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View Full Version : Need Help optimizing a party [3.5]



Brendan
2009-12-01, 06:08 PM
So, recently, two of my party members died after a battle with a rogue and a minotaur barbarian. we soon will be getting three new members (new person joining group) Our dm does not like constant multiclassing, or obscure classes. We have core, TOB, savage species, complete warrior, and complete champion. We lost our druid and our rogueish ranger. they will be coming back as 3rd level. I need something that will make the whole party strong at all levels.
We now have:
lizardfolk monk 3 crusader 1
drow wizard 4 (dmpc, but a fun character)
Thanks a lot!
By the way, we are primarily combat.

Biffoniacus_Furiou
2009-12-01, 06:46 PM
Wait, why are they coming in at only 3rd level? A Lizardfolk Monk 3/ Crusader 1 is ECL 7 (2 HD, +1 LA, four class levels), and the DMPC is ECL 6. If they're 3-4 levels behind for the adventure, they'll be making new characters again shortly, and if the current characters are 3-4 levels ahead for the adventure, the lower level characters will feel like sidekicks. If it meets in the middle and the adventure is appropriate for 4th-5th level characters, the lower level characters will still feel a bit weak, while the stronger characters carry the party along. Starting the new characters at such a low level is not a good idea, to even participate they would probably need to be at least level 5.

For an optimal party, I'd probably make the new characters as follows:
Water Halfling (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/races/elementalRacialVariants.htm#waterHalflings) Druid with Companion Spellbond (PH2) and Natural Bond (CV), gaining a Fleshraker dinosaur (MM3) or a Dire Eagle (RoS) as his animal companion at level 4. Get a Lesser Rod of Extend and use buffs and Creeping Cold, and once he gets the Fleshraker be sure to prepare Venomous Volley (http://crystalkeep.com/d20/rules/DnD3.5Index-Spells-Druid.pdf). Have a wolf until then, don't forget Improved Trip.

Arcane Swordsage variant, ToB page 20. Be sure to take Adaptive Style, and remember that the entire Bard spell list is arcane including all the Cures. You could use the spell Heroics (SC) to temporarily gain Martial Study, use that to learn an hour/level buff, ready and initiate the buff, dismiss Heroics, repeat for every low-level arcane buff you want every day. The Heart of- line of spells in CM is especially good, as are Greater Magic Weapon and (Greater) Mage Armor, which can be cast/initiated on other party members every day. This would be the skillmonkey character, who can also keep the party buffed all day. Also keep in mind that martial maneuvers are always either extraordinary or supernatural, so these buffs cannot be dispelled.

The third party member should probably be some kind of ranged damage/spellcaster/support. A (Cloistered (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#clericVariantCloistere dCleric)) Cleric or an Archivist (http://wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20051007a&page=3) would work great, since you wouldn't really need a Batman Wizard with the Arcane Swordsage. An Archivist who focuses on debuffs and disables is probably your best choice, since it can get most of the spells in the game (http://community.wizards.com/go/thread/view/75882/19872558/Lowest_level_versions_of_spells) and technically doesn't even need to find a copy of one anywhere as long as he has Secret Page and makes the appropriate Spellcraft check. You can check this list (http://www.crystalkeep.com/d20/rules/DnD3.5Index-Spell-Summaries-byName.pdf) for spells that aren't in one of your books.

Brendan
2009-12-01, 07:18 PM
good point about the levels. I may have miswritten the drow, or miscalculated. Anyways, the crusader will specialyze in white raven, so another combatant would be nice.

Hawk7915
2009-12-01, 07:23 PM
I agree, 3rd level feels insanely low, even if your DM let you ignore the Lizardman's HD. See if he'll bump it up.

It would help to know what kind of Wizard the Drow is? Is he mostly Magic Missile and Scorching Ray, or is he dropping Glitterdust and Grease on your enemies?

For now, I recommend:

1: <Insert Race Here> Rogue 3
Feat 1: Two-weapon Fighting
(Human): Improved Initiative
Feat 2: Weapon Finesse (if STR < DEX) or Combat Expertise

- party skillmonkey while also being a heavy melee damage dealer with TWF Sneak Attack Flanks for 6d6 + strength and magic damage bonuses.

2: <Insert Race Here> Warblade 3
Feat 1: Whatever.
Feat 3: Also, whatever. Maybe Martial Study for an extra maneuver known?

- I'm not super familiar with ToB, but I do know that if you want a melee monster to help your party with damage dealing, Warblade is the weapon of choice. Your Lizardfolk Crusader Monk thing is a good "tank" since he has strong AC, good saves, and (hopefully) maneuvers that either heal himself, force people to attack him, or both, but his damage is probably subpar so the Warblade can take that role.

3: <Insert Race Here> Cleric 3
Feat 1: Extend Spell
Feat 3: Whatever

- Healing, buffing, more melee power. I'd suggest Archivist but I'm not sure it's allowed, since they have a more versatile spell list and thus could provide a bit more ranged support, but cleric should do just fine.