Article-At-A-Glance

• The Criminal Lord^[1] is a versatile combatant blending Totemist, Monk, and Yakuza skills.
• Mastery of natural weapons and unarmed strikes provides tactical adaptability in battle.
• Strategic equipment choices greatly enhance defensive capabilities and combat versatility.
• Roleplaying potential includes urban cunning, streetwise tactics, and dynamic character development.

Milestones Of Character Development

• Levels 1-5: By laying a groundwork, we combine Monk’s combat skill with Totemist’s innate abilities. The Monk level provides skills in unarmed fighting along with characteristics such as Flurry of Blows and Enhanced Grapple. Totemist tiers amplify this with soulmelds and chakra binds, providing access to both defensive and offensive abilities.
• Levels 6-10: Transition is key. Incorporating the Yakuza’s uncanny dodge and defensive roll, coupled with Monk and Totemist skills, makes this character highly adaptable and provides superior mobility. The addition of Chakra Binds further evolves combat tactics with new soulmelds while Superior Unarmed Strike improves damage output.
• Levels 11-15: The integration of more Tattooed Monk skills witnesses an increase in speed, attacks, and the introduction of tattoos like Tiger and Centipede, boosting specific combat strategic options. Multiattack complements the broadened unarmed strike progressions, enhancing melee versatility.
• Levels 16-20: Mastery is achieved as the character gains Elusive Target and tattoos like Phoenix and Chameleon, providing incredible combat resilience and adaptability. The culmination of speed enhancements, improved unarmed strike to 2d6, and AC bonuses hallmark the character as a formidable combatant capable of tackling a variety of encounters effectively.

Core Abilities & Features

The foundation begins with the Totemist’s natural weaponry expertise. Utilizing Soulmelds, which grant access to supernatural abilities, the Totemist excels in melee combat. Binding Soulmelds to Totem Chakras unleashes even greater potential. A +1 capacity to the Totem Chakra Bind increases power and flexibility, enhancing the character’s adaptability in combat.

Transitioning to Monk gives proficiency in unarmed strikes, amplified by Superior Unarmed Strike feats. This character is no stranger to agile tactics, as demonstrated by the combination of Martial arts and Chakra abilities. When the Yakuza’s uncanny defensive abilities are added, the Criminal Lord^[1] can skillfully navigate both melee and ranged encounters. Uncanny Dodge and Improved Evasion make them a formidable defensive force, dodging and evading attacks with ease.

As a Tattooed Monk, combat prowess increases further. Tattoos like the White Mask and Phoenix augment stealth and resilience. The increase in unarmed strike damage, along with speed boosts, makes the character quick and unpredictable. Multiattack and Elusive Target ensure their role as a skirmisher remains unparalleled. Each feature, each ability coalesces into a versatile, powerful figure, adept at tackling any adversary.

Equipment Progression

Combat Scenarios

• Dungeon Crawls:
  • With heightened senses from the Murky Eyed flaw, exploit tight corridors to ambush adversaries. Utilize tattoos and Chakra Binds for enhanced stealth and surprise attacks.
• Open Fields:
  • The combination of superior unarmed strikes and speed boosts gives an edge. Engage foes with swift hit-and-run tactics, making use of the vast space for strategic positioning.
• Ambushes:
  • When ambushed, rely on uncanny dodge and defensive rollover protection. Counterattack effectively with flurry of blows enhanced by Soulmelds for effective retaliation.
• Defensive Stands:
  • Take advantage of improved evasion and resilience from Yakuza evasions. Form an impenetrable defensive wall by leveraging mobility and intelligent use of terrain to outlast attackers.
• Urban Encounters:
  • In the congested urban landscape, merge agility and deception. Use bluff expertly to mislead foes, coupled with Yakuza knowledge for exploiting urban settings ingeniously for advantage.

Weaknesses & Counters

Roleplaying the Criminal Lord

The Criminal Lord^[1] Totemist brings the essence of urban cunning into the mystical. Imagine blending the ancient, spiritual powers with streetwise tactics. Your character, in the vibrant tattooed Monk attire, might saunter through the alleys of a bustling city, projecting an aura of confidence and authority. You’ll play a character who manipulates underworld contacts as effortlessly as you manipulate your chakra binds. Embrace this duality, flaunting tattoos not just as emblems but as tools of power, each representing a mastery of a different aspect of combat and social strategy.

Capitalizing on the underworld’s knowledge is paramount. When in social situations, approach them with a roguish flair. Your skills in Bluff and Gather Information allow you to weave tales, perhaps even fabricating stories about your escapades involving the feared Yakuza’s defensive tactics. Leverage your monk and Yakuza abilities to play both protector and predator, switching roles as needed. Consider the complexities of loyalty and rivalry in the criminal world. Your character might align with common goals only to serve a hidden agenda, creating rich narrative possibilities.

FAQ

What makes the Criminal Lord^[1] Totemist build unique in D&D 3.5?

The Criminal Lord^[1] Totemist build excels in melee through natural weapons. It combines Totemist’s Soulmelds with Monk, Yakuza, and Tattooed Monk abilities. This versatility allows for high adaptability in combat. Utilizing Chakra Binds enhances combat potential, diversifying abilities. Moreover, Yakuza’s defensive skills fortify the build even more. This blend creates a tactically superior character, effective across combat scenarios.

Which classes contribute to the Criminal Lord^[1] Totemist’s combat effectiveness?

The Totemist provides natural weaponry and chakra abilities for melee prowess. Adding Monk grants strong unarmed strike capabilities and agility. Yakuza offers uncanny dodge and improved evasion for defense. Tattooed Monk further boosts combat with unique tattoos. Each class complements the others, creating versatile combat options. Together, these classes enable diverse strategies during encounters.

How does the Criminal Lord^[1] handle weaknesses in combat?

To counter low wisdom, use a Periapt of Wisdom. Murky Eyed flaw can be managed with Goggles of Night. For low Armor Class, rely on Monk’s dexterity bonuses. Equip a Cloak of Resistance to withstand high-damage spells. Enhance ranged combat with returning property on darts. This combination of equipment and abilities helps resolve key weaknesses.

What’s a typical playstyle for the Criminal Lord^[1] in combat?

Maneuver swiftly to exploit speed advantages in open spaces. In dungeons, use tight spaces for strategic ambushes. Capitalize on hit-and-run tactics to disrupt foes effectively. When ambushed, rely on uncanny dodge and defensive rolls. Respond with Flurry of Blows amplified by Soulmelds. The overarching strategy is agile and multi-faceted across various terrains.

What makes Chakra Binds essential for the Criminal Lord^[1] Totemist build?

Chakra Binds grant access to powerful supernatural abilities. They significantly increase combat flexibility and adaptability. With Totem Chakra Bind, power scales with character growth. Offers enhanced melee options and improved defense. Augments base abilities from each class intertwined in the build. Chakra Binds ensure a unique edge in challenging encounters.

Join us at Stellar Dragons!

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Terms definitions

1. ↑ Totemist – Criminal Lord – D&D 3.5 ( Criminal Lord )

Categories: D&D 3.5 Character Builds, D&D 3.5 Totemist Builds

Criminal Lord

The two sisters argued in a corner of the room while the two brothers sat in silence. Each observed the two women awkwardly as they fought. They had failed to save the Free City, though they did manage to escape to the Kingdom’s Capital alive, a true hive of scum and villainy.

–“How did you expect me to predict that Io’s cult would intervene so heavily in this?” The sister in ranger attire threw her finger in her sister’s face. She standing tall as her sister sat on the side of the bed. The two gave an uncertain glare – one another, both almost simultaneously gave a defeated sigh before the upright sister’s posture began to slump. She took a seat next to her twin, defeated.

–“Look, I am sorry, okay? It’s just…I knew many of those people”.

As the silence grew in the room, a knock surprised all four of them. A woman, in a sleeveless shirt, covered with tattoos opened the door. This in spite of being locked prior, the woman stepping in and pressed her back up against the doorframe.

–“Awww, look at the wolfies crying their heart out to each other in front of the two gentlemen silently trying to stay out of their way”. The woman teased, and looked to the brothers before continuing. “Adorable, really.”

The four of them rose rapidly, ready to fight this intruder. Whoever she was, clearly knew too much. Before they could act, though, she rose both hands in the air.

–“Hold on before you attempt to skewer me into pieces. I am not your enemy. I know who you are and who your enemy is. I am merely an information broker, and it just turns out that your enemy is an arsehole who owes me money”…

Race

Human

Class

Totemist 5/Monk 1/Yakuza 4/Tattooed Monk 10

Ability Scores

Str 16/Dex 15/Con 15/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 10

Skills

Bluff 10, Gather Information 10, Hide 7, Knowledge(Religion) 8

Equipment

Darts, a Shortsword

Flaws

Inattentive, Murky Eyed

Goal

If Totemists are so great with natural weapons, and that you can cumulate all these with iterative unarmed strikes, then surely, a Monk combination would be absolutely terrifying right?

Well, it turns out that the answer is “yes, actually”. Between Tattoos, Soulmelds, and Monk abilities, and with the absolutely insane defensive abilities of a Yakuza, you are not only a strong social character and scout, but an absolute pain on the battlefield, capable of skirmishing, skillmonkeying and being useful both in melee, ranged, at various distances, making you a top tier jack of all trades character.

Level	Class	HD	Feat	Special
1	Monk	10	City Slicker, Cosmopolitan(Bluff), Able Learner, Endurance, Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Grapple	Flurry of Blows, AC bonus(Wis), Unarmed 1d6
2	Totemist	1d8+2	–	Wild Empathy
3	Totemist	1d8+2	Dodge	Totem Chakra Bind (+1 Capacity)
4	Totemist	1d8+6	–	Totem’s Protection, +1 Con
5	Totemist	1d8+3	–	–
6	Totemist	1d8+3	Superior Unarmed Strike	Chakra Binds(Crown, Feet, Hands), Unarmed 1d8
7	Tattooed Monk	1d8+3	–	Monk Abilities, White Mask Tattoo
8	Yakuza	1d6+3	–	Uncanny Dodge, Defensive Roll, +1 Con
9	Yakuza	1d6+3	Mobility	Improved Evasion
10	Yakuza	1d6+3	–	Yakuza Knowledge
11	Yakuza	1d6+3	–	Improved Uncanny Dodge
12	Tattooed Monk	1d8+15	Spring Attack	+10 Speed, +1 Con
13	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	–	Unarmed 1d10, Tiger Tattoo
14	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	–	+1 AC
15	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	Multiattack	+10 Speed, Centipede Tattoo
16	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	–	+1 Con
17	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	–	Unarmed 2d6, Phoenix Tattoo
18	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	Elusive Target	+10 Speed
19	Tattooed Monk	1d8+4	–	AC +1, Chameleon Tattoo
20	Tattooed Monk	1d8+24	–	+1 Con