light vision, speak with animals; AL CE; SV Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +1; Str 22, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 6.
The Tamer is a formidable close combat fighter backed by a group of fierce animal friends. By having superior Strength and enhanced skills in handling animals, this build changes the course of the battle by overpowering enemies with a large quantity and raw power. With a whip, greataxe, chainshirt, and buckler at the ready, the Tamer is resilient and adaptable in battle.
Stat Block Level 15:
The Tamer: Male, Orc Ranger 5/Beastmaster 5/Beast Heart Adept 5; CR 15; Medium Humanoid (Orc); HD 5d8+10d10+75; hp 145; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +15; Grp +21; Atk Greataxe +23 melee (1d12+10) or Whip +21 melee (1d3+6); Full Atk Greataxe +23/+18/+13 melee (1d12+10) or Whip +21/+16/+11 melee (1d3+6); SA Monstrous Companion, Extra Monstrous Companion, Monster Flank; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Low-Light Vision, Wild Empathy, Animal Companion, Monster Empathy, Speak with Animals 1/day, Monstrous Team Up; AL Chaotic Evil; SV Fort +15, Ref +7, Will +7; Str 26, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 6.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Handle Animal +19, Survival +11, Knowledge (Arcana) +7, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +7; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Power Attack, Improved Shield Bash, Track, Two-Weapon Fighting, Skill Focus (Handle Animal), Endurance, Animal Affinity, Alertness, Improved Toughness, Improved Initiative, Leadership. Special Attacks and Qualities: Monstrous Companion allows the Tamer to have a Behir, a Wyvern, and an Owlbear among his companions. Monster Flank grants bonuses when his animals flank opponents, making it harder for enemies to withstand his assault. Monstrous Team Up ensures the Tamer and his companions can execute coordinated attacks.
Possessions: Whip, Greataxe, Chainshirt, Buckler.
This build focuses on commanding a variety of powerful animal and monstrous companions while being a formidable melee combatant. Utilizing a combination of Ranger, Beastmaster, and Beast Heart Adept classes, the character excels in both direct combat and control of up to five creatures. The action economy is heavily skewed in the player’s favor, making the build highly effective in encounters. Key equipment includes a whip, greataxe, chainshirt, and buckler.
Stat Block Level 20:
Beast Horde[1]: male, orc Ranger 5/Beastmaster 5/Beast Heart Adept 10; CR 20; Large humanoid (orc); HD 11d8+10d10+66; hp 190; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 21, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +15; Grp +25; Atk whip +25 melee (1d6+10) or greataxe +26 melee (1d12+15); Full Atk whip +25/+20/+15 melee (1d6+10) and greataxe +26/+21/+16 melee (1d12+15); SA Monstrous Companion, Monster Empathy, Monster Handler, Speak with Animals, Low-Light Vision, Monstrous Tactics, Monstrous Team Up; SQ Animal Companion, 1st Favored Enemy (Humans), 2nd Favored Enemy (Undead), Wild Empathy; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +16, Ref +9, Will +6; Str 26, Dex 10, Con 18, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 6.
Levels 1-5: Establishes foundational combat skills with the Ranger class, gaining Two-Weapon Fighting, Track, and a 1st Favored Enemy. By Level 4, acquires an Animal Companion.
Levels 6-10: Shifts to Beastmaster, improving animal handling abilities and gaining multiple Animal Companions and Speak with Animals 1/day. Ends with the addition of Low-Light Vision.
Levels 11-15: Begins Beast Heart Adept path, earning the ability to control Monstrous Companions, Monster Empathy, and Monstrous Flank. Leadership is acquired, adding strategic flexibility.
Levels 16-20: Mastery in Beast Heart Adept, enhancing combat prowess and teamwork with Monstrous Tactics and Monstrous Team Up. Gains Improved Initiative, optimizing battlefield presence.
Core Abilities & Features of the Beast Horde
Ranger Specialties
Starting with five levels in Ranger, this build benefits from key abilities such as Favored Enemy and Wild Empathy. Favored Enemy grants bonuses against specific foes, while Wild Empathy allows the Tamer to calm and influence animals. The combat style choice at level 2, Two-Weapons Fighting, aids in balancing offense and defense.
Beastmaster Advantages
The next five levels in Beastmaster are where the build begins to shine. Animal Companion at level 4 adds a second beast to the Tamer’s retinue, and at level 6, Animal Affinity enhances Handle Animal checks. The Speak with Animals 1/Day feature at level 8 provides strategic communication advantages in the wild.
Beast Heart Adept Mastery
What truly sets this build apart is the ten levels spent in Beast Heart Adept. Starting at level 11, Monstrous Companion and Monster Empathy give the Tamer control over magical beasts. The Monster Handler feature boosts their ability to direct these fierce creatures effectively. By level 15, the Tamer gains Improved Toughness, enhancing their durability in prolonged battles, and the coveted Extra Monstrous Companion ability for an even larger, more intimidating force.
Equipment Progression of the Beast Horde
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Whip, Greataxe, Chainshirt, Buckler
Basic gear to outfit the Ranger with essentials for melee combat and beast handling. The Chainshirt offers moderate protection with low dexterity limitation.
L6-10
Whip of Subdual, Lion’s Shield, Bracers of Armor +2
Enhanced whip for non-lethal damage, adding crowd control. Lion’s Shield adds AC and occasional roaring attack. Bracers of Armor for increased AC without affecting movement.
L11-15
Scorpion Whip, Mithral Breastplate, Helm of the Beast Tamer
Scorpion Whip grants more damaging attacks. Mithral Breastplate offers better AC and is lighter. Helm boosts Handle Animal and Monster Empathy checks.
L16-20
Whip of Entanglement, Armor of the Beast, Ring of Evasion
Whip of Entanglement restricts foes’ movement. Armor of the Beast offers excellent AC and beast-themed resistances. Ring of Evasion allows for incredible dexterity-based spell avoidance.
Combat Scenarios as a Beast Horde
Dungeon Crawls:
The Beast Tamer excels in narrow spaces. Use the Dire Lion and Deinonychus to scout ahead, sniffing out dangers. The Owlbear should guard the rear to prevent ambushes. Keep the Behir and Wyvern in reserve for large threats.
Open Fields:
Leverage the wide terrain with the Wyvern and Behir for aerial and ranged harassment. The Dire Lion and Deinonychus lead the charge, while you and the Owlbear provide flanking support. Ensure the whip is ready to pull threats away from companions.
Ambushes:
Utilize the Owlbear and Dire Lion to initiate a surprise attack. Keep the Wyvern flying overhead for an immediate aerial assault. The Behir should use its reach to strike from concealed positions, while you direct the chaos using your whip.
Defensive Stands:
Create a perimeter using the Dir Lion and Owlbear. The Behir and Wyvern should attack from range, keeping enemies at bay. Deinonychus can weave through allies to strike gaps in enemy lines. Your role is to safeguard weaker allies and manage the frontline with the whip and shield.
Urban Encounters:
Navigate tight corners with the Deinonychus and Owlbear. Use the Dire Lion to disrupt crowds and the Wyvern for cross-rooftop engagements. Behir can patrol alleyways, ensuring no escape for adversaries. Maintain control with your whip, directing beasts to prevent collateral damage.
Weaknesses & Counters of the Beast Horde
Weakness
Counter
Low Dexterity (Dex 10)
Equip Boots of Elvenkind (+5 bonus on Move Silently checks) and Gloves of Dexterity (+2 bonus to Dexterity).
Poor Intelligence and Charisma (Int 6, Cha 6)
Rely on party members for knowledge and social interactions. Utilize Circlet of Persuasion (+3 bonus on Charisma-based checks).
Close-range combat vulnerability
Utilize the Chainshirt for increased AC and Buckler for added defense.
Short Range with Whip
Equip Belt of Giant Strength (+4 Strength) to maximize melee damage with the Greataxe.
Limited to Beast Companions in combat
Equip Ring of Animal Friendship to increase the number of companions and Amulet of Wild Shape (daily polymorph into animal forms).
Flaws: Murky Eyes and Shaky
Invest in Blind-Fight feat to counter Murky Eyes and Weapon Focus (Whip) to mitigate Shaky.
Low skill ranks in Survival, Knowledge(Arcana), and Knowledge(Dungeoneering)
Use the Headband of Intellect to increase Intelligence, thereby gaining more skill points.
Roleplaying the Beast Horde
Opportunities:
Picture yourself as the Monster Tamer[1], a symbol of primal power and a force of nature. Your bond with your monstrous companions offers countless roleplaying opportunities. Imagine striding into towns with a Deinonychus at your side or sending your Wyvern to scout over enemy territory. Use your unique abilities to influence local politics or protect villages from threats they can’t handle alone. Engage in moments of quiet bonding with your animal allies, showing your character’s softer side amidst the chaos of battle.
Themes:
Your character is all about control and survival. Embrace themes of dominance and the wild versus civilization. Portray your Monster Tamer[1] as a guardian of the untamed, someone who knows the deep secrets of the natural world. Perhaps you see yourself as a misunderstood hero, often at odds with city-dwellers who don’t understand your methods. You could also explore the personal toll of your rugged lifestyle—constant vigilance, scars from endless battles, and the loneliness of always being on the move. Your companions aren’t just tools; they’re your family. Highlight this deep connection in your interactions.
FAQ
How do I get the most out of my Animal Companions?
Maximize their potential by focusing on Animal Companion synergy. Use Handle Animal checks to train them effectively. Equip items that boost their abilities, like the Helm of the Beast Tamer. Employ strategic positioning to leverage their strengths in combat scenarios. Remember, coordination is key; your companions should complement your fighting style.
Key feats include Improved Initiative, Improved Toughness, and Blind-Fight. Weapon Focus (Whip) and Improved Two-Weapon Fighting enhance combat effectiveness. Consider Extra Animal Companion for an even stronger beast retinue. Each feat must align with your strategy, so pick wisely based on your campaign needs.
How do combat scenarios change strategy for this build?
In dungeon crawls, use your Lion and Deinonychus to scout. Out in open fields, employ aerial units like Wyvern for ranged harassment. In ambushes, initiate with Owlbear and Lion. Urban settings call for tight corner navigation with Deinonychus and Owlbear, and defensive stands require forming a perimeter with your beasts.
Embrace your bond with your monstrous companions in RP. Use your control over beasts to influence local politics or protect villages. Portray themes of dominance, nature vs. civilization, and the rugged toll of a beast-mastering lifestyle. Highlight your deep connection to your companions through interactions.
Do I need specific skills to succeed with a Beast Horde[1] Ranger?
Prioritize Handle Animal, Survival, and Knowledge (Nature) skills. High ranks in these areas enhance your effectiveness in handling and strategizing with beasts. Additionally, invest in Perception and Acrobatics for better combat maneuvering. Tailor your skill ranks to complement your equipment and companion abilities.
Consider trying the Beast Horde[1] in your next game. Do you think they could be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join the debate and get tips on our Stellar Dragons Discord server: https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7
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 second time I saw her was, hmm.” The aged half-elf took a few moments to think before he continued.
-“Ahh, it was when I was building this inn with my son. She came here with news of an army of orcs, led by the infamous Tamer from the south marshes, coming this way.”
-“The Tamer is an immense orc, armed with a vicious spiked shield and a whip with which he directs beasts he tames for war, hence his surname. He has been a plague on these lands for a long time, and she needed help to distract him away from the village. It took the two of us to defeat him and his army of orcs and beasts, and we barely walked out of that one. The Tamer survived too. I suspect he’s still out there somewhere, licking his wounds, rebuilding his army. He’ll come back again, some day”…
You are not part of the horde, you ARE the horde. You have five animal companions, three of which aren’t even animals but magical beasts. You are yourself a fierce melee combatant capable of high amounts of damage, but your main advantage is to completely turn the action economy in your favor.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Ranger
11
Exotic Weapon Proficiency(Whi p), Power Attack, Improved Shield Bash, Track
Leave a Reply