Character Advice Request [Archive] - Wizards Community

Character Advice Request [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Jedi_Comedian
10-17-06, 06:17 PM Greetings fellow players. First time poster on the D&D boards, and I would be much obliged if you could help me out.

Last week I started playing my first ever D&D game. I'd played the Star Wars d20 RPg before, so most of the rules are familiar, but the setting is one that's the new to me (well, I've read and seen Lord of the Rings, but D&D is slightly different).

Having very little in mind for a character, I was persuaded to play a Dwarf fighter (the party needed a fighter, and a more experienced player explained that a Dwarf provided good bonuses for one). So far I'm enjoying things, despite having only one kill to my name (a lowly goblin at that).

I just wanted to ask some general advice about my character, in terms of backstory/personality, strategy and statistics. I don't want to be a stereotype, but I also don't want to be totally out of character.

Like I see, any tips would be greatly appreciated.
mike_beavers
10-17-06, 06:49 PM there is nothing wrong with a stero type to begin with. It gives you something to work with. Depending on how your dm works, start with something basic like a claname(assuming dwarvish clans). do they dislike somebody or have they come from a war with a goblinoid race. What dieties does the DM have for the dwarves? What are the dieties portfolios. A fighter might pick the dwarvish wargod. Look at his traits, maybe you want to go in that direction. Does the DM have special things for the dwarves. I have bear riders for some of the clans as well as what I call Nowaks(a rare ability to sense what mineral is near by. Nowaks are treated as revered by the dwarvish community when there is one).

Talk to your DM about his views about dwarves and essentially go with what appeals to you
Viper3220
10-17-06, 07:25 PM Stereotypical actions can turn into small mannerisms. Try new things. You'll find something you like after a while, and the character will start to flesh itself out. I don't think anyone has a true grasp of their character until they play them for a few sessions.
Fatalis_902
10-17-06, 07:57 PM All I can say is this: get your hands on a copy of the Player's Handbook 2. It's great for more than just the build stuff, it also has advice on how you can flesh out your character, role-playing wise. Also, you might want to check on the Character Development and Character Optimization boards, as the two specialize in roleplaying and mechanical optimization, respectively.
Mitchell
10-18-06, 05:25 AM 1) Focus. Find a feat chain that you like and pick all the good feats from it. Power attack/cleave/great cleave is an obvious example.
As a fighter, you will get many bonus feats and that will allow you to get into multiple feat chains, but I encourage you to take one as far as you want it to go before you get into another, as long as you meet the requirements, of course.
2) Know your role. It is a cause of some frustration, but often fighters feel themselves relegated to being little more tham a meat shield for casters. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Wizards and sorcers in particular are quite fragile, but a well placed and well timed spell can turn the course of battle in your favor where force of arms alone may be incapable of doing the job. Don't begrudge them their power, and keep them safe. There will be other times where reasonable resource allocation dictates that spell usage may be a waste, and it is these times that you will be called upon to do the job and where #1 can help you get it done.
3) Know combat. Read the combat section in the PHB. Read it again. This is your thing. Know how it works. Don't have your own Players Handbook? Read this. (http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/combat.htm)
4) Fight smarter, not harder. A decent intelligence is underestimated. Some combat feats require a 13+ intelligence to use, and these can be really helpful. Combat expertise, for example, allows you to increase your AC at the cost of your accuracy. If you are just trying to use a delaying action, this can be tremendously helpful as you can possibly make yourself all but impossible to hit while letting the rest of your party put their plan into motion. It also opens up improved trip, which is a good feat in it's own right.
5) Not all stereotypes are bad. A dwarf treats the dwarven waraxe and dwarven urgrosh as martial, not exotic, weapons. The dwarven waraxe is superior to any other one-handed martial weapon out there in overall damage output. The urgrosh is a double weapon, but you can simply choose to use it as a two handed weapon that you can either chop with or poke with, so if you run into something resistant or vulnerable to one or the other type of damage, you can just switch out which end you are using to take care of business. If you are making a dex based fighter, then using the urgrosh as a double weapon is still there as an option, too. These are "stereotypical" dwarven weapons, but both are effective.
Jedi_Comedian
10-23-06, 05:46 PM Thanks for all the advice guys. It's good to know that I don't have to have an entire history of my character and stat progression up to level 20 planned out right from the start (although you've given me a lot of good ideas). I also seem to be finding my place in the campaign, becoming somewhat the leader.

And I think my DM's just gald that my Dwarf isn't as crazy/axe-obsessed as the last Dwarf character. :)
Fatalis_902
10-23-06, 09:22 PM I can imagine he would be.:P Seriously though, if you ever need help with a roleplaying aspect, we're just a click away. CD boards, that is. Good luck, have fun, and may your roleplaying experiences teach you meaningless life lessons, like, "Setting a very cold can of Coke on a character sheet in a warm room is NOT a good idea," and, "Sharp pencils with erasers tend to bounce when dropped. Specifically into your friends' arms.:evillaugh"
Tiefling_Warlock
10-23-06, 09:57 PM Also for roleplaying a dwarf. Just make pansy jokes about elves.
Tarvok
10-23-06, 10:21 PM Ignore the guy that said "Get PHB2 ASAP!" You probably have your hands full with the first PHB as it is. Get PHB2 when either you get bored with the first one, or you become aware of content you feel the need to use (extra classes, feats, etc.).

Don't worry about playing a stereotype. You're familiar with LotR; use it. If you've read The Hobbit, you've got a large group of stereotypes fo pick from.

Or, for laughs, you could base your Dwarf on one of the Seven. :P
Jedi_Comedian
10-24-06, 03:01 PM Also for roleplaying a dwarf. Just make pansy jokes about elves.Funny you should mention that. I was talking about it with our Elf sorcerer just last session. Although I haven't really had much opportunity to do any proper jesting.

Also, the other fighter in the group is a half-elf, so I feel a competition coming on...
Einvaldurinn_mikli
10-24-06, 05:44 PM Also, the other fighter in the group is a half-elf, so I feel a competition coming on...
Competition, from an elf? HA! Everyone knows elves are pansies that can't fight.
Tell him to drop the act and leave the fighting to the real men.
Jedi_Comedian
10-25-06, 05:23 PM Competition, from an elf? HA! Everyone knows elves are pansies that can't fight.
Tell him to drop the act and leave the fighting to the real men.Actually, I'd have to tell her, since she's a female (both the player and the character).

Yeah, I know. A female half-elf. Not that much of a challenge. ;)
Gurslak
10-25-06, 06:13 PM I dont know mate those female elves put up more of a fight than their men.....actually that doesn't really say much does it!?

Oh well tell her/him/it to pack its bags and go compose some poetry.

I also strongly advise you to read the 'Can A Elf Wield A Greatsword' thread on Whats a DM to do forum. Very funny :D
Einvaldurinn_mikli
10-28-06, 07:34 PM I also strongly advise you to read the 'Can A Elf Wield A Greatsword' thread on Whats a DM to do forum. Very funny :D

It's one of the best on the boards. Seriously, read it.
draco1119
10-29-06, 02:36 AM One other word of advice: take a Bludgeoning weapon along, even if it's just a Club. Those skeletons can get pesky...

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Jedi_Comedian 10-17-06, 06:17 PM	Greetings fellow players. First time poster on the D&D boards, and I would be much obliged if you could help me out. Last week I started playing my first ever D&D game. I'd played the Star Wars d20 RPg before, so most of the rules are familiar, but the setting is one that's the new to me (well, I've read and seen Lord of the Rings, but D&D is slightly different). Having very little in mind for a character, I was persuaded to play a Dwarf fighter (the party needed a fighter, and a more experienced player explained that a Dwarf provided good bonuses for one). So far I'm enjoying things, despite having only one kill to my name (a lowly goblin at that). I just wanted to ask some general advice about my character, in terms of backstory/personality, strategy and statistics. I don't want to be a stereotype, but I also don't want to be totally out of character. Like I see, any tips would be greatly appreciated.
mike_beavers 10-17-06, 06:49 PM	there is nothing wrong with a stero type to begin with. It gives you something to work with. Depending on how your dm works, start with something basic like a claname(assuming dwarvish clans). do they dislike somebody or have they come from a war with a goblinoid race. What dieties does the DM have for the dwarves? What are the dieties portfolios. A fighter might pick the dwarvish wargod. Look at his traits, maybe you want to go in that direction. Does the DM have special things for the dwarves. I have bear riders for some of the clans as well as what I call Nowaks(a rare ability to sense what mineral is near by. Nowaks are treated as revered by the dwarvish community when there is one). Talk to your DM about his views about dwarves and essentially go with what appeals to you
Viper3220 10-17-06, 07:25 PM	Stereotypical actions can turn into small mannerisms. Try new things. You'll find something you like after a while, and the character will start to flesh itself out. I don't think anyone has a true grasp of their character until they play them for a few sessions.
Fatalis_902 10-17-06, 07:57 PM	All I can say is this: get your hands on a copy of the Player's Handbook 2. It's great for more than just the build stuff, it also has advice on how you can flesh out your character, role-playing wise. Also, you might want to check on the Character Development and Character Optimization boards, as the two specialize in roleplaying and mechanical optimization, respectively.
Mitchell 10-18-06, 05:25 AM	1) Focus. Find a feat chain that you like and pick all the good feats from it. Power attack/cleave/great cleave is an obvious example. As a fighter, you will get many bonus feats and that will allow you to get into multiple feat chains, but I encourage you to take one as far as you want it to go before you get into another, as long as you meet the requirements, of course. 2) Know your role. It is a cause of some frustration, but often fighters feel themselves relegated to being little more tham a meat shield for casters. It's a dirty job, but someone has to do it. Wizards and sorcers in particular are quite fragile, but a well placed and well timed spell can turn the course of battle in your favor where force of arms alone may be incapable of doing the job. Don't begrudge them their power, and keep them safe. There will be other times where reasonable resource allocation dictates that spell usage may be a waste, and it is these times that you will be called upon to do the job and where #1 can help you get it done. 3) Know combat. Read the combat section in the PHB. Read it again. This is your thing. Know how it works. Don't have your own Players Handbook? Read this. (http://www.d20srd.org/indexes/combat.htm) 4) Fight smarter, not harder. A decent intelligence is underestimated. Some combat feats require a 13+ intelligence to use, and these can be really helpful. Combat expertise, for example, allows you to increase your AC at the cost of your accuracy. If you are just trying to use a delaying action, this can be tremendously helpful as you can possibly make yourself all but impossible to hit while letting the rest of your party put their plan into motion. It also opens up improved trip, which is a good feat in it's own right. 5) Not all stereotypes are bad. A dwarf treats the dwarven waraxe and dwarven urgrosh as martial, not exotic, weapons. The dwarven waraxe is superior to any other one-handed martial weapon out there in overall damage output. The urgrosh is a double weapon, but you can simply choose to use it as a two handed weapon that you can either chop with or poke with, so if you run into something resistant or vulnerable to one or the other type of damage, you can just switch out which end you are using to take care of business. If you are making a dex based fighter, then using the urgrosh as a double weapon is still there as an option, too. These are "stereotypical" dwarven weapons, but both are effective.
Jedi_Comedian 10-23-06, 05:46 PM	Thanks for all the advice guys. It's good to know that I don't have to have an entire history of my character and stat progression up to level 20 planned out right from the start (although you've given me a lot of good ideas). I also seem to be finding my place in the campaign, becoming somewhat the leader. And I think my DM's just gald that my Dwarf isn't as crazy/axe-obsessed as the last Dwarf character. :)
Fatalis_902 10-23-06, 09:22 PM	I can imagine he would be.:P Seriously though, if you ever need help with a roleplaying aspect, we're just a click away. CD boards, that is. Good luck, have fun, and may your roleplaying experiences teach you meaningless life lessons, like, "Setting a very cold can of Coke on a character sheet in a warm room is NOT a good idea," and, "Sharp pencils with erasers tend to bounce when dropped. Specifically into your friends' arms.:evillaugh"
Tiefling_Warlock 10-23-06, 09:57 PM	Also for roleplaying a dwarf. Just make pansy jokes about elves.
Tarvok 10-23-06, 10:21 PM	Ignore the guy that said "Get PHB2 ASAP!" You probably have your hands full with the first PHB as it is. Get PHB2 when either you get bored with the first one, or you become aware of content you feel the need to use (extra classes, feats, etc.). Don't worry about playing a stereotype. You're familiar with LotR; use it. If you've read The Hobbit, you've got a large group of stereotypes fo pick from. Or, for laughs, you could base your Dwarf on one of the Seven. :P
Jedi_Comedian 10-24-06, 03:01 PM	Also for roleplaying a dwarf. Just make pansy jokes about elves.Funny you should mention that. I was talking about it with our Elf sorcerer just last session. Although I haven't really had much opportunity to do any proper jesting. Also, the other fighter in the group is a half-elf, so I feel a competition coming on...
Einvaldurinn_mikli 10-24-06, 05:44 PM	Also, the other fighter in the group is a half-elf, so I feel a competition coming on... Competition, from an elf? HA! Everyone knows elves are pansies that can't fight. Tell him to drop the act and leave the fighting to the real men.
Jedi_Comedian 10-25-06, 05:23 PM	Competition, from an elf? HA! Everyone knows elves are pansies that can't fight. Tell him to drop the act and leave the fighting to the real men.Actually, I'd have to tell her, since she's a female (both the player and the character). Yeah, I know. A female half-elf. Not that much of a challenge. ;)
Gurslak 10-25-06, 06:13 PM	I dont know mate those female elves put up more of a fight than their men.....actually that doesn't really say much does it!? Oh well tell her/him/it to pack its bags and go compose some poetry. I also strongly advise you to read the 'Can A Elf Wield A Greatsword' thread on Whats a DM to do forum. Very funny :D
Einvaldurinn_mikli 10-28-06, 07:34 PM	I also strongly advise you to read the 'Can A Elf Wield A Greatsword' thread on Whats a DM to do forum. Very funny :D It's one of the best on the boards. Seriously, read it.
draco1119 10-29-06, 02:36 AM	One other word of advice: take a Bludgeoning weapon along, even if it's just a Club. Those skeletons can get pesky...