Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Prator_the_Legendary 06-01-07, 04:01 PM	I'm thinking about making a character who specializes in Law Enforcement. Basically, I'm thinking of the kind of guy who will chase down enemies and try to subdue them rather than kill them, so that means non-lethal damage and grappling. He can use lethal force, but he's more the type of guy to fire a crossbow bolt over your head and yell "DROP YOUR WEAPON!!!" in order to end fights. He'll also do hostage negotiation and be really picky about miscellaneous regulations. Alignment-wise, I'm thinking a paladin would be best for this, but magic isn't really necessary, nor does it totally fit the concept. Maybe a ranged fighter?
Zaver 06-01-07, 04:11 PM	Well as far as base class goes it can be a little tricky. A monk at least can do okay non-lethal damage at no penalty to attack rolls so you might want to look at them. The Justiciar PrC from the Complete Warrior is exactly what you're looking for though.
Crash169 06-01-07, 04:16 PM	Take a look at the Justiciar Prestige class in the Complete Warrior. It has certain grappling techniques that may catch your eye. Also take a look at the BloodHound Prestige class in the Complete Adventurer. It's a great class for tracking down those enemies on the loose. You should also consider checking the diety St.Cuthbert. They are very strict when it comes to law.
Jaith 06-01-07, 05:28 PM	Crash and Zaver are right. I'd suggest LG fighter/ranger/justiciar or paladin/ranger/justiciar. Another one to look at would be the bloodhound prc in complete adventurer.
Redclock_the_Untimely 06-02-07, 02:47 AM	If you don't mind a +1 LA, then consider either the Goliath from Races of Stone or the Half-Giant from Expanded Psionics Handbook. The Powerful Build racial feature lets you act as if you were one size category larger for purposes of opposed checks (grapple, bull rush, etc.) and other creatures special attacks (swallow whole, etc.) if it is advantageous to you. It also allows you to wield a weapon one size category larger with no penalty. Hmmm... A +1 large, keen, merciful, dancing adamantine greatsword. Add speed to that and you really got something.
Fireclave 06-02-07, 06:00 AM	Off the top of my head, here's how I would do it. Class: Psychic Rouge Race: Human or Dwarf Primary Feats: Improved Unarmed Strike, Improved Grapple Secondary Feats: Expanded Knowledge (Astral Construct), Expanded Knowledge (Grip of Iron) Primary Skills: Bluff, Sense Motive, Diplomacy, Intimidate Primary Weapon: Sneak Attack to the Face! Secondary Weapon: Merciful Shortbow or Merciful Handcrossbow, Dagger Primary Powers (1st and 2nd level): Entangling Ectoplasm, Offensive Precognition, Defensive Precognition, Read Thoughts, Psionic Tongues Psychic Rogues gives you lots of options and plenty of skill points for diplomatic skills. With Improved Unarmed Strike, you can deal nonlethal damage with your Sneak Attacks, and opens the door to Improved Grapple if you want to subdue foes that way. Taking Expanded Knowledge to get Astral Construct nets you a flanking buddy, but if you don't want to be too reliant on your limited PP, go for Combat Expertise and Improved Feint. Taking Expanded Knowledge to get Grip of Iron will help alot if you're serious about grappling. Entangling Ectoplasm is for slowing down and subduing foes of any size (especially spellcasters). Offensive and Defensive Precognition are to make up for your slightly lacking attack rolls and AC. Read Thoughts and Psionic Tongues are great for negotiations. As an alternative, you can focus more on ranged combat by making the following changes: Primary Feats: Rapid Reload, Weapon Focus (Light Crossbow), Crossbow Sniper (PH2) Primary Weapon: Merciful Light Crossbow Secondary Weapons: Dagger, Sap This build focuses on getting nonlethal Sneak Attacks at a distance. Probably not the most optimal build though, but it's late (or should I say early)?
Matthew77 06-02-07, 12:00 PM	You've got an interesting character idea, and I would suggest that you look at grappling as your primary technique. Pinning someone is a lot better than just whacking them for non-lethal damage. However, make sure the DM is on board with this idea. The principles of modern law-enforcement (lethal force is a last resort, give warning before attacking) are not going to be effective in a standard D&D setting. In a world where the bad guys might be able to teleport, or turn invisible, or cast "slay living", effective law enforcement most likely relies on taking out suspicious people as rapidly as possible instead of giving warnings. Actually, instead of grappling and so on, I would be tempted to try a spellcaster specializing in immobilization and paralysis spells. Hold person, Silence, Web.. maybe even Dominate monster. That'd be a good way to stop criminals... sneak up and Dominate them, force them to explain themselves. Then if they are innocent, you can cancel the spell and apologize, and if they are guilty, you can force them to march off to jail.
DrMorganes 06-02-07, 03:01 PM	There's law enforcement, and then there is enforcing Law. "Law enforcement" implies the sanctioned upholding of the law of the land, i.e., the Town Watch. ANY class fits this bill, as the Watch will make use of whatever resources it has. In a world where magic is real, larger towns will have wizards (and perhaps clerics of Law) on staff - or at least on retainer. Enforcing Law, however, is more of a vigilante career path. Complete Adventurer details the Night Stalker prestige class (I think that's what it's called) - essentially you're a fantasy Batman. The PrC works best in an urban campaign that doesn't leave the city very often, as a few of the class features specifically state "your home city". Ferinstance, you can Smite someone you witness committing a crime - but only in your home town. Shadowbane Inquisitor (another PrC from CV) may work, too, as these self-righteous do-gooders can Smite anyone they deem to be "guilty". Grey Guard from Complete Scoundrel may work for you. Essentially you're part of a paladin order dedicated to doing the dirty work of the Church. You still need to atone for misdeeds, but you don't automatically fall from paladinhood and the priest doesn't have to pony up the XP to interceed between you and your deity. At later levels you can Smite chaotic and/or evil creatures, too! However, as hinted behind the suggestion for Psychic Rogue (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/psm/20040723b), just about ANY character class can fit this concept if you use a bit of creativity!