Need Underdark Character Ideas [Archive] - Wizards Community

Need Underdark Character Ideas [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
phoenxhwk
06-01-05, 01:38 PM Our group has just finished up a Dragonlance campaign and have decided to go in a completely different direction by playing an Underdark campaign next. The campaign will be more or less completely set in the Underdark, and we have the option to play evil. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with the area and have NO IDEA what to play! Any suggestions? What has worked well for people that have played there before? I'm trying to avoid a "good" character, because I have a tendency to play Paladins and the like - and that doesn't seem like it's going to work as some of the other party members will be evil.
MT-296 "Dagger"
06-01-05, 02:09 PM There are tons of possibilites. Have you ever considered playing a Gold Dwarf? They live in the Underdark. Kuo-Tua. Derro. "Shrugs" Goblins,orcs, Svirfneblin. Quaggoths ((sp?)) Some shield dwarves. And of course the ever popular Drow. I think it might be interesting to play a female drow traitor priestess who worships Lloth on the surface but Vhaerun is her true patron. Illithids. Eh I could go on and on. Pretty much all classes are availible in the Underdark. Ah and I suggest you pick a race with Darkvision. Otherwise your going to be spending alot of money on torches and other light sources.
Freakboy
06-01-05, 02:12 PM Our group has just finished up a Dragonlance campaign and have decided to go in a completely different direction by playing an Underdark campaign next. The campaign will be more or less completely set in the Underdark, and we have the option to play evil. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with the area and have NO IDEA what to play! Any suggestions? What has worked well for people that have played there before? I'm trying to avoid a "good" character, because I have a tendency to play Paladins and the like - and that doesn't seem like it's going to work as some of the other party members will be evil.

The Drow are always fun if you are playing in the underdark but their are other options. If you have savage species, it might be fun to try a Mind Flayer. Duergar are a more reasonably powered option similar to the Drow. If you want to play "good" in the Underdark, then you should consider playing Svirfneblin. If you own the Underdark sourcebook, then Deep Imaskari are for all intensive purposes Underdarks solution to humans. In addition, Underdark has rules for playing Gloamings, Grymlocks, Slyth, Chitines, and Kuo-Toas as character races. If you have races of Faerun, then you can also play Derro, Orogs, and Tanarruks. All of those would be great choices for race in an Underdark campaign. For something really different, try playing a Draegloth (which is written in Champions of Ruin).

As for classes, there are literally dozens and dozens of options depending on the resources you have access to. There are several class and PRC options that have a decidedly Underdark flavor including the Deep Diviner, Imaskari Vengeance Taker, Arachnomancer, Cavelord, Drow Judicator, Illithid Body Tamer, Inquisitor of the Drowning Goddess, Prime Underdark Guide, Sea Mother Whip, Shadowcraftor, Vermin Keeper, and Yachlol Webrider. Those are all detailed in Underdark. Underdark also highlights some of the more common "core" PRC's found in Underdark including the Assasin, Archmage, Divine Champion, Arcane Devotee, Shadowdancers, Divine Disciples, and Shadow Adepts. Personally, I have played or DMed a male Drow Wizard/Archmage, a male Drow Fighter/Rogue/Assasin, a female Drow Cleric/Divine Disciple, a Draegloth Barbarian, an Orog Fighter, a female Drow Sorcerer/Shadow Adept, a male Drow Cleric/Fighter/Drow Judicator, a Duergar Fighter, a Mind Flayer racial progression, a female Drow rogue/shadow dancer and several others.

So to answer you basic question, I would start off with what race you want to play and then try to play a class that has a good flavor for that race. Use what resources you have, but if there is one book I would tell you to get if you plan to play in the Underdark, it would be the Underdark Sourcebook for 3.5 Edition. It has so much information and player options that it is indespensible when playing/running an Underdark campaign. If you have the money to buy a couple of books I would do Underdark first and then get whichever book or books has the specific things you want to use for your character in it. I don't know what you already have, but there are also several good d20 based books on the Underdark from other publishers if your DM will allow you to use them. Some of the better "secondary" publishers include Green Ronin, and Malhovac Press. Both have some great resources for Underdark adventures. I prefer the FR stuff but have found occasion to use outside references for NPC's and Antagonists.

Hope all that helps.
Kadasbrass
06-01-05, 02:14 PM Well since this the under dark lets go over the basics. Going to need darkvision, from a Roleplay stand point, while there nothing wrong with torches and other ligth sources, the simple fact is that there is very little in the way of light and any ligth source is going to reveal your presence far sooner then you would like.

If you do not mind a level adjustment, then your best bet might either a Drow, Duergar, or Tiefling. Otherwise you might want to stick to either Goblin, Orc, or Kobold (If there is a Drow or Duergar in your group you can always Roleplay as a 'servant' or slave to them).

Class wise, if you like Paladin, you can always see if your DM let you play a evil version from Unearthed Arcana, or maybe the Hexblade from Complete Warrior. Or maybe see if your DM let you make a few edits to the Ranger to make it a underground version. Most other classes are the same side from maybe a few enviroment differences.
phoenxhwk
06-01-05, 03:13 PM a Mind Flayer racial progression

How well did this work out for you? We're starting at 8th level, and I figure that a mind flayer would have all of 30 or so HP at that time. I had thought about this before, but I dropped the idea because it seems awfully fragile to me.

Another idea I'm tossing about is something like tiefling two weapon fighter.
Gryphonfox
06-01-05, 03:57 PM I'm running an Underdark campaign right now and the coolest PC in the group is a svirfneblin earth genasi rogue...he has quite the level adjustment (+4) so he's a bit behind the others in levels, but he took the Magic in the Blood feat at 1st level so he can use all his racial abilities 3/day. His Hide skill is astronomical for a 4th level rogue (I think it's at least a 20) because of the cool racial bonuses, plus there's spell resistance etc. He usually just hides and sneak attacks...very effective.
FARMER44625
06-01-05, 04:31 PM A true powerho se IMHO is a ftr Minotaur, i used the savage species to make mine. there LA isn't too steep and there very common in the Underdark. My group refers to my PC as "The Tank".

good luck!
Freakboy
06-01-05, 06:07 PM How well did this work out for you? We're starting at 8th level, and I figure that a mind flayer would have all of 30 or so HP at that time. I had thought about this before, but I dropped the idea because it seems awfully fragile to me.

Another idea I'm tossing about is something like tiefling two weapon fighter.

I found that the Mind Flayers racial abilities more than make up for its relative lack of HP. The key is you have to play it like you would a wizard or sorcerer. By that I mean stay away from front line combat, and focus on ranged attacks using your special abilities. The Mindflayer is a 15 level progression, so you want to make sure you like its racial abilities as your primary modes of attack. After those 15 levels, I recommend gaining Psion levels if you use the Expanded Psionics Handbook, or Sorcerer levels if you don't. Alternatively, you can make a Mind Flayer "melee" type character by taking levels in the Illithid Body Tamer PRC from Underdark, but that is tougher with the 15 level progression and only 8 HD by that point. If you want to play a melee type character I would go with the Tiefling 2-Weapon fighter you mentioned or consider another race. Personally I think the Draegloth is a phenominal melee type creature and its level progression is only 10 levels with 6d10 base hit dice by the end of those 10 levels. Additionally, it has a +12 Str, +4 Con, +4 Dex, +2 Int, Resistance to Fire, Cold, Acid, Electricity 20 and 3 natural attacks (2 Claws and a Bite). Top to bottom I think it is a really interesting monster to play, and it has enough levels left after the monster progression to still take 10 levels in something like Barbarian or Fighter. If you don't want to do that though, the Tiefling is a better melee option though you probably will want to make it more of a "finesse" fighter than a tank. The Mind Flayer as I said is more of a "caster" type and the Minotaur option Farmer suggested would be good if you want to play more of a "tank".

One final thought....

If you want to play a Paladin type character, then I would seriously think about playing a Blackguard. I DMed a Drow Fighter/Cleric/Blackguard that was a blast for the girl playing it. I also enjoyed DMing it because the character was a male follower of Selvatarm which made for some interesting role-play. If there is anything else I can help with let me know. Sounds like it will be a fun campaign. I've DMed 9 different campaigns based in the Underdark over the last 15 years through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd edition and I have always enjoyed it the most of any campaign type I have played or DMed.
phoenxhwk
06-02-05, 11:05 AM Playing a Draegloth sounds like a blast! Where did you find a savage progression for it? The Player's Guide to Faerun lists the LA as "-", which usually means it's too high for a PC.
Freakboy
06-02-05, 12:16 PM Playing a Draegloth sounds like a blast! Where did you find a savage progression for it? The Player's Guide to Faerun lists the LA as "-", which usually means it's too high for a PC.

The Draegloth progression is in Champions of Ruin. It is a fun creature to play. It's level adjustment is +4 with 6 racial HD for a total ECL of 10. If you start at 8th level like you said, you would be almost completely through with the racial progression at the start. Champions of Ruin is a great book, and if you can't afford to buy it, see if someone will let you just get the info on the Draegloth section to use for your character. If there is anything else I can do let me know.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
phoenxhwk 06-01-05, 01:38 PM	Our group has just finished up a Dragonlance campaign and have decided to go in a completely different direction by playing an Underdark campaign next. The campaign will be more or less completely set in the Underdark, and we have the option to play evil. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with the area and have NO IDEA what to play! Any suggestions? What has worked well for people that have played there before? I'm trying to avoid a "good" character, because I have a tendency to play Paladins and the like - and that doesn't seem like it's going to work as some of the other party members will be evil.
MT-296 "Dagger" 06-01-05, 02:09 PM	There are tons of possibilites. Have you ever considered playing a Gold Dwarf? They live in the Underdark. Kuo-Tua. Derro. "Shrugs" Goblins,orcs, Svirfneblin. Quaggoths ((sp?)) Some shield dwarves. And of course the ever popular Drow. I think it might be interesting to play a female drow traitor priestess who worships Lloth on the surface but Vhaerun is her true patron. Illithids. Eh I could go on and on. Pretty much all classes are availible in the Underdark. Ah and I suggest you pick a race with Darkvision. Otherwise your going to be spending alot of money on torches and other light sources.
Freakboy 06-01-05, 02:12 PM	Our group has just finished up a Dragonlance campaign and have decided to go in a completely different direction by playing an Underdark campaign next. The campaign will be more or less completely set in the Underdark, and we have the option to play evil. Problem is, I'm not very familiar with the area and have NO IDEA what to play! Any suggestions? What has worked well for people that have played there before? I'm trying to avoid a "good" character, because I have a tendency to play Paladins and the like - and that doesn't seem like it's going to work as some of the other party members will be evil. The Drow are always fun if you are playing in the underdark but their are other options. If you have savage species, it might be fun to try a Mind Flayer. Duergar are a more reasonably powered option similar to the Drow. If you want to play "good" in the Underdark, then you should consider playing Svirfneblin. If you own the Underdark sourcebook, then Deep Imaskari are for all intensive purposes Underdarks solution to humans. In addition, Underdark has rules for playing Gloamings, Grymlocks, Slyth, Chitines, and Kuo-Toas as character races. If you have races of Faerun, then you can also play Derro, Orogs, and Tanarruks. All of those would be great choices for race in an Underdark campaign. For something really different, try playing a Draegloth (which is written in Champions of Ruin). As for classes, there are literally dozens and dozens of options depending on the resources you have access to. There are several class and PRC options that have a decidedly Underdark flavor including the Deep Diviner, Imaskari Vengeance Taker, Arachnomancer, Cavelord, Drow Judicator, Illithid Body Tamer, Inquisitor of the Drowning Goddess, Prime Underdark Guide, Sea Mother Whip, Shadowcraftor, Vermin Keeper, and Yachlol Webrider. Those are all detailed in Underdark. Underdark also highlights some of the more common "core" PRC's found in Underdark including the Assasin, Archmage, Divine Champion, Arcane Devotee, Shadowdancers, Divine Disciples, and Shadow Adepts. Personally, I have played or DMed a male Drow Wizard/Archmage, a male Drow Fighter/Rogue/Assasin, a female Drow Cleric/Divine Disciple, a Draegloth Barbarian, an Orog Fighter, a female Drow Sorcerer/Shadow Adept, a male Drow Cleric/Fighter/Drow Judicator, a Duergar Fighter, a Mind Flayer racial progression, a female Drow rogue/shadow dancer and several others. So to answer you basic question, I would start off with what race you want to play and then try to play a class that has a good flavor for that race. Use what resources you have, but if there is one book I would tell you to get if you plan to play in the Underdark, it would be the Underdark Sourcebook for 3.5 Edition. It has so much information and player options that it is indespensible when playing/running an Underdark campaign. If you have the money to buy a couple of books I would do Underdark first and then get whichever book or books has the specific things you want to use for your character in it. I don't know what you already have, but there are also several good d20 based books on the Underdark from other publishers if your DM will allow you to use them. Some of the better "secondary" publishers include Green Ronin, and Malhovac Press. Both have some great resources for Underdark adventures. I prefer the FR stuff but have found occasion to use outside references for NPC's and Antagonists. Hope all that helps.
Kadasbrass 06-01-05, 02:14 PM	Well since this the under dark lets go over the basics. Going to need darkvision, from a Roleplay stand point, while there nothing wrong with torches and other ligth sources, the simple fact is that there is very little in the way of light and any ligth source is going to reveal your presence far sooner then you would like. If you do not mind a level adjustment, then your best bet might either a Drow, Duergar, or Tiefling. Otherwise you might want to stick to either Goblin, Orc, or Kobold (If there is a Drow or Duergar in your group you can always Roleplay as a 'servant' or slave to them). Class wise, if you like Paladin, you can always see if your DM let you play a evil version from Unearthed Arcana, or maybe the Hexblade from Complete Warrior. Or maybe see if your DM let you make a few edits to the Ranger to make it a underground version. Most other classes are the same side from maybe a few enviroment differences.
phoenxhwk 06-01-05, 03:13 PM	a Mind Flayer racial progression How well did this work out for you? We're starting at 8th level, and I figure that a mind flayer would have all of 30 or so HP at that time. I had thought about this before, but I dropped the idea because it seems awfully fragile to me. Another idea I'm tossing about is something like tiefling two weapon fighter.
Gryphonfox 06-01-05, 03:57 PM	I'm running an Underdark campaign right now and the coolest PC in the group is a svirfneblin earth genasi rogue...he has quite the level adjustment (+4) so he's a bit behind the others in levels, but he took the Magic in the Blood feat at 1st level so he can use all his racial abilities 3/day. His Hide skill is astronomical for a 4th level rogue (I think it's at least a 20) because of the cool racial bonuses, plus there's spell resistance etc. He usually just hides and sneak attacks...very effective.
FARMER44625 06-01-05, 04:31 PM	A true powerho se IMHO is a ftr Minotaur, i used the savage species to make mine. there LA isn't too steep and there very common in the Underdark. My group refers to my PC as "The Tank". good luck!
Freakboy 06-01-05, 06:07 PM	How well did this work out for you? We're starting at 8th level, and I figure that a mind flayer would have all of 30 or so HP at that time. I had thought about this before, but I dropped the idea because it seems awfully fragile to me. Another idea I'm tossing about is something like tiefling two weapon fighter. I found that the Mind Flayers racial abilities more than make up for its relative lack of HP. The key is you have to play it like you would a wizard or sorcerer. By that I mean stay away from front line combat, and focus on ranged attacks using your special abilities. The Mindflayer is a 15 level progression, so you want to make sure you like its racial abilities as your primary modes of attack. After those 15 levels, I recommend gaining Psion levels if you use the Expanded Psionics Handbook, or Sorcerer levels if you don't. Alternatively, you can make a Mind Flayer "melee" type character by taking levels in the Illithid Body Tamer PRC from Underdark, but that is tougher with the 15 level progression and only 8 HD by that point. If you want to play a melee type character I would go with the Tiefling 2-Weapon fighter you mentioned or consider another race. Personally I think the Draegloth is a phenominal melee type creature and its level progression is only 10 levels with 6d10 base hit dice by the end of those 10 levels. Additionally, it has a +12 Str, +4 Con, +4 Dex, +2 Int, Resistance to Fire, Cold, Acid, Electricity 20 and 3 natural attacks (2 Claws and a Bite). Top to bottom I think it is a really interesting monster to play, and it has enough levels left after the monster progression to still take 10 levels in something like Barbarian or Fighter. If you don't want to do that though, the Tiefling is a better melee option though you probably will want to make it more of a "finesse" fighter than a tank. The Mind Flayer as I said is more of a "caster" type and the Minotaur option Farmer suggested would be good if you want to play more of a "tank". One final thought.... If you want to play a Paladin type character, then I would seriously think about playing a Blackguard. I DMed a Drow Fighter/Cleric/Blackguard that was a blast for the girl playing it. I also enjoyed DMing it because the character was a male follower of Selvatarm which made for some interesting role-play. If there is anything else I can help with let me know. Sounds like it will be a fun campaign. I've DMed 9 different campaigns based in the Underdark over the last 15 years through 1st, 2nd, and 3rd edition and I have always enjoyed it the most of any campaign type I have played or DMed.
phoenxhwk 06-02-05, 11:05 AM	Playing a Draegloth sounds like a blast! Where did you find a savage progression for it? The Player's Guide to Faerun lists the LA as "-", which usually means it's too high for a PC.
Freakboy 06-02-05, 12:16 PM	Playing a Draegloth sounds like a blast! Where did you find a savage progression for it? The Player's Guide to Faerun lists the LA as "-", which usually means it's too high for a PC. The Draegloth progression is in Champions of Ruin. It is a fun creature to play. It's level adjustment is +4 with 6 racial HD for a total ECL of 10. If you start at 8th level like you said, you would be almost completely through with the racial progression at the start. Champions of Ruin is a great book, and if you can't afford to buy it, see if someone will let you just get the info on the Draegloth section to use for your character. If there is anything else I can do let me know.