Archivist play style? - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

Archivist play style?

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
symphonic_tempest
May 21, 2008 9:24:04 Starting a gnome archivist, and the archvist's handbook wasn't much help here.

What's the most effective combat style for an archivist? They seem to be an uneasy mix of cleric and wizard here, as they have the armor and spells of a cleric, but lower BAB and HD. Ranged combat basically requires its own line of feats (Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, etc) to be useful, and melee seems dicier without medium BAB and d8 HD.

Melee? Range? Buff? Nuke? What's an archivist to do at first level, and beyond?
#2
Omnirahk_half-Rahkshi
May 21, 2008 10:42:05 I'd say you're mostly a buff character. You don't have the hp or attack bonus for combat. I wouldn't even go with ranged except as a last resort. Think like a wizard - needing a weapon is a failure on your part. The Dark Knowledge class feature seems to support the idea of buffs. After the initial buffing, I'd go for battlefield control.
#3
lincoln_hills
May 22, 2008 15:35:01 I agree. Stick to light armor and shield, to keep what little mobility a gnome has (besides, your encumbrance is probably pretty low.) Stay in the back row, and focus on defensive spells, with the occasional healing and attack spell. Select attack spells that require saving throws, not touch attacks (although as a gnome, you've at least got a size bonus working for you.) If you want to conserve spells, you might make a habit of creating holy water regularly, and buying (or making, if you're an alchemist too) vials of acid to boot. In short, think more like a sorceror than a cleric.
#4
danielinthewolvesden
May 22, 2008 21:30:08 The class is fairly weak to start. If you have a lot of cash and a generous DM, the class is one of the most powerful later in the game.

Play as a buffer, and a healer. Get a sling (you can use it with a shield, and a generous DM might allow you the halfling's + with one, it never hurts to ask). Buff, snipe, snipe, heal.

Look at divine spells from SC and look at spells that are "first level" but are more powerful in reality due to them being Paladin, ranger etc spells. Get the party to buy them for you, as you will cast them on the party. That way you can spend your cash on spells for yourself.

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 symphonic_tempest May 21, 2008 9:24:04	Starting a gnome archivist, and the archvist's handbook wasn't much help here. What's the most effective combat style for an archivist? They seem to be an uneasy mix of cleric and wizard here, as they have the armor and spells of a cleric, but lower BAB and HD. Ranged combat basically requires its own line of feats (Point Blank Shot, Precise Shot, etc) to be useful, and melee seems dicier without medium BAB and d8 HD. Melee? Range? Buff? Nuke? What's an archivist to do at first level, and beyond?
#2 Omnirahk_half-Rahkshi May 21, 2008 10:42:05	I'd say you're mostly a buff character. You don't have the hp or attack bonus for combat. I wouldn't even go with ranged except as a last resort. Think like a wizard - needing a weapon is a failure on your part. The Dark Knowledge class feature seems to support the idea of buffs. After the initial buffing, I'd go for battlefield control.
#3 lincoln_hills May 22, 2008 15:35:01	I agree. Stick to light armor and shield, to keep what little mobility a gnome has (besides, your encumbrance is probably pretty low.) Stay in the back row, and focus on defensive spells, with the occasional healing and attack spell. Select attack spells that require saving throws, not touch attacks (although as a gnome, you've at least got a size bonus working for you.) If you want to conserve spells, you might make a habit of creating holy water regularly, and buying (or making, if you're an alchemist too) vials of acid to boot. In short, think more like a sorceror than a cleric.
#4 danielinthewolvesden May 22, 2008 21:30:08	The class is fairly weak to start. If you have a lot of cash and a generous DM, the class is one of the most powerful later in the game. Play as a buffer, and a healer. Get a sling (you can use it with a shield, and a generous DM might allow you the halfling's + with one, it never hurts to ask). Buff, snipe, snipe, heal. Look at divine spells from SC and look at spells that are "first level" but are more powerful in reality due to them being Paladin, ranger etc spells. Get the party to buy them for you, as you will cast them on the party. That way you can spend your cash on spells for yourself.