Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 WalkerintheWake Aug 15, 2014 15:57:40	I'm creating my first ever D&D character for a game my friend will be running and I'm looking for some advice on build. I want to to create more of a swashbuckling, pirate hunter type character. I'm not blown away with what Rangers bring to the table so I'm down to a fighter with a focus on a duelist type style or potentially a rogue (which I'm leaning towards). Can anyone put a first time player on the right path?
#2 reddaemon Aug 15, 2014 17:07:07	Honestly I would have to say Rogue is probably your best bet.  Assassin seems like the better path to go because the Infiltration Expertise power that lets you create false identities fits a pirate better than the abilities you get from the Thief path.  Not being proficient in the Scimitar will be problematic unless you are content with just wielding a rapier.  It goes without saying that you should take the Sailor background, and see if your DM will let you do the variant Pirate feature of that background.  I'd probably go with Variant Human so you can get yourself an extra feat.  Some good feat choices for your concept would be:   Crossbow Expert Defensive Duelist Dual Wielder Inspiring Leader Lucky Martial Adept Savage Attacker Tavern Brawler Tough   If you do want to wield a Scimitar your best options are to dip one level of fighter or take the Weapon Master feat.  You can dip one level of fighter without ruining your ability score increases since the last one you get is at level 19, but you will have to decide if that is worth giving up the possibility of ever getting Stroke of Luck.  If you do want to multiclass for Scimitar proficiency, you could also take the Dueling fighting style for + 2 damage with your rapier or Scimitar.  You could always take the Lucky feat if you still want to have a feature similar to Stroke of Luck.  You're going to want to start off with 16 Dex.  Being a Human isn't required, it will just give you the best start by providing you with a starting feat.
#3 Whir Aug 15, 2014 18:15:45	Why the focus on scimitar? Rogues are proficient with short swords to start, they do the same damage, cost less and weigh less. Is there some advantage for it being slashing rather than piercing that I haven't figured out (real possibility)?
(Reply to #3) reddaemon	Whir wrote:
#5 Whir Aug 15, 2014 19:06:32	Hm. I guess I got a different vision from the OP's description than you did. Too, I've always been a rapiers and cutlasses for pirates guy. I suppose they don't have cutlass in the book though and a scimitar would be the next closest thing.   When the OP says pirate hunter, I envision a dude out there actually hunting down and capturing or killing pirates. I'd start with a duelist fighter, wielding a rapier with dexterity for finesse and the light armor that the image of swashbuckling gives me (if any armor). Like reddaemon, I'd probably go with a variant human for the extra feat (not just for the feat, to add to the flavor of the character via abilities), but I might grab Athlete, Defensive Duelist, Lucky or Mobile. I can also say that I think a halfling would have a certain flair in this setting too (hehe). From there I'd take the Noble or Folk Hero background -- noble is an easy pick for a criminal hunter and gives you plenty of fun condescending roleplaying opportunities; for folk hero, think of Wesley (as Dread Pirate Robert) in The Princess Bride (the Sailor/Pirate idea would also work for that!).