Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 tos_shai_hulud Sep 26, 2010 17:01:13	I have a player relatively new to D&D. She is not familiar enough with the rules to build an awesome character on her own, so I'm looking to help her. All of my ideas so far are far too complex for her. So, I'm looking for some help optimizing a character while maintaining simplicity. The campaign is 3.5 gestalt with some variant rules from Monte Cook's Book of Experimental Might. Here is the full rule-set: Eberron Campaign Setting, all 3.5 books are acceptable (except Book of Nine Swords, because the DM is not familiar enough with the rules). No Dragon or Dungeon magazine, and no cross-setting builds (so nothing from FR) 52,000 XP to start One feat per level (instead of the normal one feat every three levels plus one feat at 1st) Every four levels, gain +1 to two different stats For the base races, (Human, Elf, Dwarf, Halfling, Half-elf, Half-orc, Warforged, Changeling, Shifter, or Kalashtar), ignore the default ability score modifiers. Instead, get +2 to one ability score of choice. Additionally, you may choose a second +2 to a second ability score at the expense of a -2 to a third (the three ability scores chosen in this case must all be different). All other races keep their standard ability score modifiers. For level adjustment, it may be bought off using level-adjustment buy-off rules.  So, dolgrim, for example, could buy his +2 level adjustment down to a +1 at 6th level (for 7,000XP) to bring him down to ECL 7. Then, he has a total of 45,000XP remaining (allowing him to reach ECL 10, Character Level 9). He can now buy-back another level by spending 9,000XP, so he would have 36,000XP and be level 9 with a +0 level adjustment. For racial hit dice, they take up one side of the gestalt, allowing the other side to be a class. So, a doppelganger could be doppelganger/rogue 4, fighter/rogue 2 (with a +4 level adjustment). Starting equipment is decided by the DM based on certain criteria. I asked my friend what she wants to play, and with her limited knowledge of the rules, she said she wants to play a Valenar elf of House Thuranni who two-wields weapons and loves nature. I thought of Fighter / Cloistered Cleric 10. I figured, with the feats available, going a dual path of investigator and mounted fighter would work out nicely. While the build could be simple, the casting side of it would take a lot of getting used to. Anyone else have any ideas?
#2 Maat_Mons Sep 26, 2010 18:48:26	Cloistered cleric is a good choice. I suggest the holy warrior feat (Complete Champion) for +5 to all weapon damage rolls (and more later). Normally I don't much like the champion of Corellon Larethian prestige class because it requires combat expertise, dodge, mounted combat and either weapon focus (longsword) or exotic weapon proficiency (elven thinblade or elven courtblade) to get in. With a feat every level, it may be worth it to add dex to damage. Also, ask the DM if the improved weapon familiarity feat (Complete Warrior) can be used instead of exotic weapon proficiency (elven thinblade or elven courtblade). It gives an elf proficiency with the elven lightblade, elven thinblade, and elven courtblade.