Sailor / Pirate type build

[Cpt.Galewinds]

Greetin's t'all ye! I'm not quite the old salt yet when it comes to D&D, so I figured I'd ask ye good lads 'n lasses for a hand with me character build.

I's looking to put together a sailor/pirate type of character for a land-and-sea type of adventure. He is meant to eventually take over from the NPC captain (likely through mutinous means) somewhere down the line and "Go on the account" (turn to piracy).

Here are the constraints. All officially released D&D materials and possibly also Pathfinder are on the table. I'm playing with an experienced DM who is maybe a little conservative so 3rd party and homebrew (unless he develops it) is out. The other players are new to the game and are playing a cleric and a wizard.

I am looking to do something that will allow me to complement the other two so probably I'm guessing a high BAB character is needed as they have medium and low BABs and a solid skill points count would help, and for flavor maybe something with a dash of panache for swinging ropes and all the archetypical stuff. There will be gunpowder weapons in the campaign and my character will try to make the most of that, so maybe you know feats for that as well?

For base classes, I don't really know where to go. Swashbuckler? Ranger? Fighter? I am aware of the contents of Stormwrack, but it seems to me that the PrCs in there are not quite balanced for the land-and-sea thing. They are either geared entirely towards ship abilities (legendary captain) or towards combat (scarlet corsair). I am aware of the Dread Pirate as well. Perhaps even Duelist?

What do ye scallywags see as the best race/base/prc/feats combo in my situation? :smalltongue:

[gorfnab]

For a 3.5 "Swashbuckler" you could potentially modify a build I came up with awhile ago.

Human or Strongheart Halfling
1. Cobra Strike (UA) Decisive Strike (PHBII) Monk - Carmendine Monk (CoV), Combat Expertise, B: Dodge
2. Cobra Strike (UA) Monk - B: Mobility
3. Swashbuckler - Deadly Defense (CS), B: Weapon Finesse
4. Swashbuckler
5. Swashbuckler
6. Thief Acrobat - Combat Reflexes
7. Thief Acrobat
8. Thief Acrobat
9. Thief Acrobat - Einhander (PHBII)
10. Thief Acrobat
11. Warblade
12. Warblade or Duelist - Ironheart Aura (ToB)
13. Duelist
14. Duelist
15. Duelist - Robilar's Gambit (PHBII)
16. Duelist
17. Duelist
18. Duelist - Stormgaurd Warrior (ToB)
19. Duelist
20. Duelist

Levels 10 through 12 can be rearranged depending on your needs. The current setup gives you Improved Evasion and Uncanny Dodge at these levels. However if you don't need Improved Evasion take one less level of Thief Acrobat and move the first level of Warblade to level 10. If you don't need Uncanny Dodge don't take the 2nd level of Warblade and instead go into Duelist a level early. If you don't need either abilities take Warblade at level 10 and enter Duelist at level 11.

If flaws are available pick up EWP: Broadblade Shortsword (CAdv, pre-errata version if possible) or Versatile Unarmed Strike (PHBII) and Snap Kick (ToB) (may need to rearrange later feats). If traits are available pick up Cautious (UA).

The Monk and Swashbuckler levels (levels 1 through 5) can be switched around to taste. I personally like Swash 1/ Monk 2/ Swash 2

You said that Pathfinder might be an option as well as gunpowder weapons. The Pathfinder Gunslinger (http://www.d20pfsrd.com/classes/base-classes/gunslinger) might be an option (Gunslinger Handbook (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?t=213035#post11719688)).

[Cpt.Galewinds]

Yeah I have seen the gunslinger and I do like the "grit" system which reminded me of the points feature of the Factotum. The Targeteer Fighter Variant from Dragon 310 also looks like it has some potential considering the exotic nature of firearms.

[Greenish]

Warblade is a mobile fighter-type with decent skills (4+int and some int synergy). You could lead to it with two levels of feat rogue (with Able Learner) for even more skills, as well as Evasion.

Not much of a gunslinger, though.

[Socratov]

If I might chime in, he might not be the strongest, but I've had lots of fun with a swashbucler 6/Dread Pirate X/Somthing else X (got to dread pirate 6)

[AMFV]

You could go as pretty much any class with Profession (Sailor). Since they all get that you could really do any class. Although if you're going for something iconic, a warblade or a swordsage might be a really good option. If you want something different you could go for a cleric (who worships the sea), or a wizard, who uses his magic for piracy. All certainly palatable options for that.

[Greenish]

Daring Outlaw (Rogue/Swashbuckler) might fit for a lower power game. What level are you starting on, and how far are you likely to go?


[Edit]: Bard is a contender too. Put a bit of effort to Inspire Courage (no need to go whole hog), wave a cutlass or scimitar, get Snowflake Wardance (and other stuff like that).

[Juntao112]

Avast! (http://www.enworld.org/forum/showthread.php?327699-Shiver-Me-Timbers-It-s-Black-Jack-Wellesley!)

[Diovid]

Personally I'm a fan of the Scarlet Corsair (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050805b) preferebly with entry via fighter with the Sneak Attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#fighter), Dead Levels (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20061013a), Zhentarim Fighter (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060327a), skilled city-dweller (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070228a) and either Thug (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#fighterVariantThug) or Hit-and-Run fighter (DotU) variants.

Alternatively if you want more of a pirate captain you could combine levels in Legendary Leader (HoB) with levels in Legendary Captain (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20050805a&page=3).

[gorfnab]

If you really want to mess with the party consider going into the Dungeon Lord (DS) prestige class. Declare that the ship is your dungeon and you're good to go (if your DM is lenient).

[Seerow]

If you really want to mess with the party consider going into the Dungeon Lord (DS) prestige class. Declare that the ship is your dungeon and you're good to go (if your DM is lenient).

I'm curious what exactly does a book writer have to do to make something off-limits to a PC? Because apparently direct statements of "This isn't intended for PCs" and placing it in a different section from PC prestige classes isn't enough for some people.

[Greenish]

I'm curious what exactly does a book writer have to do to make something off-limits to a PC? Because apparently direct statements of "This isn't intended for PCs" and placing it in a different section from PC prestige classes isn't enough for some people.Well, for pirates, it's more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules.

[Seerow]

Well, for pirates, it's more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules.

:smallannoyed:
:smallconfused:
:smallamused:

...okay I see what you did there. :smallbiggrin:

[Cpt.Galewinds]

Thanks for your answers!


Warblade is a mobile fighter-type with decent skills (4+int and some int synergy). You could lead to it with two levels of feat rogue (with Able Learner) for even more skills, as well as Evasion.

Not much of a gunslinger, though.

I'll look into Warblade. It's one of the ToB classes right?

As for the Feat Rogue/Able learner thing, that is a great idea and I'm actually likely to do it as the rogue has starting proficiency with hand crossbows and DM hinted that the applicable bow or crossbow and particularly hand crossbow feats might be transferred to firearms on acquiring Exotic weapon prof. (Firearms) as they will be entering play somewhat early but not at start.


If I might chime in, he might not be the strongest, but I've had lots of fun with a swashbucler 6/Dread Pirate X/Somthing else X (got to dread pirate 6)

Looks like some fun, here. My companions are a cleric and a wizard so balance might be an issue at some point but they're not power gamers.


You could go as pretty much any class with Profession (Sailor). Since they all get that you could really do any class. Although if you're going for something iconic, a warblade or a swordsage might be a really good option. If you want something different you could go for a cleric (who worships the sea), or a wizard, who uses his magic for piracy. All certainly palatable options for that.

Yeah Profession (Sailor) and Use rope and basically a given when it comes to shipboard activity. You're the second person to recommend the Warblade. I really need to look into that.


Daring Outlaw (Rogue/Swashbuckler) might fit for a lower power game. What level are you starting on, and how far are you likely to go?

[Edit]: Bard is a contender too. Put a bit of effort to Inspire Courage (no need to go whole hog), wave a cutlass or scimitar, get Snowflake Wardance (and other stuff like that).

We're all old farts with families and some of us have never played so power gaming is no real concern and we play when life actually permits. We're starting at 1 and we're going or the long haul, if at a slow pace.


Personally I'm a fan of the Scarlet Corsair (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050805b) preferebly with entry via fighter with the Sneak Attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#fighter), Dead Levels (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20061013a), Zhentarim Fighter (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060327a), skilled city-dweller (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070228a) and either Thug (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#fighterVariantThug) or Hit-and-Run fighter (DotU) variants.

Alternatively if you want more of a pirate captain you could combine levels in Legendary Leader (HoB) with levels in Legendary Captain (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20050805a&page=3).

For versatility purposes, I think I prefer the Feat Rogue at least at first to open up a lot of skills and the dual pistol build is going to be feat-intensive.

[Cpt.Galewinds]

If you really want to mess with the party consider going into the Dungeon Lord (DS) prestige class. Declare that the ship is your dungeon and you're good to go (if your DM is lenient).


I'm curious what exactly does a book writer have to do to make something off-limits to a PC? Because apparently direct statements of "This isn't intended for PCs" and placing it in a different section from PC prestige classes isn't enough for some people.


Well, for pirates, it's more what you'd call "guidelines" than actual rules.

That was gold, Greenish. With the "Aztec, cursed" properties mind you, but gold nonetheless. :)

In all seriousness, what is this Dungeon Lord business?

[Greenish]

I'll look into Warblade. It's one of the ToB classes right?It is indeed.


DM hinted that the applicable bow or crossbow and particularly hand crossbow feats might be transferred to firearms on acquiring Exotic weapon prof. (Firearms) as they will be entering play somewhat early but not at start.Strongly consider Hand Crossbow Focus (DotU), if that comes to be. Versatile Combatant from the same book might also be fitting.

[Red Fel]

I'll look into Warblade. It's one of the ToB classes right?

It most certainly is. Full BAB, access to a variety of useful abilities called Maneuvers which refresh with every encounter, and class features that key off of Int. It's the Fighter Done Right.


In all seriousness, what is this Dungeon Lord business?

Dungeon Lord is a special 5-level PrC in Dungeonscape primarily designed for monsters. Basically, it gives the character special powers while within his personal "dungeon," including the ability to bypass difficult terrain and traps, the ability to instantly know when things are out of place, bonuses to allies, at-will clairaudience/clairvoyance and alarm, the ability to animate things, boosts to saves and rolls, and Leadership.

Now, if you define "dungeon" as "my ship," suddenly you're like a tiny god while onboard...

[Joe the Rat]

It is indeed.

Strongly consider Hand Crossbow Focus (DotU), if that comes to be. Versatile Combatant from the same book might also be fitting.Versatile Combatant - that's the rapier and pistol hand crossbow dual wield, right? Yeah, You don't get much more piratey than that. Two-weapon fighting would cover the dual-wield part (and let you dual-wield whatever the heck is allowable, including this combo), but with VC you don't provoke AoO for using the pistol/crossbow in melee range.

I'd recommend against getting too pistol focused without reloading enhancements, but I keep forgetting how ridiculously fast they made reloads.

[Cpt.Galewinds]

It most certainly is. Full BAB, access to a variety of useful abilities called Maneuvers which refresh with every encounter, and class features that key off of Int. It's the Fighter Done Right.

That sounds awesome.



Dungeon Lord is a special 5-level PrC in Dungeonscape primarily designed for monsters. Basically, it gives the character special powers while within his personal "dungeon," including the ability to bypass difficult terrain and traps, the ability to instantly know when things are out of place, bonuses to allies, at-will clairaudience/clairvoyance and alarm, the ability to animate things, boosts to saves and rolls, and Leadership.

Now, if you define "dungeon" as "my ship," suddenly you're like a tiny god while onboard...

Well, they do say that on a ship the Captain is the first man after God, and the deference and authority given to captains in the classic navy easily classifies him as an autocrat and a near godlike figure. :smalltongue:

[Greenish]

I'd recommend against getting too pistol focused without reloading enhancements, but I keep forgetting how ridiculously fast they made reloads.Well, if hand crossbow feats carry over, Hand Crossbow Focus makes reloading a free action…


That sounds awesome.It is indeed.

[Red Fel]

That sounds awesome.

It is awesome. As a side note, the fluff for Warblades suggests them to be glory hounds and showmen, eager to earn the accolades of those around them. Further, Warblades have access to a particular discipline of Maneuvers called White Raven, which are designed to augment the melee abilities of other meleeists, such as a crew. Think of Bardic Music without all the... Music... or Bards.

They also have Iron Heart Surge, which may or may not enable them to turn off the sun. The jury's still out on that one.


Well, they do say that on a ship the Captain is the first man after God, and the deference and authority given to captains in the classic navy easily classifies him as an autocrat and a near godlike figure. :smalltongue:

Dungeon Lord would take that in a more literal direction. As in, "I sense that Cookie has been slacking off in the galley. And that somebody has been stealing bonbons from my private collection!" And then he glides across the cannonball pockmarks on the deck on his animated Captain's Throne.

EDIT: Greenish, are we competing? Because that would be awesome.

[Cpt.Galewinds]

Dungeon Lord would take that in a more literal direction. As in, "I sense that Cookie has been slacking off in the galley. And that somebody has been stealing bonbons from my private collection!" And then he glides across the cannonball pockmarks on the deck on his animated Captain's Throne.

You know, you make it sound... perfect. The plan was for the character to be a devoted follower of Glasya or some other Arch-Devil. Combined with the lesser tiefling race, it would literally make him a Sea Devil. Besides, our wizard has a declared intention to become a Lich. Not too far off-theme I would suppose.

[00dlez]

The ability to TWF coupled with any class granting SA dice can give a nice synergy - the more dice you roll, the more you hit, the more SA dice get added in.

I usually try to flank with the pirate PC I currently play, but he also has a few levels of the Scarlet Corsair class from Stromwracked - the Corsair's Feint ability allows you to still get at least some use out of your SA dice when you couldn't otherwise meet the right conditions.

He also uses a bayoneted pistol (similar to the spear/crossbow or bow/quarterstaff weapons in the 3.5 source material... maybe in the MIC) which functions as a pistol and dagger. I've RPed him stabbing someone in the gut then pulling the trigger as a TWF attack (double weapon), such awesome pirateness.

EDIT: Just dug up his sheet, here are some other gimmacks you might think are interesting.

He has a dislocating rapier, (dislocation property from the MIC) - a hit teleports the target 10 ft. in any direction pending a DC 17 Will save, which has 2 implications in combat.
1) you could use the weapon to teleport them into a position where they are flanked
2) especially on the deck of a ship or any other precarious location, 10 ft in the wrong direction can put them in a great danger, be it an open pit, off a cliff, or into the dark and stormy seas below.
This property can be put on projectile weapons as well, so a PC with multiple ranged attacks could move a target quite a distance.

[Cpt.Galewinds]

I've RPed him stabbing someone in the gut then pulling the trigger as a TWF attack (double weapon), such awesome pirateness.

I don't think TWF is optional in a pirate build. Standard fare! I am probably going with the sword and pistol combo however, and try to get Quick Reload and Self-Reloading properties.That would basically make it a revolver without barrel limit, as I understand it. The dislocating property is definitely something I have to read-up about tho!

[Mutazoia]

Personally I'm a fan of the Scarlet Corsair (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/iw/20050805b) preferebly with entry via fighter with the Sneak Attack (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#fighter), Dead Levels (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/cwc/20061013a), Zhentarim Fighter (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20060327a), skilled city-dweller (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/we/20070228a) and either Thug (http://www.d20srd.org/srd/variant/classes/variantCharacterClasses.htm#fighterVariantThug) or Hit-and-Run fighter (DotU) variants.

Alternatively if you want more of a pirate captain you could combine levels in Legendary Leader (HoB) with levels in Legendary Captain (http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20050805a&page=3).

"Special: Must have established a reputation as a fearsome pirate."

Just like THIS guy (http://stardust.wikia.com/wiki/Captain_Shakespeare)