My Character just Died! - Help! [Archive] - Wizards Community

My Character just Died! - Help! [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
cosmikube
08-03-06, 05:07 AM Hi!
My character was the balance in a slightly unbalanced party until a cave troll tried to eat him (sadly enough for the troll, metal and wood are not easily digestible). He was a one-armed warforged fighter3/barbarian2 and now i get to make a brand new level 4 character.

I need some suggestions because I am clueless as to what class/race I'll do! The party really needs a fighter-type (actually they need more than one fighter type), but I don't really feel like playing a another fighter or barbarian...

The party consists of:

half-elf bard3/sorceror2
shifter rogue4/scout1
dwarf cleric5 (onatar)
human ranger2/druid3

As you can see the party is lacking some damage takers, a role which fit the warforged character very well...

So, any suggestions?
Thanks!
Sereno
08-03-06, 09:08 AM A crossbow specialized WF artificer ... you can have a decent AC, and be able to put all sorts of enchantments on you Xbow.
JayDubya
08-03-06, 09:30 AM A frontline fighter? Well the best two classes for damage taking would be a properly built Fighter and Knight.

I'd say try a Knight from PHB2, either Human, Dwarf, or Warforged would be best.

Alternatively, try a Kalashtar Psychic Warrior. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/classes/psychicWarrior.htm) They have d8 hp but you can really buff that AC up with powers.

Or how about a Paladin (any race)? The temples of Dol Arrah and the Silver Flame produce tons of quality young lads and lasses that wish to vanquish evil in the world.

A Talenta Plains Halfling Barbarian riding his velociraptor cohort into battle is always fun.

* * *

One real problem with playing a warforged in that group is that there is no artificer or wizard present, so no one can heal you. One way to solve the problem is to make a warforged artificer. If you have the stats for it, a multiclass Warforged Fighter / Artificer is awesome. It works for the Lord of Blades, afterall. :)
Save-vs-DM
08-03-06, 09:36 AM Do you have access to the miniatures handbook? A marshal may be just what you need. Luckily the class is available online for free.

Marshal Preview (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20030906b)

I'd go a Human Marshal, maybe even with a dragonmark. Just quick and gritty, here's what I'd do.

Human Marshal 4
Abilities (assuming 28 point buy)
Str 14, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14 (+1 4th and 8th)
Feats: Least Mark of Sentinel (Shield of Faith), Favored in House, Combat Expertise
Non-Dragonmarked Feats: Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip
Auras: Minor - Art of War, Determined Caster | Major - Hardy Soldiers

Then at 5th level you could either start taking dragonmarked heir if you want to add a few more spell like abilities to your bag of tricks or just keep going Marshal. Even though you only have d8 hit points, you can really take a beating with heavy armor, and you do get martial weapon proficiencies. Once you eventually have improved trip you'll really come into your own, as you can disarm a lot of enemies and negate a lot of their damage dealing potential. And lucky for you, Art of War adds your Charisma bonus to all such attempts.

I really recommend the Marshal, one of the most overlooked but best classes in recent memory.

Cheers,
Save vs DM
JayDubya
08-03-06, 09:43 AM In a 5 man squad I would recommend a Marshal / Bard / Dragon Shaman typically, but they already have a Bard and I felt Marshal would be redundant.
Aezrel
08-03-06, 09:56 AM Well,

i've played a warforged artificer / fighter / juggernalt and i must say he was a great melee character with all those immunities and buffs and one of the most fun to play with. it was great to see the reaction ppl have to a spiked walking machine :)
WNG_pfoster
08-03-06, 09:57 AM I found myself 'stuck' in the Fighter role more often than not since most of the group I'm with now favour certain classes and, to be honest, I was getting a little bored of it so I started to aim at certain things; the last one was aimed at doing damage and being a monster in melee, but had little defense and no ranged ability. It worked out really well. (He was retired when the party wiped but he survived; one other survived by bluffing he was dead. I'm currently playing a Sorcerer which is a refreshing change)

For more flavour, pick up the Complete Warrior sourcebook (check with your DM to see if he/she will let you use it before buying it). There are a number of new feats there to take, including some Tactical Feats which add some spice to the Fighter class (basically, cumulative bonuses as you perform actions in a specific order; i.e. charging in the first round gets you a bonus when using power attack in the second round type of thing). It offers more options so you'll find yourself able to create more distinguished characters even if they are 'just another fighter'.

You might also want to go with something a little less typical... go with a Druid and use Nature's Ally line of spells to 'tank' for you (I know some peopel frown on this saying that a Druid shouldn't sacrifice animals, but the intent of this spell is pretty much to do that; short duration, summoned creatures immediately attack any visible enemies..). Or a Sorcerer or Wizard type that focuses on conjuring. Augment Summonings is a pretty sweet feat for that and if you stay a pure class you should be able to gain access to bigger summonings sooner than current part members.
sidekick
08-03-06, 12:04 PM Okay you say they need a front-line fighter. But between the ranger and the cleric they should be able to tank enough.

What you're group doesn't have is an arcanist - this is where you come in.

I'd reccommend either a psion (kineticist) or a straightforward Wizard. - maybe a warmage?

if you'd rather go for a melee type guy then I'd recommend either a Duskblade (nice arcane spells + melee abilities you say?) or a multi-classed artificer.

here's my recommendations.

kalashtar Kineticist4 - psionic feats all the way - some good damage powers, mind thrust and you're good to go! (alternatively for some armour 'casting' go psion3/ranger1(or fighter1 for the combat feat).

Elven diviner1/artificer3.

or for a melee dude

Khorovar duskblade4. nuff said

Happy gaming!
Evangelos
08-03-06, 12:11 PM Honestly? I'd play what you want to play. If the party lacks a frontline fighter and you don't want to play one, then you'll just have to plan around it. I've seen parties full of rogues and wizards do just fine; it just means you'll have to adjust your tactics somewhat.
orikes
08-03-06, 12:26 PM kalashtar Kineticist4

In one of my games, I play a Kalashtar Kineticist/Fighter. When I gain my next level, I'm going into the PrC Elocator. As a character, she kicks much tuckus. She's not very subtle at all, but the damage she puts out is impressive.

Based on what your party has, I'd say you're more in need of damage out put than tankage. If you absolutely need a melee type, why not go with a Monk? That would be a change of pace, but still pretty deadly in combat.
Sieylianna
08-03-06, 12:27 PM Okay you say they need a front-line fighter. But between the ranger and the cleric they should be able to tank enough.

If the ranger is a TWF type and not an archer.

I'd second Knight or Paladin.

Ed
Kalanth
08-03-06, 12:32 PM Pardon my inacuracy here, since I don't have any of my books on me at this time.

Be a Shifter Psion 2 / Monk 2

Take the shifter talent that is for the body, which I can't remember the name (again, books are at home, I am at work) and Psi Shield. You can shift as a free action, then use the power as a standard action, and in one round you jump your AC by 4. This can increase with feats in the future, and of course, through the use of extra power points if you take more levels of Psion. You would need the Eberron feat that allows the monk to multiclass, but thats no big deal if you ask me. A good Wis, Str, and Dex can make this one rather interesting to say the least. And there is little that you need to do to simply start off with one of the better AC's in your group.
Kreistor1
08-03-06, 02:52 PM You could also wait until Nine Swords comes out next week and see if there's anything in there you like.

But with that group, I'd almost certainly say Knight, Paladin, Fighter, or other high AC build would help the most.
Kryptonian Scion
08-03-06, 03:01 PM You could also wait until Nine Swords comes out next week and see if there's anything in there you like.

FYI - The Tome of Battle came out yesterday. I was pretty shocked myself when a friend IMed me about it this morning, and skipped lunch to hit Borders at noon today. It is sitting next to my elbow right now, but I haven't had a chance to take a look yet. 5:00 can't come soon enough. ;)
Kalanth
08-03-06, 04:31 PM FYI - The Tome of Battle came out yesterday. I was pretty shocked myself when a friend IMed me about it this morning, and skipped lunch to hit Borders at noon today. It is sitting next to my elbow right now, but I haven't had a chance to take a look yet. 5:00 can't come soon enough. ;)

If it's anything like the Tome of Magic, it can be skipped. In fact, I am thinking I will skip the book anyways.
Encard
08-03-06, 04:43 PM Personally, I'm not sure whether you need a tank or a full-casting arcanist more... If you want tank, though, maybe consider a Cleric/Prestige Paladin/Exorcist of the Silver Flame? That would be interesting with a shifter in the group...

I'd also say check the Tome of Battle first, though, if you have the time and inclination. It looks to be rather good.

If it's anything like the Tome of Magic, it can be skipped. In fact, I am thinking I will skip the book anyways.
From what I've seen, it looks awesome. Check this thread (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=678075&page=1&pp=30) for some bits and pieces... The excerpt from it is also up now on the wizards/dnd site.

What places have it now? Borders, Amazon and Barnes & Noble all seem to list it as the 8th, unless something's changed...
Kinger
08-03-06, 05:56 PM One character I've never had the chance to play as a PC or NPC but have always wanted to is a Human Monk/Fighter specializing in Two-Weapon Fighting and Double Steel Strike (Flurry with a Two-Bladed Sword).

You may not have too much AC, so I'd recommend putting most of your "magic item" funds into Bracers of Armor or Amulets of Natural Armor, or what-have-you. The Least Mark of Sentinel (Mage Armor) could help too, but from a purely mechanical point of view you're short on feats as it is.

Start with Monk levels, use a feat to allow fighter multiclassing with no penalty, and add some Fighter when you need feats, hitpoints, or attack bonus. When flurrying, your attack penalties will eventually diminish with Monk levels. However, the steady influx of Full Base Attack (thanks to the Fighter levels) will improve it at I'd expect the same rate, but go towards extra attacks, as well. Toss on TWF, and you'll be a veritable barrage of attacks whenever someone is stupid enough to stand in one place in front of you.

Consider Action Boost (or Surge, I can't quite recall) to allow you to make an extra move or standard action. Use it to move up to a foe, then full-attack for a dozen sword slices. Sure, you'll be sucking on upwards of a -4 to hit each time, and the style is very feat intensive, but c'mon! Think of the bad-ass mental image!
Edymnion
08-03-06, 06:00 PM One character I've never had the chance to play as a PC or NPC but have always wanted to is a Human Monk/Fighter specializing in Two-Weapon Fighting and Double Steel Strike (Flurry with a Two-Bladed Sword).

You may not have too much AC, so I'd recommend putting most of your "magic item" funds into Bracers of Armor or Amulets of Natural Armor, or what-have-you. The Least Mark of Sentinel (Mage Armor) could help too, but from a purely mechanical point of view you're short on feats as it is.Or you could be a WF. You'd be one feat down, but you could then cheaply enchant your composit plating.
Kinger
08-03-06, 06:02 PM Or you could be a WF. You'd be one feat down, but you could then cheaply enchant your composit plating.

This is true.

What's more, it's an even MORE bad-ass mental image.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
cosmikube 08-03-06, 05:07 AM	Hi! My character was the balance in a slightly unbalanced party until a cave troll tried to eat him (sadly enough for the troll, metal and wood are not easily digestible). He was a one-armed warforged fighter3/barbarian2 and now i get to make a brand new level 4 character. I need some suggestions because I am clueless as to what class/race I'll do! The party really needs a fighter-type (actually they need more than one fighter type), but I don't really feel like playing a another fighter or barbarian... The party consists of: half-elf bard3/sorceror2 shifter rogue4/scout1 dwarf cleric5 (onatar) human ranger2/druid3 As you can see the party is lacking some damage takers, a role which fit the warforged character very well... So, any suggestions? Thanks!
Sereno 08-03-06, 09:08 AM	A crossbow specialized WF artificer ... you can have a decent AC, and be able to put all sorts of enchantments on you Xbow.
JayDubya 08-03-06, 09:30 AM	A frontline fighter? Well the best two classes for damage taking would be a properly built Fighter and Knight. I'd say try a Knight from PHB2, either Human, Dwarf, or Warforged would be best. Alternatively, try a Kalashtar Psychic Warrior. (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/psionic/classes/psychicWarrior.htm) They have d8 hp but you can really buff that AC up with powers. Or how about a Paladin (any race)? The temples of Dol Arrah and the Silver Flame produce tons of quality young lads and lasses that wish to vanquish evil in the world. A Talenta Plains Halfling Barbarian riding his velociraptor cohort into battle is always fun. * * * One real problem with playing a warforged in that group is that there is no artificer or wizard present, so no one can heal you. One way to solve the problem is to make a warforged artificer. If you have the stats for it, a multiclass Warforged Fighter / Artificer is awesome. It works for the Lord of Blades, afterall. :)
Save-vs-DM 08-03-06, 09:36 AM	Do you have access to the miniatures handbook? A marshal may be just what you need. Luckily the class is available online for free. Marshal Preview (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20030906b) I'd go a Human Marshal, maybe even with a dragonmark. Just quick and gritty, here's what I'd do. Human Marshal 4 Abilities (assuming 28 point buy) Str 14, Dex 12, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 14 (+1 4th and 8th) Feats: Least Mark of Sentinel (Shield of Faith), Favored in House, Combat Expertise Non-Dragonmarked Feats: Combat Expertise, Improved Disarm, Improved Trip Auras: Minor - Art of War, Determined Caster \| Major - Hardy Soldiers Then at 5th level you could either start taking dragonmarked heir if you want to add a few more spell like abilities to your bag of tricks or just keep going Marshal. Even though you only have d8 hit points, you can really take a beating with heavy armor, and you do get martial weapon proficiencies. Once you eventually have improved trip you'll really come into your own, as you can disarm a lot of enemies and negate a lot of their damage dealing potential. And lucky for you, Art of War adds your Charisma bonus to all such attempts. I really recommend the Marshal, one of the most overlooked but best classes in recent memory. Cheers, Save vs DM
JayDubya 08-03-06, 09:43 AM	In a 5 man squad I would recommend a Marshal / Bard / Dragon Shaman typically, but they already have a Bard and I felt Marshal would be redundant.
Aezrel 08-03-06, 09:56 AM	Well, i've played a warforged artificer / fighter / juggernalt and i must say he was a great melee character with all those immunities and buffs and one of the most fun to play with. it was great to see the reaction ppl have to a spiked walking machine :)
WNG_pfoster 08-03-06, 09:57 AM	I found myself 'stuck' in the Fighter role more often than not since most of the group I'm with now favour certain classes and, to be honest, I was getting a little bored of it so I started to aim at certain things; the last one was aimed at doing damage and being a monster in melee, but had little defense and no ranged ability. It worked out really well. (He was retired when the party wiped but he survived; one other survived by bluffing he was dead. I'm currently playing a Sorcerer which is a refreshing change) For more flavour, pick up the Complete Warrior sourcebook (check with your DM to see if he/she will let you use it before buying it). There are a number of new feats there to take, including some Tactical Feats which add some spice to the Fighter class (basically, cumulative bonuses as you perform actions in a specific order; i.e. charging in the first round gets you a bonus when using power attack in the second round type of thing). It offers more options so you'll find yourself able to create more distinguished characters even if they are 'just another fighter'. You might also want to go with something a little less typical... go with a Druid and use Nature's Ally line of spells to 'tank' for you (I know some peopel frown on this saying that a Druid shouldn't sacrifice animals, but the intent of this spell is pretty much to do that; short duration, summoned creatures immediately attack any visible enemies..). Or a Sorcerer or Wizard type that focuses on conjuring. Augment Summonings is a pretty sweet feat for that and if you stay a pure class you should be able to gain access to bigger summonings sooner than current part members.
sidekick 08-03-06, 12:04 PM	Okay you say they need a front-line fighter. But between the ranger and the cleric they should be able to tank enough. What you're group doesn't have is an arcanist - this is where you come in. I'd reccommend either a psion (kineticist) or a straightforward Wizard. - maybe a warmage? if you'd rather go for a melee type guy then I'd recommend either a Duskblade (nice arcane spells + melee abilities you say?) or a multi-classed artificer. here's my recommendations. kalashtar Kineticist4 - psionic feats all the way - some good damage powers, mind thrust and you're good to go! (alternatively for some armour 'casting' go psion3/ranger1(or fighter1 for the combat feat). Elven diviner1/artificer3. or for a melee dude Khorovar duskblade4. nuff said Happy gaming!
Evangelos 08-03-06, 12:11 PM	Honestly? I'd play what you want to play. If the party lacks a frontline fighter and you don't want to play one, then you'll just have to plan around it. I've seen parties full of rogues and wizards do just fine; it just means you'll have to adjust your tactics somewhat.
orikes 08-03-06, 12:26 PM	kalashtar Kineticist4 In one of my games, I play a Kalashtar Kineticist/Fighter. When I gain my next level, I'm going into the PrC Elocator. As a character, she kicks much tuckus. She's not very subtle at all, but the damage she puts out is impressive. Based on what your party has, I'd say you're more in need of damage out put than tankage. If you absolutely need a melee type, why not go with a Monk? That would be a change of pace, but still pretty deadly in combat.
Sieylianna 08-03-06, 12:27 PM	Okay you say they need a front-line fighter. But between the ranger and the cleric they should be able to tank enough. If the ranger is a TWF type and not an archer. I'd second Knight or Paladin. Ed
Kalanth 08-03-06, 12:32 PM	Pardon my inacuracy here, since I don't have any of my books on me at this time. Be a Shifter Psion 2 / Monk 2 Take the shifter talent that is for the body, which I can't remember the name (again, books are at home, I am at work) and Psi Shield. You can shift as a free action, then use the power as a standard action, and in one round you jump your AC by 4. This can increase with feats in the future, and of course, through the use of extra power points if you take more levels of Psion. You would need the Eberron feat that allows the monk to multiclass, but thats no big deal if you ask me. A good Wis, Str, and Dex can make this one rather interesting to say the least. And there is little that you need to do to simply start off with one of the better AC's in your group.
Kreistor1 08-03-06, 02:52 PM	You could also wait until Nine Swords comes out next week and see if there's anything in there you like. But with that group, I'd almost certainly say Knight, Paladin, Fighter, or other high AC build would help the most.
Kryptonian Scion 08-03-06, 03:01 PM	You could also wait until Nine Swords comes out next week and see if there's anything in there you like. FYI - The Tome of Battle came out yesterday. I was pretty shocked myself when a friend IMed me about it this morning, and skipped lunch to hit Borders at noon today. It is sitting next to my elbow right now, but I haven't had a chance to take a look yet. 5:00 can't come soon enough. ;)
Kalanth 08-03-06, 04:31 PM	FYI - The Tome of Battle came out yesterday. I was pretty shocked myself when a friend IMed me about it this morning, and skipped lunch to hit Borders at noon today. It is sitting next to my elbow right now, but I haven't had a chance to take a look yet. 5:00 can't come soon enough. ;) If it's anything like the Tome of Magic, it can be skipped. In fact, I am thinking I will skip the book anyways.
Encard 08-03-06, 04:43 PM	Personally, I'm not sure whether you need a tank or a full-casting arcanist more... If you want tank, though, maybe consider a Cleric/Prestige Paladin/Exorcist of the Silver Flame? That would be interesting with a shifter in the group... I'd also say check the Tome of Battle first, though, if you have the time and inclination. It looks to be rather good. If it's anything like the Tome of Magic, it can be skipped. In fact, I am thinking I will skip the book anyways. From what I've seen, it looks awesome. Check this thread (http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=678075&page=1&pp=30) for some bits and pieces... The excerpt from it is also up now on the wizards/dnd site. What places have it now? Borders, Amazon and Barnes & Noble all seem to list it as the 8th, unless something's changed...
Kinger 08-03-06, 05:56 PM	One character I've never had the chance to play as a PC or NPC but have always wanted to is a Human Monk/Fighter specializing in Two-Weapon Fighting and Double Steel Strike (Flurry with a Two-Bladed Sword). You may not have too much AC, so I'd recommend putting most of your "magic item" funds into Bracers of Armor or Amulets of Natural Armor, or what-have-you. The Least Mark of Sentinel (Mage Armor) could help too, but from a purely mechanical point of view you're short on feats as it is. Start with Monk levels, use a feat to allow fighter multiclassing with no penalty, and add some Fighter when you need feats, hitpoints, or attack bonus. When flurrying, your attack penalties will eventually diminish with Monk levels. However, the steady influx of Full Base Attack (thanks to the Fighter levels) will improve it at I'd expect the same rate, but go towards extra attacks, as well. Toss on TWF, and you'll be a veritable barrage of attacks whenever someone is stupid enough to stand in one place in front of you. Consider Action Boost (or Surge, I can't quite recall) to allow you to make an extra move or standard action. Use it to move up to a foe, then full-attack for a dozen sword slices. Sure, you'll be sucking on upwards of a -4 to hit each time, and the style is very feat intensive, but c'mon! Think of the bad-ass mental image!
Edymnion 08-03-06, 06:00 PM	One character I've never had the chance to play as a PC or NPC but have always wanted to is a Human Monk/Fighter specializing in Two-Weapon Fighting and Double Steel Strike (Flurry with a Two-Bladed Sword). You may not have too much AC, so I'd recommend putting most of your "magic item" funds into Bracers of Armor or Amulets of Natural Armor, or what-have-you. The Least Mark of Sentinel (Mage Armor) could help too, but from a purely mechanical point of view you're short on feats as it is.Or you could be a WF. You'd be one feat down, but you could then cheaply enchant your composit plating.
Kinger 08-03-06, 06:02 PM	Or you could be a WF. You'd be one feat down, but you could then cheaply enchant your composit plating. This is true. What's more, it's an even MORE bad-ass mental image.