I'm a bit nervous to be truthful, I can't decide on a class to bring along.
I'm a crazy character building maniac, and have made literally 10+ characters to get an idea, but I can decide!
Here is what I am trying to choose from. Swordmage (genasi or human), Wizard, TactLord, or a Living Construct ( no idea what class yet....any ideas ?).
I really like the Swordmage on paper, it seems like a unique class that offers a lot of the versatility and trickiness that I treasure out of my character classes (wizard is my all time fav. in any edition). However, since it is primarily a defender, and I don't know the mix of classes you typically run in to in a game group, I'm not certain if it wil be that effective.
Wizard, I just love them. However, I'm ADD and wanna try something a little different i think. Not sure yet, this is a back up I'm guessing. What is the concentration of wizards in the groups ?
TactLord, just looks fun as &**(&. I'm pretty sure there is a ton of people playing them already though. Which would really take some of the fun away from me.
Living Construct(warforged~ meh) I love the race, been a favorite since I started reading Eberron. However, I'm not sure how to build one effectively. Barbarian and Fighter seem to be the logical steps, but a Barbarian Construct just makes my brain hurt.
I ended up with a 18 Cha,18 Int, 12 con and 10 everything else. Took Hellfire Blood (since I a m planning on taking a number of Fear attacks). I took Dreadful Word as my enc and Dread Star as my Daily (wish there was a bigger hitter, but oh well).
I picked a PC that I think will help any group as the Starlocks de-buffs can very powerful. Play what you think you will be good at playing and good luck!
Yeah, I want to play what I think I will be best at. However, I'm not entirely certain what that is yet heh
I haven't played many of the roles in 4e just yet.4e levels quicker than 3e, considering that 4e has 150% more levels.
This group meet every other week, so 4~ ish months to 4th level. There is a large con type setting they are doing in a bout a month, so Maybe I can get a couple levels there too.
Barbarian Warforged made my head hurt originally, too, but remember that, not requiring the bloodforge or whatever it was in Eberron, a golem/construct created by a shaman in a wilderness tribe could somehow, through the wild magic of the Spellplague, as an example, gain sentience.
Heh. Even an excuse, if you wanted it, to take a spellscar, as long as you have a card for it...
On reaching 4th level:
It depends on several things, of course, past the XP cost. Getting killed and using the Death Charity clause and/or having some failures during an adventure can really take a bite out of your XP gain per module.
However, going semi-optimized (playing low for levels 1 & 2, playing high after that), you can still level up fairly rapidly.
2nd level is 1,000 XP. 3 standard mods played low are 400 XP apiece, so 3 mods to 2nd level, at 1,200 XP.
3rd level is 2,250 XP, so 3 more mods at low for another 1,200 XP gets you to 2,400 and into 3rd level.
4th level is 3,750 XP, so another 1,350 XP is needed. That would be 4 mods played low, but can be covered by only 3 mods played high, with the reward being 560 XP per module, so 3 give a total of 1,680 XP. for a total of 4,080 XP, and a step toward 5th level.
Start playing high earllier, and things can vary. My fighter has played 6 modules, and barely reached 3rd level, but that is because his third module was aTPK with only about 1/3rd XP (120) for the module, and his 6th module was played at high for full XP (560).
If you find a well-balanced, tactically knowledgeable group, who can succeed while playing high out of the box, and you start by getting 560 XP per mod, so it only takes 2 to get to second...
560
1,120 (2)
1,680
2,240
2,800 (3)
3,360
3,920 (4)
So, 4th in as little as 7 mods.
Also, using ADAP modules, you can do it in less, although the real time involved would almost certainly be more.
ADAP1-1 - 840 XP (best possible outcome)
ADAP1-5 - 945 XP (played high)
2nd level (1,785 XP)
ADAP1-2 - 1,630 XP (Can be no higher than 2nd level when starting this series)
3rd level (3,415 XP)
*ADAP1-3 - 1,515 XP (note: must have played ADAP1-2, cannot have played any other modules since starting 1-2)
4th level (4,930 XP)
**ADAP1-4 - 3,190 XP (note: must have played ADAP1-2 & ADAP1-3, cannot have played any other modules since starting ADAP1-2 except ADAP1-3)
5th level (5,500 XP required, reached partway through, see special XP awarding rules for this series of modules)
6th level (8,120 XP)
That would be assuming no deaths, complete success on combats and skill challenges, no missed ADAP encounters, etc. So, technically, 5 modules to get to 6th level. Of course, since these are adapted, published modules, they dono't exactly play like normal modules. ADAP1-2 through ADAP1-4, which is the adaptation for the Scepter Tower of Spellgard module, is expected to take 30-40 hours of play, rather than the 4 hours expected for a normal LFR 1 rounder.
Generally, at least in my area, most people prefer two leaders, a defender..then either another defender or a defender/striker..and two more strikers. controllers arn't well liked by my local group heh.
But your milage may vary.
Here is my current roster.
Genasi SwordMage (not sure on Assault or Shielding just yet, but I am leaning towards assault and a secondary defender role)
Human Wizard ( early staff with controll based spells phantom chasm etc then later Orb etc has leather armor to boost AC early as well)
Eladrin TactLord ( Reach weapons with no added healing capability )
I'm thinking for my striker one of 3 possibles Living Construct Ranger(melee) or Barbarian, or Human/Dwarf Infernal Lock / Blood Mage PP
While the class looks new and interesting, those new to the class often find they get bogged down with poor damage, multiple attribute dependancies eating into primary stats and other "not very fun" problems... just check the 4e. defenders forum for some advice on Swordmages... and plenty of complaints about them.
In 4th Edition, all character classes suffer a bit from the "I've blown all my beans
" syndrome, which means that you've used your encounter and daily powers and missed, thus you are reduced to spamming the same At-Will power over and over again... this is especially true of the "ranged builds" of which the Wizard is now one.However, all is not lost!
As you are a fan of Wizards, you should really check out the Wand Wizard. It's not a favourite among the "optimizers" as all they think about is damage per round, as opposed to how fun a character can be.
Therefore, might I humbly suggest an Elven Wand Mage as your first character.
You get ranged powers and can adopt a "run and gun style", moving about the battlefield picking off enemies with magic missiles, or dropping a force orb (those are two of my favourites, sorry
) into the midst of the enemy... not only that, but when you want to drop your "big attack" for the encounter, (because you are a Wand Mage) you add your DEX modifer to the attack roll of the spell (just to make sure it hits)... if it still misses... you're an Elf so you can reroll the attack... hurrah! :D With daily powers that can mean certain death for most minions and all sorts of trouble for the enemy!
So many other players complain that the Wizard is rubbish in 4th edition... with that sort of build you can prove them all wrong!
Happy gaming!
PGC
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Arden Malik, level 1
Human, Wizard
Arcane Implement Mastery: Staff of Defense
Background: Thay
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 8, Con 14, Dex 11, Int 18, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Starting Ability Scores
Str 8, Con 14, Dex 11, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 12.
AC: 17 Fort: 13 Reflex: 15 Will: 15
HP: 28 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 7
TRAINED SKILLS
Dungeoneering, Arcana, Religion, History, Insight.
FEATS
1: Ritual Caster
1: Action Surge
1: Armor Proficiency (Leather)
POWERS
1, At-Will: Scorching Burst
1, At-Will: Illusory Ambush
1, Encounter: Grasping Shadows
1, Daily: Phantom Chasm
Spellbook: Sleep
1, At-Will: Thunderwave
ITEMS
Spellbook, Leather Armor, Arcane Implement, Staff, Adventurer's Kit, Tenser's Floating Disk, Simbul's Conversion, Comprehend Language
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
I wouldn't recommend the Swordmage to anyone just starting out or returning to the game after 3.X.
While the class looks new and interesting, those new to the class often find they get bogged down with poor damage, multiple attribute dependancies eating into primary stats and other "not very fun" problems... just check the 4e. defenders forum for some advice on Swordmages... and plenty of complaints about them.
I have to respectfully disagree with you on that one. Shielding swordmages in particular can be very effective with just Int and Con - my group contains a SM with a 20 INT who is very useful. Damage can be poor, but if you go for proficiency with a superior weapon it's not too bad, especially as you're the only class apart from wizard with at-will AoEs, and besides, you're not there to do damage.
That said, I tend to advocate two methods of picking what to play, which have been covered already:
1) Pick whatever looks the most fun and run with it.
2) See what everyone else is playing and fill the gaps. It's good to have a striker, a defender and a leader in every party. Controllers are useful, but not as much as the other three IMO.
Oh yeah, the 4e Wizard does seem pretty fun. I've been playing with some builds after reading about them on here. This is the latest one I've come to. He is themed as a Red Wizard.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Arden Malik, level 1
Human, Wizard
Arcane Implement Mastery: Staff of Defense
Background: Thay
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 8, Con 14, Dex 11, Int 18, Wis 14, Cha 12.
Starting Ability Scores
Str 8, Con 14, Dex 11, Int 16, Wis 14, Cha 12.
AC: 17 Fort: 13 Reflex: 15 Will: 15
HP: 28 Surges: 8 Surge Value: 7
TRAINED SKILLS
Dungeoneering, Arcana, Religion, History, Insight.
FEATS
1: Ritual Caster
1: Action Surge
1: Armor Proficiency (Leather)
POWERS
1, At-Will: Scorching Burst
1, At-Will: Illusory Ambush
1, Encounter: Grasping Shadows
1, Daily: Phantom Chasm
Spellbook: Sleep
1, At-Will: Thunderwave
ITEMS
Spellbook, Leather Armor, Arcane Implement, Staff, Adventurer's Kit, Tenser's Floating Disk, Simbul's Conversion, Comprehend Language
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Might I suggest putting your CON and CHA down to 10 and upping your DEX for Wand Mastery... gotta love it when the Wizard actually hits something with his encounter/daily power... :D
With a good WIS you can also avail of Orbs with Dual Implement Mastery at Paragon and wreck those saves!
I would also never underestimate Magic Missile... you can use it as a basic attack (which is really good in 4th ed.) also there are a number of cheap magical items that make it a brilliant spell. For Example...
- Force Wand [680gp]
- Staff of Missile Mastery [520gp]
- Master's Wand of Magic Missile [680gp]
- Master's Wand of Swarming Force [680gp]
With Magic Missile your never stuck for something to do in a round!
I have to respectfully disagree with you on that one. Shielding swordmages in particular can be very effective with just Int and Con - my group contains a SM with a 20 INT who is very useful. Damage can be poor, but if you go for proficiency with a superior weapon it's not too bad, especially as you're the only class apart from wizard with at-will AoEs, and besides, you're not there to do damage.
That said, I tend to advocate two methods of picking what to play, which have been covered already:
1) Pick whatever looks the most fun and run with it.
2) See what everyone else is playing and fill the gaps. It's good to have a striker, a defender and a leader in every party. Controllers are useful, but not as much as the other three IMO.
I agree with you... a well built Shielding Swordmage really only depends on CON and INT.
However, this means [probably] having to give up on some Heavy Blade feats... I've seen more than one Swordmage character get dropped (including one I made myself) when the player realised the character would never qualify for some of the juicy Paragon/Epic feats without spending attribute points on STR and DEX.
The Druid also gets At-Will AoE... Chill Wind & Flame Seed...
A Wizard with DEX & WIS over 13 can also take a Multiclass in Rogue or Cleric... two very nice MC choices for the Wizard.
I have seen a very powerful (leather armoured naturally ;) ) Dagger/Wand wielding Wizard with a nasty magical dagger (an Acidic Weapon I think it was
), a Master's Wand of Eyebite and the Slaying Action feat...Even without the gear... with that setup (Human|Wizard|level 2|AP - Leather|Sneak of Shadows|Slaying Action) you can cause some nasty damage to an enemy with just a dagger!
Needless to say... the character was from Thay... where all the Wizards come from ;)
I heard that LFR relies on a lot of skill challenges ? What sort of skill challenges ? I.e what would be some key skills to take if you have access to them ?
BTW thanks to all of you that have replied already, this has been a ton of help!
I heard that LFR relies on a lot of skill challenges ? What sort of skill challenges ? I.e what would be some key skills to take if you have access to them?
There are generally three sets of skills that come up in skill challenges. Social skills, Physical skills and Knowledge skills.
Social skills are Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate
Physical skills are Acrobatics, Athletics and Endurance
Knowledge skills are Arcana, Dungeoneering, History, Nature and Religion.
In addition, Insight and Perception are typically useful in any any Skill Challenge. Streetwise is also generally useful in all types of skill challenges. The othe skills will come up, but less often.
So, if you have at least one Social one Physical and one Knowledge skill, you should be able to pull your weight in any situation. There one exception is something like a Wizard who doesn't naturally have access to any of the Physical skills. Just go with two of the three.
I'd play a Cleric if I was you. You can never have too many healers in a party, and they're fun to play as well.
Going to your first game with a selection is a good idea if you don't mind making the characters up and being flexible about what you play.
For the record, 4 lvl1-4 mods played on high plus the core special 1-1 on high will get you to 4th but, you can't miss much XP.
Instead let me just try an look over the chars you said you are interested in.
You mentioned Swordmage...simple suggestion...swordmages don't overly use STR...and if worried about basic attacks..go for inteligent blademaster feat. This'll let you use int instead of str for attacking. Assault or shielding is up to you, though the higher your con score..the more useful Shield is over Assault. I honestly like Shield the most myself..though I have friends with a wicket assault build. As another note on con.many skills will have secondary effects based on con..so might consider that. But not all skills need it..so if you want to do the 20 int..come from thay thing..its very possible. Powers can be mixed..I personally prefer at least one AOE attack, and then another that somehow controls. I've seen all of them given good use, with Lightning Lure just being fun to use. Depending on which version of the swordmage you go by..your 'stickyness' will differ, shielding allows you to leave the marked enemy behind...as they won't do much damage anyway..if they are in range. While Assault makes up for the fact you don't have much to hold them in place at first. Shielding is also good, at later levels, for pulling an enemy into trouble..or just far away from friends. It's a pretty solid tank..but to warn..it dosn't really have too much a way to just make the enemy sit still...instead it'll slow and move the enemy around...basically being partially control like.
Tactlords are hilarious..especially if you go the low str route, as themost effective way to use them..is to tell someone else to roll their attack. They make good flankers...can wear enough armor to not worry too much about being in the front lines, and while not as good as the cleric (in my opinion), they can heal. Though I suggest either some relatively hardy allies..or another healer with you to use him.
Wizards see little play..to my knowledge...but thats my area. Bit hard to play...only controller in PHB...looks useful but I havn't seen one in use at all...so can't quite give too many suggestions.
Warforged, their con and str score make them good frontliners. Though they also make interesting warlocks..got a fellow in my area with a warlock...who also uses a big friggin hammer...often a heavy melee dmg dealer.
Thats my basic thoughts on whatyou said bout some of your favs..each one look rather nicely useful...classwise that is..though the warlord and swordmage are both more of a hybrid type class..rather than pure leader or pure defender...both do great as a backup if you already got a leader/defender there...and can do find as theonly one there with the right party.
You might want to look into some of the Melee Infernal Warlock Warforge builds. Many call them "hexhammers" or "hexforges". They make for a tough CON-based ranged striker that can occasionally fill in for defender. My Warlock/Paladin version has been very successful in LFR play. I get the feeling that you might enjoy how they play.
Going to your first game with a selection is a good idea if you don't mind making the characters up and being flexible about what you play.
Thanks for the info, oh and umm yeah. I'm a self-admitted character generating addict, so I have 0 issue creating numerous characters heh ;)
While the class looks new and interesting, those new to the class often find they get bogged down with poor damage, multiple attribute dependancies eating into primary stats and other "not very fun" problems... just check the 4e. defenders forum for some advice on Swordmages... and plenty of complaints about them.
In 4th Edition, all character classes suffer a bit from the "I've blown all my beans
The solution to this could be as simple as MC Warlock, and take Sacrifice of Caiphon, which lets you get back an Encounter power that missed.
GH
Genasi SwordMage (not sure on Assault or Shielding just yet, but I am leaning towards assault and a secondary defender role)
I say go shielding. Played one adv with the striges. The Swordmage had it marked yet it was stuck on my toon. We where playing up but the swordmage was able to negate all the damage the strige was able to do when it feed apon me. So it was kind of funny how the DM basiclly said it was like the strige was trying to feed apon me but it couldnt suck hard enough to do any really damage.
This is the latest one I've come to. He is themed as a Red Wizard.
Well fist off just keep in mind that Red Wizards are just merchants now, they have nothing to do with actual wizards.
Second thing, regarding your build, the min/maxer in me doesn't like to see a staff wizard build with the Thay background. Basically if you pump con up then you waste the bonus hit points you're getting from the Thay background, either be from Thay and dump con or don't be from Thay and don't dump con. Something like this:
8,16,12,18,10,12 Staff wizard not from Thay (Assuming this character stays a staff wizard they will continue to bump con and int and would only gain 2 hit points had they been from Thay)
or
8,12,10,18,16,12 Orb wizard from Thay (Assuming this character is going to bump wis and int they gain 6 hit points to start from the background, and more as they get more stat bumps)
Nothing really wrong with your build, just the min/maxed in me speaking up. The wizards that really bug me are the piles of staff wizard builds I see with 12-13 con, after they bought 20 int and spread thier precious few remaining points out on str and dex to get armor and shield proficiencies.
As far as table mix goes, that is too event dependent to suggest a specific class or role for you to bring. Usually defenders and leaders are the most usefull, with strikers and controllers filling in afterwards. Though I have played all striker games and done ok (well my hellock is built like a defender), it is easier to play all defender/leader games.
Swordmage isn't bad, but they aren't as easy as a fighter to build. A fighter who hits like a truck, controls his opponents, and can take the hits is fairly easy to make, where as swordmages are forced to focus more on offense or defense, and they never get much control over thier opponents. Between the two swordmages I like more what can be done with shielding swordmage, but they lack much of a punch.
Now as to warfoged, remember they are people too. Even in Ebberon a warforged is as much a person as anyone else (social standing aside), they just have a different physical makeup and are lacking social skills because all the training they do receive is military oriented. The conflict between being a living being, but not having a living body is the basis of why they are so cool (think Data from Star Trek). This means playing a barbarian warforged should not be so odd, and I'm pretty sure you can come up with some pretty cool background stories to explain it. The only thing that makes any warforged character suck is to pretend not to be autonomous:
"COMMAND 01001, PLEASE INSERT OBJECT TO KILL IN FRONT OF ME."
I say go shielding. Played one adv with the striges. The Swordmage had it marked yet it was stuck on my toon. We where playing up but the swordmage was able to negate all the damage the strige was able to do when it feed apon me. So it was kind of funny how the DM basiclly said it was like the strige was trying to feed apon me but it couldnt suck hard enough to do any really damage.
Attached stirge damage doesn't set off a swordmage's aegis, its ongoing damage, not an attack that hits.
Perhaps this could be moved to the character forum? (Not saying this stuff shouldn't be discussed, but it's what the child forums are for, and I helped nag for them!!!)
Good call.
Request going in.
Well fist off just keep in mind that Red Wizards are just merchants now, they have nothing to do with actual wizards.
Second thing, regarding your build, the min/maxer in me doesn't like to see a staff wizard build with the Thay background. Basically if you pump con up then you waste the bonus hit points you're getting from the Thay background, either be from Thay and dump con or don't be from Thay and don't dump con. Something like this:
Now as to warfoged, remember they are people too. Even in Ebberon a warforged is as much a person as anyone else (social standing aside), they just have a different physical makeup and are lacking social skills because all the training they do receive is military oriented. The conflict between being a living being, but not having a living body is the basis of why they are so cool (think Data from Star Trek). This means playing a barbarian warforged should not be so odd, and I'm pretty sure you can come up with some pretty cool background stories to explain it. The only thing that makes any warforged character suck is to pretend not to be autonomous:
"COMMAND 01001, PLEASE INSERT OBJECT TO KILL IN FRONT OF ME."
Thanks for the info. Sucks about the red wizards......I don't often like the "evil" organizations, but this one always seemed awesome to me.
As for the wizard build. I only took the staff for the first 11lvls of his career. Once he hits paragon i'll retrain out of something to get two-implement mastery feat (not sure on the name) and grab the orb. Until then the staff is just a little kiss for AC, and a moderately useful interrupt.
Warforged, yeah I need to think of them in terms of being in LFR, not eberron. A tribe of mystics that horde secrets from an ancient netherese facility or something could be how he came to be.
Although, it would be awesome to pop up after making a 20 on a death save and exclaim loudly, " JOHNNY 5 STILL A LIVE!!!!.
Although, it would be awesome to pop up after making a 20 on a death save and exclaim loudly, " JOHNNY 5 STILL A LIVE!!!!.
No. It wouldn't be awesome.
It. Would. Be! EPIC!
*coughs*
Sorry about that.
Man, I haven't seen those movies in YEARS.
...
Dammit! Now I have to go find copies. Maybe Fry's.
Dammit! Now I have to go find copies. Maybe Fry's.
That mean you are in Vegas, or is there another Fry's somewhere else?
If Vegas, remember that Little Shop of Magic is running LFR once a month, and the Dungeon Delve once a month. And the Delve is this Saturday night. ;)
Maybe I'll be lucky, and someone else can step up and run some more games there, too...
That mean you are in Vegas, or is there another Fry's somewhere else?
If Vegas, remember that Little Shop of Magic is running LFR once a month, and the Dungeon Delve once a month. And the Delve is this Saturday night. ;)
Maybe I'll be lucky, and someone else can step up and run some more games there, too...
I WISH I was in Vegas. 25 and I've never been.
There's a Fry's in Western Chicagoland, near me. My favorite Store. I bought Valkyria Chronicles there. (Anyone with a PS3 but without this game NEEDS to rectify that.)
I go to a place not too far from me once to twice a month.
I WISH I was in Vegas. 25 and I've never been.
There's a Fry's in Western Chicagoland, near me. My favorite Store. I bought Valkyria Chronicles there. (Anyone with a PS3 but without this game NEEDS to rectify that.)
I go to a place not too far from me once to twice a month.
33 and never been to vegas myself, apparently I suck. I concur about the Johny 5 is STILL Alive quote... it would be
[CHANNEL="Barney, How I Met Your Mother"]
Legen..... wait for it..... wait for it..... Dary!
[/CHANNEL]
But on a slightly more off topic note? Seriously a good game on the PS3? You mean I may need to turn it on for something other than movies soon? Excellent. Every once in a while I guess it's best to step back from the constant D&D =) or so I'm told.
Not a big fan of gambling - but there's some AMAZING nightlife and theater.
$60 each got me and the wife 2nd-row seats to see Avenue Q at the Wynn. On Broadway $60 might have got us nosebleed seats.
Well worth taking the trip if you get the chance - but not something you "must see".
33 and never been to vegas myself, apparently I suck. I concur about the Johny 5 is STILL Alive quote... it would be
[CHANNEL="Barney, How I Met Your Mother"]
Legen..... wait for it..... wait for it..... Dary!
[/CHANNEL]
But on a slightly more off topic note? Seriously a good game on the PS3? You mean I may need to turn it on for something other than movies soon? Excellent. Every once in a while I guess it's best to step back from the constant D&D =) or so I'm told.
Yes. It's a brand new, Strategy/tactical, turn based, wargame RPG.
I suggest at least renting it. Valkyria Chronicles is the name.
The shocking thing is not that it's a good jRPG on the 360.
The shocking thing is that it's a good game by SEGA within the last decade.
EDIT: And I've been trying to visit Vegas since I turned 21. But then I discovered D&D. Crack would be cheaper.
I'll just mention that ConQuestVegas in April (http://www.conquestvegas.com/, immediately after GAMA at the same location) will probably have a full LFR schedule; and that NeonCon 2009, probably in October (http://www.neoncon.com/, 2009 dates not posted yet), will also have a full LFR schedule.
Then again, I was hoping to ensure that my game Saturday would have enough players. A Delve with 4 players is downright deadly...
I have a few backup characters I'll bring along, but this would be my preferred character. If anyone can link specifically to where the restrictions are listed it would be much appreciated.
I'll be playing in a LFR game next weekend and have a newbie question. What backgrounds are restricted? I'd like to go with a Shadar-Kai Swordmage from Thay, but the char creation guidelines say some background are not allowed and to check the RPGA homepage for details. Navigating the home page is a mess.
I have a few backup characters I'll bring along, but this would be my preferred character. If anyone can link specifically to where the restrictions are listed it would be much appreciated.
Okay, unless you have a Shadar-Kai creation card, this character is not going to be LFR-legal.
Any of the PHB races are legal. Any of the PC races from the FRPG (Drow and Genasi) are legal. Any race from a compiled edition of Dragon (Warforged, Gnoll, Minotaur) are legal. Shadar-Kai, therefore, won't be legal to play until the compiled version of Dragon 372 comes out in March, and only then if it is included in the compiled version. Sorry.
Swordmage is a legal class, and any of the character backgrounds from the FRPG is legal.
You will want to download and read this file: http://www.wizards.com/rpga/downloads/RPGA_CharGenGd.zip
Everything in that document is useful, but the things to pay particular attention to are the first part for general information, and the LFR appendix for specific rules.
However, ideally you should check with the DM before hand. If they are not active online, they may not realize Shadar-Kai is even an option. And if you can play the character, you still need to print off the Dragon article and take it along with you.
It's PREVIEW classes that have been left out.
Not quite kinevon. The Shadar-Kai is going to be collected in this month's Dragon. So, as long as the final Dragon article goes live by the 28th, a Shadar-Kai character will be legal. So, by the strict rules if they delay the final publishing of February's Dragon until March then it won;t be legal for this weekend. Realistically it is perfectly fine. I can't see many DMs having a problem with a character being played a day or two before it is legal.
However, ideally you should check with the DM before hand. If they are not active online, they may not realize Shadar-Kai is even an option. And if you can play the character, you still need to print off the Dragon article and take it along with you.
Thanks guys. I will see if I can get in touch with the DM, although I don't know him.
Just to confirm, however: Using the Thay backgrounds is okay?
Thanks guys. I will see if I can get in touch with the DM, although I don't know him.
Just to confirm, however: Using the Thay backgrounds is okay?
Yes. The only question on the PC is whether the Shadar-Kai write-up is in the compiled version of Dragon, which is expected by the PTB at RPGA, and whether the compiled version comes out by the 28th of this month or not. If it does, your PC is golden.
Select a character background. Choose one of regions found in the Backgrounds chapter of the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide for your character; it’s the place where they hail from, might define their personality or looks, and gives them a small game benefit. Choosing a background that offers regional adventures may provide you with additional benefits as you play those adventures. The regions that have adventures in Living Forgotten Realms are: Aglarond, Akanûl, Baldur’s Gate, Cormyr, Dalelands, Dragon Coast, East Rift, Impiltur, Luruar, Moonshae Isles, Tymanther, and Waterdeep. For information on these regions, visit www.wizards.com/rpga and click on the “Living Forgotten Realms” or “Living Realms” links, download the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide Preview (available in the same place as above), or pick up a copy of the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide at your local store. Character backgrounds from sources other than the Forgotten Realms Player’s Guide are not legal for Living Forgotten Realms play. Once you’ve chosen a region for your character, that choice remains for the rest of your character’s life. It’s as much a part of your character as its race.
As a rule of thumb - PLAYTEST classes have been compiled.
It's PREVIEW classes that have been left out.
I understand that... but I wasn't speakign of preview classes.
Note:Playtest Artificer was compiled.
Playtest Barbarian was compiled.
Playtest Adventurer's Vault 2 was not compiled.
Playtest Primal Power is not listed on the ToC for the current issue so is unlikely to be compiled.
So I have my doubts that Playtest Monk will show up in the compiled issue. Which would suck.
I think the OP showed up at my venue today. He was a new guy playing a wizard. Weird...
lol It wasn't me ;) I'm from the town of the cow...Fort Worth.
My first game will be this coming Sunday Wewt.
BTW I close to settling on a Dwarven Tempest Fighter as my first character. Since it can do decent dmg, and retains (from what I've read) a decent to good ability to defend it would be an easy work in to groups.
I've been debating on whether to make him human though, that 15 dex is so hard to get as a Dwarf.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Hendel Feldspar, level 1
Dwarf, Fighter
Fighter Talents: Tempest Technique
Background: Aglarond
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 18, Con 15, Dex 10, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 8.
Starting Ability Scores
Str 18, Con 13, Dex 10, Int 10, Wis 13, Cha 8.
AC: 18 Fort: 16 Reflex: 11 Will: 12
HP: 30 Surges: 11 Surge Value: 7
TRAINED SKILLS
Athletics, Endurance, Perception.
FEATS
1: Dwarven Weapon Training
POWERS
1, At-Will: Footwork Lure
1, At-Will: Dual Strike
1, Encounter: Funneling Flurry
1, Daily: Villain's Menace
ITEMS
Ale, Pitcher, Adventurer's Kit, Flask (empty), Climber's Kit, Urgrosh, Chainmail, Throwing hammer (2)
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Cruncher, level 1
Dwarf, Fighter
Build: Battlerager Fighter
Fighter Talents: Battlerager Vigor
Background: Chessenta
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 16, Con 18, Dex 12, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Starting Ability Scores
Str 16, Con 16, Dex 12, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10.
AC: 18 Fort: 16 Reflex: 13 Will: 12
HP: 33 Surges: 13 Surge Value: 8
TRAINED SKILLS
Heal, Athletics, Endurance.
FEATS
1: Dwarf Stoneblood
POWERS
1, At-Will: Crushing Surge
1, At-Will: Brash Strike
1, Encounter: Bell Ringer
1, Daily: Knee Breaker
ITEMS
Adventurer's Kit, Chainmail, Khopesh, Heavy Shield, Throwing hammer (3)
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Dwarf Weapon Training at 2nd level, switching out the Khopesh for craghammer, execution axe (requires giving up shield) or mordenkrad 9also requires giving up shield)
At first level: Battlerager Vigor: gives 6 temp hp from melee or close attacks
Crushing Surge, Bell Ringer or Knee Breaker add an additional 4 temps if they hit, but only one per round.
Damage, when he hits and has temp hps, is increased by +2 because he is wearing chainmail and using an axe.
Might want to take a Reliable Daily, though, instead of Knee Breaker, in order to improve his chance of hitting with it. Lasting Threat is pretty mean, and a better version of Brute Strike.
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
BattleRagerv2, level 1
Dwarf, Fighter
Fighter Talents: Battlerager Vigor
Background: East Rift
FINAL ABILITY SCORES
Str 16, Con 18, Dex 12, Int 8, Wis 14, Cha 10.
Starting Ability Scores
Str 16, Con 16, Dex 12, Int 8, Wis 12, Cha 10.
AC: 18 Fort: 16 Reflex: 13 Will: 12
HP: 33 Surges: 13 Surge Value: 8
TRAINED SKILLS
Intimidate, Athletics, Dungeoneering.
FEATS
1: Dwarf Stoneblood
POWERS
1, At-Will: Brash Strike
1, At-Will: Crushing Surge
1, Encounter: Passing Attack
1, Daily: Villain's Menace
ITEMS
Chainmail, Adventurer's Kit, Throwing hammer (2), Flask (empty), Ale, Pitcher, Longsword, Heavy Shield
====== Created Using Wizards of the Coast D&DI Character Builder ======
Yeah, I was making something similar for my full-time tanker. The to-hit is really bad though on these characters. So I went with the Longsword until I can get dwarven weapon prof.
I've been playing my Gnoll BRV fighter for a bit, I got tired of missing. Swapped my chainmail and axe out for two bastard swords and a set of plate. I've got solid AC, hit a lot more often, and still soak tons of damage. Missing the +2 damage isn't that big of a deal because its situational anyways, any decent ongoing damage or ranged attacks generally ate my temps before my turn anyways.
From my experience crushing surge isn't very usefull for a 16 str low proficiency weapon wielder, you don't hit with it often enough to make it worth it. There's also the fact that you generally don't need to be tougher, but to take opponents down, so brash strike or dual strike will get used way more often as your primary at-will, and as a secondary at-will the utility of having the ability to move an opponent like with tide of iron or footwork lure is also going to be more usefull than a couple of potential hit points...besides having 1 or 2 encounter invigorating powers should be good enough to fill in for when you do need temp hps. Honestly I could see a 18-20 str +3 proficiency weapon weilding 1 hand or 2 hand spec fighter getting far more use out of crushing surge than my BRV fighter ever did (they'll at least land the attacks more consistently with a 3-4 point higher attack value than I had).
So, we won't go into how ironic it is that someone born and raised in Chicago didn't discover Fry's until he moved to Vegas...
Just FYI...Fry's, being a West Coast-based electronics chain, only has a handful of stores outside of California and Texas. There's only one Fry's in Illinois (undoubtedly the one that that Darkwolf referred to), and it's only been there for a few years.
So, we won't go into how ironic it is that someone born and raised in Chicago didn't discover Fry's until he moved to Vegas...
In all fairness, it's a fairly new store(<5yrs), and it's out in the 'burbs. Right next to Tom Hank's house. :P
Downer's Grove, actually, so if you're not from the western suburbs, and even if you are, it's understandable how someone might not know of it until going somewhere where it's more of a household name. (Then again, I could easily live in the store.)
EDIT: Ninja'd. and it really is FAR superior to Best Buy with ONE exception.
BB has a better music selection (at least, my Fry's has a TERRIBLE music section) in general and carries much more current-ish Heavy Metal.
Love the movie selection there. (both regular and Ao.)
I played in a game today (my first) and was asked to give a character number. I presumed it was #1. The DM running the event said something about following up and checking out my account/characters online.
I found A login page: https://membership.wizards.com/ but if it is the right login page, I don't have the info I need to log in.
I do have an RGPA number (sent the card in last week), but nothing else. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Thanks
1. Do not restrict your character to one role. I've seen a number of players who will say, "I don't deal damage--that's a striker's job. I'm trying to be a defending defender." That's fine as long as you have a focused striker in the party to defend. On the other hand, if you party is two leaders, one striker, and three other defenders, you will end up on the sidelines. If your party is five defenders and a controller, you will also be on the sidelines. Worse yet, if all of the characters are built along the "damage is not my job" lines, it will take you forever to kill anything and all of that defending ability will go to waste.
Likewise, I have seen a lot of rogues and a few rangers who seem to think that durability is not a concern. I'm a striker; the defender will make sure I don't get killed. Great. But if you end up at the one defender, four striker, one leader table, the defender won't keep you from getting killed. And even if you have a more standard mix--two defenders, you (the striker), a leader and a controller, for instance--the enemy may still decide to take whatever hits the defenders dish out and kill you. And then you will end combat 1 down four hit points with a single healing surge remaining and wonder what you are going to do for the rest of the mod.
Instead of focussing your character on one of wotc's four boxes and trying to make your character do what they think a defender/striker/leader/controller is supposed to do, ask what you can make the character class you chose do and what you will do in the context of a party.
2. Also, ask yourself this question before you finalize any build: "If my party is all down and there is a severly bloodied doppleganger sneak and a bloodied hobgoblin warcaster vs me, is there any conceivable way I can win that fight and save the day?" (Hint--you will not win that fight by shifting away and trying to hit with lance of faith or sacred flame). You want a character who has the potential to come up with that clutch play at the last minute, not one who will find that he has nothing to contribute when it's all up to him.
3. Whoever you are, have a way to heal yourself at least once per day. Comeback strike, a multiclass feat, or a potion of healing for the rainy day will all do, but make sure you have something to do when the warlord is down and you need healing.
So a quick follow up newbie question.
I played in a game today (my first) and was asked to give a character number. I presumed it was #1. The DM running the event said something about following up and checking out my account/characters online.
I found A login page: https://membership.wizards.com/ but if it is the right login page, I don't have the info I need to log in.
I do have an RGPA number (sent the card in last week), but nothing else. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
Yes your first character is going to be character #1. There is a default password system used for new accounts, take a look at this thread:
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1081073
Under the 'How do I log onto my account?' question.