Help needed please... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Help needed please... [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
DAK10
02-05-08, 06:15 PM Hello all,

I'm about to join a group of gamers this thursday for the first time running a 1st level intro mod for living greyhawk and I'm stumped on a character. They have 2 clerics so for and another Fighter or Barbarion so far. I was thinking about a Elven Duskblade but I'm not sure if it's legal. Also if I chose an elf ,what modifiers do I apply to my ability scores? Which books do I find that info on? Help! Thanks
TetsujinOni
02-05-08, 06:41 PM Hello all,

I'm about to join a group of gamers this thursday for the first time running a 1st level intro mod for living greyhawk and I'm stumped on a character. They have 2 clerics so for and another Fighter or Barbarion so far. I was thinking about a Elven Duskblade but I'm not sure if it's legal. Also if I chose an elf ,what modifiers do I apply to my ability scores? Which books do I find that info on? Help! Thanks

You definitely need to go to the Living Greyhawk homepage and read the LGCS (Living Greyhawk Campaign Sourcebook), it will provide important guidance for your character creation.

Notably, Duskblade is not open to starting characters. Racial modifiers and character creation rules are listed in the Player's Handbook 3.5, and in the LGCS for the Monster Manual additional races (variant halflings, variant dwarf, variant elves, only the variants listed in the LGCS).

Hope that helps! (Wood Elf Cleric of Solonar (war,celerity) archers are cute)
DAK10
02-05-08, 08:01 PM Thanks! Can you give me the link to the LG webpage? Also, which specific page in the PH2??

Thanks,

Now I'm bummed that I can't be a duskblade. Is multiclass the only way to have a fighter/wizard type?
Istaran
02-05-08, 08:49 PM Other options for Fighter/Wizard type:
Hexblade. Not a great choice. You also won't cast until level 4, and only weakly at that point. It works unusually well for qualifying for Improved Familiar (and gets Augment Familiar as a 1st level spell), but I'm not sure how far that aspect can be usefully pushed. (Blink Dog familiar at level 6? If nothing else it has crazy mobility.) However, you have full BAB and d10 HD so you're basically a fighter with good will saves and mediocre class features/spellcasting to replace your feats and fort. Probably the high point is qualifying for Dragon Disciple without a BAB drop or low HD.

Warmage. A great choice for a 'archer' who slings spells instead of arrows. Some of their spells work well for a melee build as well, but that is not their strong suit. You get armored spell casting, add int to spell damage (key at low levels, fades in usefulness over time), spont casting off a large list of boom spells (always have the right element for the target, good number of SR:No spells, etc.) Look into the Arcane Disciple feat; adding a few non-boom spells will greatly increase your versatility and give you options other than just BOOM. Your BAB will suck but you'll have touch spells all day long and a few more HP than a wiz/sorc.

Or you could just multiclass. Warmage w/ practiced spellcaster makes a pretty solid dip for a mostly fighter type that wants spells: w/ one level invested and CL 5 (from Practiced Spellcaster) you get Truestrike (helps you delive your normal hits, Magic Missile (never fails - unless there's SR), Shocking Grasp (5d6 + edge), Lesser Orb of *.* (ignores SR and decent damage), and Fist of Stone (nice at very low levels). And all this works in light armor/shield. Compare that to what you would get for a one level investment in any other arcane class and it's hard to find a better choice. (In the longer run, other arcane spellcasters tend to out-do them by having a better variety of spells, but if you are multiclassing you will not be getting as far up the spell progression. Also of note is that a good many spells lose effectiveness entirely as you level; hence why I do not advise Beguiler for a similar multiclass dip: too many of your spells will be DC dependent and fail utterly etc. However Truestrike never falls behind, MM is always a good fallback versus incorporeal or otherwise hard to hit foes, etc.
Jay_Ibero_911
02-05-08, 11:11 PM Thanks! Can you give me the link to the LG webpage? Also, which specific page in the PH2??

Thanks,

Now I'm bummed that I can't be a duskblade. Is multiclass the only way to have a fighter/wizard type?

Not PH2, PHB. The core player's handbook has the info on all player races, asside from the few extra MM options noted in the LGCS.

Here's a link to the SRD, an online compilation of all the core rules info:
http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html

And here's a link to the LGCS(all info on what you can and can't use):
http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LGCS_597_v7-5.zip
kinevon
02-06-08, 01:36 AM Another possibility, which is what my secondary character is exploring, is a multi-class Marshal/Warmage build. Loses a bit of BAB, but the Marshal party bonuses can be sweet.

Mine took Motivate Dexterity for his minor aura, which can be helpful in that first round, since it improves the chance of your party being able to get attacks off while your opponents are still flat-footed. And helps out the Rogue when they disarm those traps...

I know another build took Motivate Charisma and was built as a diplo-monkey. And, as a side benefit, it helps out the Cleric on their Turning attempts.

Char 16, Int 14, so the Warmage edge is +2 on damage only... But mine is a human, not an Elf, and the Warmage idea was not in my original concept, I was thinking Sorcerer instead, but decided I liked the better AC and the additional ranged attack options.
JamesMaissen
02-06-08, 02:10 AM Is multiclass the only way to have a fighter/wizard type?

It's the best way.

Fighter1/Wizard6/SpellSword1 makes a solid gish (ftr/mu, or whatever you want to call it) and isn't that bad as far as multiclassing goes.

-James
DAK10
02-06-08, 11:54 AM Not PH2, PHB. The core player's handbook has the info on all player races, asside from the few extra MM options noted in the LGCS.

Here's a link to the SRD, an online compilation of all the core rules info:
http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html

And here's a link to the LGCS(all info on what you can and can't use):
http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LGCS_597_v7-5.zip

Thanks! Can anyone tell me what the difference between a class and a base class? I'm creating a Elven Barb level 1 now but I don't see barbarion as an open class in the LGCS 7.5 page 26. What classes are available?
Jay_Ibero_911
02-06-08, 12:12 PM Thanks! Can anyone tell me what the difference between a class and a base class? I'm creating a Elven Barb level 1 now but I don't see barbarion as an open class in the LGCS 7.5 page 26. What classes are available?

Be sure to thoroughly read the LGCS. It states that everything from the PHB is open except for that which is specifically listed as closed. All PHB base classes are open. As far as class distinctions, classes come in two types: Base classes that can be taken from level 1, and prestige classes that have requirements you have to meet before you can take them.
Timlagor
02-06-08, 01:07 PM Please don't multiclass warmages. Warmages work because they can burn top level slots with metamagic and exactly the right spell to hit and deal maximum damage.

If you are mostly a fighter you will be much better off with spells that help you fight better rather than adding a weak damage alternative use for your precious standard action each round.
DAK10
02-06-08, 01:26 PM Be sure to thoroughly read the LGCS. It states that everything from the PHB is open except for that which is specifically listed as closed. All PHB base classes are open. As far as class distinctions, classes come in two types: Base classes that can be taken from level 1, and prestige classes that have requirements you have to meet before you can take them.

Thanks agan Jay. How come the d20 link doesn't give ability modifiers? For example if while I'm building my barbarion (using the 28 pt buy system of course) I want to see what a consitustion of 10 vs 12 where can I see that? Or the difference between a 15 str and 17 str. Your help is great.
kenobi65
02-06-08, 02:09 PM Thanks agan Jay. How come the d20 link doesn't give ability modifiers? For example if while I'm building my barbarion (using the 28 pt buy system of course) I want to see what a consitustion of 10 vs 12 where can I see that? Or the difference between a 15 str and 17 str. Your help is great.

This link (to another version of the SRD) does give the bonuses:
http://www.d20srd.org/srd/theBasics.htm#abilityScores

If you're mathmatically inclined, the formula for the bonus that an ability score gives is:

Bonus = (Score-10)/2, round down.

The easy answers to your questions are this:
- Increasing a score by 2 points always increases the bonus by 1.
- Bonus increases always occur on even numbers (thus, increasing a score from 10 to 11 doesn't change the bonus, but increasing a score from 11 to 12 does).
- All six ability scores use the same bonuses. Thus, a 16 in any score gives a +3 bonus.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
DAK10 02-05-08, 06:15 PM	Hello all, I'm about to join a group of gamers this thursday for the first time running a 1st level intro mod for living greyhawk and I'm stumped on a character. They have 2 clerics so for and another Fighter or Barbarion so far. I was thinking about a Elven Duskblade but I'm not sure if it's legal. Also if I chose an elf ,what modifiers do I apply to my ability scores? Which books do I find that info on? Help! Thanks
TetsujinOni 02-05-08, 06:41 PM	Hello all, I'm about to join a group of gamers this thursday for the first time running a 1st level intro mod for living greyhawk and I'm stumped on a character. They have 2 clerics so for and another Fighter or Barbarion so far. I was thinking about a Elven Duskblade but I'm not sure if it's legal. Also if I chose an elf ,what modifiers do I apply to my ability scores? Which books do I find that info on? Help! Thanks You definitely need to go to the Living Greyhawk homepage and read the LGCS (Living Greyhawk Campaign Sourcebook), it will provide important guidance for your character creation. Notably, Duskblade is not open to starting characters. Racial modifiers and character creation rules are listed in the Player's Handbook 3.5, and in the LGCS for the Monster Manual additional races (variant halflings, variant dwarf, variant elves, only the variants listed in the LGCS). Hope that helps! (Wood Elf Cleric of Solonar (war,celerity) archers are cute)
DAK10 02-05-08, 08:01 PM	Thanks! Can you give me the link to the LG webpage? Also, which specific page in the PH2?? Thanks, Now I'm bummed that I can't be a duskblade. Is multiclass the only way to have a fighter/wizard type?
Istaran 02-05-08, 08:49 PM	Other options for Fighter/Wizard type: Hexblade. Not a great choice. You also won't cast until level 4, and only weakly at that point. It works unusually well for qualifying for Improved Familiar (and gets Augment Familiar as a 1st level spell), but I'm not sure how far that aspect can be usefully pushed. (Blink Dog familiar at level 6? If nothing else it has crazy mobility.) However, you have full BAB and d10 HD so you're basically a fighter with good will saves and mediocre class features/spellcasting to replace your feats and fort. Probably the high point is qualifying for Dragon Disciple without a BAB drop or low HD. Warmage. A great choice for a 'archer' who slings spells instead of arrows. Some of their spells work well for a melee build as well, but that is not their strong suit. You get armored spell casting, add int to spell damage (key at low levels, fades in usefulness over time), spont casting off a large list of boom spells (always have the right element for the target, good number of SR:No spells, etc.) Look into the Arcane Disciple feat; adding a few non-boom spells will greatly increase your versatility and give you options other than just BOOM. Your BAB will suck but you'll have touch spells all day long and a few more HP than a wiz/sorc. Or you could just multiclass. Warmage w/ practiced spellcaster makes a pretty solid dip for a mostly fighter type that wants spells: w/ one level invested and CL 5 (from Practiced Spellcaster) you get Truestrike (helps you delive your normal hits, Magic Missile (never fails - unless there's SR), Shocking Grasp (5d6 + edge), Lesser Orb of . (ignores SR and decent damage), and Fist of Stone (nice at very low levels). And all this works in light armor/shield. Compare that to what you would get for a one level investment in any other arcane class and it's hard to find a better choice. (In the longer run, other arcane spellcasters tend to out-do them by having a better variety of spells, but if you are multiclassing you will not be getting as far up the spell progression. Also of note is that a good many spells lose effectiveness entirely as you level; hence why I do not advise Beguiler for a similar multiclass dip: too many of your spells will be DC dependent and fail utterly etc. However Truestrike never falls behind, MM is always a good fallback versus incorporeal or otherwise hard to hit foes, etc.
Jay_Ibero_911 02-05-08, 11:11 PM	Thanks! Can you give me the link to the LG webpage? Also, which specific page in the PH2?? Thanks, Now I'm bummed that I can't be a duskblade. Is multiclass the only way to have a fighter/wizard type? Not PH2, PHB. The core player's handbook has the info on all player races, asside from the few extra MM options noted in the LGCS. Here's a link to the SRD, an online compilation of all the core rules info: http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html And here's a link to the LGCS(all info on what you can and can't use): http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LGCS_597_v7-5.zip
kinevon 02-06-08, 01:36 AM	Another possibility, which is what my secondary character is exploring, is a multi-class Marshal/Warmage build. Loses a bit of BAB, but the Marshal party bonuses can be sweet. Mine took Motivate Dexterity for his minor aura, which can be helpful in that first round, since it improves the chance of your party being able to get attacks off while your opponents are still flat-footed. And helps out the Rogue when they disarm those traps... I know another build took Motivate Charisma and was built as a diplo-monkey. And, as a side benefit, it helps out the Cleric on their Turning attempts. Char 16, Int 14, so the Warmage edge is +2 on damage only... But mine is a human, not an Elf, and the Warmage idea was not in my original concept, I was thinking Sorcerer instead, but decided I liked the better AC and the additional ranged attack options.
JamesMaissen 02-06-08, 02:10 AM	Is multiclass the only way to have a fighter/wizard type? It's the best way. Fighter1/Wizard6/SpellSword1 makes a solid gish (ftr/mu, or whatever you want to call it) and isn't that bad as far as multiclassing goes. -James
DAK10 02-06-08, 11:54 AM	Not PH2, PHB. The core player's handbook has the info on all player races, asside from the few extra MM options noted in the LGCS. Here's a link to the SRD, an online compilation of all the core rules info: http://www.systemreferencedocuments.org/35/sovelior_sage/home.html And here's a link to the LGCS(all info on what you can and can't use): http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/LGCS_597_v7-5.zip Thanks! Can anyone tell me what the difference between a class and a base class? I'm creating a Elven Barb level 1 now but I don't see barbarion as an open class in the LGCS 7.5 page 26. What classes are available?
Jay_Ibero_911 02-06-08, 12:12 PM	Thanks! Can anyone tell me what the difference between a class and a base class? I'm creating a Elven Barb level 1 now but I don't see barbarion as an open class in the LGCS 7.5 page 26. What classes are available? Be sure to thoroughly read the LGCS. It states that everything from the PHB is open except for that which is specifically listed as closed. All PHB base classes are open. As far as class distinctions, classes come in two types: Base classes that can be taken from level 1, and prestige classes that have requirements you have to meet before you can take them.
Timlagor 02-06-08, 01:07 PM	Please don't multiclass warmages. Warmages work because they can burn top level slots with metamagic and exactly the right spell to hit and deal maximum damage. If you are mostly a fighter you will be much better off with spells that help you fight better rather than adding a weak damage alternative use for your precious standard action each round.
DAK10 02-06-08, 01:26 PM	Be sure to thoroughly read the LGCS. It states that everything from the PHB is open except for that which is specifically listed as closed. All PHB base classes are open. As far as class distinctions, classes come in two types: Base classes that can be taken from level 1, and prestige classes that have requirements you have to meet before you can take them. Thanks agan Jay. How come the d20 link doesn't give ability modifiers? For example if while I'm building my barbarion (using the 28 pt buy system of course) I want to see what a consitustion of 10 vs 12 where can I see that? Or the difference between a 15 str and 17 str. Your help is great.
kenobi65 02-06-08, 02:09 PM	Thanks agan Jay. How come the d20 link doesn't give ability modifiers? For example if while I'm building my barbarion (using the 28 pt buy system of course) I want to see what a consitustion of 10 vs 12 where can I see that? Or the difference between a 15 str and 17 str. Your help is great. This link (to another version of the SRD) does give the bonuses: http://www.d20srd.org/srd/theBasics.htm#abilityScores If you're mathmatically inclined, the formula for the bonus that an ability score gives is: Bonus = (Score-10)/2, round down. The easy answers to your questions are this: - Increasing a score by 2 points always increases the bonus by 1. - Bonus increases always occur on even numbers (thus, increasing a score from 10 to 11 doesn't change the bonus, but increasing a score from 11 to 12 does). - All six ability scores use the same bonuses. Thus, a 16 in any score gives a +3 bonus.