3.5 Character Creation Help - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

3.5 Character Creation Help

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
The_Hooded_Boy
Jul 31, 2012 8:47:30 Hey, I am needing to build a new character for a game I am in and players I have been playing with say that I only play characters that can only do one thing well (which I can account for as well) and that is why my characters never run well. They said I should build a more balanced character that is prepared for any situation, but I am not sure how to do that because when I think of preparing, most situations are unpredictable.

Could anyone please help me figure out how to build a balanced D&D 3.5 character that could handle any situation?
#2
The_Fred
Jul 31, 2012 9:23:20 Well, no character is going to be able to handle any situation.

If you already have an idea of the type of character you are after, you could work from there. Perhaps you could outline one of the characters which you tried previously? Then it might be possible to improve and diversify them a bit.
#3
Caker
Jul 31, 2012 10:31:02 The only class I can really think of that has the possibility to do it all is the factotum from dungeonscape. They have the ability to mimic the abilities of pretty much everyone, but obviously are a master of none. The Factotum's Handbook should give you some insight as to how to go about that. Be warned though, you need to have a pretty good understanding of a lot of different things in order to play the class truely effectively.
#4
Slagger_the_Chuul
Jul 31, 2012 10:35:09 As a general principle, it also helps if you start by noting the level at which you want to run the character, what books are available for use, and any special rules that your DM may have implemented. Telling us that it's 3.5 is a good start, but more information will help you to avoid getting a lot of suggestions that don't apply to your situation.
#5
StevenO
Jul 31, 2012 15:42:18 I also believe that "handle any situation" could be more specific. My default you'd be looking at a Wizard, Cleric, or Druid because if you know what situation you'll be in you should be able to prepare the spells needed to get through it. Beyond that there can be many ways to "handle" a situation although some may not be obvious; the two most common could be "avoid" and "power through" and there are often several ways to do each of those.
#6
The_Fred
Aug 05, 2012 9:35:16
I also believe that "handle any situation" could be more specific. My default you'd be looking at a Wizard, Cleric, or Druid because if you know what situation you'll be in you should be able to prepare the spells needed to get through it.

It could be a hell of a lot more specific, and besides, it's not really possible - even the Wizard, Cleric or Druid, if they need to know in advance what to prepare, cannot handle every situation because ambushes and surprise encounters (and oh look, that such-and-such is actually a whatsit in disguise!) are not uncommon situations to find yourself in. OK, I get what he means is something which is flexible and not completely shut down in all but a few instances, but really all you need to do then is not tailor yourself around a specific tactic or at least have a back-up option.
#7
CURBSTOMP
Aug 05, 2012 10:29:37 Warmage is always fun, but you probably need to take one of several methods to add to the spell list for versatility.

Fiend-blooded as a prestige class, Eclectic Learning as an alternate class feature, or Arcane Disciple for a feat are some of the best options.
#8
The_Fred
Aug 05, 2012 11:14:27 It may be fun, but in terms of versetility it scores pretty low on the list (well, you have a choice of elemental types, so I guess it beats some), which is kind of the opposite of what the OP asked for - though that said, he didn't really ask for very much.
#9
StevenO
Aug 05, 2012 13:09:35 I know that when I here "handle any situation" I actually think about making a skill based character who's method of "handling" a situation may just be having a way to get out of that situation and escape.
#10
Andarious-Rosethorn
Aug 05, 2012 14:15:01 Tempest Stormwinds Weekly Optimization Showcase has a few fun examples of characters that are unusually versatile.

The first build "A" Game Paladin this is a melee character that happens to cast a large variety of (low level) spells. This build also uses Inspire Courage as well as most well optimized Bards can, and Inspire Heroics at later levels as well. Contains some rules ambiguity, but not a lot by any stretch. GM approval on a few world specific and or minorly conflicting feats required.

The Wizsassn is a caster build that's also capable of non-magical stealth and takes spellcasting versatility into a fairly spectacular relm. Single attribute dependant (Int). This build MUST be Evil at least for a few levels. Some variants on the build are available.

Face First is a face character, he's also an expert and as a Psion (Telepath) capable of a huge variety of options for what to do in and out of combat.

All of these builds provide versatility, without confronting you with the issue of not knowing WHICH option is best that accompanies classes like Cleric, Druid, Wizard and especially Artificer.

I'm playing in two games right now, DH is running a game called Eclipse wherein I play an Artifcer and I'm often left taking a very long time to act, as I not only am doing several things in a turn I need to decide WHICH thing is going to have the biggest impact.

In another game run by RT, called Dead for Nothing I play a Crusader/Bard with Song of the White Raven. She's optimized for Inpire Courage and maneuver progression. Her actions are not typically all that directly impactful but the decisions are usually VERY easy to make and I'm fairly certain the rest of the team can't wait for me to get my turn so they can benefit from whatever the hell it is I'm going to do next, or if maybe I'm just going to use a White Raven charge maneuver to rip an enemy in half.
#11
manly_man
Aug 05, 2012 14:22:30 I second the Crusader/Bard thing. A friend of mine has played as one before, and it was very hard to find something that he couldn't at least help out with.
#12
Andarious-Rosethorn
Aug 05, 2012 15:19:21 If it's a direction you like as a player, or you have a concept you would in fact like help with I'm happy to contribute to a complete build. Get back with inspiration of some sort Hooded and I'm sure this community will be able to hash together something very effective and fun to play.

The main reason I even made mention of my Crusader/Bard however isn't that I think it fits the bill for what you're asking for. The reason is simple, it's playable, reasonably powerful, versatile but NOT overwhelming. It remains fun because I generally know what my strategy is, but I can make some choices here and there where need be to better adapt to a situation.

Another great example of a character I've played that was a good deal of fun, versatile enough to compete but not at all confusing is a Sorceror (Battle variant optional)/Argent Savant/Abjurant Champion. He used Force Orb and archery feats for offense, Luminous Armor and Shield for defense. He had Resiliant Sphere and eventually Force Cage for control. Overall quite powerful, and he could participate in damned near any fight.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 The_Hooded_Boy Jul 31, 2012 8:47:30	Hey, I am needing to build a new character for a game I am in and players I have been playing with say that I only play characters that can only do one thing well (which I can account for as well) and that is why my characters never run well. They said I should build a more balanced character that is prepared for any situation, but I am not sure how to do that because when I think of preparing, most situations are unpredictable. Could anyone please help me figure out how to build a balanced D&D 3.5 character that could handle any situation?
#2 The_Fred Jul 31, 2012 9:23:20	Well, no character is going to be able to handle any situation. If you already have an idea of the type of character you are after, you could work from there. Perhaps you could outline one of the characters which you tried previously? Then it might be possible to improve and diversify them a bit.
#3 Caker Jul 31, 2012 10:31:02	The only class I can really think of that has the possibility to do it all is the factotum from dungeonscape. They have the ability to mimic the abilities of pretty much everyone, but obviously are a master of none. The Factotum's Handbook should give you some insight as to how to go about that. Be warned though, you need to have a pretty good understanding of a lot of different things in order to play the class truely effectively.
#4 Slagger_the_Chuul Jul 31, 2012 10:35:09	As a general principle, it also helps if you start by noting the level at which you want to run the character, what books are available for use, and any special rules that your DM may have implemented. Telling us that it's 3.5 is a good start, but more information will help you to avoid getting a lot of suggestions that don't apply to your situation.
#5 StevenO Jul 31, 2012 15:42:18	I also believe that "handle any situation" could be more specific. My default you'd be looking at a Wizard, Cleric, or Druid because if you know what situation you'll be in you should be able to prepare the spells needed to get through it. Beyond that there can be many ways to "handle" a situation although some may not be obvious; the two most common could be "avoid" and "power through" and there are often several ways to do each of those.
#6 The_Fred Aug 05, 2012 9:35:16	I also believe that "handle any situation" could be more specific. My default you'd be looking at a Wizard, Cleric, or Druid because if you know what situation you'll be in you should be able to prepare the spells needed to get through it. It could be a hell of a lot more specific, and besides, it's not really possible - even the Wizard, Cleric or Druid, if they need to know in advance what to prepare, cannot handle every situation because ambushes and surprise encounters (and oh look, that such-and-such is actually a whatsit in disguise!) are not uncommon situations to find yourself in. OK, I get what he means is something which is flexible and not completely shut down in all but a few instances, but really all you need to do then is not tailor yourself around a specific tactic or at least have a back-up option.
#7 CURBSTOMP Aug 05, 2012 10:29:37	Warmage is always fun, but you probably need to take one of several methods to add to the spell list for versatility. Fiend-blooded as a prestige class, Eclectic Learning as an alternate class feature, or Arcane Disciple for a feat are some of the best options.
#8 The_Fred Aug 05, 2012 11:14:27	It may be fun, but in terms of versetility it scores pretty low on the list (well, you have a choice of elemental types, so I guess it beats some), which is kind of the opposite of what the OP asked for - though that said, he didn't really ask for very much.
#9 StevenO Aug 05, 2012 13:09:35	I know that when I here "handle any situation" I actually think about making a skill based character who's method of "handling" a situation may just be having a way to get out of that situation and escape.
#10 Andarious-Rosethorn Aug 05, 2012 14:15:01	Tempest Stormwinds Weekly Optimization Showcase has a few fun examples of characters that are unusually versatile. The first build "A" Game Paladin this is a melee character that happens to cast a large variety of (low level) spells. This build also uses Inspire Courage as well as most well optimized Bards can, and Inspire Heroics at later levels as well. Contains some rules ambiguity, but not a lot by any stretch. GM approval on a few world specific and or minorly conflicting feats required. The Wizsassn is a caster build that's also capable of non-magical stealth and takes spellcasting versatility into a fairly spectacular relm. Single attribute dependant (Int). This build MUST be Evil at least for a few levels. Some variants on the build are available. Face First is a face character, he's also an expert and as a Psion (Telepath) capable of a huge variety of options for what to do in and out of combat. All of these builds provide versatility, without confronting you with the issue of not knowing WHICH option is best that accompanies classes like Cleric, Druid, Wizard and especially Artificer. I'm playing in two games right now, DH is running a game called Eclipse wherein I play an Artifcer and I'm often left taking a very long time to act, as I not only am doing several things in a turn I need to decide WHICH thing is going to have the biggest impact. In another game run by RT, called Dead for Nothing I play a Crusader/Bard with Song of the White Raven. She's optimized for Inpire Courage and maneuver progression. Her actions are not typically all that directly impactful but the decisions are usually VERY easy to make and I'm fairly certain the rest of the team can't wait for me to get my turn so they can benefit from whatever the hell it is I'm going to do next, or if maybe I'm just going to use a White Raven charge maneuver to rip an enemy in half.
#11 manly_man Aug 05, 2012 14:22:30	I second the Crusader/Bard thing. A friend of mine has played as one before, and it was very hard to find something that he couldn't at least help out with.
#12 Andarious-Rosethorn Aug 05, 2012 15:19:21	If it's a direction you like as a player, or you have a concept you would in fact like help with I'm happy to contribute to a complete build. Get back with inspiration of some sort Hooded and I'm sure this community will be able to hash together something very effective and fun to play. The main reason I even made mention of my Crusader/Bard however isn't that I think it fits the bill for what you're asking for. The reason is simple, it's playable, reasonably powerful, versatile but NOT overwhelming. It remains fun because I generally know what my strategy is, but I can make some choices here and there where need be to better adapt to a situation. Another great example of a character I've played that was a good deal of fun, versatile enough to compete but not at all confusing is a Sorceror (Battle variant optional)/Argent Savant/Abjurant Champion. He used Force Orb and archery feats for offense, Luminous Armor and Shield for defense. He had Resiliant Sphere and eventually Force Cage for control. Overall quite powerful, and he could participate in damned near any fight.