Post/Author/DateTime	Post
FordPrefectA 08-19-05, 10:43 PM	I'm playing with a half-orc with three levels in barbarian and three levels in fighter. I need some ideas of what I should do next to increase its killing power and how to optimize it in general. :) Chosen Feats: Power Attack, EWP Heavy Rpt Crossbow, Cleave, Weapon Focus Heavy Rpt Crossbow, Weapon Focus Greatsword, Improved Toughness Skills: 4 ranks in climb, 5 ranks in intimidate, 5 ranks in ride and 1/2 rank in spot. Str 19, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 6, Wis 10, Cha 12 For more details see: http://www.planetadnd.com/3eprofiler/view.php?id=1545 Thanks in advance for your advice!
allenchan 08-19-05, 11:09 PM	Using a crossbow is normally for people without good strength, so that in itself is rather sub optimal. :confused:. Stick with your Greatsword, and if you need ranged grab a composite longbow. I'd recommend looking into the Exalted CG barbarian class Champion of Gwynharwyf from the book of exalted deeds, though due to prereqs you're still a few levels away from it. until then, take one more level of fighter (four is always a good number for Fighter levels), and either invest the feat into weapon spec. or something to qualify for the tactical feats from complete warrior
Aramas 08-19-05, 11:42 PM	definitely grab another fighter level, otherwise fighter 3 is a waste.
FordPrefectA 08-20-05, 05:33 AM	Using a crossbow is normally for people without good strength, so that in itself is rather sub optimal. :confused:. Stick with your Greatsword, and if you need ranged grab a composite longbow. I'd recommend looking into the Exalted CG barbarian class Champion of Gwynharwyf from the book of exalted deeds, though due to prereqs you're still a few levels away from it. until then, take one more level of fighter (four is always a good number for Fighter levels), and either invest the feat into weapon spec. or something to qualify for the tactical feats from complete warrior Sorry, I forgot to mention that only the core and complete books, arms and equipment and paragon classes from UA are allowed. Also, I get weapon spec for my greatsword automatically at fighter level 6 (special campaign rules).
Timlagor 08-20-05, 07:31 AM	That heavy Crossbow is a terrible waste. Even with the Feats I'd be inclined to dump it for a Magic Mighty Composite Longbow (1d8 +4 beats 1d10 every time) -if you get a chance to change the Feats then so much the better. Of course you can keep the Crossbow if it's a purely style thing but it's not optimised. Ranks in Balance are nice to avoid being Flat-footed on grease etc. Nice Feats: Combat Brute, Leap Attack, Reckless Rage
ninjarabbit 08-20-05, 08:20 AM	I'd take iron will to help with your weak will save. Since you can take paragon levels go ahead and take 3 levels of half orc and orc paragon.
sir_argenon 08-20-05, 09:57 AM	I'd take iron will to help with your weak will save. Since you can take paragon levels go ahead and take 3 levels of half orc and orc paragon. great advice, definitely take those levels of paragon, you end up with +4 str, and some very nice abilities.
Borin 08-20-05, 03:05 PM	Ranks in Balance are nice to avoid being Flat-footed on grease etc. Are you flat-footed on grease? The spell doesn't mention it.
allenchan 08-20-05, 04:15 PM	Are you flat-footed on grease? The spell doesn't mention it. A grease spell covers a solid surface with a layer of slippery grease. Any creature in the area when the spell is cast must make a successful Reflex save or fall. This save is repeated on your turn each round that the creature remains within the area. A creature can walk within or through the area of grease at half normal speed with a DC 10 Balance check. Failure means it can’t move that round (and must then make a Reflex save or fall), while failure by 5 or more means it falls (see the Balance skill for details). I think the relevant information is seeing the Balance skill for details. Being Attacked while Balancing: You are considered flat-footed while balancing, since you can’t move to avoid a blow, and thus you lose your Dexterity bonus to AC (if any). If you have 5 or more ranks in Balance, you aren’t considered flat-footed while balancing. If you take damage while balancing, you must make another Balance check against the same DC to remain standing.
Borin 08-20-05, 04:20 PM	Hmm, if you don't have a good balance skill you might as well lie down voluntarily :)
Timlagor 08-20-05, 04:31 PM	Allenchan is right about my reference. The Grease Interaction is actually a little bit dubious [(see below] but you could find yourself balancing and fighting, it's a useful skill and a nice bonus for 5 ranks. I also wouldn't usually bother with Spot Cross-class as you're unlikely to see the stuff that's hard to see anyway (though it's not a bad choice and will help you avoid occasional surprises). [I suspect that the writers of Grease didn't take this balance rule into consideration: mostly because they don't mention it but also because the spell is powerful without that side-effect. The dubiousness of the rules interpretation arises from the fact that the spell only mentions a balance check for moving in the Grease which some people take to imply that you are only balancing while you are actually moving within the Grease and therefore the loss-of-dex applies only during movement (and possibly immediately after movement) but not on a Greased opponent who hasn't moved yet. The other side thinks that your Dex bonus to AC represents dodging which you can't easily do on a slippery surface and so applying this rule to anyone in the area makes perfect sense.]