Favorite character/build to play?

[Captainspork]

Title is pretty self-explanatory I think. I'm looking for a little bit of inspiration here for a 3.5 game and am trying to step out of my comfort zone a bit here. Looking up builds and stuff is fine and all, but I prefer to hear how characters/classes actually play in game, all fun quirks included :smallsmile:

Share your stories!

[ArcturusV]

I think the most fun I had in a while was playing a Fighter/Cleric hybrid with a Lawful Evil Alignment. I accepted that, as a Fighter, I was going to be left in the dust eventually as far as combat. But took feat choices like Improved Trip, Improved Disarm, Improved Sunder, etc. Cleric was never advanced very high, I ended up as a Fighter 6/Cleric 2 before the group folded. I mostly just focused on using my Cleric Levels to apply low level tricks and disable spells.

It was effective in so far as I was able to trivialize some enemies by combat maneuver Lockdown. Kinda fun for me to play as well. Annoyed the DM because it made combat last longer than he would have liked (I probably could have ended fights faster if I just went "And I attack..." instead of "And I disarm..."). So that's a concern. Probably would have taken leadership eventually as the character was going in that direction and been less of a one man disable band, but go for a leader of men sort of ideal. But it never really got far enough along.

[Felandria]

I generally avoid playing fighters, paladins, Druids and rangers.

Also dwarves, halflings and humans.

I role play to role play, the last thing I want to be is just me with a sword.

[JaronK]

The shield chargers I made have been played by a few people... they've all had a wonderful time. Here's a cached copy: http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:WbxBsn5mSo4J:brilliantgameologists. com/boards/index.php%3Ftopic%3D1532.0%3Bwap2+&cd=5&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us

JaronK

[Wonton]

I'll admit, 75% of my characters are acrobatic swashbuckler-types of one kind or another - whether it's through Rogue, Ranger/Scout with skill tricks, or PF Gunslinger, I always enjoy doing the daring stunts you'd see Jack Sparrow or Indiana Jones do. I find doing the same thing every round in combat really boring and I always look for opportunities to jump around, get in an interesting flank, find some high ground to snipe from, or just to somehow look cool while fighting.

I'd probably die of boredom playing an ubercharger.

[Psyren]

Favorite Skillmonkey: Psychic Rogue/Shadowmind/Elocater

Favorite cross-system build: Wilder/Soul Manifester

Favorite Gish: Tashalatora Monk/Ardent/Meditant

Favourite Theurge: Anima Priest/Tenebrous Apostate

[Vaz]

The build I set for the Iron Chef is quite possibly the most enjoyable one I created so far, with a few modifications here or there. However, it's not actually in a game so far, so I cannot judge.

Other than that, I've had brilliant fun in a gestalt rokugan campaign - A Courtier/Samurai+Iaijutsu+other bits added in to ramp up my damage, a glass cannon duelist, who was able to diplomance into at least strike range, at which point they would initiate everything they possibly could and hit around 800 damage with a full attack.

Still, that was before my losing my magic-virginity in the Iron Chef, so I'm not sure how much fun I'd have knowing exactly what I'd be missing out on.

[Deepbluediver]

What IS your comfort zone? Maybe once we know what you've already played lots of we can give you some suggestions for other ideas.

Personally, I like playing LG or NG types (they don't have to be divine casters), and you can have plenty of fun roleplaying moments when your alignment makes you question the normal sorts of actions adventurers take without being an A-hole about it.

Yes, being incredibly self-righteous and kill-happy is ONE way to play, but good is also supposed to be friendly, helpful, understanding, and MERCIFCUL. Again, traits a lot of players sometimes seem to forget.

I've played a sickeningly-sweet Mnk, who got away with driving several other party members of nuts through kindness. "Of COURSE we'd be happy to donate a large portion of the treasure to your orphanage." Of course, that was only in revenge for the party rogue running off and leaving me to be flanked and Cou-de-graced a few sessions back. :smallbiggrin:

I've played a pally and his CG PrC equivalent, the Holy Liberator in one shots; I know that some people complain about the mad but being able to wade in melee combat and not worry so much about the HP damage is fun.

For casters, I tended to stick mostly with magic blaster types; but having a few minions running around is fun, too. I once played a gray-elf conjurer who got through an entire dungeon without taking a single point of damage (never even got my robes dirty!) by having a small army of pint-sized elelmentals scurrying about to do my bidding.

[Eonir]

I have three...

Rogue5/swordsage2/assassin9/fighter2/swordsage2- lot's of sneaky, stabby goodness

DreadNecromancer8/duskblade3/AbjurantChampion5/DreadNecromancer4- A "Death Knight". My favorite character in my almost 6 years of 3.5.

Ranger/Scout-Swifthunter awesomeness. My first character.

[Raimun]

Cleric. Aside from the ultimate power they hold, I really enjoy their playstyle. The Cleric has hidden strengths.

Clerics have lots of options. That's the main draw. Most of the time I've played one, I've been always able to contribute strongly. Melee, buffing, healing, diplomacy, blasting, save-or-die, skill challenges, misc. utility, conveyance and even sneaking can all be done by a single Cleric.
You want to be a warrior? Buff yourself. Feel like raining death to your enemies when you wake up? Stock up on blasting spells that day. Your buddies are dying? Spontaneous casting!

The best part is that the Cleric has a reputation of being a dull, healbot-class. No one else wants to play it. :smalltongue:
When I first played D&D (3.0) other players had already picked classes such as wizards, warriors and assassins. "Healer" was the only speciality not covered, so I agreed to make a Cleric. However, I wanted him to be a warrior too, so I decided to see how that would work out... and it did. :smallcool:

Kudos to whoever designed the Cleric. Other fantasy games would have reduced the Cleric to an EMT. :smallsmile:

[Wonton]

I have three...

Rogue5/swordsage2/assassin9/fighter2/swordsage2- lot's of sneaky, stabby goodness

DreadNecromancer8/duskblade3/AbjurantChampion5/DreadNecromancer4- A "Death Knight". My favorite character in my almost 6 years of 3.5.

Ranger/Scout-Swifthunter awesomeness. My first character.

I'm always confused when people say this stuff. Do you only play level 20 characters? :smallconfused:

80% of the characters I make, I don't even think about the post-level-10 build since I know I'll probably never get there and if my character's not fun for those first 10 levels I'm doing something wrong.

[elvengunner69]

My 2 favorites:

Cleric/Rogue/Scout build
Druid

Also really enjoyed playing a Dwarf Barbarian once -- Being a crazy reckless damage machine was a lot of fun (only got to lvl 5)

[8wGremlin]

Current Favorites

Sha'ir Binder
E6: Sha'ir 1, Binder 2, Anima Mage 3
Gives Binding as a 7th level Binder, spell casting as a 4th level Sha'ir
Would love to get this to be
Sha'ir, Binder 1, Anima Mage 4 though...

Sha'ir cheater
E6: Sha'ir 3, Mystic theurge 3
Gives me spell casting as a 9th level Sha'ir, so 5th level spells

Sha'ir Malconvoker
E6: Sha'ir 1, Malconvoker 5
Lovely Summoner class, has a summon elemental reserve feat with a LARGE elemental

[Valdis]

Cleric. Aside from the ultimate power they hold, I really enjoy their playstyle. The Cleric has hidden strengths.

Clerics have lots of options. That's the main draw. Most of the time I've played one, I've been always able to contribute strongly. Melee, buffing, healing, diplomacy, blasting, save-or-die, skill challenges, misc. utility, conveyance and even sneaking can all be done by a single Cleric.
You want to be a warrior? Buff yourself. Feel like raining death to your enemies when you wake up? Stock up on blasting spells that day. Your buddies are dying? Spontaneous casting!

The best part is that the Cleric has a reputation of being a dull, healbot-class. No one else wants to play it. :smalltongue:
When I first played D&D (3.0) other players had already picked classes such as wizards, warriors and assassins. "Healer" was the only speciality not covered, so I agreed to make a Cleric. However, I wanted him to be a warrior too, so I decided to see how that would work out... and it did. :smallcool:

Kudos to whoever designed the Cleric. Other fantasy games would have reduced the Cleric to an EMT. :smallsmile:

+1 Evil is the best for me, more powerful spells (in general) and it really throws off the Paladin when you control undead instead of turning them. The best part about that is there's nothing he can do about it :smallsmile:

[Xaotiq1]

Int 14 Wizard who focused more on alchemy. That character was rebuilt as an Artificer at first chance.

Lvl 4 rogue who spent quite a few skill points on knowledge skills and decipher script.

Anything using Tome of Battle! LOVE that book!

Melee bard gish or melee focused factotum have been my go to builds for a bit. Methinks it's time for a switch up.

[Psyren]

Sha'ir Binder
E6: Sha'ir 1, Binder 2, Anima Mage 3
Gives Binding as a 7th level Binder, spell casting as a 4th level Sha'ir
Would love to get this to be
Sha'ir, Binder 1, Anima Mage 4 though...

If you have a good disguise check or illusions, (or even just a Hat of Disguise) you don't need Binder 2:


A Binder can hide a Sign by either mundane or magical means.

[Sgt. Cookie]

Warlock 5|Wizard/Beguiler 1|Prestige Bard 15 (Advancing Warlock).

It's a Bard, with Invocations. I really like it, personaly.


Ooh, or Savage Bard 5|Ur-Priest 4|Prestige Paladin of Tyrany/Slaughter 11. Paladin abilities, crossed with 9th level Cleric spells. Awesome.

[8wGremlin]

If you have a good disguise check or illusions, (or even just a Hat of Disguise) you don't need Binder 2:

What feats would you pick then, to get in early?
Sha'ir 1, Binder 1 > Anima mage?

[Mordrigar]

I can't decide which one is best for me, but I really like to play Clerics and Wizards.

As Raimun said, a Cleric can be everything. This versatility makes me feel good while playing with them.

Also my first character was an Elf Soulknife. In the low-fantasy worlds, Soulknife's are really fun to play.

-Search them and take all of their belognings!"
+Yes, sir!
*a moment later*
-What! How did you cut your bindings! How did you get that "shiny blade"?

lol

[Amphetryon]

My favorite concept was a set of identical twins, both of whom went Dread Necromancer 8/Crusader 2. One used Southern Magician to follow up with Ruby Knight Vindicator, while the other went Jade Phoenix Mage.

[RFLS]

Favorite played character is by far my current active character. PF game, 1 level dip of Artificer allowed by the DM. Artificer 1/Monk 2/Ninja 2/Alchemist 1. Stock up on archery and item creation feats and go nuts. The DM allows arrows to be crafted as use activated wondrous items, and now the other players quiver (pun intended) when I scan my selection of arrows.

Favorite theoretical build goes something like this: Crusader 1/Sorcerer 2/Crusader 1/Sorcerer 1/Runesmith 1/JPM 6/Deepstone Sentinel 4/JPM 4. Ends up with 6th level spells and 9th level maneuvers, casting in full plate, and lots of fun fire and earth themed abilities.

[sabelo2000]

My two favorites were a Dwarven rogue with a Barbarian dip (he had a temper problem) and a Paladin of Wee-Jas (very heavy with the justice and smiting, that one).

[Arcanist]

Favorite Skillmonkey: Psychic Rogue/Shadowmind/Elocater

Favorite cross-system build: Wilder/Soul Manifester

Favorite Gish: Tashalatora Monk/Ardent/Meditant

Favourite Theurge: Anima Priest/Tenebrous Apostate

Ooo I like this lay out :smallamused:

Favorite Skillmonkey: Spellthief/Wizard/Ultimate Magus

Favorite Cross-system: Binder/Sorcerer/Animus Mage

Favorite Gish: Sorcererdin!

Favorite Theurge: To hard to choose. Power wise it has to be StP-Erudite/Ur-Priest/Psychic Theurge, fun wise? Core only Mystic Theurge.

[Sir_Thaddeus]

I'd have to say the character-type I enjoy the most is melee. Typically greatsword, but I've done sword-and-shield as well. I really enjoy Fighters (this rarely causes me to fall behind in power, I generally play in low-op groups), but I'd love to play a Warblade at some point.

[Eonir]

I'm always confused when people say this stuff. Do you only play level 20 characters? :smallconfused:

80% of the characters I make, I don't even think about the post-level-10 build since I know I'll probably never get there and if my character's not fun for those first 10 levels I'm doing something wrong.

Oh no. My favorite is 8-14. I was just posting the fully leveled build.

[Psyren]

What feats would you pick then, to get in early?
Sha'ir 1, Binder 1 > Anima mage?

You misunderstand, I wasn't talking about getting in early - I was talking about getting in with fewer Binder levels. (You only need 1 for Anima Mage.) So it would be something like Binder 1/Sha'ir 3.

There are early-entry tricks you could use but you don't need to.

[Snowbluff]

I played a Beguiler Swiftblade. Got pretty awesome.

Warlock1/AnimaMage4 is pretty fun.

I had a VoP Warlock/Apostle of Peace/Eldritch Disciple once. I charmed and suggested my way to victory. Did some healing blasting.

[8wGremlin]

Oh I neary forgot my melee character

E6
Totemist 2, Incarnate 4
Girillion Arms bound to Totem Chakra
Incarnate 4 for Astral Vembraces bound to your Hands

[Ageir]

I play gestalt games, and i enjoy fighter barbarian weapon masters. generally greathammers.

[killem2]

My current player is now my most favorite :D.

It is a focused specialist, spell gifted, conjurer. Strongheart halfling.

With the flaws, we use a book from 3.0 that has distinctions and draw backs and so I use one called Miser:

Basically I am a cheap ass, who has almost nothing and spends almost nothing unless I think I can really use it. I also take time while adventuring to try and hide 10% of my treasure.

So currently I roleplay a highly charismatic, Chaotic Good, halfling. He has the last name Kingmaker, which he gave himself since he is kind of self-absorbed not exactly trust worthy to others. People can trust him just fine, just thinks everyone is out to get his share. He's fair and doesn't like being called a theif even though his highly detailed method of book keeping and gathering treasures makes him look like one.

I have a warbeast Mule, I call The Iron Duke, by name and he is my only loyal subject.

He also carries everything. I think in our first adventure I tried to take kitchen chairs and some crappy dinnerware. lol it was only 10cp, but dammit, it was money!

Think scrooge mcduck, with out the ass hole attitude about his money.

In another room that set off an obscuring mist trap, I went and emptied a flour bag (after asking how much it was appraised for), and then instead went into the mist and gently began removing anythign I could reach into my bag. TRAPS BE DAMN!