Article-At-A-Glance
- The Volûn Felfarten offers a blend of tankiness and offense in a comprehensive build.
- The guide details class progression, key abilities, and essential equipment for optimal play.
- Strategies cover combat scenarios from dungeons to urban encounters, leveraging unique strengths.
- Roleplaying tips emphasize honor, tradition, and the bond with his trusted mount.
Click on the level for more information
At level 1, this build functions as a formidable tank capable of delivering strong melee damage and controlling the battlefield. This Samurai starts with high resilience and solid offensive potential.
Stat Block Level 1:
Volûn Felfarten: male, Dwarf Samurai 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 1d10+3; hp 13; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk +5 melee (1d10+3/19-20, Bastard Sword) or +1 ranged (1d6, throwing axe); Full Atk +5 melee (1d10+3/19-20, Bastard Sword) or +1 ranged (1d6, throwing axe); SA Mounted Combat, Power Attack, Cleave; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Daisho Proficiency; AL LG; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 16, Dex 10, Con 16, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy 6, Handle Animal 5, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) 4, Ride 9, Survival 2; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Cleave. Special Attacks and Qualities: Daisho Proficiency – proficient in wielding the traditional Samurai weapons; Mounted Combat – negates one attack per round on mount with Ride check.
Possessions: Bastard Sword, Daisho, the best armor and shield affordable at level 1.
The Volûn Felfarten at level 5 is a formidable tank with exceptional armor class (AC), robust fortitude saves, and a decent amount of hit points (HP). His skill set includes diplomacy and animal handling, helpful for interactions and mounted combat. Equipped with a Daisho and excellent armor, he manages to balance both defense and offense effectively.
Stat Block Level 5:
Volûn Felfarten: Male, Dwarf Samurai 3/Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom 2; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Dwarf); HD 5d10+15; hp 47; Init +0; Spd 20 ft; AC 21, touch 10, flat-footed 21; Base Atk +5; Grp +8; Atk Daisho +7 melee (1d10+3/19-20) or Mounted Attack +7 melee (1d10+3); Full Atk Daisho +7 melee (1d10+3/19-20) or Mounted Attack +7 melee (1d10+3); SA Shining Beacon; SQ Darkvision 60 ft., Defensive Blow +2, Save Bonus +1, +2 Con, +1 Str, Craft Expertise, Improved Stonecunning; AL LG; SV Fort +7, Ref +1, Will +3; Str 17, Dex 10, Con 18, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +6, Handle Animal +5, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +4, Ride +9, Survival +2; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Cleave, Great Cleave. Special Attacks and Qualities: Shining Beacon – allies within 10 feet gain +2 moral bonus on attack rolls, Defensive Blow +2 – bonuses against enemies while in defensive stance.
Possessions: Daisho (a set of traditional Japanese swords), high-quality armor and shield.
Volûn Felfarten is built to tank and control the battlefield with exceptional defenses, strong offensive capabilities, and a resilient mount. His AC is incredibly high due to his armor and shield, making him a reliable front-line warrior. With abilities from various classes, he stands as a formidable protector who can endure and repel foes effectively.
Stat Block Level 10:
Volûn Felfarten: male, dwarf Samurai 3/Dwarf Paragon 3/Knight of the Iron Glacier 1/Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom 3; CR 10; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 10d10+40; hp 90; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 25, touch 10, flat-footed 25; Base Atk +10; Grp +13; Atk +16 melee (Bastard Sword, 1d10+6/19-20) or +10 melee (Unarmed, 1d3+3); Full Atk +16/+11 melee (Bastard Sword, 1d10+6/19-20) or +10 melee (Unarmed, 1d3+3); SA Kiai Smite 1/day; SQ Defensive Stance 1/day, Warmount, Shining Beacon, Dwarven Traits; AL LG; SV Fort +11, Ref +4, Will +6; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +9, Handle Animal +6, Knowledge(Nobility and Royalty) +6, Ride +12, Survival +4; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Cleave, Great Cleave, Animal Affinity, Iron Will, Ride-by Attack. Special Attacks and Qualities: Defensive Stance (boosts AC, strength, and resilience when staying immobile in battle), Warmount (enhanced mount abilities), Shining Beacon (morale boost to allies), Dwarven Traits (resistance to poisons and magic, darkvision).
Possessions: Masterwork Bastard Sword, full plate armor, heavy steel shield, War Megaloceros (advanced mount with its own stat block).
Volûn Felfarten, also known as ‘Father Winter, the Eternal Knight’, is a formidable dwarven champion at level 15. Specializing in high defensive capabilities and mounted combat, he serves as a robust tank with excellent AC, saves, and HP. His unique class build combines the resilience of the Dwarven Defender with the combat prowess of a Samurai and other martial classes.
Stat Block Level 15:
Volûn Felfarten: Male, dwarf Samurai 3/Dwarf Paragon 3/Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom 3/Knight of the Iron Glacier 1/Fighter 2/Dwarven Defender 3; CR 15; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 15d10+4; hp 120; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 28, touch 12, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +13; Grp +16; Atk +18 melee (1d10+4/19-20, katana) or +16 melee (1d10+4/19-20, wakizashi); Full Atk +18/+13/+8 melee (1d10+4/19-20, katana) and +16 melee (1d10+4/19-20, wakizashi); SA Kiai Smite 1/day; SQ Defensive stance 2/day, trap sense +1, Dodge +2, Improved Stonecunning, Craft Expertise, Supreme Cleave, Defensive Blow +2, Shining Beacon, Warmount, +30 ft. Darkvision, +2 Con, +1 Str; AL LG; SV Fort +16, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 17, Dex 10, Con 18, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +6, Handle Animal +5, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +4, Ride +9, Survival +2; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Power Attack, Mounted Combat, Cleave, Great Cleave, Animal Affinity, Iron Will, Ride-by Attack, Dodge, Endurance, Toughness, Stand Still. Special Attacks and Qualities: Defensive Stance 2/day, Uncanny Dodge, DR 3/-, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Mobile Defense, +30 ft. Darkvision, Supreme Cleave, Defensive Blow +2, Shining Beacon.
Possessions: Daisho (katana and wakizashi), best armor and shield available.
This level 20 Volûn Felfarten build focuses on defensive capabilities with high AC, impressive saves, and significant damage resistances. Equipped with a Daisho and the best armor and shield available, this Dwarven Defender is a formidable tank. The build also includes a War Megaloceros mount, enhancing mobility and combat versatility in rugged terrains.
Stat Block Level 20:
Volûn Felfarten: male, dwarf Dwarf Paragon 3/Samurai 3/Knight of the Iron Glacier 1/Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom 3/Fighter 2/Dwarven Defender 8; CR 20; Medium humanoid (dwarf); HD 20d12+80; hp 220; Init +0; Spd 20 ft.; AC 37, touch 12, flat-footed 37; Base Atk +19; Grp +22; Atk +26 melee (1d10+9/19-20, Bastard Sword) or +23 ranged (1d8+3/x3, Composite Longbow); Full Atk +26/+21/+16/+11 melee (1d10+9/19-20, Bastard Sword) or +23/+18/+13/+8 ranged (1d8+3/x3, Composite Longbow); SA Defensive Stance 4/day, Warmount; SQ Craft Expertise, Improved Stonecunning, Increased Darkvision (+30 ft.), Save Bonus, +2 Con, Defensive Blow +2, Shining Beacon, Best Effort +2, +1 Str, Two Swords as One, Kiai Smite 1/day, Supreme Cleave, Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +2, DR 3/-, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Mobile Defense; AL LG; SV Fort +20, Ref +9, Will +9; Str 20, Dex 10, Con 20, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 12.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Diplomacy +8, Handle Animal +7, Knowledge (Nobility and Royalty) +6, Ride +11, Survival +4; Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword), Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave, Mounted Combat, Ride-by Attack, Animal Affinity, Iron Will, Dodge, Endurance, Toughness, Stand Still, Robilar’s Gambit. Special Attacks and Qualities: Defensive Stance 4/day grants +2 to strength, +4 to constitution, +2 to saves, and a +4 dodge bonus to AC for 3 minutes; Warmount allows riding War Megaloceros providing increased mobility and charge damage.
Possessions: Daisho (Bastard Sword and Wakizashi), masterwork full plate, heavy steel shield, War Megaloceros mount.
Milestones Of Character Development as a Volûn
- Levels 1-5: Initial focus on the Samurai and Dwarf Paragon classes, acquiring a diverse set of combat feats including Power Attack, Cleave, and Great Cleave. Key ability score boosts to Constitution and Strength enhance overall durability and combat effectiveness.
- Levels 6-10: Progression through Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom and Samurai continues to bolster combat capabilities with Animal Affinity and Iron Will. Key features such as Two Swords as One and Kiai Smite introduce unique offensive abilities.
- Levels 11-15: Transition into Fighter and Dwarven Defender for essential feats like Dodge and Toughness. Defensive Stance becomes central, increasing survivability, coupled with improved mobility and strength enhancements.
- Levels 16-20: Mastery of the Dwarven Defender class, gaining multiple uses of Defensive Stance, Robilar’s Gambit for counterattacks, and essential defensive traits like Damage Reduction and Improved Uncanny Dodge. Final strength increases further solidify the character’s formidable presence.
Core Abilities & Features of the Volûn
Daisho Proficiency
Right off the bat, with the Samurai class at level 1, Volûn gets proficiency with Daisho – a pair of swords symbolizing samurai heritage. The Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Bastard Sword) combined with Power Attack and Cleave makes the initial levels punch above their weight.
Dwarven Resilience
Moving into Dwarf Paragon levels brings a suite of dwarven traits. Improved Stonecunning is vital for detecting hidden structures, while Craft Expertise boosts armor and shield crafting. At level 3, gaining Great Cleave and increased darkvision makes Volûn exceptional in tight, dark dungeons.
Tenacious Defender
The jump to Knight Protector of the Great Kingdom adds utility with feats like Animal Affinity and Iron Will, bolstering survivability with skills and saving throws. Shining Beacon and Best Effort at +2 enhance Volûn’s defensive capabilities.
Dual Wielding Power
Returning to Samurai levels, Volûn’s Two Swords as One allows seamless dual-wielding, boosting offense. Kiai Smite at level 9 provides burst damage, essential for tough encounters.
Mount Synergy
Knight of the Iron Glacier introduces Warmount, perfectly syncing with Mounted Combat from earlier. Imagine charging into battle on a War Megaloceros – it’s a sight to behold, affording mobility and tactical advantage.
Feats Galore
Gaining Fighter levels is a strategic move for more feats. Dodge, Endurance, and Toughness layer additional defenses. Volûn becomes a nigh-unstoppable force, especially with Stand Still from the Dwarven Defender levels.
Defensive Stance
The Dwarven Defender adds the Defensive Stance ability, increasing AC and damage resistance. Uncanny Dodge negates flanking vulnerabilities, and with each level, Volûn’s dodge bonus ramps up, reducing hit chances from enemies.
Durability and Damage Reduction
Level 18’s Robilar’s Gambit offers tactical offense, punishing enemies who strike Volûn. Damage Reduction (DR 3/-) and Improved Uncanny Dodge ensure survival against swarming foes, making Volûn a linchpin on the battlefield.
Equipment Progression of the Volûn
| Level Range | Equipment | Details |
|---|---|---|
| L1-5 | Masterwork Bastard Sword | Your primary weapon from the start. Its versatility as both a one-handed and two-handed weapon complements the Samurai’s capabilities. |
| Full Plate Armor | Best heavy armor you can afford for optimal protection. Enhances your natural tankiness. | |
| Heavy Steel Shield | Provides crucial AC boost. Useful until your two-sword techniques are fully developed. | |
| L6-10 | +1 Bastard Sword | Enchant your Bastard Sword to increase damage output and hit chances. |
| +1 Full Plate Armor | Enhance your armor to +1 for better AC and durability. | |
| Amulet of Health +2 | Boosts your Constitution, improving HP and Fortitude saves. | |
| L11-15 | +2 Bastard Sword | Further enchantments to keep your damage output competitive. |
| +2 Full Plate Armor | For keeping your AC current with the rising challenges. | |
| Belt of Giant Strength +2 | Increase your Strength for better attacks, damage, and carrying capacity. | |
| L16-20 | +3 Bastard Sword | Further increased enchantment for maximum efficiency in high-level combat. |
| +3 Full Plate Armor | Ensures your AC is up to par with potential threats at these levels. | |
| Amulet of Health +4 | Further boosts to Constitution to keep your HP pool large and hearty. |
Combat Scenarios for the Volûn
- Dungeon Crawls:
- Volûn excels in confined spaces. His Defensive Stance and high AC make him a reliable frontline tank. Use Dwarven Defender’s Defensive Stance for formidable resistance. His darkvision ensures visibility in low-light environments, a common dungeon issue.
- Open Fields:
- The War Megaloceros shines here. Utilize Ride-by Attack and Mounted Combat to execute hit-and-run tactics. In an open field, Volûn’s Supreme Cleave can dispatch multiple weaker foes effortlessly, keeping the pressure off his allies.
- Ambushes:
- Rising above scatter tactics, Volûn’s Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge ensure he’s rarely caught off guard. In an ambush, prioritize entering Defensive Stance, turning even a surprise attack into an opportunity for a strong counter-attack.
- Defensive Stands:
- Volûn is built for this. Use Defensive Stance to become almost immovable, increasing AC and overall survivability. His job is to hold the line, making sure the rest of the party can recover and regroup. Trap Sense adds a layer of protection against potential pitfalls.
- Urban Encounters:
- In close quarters of urban terrain, Volûn uses his Defensive Stance to create chokepoints. Equip suitable weapons for narrow alleys. Dwarf Paragon abilities come in handy here, leveraging Improved Stonecunning to navigate through complex urban layouts and hidden passages.
Weaknesses & Counters of the Volûn
| Weakness | Counter |
|---|---|
| Lack of Ranged Attack | Carry a Composite Longbow to handle distant foes. For magical options, consider obtaining arrows with the Returning property or rings of Telekinesis for versatility. |
| Limited Mobility | Utilize Boots of Speed for improved haste and increased speed. Additionally, acquire a mount with high mobility, like a War Megaloceros, to cover more ground swiftly. |
| Low Dexterity | Wear gloves of Dexterity (+2 or higher) to boost Dexterity. Implement Armor with Max Dex Bonus to ensure armor usage does not cap dexterity benefits. |
| Visual Impairments (Murky Eyes Flaw) | Acquire Goggles of Minute Seeing or Eyes of the Eagle to enhance vision. Consider a Periapt of Wisdom to indirectly aid perception checks. |
| Decreased Attacks of Opportunity (Shaky Flaw) | Improve with feats like Combat Reflexes to increase AoO opportunities. Training in the skill Balance can help counterbalance the shaky flaw during combat situations. |
| Limited Skill Points | Invest in items such as Headband of Intellect to enhance Intelligence and gain more skill points. Another option is the Tome of Clear Thought for permanent Intelligence boost. |
| Reliance on Defensive Stance | Carry a Belt of Battle to increase the number of actions per turn, thus mitigating the immobility of the stance. Potions of Fly can provide temporary mobility during critical battles. |
Roleplaying the Volûn
The allure of Volûn Felfarten lies in his embodiment of honor and resilience. As ‘Father Winter,’ a Dwarven Knight revered for his unwavering presence, your roleplaying should capture his stoic yet nurturing qualities.
Opportunities for Deep Roleplaying
When portraying Volûn, lean into the contrast between his implacable battlefield demeanor and his compassionate, almost grandfatherly nature off-duty. In interactions with fellow party members or NPCs, show his preference for challenges that test honor rather than engage in pointless conflict. This duality brings richness to his character, highlighting the aged warrior who fights for the sake of his people rather than for glory.
Themes of Honor and Tradition
Honor is everything to Volûn. Reflect this in your choices. He never accepts underhanded tactics, opting instead for straightforward, albeit challenging, methods. In a rite of passage or a challenge with a rival, he insists on fair conditions, reinforcing his personal code. This creates engaging scenarios where his integrity can be tested.
FAQ
What makes Volûn’s dual-wielding so effective?
Volûn’s Two Swords as One grants seamless dual-wielding abilities. This maximizes damage output by allowing attacks with both swords without penalty. Combining this with Kiai Smite at level 9 provides burst damage crucial against tough foes.
How does Volûn handle lack of mobility?
Volûn uses Boots of Speed for improved haste and increased speed. Additionally, he acquires a War Megaloceros mount. This allows him to cover more ground swiftly, turning mobility into a strategic advantage.
How can Volûn counter visual impairments?
Equipping Goggles of Minute Seeing or Eyes of the Eagle enhances Volûn’s vision. A Periapt of Wisdom indirectly aids perception checks. These items ensure that visual impairments don’t hinder combat effectiveness.
Why is Defensive Stance central to Volûn’s strategy?
Defensive Stance significantly increases AC and damage resistance. It plays a crucial role in survival. Uncanny Dodge and Improved Uncanny Dodge negate flanking vulnerabilities, making Volûn a formidable defensive force.
How does Volûn’s lineage influence his capabilities?
Volûn’s Dwarven Paragon levels grant traits like Improved Stonecunning and Craft Expertise. These enhance armor and shield crafting abilities. These traits make Volûn exceptional in confined, dark environments like dungeons, further boosting survivability.
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