Goliath Dwarven Defender (3.5e Optimized Character Build)

Introduction

How about a Goliath Dwarven Defender? I can't think of any reason at all NOT to do this. I've played with the idea in several games, and I think I have it pretty well perfected. Let me know what you think!

Makes use of the Stoneborn class feature of the Stoneblessed PrC to meet the racial requirement of Dwarven Defender.

References

PHB, PHB II, DMG, Races of Stone, Magic Item Compendium, Arms and Equipment Guide, Unearthed Arcana

Game Rule Components

Items

+5 Heavy Fortification Interlocking Plate Mail, +5 Animated Tower Shield, +5 Sweeping Spiked Chain

Progression

Starting Ability Scores (Before Racial Adjustments): (Assumed 32 Point Buy) Stength 16, Dexterity 12, Constitution 16, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 10, Charisma 8 [If your DM allows it, take -2 to Charisma for a total of 6, and increase Wisdom to 12]

Race (Templates): None

Starting Racial Traits: Abilities: +4 Stength, -2 Dexterity, +2 Constitution. Monstrous Humanoid, Powerful Build, Mountain Movement, Acclimated, +2 Sense Motive. All abilities are outlined on page 56 of Races of Stone.

ECL	Class/HD/LA	Base Attack Bonus	Saving Throws			Feats	Class Features	Special
			Fort	Ref	Will
1st	LA 1 (Bought off at 3rd level per Unearthed Arcana)	-	-	-	-	-	-	Racial Abilities
2nd	Ranger 1	+1	+2	+2	+0			Flaws: Shaky, Murky Eyed
3rd	Knight 1	+1	+0	+0	+2
4th	Ranger 2	+1	+1	+1	+0
5th	Knight 2	+1	+0	+0	+1
6th	Ranger 3	+1	+0	+0	+1			Flaws: Shaky, Murky Eyed
7th	Stoneblessed 1 (Dwarven)	+0	+2	+0	+0
8th	Stoneblessed 2	+1	+1	+0	+0
9th	Stoneblessed 3	+1	+0	+1	+1
10th	Deepwarden 1	+1	+2	+2	+0
11th	Deepwarden 2	+1	+1	+1	+0
12th	Dwarven Defender 1	+1	+2	+0	+2
13th	Dwarven Defender 2	+1	+1	+0	+1
14th	Dwarven Defender 3	+1	+0	+1	+0
15th	Dwarven Defender 4	+1	+1	+0	+1
16th	Dwarven Defender 5	+1	+0	+0	+0
17th	Dwarven Defender 6	+1	+1	+1	+1
18th	Dwarven Defender 7	+1	+0	+0	+0
19th	Dwarven Defender 8	+1	+1	+0	+1
20th	Dwarven Defender 9	+1	+0	+1	+0
21st	Dwarven Defender 10	+1	+1	+0	+1

Highlights

Five Words: Constitution Modifier to Armor Class. In addition to the ridiculous AC (should be about 65 by 20th level), you can't die. With a, nearly, full BAB, you can hit most targets, even at higher levels. Additionally, you get to use a large spiked chain, so all the squares within 15 feet of you are difficult terrain for opponents who start in them.

Munchkin-Size Me

To really cheese it out, in Epic Levels, add three levels of Cave Stalker so you can wield a Large Spiked Chain in ONE HAND, and a Medium SC in your off-hand. Pick up a few levels of Great Rift Defender (the Faerunian take on the Dwarven Defender), and your AC is out of this world.

Side Notes

You'll definitely want an item to boost saves. With the levels of Ranger and Deepwarden, your Reflex save isn't as awful as it could be, but it's still pretty low compared to your other saves.

Limitations

Because of the limited mobility, this build really only works in situations where you can plug up a hole and keep your party safe. I've used this guy to soak trap damage when the lousy rogue couldn't find a trap he placed himself. Because of the Diehard feat, you literally CANNOT die before your cleric heals you.

Also, at lower levels, as you're setting up the build, things can get a bit tricky. You have 5 levels of classes that don't work particularly well together until you combine them to Dwarven Defender at 7th.

DM Counters

Reflex Saves are this build's downfall. Of course, with the ridiculous d12 hit die for most of the build, and the Diehard ability, this tank can pretty much stand up to any punishment you can dish out.

Miscellaneous

Both Deepwarden and Dwarven defender specifically state that being an actual Dwarf is a prerequisite. You legally can't build this with a Goliath. (Hence the reason for the Stoneblessed Class)

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