This hulking warforged Totemist is a force at the onset. The Totemist class allows shaping of soul energy into animalistic traits. By level one, it can harness powerful forms like dragon jaws and tails, thanks to feats like Jaws of Death and Dragontouched. This gives the character a fallback in melee fights with devastating natural weaponry, surpassing many competitors early on.
Stat Block Level 1:
Unnamed Totemist: genderless, warforged totemist 1; CR 1/2; Medium construct (living construct); HD 1d8+4; hp 13; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +0; Grp +2; Atk bite +2 melee (1d6+2) or tail slap; Full Atk bite +2 melee (1d6+2) and tail slap +0 melee (1d6+1); SA natural weaponry; SQ wild empathy (animals only, -4 check penalty due to Cha), illiteracy, living construct traits; AL neutral; SV Fort +5, Ref +0, Will +0; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 11.
The level 5 Totemist build focuses on harnessing Incarnum to emulate beasts, specifically using chakra binds to enhance natural attacks. At this level, the Warforged has a variety of natural weapons and improved combat abilities, making it formidable in close combat.
Stat Block Level 5:
Unnamed: genderless, warforged totemist 5; CR 5; Medium construct (living construct); HD 5d8+25; hp 47; Init 0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 15, touch 10, flat-footed 15; Base Atk +3; Grp +5; Atk Bite +5 melee (1d6+2); Full Atk Bite +5 melee (1d6+2), and 2 claws +3 melee (1d4+1); SA Totem Chakra Bind, Chakra Binds(Crown, Feet, Hands); SQ Wild Empathy, Illiterate, immunity to poison, sleep, paralysis, disease; AL Neutral; SV Fort +9, Ref +1, Will +1; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 11.
Incarnum-based enhancements via soulmelds provide increased versatility in combat.
Possessions: None.
The Totemist Warforged excels in multiplicative natural weapon attacks and chakra-based soulmelds. Over time, his dragon-like traits amplify his combat prowess. Shaping soul energy into magic-like effects, he remains a potent melee threat with unique strategic options.
Stat Block Level 10:
Unnamed: Male, Warforged Totemist 10; CR 10; Medium Construct (Living Construct); HD 10d8+50; hp 95; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 17, touch 10, flat-footed 17; Base Atk +7; Grp +9; Atk Bite +10 melee (1d8+3) or Tail +10 melee (1d6+2); Full Atk Bite +10 melee (1d8+3) and Tail +8 melee (1d6+2); SA Totem Chakra Bind; SQ Damage Reduction 2/Adamantine, Totem Embodiment, Rebind Totem Soulmeld 2/Day; AL N; SV Fort +10, Ref +3, Will +3; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 11.
Totem Chakra Bind grants enhanced natural weapon abilities, while the Double Chakra capacity expands his versatility with soulmelds.
Possessions: None.
This Level 15 Totemist build focuses on maximizing the potential of the Warforged’s inherent resilience and offensive capabilities, utilizing the power of soulmelds to emulate beasts, resulting in over 10 natural weapon attacks by Level 3. With further enhancements such as Second Slam and an enhanced Totem Chakra Bind, this character is a formidable melee combatant with great versatility.
Stat Block Level 15:
Unnamed: male, Warforged Totemist 15; CR 15; Medium Construct (Living Construct); HD 15d8+90; hp 157; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 28, touch 13, flat-footed 28; Base Atk +11; Grp +13; Atk Slam +15 melee (1d4+2); Full Atk 2 Slams +15 melee (1d4+2) and other natural attacks; SA Second Slam, 2 Chakra Binds (Totem); SQ Construct traits, Living Construct subtype, Totem Chakra Bind (+2 Capacity), Chakra Binds (up to Throat and Waist), Rebind Totem Soulmeld 3/day; AL Neutral; SV Fort +18, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 25, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 11.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Listen +18, Spot +18, Survival +18, Knowledge (Nature) +18; Dragontouched, Jaws of Death, Dragon Tail, Multiattack, Improved Unarmed Strike, Double Chakra (Totem), Expanded Soulmeld Capacity, Second Slam.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
Utilizes soul energy to shape soulmelds, gaining multiple natural weapons by melding various soulmelds into his totem chakra, enhanced bind capacity for additional soulmeld usage.
Possessions: None.
This 20th-level warforged Totemist, a soul-shaping master[1], stands as an epitome of incarnum prowess. By leveraging chakras and emulating beasts, the Totemist can unleash a flurry of natural weapon attacks, making it a formidable opponent. Though technically itemless, its ability to shape soul energy into temporary magic grants an adaptable arsenal of attacks and abilities, lending it versatility in both offense and defense. The high-level totemist excels in a protective role, bind more soulmelds than ever before, embodying the spirit of a living dragon.
Stat Block Level 20:
Draconic Warforged Totemist: gender-neutral, warforged totemist 20; CR 20; Medium construct (living construct); HD 20d8+80; hp 170; Init +0; Spd 30 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +15; Grp +17; Atk Dragon Tail Slam +19 melee (1d8+5) or Bite +17 melee (1d6+5); Full Atk Dragon Tail Slam +19/+14/+9 melee (1d8+5) and Bite +17 melee (1d6+5) and 2 Claws +17 melee (1d4+2); SA Totem Embodiment, Multiattack, Improved Unarmed Strike, Power Attack; SQ Construct traits, damage reduction 2/adamantine, Wild Empathy, Rebind Totem Soulmeld 4/Day, Chakra Binds (Crown, Feet, Hands, Arms, Brow, Shoulders, Throat, Waist, Heart), Double Chakra (Totem), Expanded Soulmeld Capacity; AL Neutral; SV Fort +16, Ref +6, Will +6; Str 14, Dex 10, Con 19, Int 10, Wis 10, Cha 11.
Skills, Abilities, and Feats:
Listen +10, Spot +10, Survival +10, Knowledge (Nature) +10; Dragontouched, Jaws of Death, Dragon Tail, Multiattack, Improved Unarmed Strike, Second Slam, Power Attack.
Special Attacks and Qualities:
As a master Totemist, the character can shape soul energy into powerful soulmelds that mimic various natural abilities, with up to 4 rebinds per day for increased versatility.
Possessions: None, relies on soul-shaping abilities for adaptive gear.
Milestones Of Character Development
Levels 1-5: Unlocks the basics of Totemist abilities, focusing on natural weapon attacks and early chakra binds. Dragontouched and Jaws of Death feats enhance draconic features, with the Multiattack feat improving combat efficiency.
Levels 6-10: Expands on chakra capabilities with additional binds like Crown, Feet, and Hands. The Improved Unarmed Strike feat and increased meldshaper level enhance combat prowess, while abilities like Rebind Totem Soulmeld offer strategic flexibility.
Levels 11-15: Achieves advanced chakra binds, unlocking Arms, Brow, Shoulders, Throat, and Waist. Double Chakra allows for simultaneous soulmelds, while Expanded Soulmeld Capacity boosts power. Second Slam introduces extra combat abilities.
Levels 16-20: Reaches pinnacle Totemist mastery with Heart chakra bind, enhancing mystical powers. Totem Embodiment culminates character with maximized soulmeld rebinding and Power Attack strategically strengthens offensive capabilities.
Core Abilities & Features
The Totemist Build, particularly the Soul-Shaping Master[1], shines in the ability to harness Incarnum. This mystical force enables the creation of soulmelds, acting as customizable magical enhancements. As a Warforged Totemist, your character is a fusion of steel and soul magic, starting off with draconic natural attacks. Imagine a barrage of claws, bites, and tails unleashed at level 3—it’s an aggressive force unmatched by standard warriors early on!
One standout feature is the Totemist’s proficiency in chakra binding. The build progresses from basic Crown, Feet, and Hands chakra binds to advanced slots like Heart and Throat. This escalates the character’s versatility and damage output, granting abilities such as flight or breath weapons. By level 20, you’ll be embodying raw power—binding multiple soulmelds to a single Totem Chakra could turn your character into a living myth.
The progression emphasizes Con (Constitution) increases at specific levels, boosting your hit points and fortitude. Increased resilience is crucial for front-line fighters who endure enemy attacks. Moreover, the Rebinding Totem Soulmeld feature—which grows to four times daily—adds tactical flexibility, allowing you to adapt your enhancements for different challenges. Whether protecting a city from invaders or leading charges, this build’s design is lethal and versatile.
Equipment Progression
Level Range
Equipment
Details
L1-5
Claws of the Wyrm
Gives additional claw attacks, increases damage potential and synergy with natural weapons of Totemist.
Amulet of Health +2
Provides a crucial boost to Constitution, increasing HP and Fortitude saves, important for survivability.
Boots of Agile Leaping
Enhances mobility by allowing Dexterity checks for Jump, pairs well with Totemist’s monstrous abilities.
L6-10
Incense of Meditation
Essential for enhancing spell-like soulmeld abilities for a significant boost to combat effectiveness.
Glove of Disciples
Adds protection and bolsters defense, vital for close-quarters combat considering the multiple natural attacks.
Morphing Weapon
Optimal for versatility, adjusts to different combat scenarios where various natural weapon forms are needed.
L11-15
Belt of Magnificence +4
A comprehensive enhancement to all ability scores, crucial for improving overall combat and play attributes.
Pearl of Power
Recovers spent access to important abilities/soulmelds, notably effective for expanding daily resources.
Mantle of the Beast
Perfect synergy with Totemist’s form, adds defensive bonuses and usability for both ranged and melee scenarios.
L16-20
Circlet of Persuasion
Boosts Charisma-based skills crucial for interactions, ensures influencing and leading capabilities are maximized.
Scarab of Protection
Offers invaluable defense against death effects and negative energy, crucial at these high levels.
Vest of Eternal Life
Provides vital defensive benefits, ensuring sustainability in lengthy and intensive high-level encounters.
Combat Scenarios as a Soul-Shaping Totemist
Dungeon Crawls:
Use your Totem Chakra Bind to tailor your soulmelds to the numerous threats encountered in close quarters. Incorporate abilities that enhance senses like Blindsense from Girallon Arms to focus on spotting hidden traps and creatures in dimly lit corridors. Multiattack ensures that any surprise threats are met with a barrage of blows.
Open Fields:
Capitalize on your wide range of natural attacks by taking advantage of terrain. With the Totem’s enhanced movement abilities, one can outmaneuver foes, using Dragon Tail and Jaws of Death to engage multiple enemies simultaneously. Consider Enhanced Capacity on soulmelds like the Pegasus Cloak for aerial advantage.
Ambushes:
Use your heightened senses from soulmelds like Keeneye Lenses to preemptively detect threats. Initiate combat with Improved Unarmed Strike or Double Chakra to surprise enemies with unexpected power. Rebind Totem Soulmeld on the fly to adapt as the ambush unfolds, always having a defensive option ready.
Defensive Stands:
Prepare a strong defensive position using Chakra Binds from the Heart or Throat to boost endurance and resilience with abilities like Damage Reduction or Energy Resistance. The Warforged’s Con attribute ensures you withstand prolonged assaults, while Totem’s Protection provides additional fortitude to hold the line.
Urban Encounters:
In crowded conditions, focus on agility and targeting capabilities. Utilize soulmelds to enhance dexterity and arm techniques, such as Dread Carapace for added defense in confined alleys. Power Attack becomes crucial in a cityscape to dispatch threats swiftly, reducing public risk.
Weaknesses & Counters
Weakness
Counter
Murky Eyed Flaw – Causes a 20% miss chance on all ranged attacks.
Use ‘Eyes of the Eagle’ (Wondrous Item, 2,500 gp) to improve vision and reduce miss chances.
Low Dexterity – Provides a low Armor Class (AC) and poor Reflex saves.
‘Amulet of Natural Armor’ (Magic Item, 2,000 gp for +1 AC) boosts AC. Invest in ‘Cloak of Resistance’ (Magic Item, 1,000 gp for +1 bonus) for enhanced saves.
Shaky Flaw – Can cause poor performance on ranged attack rolls.
Focus on close combat using Soulmelds like ‘Thunderstep Boots’ for additional melee advantages.
Limited Equipment – Starting with no equipment might limit initial capabilities.
Acquire ‘Belt of Battle’ (Magic Item, 12,000 gp) for extra actions and offensive versatility.
Invest in ‘Circlet of Persuasion’ (Wondrous Item, 4,500 gp) to offset Charisma penalties.
Roleplaying the Soul-Shaping Totemist
Embrace the inherent dichotomy of your warforged Totemist, caught between the unyielding nature of steel and the boundless energy of beasts. A powerful story unfolds when you explore the creature, molded by the flames of destruction and rebirth, aiming to protect vulnerable communities. As this draconic guardian, your actions aren’t guided just by logic, but by a newfound empathy towards the living.
Consider the warforged’s perspective on life and existence, as he delves into the sentience of soul energy. His journey isn’t only about wielding power; it’s about finding purpose. He stands watch over humans, adapting the beast’s virtues he emulates to understand and connect with them. This Totemist can interpret the fervor of life through the eyes of myriad creatures whose essence he shapes, thus crafting a unique narrative of understanding life beyond its mechanical form.
FAQ
What makes the Soul-ShapingTotemist build unique in D&D 3.5?
The Totemist integrates the mystical force of Incarnum to create soulmelds. These magical enhancements offer flexibility in combat. As a Warforged Totemist, steel merges with soul magic, unlocking incredible natural attacks. The Totemist’s progression in chakrabinding enhances versatility and damage output. At level 20, this build embodies enormous raw power.
How important is Constitution for my Soul-Shaping Totemist character?
Constitution is crucial for a Totemist, enhancing hit points and fortitude saves. Increasing Constitution helps withstand enemy attacks and improves survival. It is especially vital for front-line fighters who endure constant assaults. At key levels, this attribute boost becomes even more significant. A high Constitution means greater resilience and tactical longevity.
Which soulmelds should I focus on for best performance?
Start with soulmelds enhancing draconic attacks, like Dragon Tail. As you progress, aim for those offering flight and breath weapons. By mid-levels, adopt Advanced Chakra Binds to exploit multiple soulmelds. Consider ones granting sensory capabilities or defensive bonuses. Strategic rebinding of soulmelds allows versatility in adapting to challenges.
What are some key challenges faced by a Soul-Shaping Totemist build?
Murky Eyed Flaw introduces a 20% miss chance on ranged attacks. Low Dexterity affects Armor Class and Reflex saves negatively. Starting with limited equipment could hinder initial capabilities. Each flaw demands strategic countermeasures for effective play. Investment in items to boost stats is critical for overcoming these drawbacks.
How can I incorporate roleplaying into my Soul-Shaping Totemist gameplay?
Explore the duality of your Warforged Totemist character, torn between steel and spirit. Dive into storylines revealing his evolution from a metallic being to an empathic guardian. Your character’s journey is about finding purpose amidst chaos. Roleplay decisions should reflect a bridge between logic and newfound compassion. Create stories that resonate with the virtues of the creatures you emulate.
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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 hulking, almost draconic shaped warforged turning his eyes to the ruins of the once great Free City. Burned to the ground overnight. He too had heard the rumors. Its people managed to flee by sea or by land, and now thousands were without home. His gaze towards the space below him and his position atop the hill, some of these people had come back to the charred ruins, trying desperately to salvage anything valuable.
He watched them silently, these humans would always surprise him by their raw willpower, their drive to just keep moving forward. The warforged vowed in that moment that from this point onward, none would touch them. His eyes focused on a young father and his young child as they dug through the ruins of a structure.
Race
Warforged
Class
Totemist 20
Ability Scores
Str 14/Dex 10/Con 19/Int 10/Wis 10/Cha 11
Skills
Listen, Spot, Survival, Knowledge(Nature)
Equipment:
Nothing
Flaws
Murky Eyed, Shaky
Goal
Incarnum has some interesting stuff going on, able to shape raw soul energy into temporary “magic items” of sort, and binding them to the different chakras. Totemists especially specialize in emulating various beasts. So here we are, with a draconic warforged with over 10 different natural weapons attack by level 3, making you able to out damage pretty much any other character until the mid levels, and even then you more than hold your own. Also, you are a living dragonbot, so that’s pretty cool.
Level
Class
HD
Feat
Special
1
Totemist
13
Dragontouched, Jaws of Death, Dragon Tail
Wild Empathy, Illiterate
2
Totemist
1d8+4
–
Totem Chakra Bind(+1 Capacity)
3
Totemist
1d8+4
Multiattack
Totem’s Protection
4
Totemist
1d8+8
–
+1 Con
5
Totemist
1d8+5
–
Chakra Binds(Crown, Feet, Hands)
6
Totemist
1d8+5
Improved Unarmed Strike
Totem Chakra Bind(+1 Meldshaper level)
7
Totemist
1d8+5
–
–
8
Totemist
1d8+5
–
Rebind Totem Soulmeld 1/Day, +1 Con
9
Totemist
1d8+5
Double Chakra(Totem)
Chakra Binds (Arms, Brow, Shoulders)
10
Totemist
1d8+5
–
–
11
Totemist
1d8+5
–
Totem Chakra Bind(Double Bind)
12
Totemist
1d8+17
Expanded Soulmeld Capacity
Rebind Totem Soulmeld 2/Day, +1 Con
13
Totemist
1d8+6
–
–
14
Totemist
1d8+6
–
Chakra Binds (Throat, Waist)
15
Totemist
1d8+6
Second Slam
Totem Chakra Bind (+2 Capacity)
16
Totemist
1d8+6
–
Rebind Totem Soulmeld 3/Day, +1 Con
17
Totemist
1d8+6
–
Chakra Binds (Heart)
18
Totemist
1d8+6
Power Attack
–
19
Totemist
1d8+6
–
–
20
Totemist
1d8+26
–
Totem Embodiment, Rebind Totem Soulmeld 4/Day, +1 Con
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