help me decide on a char. for an underdark campaign [Archive] - Wizards Community

help me decide on a char. for an underdark campaign [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Baalzamon
08-02-04, 09:56 PM We are starting and underdark campaign, version 3.5, level 5 characters, and so far the party is as follows:

human wizard
tiefling rogue
dwarf cleric
orc: fighter or barbarian or soomething like that

what should I be?

It has already been decided that my character will be starting in a shield dwarven city, so I have to be either a dwarf or something that could concievably be in a dwarf city as a friend or ally. So human, gnome, and most "good aligned" races are probably acceptable.

I have been playing d&d for a few years and have tried just about every class.

a few things I would be willing to try for this campaign are:

bard: a gnome bard maybe ? :eek:

sorceror: I like sorcs, but low level sorcerors scare me

ranger, paladin, fighter, etc.: only if someone gives me something creative.

cleric: its been a while, i'd give it a shot, maybe

Monk: never tried one. I've never seen one used effectively with core only either :(

I do not want to play:

druid, rogue, human
ChaoticGod
08-02-04, 10:09 PM Assimar Paladin or Ranger
allenchan
08-02-04, 11:23 PM Play something native to the Underdark, you can be the one that everyone else might look to, since its -your- home. Grimlocks are pretty good for barbarians, and their blindsense is a blessing in the underdark. A neutral cleric of Sharess, perhaps? Could be done. Gold Dwarves are good for anything that requires Cha, perhaps a War Mage. A Grey Orc Monk would be nice, not too munchy. Perhaps have them worship Ilmater and use the Vow of Poverty from the book of exalted deeds, it really shiens at low-mid levels.

There's plenty of ideas :)
SnowbearK
08-02-04, 11:44 PM Depends. If you're talking about an Underdark game in the Forgotten Smells sense, then I would go with a Half-Orc Monk or an Orog Ranger.

Barring that, anything with Darkvision is good.

Hell, if your DM allows templates, take a Feral Half-Orc Ranger.

Btw, 5th level isn't really "low-level" if done properly. :D
Ithilorien
08-02-04, 11:50 PM Gnome bard. Dwarf-friendly, party-friendly, fun as heck.
Baalzamon
08-03-04, 12:04 AM thanks guys.

yeah, its forgotten realms.

basically we are using only core and official forgotten realms books, such as the campaign setting, players guide to faerun, underdark book, etc.
Thorak
08-03-04, 12:29 AM The Underdark without a non-permanent source of Darkvision, preferably racially provided, will get you killed if the DM uses smart enemies. Because it means you'll be relying on a light source. And a light source is visible a lot further away then the area it illuminates. And visible around corners, by reflecting off walls and such. And smart Drow and other critters will sit back outside the bubble of light and fire nasty stuff at you, and you won't be able to see them to fire back. Sure, they'll have an advantage darkvision-wise, but 60 feet outside your vision range is a lot better than 200 or more.
Auburn
08-03-04, 12:37 AM I accidentally hit the button too soon. Then I couldn't get back to edit, and now I can. On second thought (after my next post) why not be a Svirneblin Cleric or Sorceror. That way you've got a race and class you were thinking about playing. Plus there's plenty of reasons for him to be in a shield dwarf city. One such reason is that he was there as partof a trading group since its a lot safer to trade with shield dwarves than with most of the Underdark races, and you don't have to go all the way to the surface to get to the dwarves.
Auburn
08-03-04, 12:41 AM Svirneblin - Wizard or Sorceror
Rock Gnome - Wizard or Fighter
Shield Dwarf - Fighter or Cleric
Gold Dwarf - Wizard

Why not be the Svirneblin Wizard?
dawgfan
08-03-04, 12:50 AM Dude i would go for a lythari wood elf ranger
pres_man
08-03-04, 01:45 AM Goblin ranger
or
drow bard
or
kobold sorcerer
or
half-orc monk
Soel Griffin
08-03-04, 03:39 AM Dark Creeper rogue! Check the latest Dragon Magazine!
danielinthewolvesden
08-03-04, 12:42 PM Dwarf. Favoured Soul of Kossuth, with a Spiked Chain, and Mageslayer.:b: :b:
meabolex
08-03-04, 01:09 PM As Thorak said, darkvision is going to be important.

I suggest a Deep Halfling bard. You get all the benefits of darkvision without losing Charisma or taking level adjustments.

Deep Halfling Traits (Ex): These traits are in addition to the lightfoot halfling traits, except where noted.

—Darkvision out to 60 feet.

—Stonecunning: Like dwarves, deep halflings have a +2 racial bonus on checks to notice unusual stonework. Something that isn’t stone but that is disguised as stone also counts as unusual stonework. A deep halfling who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a check as though actively searching and can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. A deep halfling can also intuit depth, sensing the approximate distance underground as naturally as a human can sense which way is up.

— +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks and Craft checks that are related to stone or metal.

—Deep halflings are less athletic than lightfoot halflings and do not have a racial bonus on Climb, Jump, and Move Silently checks.

The bard is optimal as a 5th party member to a standard core team -- and you have a core team (fighter, cleric, wizard, rogue).
Phrennzy
08-03-04, 11:13 PM I like the Svirfneblin, just because its hard to pronounce.

Just use the same stats as a gnome or a dwarf. Don't tell the other players that though, just the DM knows. That way you can use "CORE" races - at least 'technically' - but you still have a different, underdark feel.

Right now that party is not very Underdarkish. And yeah, if they need light sources they are dead. You might look for some kind of darkvision goggles or spells or such for the los- I mean - human character.

Otherwise you're all Chitine food.

Actually, I like Chitine food, you're just hungry 30 minutes later.
Auburn
08-03-04, 11:43 PM Svirfneblim are a standard race for Forgotten Realms aren't they? They're listed in the FRCS under the normal Gnomes entry anyways.
Lhiannon Sidhe
08-04-04, 12:10 AM Be a drow. But not a good drow, to many Drizzt clones as it is. Be an evil drow, but you are more than happy to work with the rest of the party because they can help you achieve your own goals. Even evil creatures can have a sense of loyalty. Help out the party, get them out of bad situations, share the loot with them, and they'll return the favour, and help you take out that pesky Priestess who's always stopping your plans, or whatever your goals are.

Playing evil characters that have one or two good qualities makes for an interesting game.
Baalzamon
08-04-04, 07:49 PM although I absolutely love most of those special races like Aasimar, drow and svirfneblin, I have never played a race with an LA before and I guess I am sort of afraid to.

Is the loss of 1, 2 or even 3 levels really worth it?

i know its worse for casters, but even for a warrior type, thats 3 hit dice, 3 BAB, usually for a one time +2 stat boost and some traits that though cool dont really make up for it IMO
danielinthewolvesden
08-04-04, 10:48 PM Originally posted by Baalzamon
although I absolutely love most of those special races like Aasimar, drow and svirfneblin, I have never played a race with an LA before and I guess I am sort of afraid to.

Is the loss of 1, 2 or even 3 levels really worth it?

No. Well, there are some neat races with a La+1, and two of them might work for you here- Aasimar & teifling. An Aasimar favoured Soul of Kossuth would be brutal. You can make back up an La+ 1 with the judicious use of feats- Improved Tougness is a good one. So- if you really like an La+1 race- go for it!

Note- the Half-drow is an La+0 race, and could be good here.

BUT- any La beyond 1, and you are way behind in everything, and when a spell like Blashemy hits the group, you're toast. Burnt toast at that.:D
Heron_Marked_Blade
08-05-04, 12:07 AM Can you use the Complete Warrior book? If so, take the Dark Hunter PrC. It's a 5-level PrC that's perfect for an Underdark campaign. In fact, the sample character is a Dwarf Ranger 5/Dark Hunter 5, and it really plays to a Dwarf's strengths (improved stonecunning, enhanced darkvision), while granting you some stealth abilities (stone's hue) and some stealthy combat abilities (sneak attack +1d6, death attack).

I created a drow rogue/ranger/dark hunter for an evil Underdark campaign that didn't get off the ground, and I really wish it had. The build was pretty sweet.
LoricDAHPaladin
08-05-04, 12:13 AM Human Fighter.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Baalzamon 08-02-04, 09:56 PM	We are starting and underdark campaign, version 3.5, level 5 characters, and so far the party is as follows: human wizard tiefling rogue dwarf cleric orc: fighter or barbarian or soomething like that what should I be? It has already been decided that my character will be starting in a shield dwarven city, so I have to be either a dwarf or something that could concievably be in a dwarf city as a friend or ally. So human, gnome, and most "good aligned" races are probably acceptable. I have been playing d&d for a few years and have tried just about every class. a few things I would be willing to try for this campaign are: bard: a gnome bard maybe ? :eek: sorceror: I like sorcs, but low level sorcerors scare me ranger, paladin, fighter, etc.: only if someone gives me something creative. cleric: its been a while, i'd give it a shot, maybe Monk: never tried one. I've never seen one used effectively with core only either :( I do not want to play: druid, rogue, human
ChaoticGod 08-02-04, 10:09 PM	Assimar Paladin or Ranger
allenchan 08-02-04, 11:23 PM	Play something native to the Underdark, you can be the one that everyone else might look to, since its -your- home. Grimlocks are pretty good for barbarians, and their blindsense is a blessing in the underdark. A neutral cleric of Sharess, perhaps? Could be done. Gold Dwarves are good for anything that requires Cha, perhaps a War Mage. A Grey Orc Monk would be nice, not too munchy. Perhaps have them worship Ilmater and use the Vow of Poverty from the book of exalted deeds, it really shiens at low-mid levels. There's plenty of ideas :)
SnowbearK 08-02-04, 11:44 PM	Depends. If you're talking about an Underdark game in the Forgotten Smells sense, then I would go with a Half-Orc Monk or an Orog Ranger. Barring that, anything with Darkvision is good. Hell, if your DM allows templates, take a Feral Half-Orc Ranger. Btw, 5th level isn't really "low-level" if done properly. :D
Ithilorien 08-02-04, 11:50 PM	Gnome bard. Dwarf-friendly, party-friendly, fun as heck.
Baalzamon 08-03-04, 12:04 AM	thanks guys. yeah, its forgotten realms. basically we are using only core and official forgotten realms books, such as the campaign setting, players guide to faerun, underdark book, etc.
Thorak 08-03-04, 12:29 AM	The Underdark without a non-permanent source of Darkvision, preferably racially provided, will get you killed if the DM uses smart enemies. Because it means you'll be relying on a light source. And a light source is visible a lot further away then the area it illuminates. And visible around corners, by reflecting off walls and such. And smart Drow and other critters will sit back outside the bubble of light and fire nasty stuff at you, and you won't be able to see them to fire back. Sure, they'll have an advantage darkvision-wise, but 60 feet outside your vision range is a lot better than 200 or more.
Auburn 08-03-04, 12:37 AM	I accidentally hit the button too soon. Then I couldn't get back to edit, and now I can. On second thought (after my next post) why not be a Svirneblin Cleric or Sorceror. That way you've got a race and class you were thinking about playing. Plus there's plenty of reasons for him to be in a shield dwarf city. One such reason is that he was there as partof a trading group since its a lot safer to trade with shield dwarves than with most of the Underdark races, and you don't have to go all the way to the surface to get to the dwarves.
Auburn 08-03-04, 12:41 AM	Svirneblin - Wizard or Sorceror Rock Gnome - Wizard or Fighter Shield Dwarf - Fighter or Cleric Gold Dwarf - Wizard Why not be the Svirneblin Wizard?
dawgfan 08-03-04, 12:50 AM	Dude i would go for a lythari wood elf ranger
pres_man 08-03-04, 01:45 AM	Goblin ranger or drow bard or kobold sorcerer or half-orc monk
Soel Griffin 08-03-04, 03:39 AM	Dark Creeper rogue! Check the latest Dragon Magazine!
danielinthewolvesden 08-03-04, 12:42 PM	Dwarf. Favoured Soul of Kossuth, with a Spiked Chain, and Mageslayer.:b: :b:
meabolex 08-03-04, 01:09 PM	As Thorak said, darkvision is going to be important. I suggest a Deep Halfling bard. You get all the benefits of darkvision without losing Charisma or taking level adjustments. Deep Halfling Traits (Ex): These traits are in addition to the lightfoot halfling traits, except where noted. —Darkvision out to 60 feet. —Stonecunning: Like dwarves, deep halflings have a +2 racial bonus on checks to notice unusual stonework. Something that isn’t stone but that is disguised as stone also counts as unusual stonework. A deep halfling who merely comes within 10 feet of unusual stonework can make a check as though actively searching and can use the Search skill to find stonework traps as a rogue can. A deep halfling can also intuit depth, sensing the approximate distance underground as naturally as a human can sense which way is up. — +2 racial bonus on Appraise checks and Craft checks that are related to stone or metal. —Deep halflings are less athletic than lightfoot halflings and do not have a racial bonus on Climb, Jump, and Move Silently checks. The bard is optimal as a 5th party member to a standard core team -- and you have a core team (fighter, cleric, wizard, rogue).
Phrennzy 08-03-04, 11:13 PM	I like the Svirfneblin, just because its hard to pronounce. Just use the same stats as a gnome or a dwarf. Don't tell the other players that though, just the DM knows. That way you can use "CORE" races - at least 'technically' - but you still have a different, underdark feel. Right now that party is not very Underdarkish. And yeah, if they need light sources they are dead. You might look for some kind of darkvision goggles or spells or such for the los- I mean - human character. Otherwise you're all Chitine food. Actually, I like Chitine food, you're just hungry 30 minutes later.
Auburn 08-03-04, 11:43 PM	Svirfneblim are a standard race for Forgotten Realms aren't they? They're listed in the FRCS under the normal Gnomes entry anyways.
Lhiannon Sidhe 08-04-04, 12:10 AM	Be a drow. But not a good drow, to many Drizzt clones as it is. Be an evil drow, but you are more than happy to work with the rest of the party because they can help you achieve your own goals. Even evil creatures can have a sense of loyalty. Help out the party, get them out of bad situations, share the loot with them, and they'll return the favour, and help you take out that pesky Priestess who's always stopping your plans, or whatever your goals are. Playing evil characters that have one or two good qualities makes for an interesting game.
Baalzamon 08-04-04, 07:49 PM	although I absolutely love most of those special races like Aasimar, drow and svirfneblin, I have never played a race with an LA before and I guess I am sort of afraid to. Is the loss of 1, 2 or even 3 levels really worth it? i know its worse for casters, but even for a warrior type, thats 3 hit dice, 3 BAB, usually for a one time +2 stat boost and some traits that though cool dont really make up for it IMO
danielinthewolvesden 08-04-04, 10:48 PM	Originally posted by Baalzamon although I absolutely love most of those special races like Aasimar, drow and svirfneblin, I have never played a race with an LA before and I guess I am sort of afraid to. Is the loss of 1, 2 or even 3 levels really worth it? No. Well, there are some neat races with a La+1, and two of them might work for you here- Aasimar & teifling. An Aasimar favoured Soul of Kossuth would be brutal. You can make back up an La+ 1 with the judicious use of feats- Improved Tougness is a good one. So- if you really like an La+1 race- go for it! Note- the Half-drow is an La+0 race, and could be good here. BUT- any La beyond 1, and you are way behind in everything, and when a spell like Blashemy hits the group, you're toast. Burnt toast at that.:D
Heron_Marked_Blade 08-05-04, 12:07 AM	Can you use the Complete Warrior book? If so, take the Dark Hunter PrC. It's a 5-level PrC that's perfect for an Underdark campaign. In fact, the sample character is a Dwarf Ranger 5/Dark Hunter 5, and it really plays to a Dwarf's strengths (improved stonecunning, enhanced darkvision), while granting you some stealth abilities (stone's hue) and some stealthy combat abilities (sneak attack +1d6, death attack). I created a drow rogue/ranger/dark hunter for an evil Underdark campaign that didn't get off the ground, and I really wish it had. The build was pretty sweet.
LoricDAHPaladin 08-05-04, 12:13 AM	Human Fighter.