This level 1 Psion build focuses on the Egoist discipline. At this level, he’s equipped with a quarterstaff, and he has decent Close Quarters Combat capabilities for a Psion. Skill Focus (Concentration) and Extend Power enhance his psionic abilities, allowing for consistent and extended manifestations.
Stat Block Level 1:
Diamond Dragon: male, Githyanki Psion 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (extraplanar); HD 1d4+3; hp 7; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 11, touch 11, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk quarterstaff +2 melee (1d6+2) or quarterstaff; Full Atk quarterstaff +2 melee (1d6+2) or quarterstaff; SA discipline (Egoist); SQ none; AL LN; SV Fort +3, Ref +1, Will +4; Str 14, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 18, Wis 6, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Knowledge(Arcana) +7, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) +8; Skill Focus (Concentration), Extend Power. Special Attacks and Qualities: Discipline (Egoist): Enhanced psionic abilities.
Possessions: Quarterstaff.
At Level 5, the Diamond Dragon[1] build showcases a Psion with a solid foundation in both psionics and melee capabilities. With a medium Base Attack Bonus and proficiency with martial weapons, this build can hold its own in combat. By this level, the character has acquired several crucial feats such as Power Attack and Expanded Knowledge, enhancing both offensive potential and psionic versatility. The primary weapon is likely a Quarterstaff or Short Spear, with future prospects of a Githyanki Silver Sword.
Stat Block Level 5:
Diamond Dragon: female, Githyanki Psion 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (extraplanar); HD 5d4+15; hp 32; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 16, touch 11, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +2; Grp +4; Atk Quarterstaff +4 (1d6+2) or Psionics; Full Atk Quarterstaff +4 (1d6+2) or Psionics; SA Psionic powers; SQ Discipline (Egoist); AL LE; SV Fort +4, Ref +2, Will +6; Str 14, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 18, Wis 6, Cha 8.
At level 10, this character is primarily a melee-focused Psion with abilities that emphasize resilience and high damage output. Wielding a Githyanki’s silver greatsword and decked in full plate, they excel at quick, powerful strikes, especially with their high Int score bolstering psionic powers.
Stat Block Level 10:
Diamond Dragon: male, Githyanki Psion 6/Diamond Dragon 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (psionic); HD 6d4+12 plus 4d8+8; hp 58; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 26, touch 11, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +5; Grp +7; Atk +10 melee (2d6+7, Greatsword) or +6 melee (1d4+2, Claw); Full Atk +10 melee (2d6+7, Greatsword) or +6 melee (1d4+2, Claw) and +6 melee (1d4+2, Claw); SA Breath Weapon, Psionics; SQ Egoist Discipline, Channel Dragon Claws, Sleep/Paralysis Neutralization; AL LN; SV Fort +6, Ref +4, Will +9; Str 16, Dex 13, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 6, Cha 8.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +16, Knowledge (Arcana) +8, Knowledge (Dungeoneering) +9; Skill Focus (Concentration), Extend Power, Expanded Knowledge (Psionic Lion’s Charge), Linked Power, Power Attack, Track. Special Attacks and Qualities: Psionics (metamorphosis, psionic lion’s charge), Channel Dragon Claws (retains unarmed strike, +1d4 damage), Breath Weapon (1/day, 6d8 Sonic damage, 30 ft. cone).
Possessions: Githyanki Silver Greatsword, Full Plate, various mundane adventuring gear.
A melee Psion with strong self-buffing capabilities. Uses greatsword and psionic powers to become a formidable front-line combatant. Can counter psionics, fly, and use powerful breath weapon.
Stat Block Level 15:
Diamond Dragon: male, Githyanki Psion 6/Diamond Dragon 10/Slayer 4; CR 15; Medium humanoid (psionic); HD 15d8+45; hp 117; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 22, touch 11, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +10; Grp +12; Atk +15 melee (2d6+7/19-20, silver greatsword) or +12 ranged (1d8+2, psionic bow); Full Atk +15/+10 melee (2d6+7/19-20, silver greatsword) or +12/+7 ranged (1d8+2, psionic bow); SA Psionics, breath weapon; SQ Githyanki traits, psionics, metamorphosis, pounce, frightful presence; AL LN; SV Fort +10, Ref +8, Will +10; Str 18, Dex 13, Con 16, Int 22, Wis 6, Cha 8.
Possessions: Silver greatsword, full plate, assorted psionic crafting materials.
This build focuses on creating a Githyanki Psion that excels in melee combat and psionic abilities. By utilizing the Diamond Dragon[1] prestige class and Slayer abilities, the character becomes a formidable combatant with features like Pounce, Metamorphosis, and powerful psionic buffs. The combination of 9th level psionics, strong martial capabilities, and disruptive abilities against other psionics makes this a unique and powerful build for high-level play.
Stat Block Level 20:
Unnamed Character: female, Githyanki Psion 6/Diamond Dragon 10/Slayer 4; CR 20; Medium humanoid (psionic); HD 6d4 + 10d8 + 4d8 + 64; hp 160; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 28, touch 11, flat-footed 27; Base Atk +13; Grp +15; Atk Greatsword +19 melee (2d6+5/17-20) or Psionic powers; Full Atk Greatsword +19/+14/+9 melee (2d6+5/17-20) or Psionic powers; SA Breath Weapon, Frightful Presence Aura; SQ Discipline (Egoist), Sleep/Paralysis Neutralization, Channel Dragon Claws/Wings/Tail, Perfect Flight Maneuverability; AL LN; SV Fort +13, Ref +8, Will +13; Str 18, Dex 14, Con 16, Int 22, Wis 6, Cha 8.
Possessions: Githyanki Silver Sword, Full Plate Armor, various psionic crafted items.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Start as a Psion, honing your Concentration with Skill Focus. By level 3, expand your knowledge and link psionic powers. At level 5, get ready to track, laying the groundwork for your transformation into a Diamond Dragon.
Levels 6-10: Become a Diamond Dragon and Slayer, gaining proficiency with martial weapons and adopting devastating Power Attack feats. Your Strength and Intelligence increase, and you achieve incredible versatility and power by picking up Pounce.
Levels 11-15: Manifest impressive dragon abilities like a breath weapon, dragon wings for flight, and a tail. Your Diamond Dragon upgrades make you formidable in combat, capable of crafting and enhancing psionic weapons and armors.
Levels 16-20: Master your psionic and combat capabilities, cementing your prowess as a Slayer with improved criticals and favored enemies. Your Strength continues to rise, along with achieving an aura of Frightful Presence.
Core Abilities & Features of the Diamond Dragon
Race
The Githyanki race provides critical bonuses, particularly with the +2 Level Adjustment (LA) buyoff. This means the character starts stronger but balances out as it levels up. Githyanki also adds to the psionic theme while bringing in vital racial abilities for the setup.
Classes
The progression is Psion 6/Diamond Dragon 10/Slayer 4. The Psion class ensures you have access to powerful psionic abilities early on, while the Diamond Dragon[1] and Slayer classes bring essential martial capabilities and survivability. The Diamond Dragon[1] levels grant proficiencies and special abilities that synergize well with the psionic powers you will amass along the way.
Feats
A mix of offensive and utility feats bolster this build’s effectiveness. Power Attack is fundamental for melee. Expanded Knowledge lets you grab Psionic Lion’s Charge for pounce attacks. Weapon Focus and Improved Critical enhance your Greatsword proficiency, and Craft Psionic Arms and Armor ensures you can tailor your gear to your needs.
Special Abilities
The Egoist discipline gives access to some of the game’s most potent psionic powers, like Metamorphosis, Fission, and Fusion. These abilities let you shapeshift into formidable creatures, clone yourself, or merge with others, adding incredible versatility.
Final Synergy
By combining melee combat, psionic support, and transformation abilities, this build becomes a versatile powerhouse. With a medium Base Attack Bonus (BAB), the ability to manifest weapons, wings, and a tail, and control a breath weapon, few foes will stand in your way. Ultimately, this build offers a blend of high-level psionics and raw combat power, providing a dynamic playstyle capable of handling diverse challenges.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Shortspear or Quarterstaff
Basic weapons for early levels; not impeded by psionic casting.
L6-10
Githyanki’s Silver Sword
Obtained upon becoming a Slayer; includes full proficiency and disrupts psionics.
Crafted using Craft Psionic Arms and Armors; customizable with psionic enhancements.
L16-20
Greater Psionic Weaponry
Further enhancements to weapons and armor, focusing on maximizing psionic abilities and melee prowess.
Combat Scenarios as a Diamond Dragon
Dungeon Crawls:
Utilize Psionic Lion’s Charge to enable pouncing when entering combat. Use Metamorphosis to transform into a creature that can navigate tight spaces and employ your breath weapon to clear rooms. Egoist discipline powers can heal and buff as needed.
Open Fields:
Transform into a flying creature using Metamorphosis to gain an aerial advantage. Combine this with Pounce to close in on enemies quickly. Craft Psionic Arms and Armor can enhance your weaponry to gain the upper hand.
Ambushes:
Prepare in advance with Fission and Fusion to create duplicates. Use Linked Power to manifest multiple abilities simultaneously. Your high Concentration skill will help maintain control amidst chaotic situations.
Defensive Stands:
Take full advantage of the Full Plate armor and Githyanki Silver Sword to hold your ground. Utilize your breath weapon and Channel Dragon Claws or Tail to ward off attackers. Psionic powers like Metamorphosis will help create defensive barriers.
Urban Encounters:
In crowded environments, rely on subtle powers like Channel Dragon Wings for superior mobility. Frightful Presence Aura can disperse crowds and intimidate foes. Utilize Brain Nausea from Slayer class to incapacitate threats without causing widespread destruction.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Wisdom & Charisma
Boost with items like Headband of Inspired Wisdom (+2 Wisdom) and Amulet of Health (+2 Charisma)
Vulnerability to Anti-Psionic Abilities
Utilize powers that don’t require manifesting, like Metamorphosis for physical transformation
Reliance on Close Combat
Carry ranged weapons such as psionically enhanced bows or crossbows
Low Base Attack Bonus (BAB)
Use powers like Weapon of Energy (+1d4 energy damage) to offset low BAB
Armor Penalty to Speed
Equip Boots of Striding and Springing (no speed penalty)
Concentration Checks in Melee
Cast Defensive Precognition (+1 Insight bonus to AC)
High-Level Power Points Consumption
Use Psicrystal Containment to store extra Power Points
Limited Skill Points
Focus on key skills like Concentration and Knowledge (Arcana)
Roleplaying the Diamond Dragon
Opportunities
Playing a Githyanki Psion with Dragon-like features opens up myriad roleplaying avenues. Embrace the cold, calculative nature typical of a Githyanki, but juxtapose it with the primal ferocity of dragon traits. Imagine the challenge of balancing these two powerful identities.
For instance, while navigating a political intrigue, use your keen Githyanki intellect and psionic prowess. But when things get heated, let the dragon’s roar—and maybe a breath weapon—shake things up. This duality can also color interactions with allies. Trust may be hard-won, given the reputation of both Githyanki and dragons. Play on these suspicions to create dynamic and tension-filled scenes.
Themes
The themes of control and transformation are central to this build. The Psion’s disciplined mind contrasts sharply with the raw power of a dragon. Explore the inner struggle between maintaining control and giving in to the dragon’s primal urges. Maybe your character wrestles internally with these aspects, creating rich moments of personal conflict.
Another theme to explore is legacy. As a Diamond Dragon, your character is tied to ancient powers and histories. Engage with these elements by seeking out old dragon lairs or Githyanki technicolor never-before-seen. Such quests can provide depth and add layers to your character’s motivations.
The Diamond Dragon[1] build combines psionic and martial skills, leveraging the Githyanki race. The core classes consist of Psion, Diamond Dragon, and Slayer, each adding unique abilities. As a Psion, access powerful psionic spells early. Diamond Dragon and Slayer levels enhance martial prowess and survivability.
Githyanki provides critical bonuses with a +2 Level Adjustment (LA) buyoff. They balance strength during leveling and offer psionic-themed abilities. Moreover, their racial abilities synergize well with the psionic nature of this build, adding versatility and power.
Mix offensive and utility feats for effectiveness. Power Attack is crucial for melee, and Expanded Knowledge offers Psionic Lion’s Charge for pounce attacks. Weapon Focus, Improved Critical for Greatsword, and Craft Psionic Arms and Armor enhance weaponry and equipment.
Counters include boosting low Wisdom and Charisma with items like Headband of Inspired Wisdom and Amulet of Health. Use powers like Metamorphosis to bypass anti-psionic abilities and carry ranged weapons to counter reliance on close combat. Focus on key skills like Concentration and Knowledge (Arcana).
How does combat strategy change across different scenarios?
In dungeon crawls, use Psionic Lion’s Charge and Metamorphosis for tight spaces. Open fields: Leverage flight and pounce. Ambushes: Prepare with Fission, Fusion, and Linked Power. Defensive stands: Use Full Plate Armor, Githyanki’s Silver Sword, breath weapon, and defensive psionic powers.
Try building a Diamond Dragon Psion Githyanki Slayer in your next game. Do you think the Diamond Dragon[1] could be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join the discussion on our Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
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 woman groaned heavily as the both of them made their way through the sewers.
-“You knew they would ask us something in return for the intel, so no complaining.”
The man said that reactively, but he understood her too. This whole thing about his sister was stressing her out, and he would be lying if he said her showing up after a decade was not getting to him.
Still, they didn’t have a choice. Together they had to stop his sister and to find out who was employing her skills as the single best killer on the continent.
Suddenly, the man stopped. Something was approaching. A thin, almost ghastly humanoid covered in armor with a shivering greatsword seemingly made of liquid silver, great crystal wings and a swift lashing tail charged him out of the darkness.
The woman barely had to the time interpose herself and deflect the blade with her shifted clawed hand.
-“I hate psionics.“ She grumbled as white fur slowly grew on her face and her gray eyes turned a bright yellow.
Race
Githyanki (+2 LA Buyoff)
Classes
Psion 6/Diamond Dragon 10/Slayer 4
Ability Scores
Str 14/Dex 13/Con 16/Int 18/Wis 6/Cha 8
Skills
Knowledge(Arcana) 3, Knowledge(Dungeoneering) 4
Feats
Power Attack is a staple of any good melee character and yes. We are, in fact, building a melee psion. Since we become proficient with all martial weapons as a Slayer, we can invest a bit to gain Weapon Focus and Improved Critical for our Greatsword(which we will come back to later). And with Craft Psionic Arms and Armor, we can craft our blade ourselves.
Expanded Knowledge lets us grab Psionic Lion’s Charge which will let us Pounce and Pounce is awesome.
Since we will get in melee a lot, Concentration becomes even more important, so Skill Focus is even more justified than usual.
Finally, we grab the usual suspects Extend Power and Linked Power
Special Abilities
Discipline: Egoist
Egoist has some of the most hilariously broken psionic powers. Fission and Fusion in particular are of note, but Metamorphosis is our main attraction by far here. The ability to turn into say, a dragon for example, coupled with Pounce is of a hilarity I can hardly put in words, you have to see it in play to understand just how ridiculous this gets.
Equipment
Early on pick a Shortspear or a Quarterstaff and bonk people over the head. As soon as you hit your first level of Slayer however, get yourself a Githyanki’s Silver Sword. Also, at the same time grab yourself a Full Plate as armor does not impede Manifesting.
Final Thoughts on the Build
You end up with about a Medium BAB, Full Plate, a Greatsword that disrupts psionics, the ability to buff yourself to a level that makes even Cleric raise an eyebrow.
Add the ability to psionically manifest a 10ft reach Tail, claws, to have a breath weapon that can deal some solid Sonic damage. You can also manifest a Frightful Aura and wings to fly with perfect maneuverability.
If you add all of this together on top of being a full manifester with 9th lvl powers. Yeah, this build will be able to rock the world of your game really, really fast.
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