Post/Author/DateTime	Post
TheLoneCleric 01-11-07, 12:39 AM	What measure of pleasure or skill do you use to tell when a person has found their signature class(es)? Does it really matter to you and your game? Say, I find I do well as a Cleric or a Rogue...but have a hard time playing a Druid: Would you suggest I continue playing a cleric/rogue or challenge myself and try a Druid?
tombowings 01-11-07, 01:56 AM	I play a good druid and bard, I would say "do what sounds like the most fun
the_narrator 01-11-07, 01:58 AM	I am usualy trademarked by playing various Dex-based melee combatants, and by certain degrees of Min/Maxing. I can never really get myself to play a spell caster.
Salla 01-11-07, 02:27 AM	You mean like the guy I know who plays nothing but druids? Sometimes, stuff just clicks.
Rivelstraz 01-11-07, 09:55 AM	My villains are almost always wizards, but I like to play monks, druids and sometimes, rangers. I guess those are my signature classes.
_zx75 01-11-07, 10:21 AM	Well, the threshold where someone has found their signature class I think lies when they are able to play the class naturally, without thinking about it. It is a natural extension of themselves and they don't spend time saying "well, I'm a ... so I guess that course of action isn't right". For example, I have a player who's relatively new, but I can tell their signature will be wizard. They are just completely comfortable in the role, and regardless of what character they are playing, they think like a wizard. Often I have to remind them (being the DM) that their current barbarian character can't read... so instead goes to the library and finds a scribe to read books *to* them... Myself, my signature is the Paladin. I play a wide variety of classes (although Druid is my worst) and don't play Paladin's very often, but there is something innately right about being one. I can get into the head of a Paladin better than any other characters because I don't need to think about how they would act, I know how they would. Depending on the character my Paladins will draw the line in the sand at different places, they are to each their own, and that is not an issue. I have never met a moral dilemma that has gotten in my way (despite my character agonizing over the decision) and the only fall from grace I ever had was due to a moment of weakness over a magical sword that I decided to pick up instead of handling carefully like I normally would... and was cursed (plus intelligent) and caused me to kill an innocent.
ToxicWiz 01-11-07, 10:44 AM	I'm taking a long long time then... No class has stuck with me yet. Although I'm told I'm good with a wizard or Rogue, but Evil cleric always intrigues. Well, the threshold where someone has found their signature class I think lies when they are able to play the class naturally, without thinking about it. Then maybe, all of them? I honestly wouldn't know, but i assume it is when the class seems the only interesting choice in character creation regardless of party build or world setting. which reminds me of my blackguard... good luck with finding your signature class, I'm now intrigued and off to find mine!
invaladuser 01-11-07, 01:29 PM	With me its the paladin and monk. For some of my players theres one that loves druids, another that almost always trys to be a duskblade, and one that had a rogue thing but, some one else kinda showed him up and he stopped being a rogue, out of shame. now he does samurai and sorcerer.
Seghan 01-11-07, 02:19 PM	It is just where you feel comfortable and at home. I think of it as "if I were to project myself (in terms of personality) into an alternate reality, what would I be?". I have a comfort role more than class. I wind up heavily trademarked as a faceman, playing rogue, bard, or beguiler based characters with heavy emphasis on charisma skills.
EyeontheMountain 01-11-07, 09:02 PM	For me it is spellcasters, primarily arcane ones. I specialize in sorcerors also, as I like to have lots of options and hate memorizingg spells beforehand. I have played nearly every class, but most of htem just fel limited to me. Fighter-types just bore me, and rogues are nearly as bad. So if it is a short-term game I will try out a non-spellcasterfor something new, and maybe something interesting, though they will usually have some trick to them that givesthem more options. Fighters specializing in two trees of combat for more options, or feats that require thinking in combat. With rogues, I tend to be trap/face instead of stealth, as for me sneaking around is just too boring. Sometimes they have a bit of magic on the side. For long term games I go with what I like so I can coninute to contribute for a long time. And not get bored/antsy/suicidal :) in the middle of the game.
JasonOrlandoHawk 01-12-07, 01:57 AM	I have played just about every class that I have access to, and my patterns are very clear. My signature class is the Wizard. I resemble one in many ways. I am a book collector in real life. I am known for the depth and breadth of my knowledge skills. I'm even something of a recluse. This plays well into my D&D games. In game, I prefer a strong Divination/Evocation combination for my spells. My characters plan for a brief period of time, learning as much as possible, and then strike fast and hard, leaving their foes in the dust. Books rule! Granted, my close second for signature class is Cleric, largely b/c I play one in real life (ordained clergy). I have a high Wisdom, excellent leadership skills, and it is a well recorded fact that when I step into a haunted house, it ceases to be haunted while I'm there (turn undead). Naturally, this transfers well to D&D when I pick up the Cleric class. A combination of Spells and Heavy Armor leave me in the fight longer than almost any one that adventures beside me. Never underestimate faith! In fact, I once took an online "What's your PrC?" test, and the answer came back "Mystic Theurge." Spellcasters rock! After that, I move into the Combat-expert classes (Fighter, Barbarian, Paladin, Ranger), which I play decently, but not in any sort of glorious fashion. Well, one exception: I can tear up my opponents quite efficiently w/ monks as well. My worst category is "Experts," and I have a particular problem w/ Rogues. In the game that I'm currently not running, I'm playing a Rogue, and I hate it w/ a bitter passion. Why? I roll so badly that the groups Ranger is vastly better Rogue than I could ever hope to be. Sure, she doesn't have Search, but considering my rolls, it's not like I do either. Really, when I look at my play style, it mirrors both my personality and luck. I have a very bad rolling streak. In my last game, I successfully rolled three 20's out of about 65 rolls. Everything else, and I do mean everything else, I failed to roll above an 8. Spellcasters don't make rolls nearly as much, which means the dice can't bite them as much. I cast a spell, I get the effect. If anyone has to roll, it's you! Save or Flesh to Stone! Less rolling saves me frustration. So, excessively longwinded post short, I am the quintessential spellcaster (Arcane and Divine) both for my personality and tendancy on rolls.
Sphyre 01-12-07, 03:58 AM	I've found that I enjoy the Druid class the most. I love being able to switch my roles on the fly if I get bored with something. Although, that doesn't mean I always play a druid. I've played a lot of different classes and enjoyed them. I personally want to play the following in the future: Crusader Swordsage Beguiler and *gasp* even a Jade Phoenix Mage. (I gasped because I have only, once ever played a character with a PrC and that's the Eldritch Knight) I find myself having an affinity for casters for games that last more than a session or two because I like to spice things up a bit and keep things new and fresh. I've done attack rolls quite a bit, and it's not too enthralling if that's the only thing you can do in terms of combat.
Boshi 01-12-07, 04:28 AM	I often play a lot of wierd multi-class stuff but recently I've realized that, screw it, I've got to play barbarians. -Able to be on the front lines. -Decent number of skill points -Able to do ridiculously stupid stuff and yet somehow live. I just don't much like the fluff or the barbarian stereotype.
Sphyre 01-12-07, 05:04 AM	-Able to do ridiculously stupid stuff and yet somehow live. OOh, sounds like fun. I wanna play a barbarian now :tongue: Characters don't know about character classes. You can be a barbarian without the suggested fluff just fine :)
Azezel 01-12-07, 07:59 AM	My signature class is without doubt Wizard. I love playing a Wizard, I think like a Wizard. I don't care for Sorcerers, but I do like Clerics and Druids. I like vancian casting lots and, though I say it myself - I am good at it. Preparing spells doesn't bother me, and I tend to have the right spells prepped. I don't like rogues. I have never played a Rogue PC, I have no desire to do so. When I DM I am not good at running NPC Rogues. Worse than that - it recently occured to me that I might also have a subconcious hatred for the class. In my last game, the party Rogue definately suffered. He got hit more often, and just seemed 'unlucky' but I wonder if I was not subconciously doing it on purpose. I hope not, but I cannot rule it out. I really don't like Rogues.
angryman 01-12-07, 08:43 AM	I tend to play specialist wizards and paladins. These probably account for 80% of my D&D characters, ever since 1994. Why wizards? Power. They can do things most people can't and when prepared, they dominate. It's a nice feeling. Why paladins? They're good, I like the idea of the truly holy warrior who goes around avenging evil.
Aegeu 01-12-07, 10:34 AM	Rogue. Definitely Rogue. After playing DnD for a while, I know the importance of checking for traps, looting the bodies, and other roguish acts. Plus, they can be fairly good combatants using Swashbuckler, etc.
Salla 01-12-07, 01:25 PM	I'm kind of the opposite here ... I don't have a signature class. I kind of pride myself on being able to play almost anything well, and enjoy it, so I like to let the other players make their characters and I can fill in roles if needed. There's only a few I really avoid: 1. The Bard. Just don't like the flavor somehow, though someday I'm going to play one just for the sake of saying I did it. 2. The Druid. Wildshape is a pain in the butt. 3. The Crusader. I haven't figured out how its maneuver system works. 4. Samurai, Paladin, Knight: While I can play a character with honor, I prefer not getting mechanically hosed if I decide it needs to be bent from time to time.
Comus 01-12-07, 02:03 PM	Hm. I don't really have a signature class, myself. I think I've tried playing just about everything at one point or another. Don't play many skilled classes, though... so that's what I've rolled up for my next game. Gotta say, though, that anything with harsh alignment requirements tends to chafe on me.
RavingDork 01-12-07, 02:06 PM	I typically perform extremely well with Fighters and full casters (Clerics, Druids, Sorcerers, or Wizards). I am an extremely poor roleplayer when it comes to playing any other Warrior types (barbarian, monk, paladin, and ranger) or stealthy multi-role types (bard, monk, ranger, and rogue). I also enjoy mixing it up a little and play such combiantions as the Paladin/Sorcer/Abjurant Champion/Eldritch Knight. The Abjurant Champion is probably my favorite prestige class.
Zombayz1 01-12-07, 02:55 PM	I'm trademarked by undead legions. I'll usually have 2780 hitdice of undead by level 20.
Vaelan 01-12-07, 03:05 PM	I don't see a signature class as one that you enjoy playing. I see a signature class as one that meshes with the way you think and your capabilities. I enjoy playing classes that aren't my best. My best class is the Wizard. I can predict the vein in which a DM will plan encounters quite well and thus can prepare effectively. However, using and playing to this strength makes the game far less interesting than it would be were I playing a different class and thinking a little less.
Sphyre 01-12-07, 03:29 PM	2. The Druid. Wildshape is a pain in the butt. Having a sheet with all the different bonuses you get for changing into something helps a lot here. I made an excel spreadsheet that has it for me, so wildshaping is as easy as looking on the list and choosing one. 3. The Crusader. I haven't figured out how its maneuver system works. There's two ways that you can interpret it. The two ways are described rather poorly on the first page here. I think it was the later pages that worked better for explaining it. Basically you have 5 maneuvers readied. When combat starts you have 2 randomly chosen ones, and you can use those as normal. At the end of your turn, you take one from those 3 that haven't been granted and you put it in the granted. So now there's 2 not granted. Then you do the same each round. In the event that any round you do not have any non-granted ones left, you do either method decribed in that thread, depending on what your group agrees on. It's complicated to explain in words, but using cards helps a lot.
Thubby 01-12-07, 03:36 PM	the proper amount of pleasure drawn from a signerature class, or build. should have the effect of stopping a player, or group, in their tracks. like when you all of a sudden think of an old friend, and go dig up a photo album. if you find something that works THAT well for you, then thats your signerature. does it realy matter? no, but its nice. (<-man that was emo) as to your last part. play whatever you feel most happy playing. if you want to challenge yourself, work on your roguey skills. go with rogue. if you want to powergame, or maybe relive good times, maybe work on your rping. go for the others
raiderrpg 01-12-07, 04:10 PM	I always find myself looking through every sourcebook I have for new magic items and spells and so forth, to the point that my friends worry for my sanity. SO... Bookworm Wizard. :D It's just too natural. Course, for variety every one has a different type of magic... This one summons demons, this one focuses on lightning, this one is a strategist who sits there for hours thinking and planning when there's about to be a big battle... you get the idea.
ToxicWiz 01-12-07, 04:31 PM	I'm back! The suggestions here are all right I think. I think my signature class might just be a.... Telepath or Enchanter The manipulative, subtle type. I'm not to good with people in reality, but apparently I seem the type, and my exploits in game are pretty impressive. well... to me anyway! :D Wizards seem popular don't they?
Thubby 01-12-07, 05:02 PM	Wizards seem popular don't they? its because the only class ability (spell casting) can be changed so obviously, and extremely. their realy is something for EVERYONE. their are at least as many wizard spell sets as their are wizards. personaly, i play an amazing lovable oaf (usualy fighter, some barbarian). when thubby (my name sake) died. the DM caled a 10 minute break, we all loved him that much, i even have his character sheet saved on my computer.
Brotter_Lutgehr 01-12-07, 06:28 PM	I usually play a dim witted half orc barbarian but I'm also decent with Rogues
Halaku 01-12-07, 07:00 PM	Psion/Wilder for me, there is nothing quite like the satisfaction of having the entire playgroup lean back and give you the "you did what with the how to who now?" look. That and the sheer flexibility sometimes, and when you really need somthing dead, its dead.
Shiikeras 01-12-07, 08:13 PM	I have a habit of playing or making NPCs with really high Dex. I like Druids and Rangers, but I am also a big fan of Sorcerers, especially those who use subtler magic. (I am extremy fond of having my sorcerers cast a permanent Gentle Repose on killed PCs/BBEGs, then Animate Dead. Free minions that look alive! With Ventriloquism, imagine the fun!)
kelvinaw273 01-12-07, 08:39 PM	What measure of pleasure or skill do you use to tell when a person has found their signature class(es)? Does it really matter to you and your game? Say, I find I do well as a Cleric or a Rogue...but have a hard time playing a Druid: Would you suggest I continue playing a cleric/rogue or challenge myself and try a Druid? Play what you enjoy playing. If you want a real challenge, play whatever the party needs.
Kit_the_Odd 01-13-07, 09:58 AM	I wouldn't say I have a class, but more an archtype - the Jack-of-all-Trades or Renaissance Man. I haven't played in lot of different games, but participating in the Hero Craftsman contests I constantly find myself looking at Bard or Rogue as a major part of the character. Like other people have pointed out with their signature class, this fits my own personality. For example, in high school I was in all the advanced academic classes, was a varsity wrestler, and was in most of the school plays. I've helped build houses, done gardening, love camping, and I'm an aerospace engineer for a living. So I just like a character who can do everything, at least a little bit. (Of course, I always want to be able to do everything better. Maybe Gestalt is the way to go :) )
Aloki 01-13-07, 11:56 AM	hmm... My signature class?... Would have to be either a druid, cleric, or bard. Maybe a wizard that focuses in necromancy... That is pretty much all i play. Come to think of it, are there any necromantic druid spells?
Whisper_Swiftblade 01-13-07, 02:11 PM	Then maybe, all of them? if you are a jack of all trades perhaps that makes you a bard? as for myseld, I don't think I have one. If i am known for anything it would be trying to make the verry last PC my DMs expect.
Shiikeras 01-13-07, 02:50 PM	hmm... My signature class?... Would have to be either a druid, cleric, or bard. Maybe a wizard that focuses in necromancy... That is pretty much all i play. Come to think of it, are there any necromantic druid spells? Druids are directly opposed to necromancy, veiwing it as unnatural. So no.
Thubby 01-13-07, 05:34 PM	Druids are directly opposed to necromancy, veiwing it as unnatural. So no. actualy, druids oppose UNDEAD ( given, one of the main products of necromancy). necromancy is the manipulation of life energy. im pretty sure druids have a few necromantic spells. cant think of what (contagion maybe?). ill edit if i find one. edit: yup, contagion is necromancy (and evil apparently) Dru 3
bholdr_mage 01-13-07, 08:13 PM	I'm going to have to say an Illusionist. Of the gnome type.
Salla 01-13-07, 11:44 PM	Druids are directly opposed to necromancy, veiwing it as unnatural. So no. Quick skim of the Spell Index: Blight Contagious Touch Death Ward, Mass (and not-Mass) Decomposition Dehydrate Infestation of Maggots Junglerazer Mark of the Outcast Poison Spark of Life Wracking Touch Finger of Death Contagion So, not a lot (though the Cure spells *should* be Necromancies), but they're there.
Ascariat 01-14-07, 01:28 AM	I am definately a generalist wizard. An answer for every situation is my motto.
skywyze 01-14-07, 01:50 AM	Oh, I am SO a shaper. As in, a Discipline for Psions. I usually get Body Adjustment and Empathic Transfer (through Expanded Knowledge) to help act as a healer as well, but the reason I love them so much is the flexibility. Examples: Fighting something that the fighter can't hit and which has resistances and SR you can't beat? Fabricate the roof to collapse! Dodge THAT! Need a drink to bribe that dwarven guard? Minor Creation ftw! Need a place to rest? Fabricate that stone wall into a safe alcove! Antimagic/psionic fields being a pest? See #1! There's just so much flexibility, I don't think there's anything a shaper can't do! So much fun. I've been forced to play a healer through so many campaigns because our party would never last without one and nobody else knows how to heal well, but from now I say screw you! I'ma play a shaper and if you want healing, you can take the time and rest, you lazy bastards! :D
Bryan_0697 01-14-07, 02:42 AM	A character class that generally speaks to me and completely falls in line with my personality type is that of the Bard (More 2ed. Blade then Musician- though illusion spells are the 'be all; end all' of band-aids) Chaotic Nuetral or Evil. Good at everything - but best at nothing (I will be forever second place; it 'irks me to no end). This may only be because I have a '3 month variant' of ADHD, which prevents me from focusing on anything for more then three months before I get wholly bored with 'it'(for only three months; at which time I go back... for another three months). Though, for those three months I am the epitamy of focus and devotion... and obsession. Classes I play well... all of them, for I have an (3 month - j/k) obsession for strategy games - of which D&D can classify as one (I also have an overactive imagination and the ability to read quite fast, so character concepts are never a problem). Classes I loathe that are not covered in the 'all of them' catagory - anything with psionics or oriental flavour. My reason are varied and many but mostly have to do with the 'flavour' of the class or genre (Anime and the Katana Ick!). Classes I would recommend for anyone to try at least once. - Crusader (ToB - Overpowered my ***) A bright flare of hope in a (D&D melee) world of darkness. - Paladin of Tyranny - Lawful Evil with a reasonable Int - endless posibilities for vile debauchery and depraved scheming (This only really works if Evil is seen as a moral viewpoint rather then the 'classic D&D EVIL') [How far will you go? sorta thing]. So murdering nuns would be fine in your view because they were assisting the local farmer's in a quite rebellion. Working alongside your fellow man as a means to an end rather then a 'good' dead would be ok too, as long as it serves your own purposes and/or you get somthing out of it ("Ok I will help theses pathetic peasents clear their land, as long as it gets me closer to the farmer's very attractive daughter.") - catch my drift. -Bard, of course (Grease and Tasha's are your best friend) - Don't forget about Perform (Oratory).
nightwyrm 01-15-07, 12:34 PM	Classes with a good spell list ie. Cleric/Wizard/Sorc. I love the versatility. I also like the Paladin because of their crusading mentality. Right now, I'm playing a cleric who fancies himself a paladin but does most of his holy smiting with spells instead.
PsychicKid 01-15-07, 01:27 PM	Fighter, Barbarian, or Paladin. Big swords, big damage, I hate thinking, ripping things up with big swords and big damage.
BowenSilverclaw1986 01-15-07, 01:53 PM	I don't really have a single favorite class, but I do have a group of favorite classes, a favorite role in the party if you will, namely the melee guy. This usually results in some sort of combination between -barbarian -fighter -warblade -exotic weapon master -frenzied berserker (not always though). Usually I play the beefy, high strength charger type that also protects the weaker (lower ac and hp, casters and rogues) characters and tries to make use of stuff like Combat Reflexes when he can. And yes, I am somewhat of a closet powergamer with this type of character. However, my characters also have an actual story, background and personality and I also roleplay ;) . Just my two cents. Greetings, Bowen Silverclaw.
Mosyali 01-15-07, 09:08 PM	I am quite proud to say that I play a cleric whenever I can. No, blasting or killing for me, sir. I prefer to move to a nice position than walk around the field healing my buddies. When I have free time on my hand in combat, I toss buffs that serve my party. I honestly cannot stand hurting neutral creatures untill one of my party members is down, so I prepare few offensive spells. But when I do cast them, Divine Metamagic (maxamize) allows me to become an avatar of vengence. Can't let my party go down without makeing sure that the infidel that smacked down my Knight is not smacked down first. I like being a heal/buff-bot. It just makes me feel like I contribute with the party on any and all actions. Hey, someone needs to heal. If one person likes it, might as well make them the healer.
DarkKitsune 01-15-07, 10:14 PM	Well... a good dea of the philosophy behind the Druid class as a character is something I have in real life, making it easy for me to get in the head of any druids I choose to make. As an added bonus, it also happens to be one of the classes that best supports my gaming style (that is, making the 'Plan' up as I go along :p), both as the 'loose cannon', and the wildcard no one expected :D. The alignment restriction kinda dampens the latter, though :(
grok_grok 01-15-07, 10:31 PM	How do you know your signature class? Well you need to ask yourself 2 questions. 1 - What can I play well 2 - What do I like to roleplay For me its a Sorc. I love roleplaying the high Cha characters and people love me as a spellcaster cause im the only one in my party that find various uses for spells, everyone else kinda goes for what makes a big bang DM - The Orcs have you corner Me - Wiz Boy you learnt suggestion use it Wizard - All I prep. was fireballs Me - Well, they are the guards of the town but your an idiot so... yeah whatever blow them away DM - So much for keeping a low profile
DM Denubis 01-16-07, 02:02 AM	Kind of sad, because I'm a known min/maxer and optimizer, but my signature class is the Healer from the Miniature's Handbook, which I then combine with a few Exalted feats (Vows, the Radiance thing, that sort of stuff.). Unfortunately, seeing as how such a character is not exactly what most would call powerful, and the DM I normally play under has a bit of an arms race going with me, I'm normally caught playing either a Wizard or a Cloistered Cleric, although I have been giving major thought to the Archivist. When it comes down to it, play what you want to play. The game is meant to be fun.