Post/Author/DateTime	Post
LGMoses 01-03-07, 12:50 PM	I just have been noticing a lot of people have given their characters levels in the marshal class. I just want to take a census of how many marshals are running around Greyhawk now.
SirApropos 01-03-07, 12:54 PM	The Marshal class was what got me interested in playing LG regularly when it became an option two years ago. My main PC is a Marshal 5/Bard 2/Sorcerer 1/Ruathar 1 currently and is very fun to play mainly because I enjoy playing a support PC. She's not a half bad mounted combatant either.
Morgen 01-03-07, 12:54 PM	Must be a fad where your playing at. I only know 1 marshal player here in the Shield Lands. There may be more, but I don't see anyone playing them.
LachlarlanIII 01-03-07, 12:54 PM	Before the last conversion I had a Marshal character. After conversion, he was turned into a Wizard. I currently have the inkling to play a Marshal again, but not one of them namby-pamby Motivate Dex ones :P
wagnert 01-03-07, 01:04 PM	One player in my local group plays a marshal. However, when I go to nearby conventions, I frequently find a marshal or even a marshal/bard at the table. Once we even had two marshals who coordinated their auras. They had 5 x 8 cards they put out to ensure we knew which auras were up. I play mostly in the Yeomanry, Gran March, and Principality of Ulek
kenobi65 01-03-07, 01:07 PM	I've only ever seen one. This won't really be a "census", anyway, since a tiny fraction of the LG player base reads / posts on this board.
Golorious 01-03-07, 02:03 PM	I'm not sure who Morgen is paying attention to but there are 4 Marshals/mutts that see regular play in our Area of the Shield Lands. There is one of the players that has like 5 characters each with at least 1 level of marshal all by himself for different regions. I personally have a Marshal 3/Fighter 2/ Paladin 2 who will take marshal 4 eventually. Marshal is an interesting class. Mostly I see people take 1-3 levels of it then move on to a different primary class (bard, paladin, Warmage, Sorcerer, wizard, fighter, cleric). So far I have seen only one person (in the Shield Lands anyway) with more than 4 levels of marshal. I believe that he is a 7th level marshal and may switch classes after 8 levels. The versatility of the marshal's aura's is pretty cool and that grant move action when the opponents are flat footed is fantastic.
budleiser 01-03-07, 02:18 PM	Klein is Rogue1/Marshal3/Fighter2/Ranger1/BeastMaster1 Should only be Marshal 2 but I built it wrong and took Motivate Dex, so I had to take another level for Motivate Charge. I know a MarshalX/BardX in the area who motivates Dex, Saves, and Flanking. I think its a great class for the CHA stat for anyone who has wanted to build a face character and have any weapons they want instead of being forced into Fighter.
LGMoses 01-03-07, 02:42 PM	I've only ever seen one. This won't really be a "census", anyway, since a tiny fraction of the LG player base reads / posts on this board. true but its a very vocal fractions :D I'm just wanting everyone's opinion on the marshal class. is it under/over powered? I don't know anyone that plays them but i see a lot of /marshal on this board.
MatteBlack 01-03-07, 03:06 PM	I play a marshal (3rd lvl) in the Bissel/Keoland area. It's a secondary I play in order to keep on level with my friends who play less. It certainly seems like everyone knows someone who plays one but, I have not run into many because only of a fraction of my play goes beyond our extended gaming group. I would have to say that the class may be too easily added to many combinations with little to no sacrifice provided you have a good CHA. One level gives a very good pay off and by 4th level, you basically have all the features to some extent. I question whether it may be too good a class early but, considering you share the bonus with everyone , it is unlikely to ruffle any feathers. Lee
Shieldhart91 01-03-07, 05:03 PM	I rarely see any Marshalls in Furyondy: we usually have people throw in a level of Bard here in there. Marshall is an awesome class- which surprises me. Damn bards are everywhere <.< Marshall + Rogue = Bard
Lomiat 01-03-07, 05:21 PM	I've got one of the Marshals Golorious mentioned in the Shield Lands area, but it's only a 1-level dip (and will only ever be 1 level). I'm playing a different character in Red Hand of Doom, but our table for Red Hand has two players with Marshals (who, unfortunately, both have the same aura). Another friend of mine in a different playgroup has a Bard5/Marshal1. The pattern here? 1 or 2 levels of Marshal, tops. The 1st level gets a free feat, a minor aura (effectively a 1st-level spell all day long), good Fort and Will saves, and some armor/weapon proficiencies, etc. It's a heck of an immediate boost. Finch Elias Bard 3 / Marshal 1 (motivate Charisma)
Japangirl 01-03-07, 06:28 PM	My bard will eventually have a level of marshall, at about 8-10, haven't decided exactly where to put it yet. She's my tertiary character and is currently level 3 though, so a ways away. Although I suppose my secondary is playing RHoD so she's my mid-level now . . . and my primary is likely to retire this year.
Morgen 01-03-07, 06:37 PM	Well they must not be at my APLs. I didn't know you had one Lomiat. Sounds like I've just been missing them at tables, maybe Tumblepaw will run into a few of them.
Sieylianna 01-03-07, 06:42 PM	I've seen around a half dozen marshal mutts including two at one table. Of course, I doubt they had 8 levels of marshal between them. Ed
Genghis Cohen 01-03-07, 07:31 PM	I can think of a handful around me. The most interesting build is a 16th level (now retired from the regular campaign) diplomatic half-orc Marshal/Barbarian/Fighter/Outcast Champion/ Holy Liberator/ Pious Templar. I have a Marshal (motivate charisma)1/ Fighter 1 who will soon become a Paladin. I like the idea of having a reasonable chance to occasionally avoid combat with roleplay, and if that fails, power attack + smite + divine might.
frupton 01-03-07, 09:29 PM	The Nyrond website shows 24 active characters in the region with at least 1 level of Marhsal, (out of 1752 total registered characters). They break down as follows: 13 single-classed Marshals (Level 6, 5, 4, 3, 3, and the rest are 2 or below) 6 Bard/Marshal mutts ranging from Bar5/Mar3 to Bar1/Mar1 -- one also has a level of Paladin thrown in. A Clr2/Mar2 A Ftr2/Mar2 A Mar2/Rog3 A Clr1/Ftr5/Mar1/Pio2/Shi1 (Pio = Pious Templar, Shi = Shifter) And finally: A Clr1/Ftr2/Mar1/Pal5/Rgr1/Shi1 :mymy: I'm probably about to add a level of Marshal to my Bard 5 who just levelled up. I'd really rather he grow up to be a Sublime Chord, but I didn't start him with high enough Int, so he's going to be a mutt. The only Marshals I've met are two Bard/Marshal mutts in Nyrond that both took Motivate Cha to cheese their social skills. I think they had Diplomacy modifiers in the 30's at level 5 or something. I'll be doing no such thing -- I'll be taking combat auras! (Will settle for a Diplomacy modifer in the 20's :D)
haferka 01-03-07, 11:19 PM	I prob have the ONLY Marshal/Druid (3/2) mutt.. He only needs 1 level of Bard then its ALL prestige classes from there. Going Arcane Heirophant (with a little Beastmaster & Earth Dreamer).
paigeoliver 01-03-07, 11:45 PM	I have a Furyondy Human Marshall 5/Fighter 1 who is a member of the Furyondy Players. He will likely end up Marshall 13/Fighter 1/ Exotic Weapon Master 1. And no I don't use a spiked chain, I use a whip. I also have a Half-Orc Marshall 2/Fighter 2/ Barbarian 1. She should end up Marshal 4/Fighter 4/ Barbarian 1/Beastmaster 1/Outcast Champion 5. The main reason you see so FEW pure Marshals is because the Marshal can never count on his auras being useful to anyone else other than himself, thus they are usually multiclassed to take advantage of their own aura. I have yet to see a Marshal/Rogue, even though they would be the best possible skill based rogues.
Madfox11 01-04-07, 10:33 AM	Virtually all bards I know of in Sunndi have 1 level of marshal, so that would be 5 PCs I think... All except one btw have motivate Dex, the other one has motivate Charisma.
NeSoDak 01-04-07, 12:03 PM	I live on the western edge of the Shield Lands and play a full Marshall 5. I have players request that I play my Marshall. I have seen a few Marshalls in the Shield Lands, but most are mutts. To my knowledge I'm the only one in my area that is currently playing a pure Marshall. I plan on taking the Outcast Champion PrC, but other than that, just staying Marshall. Here's my build, and plan (if anyone's interested): Half-elf STR 14 DEX 10 CON 12 INT 14 WIS 8 CHA 17 (4th boost) Feats: Negotiator Aura's: Motivate Dex, Int, Cha Motivate Care (AC), Urgency (+movement) I plan on going to Marshall 5/Outcast Champion 5/Marshall 6 to retire. I play this character as my main character in Shield Land scenarios and have been able to add several meta-organizations to help out. I initially made this character to be a diplomacy freak and that is what it is. At 5th level, because of my metaorgs, I have a +36 to Diplomacy (when Motivate Charisma is up). Could be higher, but have made some choices that have kept it down. Don't have a Cloak of Charisma yet, but do have access to make it +4 right away. If anyone has any suggestions to help out, I would appreciate it. I'd like to stay single classed and just see how a Marshall does, but the Outcast Champion is just too tempting.
MatBlack 01-04-07, 12:06 PM	my main Highfolk character is a half-elf bard 1/ marshal 1/ cleric of corellon 1/ ranger 1. the next level will see another level of bard added, then he goes into alternating levels between ruathar and outcast champion. he only uses the motivate CHA aura, though once i run out of ruathar and outcast champion levels, i will turn back to levels of marshal. statistically, he is a diplomonkey (+32 Diplomacy, +34 in highfolk regional scenarios) and able to stop just about any combat with intelligent speaking creatures with a full round action. however, in a role-playing aspect, his personal code is along the lines of "where the talking ends, the butt-kicking begins." he fills the role of "party leader" perfectly (even more so once the OC levels start up). combat is usually moving to flank, attacking defensively to assist, and keeping bardic music going. and i don't think that there is a party that has played with him that hasn't been somewhat grateful for his presence (except maybe the party with two other bard/marshals). personally, i think that the marshal is statistically overbalanced (my Diplomacy is proof of that), but is a wonderful concept. as for all of the players who don't see marshals in play very often, it probably means that no one in your area has really seen one in action.
kenobi65 01-04-07, 12:18 PM	my main Highfolk character is a half-elf bard 1/ marshal 1/ cleric of corellon 1/ ranger 1. How's that BAB working out for you? ;)
LachlarlanIII 01-04-07, 12:28 PM	statistically, he is a diplomonkey (+32 Diplomacy, +34 in highfolk regional scenarios) and able to stop just about any combat with intelligent speaking creatures with a full round action. however, in a role-playing aspect, his personal code is along the lines of "where the talking ends, the butt-kicking begins." We have one of those here, but I think she's pure bard. I keep telling her, "One level of cleric and you'd be so much better," but does she listen?! No! :P Community and Mind domains give you +4 to diplomacy right there.
MatBlack 01-05-07, 12:02 AM	How's that BAB working out for you? ;) actually, the BAB isn't an issue when all of your attacks are attacks to assist. the saves are nice, though. :)
MatBlack 01-05-07, 12:06 AM	We have one of those here, but I think she's pure bard. I keep telling her, "One level of cleric and you'd be so much better," but does she listen?! No! :P Community and Mind domains give you +4 to diplomacy right there. i've unfortunately only got the Community domain... the Complementary Learning feat (skill synergy bonuses go to +3) is especially nice for a skill that has three synergy bonuses, though. :) plus, a single level of Marshal would let her effectively double her CHA modifier. but, honestly, after you reach +30, it's mostly an academic or bragging rights thing. :)
Japangirl 01-05-07, 12:27 AM	She is taking a level of Marshall to boost her Charisma! :) She is also taking a level of mindbender so she can telepathically boost everyone and cast spells and talk to everyone with the diplomacy check. And as a half-elf, I have Sociable Personality to reroll diplomacy checks that I roll low on. Cleric level sucks up a second spellcasting level and also a bardic music. And while the bard is a cheesey diplomonster, I see no need to go that far. I'm already looking at +54ish at level 15 with basic magic items!
paigeoliver 01-05-07, 05:40 AM	Diplomacy pretty much is all bragging rights after a certain point, which is why my Marshall didn't spend any feats or class abilities on boosting his, still never failed a check, the score is still around 25 or so. It goes up one per level, so far six levels and no failed checks. There is still the possibility that I MIGHT fail a single check in the future, but it is hardly worth spending 4 feats to negate a one time failure. Oh, btw, every diplomacy build I have ever seen is missing improved initiative, which is required for the "Fast Talker" card that reduces the penalty for a rushed diplomacy check from -10 to -5. For what you guys are trying to do with diplomacy builds that is WAY more effective than taking negotiator. Rushed checks to convert bad guys you were supposed to fight are pretty much the only reason to shoot for insane diplomacy scores. Since unfriendly to friendly can be automatic by any character who even halfway attempts to get a diplomacy score.
Mommy was an Orc 01-05-07, 09:40 AM	Oh, btw, every diplomacy build I have ever seen is missing improved initiative, which is required for the "Fast Talker" card that reduces the penalty for a rushed diplomacy check from -10 to -5. For what you guys are trying to do with diplomacy builds that is WAY more effective than taking negotiator. That's kind of bizarre - Improved Initiative is probably the most valuable Bard feat. Going first is huge as a Bard, because it makes it a lot more likely that at 7th, you'll be able to cast Haste and do Inspire Courage/Inspirational Boost before anyone in your party can full attack or move out of range of the Haste. Not to mention - you only get to talk people down when no one is doing something kablooey.
LachlarlanIII 01-05-07, 10:03 AM	Oh, btw, every diplomacy build I have ever seen is missing improved initiative, which is required for the "Fast Talker" card that reduces the penalty for a rushed diplomacy check from -10 to -5. For what you guys are trying to do with diplomacy builds that is WAY more effective than taking negotiator. Rushed checks to convert bad guys you were supposed to fight are pretty much the only reason to shoot for insane diplomacy scores. Since unfriendly to friendly can be automatic by any character who even halfway attempts to get a diplomacy score. I normally find that making the bad guys not want to kill you just before they attack you ends up losing the party valuable treasure. When I make a diplomat, he isn't even going to try to get bad guys to stop attacking. He's going to kill them and take their treasure. Then use diplomacy to explain to their boss why he shouldn't try that again. :D
Japangirl 01-05-07, 01:37 PM	Nah, see, you use diplomacy to make them surrender. If they surrender, you still get their stuff, but you didn't have to actually, you know, have the risk of dying in combat.
LachlarlanIII 01-05-07, 02:39 PM	Getting them to 'surrender' without first drawing blood and then taking their stuff is tantamount to mugging them IMHO. If they haven't seen your characters in action, there is no way they are simply going to surrender. Using Diplomacy before or at the beginning of combat would simply make them not want to kill you if you rolled well enough. Which means they'll just leave and take their stuff with them. After a few have enemies have fallen using Diplomacy can make them surrender at which point you can take their loot. Before combat you're just trying to change their attitude towards you, during combat you're trying to make them stop fighting. If you take their stuff after using Diplomacy and before a combat, you're stealing from them and there is no way an intelligent NPC is going to allow that to happen. A fight usually ensues and you've just negated what you wanted in the first place. Just my take on the whole Diplomacy during combat thing.
LGMoses 01-05-07, 02:53 PM	Nah, see, you use diplomacy to make them surrender. If they surrender, you still get their stuff, but you didn't have to actually, you know, have the risk of dying in combat. yeah, diplomacy may let u talk someone from fighting u but no way are they going to give u their stuff. Now if you can intimidate them thats another thing. Hmmm, I haven't heard of any intimidate monkeys yet:lightbulb
LachlarlanIII 01-05-07, 02:57 PM	yeah, diplomacy may let u talk someone from fighting u but no way are they going to give u their stuff. Now if you can intimidate them thats another thing. Hmmm, I haven't heard of any intimidate monkeys yet:lightbulb Let me point you here then: http://boards1.wizards.com/showthread.php?t=766492