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Fresh Meat!

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
monkeyjules
Jan 10, 2009 22:16:16 I am a new player under Ace_of_Time who is my brother. It is almost my first D&D campaign and it is getting kind of hard with the really long encounters and playing a Tiefling Paladin who worships Sephanine. Who by the way is the first paladin my brother has had in his party EVER. Is there any advise you all can give me while I am going through all of these hardships in this campaign? Any tips on playing a paladin in 4E?
#2
kouk
Jan 11, 2009 4:37:41 Welcome to the game!

Your question is fairly vague though, so it is hard to give answers. You may find some good information about paladins in this forum here: http://forums.gleemax.com/forumdisplay.php?f=886

My biggest piece of advice would be to read the PHB cover to cover front to back (excepting the higher level powers of other classes, items and maybe rituals). Then read your class and the combat chapter again, as well as anything that didn't quite stick the first time.

There are many reasons encounters may take awhile, primarily the players and DM not being used to the rules, and players not working together as a solid party to save resources and overcome the challenges.

Some encounters by the way they are made can take a long time. An encounter made of mostly or all soldiers will take longer than one with half Strikers most likely, because of the higher HP and Defenses.

As a Paladin, you should discuss with your DM whether he has any special preconceptions about them. In past versions of the game Paladins had to follow strict codes of conduct and many DMs still handle them that way as a force of habit. It may not come up, but don't let yourself be surprised; talk it out and ask him to warn you if he thinks you are doing something "bad" if he is a stickler for the past concept.

The DM is the best source of information related to his game. Ask him what he thinks you may be able to do better, or what your group could do to speed things up.

Odds are your DM is still learning as well, because DMs and players always are learning each time they play the game.
#3
johnnii
Jan 11, 2009 11:01:19
Don't?

*Immaturity sense, tingling...*

That aside, the main idea is to understand what the Paladin is about and also his/her deity, Sehanine in this case.

The Paladin is a champion of his/her faith and also a stalwart defender that protects allies by being in the forefront of the combat at diverting attention of the enemies to the Paladin. That is your combat role.

Sehanine is a moon goddess that is a patron of love, autumn and also trickery. She encourage to follow your goals, avoid being overzealously good or utterly evil and to seek new horizons and experiences. These are aspects to take in consideration of roleplaying your personality.

Hope this helps a little.
#4
monkeyjules
Jan 11, 2009 21:30:15 My DM already had me read the PHB and all about paladins and Teiflings. I was just wondering if you had any other advice that he would be less likely to tell me. Seeing how he is my DM,he is my brother, and no one he has played with has been a paladin. It's not that he is inexperenced or anything like that because he has been playing since 1995. It's just that the people he plays with don't necessarily like to play paladins. And so they can't give me much advice beyond what they read in the PHB. Thanks.
#5
Krusk
Jan 12, 2009 0:09:19
I was just wondering if you had any other advice that he would be less likely to tell me. Seeing how he is my DM,he is my brother, and no one he has played with has been a paladin.

My advice would be not to think of the DM as an opponent, but as an ally. Sure he controls all 45 goblins in that cave trying to kill you, but he also controls the 500 towns people who you are saving, being paid by, or friends with.

This mentality makes it easier as a player when things don't go your way, sting of bad luck on your part, good luck on the monsters, ect. It isn't the DM critting on you, but the goblin.

Unless of course he is a DM vs players type DM, and in that case I can simply advise you to find a new DM.
#6
ace_of_time
Jan 12, 2009 22:06:22 OK, I'm not that type of DM. Most issues are discussed as a group before I make decide on it. When we play 4e and a rule issue comes up I rule on it and the player that had the issue writes it down. Then we take 30minutes after each game to review what the rules are on the issue. (unless it is life or death type of rule issue.) This keep the flow going and when we find what or how the rule really work it is that way from now on unless we as a group decide to change it to better fit our group. The other player in my group would rather get a root canal then play the paladins. They just don't like the limits the paladin has. Mind you they are less then they used to be.

Now let look at this. I think she is want:
1. Tips on Roleplaying paladins.
2. Tips on making the player side of the encounter fast. (Less confusing character sheets, ways to help the load of info you have now, and the like.)

Note: Flaming and trolling will be report. Thanks for helping my Player.
#7
baneofelves
Jan 12, 2009 22:36:43 Well, I'll try to help. I tend to not play Paladins, so it won't be too much. The character's faith in his/her god can make interesting roleplay, but don't overdo it, as it can get old fast.
#8
kouk
Jan 12, 2009 23:09:12 For better information management I think choosing a character sheet that works for you is a great place to start.

You can find a whole mess of them in this thread:
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1081766

Currently I'm partial to this one, because it is in color and nice and clean:
http://www.enworld.org/forum/4e-fan-creations-house-rules/229026-shados-d-d-4th-edition-color-landscape-sheets-v1-2-updated-6-24-a.html

You could also roll damage with the attack roll. If you hit, you can see the damage. If you miss, ignore the damage result.

You may also find it useful to have power cards of each of your powers, items etc. When you use it, turn it over or mark it somehow. A lot can be found in the first thread I linked, but writing it out what you need on an index card works too.

A lot of speed just comes with practice and getting used to the game.

I'm pretty sure there used to be threads about "how to roleplay paladins" but I can't find any now. Just searching paladins and roleplay should yield lots of anecdotes and discussions though.
#9
kerym_ammath
Jan 13, 2009 16:01:08 I think the thing to remember as a Paladin is to be an example of your Gods beliefs. This does not involve shoving your beliefs down the rest of the parties throat, nor does it mean disrupting the adventure because of a moral issue unless it is something really major. It is the dudley do right type of paladin that is generally the focus of party ire. Play him as an empathic character, and not a caricature.
#10
Alter_Boy
Jan 13, 2009 16:13:15 As a Tiefling Paladin, you'll do well to make Charisma based attacks your bread and butter. Your divine challenges will be more potent, your Tiefling Racial Power will be stronger (which you'll use cause you're a Defender) and aside from opportunity attacks, you won't need to make Strength too high of a stat (13 or 14 probably).

Remember your job is to protect the others. Said protection can involve Divine Challenge, healing, or physically standing in-between friends and monsters.

Oh, and no-one likes a high and mighty Paladin. Exercise your religious beliefs, but don't force it on the other players (save it for the NPCs, nobody cares about them!).

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 monkeyjules Jan 10, 2009 22:16:16	I am a new player under Ace_of_Time who is my brother. It is almost my first D&D campaign and it is getting kind of hard with the really long encounters and playing a Tiefling Paladin who worships Sephanine. Who by the way is the first paladin my brother has had in his party EVER. Is there any advise you all can give me while I am going through all of these hardships in this campaign? Any tips on playing a paladin in 4E?
#2 kouk Jan 11, 2009 4:37:41	Welcome to the game! Your question is fairly vague though, so it is hard to give answers. You may find some good information about paladins in this forum here: http://forums.gleemax.com/forumdisplay.php?f=886 My biggest piece of advice would be to read the PHB cover to cover front to back (excepting the higher level powers of other classes, items and maybe rituals). Then read your class and the combat chapter again, as well as anything that didn't quite stick the first time. There are many reasons encounters may take awhile, primarily the players and DM not being used to the rules, and players not working together as a solid party to save resources and overcome the challenges. Some encounters by the way they are made can take a long time. An encounter made of mostly or all soldiers will take longer than one with half Strikers most likely, because of the higher HP and Defenses. As a Paladin, you should discuss with your DM whether he has any special preconceptions about them. In past versions of the game Paladins had to follow strict codes of conduct and many DMs still handle them that way as a force of habit. It may not come up, but don't let yourself be surprised; talk it out and ask him to warn you if he thinks you are doing something "bad" if he is a stickler for the past concept. The DM is the best source of information related to his game. Ask him what he thinks you may be able to do better, or what your group could do to speed things up. Odds are your DM is still learning as well, because DMs and players always are learning each time they play the game.
#3 johnnii Jan 11, 2009 11:01:19	Don't? Immaturity sense, tingling... That aside, the main idea is to understand what the Paladin is about and also his/her deity, Sehanine in this case. The Paladin is a champion of his/her faith and also a stalwart defender that protects allies by being in the forefront of the combat at diverting attention of the enemies to the Paladin. That is your combat role. Sehanine is a moon goddess that is a patron of love, autumn and also trickery. She encourage to follow your goals, avoid being overzealously good or utterly evil and to seek new horizons and experiences. These are aspects to take in consideration of roleplaying your personality. Hope this helps a little.
#4 monkeyjules Jan 11, 2009 21:30:15	My DM already had me read the PHB and all about paladins and Teiflings. I was just wondering if you had any other advice that he would be less likely to tell me. Seeing how he is my DM,he is my brother, and no one he has played with has been a paladin. It's not that he is inexperenced or anything like that because he has been playing since 1995. It's just that the people he plays with don't necessarily like to play paladins. And so they can't give me much advice beyond what they read in the PHB. Thanks.
#5 Krusk Jan 12, 2009 0:09:19	I was just wondering if you had any other advice that he would be less likely to tell me. Seeing how he is my DM,he is my brother, and no one he has played with has been a paladin. My advice would be not to think of the DM as an opponent, but as an ally. Sure he controls all 45 goblins in that cave trying to kill you, but he also controls the 500 towns people who you are saving, being paid by, or friends with. This mentality makes it easier as a player when things don't go your way, sting of bad luck on your part, good luck on the monsters, ect. It isn't the DM critting on you, but the goblin. Unless of course he is a DM vs players type DM, and in that case I can simply advise you to find a new DM.
#6 ace_of_time Jan 12, 2009 22:06:22	OK, I'm not that type of DM. Most issues are discussed as a group before I make decide on it. When we play 4e and a rule issue comes up I rule on it and the player that had the issue writes it down. Then we take 30minutes after each game to review what the rules are on the issue. (unless it is life or death type of rule issue.) This keep the flow going and when we find what or how the rule really work it is that way from now on unless we as a group decide to change it to better fit our group. The other player in my group would rather get a root canal then play the paladins. They just don't like the limits the paladin has. Mind you they are less then they used to be. Now let look at this. I think she is want: 1. Tips on Roleplaying paladins. 2. Tips on making the player side of the encounter fast. (Less confusing character sheets, ways to help the load of info you have now, and the like.) Note: Flaming and trolling will be report. Thanks for helping my Player.
#7 baneofelves Jan 12, 2009 22:36:43	Well, I'll try to help. I tend to not play Paladins, so it won't be too much. The character's faith in his/her god can make interesting roleplay, but don't overdo it, as it can get old fast.
#8 kouk Jan 12, 2009 23:09:12	For better information management I think choosing a character sheet that works for you is a great place to start. You can find a whole mess of them in this thread: http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1081766 Currently I'm partial to this one, because it is in color and nice and clean: http://www.enworld.org/forum/4e-fan-creations-house-rules/229026-shados-d-d-4th-edition-color-landscape-sheets-v1-2-updated-6-24-a.html You could also roll damage with the attack roll. If you hit, you can see the damage. If you miss, ignore the damage result. You may also find it useful to have power cards of each of your powers, items etc. When you use it, turn it over or mark it somehow. A lot can be found in the first thread I linked, but writing it out what you need on an index card works too. A lot of speed just comes with practice and getting used to the game. I'm pretty sure there used to be threads about "how to roleplay paladins" but I can't find any now. Just searching paladins and roleplay should yield lots of anecdotes and discussions though.
#9 kerym_ammath Jan 13, 2009 16:01:08	I think the thing to remember as a Paladin is to be an example of your Gods beliefs. This does not involve shoving your beliefs down the rest of the parties throat, nor does it mean disrupting the adventure because of a moral issue unless it is something really major. It is the dudley do right type of paladin that is generally the focus of party ire. Play him as an empathic character, and not a caricature.
#10 Alter_Boy Jan 13, 2009 16:13:15	As a Tiefling Paladin, you'll do well to make Charisma based attacks your bread and butter. Your divine challenges will be more potent, your Tiefling Racial Power will be stronger (which you'll use cause you're a Defender) and aside from opportunity attacks, you won't need to make Strength too high of a stat (13 or 14 probably). Remember your job is to protect the others. Said protection can involve Divine Challenge, healing, or physically standing in-between friends and monsters. Oh, and no-one likes a high and mighty Paladin. Exercise your religious beliefs, but don't force it on the other players (save it for the NPCs, nobody cares about them!).