Article-At-A-Glance
- The Wilder Anguish build optimizes stealth and combat, blending psionics with versatility.
- The build emphasizes synergy between Wilder and Shadowmind for powerful abilities.
- Equipment choices enhance agility and maintain stealth during confrontations.
- Roleplaying embodies duality, balancing stealth with elven grace and mystery.
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This build begins as a Rogue class, focusing on sneaky attacks with Sneak Attack +1d6. It prioritizes Dex for high agility and uses Improved Initiative for faster combat actions.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Elf: Female, elf rogue 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 1d6+1; hp 7; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk shortsword +4 melee (1d6-1/19-20) or shortbow +3 ranged (1d6/x3); Full Atk shortsword +4 melee (1d6-1/19-20); SA Sneak Attack +1d6; SQ low-light vision, elf traits, trapfinding; AL neutral; SV Fort +1, Ref +5, Will +0; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Sleight of Hands 3; Improved Initiative.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Sneak Attack deals extra damage in combat.
Possessions: Chain shirt, two shortswords, shortbow with 20 arrows, backpack with basic supplies.
At level 5, this Elf character is a mix of Wilder and Rogue classes, with a extensive focus on avoiding detection and psychic prowess. With a Wild Surge ability enhancing their power, along with Surging Euphoria, the character is a potent skirmisher. Their high Dexterity aids in dodging attacks and improving stealth skills. The synergy between Wilder’s psionic boosts and Rogue’s sneak tactics makes them great at hit-and-run tactics.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed Elf: Female, Elf Wilder 4/Rogue 1; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Elf); HD 5d6+6+2; hp 29; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 13, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk +5 melee (1d6/19-20, shortsword) or +5 ranged (1d6, shortbow); Full Atk +5 melee (1d6/19-20, shortsword) or +5 ranged (1d6, shortbow); SA Sneak Attack +1d6; SQ Wild Surge +2, Psychic Enervation, Elude Touch; AL Chaotic Good; SV Fort +2, Ref +7, Will +3; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Sleight of Hands 3; Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Surging Euphoria allows for enhanced attacks after a successful Wild Surge; Elude Touch aids in dodging psionic touches.
Possessions: Chain Shirt, two shortswords, Shortbow.
At Level 10, this Elf character excels at using stealth and mind-affecting powers. The hybrid of Wilder, Rogue, and Shadowmind classes allows for strong sneak attack damage, versatile combat options, and the ability to vanish from a target’s senses. Cloud Mind makes stealth approaches almost foolproof.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed Elf: female, Elf Wilder 6/Rogue 4/Shadowmind 10; CR 14; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 6d6+4d6+10d6; hp 60; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +10/+5; Grp +9; Atk +13 melee (1d6+3, shortsword) or +12 ranged (1d6+2, shortbow); Full Atk +13/+8 melee (1d6+3, shortsword) or +12/+7 ranged (1d6+2, shortbow); SA Sneak Attack +2d6; SQ Darkstalker, Read Thoughts, Cloud Mind, Evasion, Trapfinding, Psychic Enervation, Wild Surge +2, Surging Euphoria +1, Elude Touch; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +15, Will +9; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Sleight of Hand 3; Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse, Darkstalker, Two-Weapons Fighting.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Mind-affecting abilities such as Cloud Mind and Sneak Attack grant tactical superiority.
Possessions: Chain Shirt, two shortswords, Shortbow.
At level 15, they are a skilled skirmisher with enhanced sneak attack capabilities (+4d6) and can execute linked powers for added versatility.The Elf Wilder/Rogue/Shadowmind uses their abilities to remain undetected, employing powers like Cloud Mind and Mind Stab to vanish from enemies’ senses. Light on physical strength but high in agility and charisma, this character excels in silent infiltration and surprise attacks.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unseen Shadow: Female, Elf Wilder 6/Rogue 4/Shadowmind 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 9d6+2d8+4; hp 80; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 14, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +11; Grp +7; Atk shortsword +16 melee (1d6/19–20) or shortbow +15 ranged (1d6); Full Atk shortsword +16/+11/+6 melee (1d6/19–20) or shortbow +15/+10/+5 ranged (1d6); SA sneak attack +4d6; SQ cloud mind, link powers, wild surge +2, surging euphoria, volatile mind (1 PP), elude touch, trapfinding; AL Chaotic Neutral; SV Fort +8, Ref +13, Will +11; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Sleight of Hands 3; Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse, Darkstalker, Two-Weapons Fighting, Improved Two-Weapons Fighting, Linked Power.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Cloud Mind—can erase presence from senses, Mind Stab—vanish from a target’s mind completely.
Possessions: Chain shirt, two shortswords, shortbow.
At level 20, this character is an Elf Wilder/Rogue/Shadowmind. The build leverages the Shadowmind’s abilities to become exceptionally difficult to detect and is a master at evading. With Cloud Mind and Mind Stab, they excel at stealth and surprise attacks. Their strategy involves using sneak attack capabilities and psychic powers to incapacitate foes while staying undetectable.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed Elf: Female, elf wilder 6/rogue 4/shadowmind 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (elf); HD 20d6+26; hp 92; Init +7; Spd 30 ft.; AC 19, touch 13, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +16; Grp +16; Atk +19 melee (1d6/19–20, short sword) or +19 ranged (1d6/×3, shortbow); Full Atk +19/+14/+9 melee (1d6/19–20, short sword) or +19/+14/+9 ranged (1d6/×3, shortbow); SA Sneak Attack +5d6; SQ Trapfinding, Evasion, Wild Surge +2, Volatile Mind, Cloud Mind, Mass Cloud Mind, Mind Stab, Trap Sense +1, Uncanny Dodge; AL CN; SV Fort +7, Ref +13, Will +13; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 13, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Sleight of Hands 3; Improved Initiative, Weapon Finesse, Two-Weapons Fighting, Improved Two-Weapons Fighting, Darkstalker, Linked Power, Extra Power (Schism).
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Wild Surge grants increased power points and access to powerful psychic abilities. Mind Stab renders the character almost undetectable, even to supernatural senses.
Possessions: Chain Shirt, two shortswords, Shortbow.
Milestones Of Character Development
- Levels 1-5: Begin with a foundation in Rogue, focusing on Sneak Attack and Trapfinding abilities, complemented by rapid progression with Wilder’s Wild Surge and Psychic Enervation for a versatile combat style.
- Levels 6-10: Transition into Shadowmind, leveraging abilities like Cloud Mind and Two-Weapon Fighting. Enhance stealth and deception, becoming a skillful melee skirmisher with an edge in sneaky maneuvering.
- Levels 11-15: Sharpen combat prowess with increased Sneak Attack damage and gain the ability to use Linked Power. Develop additional chaos in combat with Improved Two-Weapon Fighting and advanced deception techniques through Mass Cloud Mind.
- Levels 16-20: Reach powerful synergy within Shadowmind, unlocking Mind Stab for total sensory evasion. Round out skills with Rogue’s Evasion and Uncanny Dodge, achieving mastery in dodging and stealthy attacks.
Core Abilities & Features
The Wilder – Anguish from the Shadows[1] build in D&D 3.5 optimizes for stealth, mental trickery, and enhanced combat abilities. At its heart lies the synergy between the Wilder class and the Shadowmind prestige class, which together unlock potent stealth and psionic features. The racial choice of an Elf not only adds to the character’s dexterity but complements the high DEX focus of the build. The Wilder class level brings forth notable abilities like Wild Surge, which enhances psionic power points dynamically, and Psychic Enervation, though risky, grants potential bonuses.
Delving deeper, the Shadowmind levels provide access to the desirable Cloud Mind ability. This lets the character become invisible to a particular target’s mind, surpassing mundane invisibility. As a mid-level Wilder and transitioning into Shadowmind, the character gains Surging Euphoria, adding bonuses during successful power discharges, enhancing the character’s mood and capabilities—think of it as a combat adrenaline rush. Mind Stab, acquired at higher Shadowmind levels, is a coup de grace against unaware victims, allowing devastating sneak attacks by rendering the character imperceptible to senses, including supernatural ones.
Coupled with Rogue levels, the build achieves formidable Sneak Attack potential, allowing massive spike damage in the right conditions. Trapfinding and Evasion, standard for Rogues, offer utility in avoiding and bypassing traps, vital for a scout. Equipment choices like the Chain Shirt, Shortswords, and Shortbow are tailored for high dexterity and mobility, ensuring the character remains agile during confrontations and stealth missions. This build masterfully blends psionics and stealth, emerging as a versatile combatant capable of engaging enemies directly or slipping into shadows, prepared for ambush.
Equipment Progression
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Chain Shirt +1 | Provides a solid base for AC with minimal penalty to movement and skills like Hide. |
| L6-10 | Darkwood Shortbow | Light and stealthy, aligns with Dexterity-focused builds, enhancing range attacks. |
| L11-15 | Shortswords +2 with Keen enchantment | Maximize critical hit potential, complementing the build’s sneak attack abilities. |
| L16-20 | Cloak of Displacement | Excellent defense against attacks, amplifying the effectiveness of ‘Cloud Mind’ and stealth tactics. |
Combat Scenarios
- Dungeon Crawls:
- In tight corridors, use Cloud Mind to bypass guards. When spotted, unleash a sneak attack from Mind Stab for a silent takedown.
- Open Fields:
- Utilize the Shadowmind’s Cloud Mind ability to approach enemies unnoticed. Once in position, dual-wield shortswords for a quick flurry of attacks, enhanced by Sneak Attack damage.
- Ambushes:
- Set up using Hide and Move Silently. Use Mass Cloud Mind to confuse a group. Select isolated targets for attacks using Two-Weapons Fighting to maximize damage output.
- Defensive Stands:
- Leverage the Chain Shirt for mobility while engaging in melee. Use Surging Euphoria to boost morale and attack accuracy during prolonged skirmishes.
- Urban Encounters:
- Blend into crowds using Sleight of Hand and Elude Touch to avoid hostile detection. Strike with sneak attacks during the chaos of urban distractions, then escape using Evasion.
Weaknesses & Counters
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Medium Constitution (Con 13) | Prioritize enhancements that boost Constitution like Amulet of Health for improved Hit Points and Fortitude saves. |
| Poor direct combat skills | Utilize Sneak Attack with Rogue abilities; combine with Shadowmind’s Cloud Mind to set up advantageous combat positions. |
| Psychic Enervation risk | Limit Wild Surge usage unless necessary; employ Surging Euphoria to balance out potential risks. |
| Reliance on psionics | Prepare for anti-psionic situations with non-psionic weapons or spells; obtain a Psicrystal for mental support. |
| Vulnerable to magic spells such as True Seeing | Procure equipment or temporary boosts like Cloak of Displacement to disrupt enemy spellcasters’ accuracy. |
| Weak against high Will-save opponents | Combine mental manipulation feats such as Linked Power to link less resisted powers for effective tactics. |
Roleplaying as the Shadowmind
Embrace the shadows, becoming one with the unseen. As a Shadowmind, your presence is both daunting and mysterious. The power of Cloud Mind allows you to vanish, turning into a ghost that makes others doubt their senses. Making a failed assumption from enemies part of the intrigue, only to reveal your presence with a devastating sneak attack. Train in sleight of hand to maintain a facade of innocence, even when caught red-handed.
Navigate the world with the elegance of an elf whose agility is unmatched. Acknowledge the burden that comes with your dark powers and the isolation it demands. Use the disparity between your intense Chaotic persona and the charm of your noble elven heritage to create a complex character the party will remember. Explore themes of duality – balancing the line between light and dark, charisma and enigma, assault and retreat.
FAQ
How does Anguish perform in stealth missions?
Anguish excels in stealth missions thanks to its psionic abilities. Cloud Mind makes individuals invisible to specific targets, bypassing mundane invisibility. Enhanced by the Shadowmind class features, you can move unseen past guards. Use Mind Stab for silent takedowns, making Anguish perfect for recon and assault roles.
What should I know about Anguish’s strengths and weaknesses?
Anguish thrives in stealth and psionic-based strategies. Weaknesses include low Strength for melee and vulnerability to high Will saves. Prioritize Dexterity and Constitution boosts. Balance Psychic Enervation risks with calculated Wild Surge use. Adjust strategies to mitigate weaknesses effectively.
How does Anguish synergize with other classes?
Anguish pairs well with Rogues for Sneak Attack options. It complements spellcasters who can improve combat or stealth abilities. Healers maintain health, while fighters absorb enemy focus. Psionic and stealth abilities create versatile strategies in varied party compositions.
Can Anguish handle different combat scenarios?
Yes, Anguish is adaptable for various combat scenarios. Use stealth in dungeon crawls to eliminate guards silently. In open fields, blend with sneak attacks and Cloud Mind. In urban settings, blend with crowds, using Sleight of Hand to confuse foes. It’s versatile in both stealth and direct combat.
How important are the Elf racial bonuses for Anguish?
Elf bonuses are crucial for Anguish’s Dexterity and Dexterity-focused tactics. Their agility aids stealth and evasive maneuvers. It complements the high psionic focus, rounding out Anguish as a stealth combatant. Additionally, the racial bonus aligns perfectly with Elf’s innate grace.
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Authors
Terms definitions
1. ↑ Wilder – Anguish from the Shadows – D&D 3.5 ( Anguish from the Shadows )
Categories: D&D 3.5 Character Builds, D&D 3.5 Wilder Builds
Anguish from the Shadows
As the woman clad in a white coat was dodging the elf’s silver shortswords, she couldn’t help but notice how odd the elf’s movements were. As a master rogue herself, such technique, while well honed, lacked the grace she was expecting not only from a fellow rogue, but doubly so from an elf.
But her questions had to wait, she had to finish that fight rapidly to go help her sister and their new friend. She readied herself, silver was a pain in the ass, but she’ll endure it to catch her opponent off guard. The elf smiled, and, as the shortsword drew blood, the elf completely vanished from all the woman’s senses. Even her predatory scent no longer detected him…
Race
Elf
Class
Wilder 6/Rogue 4/Shadowmind 10
Ability Scores
Str 8/Dex 16/Con 13/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 16
Skills
Hide 5, Move Silently 5, Sleight of Hands 3
Equipment
Chain Shirt, two shortswords, Shortbow
Goal
So, I have a confession to make. Shadowmind is one of my favorite PrCs in 3.5. The ability to manifest Cloud Mind at almost zero cost is ridiculous for a scout, and despite a
somewhat reduced ability to manifest powers, you compensate by being a fantastic skill monkey, a decent melee skirmisher and with the ability of Mind Stab, able to completely disappear from a target’s mind and all their senses, including supernatural is just downright one of the best sneak attack enablers in the game.
| Level | Class | HD | Feat | Special |
| 1 | Rogue | 7 | Improved Initiative | Sneak Attack +1d6, Trapfinding |
| 2 | Wilder | 1d6+1 | – | Wild Surge +1, Psychic Enervation |
| 3 | Wilder | 1d6+1 | Weapon Finesse | Elude Touch |
| 4 | Wilder | 1d6+5 | – | Wild Surge +2, +1 Con |
| 5 | Wilder | 1d6+2 | – | Surging Euphoria +1 |
| 6 | Wilder | 1d6+2 | Darkstalker | Volatile Mind (1PP) |
| 7 | Wilder | 1d6+2 | – | – |
| 8 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | Read Thoughts, +1 Cha |
| 9 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | Two-Weapons Fighting | Sneak Attack +2d6 |
| 10 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | Cloud Mind |
| 11 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | – |
| 12 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | Improved Two-Weapons Fighting | Sneak Attack +3d6, +1 Cha |
| 13 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | – |
| 14 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | – |
| 15 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | Linked Power | Sneak Attack +4d6 |
| 16 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | Mass Cloud Mind, +1 Cha |
| 17 | Shadowmind | 1d6+2 | – | Mind Stab |
| 18 | Rogue | 1d6+2 | Extra Power(Schism) | Evasion |
| 19 | Rogue | 1d6+2 | – | Trap Sense +1, Sneak Attack +5d6 |
| 20 | Rogue | 1d6+2 | – | Uncanny Dodge, +1 Cha |
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