35 Crusader

Deconstructing the "3.5 Crusader": A Deep Dive into the Forgotten Edition

The Dungeons & Dragons 3.5e edition, often overshadowed by its predecessor and successor, holds a unique place in the history of the game. While not officially titled "3.5 Crusader," the term frequently surfaces within online communities to describe a specific playstyle emphasizing powerful, battlefield-dominating crusaders. This article aims to dissect this unofficial archetype, exploring its mechanics, strengths, weaknesses, and the broader context within the 3.5e ruleset. We'll uncover the core tenets of this powerful build and examine how players can successfully implement it.

I. Defining the "3.5 Crusader" Archetype

The "3.5 Crusader" isn't a pre-defined class or prestige class in the official 3.5e rulebooks. Instead, it represents a player-created concept built around maximizing the effectiveness of a martial character, typically a paladin or fighter, specializing in melee combat and divine (or sometimes arcane) magic focused on battlefield control and heavy damage. The archetype draws inspiration from historical crusaders, blending unwavering faith (or a similarly strong sense of purpose), martial prowess, and sometimes divine or supernatural abilities. This build prioritizes consistent damage output, battlefield survivability, and the ability to influence the flow of combat.

II. Core Components of the Crusader Build

Several key elements contribute to a successful "3.5 Crusader":

Base Class Selection: Paladins and Fighters form the ideal foundation. Paladins provide divine spells, strong combat abilities, and auras that boost allies and hinder enemies. Fighters offer unparalleled martial versatility through feats and weapon proficiencies. Other classes, like Clerics or even certain multi-classed builds incorporating these core classes, can also serve as viable starting points.

Feats: Feats are crucial for maximizing the Crusader's effectiveness. Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave, and Improved Critical are essential for dealing devastating blows. Feats enhancing combat maneuverability, like Combat Expertise and Improved Trip, further increase control over the battlefield. Divine feats, especially those granting additional spell slots or enhancing divine abilities, are important for Paladins.

Spells and Abilities: Paladins have access to potent spells like Bless, Divine Power, and Shield of Faith, all of which significantly enhance their combat capabilities. For those using a fighter-based build, access to divine magic through a cleric multiclass or similar method can provide essential support.

Equipment: Heavy armor, a powerful melee weapon (like a greatsword or greataxe), and appropriate magical enhancements are key. Items providing bonuses to attack rolls, damage, and saving throws are all highly valuable. Consider items that grant improved spell casting capabilities, too, if appropriate to the character build.

Alignment: While not strictly mandatory, a lawful good alignment typically fits the Crusader archetype's thematic foundation. However, a character driven by vengeance or a rigid code of honor could easily adopt this archetype with a different alignment.

III. Building a Practical Example: The Oath of Vengeance Paladin

Let's illustrate a practical example. A level 10 Oath of Vengeance Paladin, focusing on the Crusader archetype, might have:

Stats: High Strength, Constitution, and Charisma.
Feats: Power Attack, Cleave, Great Cleave, Improved Critical, Weapon Focus (Greatsword), and a feat granting additional spell slots.
Spells: Bless, Divine Power, Shield of Faith, Aura of Courage, and Divine Favor.
Equipment: +2 Full Plate Armor, +1 Greatsword, Amulet of Natural Armor +1, Ring of Protection +1.

This Paladin would focus on charging into combat, using their spells to enhance their abilities and devastate enemies with powerful attacks, while their aura and spells protect allies. The Oath of Vengeance further enhances their damage output and tactical flexibility.

IV. Strengths and Weaknesses

The "3.5 Crusader" archetype boasts significant strengths:

High Damage Output: The combination of powerful attacks, feats, and spells allows for massive damage potential.
Battlefield Control: Through spells, feats, and abilities, this character can influence the flow of battle, focusing fire and hindering enemies.
High Survivability: Heavy armor and divine abilities enhance their defensive capabilities.

However, weaknesses also exist:

Vulnerability to Spells: While durable, they remain susceptible to powerful spells, particularly those targeting Strength or Constitution.
Limited Range: Their effectiveness hinges on close-quarters combat, making them vulnerable at range.
Spellcasting Limitations: While Paladins have spells, they don't have the breadth or versatility of a dedicated spellcaster.

V. Conclusion

The "3.5 Crusader" isn't a cookie-cutter class but rather a flexible archetype built around a core concept: a powerful melee combatant, bolstered by spells and abilities, dominating the battlefield. Its success relies on careful character planning, strategic feat selection, and smart use of available spells and equipment. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, players can create a truly devastating character who embodies the spirit of the historical crusader within the 3.5e system.

VI. FAQs

1. Can I build a Crusader without a Paladin? Yes, a Fighter multi-classed with a Cleric or another class granting access to divine spells can create a similar build.

2. What are the best weapons for a Crusader? Greatswords, greataxes, and mauls are excellent choices, balancing damage and reach.

3. How important is Charisma for a Crusader? Crucial for Paladins, essential for spellcasting, and influences some abilities. Fighters can prioritize other stats more heavily.

4. Are there any prestige classes that enhance a Crusader? Several prestige classes like Holy Vindicator or Warpriest can significantly boost the effectiveness of a Crusader build.

5. Is the Crusader build overpowered? The effectiveness depends greatly on the Dungeon Master's campaign and the group's playstyle. Careful balancing is key to prevent any potential issues with power level.

Search Results:

Border Model 1//35 Crusader Mk.III Full Kit Build - Key Model World Too Little, Too Late – Crusader Tank in 1/35 from Border Model, built! Huw Morgan tackles Border Model’s recently tooled 1/35 Crusader Mk.III, finishing the model on a boxart-inspired base. Arguably the definitive wartime cruiser tank, the Crusader was developed when armoured fighting vehicle design was still in its infancy during the 1930s ...

1/35 Crusader MK III Tamiya 37025 - Wayland Games The Crusader was an important tank for British forces in North Africa, and the Mk.III variant was up gunned with a 6-pounder gun and more reliable engine that made it a force to be reckoned with. The effectiveness made it the most produced tank in the Crusader family.

1/35 Crusader Mk.III – British Cruiser Tank Mk. VI Border Model … 1/35 Crusader Mk.III – British Cruiser Tank Mk. VI Border Model BT-012. Plastic model kit of the famous british Cruiser Tank – includes PE parts – movable suspension – workable tracks – Metal barrel – 5 decal options. The bonus for this first limited edition is: the cutting mat of the Crusader Line Chart! The color of desert yellow ...

1/35 Crusader Mk. III with British Crew 6592 Italeri - Scale Model … Equipped with Christie suspension with large diameter rolling wheels, the Crusader possessed remarkable driving skills on rough terrain. The first versions of Mk. I and Mk. II were armed with a 2 pdr cannon. later replaced by the more powerful 6 pdr cannon. in the Mk.III version.

Crusader Mk.III, Revell 03075 (2004) - Scalemates Revell model kit in scale 1:35, 03075 is a rebox released in 2004 | Contents, Previews, Reviews, History + Marketplace | A15 Crusader

TAM37025 Tamiya 1/35 Scale Crusader Mk III Tank This is a Tamiya 1/35 Scale Crusader Mk III Tank. Tamiya kits are accurate and highly detailed, with good potential for advanced modellers to super-detail them.

Italeri 1/35 Crusader Mk. III Tank With British Crew - 6592 Equipped with Christie suspension with large diameter rolling wheels, the Crusader possessed remarkable driving skills on rough terrain. The first versions of Mk. I and Mk. II were armed with a 2 pdr cannon. later replaced by the more powerful 6 pdr cannon. in the Mk.III version.

Tamiya 37025 British Mk.IV Crusader Mk.III Cruiser - Super-Hobby 9 Oct 2022 · Crusader was powered by an engine Nuffield Liberty Mk II with 340 hp. The vehicle was armed with - depending on the version - a single 40mm QF 2-pounder cannon or a single 57mm QF 6-pounder cannon and two 7.92mm and 7.7mm machine guns.

British Crusader Cruiser Tank Mk.III - The Modelling News 16 Aug 2020 · Border Model's new British Crusader Cruiser Tank in 35th scale has breached! the tank is captured in the era of the "Battle of El Alamein" era of WWII which is the perfect setting that will bring heaps of nice marking and weathering choices. We have more on the real tank and the kit in our preview...

1/35 Crusader Mk III 37025 Tamiya 37025 - scalemodelshop.co.uk The Crusader was an important tank for British forces in North Africa, and the Mk.III variant was up gunned with a 6-pounder gun and more reliable engine that made it a force to be reckoned with. This effectiveness made it the most produced tank in the Crusader family.

TAMIYA 37025 37025-1:35 British Cusader Mk.III Med Tank, … Shop TAMIYA 37025 37025-1:35 British Cusader Mk.III Med Tank, Faithful Replica, Plastic Construction, Crafts, Model Kit, Assembly, Unpainted. Free delivery and returns on eligible orders of £20 or more.

Border Models 1:35 Crusader Mk.III - British Cruiser Tank Mk. VI ... 1:35 Scale Military Kit; Plastic Military Model Kit; Requires Painting: Yes; Paints & Glue Included: No

Crusader Mk.III, Tamiya 37025 (2017) - Scalemates Tamiya model kit in scale 1:35, 37025 is a rebox released in 2017 | Contents, Previews, Reviews, History + Marketplace | A15 Crusader | EAN: 4950344370252

Tamiya 1/35 British Mk.VI Crusader Mk.III - Cruiser Tank # 37025 … Next Day delivery orders must be placed before 2pm. This service does not deliver on a Saturday or Sunday. If you would like Saturday delivery please call us on 01782 409310. During the checkout process, you will also have the option to Collect from eModels ST3 5BW and it will exclude any shipping costs.

Tamiya 1/35 Crusader Mk.III 37025 - Scale Model Shed Tamiya 1/35 Crusader Mk.III 37025 - Scale Model Shed - Online Hobby Shop Scale model kits, paints, tools and accessories.

Border Model 1/35 British Crusader Mk3 – The Tank Museum 1/35 scale Plastic Model Kit by Border model. Includes photo etch, metal barrel and 3 decal options. Individual working tracks, movable suspension and slide molding.

Tamiya 1/35 Scale Ww2 British Crusader MK III Tank Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Tamiya 1/35 Scale Ww2 British Crusader MK III Tank at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

New 1/35 Crusader Mk.III from Border Models - Britmodeller.com 15 Aug 2020 · I've a soft spot for the MkIII Crusader. The artwork on the box shows an attempt at the October 1942 pattern A/140/1. The rear areas of the turret and rear decking are not accurate and the gloss white undercuts on the turret are missing. The drawing is exactly based on a photograph of a Mk.III crossing a depression watched by some troops.

Crusader Mk.III (BT-012) 1:35 - Kits - Britmodeller.com 2 Jun 2021 · Crusader Mk.III (BT-012) 1:35 Border Model via Albion Alloys The Crusader tanks was the answer to the need for a new Cruiser or fast tank by the Ministry, and was developed side-by-side with the less well-known Covernantor tank, with some resemblances between the two that could confuse the viewer...

TAMIYA 37025 – British Cruiser Tank Mk.VI – Crusader Mk III – 1/35 Tamiya Italeri series No.25 Accurately reproduces the Crusader Mk.III form. New separate parts depict turret spot light casing and lens, plus turret hatch underside dampers. Improved molding on turret rear stowage boxes and fender front sections.

35 Crusader

Deconstructing the "3.5 Crusader": A Deep Dive into the Forgotten Edition

I. Defining the "3.5 Crusader" Archetype

II. Core Components of the Crusader Build

III. Building a Practical Example: The Oath of Vengeance Paladin

IV. Strengths and Weaknesses

V. Conclusion

VI. FAQs

Links:

Converter Tool

Conversion Result:

Formatted Text:

Search Results: