Idea for "Trasformer" warforged build

[jvdburgt]

Yo, I was thinking about a Transformer character concept, and came up with the following (general) idea:

Race: Warforged (no-brainer )
Class: Transformer

Transformer-class is basically the druid-class (qua mechanics) with the following modifications:
1. Instead of normal (divine) spell progression, the transformer uses the artificer spell progression (limited to self-infusions?);
2. Instead of Wild Shape a transformer gains the "transform" ability. This means that instead of being able to change into a M/L/H/etc. animal, a transformer is able to change into a M/L/H/etc. siege engine (see e.g. heroes of battle, or transport machine; see e.g. PHB);
3. Instead of animal companion, a transformer gains a single homunculus (see artificer)
4. Instead of Nature Sense, a Transformer gains Apparratus sense; with bonusses on Knowledge (architecture and engineering) and Use Magical Device.
5. Instead of Wild Empathy a Transformer gains Construct Lock (see Races of Eberron);
6. Instead of Woodland Stride a Transformer gains Improved Homunculus (see Eberron Campaign Setting);
7. Instead of Trackless Step a Transformer gains Improved Resiliency (see Races of Eberron);
8. Instead of Nature's Lure a Transformer gains Repair Damage (see Races of Eberron p.132);
9. Instead of Venom Immunity a Transformer gains Immunity to Stunning (see Races of Eberron p.132)

I look forward to your input on whether this class is balanced, and/or how this concept can be improved!

 

[Visigani]

This is entirely fwow'd up.

If you were to have a Transformer Prestige Class for Warforged the ideal base class should be Fighter.

Here ya go:


1. Transform, Continued Advancement
2. Focus Fire
3. Advanced Armament
4. Shoulder Mounted
5. Wand Cannon, Arcane Apparatus



Transform: You Transform into a War Machine. Your legs transform into metal rollers, granting you a trample attack based on your size (See: Fiend Folio pg 213 Table A2-3 Roller Damage). Your weapon or natural weapons transform into a small rapid fire stone spitting projectile weapon. The rest of your body transforms to form the bulk of your new vehicle form. You retain your normal senses. You retain any bonuses you had from magic items or armor but lose any dexterity or dodge bonuses to armor class. You may Transform at will.

Your Stone Spitter is usable as a standard action at will. It deals 1d6 blunt damage per class level plus your constitution modifier in a 25" cone (Reflex save DC 15+Con).


Continued Advancement: If a Transformer had fighter levels prior to become one, those Transformer levels count as Fighter levels when determining the minimum level a character must be to qualify for special fighter feats, such as Greater Weapon Specialization and Greater Weapon Focus.



Focus Fire: As a special use of your Stone Spitter you may focus on a single target. This provides a range increment of 30 feet, and deals 2d6 damage per class level + Con. This is a ranged touch attack.



Advanced Armament: You gain damage resistance equal to your class level and a bonus to your armor class equal to your constitution modifier. In addition you may add any one your weapons bonuses to your Stone Spitter.



Shoulder Mounted: Your stone spitter is available as a shoulder mounted cannon even when not transformed. When used as shoulder mounted cannon your Stone Spitter does not gain the benefit of Advanced Armament.



Wand Cannon: While transformed and in possession of an Arcane wand you develop a massive cannon in addition to your normal stone spitter. This cannon converts stored arcane energy into arcane plasma by consuming the charge of an arcane wand. Arcane plasma deals damage as would a Fireball spell modified by the Explosive Spell metamagic feat. This deals electricity damage equal to half the characters hit die (rounded down) + Constitution Modifier (Reflex Save is Wand DC + Con). You may add your Constitution modifier to caster level checks to overcome spell resistance.



Arcane Apparatus: While transformed, as a move action, you may equip your Arcane Apparatus with any arcane wand that does not cast a spell that deals hit point damage. You may cast spells from this wand as a standard action that does not provoke attacks of opportunity. You may add your Constitution modifier as a bonus to the Wands DC and to caster level checks to overcome Spell Resistance.

 

[FoxWander]

I like the idea and the urban druid/artificer bent you given it. I'd like to see a full custom-class write up for it.

One quick suggestion - Don't limit infusions to self only, have them work just like an artificer. Otherwise how are you going to heal/buff your companion homunculus?

Also, I wouldn't give Imp. Homunculus as a class ability, I'd make it a function of the "animal companion" ability you've replaced- either working like the druid can get more powerful animal companions or as part of the companion's progression as you level-up.

 

[Pergentile]

Classes that have a certain race as a prereq... I wouldn't advise it. With something like this, NOT being a warforged... well, it's pretty much a prereq, as far as I can see.
Might I suggest you Google "D&D Inevitable", then add class levels as desired, like a casting class with access to the Polymorph subschool. Congrats, you now have a Transformer. Just an alternate option I wanted to point out, which might inspire you.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I designed a Warforged Druid with the Shapeshift variant from PHII, with Beastwars Optiumus Primal in mind. Ferocious Slayer form at level 8 I designed to be a Large Ape, Replacing the claw attacks as Slam attacks (Trading slashing for bludgeoning, otherwise the same). Good Times.