How to make an Indiana Jones type character [Archive] - Wizards Community

How to make an Indiana Jones type character [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Adamaro23
05-20-07, 01:01 AM I've been trying to figure out a good way to make a character like this for a while, i need to know:

1. What class levels, and how many.
2. Feats
3. Any prestige classes he should be looking forward to.

I did'nt want him to be nothing but rogue though, i wanted him to be more interesting. Possibly the varient Rogue from Unearthed Arcana, the one where you replace your sneak attacks with bonus feats.

Now, if you were to make a character like this how would you make him?

P.S. this character will be played in Eberron, so its possible to get feats that involve action points.
Illithid_Tentacles
05-20-07, 01:07 AM Most people are in agreement that Indie would be a rogue, probably with the Educated feat (he WAS a college teacher), and Improved Unarmed Strike. Trap Sense and Uncanny Dodge fit very well, and as I recall he spoke and read both Chinese and Indian (or whatever the language people from India speak is called, I don't know), and probably a few others.
Neutronium_Dragon
05-20-07, 01:49 AM I'll second the above. Indiana Jones is even listed as an example of the valorous rogue archetype in Champions of Valor.
Tempest Stormwind
05-20-07, 01:57 AM Rogue again. Give him the Education feat (rogues lack the Knowledge skills he's known for and he's a university professor; of course he knows his ****), Improved Unarmed Strike (more for the lack of AoOs than anything else) and the Whip Grapple skill trick.

I'd also argue the man's an Extreme Explorer, but that's more because the Extreme Explorer was based on the Indy archetype rather than it being a perfect fit. Eberron flat-out admires Indiana Jones.
Forgotten_Warrior
05-20-07, 02:06 AM Indiana Jones is a Bard, Bards are already proficient with whips from level one. Indy also seems to know some fact about every place on the Earth, if this isn't Bardic Knowledge then I don't know what game I play. I also think that he would have the lightning reflexes feat.
Optimized_Commoner
05-20-07, 03:50 AM Indian (or whatever the language people from India speak is called, I don't know)

There are actually many many languages in India. The three most spoken are Hindi, Bengali and Telugu.

Asking what language a person from India speaks is very similar to asking what language a person from Europe speaks.
Mootpoint
05-20-07, 03:52 AM Maybe a little bit of a Swashbuckler?
kelvinaw273
05-20-07, 04:58 AM I would say Bard/Rogue combo. In the White Wolf Ravenloft supplement Van Richten's Arsenal there was a PrC (Tomb Invader or some such) that was also ideal for this archetype (although perhaps more appropriate to a Lara Croft Archetype ... actually is there that much difference between the two?).
Solian
05-20-07, 08:11 AM The Dungeon Delver PRC also may go with Indiana Jones, though i'm not too sure about it. Indiana's also EXTREMELY lucky, so a few luck feats wouldn't hurt him. Rogue or Bard both seem like good classes for Indy, the only problem is that he seems to have quite high ability scores, he's quite intelligent, he's charismatic, he's agile, he's not weak for sure, he's pretty wise and he can take a beating.
draco1119
05-20-07, 09:23 AM I say Scout. :)

Improved Disarm, EWP (whip), et al.
sineous blackspell
05-20-07, 09:38 AM indy and john mclane got that same (whatever it is) if theres a "favored of the gods feat"thats what they got akin to harry hamlins character in clash of the titans also they (sorry to bring mclane up i thought it relevant different time same character) they need many levels due to numerous hitpoints and able to take punishment strong willed(you never see them thinking of quitting)escape yes we like about indy same as han solo scoundrel with a heart ^^ also remember indy had a pistol and was very good with it.......lots os possible feats for this char
temparus2000
05-20-07, 11:36 AM definately some levels in The Lasher, an prestige class from the old Sword and Fist book pg 26. It's basically an entire class devoted to fighting with a whip.

Don't forget he also often used a pistol, so get your character a hand-crossbow!

I disagree with him being a bard. I'd say that his worldly knowledge just means he has max ranks in Knowledge (geography) and Knowledge (arcana), not bardic knowledge. besides, I never once saw him sing :)
kelvinaw273
05-20-07, 12:05 PM They would use Action Points, of course.
Eric888
05-20-07, 02:40 PM Indiana Jones (Magic Items not included)
Human Rogue 11/ Ranger 4 CG
Stats: Str 16, Dex 21, Con 18, Int 17, Wis 7, Cha 15.
Feats/Class Abilities: Educated, Improved Unarmed Strike, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Feint, Improved Disarm, Combat Reflexes, TWF (Ranger), Tracking (Ranger), Endurance (Ranger), Favored Enemy (Nazis), Evasion (Rogue), Improved Evasion (Rogue 10), Uncanny Dodge (Rogue).
Skills: Bluff +20, Disable +21, Search +21, Spot +16, Listen +16, Tumble +23, Survival +16, Knowledge (Arcana) +16, Knowledge (Geography) +16, Knowledge (History) +21, Knowledge (Religion) +7, Knowledge (Dungeonearing) +7, Deciper Script +21.
Forgotten_Warrior
05-20-07, 02:56 PM I disagree with him being a bard. I'd say that his worldly knowledge just means he has max ranks in Knowledge (geography) and Knowledge (arcana), not bardic knowledge. besides, I never once saw him sing :)

All the knowledge skills are class skills for the bard, and maybe he just doesn't feel like singing. I mean, who's he going to support, he's the main fighter.
Demon Lightfoot
05-20-07, 03:58 PM All the knowledge skills are class skills for the bard, and maybe he just doesn't feel like singing. I mean, who's he going to support, he's the main fighter.

He could always just whistle...
Forgotten_Warrior
05-20-07, 05:11 PM He could always just whistle...

Then nobody would go see the movies.
temparus2000
05-20-07, 05:17 PM Then nobody would go see the movies.

but a guitar or lute wouldn't go with the fedora hat. Maybe he could just clamp and stamp his feet, like Stomp.
phoen777
05-20-07, 08:50 PM Indiana Jones (Magic Items not included)
Human Rogue 11/ Ranger 4 CG
Stats: Str 16, Dex 21, Con 18, Int 17, Wis 7, Cha 15.
Feats/Class Abilities: Educated, Improved Unarmed Strike, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Feint, Improved Disarm, Combat Reflexes, TWF (Ranger), Tracking (Ranger), Endurance (Ranger), Favored Enemy (Nazis), Evasion (Rogue), Improved Evasion (Rogue 10), Uncanny Dodge (Rogue).
Skills: Bluff +20, Disable +21, Search +21, Spot +16, Listen +16, Tumble +23, Survival +16, Knowledge (Arcana) +16, Knowledge (Geography) +16, Knowledge (History) +21, Knowledge (Religion) +7, Knowledge (Dungeonearing) +7, Deciper Script +21.

:heehee
Gavinfoxx
05-20-07, 10:48 PM I would say one of the better translations of the concept of the Indiana Jones archetype to the D&D world is the Factotum class...
Cartigan
05-20-07, 11:06 PM Indiana Jones is a Bard, Bards are already proficient with whips from level one. Indy also seems to know some fact about every place on the Earth, if this isn't Bardic Knowledge then I don't know what game I play. I also think that he would have the lightning reflexes feat.
That really doesn't take into account the Rogueness.

Swashbuckler 13/Rogue 4/Archivist 3

He has three classes because he is Indiana flippin' Jones.
Gavinfoxx
05-21-07, 12:09 AM Swashbuckler doesn't go beyond 3, kthx.
Just use rogue and daring outlaw.
pmurray@bigpond.com
05-21-07, 01:22 AM Have a look at the skill tricks in complete scoundrel - the whip climbing one in particular.
Tempest Stormwind
05-21-07, 01:22 AM Swashbuckler doesn't go beyond 3, kthx.
Just use rogue and daring outlaw.

It occasionally goes as high as 4. Needs this to work, though. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20070227x)
yrogerg
05-21-07, 06:35 AM I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned the Extreme Explorer PrC, which was essentially written with Indy specifically in mind.
Cartigan
05-21-07, 10:29 AM Swashbuckler doesn't go beyond 3, kthx.
Just use rogue and daring outlaw.

What's wrong with Swashbuckler.
I_Avian
05-21-07, 10:34 AM Factotum is definately the best class for an Indy.
Cartigan
05-21-07, 11:24 AM Factotum is definately the best class for an Indy.
Factotum is just cheating. Most fictional characters would be Factotums. Factotum looks like a "Eh, we decided we ran out of actually unique classes to make up" class anyway.
Tempest Stormwind
05-21-07, 11:53 AM I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned the Extreme Explorer PrC, which was essentially written with Indy specifically in mind....I'd also argue the man's an Extreme Explorer, but that's more because the Extreme Explorer was based on the Indy archetype rather than it being a perfect fit. Eberron flat-out admires Indiana Jones.Hi. Reading the thread FTW.
yellowdingo
05-21-07, 11:35 PM but a guitar or lute wouldn't go with the fedora hat. Maybe he could just clamp and stamp his feet, like Stomp.

Then there is the pistol (aka hand crossbow) and whip...

"Did you just rob that grave?" Outraged Paladin stood by in shock as Indy walked out of a tomb and tossed the old skull to the foot of the entrance while pocketing the gold crown from its head.
"Back off Man! I'm an Archaeologist..."
Grendor_Hagortough
05-22-07, 12:17 AM definitely have to have some scoundrel in their, look for some skill tricks
_Jayne_Cobb_
05-22-07, 12:26 PM (although perhaps more appropriate to a Lara Croft Archetype ... actually is there that much difference between the two?).

Yes, there are two huge differences between them.
BloodDragon
05-22-07, 12:43 PM Ask your DM:

Flaw: Phobia - Snakes / Snake like creature (Naga, Yung-ti, etc) :D
Make a will save or be shaken when within 20 ft of snake or snake like spieces. Or something to that effect...
nightwyrm
05-22-07, 01:58 PM All the knowledge skills are class skills for the bard, and maybe he just doesn't feel like singing. I mean, who's he going to support, he's the main fighter.

Jones doesn't sing. He lectures.
Forgotten_Warrior
05-22-07, 02:33 PM but a guitar or lute wouldn't go with the fedora hat. Maybe he could just clamp and stamp his feet, like Stomp.

Who dances by themselves in a dungeon, that would be useless to a bard. That, and people would walk out of the movie theater or turn of the television. For lecturing, he could just take a perform skill.
Millennium
05-22-07, 02:49 PM Indy is definitely a rogue, maybe with a dash of bard or ranger. If he has some bard levels, then he uses Perform [oratory] to recite ancient legends and epics as his "music."

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Adamaro23 05-20-07, 01:01 AM	I've been trying to figure out a good way to make a character like this for a while, i need to know: 1. What class levels, and how many. 2. Feats 3. Any prestige classes he should be looking forward to. I did'nt want him to be nothing but rogue though, i wanted him to be more interesting. Possibly the varient Rogue from Unearthed Arcana, the one where you replace your sneak attacks with bonus feats. Now, if you were to make a character like this how would you make him? P.S. this character will be played in Eberron, so its possible to get feats that involve action points.
Illithid_Tentacles 05-20-07, 01:07 AM	Most people are in agreement that Indie would be a rogue, probably with the Educated feat (he WAS a college teacher), and Improved Unarmed Strike. Trap Sense and Uncanny Dodge fit very well, and as I recall he spoke and read both Chinese and Indian (or whatever the language people from India speak is called, I don't know), and probably a few others.
Neutronium_Dragon 05-20-07, 01:49 AM	I'll second the above. Indiana Jones is even listed as an example of the valorous rogue archetype in Champions of Valor.
Tempest Stormwind 05-20-07, 01:57 AM	Rogue again. Give him the Education feat (rogues lack the Knowledge skills he's known for and he's a university professor; of course he knows his ****), Improved Unarmed Strike (more for the lack of AoOs than anything else) and the Whip Grapple skill trick. I'd also argue the man's an Extreme Explorer, but that's more because the Extreme Explorer was based on the Indy archetype rather than it being a perfect fit. Eberron flat-out admires Indiana Jones.
Forgotten_Warrior 05-20-07, 02:06 AM	Indiana Jones is a Bard, Bards are already proficient with whips from level one. Indy also seems to know some fact about every place on the Earth, if this isn't Bardic Knowledge then I don't know what game I play. I also think that he would have the lightning reflexes feat.
Optimized_Commoner 05-20-07, 03:50 AM	Indian (or whatever the language people from India speak is called, I don't know) There are actually many many languages in India. The three most spoken are Hindi, Bengali and Telugu. Asking what language a person from India speaks is very similar to asking what language a person from Europe speaks.
Mootpoint 05-20-07, 03:52 AM	Maybe a little bit of a Swashbuckler?
kelvinaw273 05-20-07, 04:58 AM	I would say Bard/Rogue combo. In the White Wolf Ravenloft supplement Van Richten's Arsenal there was a PrC (Tomb Invader or some such) that was also ideal for this archetype (although perhaps more appropriate to a Lara Croft Archetype ... actually is there that much difference between the two?).
Solian 05-20-07, 08:11 AM	The Dungeon Delver PRC also may go with Indiana Jones, though i'm not too sure about it. Indiana's also EXTREMELY lucky, so a few luck feats wouldn't hurt him. Rogue or Bard both seem like good classes for Indy, the only problem is that he seems to have quite high ability scores, he's quite intelligent, he's charismatic, he's agile, he's not weak for sure, he's pretty wise and he can take a beating.
draco1119 05-20-07, 09:23 AM	I say Scout. :) Improved Disarm, EWP (whip), et al.
sineous blackspell 05-20-07, 09:38 AM	indy and john mclane got that same (whatever it is) if theres a "favored of the gods feat"thats what they got akin to harry hamlins character in clash of the titans also they (sorry to bring mclane up i thought it relevant different time same character) they need many levels due to numerous hitpoints and able to take punishment strong willed(you never see them thinking of quitting)escape yes we like about indy same as han solo scoundrel with a heart ^^ also remember indy had a pistol and was very good with it.......lots os possible feats for this char
temparus2000 05-20-07, 11:36 AM	definately some levels in The Lasher, an prestige class from the old Sword and Fist book pg 26. It's basically an entire class devoted to fighting with a whip. Don't forget he also often used a pistol, so get your character a hand-crossbow! I disagree with him being a bard. I'd say that his worldly knowledge just means he has max ranks in Knowledge (geography) and Knowledge (arcana), not bardic knowledge. besides, I never once saw him sing :)
kelvinaw273 05-20-07, 12:05 PM	They would use Action Points, of course.
Eric888 05-20-07, 02:40 PM	Indiana Jones (Magic Items not included) Human Rogue 11/ Ranger 4 CG Stats: Str 16, Dex 21, Con 18, Int 17, Wis 7, Cha 15. Feats/Class Abilities: Educated, Improved Unarmed Strike, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Feint, Improved Disarm, Combat Reflexes, TWF (Ranger), Tracking (Ranger), Endurance (Ranger), Favored Enemy (Nazis), Evasion (Rogue), Improved Evasion (Rogue 10), Uncanny Dodge (Rogue). Skills: Bluff +20, Disable +21, Search +21, Spot +16, Listen +16, Tumble +23, Survival +16, Knowledge (Arcana) +16, Knowledge (Geography) +16, Knowledge (History) +21, Knowledge (Religion) +7, Knowledge (Dungeonearing) +7, Deciper Script +21.
Forgotten_Warrior 05-20-07, 02:56 PM	I disagree with him being a bard. I'd say that his worldly knowledge just means he has max ranks in Knowledge (geography) and Knowledge (arcana), not bardic knowledge. besides, I never once saw him sing :) All the knowledge skills are class skills for the bard, and maybe he just doesn't feel like singing. I mean, who's he going to support, he's the main fighter.
Demon Lightfoot 05-20-07, 03:58 PM	All the knowledge skills are class skills for the bard, and maybe he just doesn't feel like singing. I mean, who's he going to support, he's the main fighter. He could always just whistle...
Forgotten_Warrior 05-20-07, 05:11 PM	He could always just whistle... Then nobody would go see the movies.
temparus2000 05-20-07, 05:17 PM	Then nobody would go see the movies. but a guitar or lute wouldn't go with the fedora hat. Maybe he could just clamp and stamp his feet, like Stomp.
phoen777 05-20-07, 08:50 PM	Indiana Jones (Magic Items not included) Human Rogue 11/ Ranger 4 CG Stats: Str 16, Dex 21, Con 18, Int 17, Wis 7, Cha 15. Feats/Class Abilities: Educated, Improved Unarmed Strike, Exotic Weapon Proficiency (Whip), Combat Expertise, Improved Trip, Improved Feint, Improved Disarm, Combat Reflexes, TWF (Ranger), Tracking (Ranger), Endurance (Ranger), Favored Enemy (Nazis), Evasion (Rogue), Improved Evasion (Rogue 10), Uncanny Dodge (Rogue). Skills: Bluff +20, Disable +21, Search +21, Spot +16, Listen +16, Tumble +23, Survival +16, Knowledge (Arcana) +16, Knowledge (Geography) +16, Knowledge (History) +21, Knowledge (Religion) +7, Knowledge (Dungeonearing) +7, Deciper Script +21. :heehee
Gavinfoxx 05-20-07, 10:48 PM	I would say one of the better translations of the concept of the Indiana Jones archetype to the D&D world is the Factotum class...
Cartigan 05-20-07, 11:06 PM	Indiana Jones is a Bard, Bards are already proficient with whips from level one. Indy also seems to know some fact about every place on the Earth, if this isn't Bardic Knowledge then I don't know what game I play. I also think that he would have the lightning reflexes feat. That really doesn't take into account the Rogueness. Swashbuckler 13/Rogue 4/Archivist 3 He has three classes because he is Indiana flippin' Jones.
Gavinfoxx 05-21-07, 12:09 AM	Swashbuckler doesn't go beyond 3, kthx. Just use rogue and daring outlaw.
pmurray@bigpond.com 05-21-07, 01:22 AM	Have a look at the skill tricks in complete scoundrel - the whip climbing one in particular.
Tempest Stormwind 05-21-07, 01:22 AM	Swashbuckler doesn't go beyond 3, kthx. Just use rogue and daring outlaw. It occasionally goes as high as 4. Needs this to work, though. (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20070227x)
yrogerg 05-21-07, 06:35 AM	I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned the Extreme Explorer PrC, which was essentially written with Indy specifically in mind.
Cartigan 05-21-07, 10:29 AM	Swashbuckler doesn't go beyond 3, kthx. Just use rogue and daring outlaw. What's wrong with Swashbuckler.
I_Avian 05-21-07, 10:34 AM	Factotum is definately the best class for an Indy.
Cartigan 05-21-07, 11:24 AM	Factotum is definately the best class for an Indy. Factotum is just cheating. Most fictional characters would be Factotums. Factotum looks like a "Eh, we decided we ran out of actually unique classes to make up" class anyway.
Tempest Stormwind 05-21-07, 11:53 AM	I'm surprised that nobody's mentioned the Extreme Explorer PrC, which was essentially written with Indy specifically in mind....I'd also argue the man's an Extreme Explorer, but that's more because the Extreme Explorer was based on the Indy archetype rather than it being a perfect fit. Eberron flat-out admires Indiana Jones.Hi. Reading the thread FTW.
yellowdingo 05-21-07, 11:35 PM	but a guitar or lute wouldn't go with the fedora hat. Maybe he could just clamp and stamp his feet, like Stomp. Then there is the pistol (aka hand crossbow) and whip... "Did you just rob that grave?" Outraged Paladin stood by in shock as Indy walked out of a tomb and tossed the old skull to the foot of the entrance while pocketing the gold crown from its head. "Back off Man! I'm an Archaeologist..."
Grendor_Hagortough 05-22-07, 12:17 AM	definitely have to have some scoundrel in their, look for some skill tricks
_Jayne_Cobb_ 05-22-07, 12:26 PM	(although perhaps more appropriate to a Lara Croft Archetype ... actually is there that much difference between the two?). Yes, there are two huge differences between them.
BloodDragon 05-22-07, 12:43 PM	Ask your DM: Flaw: Phobia - Snakes / Snake like creature (Naga, Yung-ti, etc) :D Make a will save or be shaken when within 20 ft of snake or snake like spieces. Or something to that effect...
nightwyrm 05-22-07, 01:58 PM	All the knowledge skills are class skills for the bard, and maybe he just doesn't feel like singing. I mean, who's he going to support, he's the main fighter. Jones doesn't sing. He lectures.
Forgotten_Warrior 05-22-07, 02:33 PM	but a guitar or lute wouldn't go with the fedora hat. Maybe he could just clamp and stamp his feet, like Stomp. Who dances by themselves in a dungeon, that would be useless to a bard. That, and people would walk out of the movie theater or turn of the television. For lecturing, he could just take a perform skill.
Millennium 05-22-07, 02:49 PM	Indy is definitely a rogue, maybe with a dash of bard or ranger. If he has some bard levels, then he uses Perform [oratory] to recite ancient legends and epics as his "music."