High AC potential and strong in Diplomacy; buffs allies significantly.
Stat Block Level 1:
Diplomatic Enforcer[1]: Male, Human Marshal 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d8+2; hp 10; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk longsword +2 melee (1d8+2/19-20) or tower shield bash +0 melee (1d4+2); Full Atk longsword +2 melee (1d8+2/19-20) or tower shield bash +0 melee (1d4+2); SA Dreadful Wrath; SQ Minor Aura (Master of Tactics), Skill Focus (Diplomacy); AL LG; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +3; Str 14, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +10, Intimidate +7, Knowledge (nobility) +5; Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Dreadful Wrath, Tower Shield Proficiency. Special Attacks and Qualities: Minor Aura (Master of Tactics) – allies within 60 ft. gain a +1 bonus to damage rolls. Possessions: longsword, tower shield, chainmail armor.
Level 5 Brief:
This Marshal build excels at buffing allies and intimidating foes. Equipped with a longsword and a tower shield, the character enjoys high AC, especially with heavy armor. The Marshal’s a master tactician and diplomat, capable of motivating and leading the party effectively.
Stat Block Level 5:
Diplomatic Enforcer[1]: Male, Human Marshal 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10 + 4d8+10; hp 32; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 24, touch 11, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk +6 melee (1d8+2, longsword) or +4 ranged; Full Atk +6 melee (1d8+2, longsword) or +4 ranged; SA none; SQ Minor Aura, Major Aura +1, Motivate Care, Motivate Dexterity, Grant Move Action 1/Day; AL LG; SV Fort +5, Ref +2, Will +1; Str 14, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +11, Intimidate +11, Knowledge (various) +8; Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Dreadful Wrath, Tower Shield Proficiency, Knowledge Devotion. Special Attacks and Qualities: Minor Aura (Master of Tactics), Major Aura +1, Motivate Care, Motivate Dexterity, Grant Move Action 1/Day. Possessions: Longsword, Tower Shield, heavy armor (best available), assorted adventuring gear.
Level 10 Brief:
High AC with buff capabilities. Excellent party face and Intimidancer with increased damage from Knowledge Devotion.
Stat Block Level 10:
Diplomatic Enforcer[1]: male, human marshal 10; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d8+20; hp 68; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 24, touch 10, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +7; Grp +9; Atk +9 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword) or +8 ranged (1d8/20, thrown dagger); Full Atk +9 melee (1d8+2/19-20, longsword) or +8 ranged (1d8/20, thrown dagger); SA Intimidate, Grant Move Action 2/Day; SQ Minor Aura, Major Aura +2, Motivate Care, Motivate Dexterity, Motivate Ardor, Motivate Attack, Art of War; AL LN; SV Fort +9, Ref +4, Will +7; Str 14, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18.
This Marshal build emphasizes high AC and significant buffs, making the character a strong frontline leader. Key elements include skills in Diplomacy, Intimidate, and various Knowledge, with feats like Combat Expertise and Exotic Armor Proficiency (Mountain Armor).
Stat Block Level 15:
Diplomatic Enforcer[1]: male, human marshal 15; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d8+30; hp 97; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 28, touch 10, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +11; Grp +13; Atk Longsword +13/+8/+3 (1d8+2); Full Atk Longsword +13/+8/+3 (1d8+2); SA Intimidate; SQ Major Aura +3, Grant Move Action 3/Day, Force of Will; AL LG; SV Fort +10, Ref +5, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Skills and Feats:
Diplomacy +21, Intimidate +21, various Knowledge +10; Skill Focus (Diplomacy), Dreadful Wrath, Tower Shield Proficiency, Knowledge Devotion, Goad, Imperious Command, Combat Expertise, Exotic Armor Proficiency (Mountain Armor). Special Attacks and Qualities: Minor Aura (Master of Tactics), Major Aura +3, Motivate Care, Motivate Dexterity, Determined Caster, Motivate Ardor, Over the Top, Art of War, Motivate Attack, Steady Hand. Possessions: Longsword, Tower Shield, best armor available, Mountain Armor.
Level 20 Brief:
This Marshal build excels in diplomatic and combat roles, significantly boosting allies. With Knowledge Devotion, damage output is high. AC before buffs is already impressive.
Stat Block Level 20:
Diplomatic Enforcer[1]: male, human Marshal 20; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d8+40; hp 150; Init -1; Spd 20 ft.; AC 28, touch 11, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +20; Grp +22; Atk Longsword +22 melee (1d8+2/19-20) or Tower Shield Bash +20 melee (1d4+2); Full Atk Longsword +22/+17/+12/+7 melee (1d8+2/19-20) or Tower Shield Bash +20/+15/+10/+5 melee (1d4+2); SA None; SQ Major Aura +4, Motivate Care, Motivate Dexterity, Motivate Ardor, Motivate Attack, Determined Caster, Master of Opportunity, Grant Move Action 5/Day, Force of Will, Resilient Troops; AL LG; SV Fort +14, Ref +6, Will +12; Str 14, Dex 11, Con 14, Int 13, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Minor Aura (Master of Tactics), Grant Move Action, Over the Top, Art of War, Steady Hand, Accurate Strike. Possessions: Longsword, Tower Shield, Mountain Armor, various other magical gear.
Critical Milestones of Level Distribution
Level 1: Gain Minor Aura, boosting ally morale right from the start, and Major Aura for significant enhancements to your comrades. Acquire the Knowledge Devotion feat to increase your damage output. Ability to grant a move action to an ally, showcasing your role as a strategic tactician.
Level 10: Enhanced auras for continued team performance improvement. Skill Focus (Diplomacy) to enhance your diplomatic capabilities and the Goad feat to protect your allies by drawing enemy attacks towards you. Increased Grant Move Action uses for greater tactical flexibility.
Level 15: Major Aura +3 for further boosting team effectiveness. Gain Force of Will to provide a protective shield for your allies. Combat Expertise for improved combat prowess and tactical support. Increased Grant Move Action uses to provide additional support to your team.
Level 20: Reach the pinnacle of your power with Major Aura +4. Ability to grant a move action 5 times per day. Gain Stand Still feat to enhance battlefield control. Resilient Troops ensures your team can withstand even the toughest challenges, solidifying your status as a legendary Diplomatic Enforcer[1].
AC: +10, Max Dex: +0, Armor Check Penalty: -6, Speed: 20 ft., Weight: 60 lbs., Special: +5 resistance to fire and cold
Amulet of Health +6
Effect: +6 Enhancement bonus to Constitution
Cloak of Charisma +6
Effect: +6 Enhancement bonus to Charisma
Ring of Protection +3
Effect: +3 Deflection bonus to AC
Belt of Magnificence +4
Effect: +4 Enhancement bonus to all ability scores
Combat Scenarios
Dungeon Crawls: Navigating the Dark & Narrow
Use Your Leadership and Auras: Keep your party close to ensure your Minor Aura of Resolve and Major Aura enhance their precision and resolve against the claustrophobia and creatures lurking in the shadows.
Adapt Tactics to Limited Space: Use your shield to create choke points, leading with confidence to guide your party through traps and enemies while keeping the rear guarded.
Open Field: Utilizing Space and Visibility
Direct the Flow of Battle: Position your party to capitalize on the terrain, using your Tower Shield to provide cover for archers and coordinating movements like pincer attacks or feigned retreats.
Maximize Visibility and Range: Utilize the open space to keep enemies at a distance, using your Major Aura to enhance the attack capabilities of ranged fighters.
Ambushes: Quick Responses and Adaptability
Turn the Tables with Fear: Use Dreadful Wrath to instill fear in your attackers, sowing chaos in their ranks, and command your spellcasters to create barriers or illusions to disrupt enemy coordination.
Rally and Command: Quickly assess the situation and issue commands to bolster your allies’ spirits, transforming a surprise attack into an opportunity for victory with your swift and decisive leadership.
Defensive Stands: Holding the Line with Strategy
Immovable Defense: Use your shield as an immovable object and your presence as an unbreakable wall, deploying your forces wisely to fend off the onslaught.
Strategic Positioning: Ensure each party member is in the optimal position to hold the line, using your strategic mind as your greatest weapon to turn a ragtag defense into an impenetrable fortress.
Urban Encounters: Navigating the Urban Jungle
Leverage Diplomatic Skills: Negotiate with guards, rally townsfolk, and navigate the political landscape with ease, using your diplomatic skills as crucial as your combat prowess.
Urban Combat Tactics: Use your knowledge of the city’s layout to corner foes or make swift escapes, employing Combat Expertise to outmatch opponents in street brawls and turning bystanders into allies with your commanding presence.
Party Synergy
A Diplomatic Enforcer doesn’t stand alone; you’re the core of a well oiled adventuring party. Let’s explore the synergies that make your team unbeatable.
Coordinate with spellcasters to combine their area effects with your auras for maximum impact.
Empower melee fighters with your tactical insights, turning them into devastating frontline warriors.
Use your diplomatic skills to resolve conflicts within the party, maintaining unity and focus.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Weakness
Counter
Explanation
Limited Mobility
Positioning and Terrain Use
Use your knowledge of the battlefield to choose the right ground, negating the need for rapid movement. Stay in areas where your auras can benefit the most allies and where enemies are funneled into narrow corridors.
Spell Disruption
Magic Resistance Gear
Equip items that offer protection against spells to maintain your auras and leadership abilities. Items like a Cloak of Resistance +5 or a Ring of Spell Turning can provide significant protection against disruptive magic.
Reliance on Charisma
Enhancement Items
Boost your Charisma with items like a Cloak of Charisma +4 or a Circlet of Persuasion to ensure your diplomatic edge remains sharp and your auras effective.
Enemy Crowd Control
Counter Spells and Allies
Work with your spellcasters to break enemy control, keeping your team free to act. Have allies ready with Dispel Magic or Freedom of Movement spells to counteract enemy crowd control tactics.
Resource Management
Strategic Planning
Plan your aura and feat usage carefully, ensuring you have the right resources when you need them. Keep track of your Grant Move Action uses and coordinate with your party to maximize the effectiveness of your abilities.
Themes & RP Opportunities
Your character might hail from a long line of military strategists or a noble family known for its diplomatic prowess. This heritage can inform your actions and decisions, adding layers to your gameplay.
The origins of your character’s identity lie in their past. Perhaps you were a squire once, picking up skills from an experienced Marshal, or maybe you’re a self made hero who worked hard to rise through the ranks. Your leadership style and social interactions will be shaped by your past experiences.
Engaging with In Game Politics and Nobility as a Marshal
Politics is a game of chess, and as a Marshal, you’re playing with kingdoms as your pieces. Your words carry weight, and your alliances can shift the balance of power. Use your influence to broker peace or to rally forces against a common enemy. Your diplomatic skills can avert wars or ignite them, depending on the needs of your campaign.
FAQ
What is the Diplomatic Enforcer[1] build, and how does it function in a D&D 3.5 campaign?
The Diplomatic Enforcer is a specialized build for the Marshal class in D&D 3.5. It combines combat prowess with exceptional leadership and diplomatic skills. This build allows you to boost your allies’ abilities, negotiate with enemies, and lead your party to victory with both strategy and sword.
The Diplomatic Enforcer is designed to excel in the thick of battle and the subtleties of social encounters. Your auras and feats enhance your party’s combat effectiveness, while your diplomatic skills open up a world of roleplaying possibilities.
Here’s how you can shine in both aspects:
In combat, use your auras to bolster your allies and your tactical knowledge to control the battlefield.
In roleplay, leverage your skills to navigate complex social situations and forge alliances.
What are some common tactics employed by the Diplomatic Enforcer[1] in various combat scenarios?
In a siege, you might coordinate with your party to target weak points in the enemy’s defenses, using your diplomatic skills to rally the troops and maintain morale. Or during an escort mission, your focus would shift to protection and strategy, positioning your allies to best defend your charge and using your auras to keep them sharp and alert.
Your build is like the glue that holds the party together. Auras enhance your allies’ abilities, making them more effective in their roles. Your strategic insight allows you to direct the party’s actions for maximum impact.
Boost your spellcasters’ concentration with your auras, ensuring their spells hit their mark.
Enhance your melee fighters’ damage output, turning them into whirlwinds of destruction.
Use your diplomatic talents to smooth over any interpersonal issues within the party, keeping everyone focused on the task at hand.
What are some challenges I might face when playing this build, and how can I overcome them?
Playing a Diplomatic Enforcer can be challenging due to the high expectations placed on your character to lead and negotiate. You might find yourself stretched thin between combat duties and diplomatic efforts. To overcome these challenges, delegate tasks to other party members, trust in your allies’ abilities, and remember that a good leader knows when to step back and let others shine.
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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?
The eight of them were seated around the table in the room they were renting from the inn.
Nervously, the guard’s captain looked at them while they were discussing their next move. Two sisters, one renowned as the White Wolf, a vigilante who kept the criminal underworld in check. The other a ranger of great reputation who fought toe to toe with the legendary Monster Tamer.
Two noble brothers, one a knight and a secret agent for his Majesty the King. The other an investigator and powerful spellcaster.
Another, a Barbarian Champion, covered in scars. As well as his daughter, a war shaman who was said to be able to summon totems of great beasts to help her in battle.
Finally the Lady of the South Kaer, a dedicated warlord and one of the best warriors in the entire world. And he was tasked to herd THESE cats?
He shook his head in bemusement. Truly, he needed a raise.
Race
Human
Class
Marshal 20
Ability Scores
Str 14/Dex 11/Con 14/Int 13/Wis 10/Cha 16
Skills
Diplomacy, Intimidate, various Knowledge
Equipment
A Longsword, a Tower Shield and the best armor you can afford. Eventually a Mountain Armor.
Goal
Your AC is so high you need a telescope to see it.
We are talking 24/28AC before any magic enchantment, buffs or anything.
You can significantly buff your allies, be a great party face and are a functioning Intimidancer.
With the help of Knowledge Devotion you increase significantly your damage output too.
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