So my 5th Warblade bit the dust (ARGH!). 300xp away from 6th too. Sadly it was a TPK, but the DM is new and that is fine. If it doesn't happen once you can not improve. So now I am in the market for a new character.
In my quest to effectively play every system variant I have two left on the table. Shadowcasting (ToM) and Incarnum. I am leaning towards a Totemist, perhaps one focusing on the Manticore Belt, I have read a while ago that was a solid choice.
So my post is two fold:
First off I have read the MoI and a few of the handbooks from here and WotC. Currently reading ST's Totemist report from the trenches; I am still foggy on how in the Nine Hells their Totem abilities works. From what I understand I can not Shape a soulmeld to my totem, I must shape it to one of the other locations however I can Chakra bind any soulmeld TO my totem, even if it is one for example currently on my Arms. Is this correct?
Second some build suggestions would be appreciated. Something simple, to ease me into it. I fooled myself into contemplating a Soulknife/Totemist with Psycarnum blades before laughing the idea off.
Starting level 5th. Build progression to level 10 for now. Age of Worms Campaign. All books allows except Ebberron, ToB very appreciated but would prefer to avoid uses the classes as I just finished one, and that funky Age of Worms class is available but I have not read it myself.
Edit: No Templates.
Other party members will be a Jaebrin Beguil', Probably a Raptorian Cleric, and no hard decisions but a "Caster" or Swashbuckler.
Mandatory flaw: -1 to all saves (OUCH!), bonus feat.