New Character Help [Archive] - Wizards Community

New Character Help [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Still
05-10-07, 12:49 AM Hi there!

I was wondering if anyone out there knows of a good place I could go to get advice on making some characters for the upcoming Gencon Xen'drik Expeditions games.

I can make DnD characters in my sleep but there are so many possible choices for Eberron and I have not been as familiar with the new creation and would be afraid I would end up screwing myself. Not looking to twink just want to make viable characters so I don't die immediately due to poor choices and put the rest of the group in jeopardy.

Brand new to Xen'drink, lots of DnD experience but an RPGA noob. (Last time I played it was Greyhawk and I got to level 2 :) )

Here's what I am looking at.

CVN - 7 Dark Fugitive (which I take it to mean I must make a Covenant of Light character)

BWC-7 Test of Mettle (which is Black Wheel Company - and again requires another character).

I highly doubt I will get any other RPGA stuff in as it's a wasteland of NO RPGA here in the Toronto area these days.

I was thinking of an Elven Specialist Wizard (Necromancer) for Black Wheel Company and had NO clue what to make for the Covenant of Light game.

Any thoughts?
Harliquinn
05-10-07, 08:03 AM The GenCon games will likely be after the level bump. The current thinking is that level bump will be at 7th level, so you'll want to start thinking in that range. First, pick a faction (or all 4). One thing to keep in mind is that in general undead are frowned upon by the factions (except for Cabal of Shadows), so a necromancer specialist might be a 'tough sell' to a group (Obviously you'll get to play at a table you sign up for but there may be some intense RP if you start summoning or controlling undead). Otherwise, check out the campaign rules as they offer some unique races/classes for each faction that you can try out.

Harliquinn
Still
05-10-07, 12:37 PM Thanks very much for the advice Harliquinn! Good to know - I sort of thought of the Necromancer as more of a "preventative medecine" sort of Necromancer not the "cackling madly while calling wraiths to eat children" kind. The friendly necromancer that keeps ghosts from attacking halfling villages :)

But I very much appreciate the advice. I will be posting up here again in future. Is there someplace in specific I should post character building questions for Eberron RPGA?

I am CERTAIN I will screw up when it comes to Advancing.

Thanks!!
Harliquinn
05-10-07, 01:33 PM If you questions about style of play, common builds, or what typical groups usually lack for each faction, I would post here. If you want to maximize a build, I would post on the optimization boards but make sure to mention it's for RPGA since that limits your options.
Timlagor
05-10-07, 10:46 PM I find choosing Expansion slots to be the really tough part myself and be aware that your chosen "favoured class" is the one that you want to take fewest levels of.
Still
05-11-07, 10:58 AM HeyTimlagor!

Yeah I was reading up on expansion slots and have absolutely NO idea what kinds of things to choose.

Terrifying.
Harliquinn
05-11-07, 12:06 PM Expansion slots require careful planning almost to 20th :) Since each type of unlock requires a different number of slots and you get feats at certain levels, etc. I know for my Covenant Character, expansion slot organization is critical.
lseelba
05-12-07, 12:43 AM Thanks very much for the advice Harliquinn! Good to know - I sort of thought of the Necromancer as more of a "preventative medecine" sort of Necromancer not the "cackling madly while calling wraiths to eat children" kind. The friendly necromancer that keeps ghosts from attacking halfling villages :)

But I very much appreciate the advice. I will be posting up here again in future. Is there someplace in specific I should post character building questions for Eberron RPGA?

I am CERTAIN I will screw up when it comes to Advancing.

Thanks!!

You can be an Elf Necromancer if you want. Just be sure to choose Aerenal as your region of origin and no one will give it a second thought. You can even be good alignment! :P
Timlagor
05-12-07, 08:40 AM HeyTimlagor!

Yeah I was reading up on expansion slots and have absolutely NO idea what kinds of things to choose.

Terrifying.

I started another thread to discuss this question but didn't get much response. These boards seem fairly empty. Still.. you might find my comments useful.

Do please post your choices there when you do reach a decision.
dark_poet
05-12-07, 10:01 PM The GenCon games will likely be after the level bump. The current thinking is that level bump will be at 7th level, so you'll want to start thinking in that range. First, pick a faction (or all 4). One thing to keep in mind is that in general undead are frowned upon by the factions (except for Cabal of Shadows), so a necromancer specialist might be a 'tough sell' to a group (Obviously you'll get to play at a table you sign up for but there may be some intense RP if you start summoning or controlling undead). Otherwise, check out the campaign rules as they offer some unique races/classes for each faction that you can try out.

Harliquinn

Hey. There's always you friendly NPC necromancer and companion construct walking around helping all the factions :P
Still
05-14-07, 01:24 PM Now I am tied up on feats. No where can I find any ruling on "Collegiate Wizard" from Complete Arcane for RPGA use.

Nowhere is it listed as restricted but I am guessing as it is in Complete Arcane I cannot take it as it is 1st level only and would require 2 explansion slots for it but would only have 1 available at 1st?

I imagine my Necromancer from Aerenal would be subjected to the most rigorous of education since they take their undead very seriously and would only trust those they have placed a significant degree of wizardly training into.

It also meets with the idea that he spends a lot of time researching spell as you get the bonus of more spells per level.

Any thoughts on that feat? Do I even NEED to use an expansion slot for that?
smerwin29
05-14-07, 01:33 PM If a feat is not restricted but not from a source that is open (PHB, DMG or Eberron Campaign Sourcebook), then you have to unlock it. It does cost 2 slots to unlock a feat, but you can take it as soon as you unlock it.

So if you want to take a feat at level 3, you can unlock it at level 3 and take it at level 3 even though it uses up the expansion slots for levels 3 and 4.

Shawn
Crimson Codex Guy
Still
05-14-07, 02:10 PM So I could use my expansion slot for level 1 and level 2 to take the 1st level feat Collegiate Wizard as it can only be taken at 1st level?

That would almost make sense to me :) Please let me know I got my logic correct.

Thanks!
smerwin29
05-14-07, 02:47 PM So I could use my expansion slot for level 1 and level 2 to take the 1st level feat Collegiate Wizard as it can only be taken at 1st level?

That it correct. Assuming the feat is not restricted in any way, you can do exactly that.

Shawn
Crimson Codex Guy
Still
05-14-07, 02:52 PM Excellent Shawn, thank you! I cannot find it on any restricted lists in any of the printed/downloaded official information. The restricted Complete Arcane's feats are listed in the Campaign doc for Xen'drik and it is not currently on the list.

Fantastic!

Thanks again.
Shadowed Intent
05-14-07, 06:23 PM There is a hitch.

That it correct. Assuming the feat is not restricted in any way, you can do exactly that.

Shawn
Crimson Codex Guy

The collegiate wizard feat is in a sidebar in chapter 7: Arcane Campaigns and not in chapter 3: Arcane Feats.

I believe it is a variant feat which is why it is not with the other feats in chapter 3.

In the DMG, on page 4 there is a sidebar explaining the use of sidebars. It mentions rule variants in sidebars, and that RPGA network events do not use them. I believe this statement applies in this situation, even though the Complete Arcane is obviously not the DMG. Therefore It is my belief that such rule variants are restricted, and as such, not allowed.

Without a ruling from a factionmaster or being addressed in the campaign standards, I would not allow it at a table that I was judging. Sorry. :(
Shadowed Intent
05-14-07, 06:32 PM I imagine my Necromancer from Aerenal would be subjected to the most rigorous of education since they take their undead very seriously and would only trust those they have placed a significant degree of wizardly training into.

It also meets with the idea that he spends a lot of time researching spell as you get the bonus of more spells per level.

Any thoughts on that feat? Do I even NEED to use an expansion slot for that?

On a different tack.

You can say you went to an academy, and were subjected to the most rigorous of education. I think that would be great flavor, and give your elf another reason to feel superior. :)

Note: Don't forget you get bonus spell levels based upon your ranks in spellcraft. Xen'drik Expeditions Campaign Standards v2.0 page 11: Wizards and spellbooks.
Skerrit
05-14-07, 06:49 PM Shadowed Intent is correct. Now that I realize where you found the feat, I realize it is a variant rule. XE doesn't normally use variant rules unless specified.
Still
05-14-07, 07:13 PM Teach me to read more clearly :)

Thanks folks

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Still 05-10-07, 12:49 AM	Hi there! I was wondering if anyone out there knows of a good place I could go to get advice on making some characters for the upcoming Gencon Xen'drik Expeditions games. I can make DnD characters in my sleep but there are so many possible choices for Eberron and I have not been as familiar with the new creation and would be afraid I would end up screwing myself. Not looking to twink just want to make viable characters so I don't die immediately due to poor choices and put the rest of the group in jeopardy. Brand new to Xen'drink, lots of DnD experience but an RPGA noob. (Last time I played it was Greyhawk and I got to level 2 :) ) Here's what I am looking at. CVN - 7 Dark Fugitive (which I take it to mean I must make a Covenant of Light character) BWC-7 Test of Mettle (which is Black Wheel Company - and again requires another character). I highly doubt I will get any other RPGA stuff in as it's a wasteland of NO RPGA here in the Toronto area these days. I was thinking of an Elven Specialist Wizard (Necromancer) for Black Wheel Company and had NO clue what to make for the Covenant of Light game. Any thoughts?
Harliquinn 05-10-07, 08:03 AM	The GenCon games will likely be after the level bump. The current thinking is that level bump will be at 7th level, so you'll want to start thinking in that range. First, pick a faction (or all 4). One thing to keep in mind is that in general undead are frowned upon by the factions (except for Cabal of Shadows), so a necromancer specialist might be a 'tough sell' to a group (Obviously you'll get to play at a table you sign up for but there may be some intense RP if you start summoning or controlling undead). Otherwise, check out the campaign rules as they offer some unique races/classes for each faction that you can try out. Harliquinn
Still 05-10-07, 12:37 PM	Thanks very much for the advice Harliquinn! Good to know - I sort of thought of the Necromancer as more of a "preventative medecine" sort of Necromancer not the "cackling madly while calling wraiths to eat children" kind. The friendly necromancer that keeps ghosts from attacking halfling villages :) But I very much appreciate the advice. I will be posting up here again in future. Is there someplace in specific I should post character building questions for Eberron RPGA? I am CERTAIN I will screw up when it comes to Advancing. Thanks!!
Harliquinn 05-10-07, 01:33 PM	If you questions about style of play, common builds, or what typical groups usually lack for each faction, I would post here. If you want to maximize a build, I would post on the optimization boards but make sure to mention it's for RPGA since that limits your options.
Timlagor 05-10-07, 10:46 PM	I find choosing Expansion slots to be the really tough part myself and be aware that your chosen "favoured class" is the one that you want to take fewest levels of.
Still 05-11-07, 10:58 AM	HeyTimlagor! Yeah I was reading up on expansion slots and have absolutely NO idea what kinds of things to choose. Terrifying.
Harliquinn 05-11-07, 12:06 PM	Expansion slots require careful planning almost to 20th :) Since each type of unlock requires a different number of slots and you get feats at certain levels, etc. I know for my Covenant Character, expansion slot organization is critical.
lseelba 05-12-07, 12:43 AM	Thanks very much for the advice Harliquinn! Good to know - I sort of thought of the Necromancer as more of a "preventative medecine" sort of Necromancer not the "cackling madly while calling wraiths to eat children" kind. The friendly necromancer that keeps ghosts from attacking halfling villages :) But I very much appreciate the advice. I will be posting up here again in future. Is there someplace in specific I should post character building questions for Eberron RPGA? I am CERTAIN I will screw up when it comes to Advancing. Thanks!! You can be an Elf Necromancer if you want. Just be sure to choose Aerenal as your region of origin and no one will give it a second thought. You can even be good alignment! :P
Timlagor 05-12-07, 08:40 AM	HeyTimlagor! Yeah I was reading up on expansion slots and have absolutely NO idea what kinds of things to choose. Terrifying. I started another thread to discuss this question but didn't get much response. These boards seem fairly empty. Still.. you might find my comments useful. Do please post your choices there when you do reach a decision.
dark_poet 05-12-07, 10:01 PM	The GenCon games will likely be after the level bump. The current thinking is that level bump will be at 7th level, so you'll want to start thinking in that range. First, pick a faction (or all 4). One thing to keep in mind is that in general undead are frowned upon by the factions (except for Cabal of Shadows), so a necromancer specialist might be a 'tough sell' to a group (Obviously you'll get to play at a table you sign up for but there may be some intense RP if you start summoning or controlling undead). Otherwise, check out the campaign rules as they offer some unique races/classes for each faction that you can try out. Harliquinn Hey. There's always you friendly NPC necromancer and companion construct walking around helping all the factions :P
Still 05-14-07, 01:24 PM	Now I am tied up on feats. No where can I find any ruling on "Collegiate Wizard" from Complete Arcane for RPGA use. Nowhere is it listed as restricted but I am guessing as it is in Complete Arcane I cannot take it as it is 1st level only and would require 2 explansion slots for it but would only have 1 available at 1st? I imagine my Necromancer from Aerenal would be subjected to the most rigorous of education since they take their undead very seriously and would only trust those they have placed a significant degree of wizardly training into. It also meets with the idea that he spends a lot of time researching spell as you get the bonus of more spells per level. Any thoughts on that feat? Do I even NEED to use an expansion slot for that?
smerwin29 05-14-07, 01:33 PM	If a feat is not restricted but not from a source that is open (PHB, DMG or Eberron Campaign Sourcebook), then you have to unlock it. It does cost 2 slots to unlock a feat, but you can take it as soon as you unlock it. So if you want to take a feat at level 3, you can unlock it at level 3 and take it at level 3 even though it uses up the expansion slots for levels 3 and 4. Shawn Crimson Codex Guy
Still 05-14-07, 02:10 PM	So I could use my expansion slot for level 1 and level 2 to take the 1st level feat Collegiate Wizard as it can only be taken at 1st level? That would almost make sense to me :) Please let me know I got my logic correct. Thanks!
smerwin29 05-14-07, 02:47 PM	So I could use my expansion slot for level 1 and level 2 to take the 1st level feat Collegiate Wizard as it can only be taken at 1st level? That it correct. Assuming the feat is not restricted in any way, you can do exactly that. Shawn Crimson Codex Guy
Still 05-14-07, 02:52 PM	Excellent Shawn, thank you! I cannot find it on any restricted lists in any of the printed/downloaded official information. The restricted Complete Arcane's feats are listed in the Campaign doc for Xen'drik and it is not currently on the list. Fantastic! Thanks again.
Shadowed Intent 05-14-07, 06:23 PM	There is a hitch. That it correct. Assuming the feat is not restricted in any way, you can do exactly that. Shawn Crimson Codex Guy The collegiate wizard feat is in a sidebar in chapter 7: Arcane Campaigns and not in chapter 3: Arcane Feats. I believe it is a variant feat which is why it is not with the other feats in chapter 3. In the DMG, on page 4 there is a sidebar explaining the use of sidebars. It mentions rule variants in sidebars, and that RPGA network events do not use them. I believe this statement applies in this situation, even though the Complete Arcane is obviously not the DMG. Therefore It is my belief that such rule variants are restricted, and as such, not allowed. Without a ruling from a factionmaster or being addressed in the campaign standards, I would not allow it at a table that I was judging. Sorry. :(
Shadowed Intent 05-14-07, 06:32 PM	I imagine my Necromancer from Aerenal would be subjected to the most rigorous of education since they take their undead very seriously and would only trust those they have placed a significant degree of wizardly training into. It also meets with the idea that he spends a lot of time researching spell as you get the bonus of more spells per level. Any thoughts on that feat? Do I even NEED to use an expansion slot for that? On a different tack. You can say you went to an academy, and were subjected to the most rigorous of education. I think that would be great flavor, and give your elf another reason to feel superior. :) Note: Don't forget you get bonus spell levels based upon your ranks in spellcraft. Xen'drik Expeditions Campaign Standards v2.0 page 11: Wizards and spellbooks.
Skerrit 05-14-07, 06:49 PM	Shadowed Intent is correct. Now that I realize where you found the feat, I realize it is a variant rule. XE doesn't normally use variant rules unless specified.
Still 05-14-07, 07:13 PM	Teach me to read more clearly :) Thanks folks