Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Levism84 10-23-07, 02:50 PM	I want to build a Healer (miniatures handbook) and yes, I get a great bit of enjoyment out of providing healing and aid to others in the party. However, I would also like to know what options would be available to my character as far as providing protection to others, so I don't have to wait for the enemy to strike before I can help. Healer spell selection is limited to the best healing spells of the game and some utility spells that allow me to help allies in out of combat scenarios. The inclusion of animal friendly spells means I probably won't have to fight animals so long as I use my skills to their best effect. I will also be able to defend against undead attackers more readily than against other types of beings. Healer skills include Diplomacy (make love, not war), Handle Animal (good dire bear), and Sense Motive (sure you do), so I may be able to head danger off at the pass before it turns into something uncontrolable. Having a celestial unicorn companion I can call to my side might also put off would be attackers, as well as enhance my ability to help heal others. With simple weapons and light armor, and a poor base attack bonus progression, I don't have many offensive options, but that isn't what the healer is for anyway. I thought about Sacred Vow, Vow of Poverty, as that could be role-played very nicely, and even with Vow of Nonviolence and Vow of Peace the Healer's very presence could deter attackers. However, it might infringe upon my party members if I have VoPe, so I don't really see including that as an option. Any ideas for feats or equipment that would help my Healer be a better protector? ~Rain~
Orchomenos 10-23-07, 02:59 PM	And in which part of your backstory do you need help with? :confused:
CrimsonDeath 10-23-07, 05:53 PM	You probably want the Character Optimization (http://forums.gleemax.com/forumdisplay.php?f=339) boards. Repost this over there and you'll probably get more help. Be sure to point out that you know the Healer's limitations, and you want to play one anyway. (Otherwise, everyone will tell you to play a Cleric. A couple of people still might anyway, but you can ignore them.) Offhand, I'd suggest Combat Medic (Heroes of Battle) for the Healing Kickers and Spontaneous Heal class features. You might consider some PrC's that grant domains, but I'm not entirely up-to-date on the best way to go about that.
Levism84 10-24-07, 02:06 PM	My appologies. I guess as far as background, how would I justify a healer with a more martial bent? I mean, am I allowed to get angry and violent against others because of my oath? Should I just stand my ground even if it will get me killed, or should I stay in the background and just patch-up the aftermath? I am just kinda confused as to how to portray my healer character. Should I just assume the aspects of Vow of Peace or Nonviolence, but without the mechanical benefits? ~Rain~
Operation_Shoestring 10-24-07, 04:21 PM	As someone else pointed out, Healers may not be allowed to personally attack other people, but they can do Death By Awesome, and they can cast Gate (and have Diplomacy and handle animal) "True, as a healer, I do not hurt people. The Solar I just gated in, on the other hand..."
CrimsonDeath 10-24-07, 05:50 PM	I can't find any mention that Healers aren't allowed to attack people. In fact, they're proficient with simple weapons, implying that they are trained to fight (at least to a certain degree). Modern combat medics are trained to fight largely to defend themselves and those under their care.
Operation_Shoestring 10-24-07, 10:52 PM	I can't find any mention that Healers aren't allowed to attack people. In fact, they're proficient with simple weapons, implying that they are trained to fight (at least to a certain degree). Modern combat medics are trained to fight largely to defend themselves and those under their care. Ack. I was thinking of the Healer on that d20 wiki, which has no weap profs at all and had a Code of Conduct