CervantesTheDefenestrator
2007-06-19, 12:49 AM
Every race has a favored class of some sort. This is supposed to represent a culteral or racial tendency towards that class. However, when taking a closer look at favored classes, I found that some races are drasticly unsuited for their favored class. I hope to provide a detailed analysis of races, their favored classes, and their 'real' favored class. Let us start with the one that got it all started, for me at least. Please note that this is mearly a guide, you are of course free to play whatever you want.
Elf
Favored Class: Wizard
Ah yes, the elf. Everyones favorite race of graceful, long-lived, hot beings. And mysterious too, keepers of arcane lore from ages past, well known as wielders of arcane magics far beyond the ken of lesser mortals. Or so they say. In reality, elves are horribly unsuited to being wizards, or most ohter arcane casters for that matter. Let us start with the ability adjustments.
Elves get +2 to Dex. Nice, helps then boost their horrible AC a little, something arcane caster desperately need. -2 to Con however, not good at all, since most arcane casters have horrible hit points as well. The penalty outweighs the bonus in my opinion, as the Dex boost doesn't really do that much for them.
Low-Light vision-A plus for any class.
Immune to sleep, +2 to saves vs. Enchantment-Nice, but not really needed. Will saves are the wizards best, so this really isn't needed all that much.
Weapon Proficiencies-As V said, there is a vast difference between being proficient with something and being good at it.
Skill Bonuses-All to skills that aren't class skills. Still, those skills are ones worth having. Unfortunately, if the wizard wanted to keep them up, he would have to spend six skill points a level just to be decent at them. They may have high intellingences, but they would need an Int of 20+ just to be able to put skill points in other, wizarding skills.
Real Favored Class:Scout, Rogue, Bard
These are the real elf favored classes. The bard is the only real arcane caster the elf could be good at, and only because of it's rogue-like skills and abilities. They would excell as scouts, rogues, and other sneaky classes. The bonus to Dex helps a lot, while you can reduce the effects of the Con penalty by specializing in ranged combat. The longbow proficiencies help here. All the skill bonuses are class skills that the elf would be likely to take. The sleep immunity and saving throw bonus help, since Will is a bad saving throw for them. And the low-light vision helps everyone. I would have to say that the scout would be the best choice for an elf. Battle Fortitude and higher HD than a rogue help offset it's Con penalty.
It is really late right now, I'll have more for you later.
Elf
Favored Class: Wizard
Ah yes, the elf. Everyones favorite race of graceful, long-lived, hot beings. And mysterious too, keepers of arcane lore from ages past, well known as wielders of arcane magics far beyond the ken of lesser mortals. Or so they say. In reality, elves are horribly unsuited to being wizards, or most ohter arcane casters for that matter. Let us start with the ability adjustments.
Elves get +2 to Dex. Nice, helps then boost their horrible AC a little, something arcane caster desperately need. -2 to Con however, not good at all, since most arcane casters have horrible hit points as well. The penalty outweighs the bonus in my opinion, as the Dex boost doesn't really do that much for them.
Low-Light vision-A plus for any class.
Immune to sleep, +2 to saves vs. Enchantment-Nice, but not really needed. Will saves are the wizards best, so this really isn't needed all that much.
Weapon Proficiencies-As V said, there is a vast difference between being proficient with something and being good at it.
Skill Bonuses-All to skills that aren't class skills. Still, those skills are ones worth having. Unfortunately, if the wizard wanted to keep them up, he would have to spend six skill points a level just to be decent at them. They may have high intellingences, but they would need an Int of 20+ just to be able to put skill points in other, wizarding skills.
Real Favored Class:Scout, Rogue, Bard
These are the real elf favored classes. The bard is the only real arcane caster the elf could be good at, and only because of it's rogue-like skills and abilities. They would excell as scouts, rogues, and other sneaky classes. The bonus to Dex helps a lot, while you can reduce the effects of the Con penalty by specializing in ranged combat. The longbow proficiencies help here. All the skill bonuses are class skills that the elf would be likely to take. The sleep immunity and saving throw bonus help, since Will is a bad saving throw for them. And the low-light vision helps everyone. I would have to say that the scout would be the best choice for an elf. Battle Fortitude and higher HD than a rogue help offset it's Con penalty.
It is really late right now, I'll have more for you later.