Article-at-a-Glance

• Learn the complete level progression of D&D 3.5’s special Fighter build, The Traveling Mercenary.

• Find out what essential equipment will help you fight as effectively as possible.

• Uncover tactical combat strategies tailored to this build’s strengths.

• Explore the synergies between The Traveling Mercenary and various party compositions.

• Understand the roleplaying potential of a mercenary character, adding depth to your D&D experience.

Level Distribution of The Traveling Mercenary

Critical Milestones of Level Distribution

• Level 1: Start with Two-Weapon Fighting, Dodge, and Weapon Focus (Longsword) for a robust base.

• Level 4: Gain Weapon Focus (Handaxe) and a boost to Strength, increasing your damage output.

• Level 6: Improved Two-Weapon Fighting and High Sword Low Axe feats allow for a potent attack combo.

• Level 12: Robilar’s Gambit and Mobility enhance your ability to control the field and avoid damage.

• Level 18: Improved Unarmed Strike and Defensive Throw open up new options for non-lethal combat and repositioning foes.

Equipment Progression

Your tools and equipment are just as important as your abilities and feats. The quality of the Traveling Mercenary’s weaponry and equipment also greatly influences who they are. From a reliable longsword and handaxe, you will gradually increase the size of your armory to include magical blades and armor that will sustain you through the most grueling combat.

Equipment Acquirements and upgrades

• Begin with a sturdy longsword and handaxe, complemented by a chain shirt for mobility and protection.

• As you amass gold and resources, aim to enchant your weapons with bonuses to hit and damage.

• Upgrade your armor to balance defense and dexterity, ensuring you can both take hits and dodge them effectively.

• Don’t forget utility items like boots of speed or cloaks of resistance to bolster your combat edge.

• Always carry a ranged weapon to engage foes who might try to keep their distance.

Optimizing Gear to Enhance Combat Efficiency

Your choice of gear can make or break your effectiveness in combat. Therefore, it’s vital to select items that not only increase your offensive capabilities but also offer defensive benefits. For instance, a pair of gauntlets of ogre power can give you the extra strength needed to land more powerful blows, while a ring of protection adds to your armor class, making you harder to hit.

Party Synergy

• Protect ranged allies with your Combat Reflexes, punishing any foe that dares come close.

• Coordinate with spellcasters to control the battlefield, using your Improved Trip to capitalize on area-of-effect spells.

• Work with rogues or other melee combatants to flank opponents, ensuring they can’t escape your combined onslaught.

• Use your Mobility and Robilar’s Gambit to reposition without provoking opportunity attacks, creating openings for your allies.

Each member of your party will come to rely on your ability to hold the line and create opportunities for devastating attacks. Because of your versatile skill set, you’ll often find yourself at the center of the action, dictating the pace of combat. For those interested in further enhancing their combat tactics, consider exploring crusader builds and role-playing tips to maximize your character’s potential.

Combat Scenarios

Example: During an ambush, you’re caught off-guard. Enemies on all sides, you fight back-to-back with your allies. Karmic Strike and Robilar’s Gambit allow you to strike back each time you’re hit, turning their surprise attack into their last mistake.

• Dungeon Crawls: Tight spaces make your Combat Reflexes invaluable, controlling choke points and protecting your party’s rear.

• Open Field: Your speed and agility allow you to engage enemy archers quickly, neutralizing their ranged advantage.

• Ambushes: Karmic Strike and Robilar’s Gambit turn the tables on attackers, giving you the chance to counterstrike.

• Defensive Stands: Hold the line with Power Attack, delivering crushing blows to those who dare approach.

• Urban Encounters: Use the urban terrain to your advantage, leaping from shadows and rooftops for surprise attacks.

Strengths & Weaknesses of The Traveling Mercenary

Roleplaying Themes from The Traveling Mercenary

You are more than just a hired sword when you work as a traveling mercenary; you are a person with a past, goals, and a code that directs your blade. Whether vengeance, honor, or the promise of wealth motivates you, your roleplaying should capture the nuanced aspects of a mercenary’s existence. It’s not just about the agreements you sign; it’s also about the motivations behind them and how they affect your path.

• Perhaps they are a former soldier, seeking to make a name for themselves outside the structure of an army.

• Maybe they are the last of their clan, fighting to restore their family’s honor.

• Or they could be a thrill-seeker, living for the rush of battle and the stories it creates.

Themes & RP Opportunities

Perhaps your character is a stoic warrior who prefers the excitement of a well-negotiated contract to the thrill of combat. Or maybe they’re a seasoned combatant looking for atonement for past actions. There are many roleplaying possibilities available with these themes:

• Seeking vengeance for a fallen comrade or loved one

• Struggling with the moral implications of mercenary work

• Building a reputation as a reliable, honorable fighter-for-hire

• Exploring the tension between personal goals and paid obligations

Cultural Influence & Traditions

The mercenary’s behavior and perspective will be significantly influenced by the customs and culture of their home country. A mercenary from a tribal society that is nomadic might view honor and loyalty differently than a mercenary from a militaristic city-state. These cultural quirks can give your character more depth in terms of personality and decision-making.

A mercenary from a tribal background, for instance, might place the utmost importance on their word and refuse to break a deal once it has been agreed upon. However, a mercenary who was raised in a world of robbers and scheming might regard deceit and treachery as just another aspect of the job.

Incorporating Backstory into Game Play

The past of your mercenary is a goldmine of character development and story points. It is a living aspect of who they are and how they engage with the outside world, not merely a static fragment of history. Make decisions based on your past experiences, mold connections with non-player characters, and propel your character’s development throughout the campaign.

Maybe your mercenary went to tremendous measures to make sure their allies were safe after they failed to protect someone significant in the past. Alternatively, it’s possible that they are looking for a missing sibling, which is why they accept jobs that could reveal where they are.

• Reflect on your character’s past experiences to influence their actions and choices.

• Consider how their backstory affects their interactions with other party members.

• Use your mercenary’s history as a means to connect with the campaign’s overarching plot.

FAQ

How does The Traveling Mercenary fit into various campaign styles?

Because of its adaptability, the Traveling Mercenary build can be used in nearly any type of campaign. They could be bodyguards or enforcers in some high-stakes political scheming. They are the front-line fighters in a traditional dungeon crawl, taking on legions of monsters. The secret is to match the character’s abilities and past with the themes and difficulties of the campaign.

Can The Traveling Mercenary build be adjusted for different alignments or backgrounds?

Absolutely. While the build provides a solid foundation for combat, the character’s alignment and background are entirely up to you. A lawful good mercenary might have strict rules about the jobs they take, while a chaotic neutral one could be more opportunistic. Your background could be anything from a noble knight fallen from grace to a former pirate seeking a new path.

What benefits and drawbacks come with using two weapons in combat?

You can deal more damage by delivering multiple attacks in a round when you fight with two weapons. However, because you can’t use a shield, it can leave you with a lower Armor Class and requires a large investment in certain feats to be effective. To master this style, you must strike a balance between defense and offense.

How to effectively role-play a mercenary with complex moral codes?

Playing a mercenary with a complicated moral code requires you to make decisions that align with your principles and convictions. Think about their moral compass, the boundaries they won’t cross, and the justifications they offer for their behavior. Character development and intriguing conflicts can result from this, particularly when their code is questioned.

What strategies work best against magic users with The Traveling Mercenary build?

When facing magic users, closing the distance quickly is essential. Use your feats like Mobility and Dodge to avoid spells while you advance. Once in melee range, apply pressure with your attacks to prevent them from casting effectively. Carrying magic items that offer spell resistance or counterspells can also give you an edge.

Embark on the Journey by Making Contact with Other Fans

As you immerse yourself in The Traveling Mercenary at your gaming table, never forget that you are a member of a larger roleplaying community. Join our community, Stellar Dragon Games, to interact with people who are as passionate about D&D as you are, exchange stories, and get advice. There’s a place for you here whether you’re talking about fighting strategies or the specifics of playing a mercenary with a golden heart.

So, why do you hesitate? Come along for the ride by becoming a member of our community today. Make new friends who share your enthusiasm for D&D, ask questions, and share your stories. We’ll explore the countless opportunities that roleplaying games present together!