Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 PCMark Oct 06, 2014 17:42:02	Hello, I'm wondering how optimized does a character have to be in Dungeons & Dragons 5th edition to still be a viable character?   Do you need to maximize the character's primary stat? or can an average primary stat still amount to reasonable hit, damage, and armour class numbers?   In addition, does a character need a primary stat? or can you average a few stats and still remain viable?   Would a fighter wearing studded leather armor (Dexterity for defence), and wielding a longsword (Strenght for offence) function correctly within the game's numerical expectations?   Thanks.
#2 GladiusLegis Oct 06, 2014 18:21:56	If you live on dealing direct damage, each +1 to hit/damage represents roughly a 15-20% increase in DPR. So you will want a 16 to start and a 20 by Lv. 8, typically (total 30-40% increase from 16). Full spellcasters also want a max primary stat to make sure their all-or-nothing spells succeed as much as possible.   As for your other stats, depends on class. Some classes (Monk, Paladin, Ranger, melee Cleric) need a strong secondary stat. I like to eventually get secondaries for those classes up to 18-20 as well, but you might be able to get away with topping at a 16 in an actual game. Other classes can probably get away just fine with averaging out their other five stats.   Studded leather is pretty bad without a top-end DEX. And if you're using a longsword you definitely need to up STR first, which means it'd be until very high levels before you got an acceptable AC in studded leather. Swallow your pride and at least wear breastplate.
(Reply to #2) PCMark	GladiusLegis wrote:
(Reply to #3) AaronOfBarbaria	PCMark wrote:
(Reply to #4) PCMark	AaronOfBarbaria wrote:
#6 Jumuraa Oct 06, 2014 20:18:02	I say you only need (at most) to be as optimised as the rest of the players at the table. It also really depends on the DM and the main style of play. In a Combat oriented game, then a character who can't hit the enemies isn't going to last long. But if the game is more Story oriented (investigation games) with less emphasis on combat, then it won't really matter what your DPR is. Talk with the DM and other players and know the style of play they want/expect. Then think about what it is you want your character to be awesome at.
#7 Napolean_Warlord Oct 06, 2014 20:54:41	If you are the only fighter, and the one who has to stand in front, I'd try to go for a better AC.  Your DM can spin the dials on difficulty, but if he/she/it has to fudge attack rolls every round thats just a drag   You could go rapier (which is a finesse / dex weapon) and have a 16 dex and AC of 17, going to Dex 18 at level 4 and get the best of both worlds
#8 Mistwell Oct 06, 2014 21:25:56	PCMark wrote:
(Reply to #5) 2Chlorobutanal	PCMark wrote:
(Reply to #2) FrogReaver	GladiusLegis wrote:
(Reply to #5) AaronOfBarbaria	PCMark wrote:
#12 mellored Oct 07, 2014 5:25:33	14 -> 18 primary.  At least 2 bumps as you level.  Though most will go 20. 14+ secondary. 12+ Con.  Just silly to dump it.   You get 5 feat/bumps,  so that's 2-3 feats, and 2-3 bumps.  Some classes will like all 5 abiliti bumps (monks, paladins).
#13 Jell_Moo Oct 07, 2014 5:29:57	There is no need at all to make a totally optimized character. This edition has actually done pretty well in letting players create the character they want without suffering too much for going against the grain. Obviously you can still go out of your way to make mechanically weak characters, but you actually have to put some effort into doing so.   The caveat is that if the rest of the party is optimizing their characters to a higher degree, you may feel somewhat behind the curve. But as a Fighter with light armor and a longsword, I wouldn't be especially worried. You'll be a little more fragile than tradtional Fighters, but it's nothing that clever play and a well rounded party can't handle.
#14 Timborama Oct 07, 2014 6:42:31	This is 100% DM dependant. I figure most DMs figure you (and others) aren't running characters based off the "DPR King" thread, or they don't select only "Gold" or "Sky Blue" options from optimization threads. They should be able to assess your groups battle prowress either simply by looking at character sheets ahead of time (something I like to do) or throw in a nice, easy battle at the beginning. A good DM adjusts accordingly (and also according to the table's game expectations!).   This isn't a videogame, remember, as the human element helps compensate for rules and what-nots! The overall rule for DnD, I've found, is for everyone to have fun. So long as your fun isn't clashing with how the others at your table are having fun, have at it.   My friends have played wizards with 10 Intelligence, Skill Monkey characters that can only use a Crossbow in combat, and pacifist spell casters. It's the DMs job to gauge everyone's character and factor that in with the table's expectations (including the DM's!) and adjust the encounters, campaign, and each session accordingly. This is true regardless of edition.   That being said, you might run into a DM that takes enjoyment in killing your character because "you made it wrong" and will continue to do so until you "make them right." That'll be a sorta oddball case, though
#15 BW0222 Oct 07, 2014 10:17:51	PCMark wrote:
#16 1eejit Oct 07, 2014 10:22:32	Keep in mind you could always have your character pay for and wear medium armor, but flavour it as being Leather or Studded Leather for somewhat better optimisation without particularly sacrificing on concept. I doubt anyone would mind.
#17 Timborama Oct 07, 2014 10:25:43	Also worth noting, OP, you seem adamant on wielding a longsword but wanting to be in Studded Leather. Is Strength AND Dexterity important? Or is it just that you want to wield a Longsword? If the latter, why not wield a "Longsword" that uses a Rapier's stats? Sure he can't wield it 2-handed, but you wanted to use a shield, anyway...   Even if your character wants to be strong(ish) you can skirt by with a 12-14 or so in Strength and still max your Dex. You can wield that Rapier just fine and still be considered a strong character. Not as strong as the Berserker, sure, but cerainly stronger than Joe Schmoe.   So basically I'm asking why you want things to be that way. If it's purely fluff, then solve it with more fluff! I mean, a Rapier is a sword that's pretty long, after all...   Edit: Ninja'd be 1eejit for reflavoring the armor for my "If you want Strength but not DEX section"
(Reply to #5) Yag007	PCMark wrote: