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Eltheron
Senior Scribe
740 Posts |
 Posted - 09 Jun 2011 : 06:38:55
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Just for fun, what would be your "dream team" party for adventuring in the Realms? Assume the party starts at level 1, what classes / people would you put together for a really good party?
Would you go with the classic 5-person group of two fighter types, one cleric, one mage, and one rogue? Would you prefer more, or less?
Or would you put together a different team?
And where would you have them adventure?
Remember: 1st-level party of adventurers. Be really detailed, if you like. The more Realms flavor the better!
Here's mine:
- fighter, male human
- fighter, female half-orc
- cleric of Lathander, male human
- bard, female sun elf
- wizard, male sun elf
I'd place them in the Sword Coast area, circa 1350 (pre- Time of Troubles).
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"The very best possible post-fourteenth-century Realms lets down those who love the specific, detailed social, political and magical situation, with its thousands of characters, developed over forty years, and want to learn more about it; and those who'd be open to a new one with equal depth, which there just isn't time to re-produce; and those repelled, some past the point of no return, by the bad-taste-and-plausibility gap of things done to the world when its guardianship was less careful."
--Faraer |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
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Eltheron
Senior Scribe
740 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2011 : 18:52:03
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Isn't there like an "optimum D&D party"? Diffan probably knows, since he knows the 3e and 4e rules a lot better than me. Basically like a fighter guy, a rogue, a healer, and a wizard, so all bases are covered?
I was actually wondering the same thing, at least about 4E. In AD&D and up through 3.5, definitely you had to be concerned about party balance. In 4E, it seems like maybe it would be less of an issue? Not sure. |
"The very best possible post-fourteenth-century Realms lets down those who love the specific, detailed social, political and magical situation, with its thousands of characters, developed over forty years, and want to learn more about it; and those who'd be open to a new one with equal depth, which there just isn't time to re-produce; and those repelled, some past the point of no return, by the bad-taste-and-plausibility gap of things done to the world when its guardianship was less careful."
--Faraer |
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Hoondatha
Great Reader
USA
2449 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2011 : 19:38:34
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I primarily play 2e, which has a slightly different balance thanks to its multi-class system. Plus, my parties tend to be a bit larger, generally around six. The base is much the same: a fighter-type, a wizard, a cleric/druid, and a thief. The thief is preferably multiclassed, since they still go up in level quickly and are more useful as a secondary class than devoting an entire character to them. That way you then get three characters to play around with.
I'm not going to say it's the ideal party, but one I ran with for a while that worked well was:
* fighter, male duergar exile kit
* thief/illusionist, gnome male tunnelrat kit
* wizard, female half-drow Crinti renegade kit
* fighter/wizard, male elven bladesiger kit
* cleric, female human
* psionicist, female human
And yes, the party dynamics were somewhat interesting between the duergar, the gnome, and the bladesinger for a while, not to mention to the Crinti. But when they all got moving in the same direction, they were practically unstoppable. |
Doggedly converting 3e back to what D&D should be...
Sigh... And now 4e as well. |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 09 Jun 2011 : 23:59:43
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My ideal party?
Paladin
Bard
Wizard or Sorcerer
Fighter
Rogue
This way, you have one character who is the heavy-hitter and primary healer, with some overlap between it and the secondary healer/magic-user(the bard) with the spell-type. The bard can also play "second fiddle" to the remaining members, as well. Fight, magic, some rogue skills, heal- this way, all bases are covered in spades! |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
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Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 01:21:10
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| Barbarian, Conjuror, Transmuter, Invoker, and a dark priest necromancer sort in 2E haha. |
[/Ayrik] |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4438 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 05:38:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Isn't there like an "optimum D&D party"? Diffan probably knows, since he knows the 3e and 4e rules a lot better than me. Basically like a fighter guy, a rogue, a healer, and a wizard, so all bases are covered?
:Conducts with instructor voice:
*Ahem*. "Now class let me introduct you into the finer basics of character enhancement. Please refer to your Optimization and Tactics Guide: The Finer Points of Crunch and turn to p.148, Chapter 12: Party Organization and Optimization" 
Using the v3.5 ruleset, my dream party would consist of:
-LG Human cleric 5 of Tyr/ ordained champion 7/ Justicar of Tyr 8 with the Law, Retribution, War domains and the Divine Metamagic: Quicken Spell feat. This means a great up-front armored combatant with minor-action healing. Throw in some good healing spells (Healing Circle) and a Ring of Mystic Healing and your good to go!
-CN Sun elf wizard 15/ archmage 5 that focuses (not specialized) on Illusion, Conjuration, or Transumtation spells. Also they'd have at least two Reserve feats for versatility.
-LN/LG Human knight 4/ fighter 2/ crusader 14 that specialized in using the Spiked Chain, Improved Trip, Combat Reflexes, and Stand Still feat. With Enlarge Person, 20' radius movement denial and multiple AoOs (Attack of Opportunities) provide the ultimate defender. Add in Crusader stances/maneuvers and the Knight's ability to draw enemies with his Test of Mettle and no one is getting by.
-CN human swashbuckler 3/ rogue 6/ swordsage 2/ avenger 9 that goes straight two-weapon fighting talent tree. Taking a few maneuvers from the swordsage such as Wolf Fang Strike allows for a two-weapon attack as a standard action. The Daring Outlaw feat combines the Rogue and swashbuckler levels for Grace and Sneak Attack, netting a whopping +9d6 SA damage per attack. By sticking to Short Swords, this character can benefit from Shadow Blade feat and add it's Dex-modifier to damage with that weapon in addition to any Strengh bonus AND Intelligence bonus from Swashbuckler's Insightful Strike feature. Throw in Skill Tricks to stay hidden; Boost Search, Spot, Listen, Open Lock checks to remain useful in dungeons and Volią total DPR scout and trapsmith.
-NG Half-elf bard 10/ sublime chord 10 for that 5th character in the party. Frankly, this character is the party's "Face" and the main negotiator of the group. (S)he haggles deals, smooths over non-combative situations, and is a great addition to the party's spellcasting. By adding a great list of spells to their list, they can ease the burden from the wizard with other non-combative (or combative) spells while the other does the opposite. It's just a good, solid build all around.
Area of Faerūn: Cormyr and Dalelands
Circa: 1374 DR
=============================================================================
4E is a little more difficult to summarize. Party design is paramount for this edition and Optimization is as crutial to the individual as it is for the whole group. A mish-mash of character classes will work well, but not optimally. With the right combinations, a handful of approaches fit the bill quite nicely.
But this is my Dream Team so I'll go with this:
-Good Human Ranger/Stormwarden/Eternal Seeker (Two-Weapon Fighting style) and spamming Twin Strike. Pretty much DPR in a bag. Nothing fancy, just taking as many Minor Action attacks for your quarry and get that nice damage spike every round. Bread and butter.
-Unaligned Dwarf Knight (fighter)/Stalward Knight/Indomitable Champion. Using shield and warhammer, the Knight's aura is a beautiful way for not letting anyone adjacent get past you. Feats that increase your attack potential is a must (since warhammers are only +2 Proficiency). Also, the Dwarf's ability to use a Second Wind as a minor action keeps you fighting more often.
-Good Eladrin (moon elf) Warlord/Battle Captain/Warmaster. Even though eladrin don't have a bonus to Strength, it makes it clear that they'll be leading from behind the lines. Using a reach weapon (eladrin favor spears) is an easy way to keep just behind your allies to reposition them into the best spot possible. And by giving the Ranger and Slayer more attacks per turn with Commander's Strike, they dish out that more damage. This shows why the Warlord is probably one of the best Leaders in the game. The saying stands "You swing with your sword. I swing with my Barbarian."
-Unaligned Human Mage (wizard)/Phiarlan Phantasmist (reflavored for Faerūn)/Archmage. This class is based of illusions and consistantly granting enemies in it's spells a -4 to -7 penalty to their attacks. In additon, it's one of the best Controller-builds in the game and it's flexable. No one spells really "makes" this character but there should be a considerable amount of Psychic-damaging or Illusion-based spells in your spellbook.
-Unaligned Goliath Slayer (fighter)/Kensi/Destined Scion. Using a Fullblade or other Superior two-handed weapon, the Slayer stays strong in the DPR range. It's a much tougher character than the ranger, who relys on speed as much as attack with two-weapons. The Slayer just lays into the target and Charges as often as possible. With this guy and the Ranger flanking, I don't see the competition standing up all that much.
Area of Faerūn: High Forest, Western Heartlands, or the area formerly known as the Border Kingdoms (which still exist in my FR).
Circa: 1479 DR
=============================================================================
To go a whole different route, I could easily forsee a 2nd favored party of all Divine classes. The Paladin (Charisma-based) works as the main defender with off-healing. The cleric dishes out Radiant vulnerability like crazy, the Invoker conjures Angels to help fight while the Avenger pushes one target into the corner and beats the tar outta him. The 5th party member would definitly have to be a Tiefling Hexblade (multiclass paladin) who is the party's strikingly odd color to their pure-white vestments. |
Edited by - Diffan on 10 Jun 2011 14:28:36 |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 08:36:53
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Diffan's got it for 4e. you don't absolutely need a wizard, fighter, etc, but you do (where optimal mechanics are concerned) want a Striker, Defender, Leader and Controller, in VERY roughly that order of importance.
Hmmm... My FR adventuring dream team... Probably going to be horrifically cliche:
- Vorgrim, son of Walgrim, Steel Warden of Clan Stoneshield: Your classic model Dwarven Fighter (or similar) clad in the heaviest and finest Dwarven armor he can find and grimly hacking through enemies with axe/hammer and shield. Gruff, grumpy and blunt even by Dwarven standards, and with a tendancy towards overundulgence and giving people frank advice. Adventures to bring glory to his clan, reclaim lost treasures and territory of the Stout Folk, and show those surface dwelling elf-fanciers what a real beard looks like.
- Hanir Snow-Dancer, outcast from the Red Tiger Uthgardt tribe: a young barbarian rescued from certain death by Vorgrim who subsequently pledged his life to said Dwarf, much to his grumbling displeasure. An innocent and optimistic foil to Vorgrim's alcohol and blood fuelled cynicism, but an able fighter (which has earned Vorgrim's grudging respect and friendship, though he'd never admit it).
- Josidaiah the Furious, Holy Knight of the Vigilant One: once a great warrior but maimed in glorious battle, Josidaiah brings forth Helm's will now with prayers and inspiring words (cleric/warlord). He may not like this damn heathen Dwarf or filthy barbarian, but he's broken bread with worse to see the will of the gods done.
- Shulla and Vakith, Water and Fire Genasi (respectively) Sorceror and Wizard (respectively): two 'sisters' of distinctly fickle nature who can be best of friends one moment and on the verge of mage-duel the next, but are always inseparable. They travel from place to place in search of new pleasures and curiosities, as well as to bring their own strange brand of magic into the lives of others. After watching Vorgrim, Hanir and Josidiah slay an ogre and it's goblin slaves, they've decided they will be fun travelling companions and well worth winding up.
How the hell a party this dysfunctional would survive beyond level 1, I don't know, but I think I've got a stock NPC party for my current players to meet should the need arise.
EDIT: ok, got carried away with NPC briefs there, I'd probably be inclined to go with the 'classic model' of adventuring party, with 4-5 members, each covering one of the main archtypes/roles. in the above example you've got a Fighter, Barbarian, Cleric/Warlord, Wizard and Sorceror, which in 4e equates to two Strikers (Bbr and Sorc), a Defender (Ftr), a Leader (Clr/Wld) and Controller (wiz). It might be nice to have a rogue or similar for that which rogues get up to, perhapse Hanir can multiclass into rogue (exiled for nicking stuff)?
As for era and location, I'd say pre-Plague Silver Marches. Get some good old orc slaying and ancient ruin plunging in! |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
Edited by - Cleric Generic on 10 Jun 2011 08:46:42 |
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_Jarlaxle_
Senior Scribe
Germany
584 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 08:51:21
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Isn't there like an "optimum D&D party"? Diffan probably knows, since he knows the 3e and 4e rules a lot better than me. Basically like a fighter guy, a rogue, a healer, and a wizard, so all bases are covered?
Well I guess the optimum would be something like a wizard, another wizard, one more wizard and at last another wizard |
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Eldacar
Senior Scribe
438 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 08:56:41
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The optimum party configuration for 3rd edition, covering all your bases, is something like:
Druid
Druid
Wizard
Cleric
Yes, that's really all you need. Or just a single Druid (Wizards and Clerics take a bit longer to get going, though once they do it'll outpace the Druid by 12th level or thereabouts; Druid is probably the easiest character to take "out of the box" though). |
"The Wild Mages I have met exhibit a startling disregard for common sense, and are often meddling with powers far beyond their own control." ~Volo
"Not unlike a certain travelogue author with whom I am unfortunately acquainted." ~Elminster |
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Nicolai Withander
Master of Realmslore
Denmark
1093 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 10:48:35
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My favorite i think would be this:
-Fighter, male dwarf (tank)
-Fighter, male human (archer)
-Cleric, male/female human
-Rougue, male/female elf/halfling
-Wizard, male/female human
Depending on what objective I might switch in a paladin, but I think this covers most tasks, at least if we have a small party. |
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Cleric Generic
Senior Scribe
United Kingdom
565 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 16:05:55
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This has got my mind churning on possible PC/NPC possibilities...
- Shivariel the Splintered: a Wilden* Seeker** that found full conciousness and physical maturity after 'hatching' from the charred stump of an ancient oak in the High Forest, she is in many ways like a child; only alive for a few days and filled with wonder at the simplest things, but she is filled also with a terrible purpose that comes to her all a-sudden and possesses equally terrible powers to mete out natures vengeance.
- Sovelis Anwe: an Evereskan Tomb-Guardian-to-be, but too prone to wanderlust and dark moods to complete the training and take his place of honour, he now stalks the Silver Marches with whatever company will take him as he tries to find some way to still his brooding mind and dark desires. The young wood elf has dabbled in many trades, but finds himself most comfortable in the shadows with a sharp knife in hand. Little does he know, the blood of ancient Ilythiir runs thick in his veins and Lolth herself has taken a certain shine to him (thus the dark moods and desires).
- Zook Barren, Prankster Extraordinaire: a Gnomish bard and disciple of Garl's more jovial aspects, Zook has taken an extended break from his life with the family travelling circus to bring a bit of light humour to the often grim world of adventuring, his chief weapons are annoyance, confusion and bombastic magic/alchemy, weilded as only a mad gnome can.
- Bikini-clad Moon Elf Druid that can stab and slash with her ears, because it will ammuse/annoy those familiar with World of Warcraft :D
* Wilden = weird owl/plant people conceptually similar to Killoren or Volodni from 3e, I think... May as well just re-fluff them to be Volodni, come to think of it.
** Seeker = Ranger that heavily abuses magic enhancing drugs, causing/summoning all sorts of weird and nasty with their bows and spirit summoning. |
Cedric! The Cleric Generic and Master of Disguise!
ALL HAIL LORD KARSUS!!!
Vast Realmslore Archive: Get in here and download everything! http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/archfr/rl
2e Realms book PDFs; grab em! - http://poleandrope.blogspot.com/2010/07/working-around-purge.html |
Edited by - Cleric Generic on 10 Jun 2011 16:08:47 |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
Posted - 10 Jun 2011 : 18:28:01
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-Thank you, Diffan. See, I knew you knew stuff! 
-I was making up background NPCs for one of my Forgotten Realms characters like two, three years ago, and this is, I guess, a good party?:
'The Company of Eleint'
Kolvar Sunstar
NG Sun Elf Wizard (Diviner) 5 / Master Specialist 10
Sharlyana Sunstar
CG Feytouched Wood Elf Druid 11 / Holy Warden 4
Phnippa Bluebrook Tumblekiss Lameduck
CN Gnome Spellthief 14
Olspar Grayson
LN Human Cleric (Jergal) 7 / Sacred Exorcist 5
Jabbar Panajura
LN Human Wizard 6 / Elemental Savant (Fire) 2, Geometer 5
Damato Blackcloud
CN Human Hexblade 13
Gunvūr Sanferson
CN Human Barbarian 7 / Bear Warrior 5 |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
Edited by - Lord Karsus on 10 Jun 2011 18:28:32 |
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jordanz
Senior Scribe
556 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2011 : 03:53:57
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| At low levels you need more fighter types. t high levels you need more mages. Through you will need Clerics, and to lesser degree thieves. |
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Wooly Rupert
Master of Mischief
USA
36803 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2011 : 05:19:55
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-I was making up background NPCs for one of my Forgotten Realms characters like two, three years ago, and this is, I guess, a good party?:
I did much the same thing for my minotaur, but that was way back in the days of 2E...
Takkus Gal-Zon, male minotaur, F9
Danthegan Kerillinir, male half-elf, specialty priest of Lathander 6
Shaelyn Kerillinir, female half-elf, F6/M5
Kelsyn Thunderaxe, male dwarf, F7
Talira Starmist, female half-elf, specialty priest of Lathander 6/M6
Laric Dhansil, human male F6/T7
Takk came from another world, and stumbled thru a portal that dropped him into Myth Drannor. By chance, he met Shaelyn and Danthegan there. Shae was escorting her younger brother Dan to the Dawnspire. There they met Laric and Talira, and all became friends. Laric, Dan, Shae, and Takk later met Kelsyn in Myth Drannor. Danthegan later got killed, so everyone decided to leave Myth Drannor, and Talira went with them. They eventually wound up in Waterdeep, where they bought a "haunted" former inn, renovated and reopened it. They all live somewhere nearby. Takk and Kelsyn are the strength of the party, but Shaelyn is the leader.
En route to Waterdeep, they encountered a moon elf friend of Shae's and helped him recover his family moonblade, but he has since left the group.
One of Laric's quirks is that even though he's not a mage, some magical accident enabled him to inherit his uncle's familiar, a very strange critter of unknown origin.
Takkus was my PC. When I rolled him up, I had some funky numbers... My DM suggested a minotaur, so I grabbed the Humanoids Handbook and went to town. In 2E, when most people couldn't have a stat higher than 18, Takk started with a Strength of 19 -- which, couple with specialization with the bastard sword, made him brutal in combat. It also shaped a lot of how I played him... I decided to import him into the Realms, and Myth Drannor seemed an obvious way to do it. Everyone else was dreamed up as a way to help tell Takk's story. |
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Ayrik
Great Reader
Canada
7989 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2011 : 14:04:07
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quote:
Diffan
-NG Half-elf bard 10/ sublime chord 10 for that 5th character in the party. Frankly, this character is the party's "Face" and the main negotiator of the group. (S)he haggles deals, smooths over non-combative situations, and is a great addition ...
I suppose that depends a lot on the group's preferred playstyle. The "face" in my party who has, um, abilities of negotiation and haggling, persuasion, and the like tends to be the barbarian. Big strapping muscles and dimwitted enough to be hard to fool. Throw in intimidation and a disgusting loincloth and he's simply irresistible.
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[/Ayrik] |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4438 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2011 : 14:09:01
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quote:
Originally posted by Arik
quote:
Diffan
-NG Half-elf bard 10/ sublime chord 10 for that 5th character in the party. Frankly, this character is the party's "Face" and the main negotiator of the group. (S)he haggles deals, smooths over non-combative situations, and is a great addition ...
I suppose that depends a lot on the group's preferred playstyle. The "face" in my party who has, um, abilities of negotiation and haggling, persuasion, and the like tends to be the barbarian. Big strapping muscles and dimwitted enough to be hard to fool. Throw in intimidation and a disgusting loincloth and he's simply irresistible.
Hahaha, yea you can go that rotue as well. I, however, tend to favor charming manipulation and magic (Suggestion/Charm Person anyone?) to get my way and no one does that better than the Bard. |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2011 : 16:57:58
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quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
Hahaha, yea you can go that rotue as well. I, however, tend to favor charming manipulation and magic (Suggestion/Charm Person anyone?) to get my way and no one does that better than the Bard.
-"Crazy" Ali al-Hassan the Beguiler would have a thing or two to say about that...but he's dead now, so... |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Diffan
Great Reader
USA
4438 Posts |
Posted - 11 Jun 2011 : 18:30:08
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-"Crazy" Ali al-Hassan the Beguiler would have a thing or two to say about that...but he's dead now, so...
Who?
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
-Thank you, Diffan. See, I knew you knew stuff!
-I was making up background NPCs for one of my Forgotten Realms characters like two, three years ago, and this is, I guess, a good party?: [snip]......
I know some things better than I should and I should know better regarding everything else !
As for your party's make-up, I think it's a pretty good party overall. The Spelltheif is a really underused class and I honestly don't know much about it other than you can take other people's spells/spell-like abilities and use it against them. Good in a magic-heavy campaign, but nigh useless against non-magical beings.
The Hexblade is another under-developed class as it got Zero support post Complete Warrior. I think they got a few spells added to their list with the Spell Compendium and Complete Mage but that is. Though if you build the Hexblade right, it becomes pretty decent as a roll-penalty giver. It's Hex-ability and Intimidating Strike + Dark Companion really drop bad-guys attack rolls and saves.
And the Bear Warrior is often regarded as one of the worst Barbarian-based PrCs in 3E. Not that it's horrible per-se, just that there are so many better ones out there that it's glossed over as a flavor-based PrC instead of a powerful/optimized PrC. I've always had a fondess of it myself 
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
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MerrikCale
Senior Scribe
USA
947 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2011 : 04:45:32
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quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
Who?
-A character of mine who is, sadly, dead. Literally charmed the rug out from underneath of Tethryian merchant prince.
who was that? |
When hinges creak in doorless chambers and strange and frightening sounds echo through the halls, whenever candlelights flicker where the air is deathly still, that is the time when ghosts are present, practicing their terror with ghoulish delight. |
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Lord Karsus
Great Reader
USA
3740 Posts |
Posted - 12 Jun 2011 : 05:23:19
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quote:
Originally posted by MerrikCale
quote:
Originally posted by Lord Karsus
quote:
Originally posted by Diffan
Who?
-A character of mine who is, sadly, dead. Literally charmed the rug out from underneath of Tethryian merchant prince.
who was that?
-"Crazy" Ali al-Hassan. |
(A Tri-Partite Arcanist Who Has Forgotten More Than Most Will Ever Know)
Elves of Faerūn
Vol I- The Elves of Faerūn
Vol. III- Spells of the Elves
Vol. VI- Mechanical Compendium |
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Gavinfoxx
Learned Scribe
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2011 : 21:14:00
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In 3.5e? If by Ideal you mean, 'able to overcome anything' Just play the big Five that are not from non FR Settings.
That would be:
Archivist
Druid
Cleric
Wizard
Convert Spell to Power Erudite
That would be the most powerful party, being all Tier 1's. No, you wouldn't need the trapfinding ability with that party if you do it right. This party, collectively, would be able to handle things several challenge ratings above their average level. Hell, each INDIVIDUAL in this party could handle creatures that, by themselves, are CR's higher than his average level...
Since Faerun doesn't have Eberron style Artificers, you wouldn't get that particular Tier 1 class.
Just google "jaronk tier system repost" and "Why Tier 1s are in Tier 1" to see what I mean.
Now this isn't necessarily the most INTERESTING party, just the most POWERFUL and VERSATILE I can think of at the moment.
A more interesting one would be one with quite a few more weaknesses, and a much lower power level, and an interesting social dynamic between them and what they uncover. When everyone isn't going around solving their problems with a wave of their hand, there is a bit more conflict. |
Edited by - Gavinfoxx on 15 Jun 2011 04:43:05 |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 14 Jun 2011 : 23:43:02
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| Wooly, your PC Laric reminds me of one of my current PC's- a gnome Wizard/Fire Elementalist/Master Alchemist named Beznik bogglewart, who is prone to accidents himself, and has a familiar in the form of a mechanical metal ferret. (Think a cross between Full Metal Alchemist's Alphonse and Negima's Chamo for the ferret's personality....) Oh, and Beznik's also a pyromaniac. Not a good thing in someone who is naturally clutzy..... |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 01:43:07
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quote:
Originally posted by Alystra Illianniis
... a gnome Wizard/Fire Elementalist/Master Alchemist named Beznik bogglewart, who is prone to accidents himself, and has a familiar in the form of a mechanical metal ferret. (Think a cross between Full Metal Alchemist's Alphonse and Negima's Chamo for the ferret's personality....) Oh, and Beznik's also a pyromaniac. Not a good thing in someone who is naturally clutzy.....
Being that gnomes are my favourite race, and that I love gnomish characters, I'd welcome hearing more about Beznik, if at all possible? |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 01:55:30
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He's old, crotchety, and a bit stand-offish. But he is also practical, and has little interest in socializing, or "frivolity", and thinks elves are too flighty and spend too much time bickering. (He's slightly racist. Especially toward elves. There's a story in there, I just haven't come up with it yet.) He has little time for anything but his magic, and is always experimenting both with it and with his alchemy,often with explosive results. It's a long-running joke in my home campaigns that he's been kicked out of three cities so far (and thus keeps running into my players) because of causing fires due to his extreme obsession with anything that makes fire or explosions. Combine that with his innate lack of grace or coordination, and you get....yeah.
The ferret was a beloved pet that was "killed" during one of his experiments, so he built it a new body and placed its spirit into it. It can curl itself into a little ball to fit into his robe pocket, and roll around on its own, as well as running when fully extended into its normal shape. (No, it's not a pokemon!) |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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The Sage
Procrastinator Most High
Australia
31772 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 02:21:27
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| Beznik sounds like he'd make a fine character for a Marvel Comics-styled "Team-Up" [which is one of my all-time favourite Marvel books] adventure with Rastromo Meradoc -- who just happens to be one of my longest running and most popular gnomish NPCs in my Realms. [And, coincidently, where my username {or, rather, former username -- being Sage of Perth} is derived from.] |
Candlekeep Forums Moderator
Candlekeep - The Library of Forgotten Realms Lore
http://www.candlekeep.com -- Candlekeep Forum Code of Conduct
Scribe for the Candlekeep Compendium -- Volume IX now available (Oct 2007)
"So Saith Ed" -- the collected Candlekeep replies of Ed Greenwood
Zhoth'ilam Folio -- The Electronic Misadventures of a Rambling Sage |
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Gavinfoxx
Learned Scribe
USA
132 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 04:48:46
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So what methods should we use to define 'ideal'?
I did mine based on 'power, versatility, and ability to solve problems and impact the setting'.
However, many people suggested other ways via the social dynamics of favored characters acting together.
Perhaps we should do two 'perfect' adventuring parties: One where the main way of judging it is the whole power/versatility/problem solving/get things done sort of thing, where the group dynamic isn't focused, but is still somewhat important, and another where the group dynamic and roleplay and storytelling interactions is center stage, but where they still have to be roughly par at their actual ability to solve adventuring type problems? |
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ChieftainTwilight
Learned Scribe
171 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 05:00:56
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I hate the whole concept of class/race optimization munchkin gaming. >.> quit stereotyping, everyone! :XD
here's one which I've already played.
Kari Blackstone, Chaotic Neutral Female Half-Orc Druid1.
Seran Nightfall, Chaotic Good Male Half-Elf Bard1.
Landon Barrelwood, Neutral Good Male Halfling Sorcerer1.
this came out pretty nicely, because they all grew up in the same village. the traveled mostly in the North, but have eentually gone to the Dalelands, and even as far as Luiren. Kari eventually Married Seran, and is currently pregnant with his daughter. her alignment shifts to Chaotic Good during the game.
now, seeing as this one's already done, and I want to also make another point, here is another group, ad-hoc right now.
Chaotic Neutral Female Elf Cleric of Sehanine Moonbow. uses Quarterstaff, Rapier and Longbow. Domains are Trickery and Moon.
Chaotic Neutral Male Half-Orc Bard. Perform specialty is Oratory.
Chaotic Good Male Gnome Ranger. Favoured Enemies are Giants. uses Alchemical Items in combat, is an Alchemist, and will use Two-Weapon Combat Style. |
and a heart can only break so many times
and I've been to hell and back so many times
and I've seen folks walk away so many times
but just like anyone else I gotta stand up by myself
and a heart can only break so many times
a heart can only break so many times
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ChieftainTwilight
Learned Scribe
171 Posts |
Posted - 15 Jun 2011 : 05:34:02
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XD reading this whole thread was SOOO worthe it!
and so far, I think my favourite among characters mentioned here, is Beznik. =w= totally epic! XD |
and a heart can only break so many times
and I've been to hell and back so many times
and I've seen folks walk away so many times
but just like anyone else I gotta stand up by myself
and a heart can only break so many times
a heart can only break so many times
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Alystra Illianniis
Great Reader
USA
3750 Posts |
Posted - 16 Jun 2011 : 05:23:25
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| LOL!!! Yeah, my players love (to hate) him, too! I'd always wanted to play/run a really unconventional wizard, and the idea just sprang into my head one night at work (I was doing graveyard shifts at the time) when I was really bored in the middle of the shift. Lo and behold, the gnome-wrecker of Ironhold, Terillis, and Thorndale was born! He's also recently been spotted in Menzoberranzan- to the drow city's everlasting regret..... For some reason, whenever he shows up, things tend to go "boom". And then there's that grumpy, "all elves are prissy, flighty, arrogant, lay-abouts" attitude.... |
The Goddess is alive, and magic is afoot.
"Where Science ends, Magic begins" -Spiral, Uncanny X-Men #491
"You idiots! You've captured their STUNT doubles!" -Spaceballs
Lothir's character background/stats: http://forum.candlekeep.com/pop_profile.asp?mode=display&id=5469
My stories:
http://z3.invisionfree.com/Mickeys_Comic_Tavern/index.php?showforum=188
Lothir, courtesy of Sylinde (Deviant Art)/Luaxena (Chosen of Eilistraee)
http://sylinde.deviantart.com/#/d2z6e4u |
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Your perfect adventuring party in the Realms
