[RPG] What’s the best class to choose with high Con and low Strength

dnd-3.5eoptimization

So, I have a problem. I have a warforged character who, the DM insisted, would be created with a class first and THEN have stats rolled, 3d6, in order and no re-ordering (i.e. STR first, then DEX, etc.). Whatever class I chose before I knew the stats would have to put up with whatever random stats I rolled. So… I chose swordsage. And… I got:

STR: 9. DEX: 13. CON: 19. INT: 13. WIS: 10. CHA: 8.

Bugger, there goes my ability to do any decent damage and my effectiveness as a swordsage is vastly reduced. Nice Con though.

My problem is, I hate having a primary role that isn't using my best (or even second-best) stat. I can't switch any attribute scores; they're fixed as they are, so I was wondering if anyone knew of a class or build that would make the best use of these stats (now that we've hit level 2 we're allowed to multiclass into something actually suitable). Int-based caster is out, since warforged get a flat Arcane Spellcasting fail chance of 15% with mithril body. I know of no class which is powered by Constitution, which really is my most insane stat…

Edit: to all the comments regarding the DM's 'un-fun' method of stat assignment; yes, it's unusual, but I knew it'd be the case before joining the group. I don't mind it, it adds a bit of challenge (and a roleplaying challenge too). It's a pity that I had to choose my class beforehand, so I kind of 'wasted' a level, but overall I got lucky; another party member is a Favoured Soul with 8 wisdom.

Best Answer

Be an Incarnate or Totemist

Looking at the incarnum handbook, your stats line up perfectly with their priorities, it can synergize well with a dip into swordsage (lucky you), and is an interesting and flavourful route.

The only trick is that the book doesn't explain itself well, so an amount of research reading the explanations in the handbooks (incarnate handbook + incarnum handbook + swordsage handbook + Totemist Handbook) is clearly indicated. Beyond that, it fits your requirements perfectly.

Beyond that, the fluff of an animated construct armouring itself in soulstuff just begs for plot, which is, itself, interesting. Your first level of swordsage is an interesting dip, as it provides skills, stances, and attacks that can provide some absolutely fascinating synergy with your invested soulmelds. You'll have to spend time working through the combinations, but it'll provide character-career long flavour and moves that will direct how you spend your essentia.

Unfortunately, you will want to plot out your character's build out to the conceivable end of the campaign. You're integrating two of the later and extremely fiddly systems (for the perfect trifecta, dip into binder just to watch your own head explode.) But, with enough research and preparation, this fits your requirements nicely, and provides a serviceable tier-3 character dripping with interesting questions.

In terms of integration, you'll actually want to advance swordsage more than you might expect. The Diamond Mind school that the swordsage has access to is concentration/constitution driven. The incarnate has concentration as a class skill, and by taking advantage of the clause that notes that half of other class levels go into your initiator level, there are some cute tricks. Specifically, you want swordsage 2 after you take 4 levels of incarnate/totemist, giving you access to third level maneuvers, all of which can be diamond mind, allowing you to apply concentration to many of your saves and damage rolls.

Ask your DM if you can retrain to have the following maneuvers:

  • Moment of Perfect Mind (Swordsage/1)
  • Sapphire Nightmare Blade (Swordsage/1) -- this will be your primary attack, since flatfooted can do quite a lot to help your accuracy. The full-round action to reset sucks, but... what can you do?
  • Shadow Blade Technique (Swordsage/1)
  • Distracting Ember (Swordsage/1)

Choose your stance based on your intended incarnate build and this guide. Your other 2 maneuvers should be a function of your intended build as well, chosen with an eye towards meeting prereqs.

Dipping back into swordsage at level 6 allows you to cherrypick other diamond mind maneuvers and stances, which will neatly complement your incarnate. While it's likely going pure incarnate is better, there's no reason to not mix it up once you've fallen down this path.