Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 consectari Jun 22, 2015 12:35:31	Just getting ready to join my first D&D group.  I want my character to be distrustful of magic.  Is it possible to succeed or survive in D&D without magic?
#2 BoldItalic Jun 22, 2015 12:50:47	consectari wrote:
#3 transcendantviewer Jun 22, 2015 14:21:42	Spirit Totem Barbarian gains Ritual spells, but they're so minor, you can basically ignore them. That aside, the Bear Totem ability at 3rd level will allow you to deal with just about anything that comes your way.
#4 Ashrym Jun 22, 2015 14:40:40	I would go with a fighter, preferably battlemaster. Fighters are very survivable and I think champion is more survivable in the long run, but high AC and second wind go a long way towards that survivability on their own while starting out and then precision / parry in battlemaster maneuvers work well. 2 bonus feats can be used to add to combat or noncombat options, and 5e opened up skills to all classes.
#5 cowleymen Jun 22, 2015 15:48:44	do mean like as a person inside a dnd world? if so, it depends on the setting. in something like Ebberron, no way. Their society is fueled very much by magic. Dark Sun is the opposite, at least with Arcane magic. In DS arcane magic is strongly distrusted, because the general population believes it was the reason why the world is dying/dead. Primal magic is readily accepted though.   as a viable character though, with out a doubt you can be useful with out magic.
#6 jaappleton Jun 22, 2015 15:53:36	Well, distrustful in what way?   You can be distrustful of Arcane Magic, but be religious and believe in Divine Miracles. So you'll accept a Paladin's 'Lay on Hands' but distrust healing done by a Bard.   I briefly played a Dwarf Cleric that thought Arcane Magic was the devil's trickery, and immediately distrusted any magic user that didn't use Divine.    If you want to play a character who doesn't trust any magic, I suggest either Bear Barbarian or Rogue. Barbarians can take a massive beating and dish out serious pain. Rogue more for their defensive tricks, and out of combat skills if that appeals to you.    Alternatively, something that might appeal to you is the Unearthed Arcana: Alternate Ranger option. Instead of using magic, they learn poultices for healing, and combat maneuvers like Battlemasters.
#7 Imaculata Jun 22, 2015 16:01:53	I've played a Barbarian that was distrustful of magic. But you want to be careful that you don't play this up too heavily, to the point where it disrupts the group. Your group may have magic users in it, so you want to make sure that your character is some how able to work together with them, despite distrusting magic.
#8 jaappleton Jun 22, 2015 16:03:38	A Barbarian utterly amazed and shocked by magic could be really fun(ny).
#9 Varden_Khol Jun 22, 2015 16:13:57	This character flaw can be really fun. The fighter in my game started out absolutely distrustful of magic. Unluckily for him, one of his travelling companions is a wild magic Sorcerer.   It actually made for a really touching moment a few sessions in. The Sorcerer had recently unleashed a really high-level Magic Missle that intsa-killed a boss and spent the next few days refusing to cast ANY spells out of shock. After a close-call with some mounted Hobgoblins the magic-hating Fighter was the one who took her aside and told her how much they needed her spells.   That hasn't stopped him from groaning (in character) every time they run into a magical beast/trap/location.
#10 shintashi Jun 22, 2015 17:27:03	i think playing a wizard who is shocked, astonished, and distrustful of magic would be hiliarious and a wickedly good time.
#11 consectari Jun 23, 2015 11:42:54	I don't want it to disrupt the group.  I just want it to be a bit of friction between him and the party magic users, not open conflict.  Being skeptical of plans that rely heavily on magic and that sort of thing.   He's a Rogue that trusts his skills not mumbo jumbo that can be dispelled or turned against you.   My biggest concern was being able to survive while refusing to accept healing spells, use healing potions, or use magical items.
#12 BoldItalic Jun 23, 2015 12:40:44	consectari wrote:
(Reply to #12) jaappleton	BoldItalic wrote:
#14 MasterNamer Jun 23, 2015 13:19:12	If you want to only use mundane healing you could use the healer feat and healer's kits to regain hit points. Additionally, inspiring leader isn't magical per say and you could give temporary hit points to yourself and your party at the same time.
#15 Ashrym Jun 23, 2015 13:21:30	On a rogue, also use a crossbow and save cunning action for kiting tactics.
(Reply to #11) Clutchbone	consectari wrote:
#17 Lilika Jun 23, 2015 17:55:54	It's pretty normal for new players to try to do things different without realizing that their decisions are actually disruptive to the group mechanics.  My suggestion is when starting roleplaying for the first time, to focus on learning the game and how people interact.  I'm not saying don't be yourself, but it is probably better to get a feel for the game before testing the limits of what others will put up with.
#18 Imaculata Jun 24, 2015 1:57:12	You could choose to only accept spiritual healing, so that you can still be healed by clerics and paladins. If you don't qualify this as magic, then you have a loophole to still be distrustful of (arcane) magic, while not being disruptive to the group.