Class/Race suggestions, please [Archive] - Wizards Community

Class/Race suggestions, please [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Novacat
12-24-07, 01:10 PM So I'm going to be in a new game soon, and I'm making several characters up ahead of time, since I'm not 100% sure what we'll need when it starts. Here are the guidelines for the game:

• Eight players, including myself, four of which are not very experienced
• Level one, so no level adjustment or any other goofiness
• Forgotten Realms; Regional feat is in addition to, rather than in place of, normal feats
• Humans get 2 bonus feats instead of 1
• The DM has a list of "required" classes: Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard/Sorcerer, and Ranger. So the party will consist of those 5, and 3 other characters with any class.
• DM accepts most material from the Complete series, Races of Stone, or Forgotten Realms material. Tome of Battle/Magic is unlikely to fly, and he does not allow any psionics.

So, my request to the boards is twofold;

1. I'd like ideas for interesting ways to cover the same roles as the 5 "required" classes without actually being one of those classes, in case that class is being played by one of the inexperienced players, and I don't think they'd cover that base well. (Cleric is covered, don't need to worry)
2. Unusual race/class/theme ideas for filling out the 3 other slots with characters that wouldn't fill any of the traditional roles normally. Don't need specific builds, just concepts.

EDIT: Forgot to mention that the DM does not allow Barbarians, Monks, or Druids as player classes, and Bards don't exist.
Krusk
12-24-07, 02:01 PM A wizard can easily fill the rogue role, via summon monster 1, and high skill points.

A cleric can also fill rogue role with the find traps spell, and the right domains.

A rogue could fill the arcane or divine role by the use of UMD and wands of X.

A monk may be able to fufil the rogue/ranger roles depending on exactly how you need them filled. It may even be able to help the fighter out.

A palidin can help with backup healing and can be a frontline fighter as well.

A scout is like if you multiclassed rangerand rogue together. -complete warrior or adventurer-

hope some of that helps some

-im a little unclear as to how the role of a ranger is mandatory, or at least diffrent than a rogue/fighter?
BarivusTheFearless
12-24-07, 02:59 PM I don't understand how a DM would require such things.

I can understand banning certain things becuase of a world build, campaign goals, etc.

Atleast, I wouldn't do that.

But on to your request; there are several simple builds for L1 if you are lookign to stock up on an array of available characters to play... I did that quite recently.

Human Fighter (possibly the easiest build using PHB1)
Elf Rogue
Half-Elf Sorcerer
Half-Orc Fighter
Human Ranger

And there's a pool of characters you can have on hand. All are quick and simple with adequate abilities.
Novacat
12-24-07, 11:04 PM I don't understand how a DM would require such things.
I agree that the DM is odd about what he requires/disallows.

In any case, I'll post my list of characters so far, so that future posters will have an idea what kind of characters I'm looking for.

Human Crusader: Protector attitude, feats/maneuvers for defending others. Fills the tank role and assists healing.

Dwarf Fighter: HPs, HPs, and HPs, plus a hefty STR score, dwarven waraxe, and ranks in Knowledge (arcana) and Spellcraft. Overcompensates his warrior attitude because of embarrassment regarding his all-wizard family. Fills the tank and heavy-hitter roles.

Human Warblade: TWF with handaxes, all Tiger Claw maneuvers, and Track. He's a reckless melee attacker with out-of-combat functionality as a tracker/provider. Fills the melee offensive role.

Human Spellthief: Poses as a normal rogue, using Skill Tricks to conceal his spellcasting. Fills the sneaky and trapfinding/disabling roles.

Human Wizard: Shadow-weave user, with Spell Focus (Necromancy). Not evil, just dark. Rather than dealing direct damage, will focus on draining/disabling/controlling enemies. Paranoid and cowardly. Fills the arcane caster role in an unusual way.

Orc Dragon Shaman (Bronze): NG melee combatant who disdains the orc stereotype, and strives constantly to prove to his companions that he is intelligent and an equal. Fills the melee offensive role, and has minor healing assistance.
metalmayhem80110
12-25-07, 04:58 AM Whisper Gnome rogue-

Halfling Warlock -

Human wizard (Evocation school) -

Gnome Illusionist-

Full Orc barbarian/fighter into frenzied berserker-

Dwarf Cleric-

Just the ideas that came to me.
StevenO
12-25-07, 02:42 PM Giving humans TWO bonus feats plus a free Regional Feat is a great deal for them. This makes Human a valid race choice for any class but these are the alternative I'd consider:

Fighter: Dwarf or Half-Orc. If Half-Orc can easily dump INT as getting the second skill point each level isn't as useful as upping a 14 to 16 in a fighting stat would be if using point buy.

Ranger: Human or Elf. I often consider multiclassing Ranger with Rogue (and would usually start Rogue) for a bigger skill selection.

Rogue: Halfling or Elf. Here I consider multiclassing into Wizard then Arcane Trickster

Sorcerer: Lesser Aasimar
Cleric: Lesser Aasimar followed by Dwarf and Human

Now for the three "extra" characters:

Beguiler, Half-Elf. A backup skill character and non-blaster spellcaster.
Duskblade, Half-Orc. Here I'm looking to build a STR character to take into Dragon Disciple.
Warlock, Elf. I'd also consider taking this into an Eldritch Disciple (cleric) build.
Escef
12-26-07, 02:13 AM Why are humans getting two bonus feats? I don't know about everyone else, but the bonus feat alone has made human very popular in my games. Two is just plain nuts.
metalmayhem80110
12-26-07, 04:07 AM Why are humans getting two bonus feats? I don't know about everyone else, but the bonus feat alone has made human very popular in my games. Two is just plain nuts.

Yeah, I totally agree.

I see mostly humans in my games because of the free feat.

An all human group would be kind of scary with these rules... This isn't even bringing into account flaws...
Prof. Pacali
12-26-07, 10:22 AM Rogue: Halfling or Elf. Here I consider multiclassing into Wizard then Arcane Trickster

Unseen Seer from Complete Mage is a much better Rog/Wiz PrC.
toucanbuzz
12-26-07, 11:25 AM I'd have to poke your DM a bit for giving 2 free feats to humans, wow. I'd then have to do something about the ditched classes, that's quite a few barred ones for 8 players!

1. Play a fighter who declares he can't read and goes into a rage when he enters combat. Barbarian, check.

2. Play a fighter and take Unarmed feats. Declare your monastic lifestyle and be lawful. Monk, check.

3. Play a wizard/cleric, stock up on summoning spells and buy a trained dog. Druid, check.

4. Play a Sorcerer and put points into perform. Declare your music inspires your team and stock up on heroism and buff spells. Offer to Gather Information at every stop. Bard, check.

My point is that other classes can, with some adaptation, skill and feat selection mimic the function of other classes. Since I prefer to play Demigods at 1st level, I'm a bit rusty on class selection, so use my advice at your risk. :D
Escef
12-26-07, 01:58 PM I'd then have to do something about the ditched classes, that's quite a few barred ones for 8 players!

I think you're misreading the post. He said that 5 certain classes are required, the other three characters have pretty much free choice. No classes were "ditched".
BarivusTheFearless
12-26-07, 04:09 PM I think you're misreading the post. He said that 5 certain classes are required, the other three characters have pretty much free choice. No classes were "ditched".

Re-read the final line...
Escef
12-26-07, 04:20 PM Re-read the final line...

Ok, nevermind, that's twice today I've been shown I'm blind. :embarrass

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Novacat 12-24-07, 01:10 PM	So I'm going to be in a new game soon, and I'm making several characters up ahead of time, since I'm not 100% sure what we'll need when it starts. Here are the guidelines for the game: • Eight players, including myself, four of which are not very experienced • Level one, so no level adjustment or any other goofiness • Forgotten Realms; Regional feat is in addition to, rather than in place of, normal feats • Humans get 2 bonus feats instead of 1 • The DM has a list of "required" classes: Fighter, Cleric, Rogue, Wizard/Sorcerer, and Ranger. So the party will consist of those 5, and 3 other characters with any class. • DM accepts most material from the Complete series, Races of Stone, or Forgotten Realms material. Tome of Battle/Magic is unlikely to fly, and he does not allow any psionics. So, my request to the boards is twofold; 1. I'd like ideas for interesting ways to cover the same roles as the 5 "required" classes without actually being one of those classes, in case that class is being played by one of the inexperienced players, and I don't think they'd cover that base well. (Cleric is covered, don't need to worry) 2. Unusual race/class/theme ideas for filling out the 3 other slots with characters that wouldn't fill any of the traditional roles normally. Don't need specific builds, just concepts. EDIT: Forgot to mention that the DM does not allow Barbarians, Monks, or Druids as player classes, and Bards don't exist.
Krusk 12-24-07, 02:01 PM	A wizard can easily fill the rogue role, via summon monster 1, and high skill points. A cleric can also fill rogue role with the find traps spell, and the right domains. A rogue could fill the arcane or divine role by the use of UMD and wands of X. A monk may be able to fufil the rogue/ranger roles depending on exactly how you need them filled. It may even be able to help the fighter out. A palidin can help with backup healing and can be a frontline fighter as well. A scout is like if you multiclassed rangerand rogue together. -complete warrior or adventurer- hope some of that helps some -im a little unclear as to how the role of a ranger is mandatory, or at least diffrent than a rogue/fighter?
BarivusTheFearless 12-24-07, 02:59 PM	I don't understand how a DM would require such things. I can understand banning certain things becuase of a world build, campaign goals, etc. Atleast, I wouldn't do that. But on to your request; there are several simple builds for L1 if you are lookign to stock up on an array of available characters to play... I did that quite recently. Human Fighter (possibly the easiest build using PHB1) Elf Rogue Half-Elf Sorcerer Half-Orc Fighter Human Ranger And there's a pool of characters you can have on hand. All are quick and simple with adequate abilities.
Novacat 12-24-07, 11:04 PM	I don't understand how a DM would require such things. I agree that the DM is odd about what he requires/disallows. In any case, I'll post my list of characters so far, so that future posters will have an idea what kind of characters I'm looking for. Human Crusader: Protector attitude, feats/maneuvers for defending others. Fills the tank role and assists healing. Dwarf Fighter: HPs, HPs, and HPs, plus a hefty STR score, dwarven waraxe, and ranks in Knowledge (arcana) and Spellcraft. Overcompensates his warrior attitude because of embarrassment regarding his all-wizard family. Fills the tank and heavy-hitter roles. Human Warblade: TWF with handaxes, all Tiger Claw maneuvers, and Track. He's a reckless melee attacker with out-of-combat functionality as a tracker/provider. Fills the melee offensive role. Human Spellthief: Poses as a normal rogue, using Skill Tricks to conceal his spellcasting. Fills the sneaky and trapfinding/disabling roles. Human Wizard: Shadow-weave user, with Spell Focus (Necromancy). Not evil, just dark. Rather than dealing direct damage, will focus on draining/disabling/controlling enemies. Paranoid and cowardly. Fills the arcane caster role in an unusual way. Orc Dragon Shaman (Bronze): NG melee combatant who disdains the orc stereotype, and strives constantly to prove to his companions that he is intelligent and an equal. Fills the melee offensive role, and has minor healing assistance.
metalmayhem80110 12-25-07, 04:58 AM	Whisper Gnome rogue- Halfling Warlock - Human wizard (Evocation school) - Gnome Illusionist- Full Orc barbarian/fighter into frenzied berserker- Dwarf Cleric- Just the ideas that came to me.
StevenO 12-25-07, 02:42 PM	Giving humans TWO bonus feats plus a free Regional Feat is a great deal for them. This makes Human a valid race choice for any class but these are the alternative I'd consider: Fighter: Dwarf or Half-Orc. If Half-Orc can easily dump INT as getting the second skill point each level isn't as useful as upping a 14 to 16 in a fighting stat would be if using point buy. Ranger: Human or Elf. I often consider multiclassing Ranger with Rogue (and would usually start Rogue) for a bigger skill selection. Rogue: Halfling or Elf. Here I consider multiclassing into Wizard then Arcane Trickster Sorcerer: Lesser Aasimar Cleric: Lesser Aasimar followed by Dwarf and Human Now for the three "extra" characters: Beguiler, Half-Elf. A backup skill character and non-blaster spellcaster. Duskblade, Half-Orc. Here I'm looking to build a STR character to take into Dragon Disciple. Warlock, Elf. I'd also consider taking this into an Eldritch Disciple (cleric) build.
Escef 12-26-07, 02:13 AM	Why are humans getting two bonus feats? I don't know about everyone else, but the bonus feat alone has made human very popular in my games. Two is just plain nuts.
metalmayhem80110 12-26-07, 04:07 AM	Why are humans getting two bonus feats? I don't know about everyone else, but the bonus feat alone has made human very popular in my games. Two is just plain nuts. Yeah, I totally agree. I see mostly humans in my games because of the free feat. An all human group would be kind of scary with these rules... This isn't even bringing into account flaws...
Prof. Pacali 12-26-07, 10:22 AM	Rogue: Halfling or Elf. Here I consider multiclassing into Wizard then Arcane Trickster Unseen Seer from Complete Mage is a much better Rog/Wiz PrC.
toucanbuzz 12-26-07, 11:25 AM	I'd have to poke your DM a bit for giving 2 free feats to humans, wow. I'd then have to do something about the ditched classes, that's quite a few barred ones for 8 players! 1. Play a fighter who declares he can't read and goes into a rage when he enters combat. Barbarian, check. 2. Play a fighter and take Unarmed feats. Declare your monastic lifestyle and be lawful. Monk, check. 3. Play a wizard/cleric, stock up on summoning spells and buy a trained dog. Druid, check. 4. Play a Sorcerer and put points into perform. Declare your music inspires your team and stock up on heroism and buff spells. Offer to Gather Information at every stop. Bard, check. My point is that other classes can, with some adaptation, skill and feat selection mimic the function of other classes. Since I prefer to play Demigods at 1st level, I'm a bit rusty on class selection, so use my advice at your risk. :D
Escef 12-26-07, 01:58 PM	I'd then have to do something about the ditched classes, that's quite a few barred ones for 8 players! I think you're misreading the post. He said that 5 certain classes are required, the other three characters have pretty much free choice. No classes were "ditched".
BarivusTheFearless 12-26-07, 04:09 PM	I think you're misreading the post. He said that 5 certain classes are required, the other three characters have pretty much free choice. No classes were "ditched". Re-read the final line...
Escef 12-26-07, 04:20 PM	Re-read the final line... Ok, nevermind, that's twice today I've been shown I'm blind. :embarrass