This level 1 Shugenja is an Air specialist with a focus on initiating combat with speed and resilience. Boasts enhanced reaction time and durability thanks to feats like Improved Initiative and Great Fortitude. Primarily engages with spells using an elemental focus. Skills like Concentration are key, allowing for effective spell casting in combat.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Shugenja: male, human shugenja 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid; HD 1d6+2; hp 8; Init +4; Spd 30 ft.; AC 10, touch 10, flat-footed 10; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk melee javelin +2 (1d6+2) or spell; Full Atk javelin +2 (1d6+2) or spell; SA Element Focus (Air); SQ Sense Elements, Order of the Gentle Rain; AL Neutral; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 16.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Concentration +6, Spellcraft +4; Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Element Focus (Air) grants bonuses to air spells; Sense Elements allows detection of elemental presence.
Possessions: Javelins, simple robes.
This Shugenja Storm Walker[1] is built for a combination of melee combat and spellcasting. At level 5, they exhibit versatility in combat, utilizing javelins and a spear for close encounters, supplemented by potent air and electricity spells. The focus on battlefield control and illusions allows them to strategically turn battles in their favor.
Stat Block Level 5:
Shugenja Storm Walker[1]: male, Human Shugenja 5; CR 5; Medium Humanoid (Human); HD 5d6+10; hp 28; Init +1; Spd 30 ft.; AC 13, touch 11, flat-footed 12; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk Spear +4 melee (1d8+2) or Javelin +4 ranged (1d6+2); Full Atk Spear +4 melee (1d8+2) or Javelin +4 ranged (1d6+2); SA Spells; SQ Element Focus (Air), Order of the Gentle Rain, Sense Elements; AL Neutral Good; SV Fort +6, Ref +3, Will +4; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 17.
Can cast air spells with enhanced effectiveness due to Element Focus (Air) and has the ability to detect elements using Sense Elements.
Possessions: Javelins, Spear.
The Level 10 Storm Walker[1] is a formidable melee and magic combatant. Built as Human Shugenja 9/Fighter 1/Stormlord, this character excels in battlefield control with powerful Air and Sonic spells. This Shugenja holds key proficiencies in Concentration, Spellcraft, and Jump. Their spellcasting focuses on destructive electric and sonic spells, augmented by Empower Spell and electricity resistance.
Stat Block Level 10:
Shugenja Storm Walker[1]: male, human Shugenja 9/Fighter 1/Stormlord 10; CR 11; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d10+8 plus 8d6+16; hp 68; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 11, flat-footed 19; Base Atk +8; Grp +10; Atk +1 Shock javelin +11/+6 ranged (1d6+1 plus 1d6 electricity) or Spear +10 melee (1d8+2); Full Atk +1 Shock javelin +11/+6 ranged (1d6+1 plus 1d6 electricity) or Spear +10/+5 melee (1d8+2); SA Storm Walk; SQ Element Focus (Air), Electricity Resistance 10, Enhanced Javelins +1, Improved Initiative; AL Neutral; SV Fort +14, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 18.
Storm Walk allows movement as if flying within stormy conditions.
Possessions: Shock javelins (+1), Spear, Plate Armor, and various utility spells with devastating Electric and Sonic capabilities.
The Shugenja Storm Walker[1] at level 15 is a powerhouse combining elemental prowess and physical might. This character is bolstered by devastating electricity and sonic spells. With full plate armor and innate defenses, it excels in both offense and defense, making it formidable in battle.
Stat Block Level 15:
Storm Walker[1]: male, human Shugenja 9/Fighter 1/Stormlord 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid; HD 15d8+30; hp 97; Init +5; Spd 20 ft.; AC 25, touch 11, flat-footed 24; Base Atk +10; Grp +12; Atk +15 melee (storm javelin +1, 1d6+4 plus 1d6 electricity) or +16 ranged (storm javelin +1, 1d6+5 plus 1d6 electricity); Full Atk +15/+10/+5 melee (storm javelin +1, 1d6+4 plus 1d6 electricity) or +16/+11/+6 ranged (storm javelin +1, 1d6+5 plus 1d6 electricity); SA storm walk, enhanced javelins +2, shocking burst weapon; SQ electricity resistance 15, elemental conflagration; AL Neutral; SV Fort +15, Ref +7, Will +8; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Storm Walk allows swift travel through storms; Shocking Burst Weapon enhances weapons with electricity.
Possessions: storm javelins +2, full plate armor, spell components, cloak of resistance +2.
This build is a Storm Walker[1], combining the Shugenja’s spellcasting with the melee prowess of a Stormlord. It leverages heavy armor for defense, using spells for battlefield control. Special abilities include immunity to electricity, enhanced javelins with shocking burst abilities, and a suite of illusion and fog spells for strategic advantage.
Stat Block Level 20:
Storm Walker[1]: male, Human Shugenja 9/Fighter 1/Stormlord 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 9d6+18 plus 1d10+2 plus 10d8+20; hp 161; Init +5; Spd 30 ft.; AC 27, touch 11, flat-footed 26; Base Atk +14; Grp +16; Atk +20 melee (1d8+3/19-20, spear) or +16 ranged (1d6+1 electricity, javelin); Full Atk +20/+15/+10 melee (1d8+3/19-20, spear) or +16/+11/+6 ranged (1d6+1 electricity, javelin); SA Empower Spell, Shock Weapon, Shocking Burst Weapon; SQ Energy Substitution, Electricity Resistance 15, Immunity to Electricity, Enhanced Javelins +3, Elemental Conflagration; AL NG; SV Fort +16, Ref +7, Will +12; Str 15, Dex 12, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 20.
Immense control over the storm elements, able to call upon powerful thunder and lightning effects, enhanced for greater damage and control.
Possessions: Javelins crackling with electricity, masterwork spear, full plate armor, shield, various illusion and fog spells.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: At the early stages, the Shugenja builds a strong foundation with a focus on Air elements, improving fortitude and initiative. Emphasizing concentration and spellcraft, the character develops core abilities through Sense Elements and prepares for a transformation with Endurance and initially limited spells.
Levels 6-10: The Shugenja transitions into a versatile fighter with a mix of magical prowess and weapon skills by multiclassing into Fighter and Stormlord. Enhanced Javelins, Electricity Resistance, and Empower Spell highlight the ability to manage threats both at range and close combat. Core spells begin to reflect the thematic of mastering storms.
Levels 11-15: The power of the Stormlord is fully realized with the introduction of energy-based immunities, advanced javelin enhancements, and capability to extend spells for greater battlefield control. The milestone of achieving Shocking Burst amplifies the damage output substantially, reinforcing both offensive and defensive strategies.
Levels 16-20: The character reaches the pinnacle of their power with complete immunity to electricity and practically unstoppable elemental capabilities with Elemental Conflagration. The enduring toughness and spiritual insight (with increased charisma) further enhance the spell’s strategic deployment, enabling the Shugenja to manipulate the elements to devastating effect.
Core Abilities & Features
Elemental Mastery: At its core, the Storm Walker[1] excels at manipulating electricity. With feats like Energy Substitution and the enhancements from the Stormlord prestige class, such as Shock Weapon, Thundering Weapon, and Shocking Burst Weapon, it maximizes elemental damage output. This expertise allows the Shugenja to both bypass resistances and tailor their damage type to suit the enemy’s vulnerabilities.
Melee and Ranged Prowess: This build contrasts the typically subtle Shugenja by incorporating a Fighter level, gaining Weapon Focus with Javelins. Further empowered by the Stormlord abilities like Enhanced Javelins, this grants an impressive +3 enhancement by the build’s peak. Additionally, the ability to don full plate armor and use defensive adaptations like Stormwalk to navigate the battlefield adds defensive depth, making the character formidable at close quarters.
Defensive Enhancements: Beyond offense, the Storm Walker[1] has significant electrical resistances, culminating in full immunity by level 16. With features like Elemental Conflagration, this not only bolsters survivability against electric attacks but also serves as a deterrent, turning the Shugenja into a walking tempest that can switch from overpowering attackers with javelins to delivering cataclysmic spell assaults. Furthermore, the enhancement in Charisma augments spell effectiveness, crucial for casting and controlling potent air-themed spells.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Composite Longbow +1
Provides a ranged attack option suitable for early levels. Enhances mid-range combat along with initial spells.
L6-10
Javelins +1 with Static Enhancement
Increased damage through electricity, improving ranged attacks. Combine with Point-Blank Shot for optimal efficiency.
L11-15
Full Plate Armor
Provides heavy protection against melee attacks. Key to improving survivability as a frontline presence.
L16-20
Stormlord’s Enhanced Javelins +3
Maximizes ranged attack capacity and strengthens spell integration, focusing on electricity and sonic damage synergies.
Combat Scenarios as a Storm Walker
Dungeon Crawls:
In tight corridors, use fog spells to obscure vision. Employ illusions to confuse and split enemy forces. Utilize Enhanced Javelins and Shock Weapon enhancements to overwhelm foes in melee. Your Plate Armor will offer significant protection in cramped areas.
Open Fields:
Open spaces are your playground. Utilize Element Focus (Air) to control the battlefield with wind-related spells. Empower Spell for enhanced damage in large-scale combat. Use Point-Blank Shot to maximize ranged javelin attacks while maintaining distance.
Ambushes:
Prepare by casting Invisibility or other concealment spells. Once the ambush is sprung, rain down destruction with Electricity and Sonic spells. Storm Walk allows rapid repositioning, keeping foes off balance. Enhanced Javelins provide immediate and effective offense.
Defensive Stands:
Capitalize on Shugenja defenses with fog and illusions to disrupt attackers. Full Plate Armor and high Charisma provide resilience. Use Extend Spell to maintain long-lasting protective and controlling enchantments, supporting allies while you hold positions.
Urban Encounters:
In tight and crowded spaces, utilize electricity and sonic spells to control the flow of combat. Employ illusions to manipulate enemy tactics. A Shugenja’s adaptability makes them lethal in the chaotic urban landscape, turning structures and environment to their advantage.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Low Dexterity Dexterity is fairly low at 12, which can affect reflex saves and ranged attacks.
Counter Use spells like Cat’s Grace to temporarily boost Dexterity, or invest skill points in Concentration for better spellcasting amidst distractions.
Armor Class (AC) While capable in heavy armor, AC might still not be optimal against foes targeting Defense rather than Saves.
Counter Equip Full Plate Armor (AC Bonus of +8) and a shield (AC Bonus of +2), and enhance with Magic Vestment spell for added protection.
Limited in Melee Despite Fighter levels, melee capability can still be lower compared to full martial classes.
Counter Utilize Improved Initiative to act first and choose positioning wisely, enhancing javelin use with Shock Weapon for ranged bursts.
Electricity Reliance Many abilities are electricity-based, which can be mitigated by foes with resistance or immunity.
Counter Use Energy Substitution (from Stormlord abilities) to convert spells to different damage types when facing electricity-immune foes.
Spellcasting Focus As a hybrid, Shugenja spells may lack the proficiency of a pure spellcaster.
Counter Maximize effective use of spells like Invisibility, Mirror Image, and fog spells to focus on control rather than direct damage.
Concentration Dependent Must maintain concentration amidst melee to effectively cast spells.
Counter Prioritize raising Constitution and skill points in Concentration, and use the Improved Toughness feat for a stronger hit point buffer.
Roleplaying a Storm Walker
Embrace the Tempest
As the Storm Walker[1], your Shugenja straddles the line between serene mysticism and the raw power of a raging storm. The air crackles with anticipation when you enter a scene, and your presence fills allies with courage while instilling dread in foes. Imagine explaining how your connection to air and electricity manifests in subtle, ever-present sparks that dance across your skin. Lean into this with dramatic gestures that mimic the swirling winds or the rumble of thunder. This not only enriches roleplay but bridges the gap between your character’s internal and external perception.
Echoes of Thunder
Picture a backstory where the skies were your cradle, the winds your lullaby. Perhaps your Shugenja’s initial reluctance to engage in martial prowess was conquered by witnessing firsthand the fury and efficacy of nature’s wrath. Engage in moments of introspection or silent communion with the storm to reflect this duality. Use descriptive language to convey how you manipulate air currents or cause minor disturbances, such as a soft breeze lifting your robes or static charges that prick the skin. These details convey your character’s deep connection with the elements and enhance immersiveness.
The Storm Walker[1] excels in electricity and sonic magic, boosting damage output. With energy substitution, it tailors damage types to exploit enemy vulnerabilities. The combination of martial prowess and elemental mastery, alongside high charisma, influences spellcasting efficiency. By level 16, complete immunity to electricity maximizes defensive capabilities.
How does the Storm Walker[1] build balance offense and defense?
The build cleverly blends offense with defense using electrical and sonic spells. Armor enhances protection, all while offering versatile javelin attacks for ranged combat. Abilities like Elemental Conflagration offer damage while boosting resistance. This dual capability is crucial, ensuring survivability and roaring offense.
What strategies help capitalize on the Storm Walker[1]’s abilities?
Invest in Concentration and Constitution for effective spellcasting. Use spells like Cat’s Grace and Magic Vestment to shore up defenses. Combining Shock Weapon with javelins maximizes damage from range. Engage point-blank shooting and invisibility for controlling the battlefield. This strategy ensures you’re adaptable in various combat situations.
What are the main weaknesses and how can they be countered?
Low Dexterity affects reflex saves and ranged attacks. Counter with spells like Cat’s Grace to boost Dexterity. Armor Class may lack for defense-focused foes; use full plate with Magic Vestment for enhancement. Reliance on electricity is mitigated by Energy Substitution for different damage types.
What role does roleplaying play for a Storm Walker[1] character?
Roleplay a Shugenja who’s one with electricity, embracing mysticism and tempest. It’s not just about combat, but storytelling. Use gestures that mimic winds or thunder, enriching the narrative. Connections to air and electricity should surface in subtle character traits, captivating players around.
Join us at Stellar Dragons!
Why not try a Shgenja Storm Walker[1] in your next game? Do you think they could be the best build in D&D 3.5? Join the discussion on the Stellar Dragons Discord server at https://discord.gg/uAPvgEq6Z7.
The first master to arrive at the Temple was the master of Air, and he arrived with a storm. He walked the winds above the mountains and down through the trees atop the hill. Thunder followed him as he landed on the temple’s grounds. The Master of Air leaned on his javelin, and crackled with lightning.
He was an odd one, thought the Fire master when they hugged each other, long time friends as they had been. Usually Air Shugenjas were all about Illusions and subtlety, but the Master was a walking thunderstorm. In the battle against the Void he had proven himself capable of as much, if not more, destructive than some of the strongest Fire Shugenjas.
Race
Human
Class
Shugenja 9/Fighter 1/Stormlord 10
Ability Scores
Str 15/Dex 12/Con 14/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 16
Skills
Concentration, Spellcraft, Jump
Equipment
Javelins, a Spear, eventually Plate Armor.
Goal
Yeah, you are the warrior shugenja, capable in melee with your spear and at a distance both with your storm enhanced javelins and with your spells, capable of heavy blasting as well as illusions and battlefield control for great effect, especially with your mastery of both Electricity and Sonic damage spells, you are a surprisingly strong damage dealer, supported with invisibility and other illusion spells, fog spells and other such spells that turn the tide of battle slowly but inexorably in your favor. Add full plate armor and shields for great defense and you are definitely a surprisingly effective spellcaster.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Shugenja
8
Great Fortitude, Improved Initiative
Element Focus(Air), Sense Elements, Order of the Gentle Rain
2
Shugenja
1d6+2
–
–
3
Shugenja
1d6+2
Endurance
–
4
Shugenja
1d6+2
–
+1 Cha
5
Shugenja
1d6+2
–
–
6
Shugenja
1d6+2
Point-Blank Shot
–
7
Fighter
1d10+2
Weapon Focus(Javelins)
–
8
Stormlord
1d8+2
–
Enhanced Javelins +1, Electricity Resistance 5, +1 Cha
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