:: useless character [Archive] - Wizards Community

:: useless character [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
super_munchkin
01-01-06, 04:27 AM this coming saturday i will be playing in a new campaign and am having a bit of trouble getting together a character idea.

my characters tend to do alot of the work in campaigns, usually a rogue or sorcerer. and this makes the campaign a bit boring, as i am one of the only people doin work.

i was thinking this character could force the others to pick up the slack, ie. be a bit useless is some circumstances.

i was thinking perhaps a blind character, but i wasnt sure on how to build it so it could do anything.

any ideas on how to make the blind character work, or new ideas on how to force the other PC's to do a bit more would be appreciated.
JakWote
01-01-06, 04:35 AM DOn't make it useless, just cut down on what you do. Make a support character, a cleric maybe? Bards can be good for this. Tell someone else out of character that they're the team leader this time instead of you, and you'll back him up.

ALternatively, choose your skills to reflect a history of sheltered homeschooling and upbringing. Maybe play a bard who only owns a sap, and doesn't know how to use anything else, with full ranks in perform: harp and concentrate.
I_Strahd
01-01-06, 05:29 AM please never a bard.

play a worlock. they are not quite useful and not quite useless. they are a good accent to any campaign. and you dont feel useless even though you cant do any of the things that a wizard could do and you cant do the things that a bard could do.

but the point is your not a bard.
Crichton
01-01-06, 05:34 AM Because of the Knowledge checks, a Bard almost always is thrust into "team leader" in my campaigns. I would avoid this class if you want to avoid responsibility. Pick either a fighter or a monk. It's obvious what their role is, and it's usually fun.
Cold Napalm
01-01-06, 05:38 AM Shurg, if your sorcerer who generally is the big artillery platform is doing a lot of things in the party, maybe it's the other players that need to do something and not you. Wizards I can see, but a sorcerer?!? Come on.
Elemental_Elf
01-01-06, 05:51 AM Play a class most consider to be sub-par or "there's a class that does the same thing but better" kinda class. I suggest a Spirit Shaman. I mean sure a Druid or Cleric would be more useful BUT a Spirit Shaman has a Spirit Guide. So really you could be the weirdo standing in the back of the party carrying on conversations and jokes with a creature noone else can see. Does that not scream halarity? lol. Plus noone wants a leader who talks to what they percieve as split personalities! This class sounds perfect for ya! ^_^

if not a Spirit Shaman then go Monk or an Archery loving Fighter.
Feor
01-01-06, 02:57 PM Be a spellthief. People always complain that, except under very specific circumstances, they're all but useless. You would make for an excellent anti-magic character, but be sub-par at just about everything else.
The Phantom Flan Flinger
01-01-06, 04:15 PM I don't think that you should gimp your character. Play whatever class you want to play and don't include any leadership skills in his personality. You shouldn't have to have a reason why your character absolutely cannot lead - just make sure that someone else is better placed to do it than you are. And I think this is best done out of game. A simple "can someone else take the leader role this time around? I fancy a change" at character creation should do.

Also, and it honestly isn't my intention to offend you, (but...) are you sure that you aren't bringing this on yourself by always leaping to the front as soon as anything comes up? It's possible that a silent count to 10 every time a party reaction is required before you step forward as spokesman/decision-maker might go a good way towards solving all your problems, or just have your character turn around and ask one of the others what they think. They might come up with ways around things that are equally or nearly as good as what you'd have suggested but which make use of another character's skills instead of yours, and when there aren't at least it's the party putting your character forward and not you doing it all yourself.

Following on from that last thought, if you're really finding that the campaign seems to be centred around your character's set of skills, you might want to have a quiet word with the DM at an early stage. It's his/her job to make sure that all the characters get a chance to shine.

Good luck with the new campaign!
super_munchkin
01-01-06, 07:42 PM i end up doin most of the work, im not necessarily a team leader. the 'team leader' as he claims himself to be is a paladin, that runs from combat, hides behind his horse and the player roleplays ****.

its like when i play cs, people stand at a doorway and dont wanna be the first through so i always end up being the human shield.
Far_Traveler
01-01-06, 09:13 PM Be a two-weapon ranger with EWP(bastard sword), Brutal throw, throw anything, quick draw, and oversized TWF (if your a ranger you dont need dex requisetes), throw in (pun intended) Power throw, Point plank shot, far shot, and rapid shot, and maybe others if you have room, i suggest going rotue of maybe tempest and fighter when you get ranger 11

Youll spend over half the combat picking up your swords :ayyyy!:
Elemental_Elf
01-01-06, 09:18 PM Be a two-weapon ranger with EWP(bastard sword), Brutal throw, throw anything, quick draw, and oversized TWF (if your a ranger you dont need dex requisetes), throw in (pun intended) Power throw, Point plank shot, far shot, and rapid shot, and maybe others if you have room, i suggest going rotue of maybe tempest and fighter when you get ranger 11

Youll spend over half the combat picking up your swords :ayyyy!:

ROFL! :dancin: :dancin: :dancin:
Templetroll
01-01-06, 10:53 PM Be a two-weapon ranger with EWP(bastard sword), Brutal throw, throw anything, quick draw, and oversized TWF (if your a ranger you dont need dex requisetes), throw in (pun intended) Power throw, Point plank shot, far shot, and rapid shot, and maybe others if you have room, i suggest going rotue of maybe tempest and fighter when you get ranger 11

Youll spend over half the combat picking up your swords :ayyyy!:

Or he could throw the scaredy paladin into the fight! :D

If you want the other guy to become a better leader then follow him. When he runs meet him behind the horse. Make sure several enemy follow along and then stand behind the 'leader'. it may take a few TPKs to get the guy to give up on being leader or to actually do something.
silverblade101
01-01-06, 11:18 PM A Couple Words : Half Orc Barbarian
da beast
01-01-06, 11:37 PM Make a blind swordsman lol, Specialize in a katana that is "cleverly" disguised as a simple walking stick, cover your useless eyes in a blindfold and there you go! A swordsman with +4 to listen, that automatically fails all spot checks.

You can't see so... Well when you send a blind man in front to look for traps/ monsters it's a case of the blind leading the stupid.
chitzk0i
01-01-06, 11:39 PM A Couple Words : Half Orc Barbarian

Totally! In general, put a low score in charisma and roleplay it by being quiet and unassertive. Alternately, just play an unassertive character.
Feor
01-02-06, 12:44 AM Totally! In general, put a low score in charisma and roleplay it by being quiet and unassertive. Alternately, just play an unassertive character.

Alternatly alternatly, roleplay him as loud, rude, harsh, and dumb. And still jump to the front whenever interacting with things. A few encounters in your players will be begging you to stop leading the party. :)
Cold Napalm
01-02-06, 01:40 AM i end up doin most of the work, im not necessarily a team leader. the 'team leader' as he claims himself to be is a paladin, that runs from combat, hides behind his horse and the player roleplays ****.

its like when i play cs, people stand at a doorway and dont wanna be the first through so i always end up being the human shield.

and why I said, you need to work on the other players and not so much worry about your character...FYI, if he's actually doing that, he's not a paladin anymore, he's a fighter with no feats. Hiding while your comrades are in danger = not good = not a paladin.
Rapidexit
01-02-06, 03:56 AM How about a blind druid? Summon lots of monsters, be good at surviving with your other senses. have an animal companion who might act as a sort of guide dog (or bear). be sure to ask alot of questions to party members and try to stay back as your worried about getting in the way if you go up front.

Would be really cute being all wildernessy with a bloodied blindfold over your eyes. Maybe make people think your a able to see the future. Take ranks in profession(fortune teller)
Leress
01-02-06, 04:38 AM what about playing one of the NPC classes? I once played an expert(blacksmith)/adept it gimp my player but is still had a valuable use in my party.
Crichton
01-02-06, 06:37 AM Or a really, really, reallllyyyy old novice wizard.
Tiefling_Warlock
01-02-06, 02:52 PM A crazy guy . A dual personality is best. You just argue with yourself a lot. U make it up , they can't hear the voice. Your hook could be "You are just jelous because the voices only talk with me." and become a pain, if the party has an important disicion to make say one thing, then the other, and the other, until you've said every possible thing you could do...then repeat it.
jamie_noone
01-02-06, 03:40 PM i end up doin most of the work, im not necessarily a team leader. the 'team leader' as he claims himself to be is a paladin, that runs from combat, hides behind his horse and the player roleplays ****.
Play a fellow paladin. Chastise the other paladin for his cowardice. Snipe at him constantly about his unchivalrous behaviour.

For example, when you go to town, say something like, "I'm going to check in at the church. I don't expect you'll want to show your face there, so I'll meet you back at the inn."

Or ask him the age-old question: do you have a moral duty to kill surviving goblin babies? Whatever he answers, shake your head and tisk with disappointment.

Or, if you're into more subtle signals, play a fellow paladin who begins to follow his example, but ends up being stripped of his abilities and becoming a blackguard.

-jamie
Marty_and_Doc
01-02-06, 05:53 PM I agree with Crichton, play a real old wizard who can not do any physical work and use spels the enhance the other players or only protect you.
CaoSlayer
01-02-06, 06:26 PM kobolt or goblin rogue with really sucky str and/or con, this way you can be totally useless in combat but pretty useful for disambling traps and scouting.
BobtheBiotitan
01-02-06, 09:17 PM I agree with almost eveyones ideas here, but whats with the comment of the cleric being a Support class :confused: I dont know what the clerics in you guy's games are doing, but in my game the cleric serves as the tanker/damage dealer/healer/buffer. All this done without min/maxing or gestalting *sp?* I would have to agree that you Could play a cleric as a supporter, but why not play him/her as one of the above?
NinjaPenguin
01-02-06, 09:30 PM and why I said, you need to work on the other players and not so much worry about your character...FYI, if he's actually doing that, he's not a paladin anymore, he's a fighter with no feats. Hiding while your comrades are in danger = not good = not a paladin.

Actually, not doing good doesn't cause the loss of abilities. Atively committing a Chaotic or Evil act does. Of course, hiding in combat to save your own skin seems like a borderline Chaotic act, so yeah... he COULD still attone and get his powers back, since you can do that from a chaotic act, but not from an evil act.
Feor
01-02-06, 09:31 PM I agree with almost eveyones ideas here, but whats with the comment of the cleric being a Support class :confused: I dont know what the clerics in you guy's games are doing, but in my game the cleric serves as the tanker/damage dealer/healer/buffer. All this done without min/maxing or gestalting *sp?* I would have to agree that you Could play a cleric as a supporter, but why not play him/her as one of the above?

Because the cleric class is broken, and roleplay wise they're only supposed to be support casters & healers who can take a hit or two if they have to, instead of being able to go toe to toe with any reasonable monster the DM wants to throw at you, regardless of their party. Therefore people who actually roleplay their characters roleplay them as such most of the time. :)
BobtheBiotitan
01-02-06, 09:56 PM I have to disagree with you there. Though we do roleplay our characters very nicely, we like to "break the mould" so to say. The person has a great backround to justify it all. Weapons training from fighter father before leaving town=fighter lvl 1, Getting closer to the divine to help them help others=cleric7, Combining his weapon knowledge with a desire to do good=Fist of Raziel10, with a planned Wonderworker2. He does wonders, but really has to since we have a group of three.
Double Eagle
01-03-06, 05:25 PM i was thinking perhaps a blind character, but i wasnt sure on how to build it so it could do anything.

any ideas on how to make the blind character work, or new ideas on how to force the other PC's to do a bit more would be appreciated.

I once considered playing a mute character, just because it would be kinda fun to roleplay.

In your case it would not be as disabling as being blind, but would still have the effect of relying on the other players more by needing them for communication. You would be much less of a party leader in roleplaying situations, but could still be quite capable in combat.

The only problem of course is you could not use most magic without the Silent Spell feat.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
super_munchkin 01-01-06, 04:27 AM	this coming saturday i will be playing in a new campaign and am having a bit of trouble getting together a character idea. my characters tend to do alot of the work in campaigns, usually a rogue or sorcerer. and this makes the campaign a bit boring, as i am one of the only people doin work. i was thinking this character could force the others to pick up the slack, ie. be a bit useless is some circumstances. i was thinking perhaps a blind character, but i wasnt sure on how to build it so it could do anything. any ideas on how to make the blind character work, or new ideas on how to force the other PC's to do a bit more would be appreciated.
JakWote 01-01-06, 04:35 AM	DOn't make it useless, just cut down on what you do. Make a support character, a cleric maybe? Bards can be good for this. Tell someone else out of character that they're the team leader this time instead of you, and you'll back him up. ALternatively, choose your skills to reflect a history of sheltered homeschooling and upbringing. Maybe play a bard who only owns a sap, and doesn't know how to use anything else, with full ranks in perform: harp and concentrate.
I_Strahd 01-01-06, 05:29 AM	please never a bard. play a worlock. they are not quite useful and not quite useless. they are a good accent to any campaign. and you dont feel useless even though you cant do any of the things that a wizard could do and you cant do the things that a bard could do. but the point is your not a bard.
Crichton 01-01-06, 05:34 AM	Because of the Knowledge checks, a Bard almost always is thrust into "team leader" in my campaigns. I would avoid this class if you want to avoid responsibility. Pick either a fighter or a monk. It's obvious what their role is, and it's usually fun.
Cold Napalm 01-01-06, 05:38 AM	Shurg, if your sorcerer who generally is the big artillery platform is doing a lot of things in the party, maybe it's the other players that need to do something and not you. Wizards I can see, but a sorcerer?!? Come on.
Elemental_Elf 01-01-06, 05:51 AM	Play a class most consider to be sub-par or "there's a class that does the same thing but better" kinda class. I suggest a Spirit Shaman. I mean sure a Druid or Cleric would be more useful BUT a Spirit Shaman has a Spirit Guide. So really you could be the weirdo standing in the back of the party carrying on conversations and jokes with a creature noone else can see. Does that not scream halarity? lol. Plus noone wants a leader who talks to what they percieve as split personalities! This class sounds perfect for ya! ^_^ if not a Spirit Shaman then go Monk or an Archery loving Fighter.
Feor 01-01-06, 02:57 PM	Be a spellthief. People always complain that, except under very specific circumstances, they're all but useless. You would make for an excellent anti-magic character, but be sub-par at just about everything else.
The Phantom Flan Flinger 01-01-06, 04:15 PM	I don't think that you should gimp your character. Play whatever class you want to play and don't include any leadership skills in his personality. You shouldn't have to have a reason why your character absolutely cannot lead - just make sure that someone else is better placed to do it than you are. And I think this is best done out of game. A simple "can someone else take the leader role this time around? I fancy a change" at character creation should do. Also, and it honestly isn't my intention to offend you, (but...) are you sure that you aren't bringing this on yourself by always leaping to the front as soon as anything comes up? It's possible that a silent count to 10 every time a party reaction is required before you step forward as spokesman/decision-maker might go a good way towards solving all your problems, or just have your character turn around and ask one of the others what they think. They might come up with ways around things that are equally or nearly as good as what you'd have suggested but which make use of another character's skills instead of yours, and when there aren't at least it's the party putting your character forward and not you doing it all yourself. Following on from that last thought, if you're really finding that the campaign seems to be centred around your character's set of skills, you might want to have a quiet word with the DM at an early stage. It's his/her job to make sure that all the characters get a chance to shine. Good luck with the new campaign!
super_munchkin 01-01-06, 07:42 PM	i end up doin most of the work, im not necessarily a team leader. the 'team leader' as he claims himself to be is a paladin, that runs from combat, hides behind his horse and the player roleplays ****. its like when i play cs, people stand at a doorway and dont wanna be the first through so i always end up being the human shield.
Far_Traveler 01-01-06, 09:13 PM	Be a two-weapon ranger with EWP(bastard sword), Brutal throw, throw anything, quick draw, and oversized TWF (if your a ranger you dont need dex requisetes), throw in (pun intended) Power throw, Point plank shot, far shot, and rapid shot, and maybe others if you have room, i suggest going rotue of maybe tempest and fighter when you get ranger 11 Youll spend over half the combat picking up your swords :ayyyy!:
Elemental_Elf 01-01-06, 09:18 PM	Be a two-weapon ranger with EWP(bastard sword), Brutal throw, throw anything, quick draw, and oversized TWF (if your a ranger you dont need dex requisetes), throw in (pun intended) Power throw, Point plank shot, far shot, and rapid shot, and maybe others if you have room, i suggest going rotue of maybe tempest and fighter when you get ranger 11 Youll spend over half the combat picking up your swords :ayyyy!: ROFL! :dancin: :dancin: :dancin:
Templetroll 01-01-06, 10:53 PM	Be a two-weapon ranger with EWP(bastard sword), Brutal throw, throw anything, quick draw, and oversized TWF (if your a ranger you dont need dex requisetes), throw in (pun intended) Power throw, Point plank shot, far shot, and rapid shot, and maybe others if you have room, i suggest going rotue of maybe tempest and fighter when you get ranger 11 Youll spend over half the combat picking up your swords :ayyyy!: Or he could throw the scaredy paladin into the fight! :D If you want the other guy to become a better leader then follow him. When he runs meet him behind the horse. Make sure several enemy follow along and then stand behind the 'leader'. it may take a few TPKs to get the guy to give up on being leader or to actually do something.
silverblade101 01-01-06, 11:18 PM	A Couple Words : Half Orc Barbarian
da beast 01-01-06, 11:37 PM	Make a blind swordsman lol, Specialize in a katana that is "cleverly" disguised as a simple walking stick, cover your useless eyes in a blindfold and there you go! A swordsman with +4 to listen, that automatically fails all spot checks. You can't see so... Well when you send a blind man in front to look for traps/ monsters it's a case of the blind leading the stupid.
chitzk0i 01-01-06, 11:39 PM	A Couple Words : Half Orc Barbarian Totally! In general, put a low score in charisma and roleplay it by being quiet and unassertive. Alternately, just play an unassertive character.
Feor 01-02-06, 12:44 AM	Totally! In general, put a low score in charisma and roleplay it by being quiet and unassertive. Alternately, just play an unassertive character. Alternatly alternatly, roleplay him as loud, rude, harsh, and dumb. And still jump to the front whenever interacting with things. A few encounters in your players will be begging you to stop leading the party. :)
Cold Napalm 01-02-06, 01:40 AM	i end up doin most of the work, im not necessarily a team leader. the 'team leader' as he claims himself to be is a paladin, that runs from combat, hides behind his horse and the player roleplays ****. its like when i play cs, people stand at a doorway and dont wanna be the first through so i always end up being the human shield. and why I said, you need to work on the other players and not so much worry about your character...FYI, if he's actually doing that, he's not a paladin anymore, he's a fighter with no feats. Hiding while your comrades are in danger = not good = not a paladin.
Rapidexit 01-02-06, 03:56 AM	How about a blind druid? Summon lots of monsters, be good at surviving with your other senses. have an animal companion who might act as a sort of guide dog (or bear). be sure to ask alot of questions to party members and try to stay back as your worried about getting in the way if you go up front. Would be really cute being all wildernessy with a bloodied blindfold over your eyes. Maybe make people think your a able to see the future. Take ranks in profession(fortune teller)
Leress 01-02-06, 04:38 AM	what about playing one of the NPC classes? I once played an expert(blacksmith)/adept it gimp my player but is still had a valuable use in my party.
Crichton 01-02-06, 06:37 AM	Or a really, really, reallllyyyy old novice wizard.
Tiefling_Warlock 01-02-06, 02:52 PM	A crazy guy . A dual personality is best. You just argue with yourself a lot. U make it up , they can't hear the voice. Your hook could be "You are just jelous because the voices only talk with me." and become a pain, if the party has an important disicion to make say one thing, then the other, and the other, until you've said every possible thing you could do...then repeat it.
jamie_noone 01-02-06, 03:40 PM	i end up doin most of the work, im not necessarily a team leader. the 'team leader' as he claims himself to be is a paladin, that runs from combat, hides behind his horse and the player roleplays ****. Play a fellow paladin. Chastise the other paladin for his cowardice. Snipe at him constantly about his unchivalrous behaviour. For example, when you go to town, say something like, "I'm going to check in at the church. I don't expect you'll want to show your face there, so I'll meet you back at the inn." Or ask him the age-old question: do you have a moral duty to kill surviving goblin babies? Whatever he answers, shake your head and tisk with disappointment. Or, if you're into more subtle signals, play a fellow paladin who begins to follow his example, but ends up being stripped of his abilities and becoming a blackguard. -jamie
Marty_and_Doc 01-02-06, 05:53 PM	I agree with Crichton, play a real old wizard who can not do any physical work and use spels the enhance the other players or only protect you.
CaoSlayer 01-02-06, 06:26 PM	kobolt or goblin rogue with really sucky str and/or con, this way you can be totally useless in combat but pretty useful for disambling traps and scouting.
BobtheBiotitan 01-02-06, 09:17 PM	I agree with almost eveyones ideas here, but whats with the comment of the cleric being a Support class :confused: I dont know what the clerics in you guy's games are doing, but in my game the cleric serves as the tanker/damage dealer/healer/buffer. All this done without min/maxing or gestalting sp? I would have to agree that you Could play a cleric as a supporter, but why not play him/her as one of the above?
NinjaPenguin 01-02-06, 09:30 PM	and why I said, you need to work on the other players and not so much worry about your character...FYI, if he's actually doing that, he's not a paladin anymore, he's a fighter with no feats. Hiding while your comrades are in danger = not good = not a paladin. Actually, not doing good doesn't cause the loss of abilities. Atively committing a Chaotic or Evil act does. Of course, hiding in combat to save your own skin seems like a borderline Chaotic act, so yeah... he COULD still attone and get his powers back, since you can do that from a chaotic act, but not from an evil act.
Feor 01-02-06, 09:31 PM	I agree with almost eveyones ideas here, but whats with the comment of the cleric being a Support class :confused: I dont know what the clerics in you guy's games are doing, but in my game the cleric serves as the tanker/damage dealer/healer/buffer. All this done without min/maxing or gestalting sp? I would have to agree that you Could play a cleric as a supporter, but why not play him/her as one of the above? Because the cleric class is broken, and roleplay wise they're only supposed to be support casters & healers who can take a hit or two if they have to, instead of being able to go toe to toe with any reasonable monster the DM wants to throw at you, regardless of their party. Therefore people who actually roleplay their characters roleplay them as such most of the time. :)
BobtheBiotitan 01-02-06, 09:56 PM	I have to disagree with you there. Though we do roleplay our characters very nicely, we like to "break the mould" so to say. The person has a great backround to justify it all. Weapons training from fighter father before leaving town=fighter lvl 1, Getting closer to the divine to help them help others=cleric7, Combining his weapon knowledge with a desire to do good=Fist of Raziel10, with a planned Wonderworker2. He does wonders, but really has to since we have a group of three.
Double Eagle 01-03-06, 05:25 PM	i was thinking perhaps a blind character, but i wasnt sure on how to build it so it could do anything. any ideas on how to make the blind character work, or new ideas on how to force the other PC's to do a bit more would be appreciated. I once considered playing a mute character, just because it would be kinda fun to roleplay. In your case it would not be as disabling as being blind, but would still have the effect of relying on the other players more by needing them for communication. You would be much less of a party leader in roleplaying situations, but could still be quite capable in combat. The only problem of course is you could not use most magic without the Silent Spell feat.