Class Help [Archive] - Wizards Community - Pages Merged by Solauren

Class Help [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
_Murandir_
04-17-06, 08:24 PM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to play a character named Aerandir. Aerandir is a Chaotic Good Human. I'd like to make him a Spellcaster (Divine or Arcane) who can wear Elven Chain Armor* and can wield a Katana**. I'd also like the character to have a Hit-Die of d8, d10 or d12. This means the character would have to have feats and capabilities similiar to a fighter. Aerandir would probably be playing either Forgotten Realms or Eberron campaign (depending on the number of RPGA events for either in my area).

My question:

Pretty much the Pick-A-Class game. The DM I used to play FR/Eb with recently moved, and I was mainly using his source books for reference. I've passed on from the Rogue class, as I'd much rather play the character described above. Problem is, the only books I've got are Player's Guide 3.5, DM Guide 3.5 and Monster Manual 3.5. Sorcerer and Cleric are choices, but I don't like a Sorcerer's hit die or a clerics devotion. Since this is a new character, the class would have to be accessible to a level one character. If the class you think is right for Aerandir is not in DM Guide or Player's Guide, please also give me suggestions for ability scores, since I'm using Standard Point-Buy. All constructive criticism and help is appreciated.

*Elven Chain Armor: pg. 220 (DM Guide 3.5)
Speed: 30 ft
Spell Failure: 20 % Max
Max Dex bonus: +4
Check Penalty: -2
Weight: 20 lbs.

**Katana: pg. 145 (DM Guide 3.5)
Dmg: 1d10
Critical: 19-20/x2
Weight: 6 lbs.
Damage Type: Slashing
Reversefigure4
04-17-06, 09:34 PM A first level character, with a D8+ HD, and spellcasting ability, who isn't a Cleric. I see two choices: Either a Paladin (in which case you have to give up being chaotic) or a Ranger (in which case your spell list is very limited, and you can't cast until 4th level).

Ranger strikes me as the best class - you get a decent HD, some access to spells, and some access to the fighter array of feats through the Ranger's special abilities.
serow_#R
04-17-06, 11:12 PM http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#sorcererVari antBattleSorcerer
battle sorcerer?
reff42
04-17-06, 11:21 PM well, your kinda stuck. you don't like the cleric, druids can't use the armor you've indicated, you don't like arcane casters hp, so that leaves you with ranger, paladin, or bard for the core. Since elven chain is considered light armor, bard spellcasting isn't affected by it, but you'll need 2 feats to use a katana in both methods (martial for 2h, exotic for 1h). Rangers and paladins don't get casting until 4th, and even then it's slow. Bards have a d6 hp. In other books, the most viable options for you are either the warmage (same problems as bard) or the favored soul (same problems as cleric) though if you choose a god thats weapon is bastard sword or katana, the favored soul not only has proficiency with it, but focus and spec later on.

All in all, your asking for a class that doesn't exist, or you have roleplaying problems with the ones that might work

the battle sorc might work, though -1 spells known is really harsh on a sorc. and he still will have to spend feats to use the katana
DM_Greatness
04-17-06, 11:34 PM You would prolly really like playing a Psi-Warrior from the Xpanded Psionics Handbook for your DM would allow it. The book itself is actually a very fun read and well worth the money spent for it.

That said, you could play a Bard, but just understand that playing the Bard class is a true calling. It is so much more than just a person that can wear light armor, cast spell, and use a long sword. Much, Much more. If the concept of the bard doesn't appeal to you, then I wouldn't bother considering the class.

The core rule books allow for a lot of variety in the skills and feats that they allow. In fact, the VAST, VAST majority of the time you don't need other rulebooks, prestige classes, or any of that jazz.

In fact, I because you could make a Paladin, and play him just like a Samurai. He could have eastren armor, and the sword that you wanted. A nice Lawful Good code of honor that he follows, and his Smite attacks could be excuted with a nice loud grunt or 'ki'. Getting a holy katana is totally pausable. Using the Paladin engine and playing a Samurai with it could be a lot of fun.
I_Strahd
04-18-06, 12:35 AM You would prolly really like playing a Psi-Warrior from the Xpanded Psionics Handbook for your DM would allow it. The book itself is actually a very fun read and well worth the money spent for it.

good.

That said, you could play a Bard, but just understand that playing the Bard class is a true calling. It is so much more than just a person that can wear light armor, cast spell, and use a long sword. Much, Much more. If the concept of the bard doesn't appeal to you, then I would bother considering the class

are you o.k.

i would look at being a samurai. then later adding warmage levels to it. just my opinion.
kelvinaw273
04-18-06, 03:34 AM For oriental flavour a Shugenja/Samurai might work best, but you would have to be lawful in alignment.

To be honest it looks like you want a lot of self-opposing things:

You want to be a divine spellcaster, but you want access to martial/exotic weapons
You want to use a katana, a weapon indicative of lawful societies, but you want to be chaotic
You want elven chain, but you want to be human.

I am tempted to add: You want to have your cake, and you want to eat it.

Essentially the advice given elsewhere is the best; I would go for Ranger as holding the best options for the character you want. The magic is limited, but that is always going to be a problem unless you take a straight-up cleric.
serow_#R
04-18-06, 07:54 AM the battle sorc might work, though -1 spells known is really harsh on a sorc. and he still will have to spend feats to use the katana

agreed, -1 spells known is HARSH.
but regarding the feat, to the OP, pls consider this.
the longsword can easily be adapted into a katana in terms of flavour. :)
Rivelstraz
04-18-06, 08:16 AM well, your kinda stuck. you don't like the cleric, druids can't use the armor you've indicated, you don't like arcane casters hp, so that leaves you with ranger, paladin, or bard for the core. Since elven chain is considered light armor, bard spellcasting isn't affected by it, but you'll need 2 feats to use a katana in both methods (martial for 2h, exotic for 1h). Rangers and paladins don't get casting until 4th, and even then it's slow. Bards have a d6 hp. In other books, the most viable options for you are either the warmage (same problems as bard) or the favored soul (same problems as cleric) though if you choose a god thats weapon is bastard sword or katana, the favored soul not only has proficiency with it, but focus and spec later on.

All in all, your asking for a class that doesn't exist, or you have roleplaying problems with the ones that might work

the battle sorc might work, though -1 spells known is really harsh on a sorc. and he still will have to spend feats to use the katana

I'd say you only need one feat to use a bastard sword properly, one or two-handed. The description says that you can use one two-handed as a martial weapon, like, a warrior can use it two-handed and if he uses it one-handed, he gets the penalty. He won't need a feat to use it one-handed and another to use it two-handed. It doesn't make sense.

Sword, Bastard: A bastard sword is too large to use in one hand without special training; thus, it is an exotic weapon. A character can use a bastard sword two-handed as a martial weapon
Ralphius_Maximus
04-18-06, 09:02 AM --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I'd like to play a character named Aerandir. Aerandir is a Chaotic Good Human. I'd like to make him a Spellcaster (Divine or Arcane) who can wear Elven Chain Armor* and can wield a Katana**. I'd also like the character to have a Hit-Die of d8, d10 or d12. This means the character would have to have feats and capabilities similiar to a fighter. Aerandir would probably be playing either Forgotten Realms or Eberron campaign (depending on the number of RPGA events for either in my area).

My question:

Pretty much the Pick-A-Class game. The DM I used to play FR/Eb with recently moved, and I was mainly using his source books for reference. I've passed on from the Rogue class, as I'd much rather play the character described above. Problem is, the only books I've got are Player's Guide 3.5, DM Guide 3.5 and Monster Manual 3.5. Sorcerer and Cleric are choices, but I don't like a Sorcerer's hit die or a clerics devotion. Since this is a new character, the class would have to be accessible to a level one character. If the class you think is right for Aerandir is not in DM Guide or Player's Guide, please also give me suggestions for ability scores, since I'm using Standard Point-Buy. All constructive criticism and help is appreciated.

So basically you want a PC with all of the abilities from every class and none of the penalties? Easy. :rolleyes:

I think if you want this to work you're going to have to look at a fairly long progression of levels. Are you dead-set against Arcane, or just bothered by the hp? While it is not often brought up here, the Eldritch Knight could be a good choice for you. You would cop the spell failure with the armour, but you could have your weapon and armour proficiencies to use the gear you like and plenty of spells. If you work it right, the low hp won't be that much of an issue.

Why is it that you don't like the devotions of a cleric? Surely there is a God to suit the PC you want to play. If you can find the right Deity, there shouldn't be any real restriction on your roleplaying. Of course, finding a God with favoured weapon Katana and the War domain may be interesting...
¤†FlameKeeper†¤
04-18-06, 09:13 AM Try looking for Complete Divine's Favored Soul. It doesn't need to be extremely devote 'cause his link to his god is more "intuitive", d8, good proficiencies and divine magic
_Murandir_
04-18-06, 12:38 PM So basically you want a PC with all of the abilities from every class and none of the penalties? Easy. :rolleyes:

I think if you want this to work you're going to have to look at a fairly long progression of levels. Are you dead-set against Arcane, or just bothered by the hp? While it is not often brought up here, the Eldritch Knight could be a good choice for you. You would cop the spell failure with the armour, but you could have your weapon and armour proficiencies to use the gear you like and plenty of spells. If you work it right, the low hp won't be that much of an issue.

Why is it that you don't like the devotions of a cleric? Surely there is a God to suit the PC you want to play. If you can find the right Deity, there shouldn't be any real restriction on your roleplaying. Of course, finding a God with favoured weapon Katana and the War domain may be interesting...

Heh heh. You see if you can find a FR God with a Katana as a favoured weapon. Good Luck

Never really considered bard......That might work. Ranger would be fun too.

As for Eldritch Knight, have you see the hit die? d4. And, I want to start from Level 1. So that probably won't work.

I'm gonna see what I can do. I think if I get take a Sorcerer, take a -1 hit on spells and limit my spells to something like fire or water, I should be able to get Elven Chain and the Katana without overpowering my character to badly.

That being said, I could just go with Battle Sorcerer. Get the Exotic Weapon Proficiency, and now have to limit by types of spells. Just a -1 penalty.

That could work.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
_Murandir_ 04-17-06, 08:24 PM	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'd like to play a character named Aerandir. Aerandir is a Chaotic Good Human. I'd like to make him a Spellcaster (Divine or Arcane) who can wear Elven Chain Armor* and can wield a Katana*. I'd also like the character to have a Hit-Die of d8, d10 or d12. This means the character would have to have feats and capabilities similiar to a fighter. Aerandir would probably be playing either Forgotten Realms or Eberron campaign (depending on the number of RPGA events for either in my area). My question: Pretty much the Pick-A-Class game. The DM I used to play FR/Eb with recently moved, and I was mainly using his source books for reference. I've passed on from the Rogue class, as I'd much rather play the character described above. Problem is, the only books I've got are Player's Guide 3.5, DM Guide 3.5 and Monster Manual 3.5. Sorcerer and Cleric are choices, but I don't like a Sorcerer's hit die or a clerics devotion. Since this is a new character, the class would have to be accessible to a level one character. If the class you think is right for Aerandir is not in DM Guide or Player's Guide, please also give me suggestions for ability scores, since I'm using Standard Point-Buy. All constructive criticism and help is appreciated. Elven Chain Armor: pg. 220 (DM Guide 3.5) Speed: 30 ft Spell Failure: 20 % Max Max Dex bonus: +4 Check Penalty: -2 Weight: 20 lbs. **Katana: pg. 145 (DM Guide 3.5) Dmg: 1d10 Critical: 19-20/x2 Weight: 6 lbs. Damage Type: Slashing
Reversefigure4 04-17-06, 09:34 PM	A first level character, with a D8+ HD, and spellcasting ability, who isn't a Cleric. I see two choices: Either a Paladin (in which case you have to give up being chaotic) or a Ranger (in which case your spell list is very limited, and you can't cast until 4th level). Ranger strikes me as the best class - you get a decent HD, some access to spells, and some access to the fighter array of feats through the Ranger's special abilities.
serow_#R 04-17-06, 11:12 PM	http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#sorcererVari antBattleSorcerer battle sorcerer?
reff42 04-17-06, 11:21 PM	well, your kinda stuck. you don't like the cleric, druids can't use the armor you've indicated, you don't like arcane casters hp, so that leaves you with ranger, paladin, or bard for the core. Since elven chain is considered light armor, bard spellcasting isn't affected by it, but you'll need 2 feats to use a katana in both methods (martial for 2h, exotic for 1h). Rangers and paladins don't get casting until 4th, and even then it's slow. Bards have a d6 hp. In other books, the most viable options for you are either the warmage (same problems as bard) or the favored soul (same problems as cleric) though if you choose a god thats weapon is bastard sword or katana, the favored soul not only has proficiency with it, but focus and spec later on. All in all, your asking for a class that doesn't exist, or you have roleplaying problems with the ones that might work the battle sorc might work, though -1 spells known is really harsh on a sorc. and he still will have to spend feats to use the katana
DM_Greatness 04-17-06, 11:34 PM	You would prolly really like playing a Psi-Warrior from the Xpanded Psionics Handbook for your DM would allow it. The book itself is actually a very fun read and well worth the money spent for it. That said, you could play a Bard, but just understand that playing the Bard class is a true calling. It is so much more than just a person that can wear light armor, cast spell, and use a long sword. Much, Much more. If the concept of the bard doesn't appeal to you, then I wouldn't bother considering the class. The core rule books allow for a lot of variety in the skills and feats that they allow. In fact, the VAST, VAST majority of the time you don't need other rulebooks, prestige classes, or any of that jazz. In fact, I because you could make a Paladin, and play him just like a Samurai. He could have eastren armor, and the sword that you wanted. A nice Lawful Good code of honor that he follows, and his Smite attacks could be excuted with a nice loud grunt or 'ki'. Getting a holy katana is totally pausable. Using the Paladin engine and playing a Samurai with it could be a lot of fun.
I_Strahd 04-18-06, 12:35 AM	You would prolly really like playing a Psi-Warrior from the Xpanded Psionics Handbook for your DM would allow it. The book itself is actually a very fun read and well worth the money spent for it. good. That said, you could play a Bard, but just understand that playing the Bard class is a true calling. It is so much more than just a person that can wear light armor, cast spell, and use a long sword. Much, Much more. If the concept of the bard doesn't appeal to you, then I would bother considering the class are you o.k. i would look at being a samurai. then later adding warmage levels to it. just my opinion.
kelvinaw273 04-18-06, 03:34 AM	For oriental flavour a Shugenja/Samurai might work best, but you would have to be lawful in alignment. To be honest it looks like you want a lot of self-opposing things: You want to be a divine spellcaster, but you want access to martial/exotic weapons You want to use a katana, a weapon indicative of lawful societies, but you want to be chaotic You want elven chain, but you want to be human. I am tempted to add: You want to have your cake, and you want to eat it. Essentially the advice given elsewhere is the best; I would go for Ranger as holding the best options for the character you want. The magic is limited, but that is always going to be a problem unless you take a straight-up cleric.
serow_#R 04-18-06, 07:54 AM	the battle sorc might work, though -1 spells known is really harsh on a sorc. and he still will have to spend feats to use the katana agreed, -1 spells known is HARSH. but regarding the feat, to the OP, pls consider this. the longsword can easily be adapted into a katana in terms of flavour. :)
Rivelstraz 04-18-06, 08:16 AM	well, your kinda stuck. you don't like the cleric, druids can't use the armor you've indicated, you don't like arcane casters hp, so that leaves you with ranger, paladin, or bard for the core. Since elven chain is considered light armor, bard spellcasting isn't affected by it, but you'll need 2 feats to use a katana in both methods (martial for 2h, exotic for 1h). Rangers and paladins don't get casting until 4th, and even then it's slow. Bards have a d6 hp. In other books, the most viable options for you are either the warmage (same problems as bard) or the favored soul (same problems as cleric) though if you choose a god thats weapon is bastard sword or katana, the favored soul not only has proficiency with it, but focus and spec later on. All in all, your asking for a class that doesn't exist, or you have roleplaying problems with the ones that might work the battle sorc might work, though -1 spells known is really harsh on a sorc. and he still will have to spend feats to use the katana I'd say you only need one feat to use a bastard sword properly, one or two-handed. The description says that you can use one two-handed as a martial weapon, like, a warrior can use it two-handed and if he uses it one-handed, he gets the penalty. He won't need a feat to use it one-handed and another to use it two-handed. It doesn't make sense. Sword, Bastard: A bastard sword is too large to use in one hand without special training; thus, it is an exotic weapon. A character can use a bastard sword two-handed as a martial weapon
Ralphius_Maximus 04-18-06, 09:02 AM	-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I'd like to play a character named Aerandir. Aerandir is a Chaotic Good Human. I'd like to make him a Spellcaster (Divine or Arcane) who can wear Elven Chain Armor* and can wield a Katana**. I'd also like the character to have a Hit-Die of d8, d10 or d12. This means the character would have to have feats and capabilities similiar to a fighter. Aerandir would probably be playing either Forgotten Realms or Eberron campaign (depending on the number of RPGA events for either in my area). My question: Pretty much the Pick-A-Class game. The DM I used to play FR/Eb with recently moved, and I was mainly using his source books for reference. I've passed on from the Rogue class, as I'd much rather play the character described above. Problem is, the only books I've got are Player's Guide 3.5, DM Guide 3.5 and Monster Manual 3.5. Sorcerer and Cleric are choices, but I don't like a Sorcerer's hit die or a clerics devotion. Since this is a new character, the class would have to be accessible to a level one character. If the class you think is right for Aerandir is not in DM Guide or Player's Guide, please also give me suggestions for ability scores, since I'm using Standard Point-Buy. All constructive criticism and help is appreciated. So basically you want a PC with all of the abilities from every class and none of the penalties? Easy. :rolleyes: I think if you want this to work you're going to have to look at a fairly long progression of levels. Are you dead-set against Arcane, or just bothered by the hp? While it is not often brought up here, the Eldritch Knight could be a good choice for you. You would cop the spell failure with the armour, but you could have your weapon and armour proficiencies to use the gear you like and plenty of spells. If you work it right, the low hp won't be that much of an issue. Why is it that you don't like the devotions of a cleric? Surely there is a God to suit the PC you want to play. If you can find the right Deity, there shouldn't be any real restriction on your roleplaying. Of course, finding a God with favoured weapon Katana and the War domain may be interesting...
¤†FlameKeeper†¤ 04-18-06, 09:13 AM	Try looking for Complete Divine's Favored Soul. It doesn't need to be extremely devote 'cause his link to his god is more "intuitive", d8, good proficiencies and divine magic
_Murandir_ 04-18-06, 12:38 PM	So basically you want a PC with all of the abilities from every class and none of the penalties? Easy. :rolleyes: I think if you want this to work you're going to have to look at a fairly long progression of levels. Are you dead-set against Arcane, or just bothered by the hp? While it is not often brought up here, the Eldritch Knight could be a good choice for you. You would cop the spell failure with the armour, but you could have your weapon and armour proficiencies to use the gear you like and plenty of spells. If you work it right, the low hp won't be that much of an issue. Why is it that you don't like the devotions of a cleric? Surely there is a God to suit the PC you want to play. If you can find the right Deity, there shouldn't be any real restriction on your roleplaying. Of course, finding a God with favoured weapon Katana and the War domain may be interesting... Heh heh. You see if you can find a FR God with a Katana as a favoured weapon. Good Luck Never really considered bard......That might work. Ranger would be fun too. As for Eldritch Knight, have you see the hit die? d4. And, I want to start from Level 1. So that probably won't work. I'm gonna see what I can do. I think if I get take a Sorcerer, take a -1 hit on spells and limit my spells to something like fire or water, I should be able to get Elven Chain and the Katana without overpowering my character to badly. That being said, I could just go with Battle Sorcerer. Get the Exotic Weapon Proficiency, and now have to limit by types of spells. Just a -1 penalty. That could work.