D&D 3.5 Dragon Shaman Kobold King Build: Terrifying Were-Hybrid
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Key Takeaways
- Understand the Kobold King level progression and its impact on gameplay.
- Learn about the gear that elevates the Kobold King from formidable to fearsome.
- Discover combat strategies that harness the unique abilities of this build.
- Explore how the Kobold King can synergize with a party to dominate encounters.
- Identify the strengths and weaknesses to play the Kobold King to its full potential.
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Level Distribution of the Kobold King
When creating a Dragon Shaman Kobold King, level distribution is crucial. It’s the backbone that supports the character’s growth from a lowly kobold to a draconic powerhouse. By carefully selecting classes such as Werefleshraker, Dragon Shaman, Battle Sorcerer, and Dragon Disciple, you weave together a tapestry of abilities that make for a versatile and deadly leader.
Click on the level for more information
Level 1 Brief:
At level 1, the Dragon Shaman Kobold King is a formidable presence on the battlefield. With the racial abilities of a kobold, the draconic aura from the Dragon Shaman class, and the combat-focused feats like Battle Jump and Dreadful Wrath, this build is designed to intimidate and control the field. Even early on, it lays groundwork for incredible melee power and a commanding battlefield role.
Stat Block Level 1:
Kobold King: male kobold Dragon Shaman 1; CR 1; Small humanoid (reptilian); HD 1d12+1; hp 13; Init +2; Spd 30 ft. (6 squares), fly 30 ft. (poor); AC 18, touch 13, flat-footed 16 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +2 natural, +3 armor); Base Atk +1; Grp -3; Atk +2 melee (1d6, spear); Full Atk +2 melee (1d6, spear); SA Draconic Aura +1, Totem Dragon (White); SQ Darkvision 60 ft.; AL NE; SV Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +2; Str 10, Dex 14, Con 12, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +4, Intimidate +4; Battle Jump, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Dreadful Wrath.Draconic Aura (Ex): As a swift action, can activate an aura that grants allies within 30 ft. a +1 bonus to AC and saves.Totem Dragon (White): Gain bonuses related to the white dragon totem, including cold resistance and a bonus on Intimidation checks.
Possessions: Spear, shield, scale mail armor.
Flaws: Shaky (penalty on ranged attacks), Murky Eyed (chance to miss in combat).
Level 5 Brief:
By level 5, the Dragon Shaman Kobold King has evolved into a terror on the battlefield, boasting the hybrid vigor of lycanthropy and draconic might. With abilities to shift shape and inherent damage resistance, this build is a walking nightmare, skilled in melee and bolstered by potent auras, ready to pounce with lethal precision.
Stat Block Level 5:
Kobold King: male kobold Werefleshraker 4/Dragon Shaman 1; CR 5; Small humanoid (reptilian); HD 4d8+16 plus 1d12+4; hp 46; Init +2; Spd 40 ft., climb 20 ft.; AC 24, touch 13, flat-footed 22 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +3 natural, +8 armor); Base Atk +4; Grp +0; Atk +7 melee (1d4+3, claw; 1d4+3, bite) or +6 ranged (1d6, spear); Full Atk +7 melee (1d4+3, 2 claws and 1d4+1, bite) and +1 melee (1d6, spear); SQ Lycanthropic Empathy, DR 10/silver, Shape Change (Velociraptor); AL NE; SV Fort +10, Ref +6, Will +2; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 18, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Survival +8, Hide +4, Listen +4, Spot +4; Improved Natural Attack (Claws), Power Attack, Battle Jump, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Track.Shape Change (Su): Can change shape into hybrid or animal form as a standard action. In animal form, gains +2 on physical scores.Draconic Aura (Ex): Grants allies within 30 ft. a +1 bonus to AC and saves.Totem Dragon (White): Cold resistance 5 and a +2 bonus on Intimidation checks.
Possessions: Spear, shield, full plate armor.
Flaws: Shaky, Murky Eyed.
Level 10 Brief:
At level 10, the Kobold King is steeped in draconic power, weaving spells and breath weapons into his formidable martial prowess. As a Dragon Disciple, not only does he possess increased strength and natural armor, but also the terrifying ability to unleash a breath weapon that incinerates his foes. Leading from the front with wings unfurled, he’s a small, scaly engine of destruction.
Stat Block Level 10:
Kobold King: male kobold Werefleshraker 4/Dragon Shaman 5/Battle Sorcerer 1; CR 10; Small humanoid (reptilian, shapechanger); HD 4d8+16 plus 5d12+20 plus 1d4+4; hp 104; Init +2; Spd 30 ft., fly 60 ft. (average); AC 31, touch 13, flat-footed 29 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +3 natural, +15 armor, +2 shield); Base Atk +10; Grp +7; Atk +14 melee (1d4+5, claw) or +13 ranged (1d6, spear); Full Atk +14 melee (1d4+5, 2 claws and 1d4+2, bite) and +8 melee (1d6, spear); SA Breath Weapon 2d8, Pounce, Rake; SQ DR 10/silver, Lycanthropic Empathy, Shape Change (Velociraptor), Spell-like abilities; AL NE; SV Fort +14, Ref +9, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 14, Con 24, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Hide +8, Move Silently +8, Listen +8, Spot +8; Battle Jump, Leaping Attack, Improved Natural Attack (Claws), Power Attack, Multiattack, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Track.Breath Weapon (Su): 60-foot cone of cold, damage 2d8, Reflex DC 22 for half, usable every 1d4 rounds.Pounce (Ex): If he charges a foe, he can make a full attack, including two rake attacks.Shape Change (Su): Can change shape into hybrid or animal form as a standard action. In animal form, gain +2 on physical scores.Spell-like abilities: Cast sorcerer spells as a 1st-level sorcerer, 3 spells known, 5 spells per day.Draconic Abilities: Resistance to cold 11, blindsense 30 ft., natural armor increase, and wings for flight.
Possessions: +3 full plate armor, +2 heavy steel shield, masterwork spear, various magical items and potions.Flaws: Shaky, Murky Eyed.
Level 15 Brief:
By level 15, the Kobold King is a full-fledged draconic terror, mastering both the ferocity of a Were-Velociraptor and the magical prowess of a dragon. His dragon disciple evolution grants him impressive natural armor, a mighty breath weapon, and the ability to command through fear. On top of that, his wings allow for dominating aerial assaults, making him a truly formidable leader and combatant.
Stat Block Level 15:
Kobold King: male kobold Werefleshraker 4/Dragon Shaman 5/Battle Sorcerer 1/Dragon Disciple 10; CR 15; Small humanoid (reptilian, shapechanger); HD 4d8+20 plus 5d12+25 plus 1d4+5 plus 10d12+50; hp 185; Init +2; Spd 30 ft., fly 100 ft. (average); AC 35, touch 13, flat-footed 33 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +8 natural, +14 armor); Base Atk +15/+10/+5; Grp +10; Atk +20 melee (1d4+6, claw) or +19 ranged (1d6, spear); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 melee (1d4+6, 2 claws and 1d4+3, bite) and +15/+10 melee (1d6, spear); SA Breath Weapon 4d8, Pounce, Rake, Fear Aura; SQ DR 10/silver, Lycanthropic Empathy, Shape Change (Velociraptor), Spell-like abilities; AL NE; SV Fort +19, Ref +12, Will +12; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 26, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 10.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Hide +8, Move Silently +8, Intimidate +15, Listen +8, Spot +8; Battle Jump, Leaping Attack, Improved Natural Attack (Claws), Power Attack, Multiattack, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Track, Imperious Command.Breath Weapon (Su): 60-foot cone of cold, 4d8 damage, Reflex DC 24 half, 1d4 rounds cooldown.Pounce (Ex): Can make a full attack, including two rake attacks after charge.Fear Aura (Ex): Enemies within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 14 Will save or become shaken for 4d6 rounds.Shape Change (Su): Can switch between humanoid, hybrid, and velociraptor forms.Spell-like abilities: Cast sorcerer spells as a 5th-level sorcerer.Draconic Abilities: Increased resistance to cold (15), blindsense 30 ft., greater natural armor, and the gift of flight with wings.
Possessions: +4 full plate armor, +3 heavy steel shield, masterwork spear, magical items, and potions.
Flaws: Shaky, Murky Eyed.
Level 20 Brief:
At level 20, the Dragon Shaman Kobold King stands as a pinnacle of draconic evolution and lycanthropic ferocity. With overwhelming breath weapons, impenetrable scales, and the might to cast fear with a mere glance, he’s a veritable demigod among kobolds. A terror in battle, a leader among monsters, there’s hardly a challenge he can’t face head-on. From crushing bones with his jaws to freezing enemies with his breath, he’s the embodiment of pure draconic wrath.
Stat Block Level 20:
Kobold King: male kobold Werefleshraker 4/Dragon Shaman 5/Battle Sorcerer 1/Dragon Disciple 10; CR 20; Small humanoid (reptilian, shapechanger); HD 4d8+20 plus 5d12+25 plus 1d4+5 plus 10d12+50; hp 217; Init +2; Spd 30 ft., fly 100 ft. (good); AC 38, touch 13, flat-footed 36 (+1 size, +2 Dex, +9 natural, +16 armor); Base Atk +20/+15/+10/+5; Grp +14; Atk +25 melee (1d4+7, claw) or +24 ranged (1d6, spear); Full Atk +25/+20/+15/+10 melee (1d4+7, 2 claws and 1d4+3, bite) and +20/+15/+10 melee (1d6, spear); SA Breath Weapon 2d6, Pounce, Rake, Greater Fear Aura; SQ DR 10/silver, Lycanthropic Empathy, Shape Change (Velociraptor), Spell-like abilities; AL NE; SV Fort +21, Ref +12, Will +12; Str 20, Dex 14, Con 28, Int 12, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Hide +18, Move Silently +8, Intimidate +20, Listen +8, Spot +8; Track, Power Attack, Improved Natural Attack (Claws), Multiattack, Skill Focus (Intimidate), Skill Focus (Hide), Dragon Breath, Battle Jump, Leaping Attack, Imperious Command.Breath Weapon (Su): 60-foot cone of cold, 6d8 damage, Reflex DC 26 half, 1d4 rounds cooldown.Pounce (Ex): Can make a full attack, including two rake attacks after charge.Fear Aura (Ex): Enemies within 10 feet must succeed on a DC 18 Will save or be affected by a fear effect.Shape Change (Su): Can switch between humanoid, hybrid, and velociraptor forms.Dragon Apotheosis (Su): Gains immunities and draconic abilities reflecting his draconic heritage.Spell-like abilities: Cast sorcerer spells as an 8th-level sorcerer.Draconic Abilities: Cold resistance 20, blindsense 60 ft., natural armor increase, wings, and draconic adaptation.
Possessions: +5 full plate armor, +4 heavy steel shield, masterwork spear, magical items, and potions.
Flaws: Shaky, Murky Eyed.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
- Level 1: Start with Dragon Shaman for the Draconic Aura and combat feats like Battle Jump and Dreadful Wrath.
- Levels 2-5: Progress through Werefleshraker for shape-shifting and natural attack enhancements.
- Level 6: Add Battle Sorcerer to the mix for spellcasting versatility.
- Levels 7-16: Develop Dragon Disciple to gain draconic abilities, including breath weapons and natural armor.
- Levels 17-20: Round off with Dragon Shaman to maximize Draconic Aura and gain Dragon Breath and Draconic Adaptation.
Equipment Progression
As the Kobold King grows in power, so too should their arsenal. Here’s how you equip this character for success:
- Early Levels: Start with basic armor, a shield, and a trusty spear.
- Mid Levels: Upgrade to enchanted gear that complements natural abilities, such as items that enhance breath weapons or improve flight.
- Late Levels: Acquire artifacts and relics that resonate with draconic heritage, boosting both offensive and defensive capabilities.
Combat Strategies of the Kobold King
Mastering the battlefield as a Dragon Shaman Kobold King requires a strategic mind. You’ll want to leverage your unique skills to not just participate in combat, but to control it.
- Use your shape-shifting ability to adapt to any combat situation, taking advantage of the element of surprise.
- Employ your breath weapon to deal area damage or target specific threats.
- Intimidate foes with your Draconic Aura and Dreadful Wrath, turning the tide of battle with fear.
- Capitalize on your flight ability to reposition or evade, ensuring you’re always at a tactical advantage.
Party Synergy
While the Kobold King can hold its own, it shines brightest when part of a well-rounded party. Here’s how you make the most out of this dynamic:
- Pair with spellcasters who can amplify your abilities or cover your weaknesses.
- Coordinate with front-line fighters to create devastating combo attacks.
- Work with rogues or rangers for tactical maneuvers that can outflank the enemy.
- Align with other party members to ensure your auras and abilities support the group’s overall strategy.
Combat Scenarios
Every battle is a story waiting to unfold, with the Dragon Shaman Kobold King starring in many tales of conquest.
- Dungeon Crawls
- Utilize your small size to squeeze through tight spaces for ambushes or escapes.
- Employ your breath weapon in narrow corridors where enemies can’t easily dodge.
- Open Field
- Leverage your flight and speed to dominate the battlefield.
- Soar and dive-bomb into enemy clusters or target stragglers, scattering opposing forces.
- Ambushes
- Use shapeshifting and intimidation to counter ambushes effectively.
- Transform into a fearsome predator and roar to send attackers fleeing.
- Defensive Stands
- Activate your Draconic Aura to enhance allies’ defenses during defensive operations.
- Rely on your natural armor and resistances to withstand attacks while your team regroups.
- Urban Encounters
- Blend into the shadows, using your Hide skill for surprise attacks.
- Utilize your knowledge of arcana to navigate through magical traps and defenses typical in urban settings.
Strengths & Weaknesses of the Kobold King
Every hero has their Achilles’ heel, and the Kobold King is no exception. Understanding these strengths and weaknesses will ensure you’re prepared for any challenge that comes your way.
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Low hit points at lower levels make for a fragile start. | Focus on hit-and-run tactics and utilize your mobility to stay out of reach. |
| Limited spellcasting compared to full sorcerers. | Choose spells that complement your melee prowess and draconic abilities. |
| Reliance on close combat puts you at risk against ranged foes. | Use cover and your flight ability to quickly and safely close the distance. |
| High level dependency means a slower start to reaching full potential. | Be patient and strategic in early levels, and choose battles wisely. |
| Vulnerable to crowd control effects due to average Wisdom and Charisma scores. | Invest in items or seek party support that can bolster your mental defenses. |
Roleplaying Themes of the Kobold King
Roleplaying a Dragon Shaman Kobold King opens up a treasure trove of narrative possibilities. Whether you’re the silent guardian of a draconic temple or the tyrannical leader of a kobold warren, your character’s actions and motivations can shape the story in exciting ways.
- Draconic Heritage – Embrace the might and wisdom of dragons, inspiring awe and respect.
- Lycanthropic Ferocity – Unleash your primal side to protect your allies or dominate your enemies.
- Tribal Leadership – As a kobold king, command your followers with an iron claw and a keen mind.
- Transformation and Evolution – Explore the inner conflict and growth that comes with your changing nature.
- The Balance of Power – Juggle the responsibilities of your power while dealing with its consequences.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
The Kobold King is steeped in cultural traditions that affect every aspect of their life. From the reverence of dragonkind to the intricate hierarchy within kobold society, these elements can add depth to your roleplaying.
- Worship of Tiamat – Your actions may be guided by the tenets and teachings of the Dragon Queen.
- Kobold Craftsmanship – Utilize and value the intricate traps and devices your kin are known for.
- Draconic Prophecy – Seek out omens and signs that could foretell the rise or fall of dragons.
- Pack Tactics – Even as a king, remember the importance of teamwork and cunning over brute force.
- Survival Instinct – Your kobold heritage ensures a strong will to survive, often by any means necessary.
FAQ
What is the ideal party composition for a Kobold King build?
- A sturdy tank to absorb damage and protect the Kobold King in melee combat.
- A dedicated healer to keep the party, including the Kobold King, in fighting shape.
- Ranged damage dealers who can take advantage of the chaos the Kobold King creates.
- Utility casters to provide crowd control and buffs, enhancing the Kobold King’s abilities.
How do you handle the Kobold King’s weaknesses during gameplay?
First and foremost, awareness is key. Knowing your character’s limitations means you can plan for them. Let’s go through a few: for instance, understanding the intricacies of dragon shaman abilities can help you compensate for the Kobold-King’s vulnerabilities.
- For the fragile start due to low hit points, stay behind the lines until you can strike decisively.
- When facing off against ranged enemies, use your environment to close the gap or employ your breath weapon for a ranged response.
- If crowd control effects are your bane, consider magical items or spells that provide mental fortifications.
What are the roleplaying opportunities for a Kobold King character?
As the Kobold King, you’re not just another combatant; you’re a symbol of draconic might and cunning. You can inspire fear and respect in equal measure. Your character might be on a quest for knowledge to further their draconic powers or seeking to expand their kingdom. The possibilities are as vast as the skies you can soar through.
What are some creative uses for the Kobold King’s breath weapon in combat?
Here are a few inventive ways to use your breath weapon:
- Alter the terrain by melting obstacles or creating barriers.
- Use it as a signal to coordinate attacks with your allies.
- Employ it in non-lethal ways to intimidate or subdue rather than kill.
How can I integrate the Kobold King build into my existing campaign?
To successfully incorporate the Kobold King, consider the following:
- Introduce the character as a new threat or ally to the party, depending on the campaign’s direction.
- Use the Kobold King’s goals and ambitions to drive the plot forward, creating new storylines and quests.
- Consider the character’s impact on the world’s politics and power dynamics, adding depth to your campaign’s lore.
Join Our Adventure
If you’re excited about bringing the Dragon Shaman Kobold King to life in your campaign, there’s a community of like-minded enthusiasts waiting for you. Joining a community of players and dungeon masters can be a game-changer, offering support, ideas, and camaraderie.
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Table of Contents
- Level Distribution of the Kobold King
- Combat Strategies of the Kobold King
- Strengths & Weaknesses of the Kobold King
- Roleplaying Themes of the Kobold King
- FAQ
- What is the ideal party composition for a Kobold King build?
- How do you handle the Kobold King’s weaknesses during gameplay?
- What are the roleplaying opportunities for a Kobold King character?
- What are some creative uses for the Kobold King’s breath weapon in combat?
- How can I integrate the Kobold King build into my existing campaign?
- Join Our Adventure
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