This build excels with a bow due to Charm the Arrow, enabling Charisma based attack rolls. With rich urban senses, this build focuses on ranged attacks and maximizes utility with versatile abilities in urban settings. Picking a Riding Dog as an Urban Companion provides early mobility and support.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Female, Changeling Half-Fey Urban Druid 1; CR 1; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger[1]); HD 9; hp 9; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +0; Grp -1; Atk Longbow +6 ranged (1d8/x3) or melee attack -1; Full Atk Longbow +6 ranged (1d8/x3); SA None; SQ City Sense, 1st Favorite City, Urban Companion; AL Neutral; SV Fort +3, Ref +5, Will +3; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +4, Spellcraft +4, Diplomacy +10, Gather Information +10; Charm the Arrow.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
City Sense grants bonuses in urban environments; Urban Companion is a loyal Riding Dog providing combat support and mobility.
Possessions: Longbow, quiver with arrows, Studded Leather Armor, masterwork buckler, Cloak of Charisma +2.
At level 5, the Urban Druid build is taking a recognizably strong form. With the ability to use Urban Shape once a day, you’ll be starting to explore its versatility. Your role is dual fold: supporting the party with spellcasting and taking precise, powerful shots with your crossbow. You’ve got a decent Charisma that not only aids your magic but boosts your attack rolls.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed Urban Druid: female, Changeling Half-Fey Urban Druid 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger[1]); HD 5d8+5; hp 27; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 13, flat-footed 13; Base Atk +3; Grp +2; Atk Crossbow +8 ranged (1d6/19-20) or Dagger +2 melee (1d4-1/19-20); Full Atk Crossbow +8 ranged (1d6/19-20) or Dagger +2 melee (1d4-1/19-20); SA Urban Shape 1/Day; SQ City Sense, Crowdwalk, Disease Immunity, Urban Companion; AL Neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 15.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +9, Spellcraft +8, Diplomacy +10, Gather Information +10; Charm the Arrow, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot.
SpecialAttacks and Qualities:
Urban Shape 1/Day allows transformation; Urban Companion (Dire Bat) provides tactical advantages and high mobility.
Possessions: Hand Crossbow, Masterwork Buckler, Studded Leather Armor, Cloak of Charisma +2, mundane supplies, and a selection of small spell components.
With the Adaptive Great Crossbow and Charisma-based attacks, this level 10 Urban Druid build excels. This character may be used in both battle and cityscapes thanks to the Aberrant Wild Shape, spellcasting up to the fifth level, and a choice of urban companions. The character’s ability to manipulate battlefield dynamics is improved by the Large Animated Object’s powerful defense and adaptability.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed: female, Changeling Half-Fey Urban Druid 10; CR 10; Medium Humanoid (Fey); HD 10d8+10; hp 55; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +7; Grp +6; Atk Great Crossbow +10 ranged (2d8+3) or Rapier +6 melee (1d6); Full Atk Great Crossbow +9/+9/+4 (2d8+3) or Rapier +6 melee (1d6); SA Charisma-based attacks, Urban Shape 4/Day; SQ Urban Companion (Large Animated Object), Disease Immunity, Crowdwalk, Urban Shape (Large), City Sense, Information Network; AL Neutral; SV Fort +7, Ref +9, Will +7; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 24.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +14, Spellcraft +10, Diplomacy +18, Gather Information +18; Charm the Arrow, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Aberrant Wild Shape, Hand Crossbow Focus, Crossbow Sniper.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Urban Shape allows transformation into urban creatures or aberrations, Large Animated Object provides substantial combat support.
Possessions: Adaptive Great Crossbow, Cloak of Charisma +4, Vest of Resistance +2, Shadow Studded Leather Armor, Bracers of the Archer, various Metamagic Rods.
At Level 15, the Urban Druid utilizes an Adaptive Great Crossbow for terrifying ranged capabilities. With feats, the character can unleash multiple high damage attacks using Charisma for attack rolls. Additionally, they possess an animated object Urban Companion of Huge size, offering formidable assistance in combat. The character also enjoys various Immunities and can shapeshift into bizarre aberrations, enhancing adaptability.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed: female, Changeling Half-Fey Urban Druid 15; CR 17; Medium humanoid (shapechanger[1]); HD 15d8+15; hp 90; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 18, touch 15, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +11; Grp +10; Atk Adaptive Great Crossbow +18 ranged (2d8+8/18-20) or Hand Crossbow +17 ranged (1d4+8); Full Atk Adaptive Great Crossbow +18/+18/+18/+13 ranged (2d8+8/18-20) or Hand Crossbow +17/+12 ranged (1d4+8); SA Urban Shape, Animated Object; SQ Urban Companion, Disease Immunity, Information Network; AL Neutral; SV Fort +10, Ref +12, Will +14; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 22.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +18, Spellcraft +15, Diplomacy +26, Gather Information +26; Charm the Arrow, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Aberrant Wild Shape, Hand Crossbow Focus, Crossbow Sniper, Rapid Shot.
Possessions: Adaptive Great Crossbow, Hand Crossbow, Cloak of Charisma, Shadow Studded Leather Armor, Vest of Resistance, Buckler of Heavy Fortification, Bracers of the Archer.
The Urban Druid build maximizes ranged combat and versatility. The build emphasizes Charisma for both spellcasting and combat attacks. The Adaptive Great Crossbow is the centerpiece, allowing superior ranged attacks. Combining feats, it boasts a capability for high damage with a rapid fire rate. Urban Shape grants formidable creature transformations enhancing adaptability.
Stat Block Level 20:
Urban Legend: Female, Changeling Half-Fey Urban Druid 20; CR 20; Medium Humanoid (Shapechanger[1]); HD 19d8+38; hp 124; Init +3; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +15; Grp +14; Atk Great Crossbow +21 (2d8+6/18-20) or Diverse Wild Form; Full Atk Great Crossbow +21/+21/+16/+11 (2d8+6/18-20); SA Urban Shape, Spells; SQ Urban Companion, Urban Sense, Favored Cities, Urban Shape, Disease Immunity; AL Neutral; SV Fort +16, Ref +13, Will +17; Str 8, Dex 16, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 12, Cha 26.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +24, Spellcraft +23, Diplomacy +28, Gather Information +28; Charm the Arrow, Point-Blank Shot, Precise Shot, Aberrant Wild Shape, Hand Crossbow Focus, Crossbow Sniper, Rapid Shot.
Possessions: Adaptive Great Crossbow, Cloak of Charisma +6, Bracers of the Archer, Shadow Studded Leather Armor, Staff of the Python.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Establish a strong foundation with crucial feats like Charm the Arrow, enabling Charisma-based attack rolls. Develop your Urban Companion, starting with a Riding Dog, while embracing initial Urban Druid abilities like City Sense and Urban Shape 1/day at level 5.
Levels 6-10: Heighten combat prowess through feats such as Precise Shot and Aberrant Wild Shape. Transition your Urban Companion to a Dire Bat for added maneuverability, and gain access to more versatile Urban Shape forms, hitting four uses per day. Start building your Information Network to boost your tactical advantage.
Levels 11-15: Unlock transformative capabilities with Urban Shape forms evolving to Huge size. Gain critical feats like Hand Crossbow Focus and Crossbow Sniper, synergizing with the Adaptive Great Crossbow. At level 15, your Urban Shape can animate large objects, broadening your combat options.
Levels 16-20: Perfect your character’s development with Rapid Shot to maximize ranged attacks. Continue Urban Companion upgrades, culminating with a Gargantuan Animated Object, hugely enhancing battlefield control. By level 20, reach peak spellcasting proficiency with 9th level spells and formidable Urban Shape abilities.
Core Abilities & Features
The Urban Legend combines charm and skill in a city setting. Fundamentally, this build makes the most of its Changeling Half-Fey ancestry by enhancing charisma and wisdom to formidable proportions. This build utilizes a Charisma score of 22, is a formidable opponent and a force in many situations due to their equal grasp of magic and social manipulation.
The spellcasting abilities are unparalleled, drawing power from urban settings and enhancing the nature magic typical of a druid. The Urban Shape ability, allowing transformations into aberrations, adds versatility to adapt to challenges. Choosing fascinating forms like the Otyugh or Large Animated Objects offers strategic flexibility. As levels progress, Huge and Gargantuan animated companions can become game-changers with high stats and several immunities.
Combat prowess comes through a focus on crossbows. Feats like Precise Shot, Crossbow Sniper, and Rapid Shot enhance ranged attacks, utilizing charisma for attack bonuses thanks to Charm the Arrow. The Adaptive Great Crossbow allows swift reloading, delivering up to four powerful shots per round. Transitioning your Urban Companion from a Dire Bat for mobility to larger animated objects ensures ongoing adaptation and strength in diverse scenarios. This build’s combination of spellcasting, shapeshifting, and combat skills is perfect for any player looking to master urban adventures.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Masterwork Buckler
Provides a shield bonus to AC. It doesn’t interfere with your hand crossbows.
L1-5
Studded Leather Armor
Light armor with +3 armor bonus, keeping your Dexterity bonus intact.
L6-10
Cloak of Charisma
Boosts Charisma for better spellcasting and attacks with Charm the Arrow feat.
L6-10
Vest of Resistance
Increases saving throws to enhance survival against spells and effects.
L11-15
Adaptive Great Crossbow
Enchantment allows using feat bonuses like Hand Crossbow Focus, aiding in free action reloading.
L11-15
Bracers of the Archer
Improves crossbow performance, upping attack and damage efficiency.
L16-20
Buckler of Heavy Fortification
Prevents critical hits, averting massive damage from lethal attacks.
L16-20
Shadow Studded Leather Armor
Further enhances AC and Stealth. Shadow property blends in well within urban environments.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls:
Within the dim confines of a dungeon, utilize your Urban Companion as a scout. The Dire Bat can navigate tight spaces and offer aerial views. Employ Urban Shape to turn into a Tiny creature, sneaking through tight passages for reconnaissance. Cast Fog Cloud for strategic blocking, enabling your team to reposition or set up deadly ranged shots with your crossbow.
Open Fields:
In an open field setting, rely on your long-range capabilities. With Precise Shot and Crossbow Sniper, pick off foes at a distance before they can close in. Use your Urban Companion to create an imposing obstacle, drawing enemy attention away from you. Cast Control Winds to disrupt enemy formations and buff your companions with spells like Greater Magic Weapon, turning your Great Crossbow into a devastating asset.
Ambushes:
Expect the unexpected. Rapidly assume a safer form using Urban Shape, like Aberration for added defenses. Use spells like Entangle to disrupt attackers. A swift Point-Blank Shot can catch ambushers off guard, maintaining the element of surprise. Your companion, if appropriately shaped as a Carrion Crawler, can paralyze attackers, leaving them vulnerable to crossbow attacks.
Defensive Stands:
Choose a strategic vantage point with cover. Your Crossbow Sniper feat amplifies effectiveness, allowing range superiority. Deploy Animated Object as a blockade, forcing enemies into vulnerable positions. Healing spells or buffs like Barkskin will fortify allies. Urban Shape’s versatility enables shifting to an advantageous defensive form, bolstering your party’s stance against sieging foes without crossing open grounds.
Urban Encounters:
The cityscape is your domain. Utilize Information Network for strategic insights on opponents’ locations. Your Urban Companion, shaped as a Huge Animated Object, acts as an efficient line of defense or offense in crowded streets. Charm or Diplomacy skills can be leveraged to recruit aid from city dwellers. Cast spells like Stone Shape to alter structures, creating barriers or escape routes swiftly.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Strength (Str 8)
Focus on ranged combat with Charm the Arrow to use Charisma for attack rolls.
Limited Armor Proficiency (Light Armor)
Use Studded Leather for optimal defense; invest in Shadow Studded Leather Armor for improved stealth.
Reliance on Charisma
Enhance Charisma with a Cloak of Charisma to improve spellcasting and attack rolls with Charm the Arrow.
Low Constitution
Use a Vest of Resistance for additional saves and boost durability.
Dependency on Range Attacks
Equip a Staff of the Python for melee encounters when necessary.
Roleplaying
Adopt Urban Camouflage: Disguising oneself comes naturally to Urban Druids. Imagine moving like a shadow among shadows, undetected, through the busy marketplace. Whether you’re a pretentious nobleman or the lowest vagabond, your Changeling nature lets you fit right in. Make use of this to obtain important information and subtly sway the strong.
Personify the City: If you have a lot of charisma, you can win over people and use a grin to make enemies into friends. Think of the city as your own magical woodland. Rooftops are your tree canopy, while alleys are your meandering paths. Your realm includes every creaky edifice that whispers secrets that only you can hear. You are the highest predator in your jungle.
Balance Tradition and Innovation: The magic is in how you marry the primal with the urban. When dealing with urban sophisticates, your fey ancestry offers an air of mystery. Lean into that allure but remember: You are both part of the wild and the city. Cultivate relationships with mysterious and eccentric NPCs, like that beguiling bard who’s more than they seem.
Be Like Water: Adapting is your forte. Whether shifting shapes to infiltrate a noble’s banquet or using Aberrant Wild Shape to become an unexpected ally against an abberation foe, your versatility should shine. Harness unpredictability as your greatest strength. The city is ever-changing, so embody its chaos with elegance and confidence.
FAQ
What sets the Urban Legend apart from other Druid builds?
The Urban-Legend offers exceptional versatility in city environments. With unique abilities like Urban Shape, it transforms into various cityscape creatures. Its Changeling heritage grants an innate flexibility, making it masterful in social interactions. The build prioritizes charisma, thus enhancing its spellcasting and negotiation prowess. It navigates both combat and diplomacy with ease.
How does the Urban Shape ability enhance gameplay for an Urban Legend?
Urban Shape elevates adaptability by allowing transformations into city-specific forms. It offers strategic advantages like becoming a Large Animated Object for combat support. Embracing forms like Otyugh or Tiny creatures alters tactics dramatically. These shapechanges provide solutions to both offensive and defensive challenges.
What are the key strategies for using the Urban Legend in combat?
The Urban-Legend excels with ranged combat using crossbows. Feats like Precise Shot and Rapid Shot boost its attack efficiency. Urban Companions like Large Animated Objects assist significantly in crowd control. A focus on charisma-based attacks ensures high effectiveness even at a distance.
How do weaknesses like Low Constitution affect the Urban Legend’s performance?
Low Constitution can make survival challenging without proper equipment. Investing in items like a Vest of Resistance is crucial for improving saves. This enhances durability against hostile spells and effects. Relying on strategic positioning and ranged combat compensates for this weakness.
Why should players consider building an Urban Legend for their campaigns?
The Urban-Legend offers unmatched versatility and charm in city settings. Its skill set balances spellcasting, social prowess, and adaptable combat strategies. It’s perfect for players who enjoy strategic play and dynamic storytelling. Its ability to transform and fit into urban environments lends uniqueness to any campaign.
Try the Urban Legend in your next campaign!
Can the Urban Legend be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join the debate and discussions on our Discord server, Stellar Dragons, at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7. Explore the capabilities of this unique build in your next gaming session.
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?
-“What happened to her after you defeated the beast?” Asked one of the kids, the old man across from them gave a mild chuckle, their curiosity always bringing a smile to him. He scratched his chin slowly, collecting his thoughts as the fire cracked in the fireplace. The whole inn was listening to the half-elf’s story now.
-“Well, as well traveled as I am, there were many things I could teach her, I could teach everything about listening to nature, how to hunt beasts and how to recognize plants and prints. Though, as with all teachers, there were some things I could never teach her. How to be a beast, as she already was, being a werewolf and all. She wanted to learn to better control and use that part of her. So she left too, eventually, in search of the Lady of the Woods.”
There were whispers in the inn when that name came out of the storyteller’s mouth. The traveling woman pulled out a smoke pipe and started cleaning it, and prepared some dried herbs.The half-elf continued unfazed.
-“The Lady is said to be as old as the forest, and its most ancient guardian, capable of taking the form of all the beasts who walk its depths. From the smallest insect to the most majestic dragon, she is one with each of these forms. If someone could teach our young wolf lady how to control her inner beast, it was the Lady.”
Race
Changeling
Class
Wildshaping Ranger 5(Variant)/Master of Many Forms 10/Nature’s Warrior 3/Warshaper 2
You are a ranger capable of Wildshaping like the druid. But you take that ability and crank it to eleven. You have more than ten uses per day, can change your form in the same use of wild shape, and can take nearly any form in the monster manual. This makes you a fantastic swiss army knife of a character, with a form for every situation, and by gaining the Extraordinary abilities of your forms, your toolset only expands even more. Take the form of a fly to spy on a conversation or the form of a friggin’ Dragon to fight virtually any enemy as two examples.
And they say only Tier 1 characters have a backpocket plan for any situation…
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