Building Mister Tripper

[Darklone]

His reach extends to 20' when enlarged and he can't make improved trip attacks on those people that he trips because the extra attacks are disallowed by 3.5 whirlwind attack.

Improved Trip is debated. Don't get me wrong, I'm in the camp that would not allow it with Whirlwind, but the letters of the rules are ambiguous.

 

[Pielorinho]

Good catches, Korak! I hadn't read the changed text to whirlwind in 3.5 yet; thanks! It's still a very effective build, although with that information, I'd leave WA out.

Daniel

 

[Hardhead]

I just looked in the SRD, and it says nothing about getting a +2 to trip attacks when you have a Spiked Chain. It says:

A spiked chain has reach, so you can strike opponents 10 feet away with it. In addition, unlike most other weapons with reach, it can be used against an adjacent foe.

You can make trip attacks with the chain. If you are tripped during your own trip attempt, you can drop the chain to avoid being tripped.

When using a spiked chain, you get a +2 bonus on opposed attack rolls made to disarm an opponent (including the roll to avoid being disarmed if such an attempt fails).

You can use the Weapon Finesse feat to apply your Dexterity modifier instead of your Strength modifier to attack rolls with a spiked chain sized for you, even though it isn’t a light weapon for you.

Does it say something different in the PHB?

 

[Darklone]

Think you're right, Hardhead.

 

[Korak]

Improved Trip is debated. Don't get me wrong, I'm in the camp that would not allow it with Whirlwind, but the letters of the rules are ambiguous.

Well, the wording might not be rock solid, but it doesn't leave me with any doubt. If one of my players tried to argue the point I would have to either laugh, or declare that "Rocks fall. Everyone dies!"... to borrow from better DMs than me.

 

[Pielorinho]

Okay, so maybe I didn't do my homework before responding...sorry!
Daniel

 

[Korak]

Okay, so maybe I didn't do my homework before responding...sorry!
Daniel

Hey, not intended towards you in particular. Like you said, you had not read the 3.5 text yet. I was talking about a hypothetical player that had read the text and tried to argue with me about it.

No worries, mate.

 

[Pielorinho]

Actually, I was talking about the +2 to spiked chain -- I'd misread Inconsequenti-AL's post to say that spiked chain granted a +2 bonus (really it just mentioned that it gets a bonus right above the line that mentioned 2wf, and I conflated the two).

My stubborness in another thread was getting me worried that I may not be able to back down even when I'm clearly wrong, so I was actually pretty happy to get the chance to back down in this case .

Daniel

 

[Hardhead]

OK, thanks for the help, everyone.

 

[Vysirez]

Basically for a trip based build, str, size and reach are all good. So however you can get those is the way to go. Barb levels for rage is nice, getting a race that is large and has a str boost. Half dragon is pretty nice for a trip build. Jotunbrud isnt bad, but if you have a way of getting your size increased(via magic or whatever) then it's wasted. Also in unapproachable east there is a barb feat for wolf lodge that gives a bonus to trip attempts and also allows you to take improved trip without expertise.

Another nice magic item from the Arms and Equipment guide is Steadfast boost, make you immune to trip and I think bullrush. IE you don't have to worry about counter trip attempts.