Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 jopustopin Mar 23, 2009 14:20:47	Recently myself and several others have desired to play an all orc campaign that features everyone, even the mage, wielding great axe's and having an 18 strength. We all knew such an endeavor was doomed to failure. Orc's are simply too stupid to know what's good for them. Who would tell them to stop kicking in doors, or prevent the entire dungeon/castle/hamlet from being pulled on top of the party. The campaign will be heavily role played and will start at level 1. We probably won't even take a prestige class and just play single classes until we drop. Which we expect to. The DM isn't prepared for this though. I present the three orcs. (remember this is level 1) Orc Crusader (heals party for 2 hp whenever he hits someone) Orc Dragon Shaman (Fast Healing 2 @ 1/2 hp) Orc Dread Necromancer (Everyone will be taking the feat which allows the dread necromancer to provide full healing at will with a touch) (I assume it's 1 hp a round but after battle it's full healing in seconds) I just need one more class. But what? I figure a barbarian will help with DPS, a rogue gets us trapfinding and UMD, a scout gives us trapfinding also. What should the last orc's class be? What do you think we will be lacking at higher levels. I know the first levels will be cake with us never missing and doing 1d12+6 or 8 points of damage each hit. But at higher levels what will be needed that this fourth class fills.
#2 jameswilliamogle Mar 23, 2009 14:26:56	Ranger, using the Trapfinding variant (Dungeonscape). Make it a swift hunter type build. Sounds like a blast!
#3 hijaxx Mar 23, 2009 15:27:19	this sounds crazy, and deserves a crazy build. i personally think a spellthief would be kinda funny. or maybe a ninja.
#4 jopustopin Mar 23, 2009 15:31:59	Do you know of any good swift hunter builds? The DM does play with xp penalties so it would have to stack scout and ranger levels in unison. As far as ninja or spellthief we were thinking of limiting the classes to only those that could be explained to exist in an orc tribe. Dread Necromancer is a stretch but it fits as a tribal evil wizard type. Thanks for the ideas you guys!
#5 innabinder Mar 23, 2009 16:07:02	Orc Crusader (heals party for 2 hp whenever he hits someone) Orc Dragon Shaman (Fast Healing 2 @ 1/2 hp) Orc Dread Necromancer (Everyone will be taking the feat which allows the dread necromancer to provide full healing at will with a touch) (I assume it's 1 hp a round but after battle it's full healing in seconds) Just curious, but how are you healing both from Positive energy (Crusader, and it's probably one party member/hit at 1st level) and Negative energy (Tomb-Tainted Soul to use with Dread Necromancer's Charnel Touch)?
#6 ithamar Mar 23, 2009 16:31:28	I don't think Crusader specificies that its manuevers / stances are based on positive energy, does it?
#7 dr_rocktopus Mar 23, 2009 20:38:05	It doesn't. Crusader Just Works.
#8 Folarin Mar 23, 2009 20:41:16	There is a feat somewhere called Extra Favored Class, which will give you another favored class, allowing you to make a more optimized Swift Hunter build. I would suggest taking a look at the Swift Hunter Handbook in the Handy Links section. Anyways, it sounds like a fun campaign.
#9 ymuckluck Mar 23, 2009 23:15:41	There is a feat somewhere called Extra Favored Class, which will give you another favored class, allowing you to make a more optimized Swift Hunter build. I would suggest taking a look at the Swift Hunter Handbook in the Handy Links section. Anyways, it sounds like a fun campaign. If you have an orc wielding a bow, the other orcs will make fun of him for using a wussy 'elf weapon'. It seems like you should find some synergy with pounce/orc double axe/skirmisher. Or to keep it simple since you'll have to take a lot of feats (tomb tainted, extra favored class, exotic weapon proficiency, swift hunter) you can just use a great axe until you can stick in the orc double axe feat.
#10 arogenith Mar 24, 2009 0:45:15	I've got this weakness for Bloodstorm Blades, and that whole pounce with skirmishing reminded me of adding this instantly. If I were going all orc party, I'd get 4 martial classes, and get everyone going for a ToB prestige, or at least 2 of them, then use the other two for some sort of half assed healing gish
#11 dr_rocktopus Mar 24, 2009 0:51:04	Is there a good reason you're not ALL crusaders? ;) While initially laughable, a party full of crusader\cleric\RkV orcs is actually terrifying. Wee Jas doesn't care if you're ugly, green, and stupid, so long as you burn everything BUT the libraries.
#12 Kerrus Mar 24, 2009 1:36:17	If you have an orc wielding a bow, the other orcs will make fun of him for using a wussy 'elf weapon'. Maybe if it's a 'normal' bow. But he's an orc. He can afford to wield a Ballista. And if the other orcs want to contest that, they can eat gigantic arrows.
#13 dr_rocktopus Mar 24, 2009 3:09:33	Maybe if it's a 'normal' bow. But he's an orc. He can afford to wield a Ballista. And if the other orcs want to contest that, they can eat gigantic arrows. +1!
#14 reis Mar 24, 2009 5:22:57	if you go multiple martial adepts, white raven tactics gets truly insane
#15 keyes2k4 Mar 24, 2009 9:43:34	This sounds like a good chance to use a master thrower build to me. Maybe take the throw anything feat and take a couple levels barbarian for the rage.
#16 jopustopin Mar 24, 2009 10:33:53	Maybe if it's a 'normal' bow. But he's an orc. He can afford to wield a Ballista. And if the other orcs want to contest that, they can eat gigantic arrows. Hilarious, lol. I was leaning heavily towards barbarian (iconic I know) but two crusaders would be awesome juice also. The swift hunter build would be really good as well but (i don't know the answer to this) is it better than a barbarian with shock trooper pounce and leap attack in terms of damage output? We don't go four crusaders just because we wanted some flexibility and we were trying to go with like the iconic party; i.e. fighter cleric wizard thief; except changing the classes to fit a more orc tribe theme. Although we might change it. When we start playing next week I'll show this thread to the other players and we'll talk about what will be the most fun to play. Thanks everyone for your help and please don't let this post stop you from posting ideas and comments.
#17 volatris Mar 24, 2009 19:34:46	Citizens demand a campaign diary.
#18 jameswilliamogle Mar 24, 2009 19:41:46	Citizens demand a campaign diary. ABSO-FREAKIN'-LUTELY! I'd subscribe to this in a heartbeat! Only Bonzai's has been interesting in that vein so far, but I'm starting to take thorough notes in my games (but I miss a lot of details).
#19 Balthanon Mar 24, 2009 19:56:06	If you want a trapspringer and your DM doesn't throw too many magical traps at you, what might be amusing is taking the barbarian variant where you find traps using survival and disarm them using an attack roll. I built a straight barbarian awhile back who had a 7 Int and thought he was a master thief because the kids he hung around with as a child egged him into stealing and the adults were too amused by his inept efforts to correct them. I never did get to play him though.
#20 zenogu Mar 24, 2009 21:13:23	Orc Shot-put + Strongarm Bracers + skirmish? Be an orc that chucks cannon balls :P
#21 Folarin Mar 25, 2009 6:23:04	Cannon balls with returning... Would be an amusing sight to behold.
#22 dr_rocktopus Mar 25, 2009 8:00:55
#23 idontmuchcareforit Mar 25, 2009 9:42:06	Cleric?
#24 arz Mar 25, 2009 10:37:17	Orc Shot-put + Strongarm Bracers + skirmish? Be an orc that chucks cannon balls :P Psychic Warrior w/ Telekinetic Boomerang Too bad Mighty wallop does not work on ranged wpns.
#25 jopustopin Mar 25, 2009 10:51:00	Where should I post this campaign diary. Also you guys might have to wait about a week or so, and by then the next big thing will roll through here, you'll forget all about us kicking in the doors in the name of Gruumsh...
#26 surreal Mar 25, 2009 11:00:17	In Masters of the Wild there are stats for a caber. Add the returning property and you're now lobbing around a tree at people :D
#27 innabinder Mar 25, 2009 11:56:11	Where should I post this campaign diary I vote here.
#28 dr_rocktopus Mar 25, 2009 12:07:59	Psychic Warrior w/ Telekinetic Boomerang Too bad Mighty wallop does not work on ranged wpns. Can bloodstorm blade fix that "problem?"
#29 sofawall Mar 25, 2009 15:47:17	I vote here. I vote in the char op boards, because that's the only place I venture. Also, my Campaign isn't quite worth a diary, but I managed, in 1 session, to: A) Get about 20 attacks in one turn (at level 4) Go Go Mass Snake's Swiftness!* B) Beat the Barbarian in both single biggest damage and overall damage (Well, actually, I used him to make my damage high. Go Go Mass Snake's Swiftness!*) C) Me and the DM managed to, in ten rolls, roll 5 ones and 5 eights on a d8. *Yeah, if I use something that makes someone else go, because of me, that counts as my attack.
#30 humankyle Mar 25, 2009 19:24:40	I suggest binder for more continuous effects
#31 dr_rocktopus Mar 27, 2009 14:16:56	I remain interested in a campaign diary.
#32 sofawall Mar 27, 2009 21:30:38	Posted on Char Op.
#33 jopustopin Mar 28, 2009 0:14:34	I remain interested in a campaign diary. I promise to bring a campaign diary. I'm hoping we start playing on César Chávez day. (March 31st for anyone not from California)
#34 jopustopin Mar 29, 2009 20:03:40	Some of us were going through several of our illegally downloaded pdf's bought and purchased hard cover books from amazon and we happened to find the prestige class called: "Blessed of Gruumsh" located in the Dragon Compendium. Well we though that (while not optimized) it was a very fitting prestige class for our orc group and a lot better than the one in the complete warrior. Well the person says he plans on playing him like the irish guy from brave heart, always talkin to gruumsh outloud and screaming up to the heavens for advise and to have a personal discussion with Gruumsh. Anyway I was thinking: Barbarian 1: (Pounce) EWP: Orc Double Axe Fighter 1: TWF Rogue 1: Power Attack Fighter 2: Cleave Rogue 2: Fighter3: Rogue 3: Tomb Tainted or extra rage Blessed Of Gruumsh 10 Fighter levels advance with rogue to avoid experience penalties. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on how to optimize the Blessed of Gruumsh such as feat selection. Maybe go Warblade over Fighter. I really like pounce a lot, and we need a rogue type for trapfinding and social skills and use magic device. Campaign Journal comming toon to a browser near you.
#35 jameswilliamogle Mar 29, 2009 20:17:53	Always a good idea to not mention those on the main forums of the company where you are posting...
#36 innabinder Mar 29, 2009 20:25:50	Some of us were going through several of our and we happened to find the prestige class called: "Blessed of Gruumsh" located in the Dragon Compendium. Well we though that (while not optimized) it was a very fitting prestige class for our orc group and a lot better than the one in the complete warrior. Well the person says he plans on playing him like the irish guy from brave heart, always talkin to gruumsh outloud and screaming up to the heavens for advise and to have a personal discussion with Gruumsh. Anyway I was thinking: Barbarian 1: (Pounce) EWP: Orc Double Axe Fighter 1: TWF Rogue 1: Power Attack Fighter 2: Cleave Rogue 2: Fighter3: Rogue 3: Tomb Tainted or extra rage Blessed Of Gruumsh 10 Fighter levels advance with rogue to avoid experience penalties. I was just wondering if anyone had any advice on how to optimize the Blessed of Gruumsh such as feat selection. Maybe go Warblade over Fighter. I really like pounce a lot, and we need a rogue type for trapfinding and social skills and use magic device. Campaign Journal comming toon to a browser near you. Fighter 3, ick. Warblade > Fighter. Blessed of Gruumsh benefits from Extra SLA, and the Boost SLA/Corrupt SLA lines from the BoVD.
#37 hijaxx Mar 30, 2009 11:00:24	Always a good idea to not mention those on the main forums of the company where you are posting... +1 to that. Revealing he use illegal pdfs, sheesh. *whistles innocently*
#38 arogenith Mar 30, 2009 14:08:11	illegal PDFs well to be fair, we could assume the best of it. I have books like complete scoundrel, divine, etc. 2 PHBs 3 Monster manuels (not including MM4, MM5 etc.) All that jazz, but even so when we have large parties or just two similar characters, the only way to speed up character creation is via laptops and the like. Already paid for the books, but sometimes its easier then ripping out the required pages. Perhaps he too did not download any books he does not already own?? EDIT: bought and purchased hard cover books from amazon good cover :D
#39 jameswilliamogle Mar 30, 2009 14:10:08	well to be fair, we could assume the best of it. I have books like complete scoundrel, divine, etc. 2 PHBs 3 Monster manuels (not including MM4, MM5 etc.) All that jazz, but even so when we have large parties or just two similar characters, the only way to speed up character creation is via laptops and the like. Already paid for the books, but sometimes its easier then ripping out the required pages. Perhaps he too did not download any books he does not already own?? Its illegal, and he's posting that he has them on the website of the company whom owns the properties. I don't care that he does it, personally, but just wanted him to remove that for his own protection.
#40 arogenith Mar 30, 2009 14:11:09	well he seems to already have "removed" it...to an extend. Check his original post
#41 jopustopin Mar 30, 2009 15:40:38	I guess I shouldn't be bragging about it. I own or someone in our group owns all of the books that we have on pdf. My friend specifically owns the dragon compendium, but I don't. I like having the books better, which I think most people can agree with. I assume most people have pretty much the same stance I do, they just have a higher wisdom score than I do and maybe don't go around posting it. But that's merely speculation. Anyway as most thing in life it's too late for me to do anything about what I've done in the past. This post is about a campaign that is coming closer to fruition each day. Anyone have any ideas on how to optimize a blessed of gruumsh? I like the boost spell like ability as the charisma score will probably be pretty low. If I get rid of fighter, I'll have to either get TWF by taking levels of ranger or wait to get TWF until level 9. Which is sad because then it'll be level 12 before he gets tomb tainted. Which is a ways away. Would this be a bad idea: barbarian 1 (for pounce) and rogue 7 to get +4d6 sneak attack then blessed of gruumsh 10?
#42 Balthanon Mar 30, 2009 18:45:15	Given that Tome of Battle is available, you're going to be hard pressed to make Blessed of Gruumsh worthwhile. All of the abilities besides Divine Blessing are once per day and only a few of them are better than maneuvers of equivalent level. After one or two encounters, your character is likely to end up playing like a fighter without bonus feats. You might actually want to check with your DM to see if you could turn those abilities into something similar to maneuvers instead-- possibly toning down the duration or bonuses/penalties on a couple. (Maybe with an odd refresh mechanism that's more difficult than normal, like dropping into negative hit points.) That's getting outside the realm of optimization though and into house rules.
#43 jopustopin Mar 30, 2009 21:43:37	Given that Tome of Battle is available, you're going to be hard pressed to make Blessed of Gruumsh worthwhile. All of the abilities besides Divine Blessing are once per day and only a few of them are better than maneuvers of equivalent level. After one or two encounters, your character is likely to end up playing like a fighter without bonus feats. You might actually want to check with your DM to see if you could turn those abilities into something similar to maneuvers instead-- possibly toning down the duration or bonuses/penalties on a couple. (Maybe with an odd refresh mechanism that's more difficult than normal, like dropping into negative hit points.) That's getting outside the realm of optimization though and into house rules. You know what, you're absolutely right. We'll either talk to him about the prestige class or choose something else. We're starting tomorrow (hopefully) and who knows, if nothing else he can still role play his character the same and just have a different class.