Healer build with strong healing using Cha, sustainable in combat due to Vow of Poverty.
Stat Block Level 1:
Mother Bear[1]: female, human healer 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+3; hp 11; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 14, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp -2; Atk none; Full Atk none; SA Healing Hands; SQ AC +4, Skill Focus (Heal), Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan (Knowledge-Arcana); AL NG; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 6, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +4, Knowledge (Nature) +4, Knowledge (Religion) +6, Spellcraft +4, Survival +2; Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan (Knowledge-Arcana). Special Attacks and Qualities: Healing Hands (heal 1d6+1 damage with a touch). Possessions: holy symbol.
Level 5 Brief:
The Mother Bear[1] capable of powerful healing, status removal, and resilience boosts.
Stat Block Level 5:
Mother Bear[1]: female, Human Healer 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8+15; hp 37; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +3; Grp +3; Atk Quarterstaff +3 melee (1d6); Full Atk Quarterstaff +3 melee (1d6); SA Cleanse Paralysis, Cleanse Disease, Cleanse Fear; SQ Healing Hands, Divine Health, AC Bonus +5, Endure Elements; AL NG; SV Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +7; Str 6, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Nature) +8, Knowledge (Religion) +13, Spellcraft +8, Survival +4; Dynamic Priest, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan (Knowledge-Arcana), Skill Focus (Heal), Vow of Obedience, Maximize Spell. Special Attacks and Qualities: Healing Hands (Su), Cleanse Paralysis (Sp), Cleanse Disease (Sp), Cleanse Fear (Sp), Divine Health (Ex), AC Bonus +5, Endure Elements (Ex). Possessions: Holy symbol.
Mother Bear[1]: female, human healer 5/sentinel of Bharrai 5; CR 10; Medium humanoid; HD 10d8+30; hp 75; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 23, touch 9, flat-footed 23; Base Atk +5; Grp +3; Atk none; Full Atk none; SA bear shape, energy resistance 10 (fire, cold), exalted strike +2, nimbus of light; SQ healing hands, healing burst, endure elements, cleanse paralysis, cleanse disease, cleanse fear, sustenance, natural armor +2, DR 5/magic, deflection +1; AL NG; SV Fort +9, Ref +3, Will +11; Str 6, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 22.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Nature) +8, Knowledge (Religion) +13, Spellcraft +8, Survival +4; Dynamic Priest, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan (Knowledge-Aracna), Skill Focus (Heal), Maximize Spell, Favored of the Companions, Mastery of Day and Night, Track. Special Attacks and Qualities: Bear shape (at will), energy resistance 10 (fire, cold), nimbus of light, exalted strike +2, DR 5/magic. Possessions: None (Vow of Poverty).
Level 15 Brief:
This build transforms a healer into a dire bear capable of casting powerful spells and commanding nature.
Stat Block Level 15:
Mother Bear[1]: female, human healer 5/sentinel of Bharrai 10/contemplative 1; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d8+10d4+1d6; hp 110; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 29, touch 17, flat-footed 29; Base Atk +9; Grp +8; Atk unarmed strike +8 (1d3+1); Full Atk unarmed strike +8 (1d3+1); SA Healing Hands, Augmented Healing, Track; SQ Bear Shape, Dire Bear Shape, Quickened Call Lightning 1/day, Holy Radiance, Nimbus of Light; AL NG; SV Fort +9, Ref +7, Will +16; Str 6, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 24.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge(Arcana) 8, Knowledge(Nature) 8, Knowledge(Religion) 13, Spellcraft 8, Survival 4; Dynamic Priest, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan(Knowledge-Arcana), Skill Focus(Heal), Vow of Obedience, Maximize Spell, Favored of the Companions, Mastery of Day and Night, Quickened Call Lightning, Nimbus of Light, Augment Healing, Holy Radiance, Magic of the Land, Gift of Discernment, Spontaneous Healer. Possessions: Holy symbol.
Level 20 Brief:
Level 20 Healer 5/Sentinel of Bharrai 10/Contemplative 1/Holt Warden 4. Can heal effectively, transform into a Dire Bear at will, summon Dire Bears, and cast spells.
Stat Block Level 20:
[Mother Bear[1]]: Female, Human Healer 5/Sentinel of Bharrai 10/Contemplative 1/Holt Warden 4; CR 20; Medium Humanoid; HD 5d8+15 plus 10d4+30 plus 1d6+5 plus 4d6+20; hp 150; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 13, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +12; Grp +8; Atk Slam +12 melee (1d6+6) or by spell; Full Atk 2 slams +12 melee (1d6+6) or by spell; SA Healing spells, nature’s spells, Dire Bear Shape, Cavalry of Dire Bears; SQ Trackless step, Exalted Strike, Deflection, Resistances, DR 10/Evil, Energy Resistances, Natural Armor +2; AL CG; SV Fort +12, Ref +6, Will +20; Str 6, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Nature) +8, Knowledge (Religion) +13, Spellcraft +8, Survival +4; Dynamic Priest, Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan (Knowledge-Arcana), Skill Focus (Heal), Vow of Obedience, Maximize Spell, Favored of the Companions, Mastery of Day and Night, Track, Touch of Golden Ice, Nimbus of Light, Augment Healing, Magic of the Land, Stigmata, Gift of Discernment, Spontaneous Healer, Vow of Abstinence, Quicken Spell, Sanctify Natural Attack, Vow of Purity. [Special Attacks and Qualities]: Cleanse Paralysis, Cleanse Disease, Cleanse Fear, Favored of the Companions, Healing Hands, Endure Elements, Sustenance, Quickened Call Lightning, Nature’s Veil, Ursinal’s Touch, Freedom of Movement, Quickened Lightning Storm, Earth’s Communion, Bear Shape, Cavalry of Dire Bears. Possessions: Holy symbol.
Imagine a healer who not only patches up wounds with a gentle touch but also stands tall as a mighty bear, defending her allies with ferocious strength. The Mother Bear[1] Healer Build combines the nurturing care of a healer with the raw power of nature’s guardians. This unique build allows you to heal your allies, transform into a dire bear, and even summon a cavalry of dire bears to your aid. Talk about having both bark and bite!
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Level 1: Start your path with the Healer class, focusing on the Healing Hands ability and vows that shape your character’s philosophy.
Level 7: Achieve the ability to shift into bear form, significantly enhancing your physical presence in combat.
Level 20: Attain the pinnacle of your power with the Cavalry of Dire Bears ability, transforming you into a legendary figure on the battlefield.
Equipment and Powers Progression
Level Range
Focus & Equipment
Innate Abilities & Feats
Key Abilities
Early Levels (1-5)
– Holy Symbol (essential for casting divine spells and channeling positive energy)
– Vow of Poverty: Grants bonuses such as increased AC (+4), bonus exalted feats, and resistances. – Sacred Vow: +2 bonus on Diplomacy checks and a sense of inner peace.
– Healing Hands: Heal 1d6+1 damage with a touch. – Nimbus of Light: +2 circumstance bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks.
Mid-Levels (6-10)
As divine vows strengthen, gain bonuses that compensate for lack of equipment.
– Exalted Strike: Attacks are good-aligned for overcoming damage reduction. – Endure Elements: Immunity to environmental extremes of heat and cold. – Sustenance: No need to eat or drink. – Deflection: +1 deflection bonus to AC. – Resistance: +1 resistance bonus on all saving throws. – Ability Score Enhancements: +2 bonus to one ability score at 4th and 8th levels (recommend focusing on Charisma).
– Healing Burst: Mass healing ability that heals 1d4+1 points of damage to all allies within 30 feet. – Bear Shape: Transform into a bear.
High Levels (11-20)
Fully embrace Vow of Poverty, becoming self-sufficient without worldly gear.
– Natural Armor: +2 natural armor bonus to AC. – Damage Reduction: DR 5/magic, reducing damage from non-magical attacks. – Greater Resistance: +1 resistance bonus on all saving throws. – Enhanced Ability Scores: +2 bonus to one ability score at 12th, 16th, and 20th levels. – Exalted Strike Enhancement: +2 enhancement bonus at level 10, +3 at level 15, +4 at level 20.
– Dire Bear Shape: Transform into a dire bear. – Cavalry of Dire Bears: Summon dire bears. – Quickened Call Lightning: Use call lightning as a swift action. – Earth’s Communion: Gain significant bonuses from nature connection.
Combat Strategies for Mother Bear Build
Engaging in combat as the Mother Bear[1] is about wisdom and knowing when to use your healing touch or your bear claws. Whether you’re casting from the back lines or roaring in the thick of battle, your versatility will be your greatest asset.
Example: In the heat of battle, your ally falls. You shift into bear form, pushing through the enemy lines. With one paw, you fend off attackers; with the other, you channel healing energy, bringing your comrade back into the fight.
Strategies
Use your bear shape to position yourself where you’re needed most, whether for offense or defense.
Maximize your healing by staying aware of your allies’ positions and health.
Summon your Cavalry of Dire Bears to turn the tide in battles that seem unwinnable.
Party Synergy
Protect your party’s spellcasters by providing them with a bear-shaped shield.
Work with melee fighters to control the battlefield, flanking enemies and creating openings.
Coordinate with ranged allies, using your summoned bears to chase down foes trying to escape.
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls
Bear Shape:
Use bear form to block choke points, protecting allies from advancing enemies.
Create space for your party to maneuver in tight corridors.
Healing Hands:
Sustain your party through relentless encounters with your healing touch (1d6+1 damage healed per touch).
Tactics:
Position yourself strategically to act as both a shield and a healer.
Use your nimbus of light to gain a bonus on Diplomacy and Gather Information checks if interacting with NPCs or allies.
Open Field
Bear Form:
Charge enemies to disrupt their ranks, using your physical prowess to create chaos.
Hang back if needed and use “Quickened Call Lightning” to strike foes from a distance.
Cavalry of Dire Bears:
Summon dire bears to overwhelm the enemy with numbers.
Mobility:
Leverage your unencumbered speed to reach allies quickly for healing or reinforcement.
Environmental Tactics:
Use trees, rocks, and other natural features for cover or ambush points.
Coordination:
Keep your allies close and communicate effectively to avoid separation in chaotic battles.
Ambushes
Assessment:
Quickly assess the situation to decide between transforming and attacking or healing first.
Bear Form:
Transform to intimidate and scatter lesser foes, buying time for your party to regroup.
Healing Hands:
Use healing abilities immediately to stabilize critically injured allies.
Defensive Stands
Protection:
Use bear shape to shield vulnerable party members physically.
Summon dire bears to hold the line against advancing enemies.
Healing:
Provide continuous healing to maintain your party’s strength during prolonged engagements.
Tactics:
Strategize an escape route if the defensive stand seems untenable.
Urban Encounters
Bear Shape:
Transform to block enemy movement in narrow streets or create a diversion.
Ambush Setup:
Use urban structures (like rooftops and alleyways) to set up ambushes.
Healing Spells:
Employ quick and efficient healing spells during fast-paced urban skirmishes.
Tactical Advantage:
Leverage narrow streets and buildings for cover and strategic positioning.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counters
Cramped Spaces: Bear form can be a hindrance in tight areas.
– Tactic: Focus on using your healing abilities such as “Healing Hands” (heal 1d6+1 damage with a touch) instead of physical attacks.
– Summoning: Use “Summon Nature’s Ally V” to summon dire bear allies outside of the cramped space to distract enemies or create more room.
Spell Resistance: Enemies with high spell resistance can nullify healing and offensive spells.
– Feats: Take the “Spell Penetration” and “Greater Spell Penetration” feats to improve your ability to overcome spell resistance.
– Items: Equip items like the “Rod of Piercing” (+2 bonus on caster level checks to overcome spell resistance).
Anti-Magic Zones: Your spellcasting and healing abilities become useless.
– Tactics: Focus on physical combat abilities and use your “Bear Shape” or “Dire Bear Shape” (transform into a bear or dire bear) to continue contributing in battle.
– Allies: Rely on party members with strong non-magical abilities or those who can operate without magic, such as fighters or rogues.
Low Strength: Physical weakness makes you vulnerable in melee combat.
– Tactics: Stay at a distance and use ranged healing and support spells such as “Mass Cure Light Wounds” to aid your party.
– Items: Utilize items like “Gauntlets of Ogre Power” (+2 enhancement bonus to Strength) or “Belt of Giant Strength” (+4 enhancement bonus to Strength) to temporarily boost your Strength score.
Reliance on Vow of Poverty: Limits access to powerful magic items.
– Feats: Take feats that enhance your natural abilities, such as “Dynamic Priest” (use Charisma for bonus spells and save DCs) and “Mastery of Day and Night” (double the duration of day and night spells).
– Allies: Coordinate with party members who can provide you with temporary magical enhancements or items during critical moments, such as wizards with “Magic Weapon” or “Shield” spells.
Roleplaying Themes
Roleplaying a Mother Bear[1] is about embodying the spirit of the wilderness and the heart of a healer. Your character is a guardian of nature and a bastion of hope for those in need. Embrace these themes to bring your Mother Bear[1] to life:
Protector of the Natural World: Your character has a deep connection to nature and will go to great lengths to defend it.
Guiding Light: As a healer, you are a beacon of hope, guiding your allies through their darkest hours with your healing touch.
Fierce Guardian: When the situation calls for it, you show the ferocity of a bear, defending your allies with tooth and claw.
Cultural Influence & Traditions
Roleplaying a Mother Bear[1] Healer isn’t just about the combat mechanics—it’s about bringing to life a character deeply rooted in the traditions of nature and nurture. Imagine your character as a shamanic figure, a protector of ancient groves and a healer of the earth itself. Your spells and abilities are gifts from the natural world, and your bear form is a sacred totem that embodies your wild spirit.
Reverence for Nature: Your character likely participates in festivals and ceremonies that honor the natural world.
Guardian of the Wild: As a protector of the wilderness, your character may be involved in conflicts against those who seek to harm the environment.
Shamanic Wisdom: You carry the knowledge of herbal remedies, natural lore, and the secret language of animals.
FAQ
What is the ideal level to reach the full potential of the Mother Bear[1] build?
The Mother Bear[1] build truly comes into its own at level 7 when you can take on bear form at will. However, to reach the full potential, including the ability to summon a cavalry of dire bears, aim for level 20. It’s a long journey, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
How do you effectively roleplay the cultural aspects of the Mother Bear[1] archetype?
Embrace the role of a healer not just in combat but in all aspects of your character’s life. Show compassion and wisdom in your interactions with others.
Express your character’s connection to nature through roleplay. Describe how they interact with the environment, animals, and the elements.
Let your character’s bear form influence their personality. Perhaps they have a fierce protective streak or a calm, introspective side.
Involve your character in storylines that deal with environmental themes, such as protecting a sacred grove or rescuing animals from danger.
What are some key pieces of equipment for the Mother Bear[1] build and when should they be acquired?
Given the Vow of Poverty, the Mother Bear[1] build doesn’t rely on equipment. Instead, focus on developing your character’s innate abilities and spells. The only item you really need is your holy symbol, which serves as a focus for your healing powers and connection to the divine.
What are the best combat strategies for the Mother Bear[1] build in different scenarios?
Your strategy should adapt to the situation. In close quarters, use your bear form to protect and heal. In open spaces, leverage your ability to summon bears and control the field. Always be ready to shift between healer and protector roles as needed.
How does the Mother Bear[1] build synergize with other party members?
Your build is versatile, able to adapt to the needs of your party. Support spellcasters with your defensive capabilities, aid melee fighters with your strength, and assist ranged attackers by controlling enemy movements. Your role is to complement and enhance the abilities of your teammates.
Join our community
If you are looking for a group of adventurous people who share your excitement about the Mother Bear[1] Healer Build. Come join our community and talk about your experiences, pose questions, and get ideas for your upcoming D&D campaign. We’ll travel through the wilderness, uphold the natural order, and mend the world’s wounds together.
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?
As the three of them, despite fighting like devils against this unending horde of undead, were finally surrounded the ground began to shake.
“What now?” the young woman asked.
As if to answer her, the roots of trees rose from the ground. They entangled the zombies, holding them in place. Meanwhile, the skies darkened whilst thunder and lighting boomed across the valley. Multiple bolts struck the abominations as this torrential downpour flooded the area.
“No need to worry anymore,” the old man replied with a sigh of relief. “She heard us. “
As the young woman turned to him with confusion, she finally saw what gave him hope. Near the tree lines, a cavalcade of dire bears – a good dozen of them – charged the undead army. The hoard was completely annihilated, and the bears were unharmed by the raging elements. It was as if Gaea, herself, rose up to destroy this most unholy intruders.
It took less than a minute, a still quiet returned to the grove. Earth swallowed the dark army, and the skies cleared up. The bears all disappeared back into the woods. All but one, who came to stand in front of the young woman.
“Welcome young wolf,” said the gigantic bear with a soft, warm, and welcoming female voice. The young ranger’s jaw dropped.
“I have heard that you were looking for me. So here I am.”
Race
Human or Strongheart Hafling (For 1st level bonus feat.)
Class
Healer 5/Sentinel of Bharrai 10/Contemplative 1/Holt Warden 4
Starting level 7 you can permanently take the form of a bear at will, eventually a Dire Bear.
Not only are your heals completely through the roof, but you are a friggin’ bear casting spells and commanding nature itself. You can summon A Cavalry of Dire Bears, which is literally the single coolest ability in 3.5 bar none.
Oh yeah, also you can talk, and thus cast spells perfectly fine in your bear form, because being able to take a bear form AT WILL just wasn’t enough.
Level Spread
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Healer
11
Dynamic Priest(Cha), Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, Cosmopolitan(Knowledge-Arcana)
Healing Hands, AC +4
2
Healer
1d8+3
Skill Focus(Heal), Vow of Obedience
–
3
Healer
1d8+3
Maximize Spell
Cleanse Paralysis, AC +5, Endure Elements
4
Healer
1d8+3
Favored of the Companions
Cleanse Disease, +1 Cha, Exalted Strike +1(Magic)
5
Healer
1d8+3
–
Cleanse Fear, Sustenance
6
Sentinel of Bharrai
1d4+3
Mastery of Day and Night, Track, Touch of Golden Ice
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