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Jonrea
2007-07-19, 12:09 PM
So, long time since I've been back on these forums.

Anyway, my group in real life is starting a naval campaign (one of the kids got Stormwrack awhile ago and has wanted to use it for a long time).

I really don't know much background, but i do know (sort of) the current party make-up (starting level 5):
Druid (likely elemental focused)
Master Specialist Conjurer
Rogue-type character
Raptoran Fighter
1-2 Potential characters that come and go... potentially.

Campaign starts Friday, and I'm unsure what to make. I don't really want to be a cleric (would rather give Rogue/Conjurer a wand of Cure ____ Wounds). I thought about a Beguiler but haven't ever really played or looked at the class in detail. A lot of the players suck at making optimized characters while I'm more prone to powergaming (in the GOOD sense), so... IDK, I like strong characters.

Any suggestions for anything? (We have nearly every book, so pretty much anything is fair game... although currently ATM I only have hold of Tome of Battle and PHBII... and SRD)

lukelightning
2007-07-19, 12:12 PM
How about a dragon shaman with a gold dragon totem? You'll get waterbreathing and fire breath, both of which are great in a sea campaign.

I'm playing a beguiler now, and they seem pretty fun and fit in well with a swashbuckling theme.

Talya
2007-07-19, 12:13 PM
I'll be following this thread closely. My current campaign is going to be mostly swashbuckling-naval based when it leaves Calimport.

Wraithy
2007-07-19, 12:31 PM
try making a ninja just to stir things up, but even if you don't play a traditional ninja, try out the class anyway, it fits surprisingly well in any campaign, perhaps combine it with a falshion or greatsword.
and one final thing: bandanas... put them everywhere! even on your shoes!

Neon Knight
2007-07-19, 12:35 PM
Ninja. Cute. Real cute. How bout no?

I wouldn't go with anything ToB, because if you do, that fighter might feel a bit overshadowed, unless you can convince him to switch to a martial adept.

It looks like you are playing 5th wheel, as most of the major roles seem filled. How bout a nice Bard or aforementioned Beguiler?

A Knight from PHBII is always a solid choice. You could effectively defend your slightly less optimal counterparts to give them a chance to do their part while being useful yourself.

Jayabalard
2007-07-19, 12:40 PM
personally, I never pay much attention to optimization. Given that group, I'd probably play a bard; there's lots of directions that you take a bard that fit in with a good swashbucking feel, you can pick up a little slack on healing. Just don't start any of your bard music with "Yar har fiddle de dee"

PlatinumJester
2007-07-19, 12:47 PM
Use your starting GP (which at level 5 should be loads) to get an enlarge person spell cast on you permantly and if you can afford it a resistance spell as well.

Then be a fighter and get Exotic Weapon Profieciency (Spiked Chain), Weapon Focus (Spiked Chain), Weapon Specialisation (spiked chain) and Combat Reflexes. If you are a human then get either weapon finesse or dodge. For your 3rd level feat get either mobility or Skill Focus (UMD).

Leon
2007-07-19, 12:54 PM
A Hadozee Swashbuckler/Rogue

or a Swordsage focused on Setting Sun

Inyssius Tor
2007-07-19, 01:05 PM
Make an Asherati Cleric / Walker in the Waste.

lukelightning
2007-07-19, 01:09 PM
How about an awakened parrot bard?

SilverClawShift
2007-07-19, 01:12 PM
Polly want XP, Polly want XP

Raltar
2007-07-19, 01:45 PM
Pick something that is not dependant on heavy armor or you will die.

Nevar
2007-07-19, 02:15 PM
Seeing the premise of the game I think a Beguiler would be an excelent choice. Since the main roles are filled you could be the hidden 5th wheel. With focus on stealth sneak attack and illusion you literally could be the Ace up the sleeve. As long as you don't against undead ships.

Draz74
2007-07-19, 02:30 PM
I thought Dragon Shaman was an excellent choice (though I'd say Bronze or Copper fits better into a swashbuckling "feel" than Gold):

- It's a "fifth-wheel support" class (and as part of that, it has decent healing abilities, so you don't have to buy the rogue as many Wands)
- It's weak enough that even if you powergame it you won't cause hurt feelings in your party
- It's fun.
- It lets you (and eventually your party) breathe underwater. Not if you pick Copper, though.
- It generally lets you take on the role of the "devotee of the spirit of the sea" type character. Though the Druid might already be trying to fill that role.
- Breath weapons are SO much more useful in ship-to-ship combat than in dungons. :smallamused:

Ikkitosen
2007-07-19, 02:53 PM
Be a swordsage. Desert Wind for one man boarding parties (I jump the 100' to the other boat!) and for setting fire to stuff/ships.

Jonrea
2007-07-19, 02:53 PM
All things considered, Beguiler looks far too much fun to play to pass it up.

Now the only problems are:
1) I haven't played a caster in forever
and
2) I haven't ever played a rogue-type character

Could anyone point me in the right direction for playing a beguiler efficiently?

EDIT: I'll probably be in charge of social roles.

lukelightning
2007-07-19, 03:24 PM
Could anyone point me in the right direction for playing a beguiler efficiently?

For feats, go for spell focus for both enchantment and illusion.

Whatever you do, don't go for improved feint to do cloaked casting tricks. In the words of General Akbar: It's a trap! You can only feint in melee combat, and that's the last place you want to be. If you want to get your surprise casting bonuses, just turn invisible or something.

Coincidently I'm playing a beguiler and our first combats were on a ship.

Matthew
2007-07-20, 06:17 AM
Could anyone point me in the right direction for playing a beguiler efficiently?

I think somebody produced a guide around here somewhere. Try reading through a few of these: Beguiler Threads (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/search.php?searchid=267297)