Building an intentionally bad character.

[weckar]

So, I am a little salty because of character death, so there is no way this post should be taken too seriously.

That said:

I need to build a new character. One level behind where my old character died. That puts me at lv 1 while the rest of the group is close to hitting lv 4.
I want to build the worst possible character I can. I rolled 3d6 in order, and got (5, 12, 8, 10, 11, 8).
It is customary at our table to take two flaws at 1st level, so I took Shaky and Noncombatant.
As race/class I took Half Elf Sorcerer.
Finally, for feats I took Complementary Insight, Soul of Honor and Haunted.

Problem is, I think it's too obvious. Probably scrapping this; how can I build an intentionally bad character with some deniability? Consider this to be for my (most likely) imaginary revenge character.

[Doctor Despair]

When you can cobble together the money, pay someone to put golem grafts on you to apply the half-golem template. If you fail, your character becomes an NPC and you can roll a new one. If you succeed, you get a huge amount of buffs and immunity to magic (SR infinity), which is pretty sweet. Normally it's risky because you lose the character on failure, but it sounds like that isn't an issue.

You can take Master of Mockery to try to force enemies to attack you over others. If your DM doesn't allow dragon magazine, then you can get a similar (but worse) taunt ability from the Knight class at level 4. Rush up and taunt, role-play it well, and maybe take a tower shield for AC so you can have plausible deniability (I thought low con would be OK because my AC was so high!)

A more realistic answer though: don't do this. People come to your table to have fun. Playing spitefully will ensure that people do not have fun, and possibly mean you won't be invited to make a replacement character.

[JNAProductions]

A more realistic answer though: don't do this. People come to your table to have fun. Playing spitefully will ensure that people do not have fun, and possibly mean you won't be invited to make a replacement character.

Echoing this. Explain your problem and why you don't think you'll have fun, and work out a solution.

[weckar]

When you can cobble together the money, pay someone to put golem grafts on you to apply the half-golem template. If you fail, your character becomes an NPC and you can roll a new one. If you succeed, you get a huge amount of buffs and immunity to magic (SR infinity), which is pretty sweet. Normally it's risky because you lose the character on failure, but it sounds like that isn't an issue.That seems like a way to make the character better or non-existent, not worse.



You can take Master of Mockery to try to force enemies to attack you over others. If your DM doesn't allow dragon magazine, then you can get a similar (but worse) taunt ability from the Knight class at level 4. Rush up and taunt, role-play it well, and maybe take a tower shield for AC so you can have plausible deniability (I thought low con would be OK because my AC was so high!)
That's not bad. An actual strategy. Noted.



A more realistic answer though: don't do this. People come to your table to have fun. Playing spitefully will ensure that people do not have fun, and possibly mean you won't be invited to make a replacement character.As said, this will likely remain a character for me to have only imaginary vengeance with. I am practically married to the DM, though, so not being invited back is not an issue that will likely come up :smalltongue:


Echoing this. Explain your problem and why you don't think you'll have fun, and work out a solution.See above. And as my first line said: this is not meant to be taken too seriously.

[Doctor Despair]

That seems like a way to make the character better or non-existent, not worse.


I guess I'm confused at what you mean by "bad" then. If your goal is not for the character to die ASAP, then you want it to... what? Just do nothing? Put the 5 in intelligence and take levels of commoner (1 skill point/level, no class features...) Or actively harm the party? Take any class with debuffs and just designate your party members as enemies during every fight. Again, however, I'm not sure what you're seeking to accomplish here except maybe to frustrate the person who is essentially your spouse.

Edit: You said you want deniability... are you trying to show that your LAST character wasn't poorly built by showing how other characters could be worse? You might be better off posting your old build and asking us for feedback on the strengths/weaknesses of the build to share with them in that case.

[weckar]

My last character was highly optimized (as much as possible for the level it was). They were fun enough, but I find myself desiring the opposite. Again, to imagine, likely not to actually play.

I am trying to create a character whose sole purpose is to draw aggro and maybe survive one hit. I don't want to be able to do anything else. I want to bring value purely through roleplay.

Commoner, or any npc class, seems too obvious though. Moreso even than a sorcerer who can't learn any spells.

[Maat Mons]

Monk? Truenamer? Soulknife?

[weckar]

I suppose picking a class that will actually function may be the wiser choice, true.

[Doctor Despair]

Try this build; do-nothing, but hard to kill. (https://forums.giantitp.com/showthread.php?619828-Help-With-DIY-Emerald-Legion-the-Immortal-Do-Nothing)

Air-Variant (Unearthed Arcana, iirc) Unseeley Fey (Dragon 304) Half-Undead Gheden (Dragon 313) Tainted Blood (Bestiary of Krynn) Human, Major Efreeti Bloodline (Unearthed Arcana, iirc) LA +2


Level 1: Paladin (Wedded to History, Troll Blooded, Improved Grapple [bonus]) [+2 to bluff, purchase Sandals of the Vagabond]
Bloodline Levels x3 [Get them now while they're cheaper; they also raise your max skill rank to qualify you for Master of Mockery at level 3]


Immunity: Old age, all damage except fire, energy drain, fear, confusion, attempts to exercise mental control over you, suffocation, and poison. Once you get your level 3 feat, you can take Master of Mockery and start trying to force people to attack you. Until then, just stand in front and be a nuisance with all your abilities.

Your character will probably never die, but you can draw value through roleplay, as you said.

If you want them to die after one hit, then don't do any of the above. Just take levels in fighter, put the 5 in con, take Improved Initiative and Master of Mockery, and go to town.

[daremetoidareyo]

If you're a sorcerer, maybe try to go through the process to be a worm that walks?

[MaxiDuRaritry]

Infested With Chickens commoner with Weapon Proficiency (Hen Grenade) and max ranks in Handle Animal, along with a spell component pouch for free-draw of chickens. Tell the DM you're going for cleric next level and plan on going divine necromancer with Fell Animate, then Fell Drain, then going (greater) consumptive field with lots of undead-boosting feats for exploding undead chickens.

But you're still level 1, so do as much as you can with chickens. EVERYTHING is to be solved with chickens, somehow. Use smarts instead of class abilities and high numbers. (Int 10 and Wis 11 aren't terrible; they're average. Take ranks in Knowledge, Profession, or Craft for chicken-based tactics, meals, and weapons, like eggshell grenades?)

[D+1]

Infested With Chickens commoner with Weapon Proficiency (Hen Grenade) and max ranks in Handle Animal, along with a spell component pouch for free-draw of chickens. Tell the DM you're going for cleric next level and plan on going divine necromancer with Fell Animate, then Fell Drain, then going (greater) consumptive field with lots of undead-boosting feats for exploding undead chickens.

But you're still level 1, so do as much as you can with chickens. EVERYTHING is to be solved with chickens, somehow. Use smarts instead of class abilities and high numbers. (Int 10 and Wis 11 aren't terrible; they're average. Take ranks in Knowledge, Profession, or Craft for chicken-based tactics, meals, and weapons, like eggshell grenades?)
So, kinda like Gonzo from the Muppet Show?

[MaxiDuRaritry]

So, kinda like Gonzo from the Muppet Show?Only if one can teach chickens to sing via Handle Animal.

I wonder how many chickens it would take to be the material component for a wall of chickens "spell."

[Particle_Man]

Or go the other route: play a wizard instead of a sorcerer (at least you get spells now). Play (in your head as this is an imaginary exercise) the character to be as snotty as possible, noting all the time that you are a tier one character that can do everything with magic and lowly fighters and rogues are lucky to be in the same party as you.

[MaxiDuRaritry]

Or go the other route: play a wizard instead of a sorcerer (at least you get spells now). Play (in your head as this is an imaginary exercise) the character to be as snotty as possible, noting all the time that you are a tier one character that can do everything with magic and lowly fighters and rogues are lucky to be in the same party as you.And your name? Karen. Yes, even if you're male. And if you're an elf, be k'Aren.

[ciopo]

feat up to mobility, intentionally trigger AoO from EVERYTHING because "you want to make sure your friends can act unhindered"

[Vaern]

I think there's guidelines on the PHB for rolling stats which warrant a reroll if your ability scores are too low. You may want to see about rerolling so that your ability scores are at least convincingly decent, then tank your character with an absolutely terrible build to make it less obvious that your character is going to be useless.
I'd go with a sorcerer and stick with a strongly themed spell list. Something that'll make it look like you're sticking to a general idea for a fun build, but will also be clearly restrictive such as to prevent you from taking really useful and powerful spells. I'd go with the prismatic spell collection and spells that are similarly color-themed as, though they are powerful spells, the unpredictability of the effects makes them unreliable at best.

[MaxiDuRaritry]

I think there's guidelines on the PHB for rolling stats which warrant a reroll if your ability scores are too low. You may want to see about rerolling so that your ability scores are at least convincingly decent, then tank your character with an absolutely terrible build to make it less obvious that your character is going to be useless.
I'd go with a sorcerer and stick with a strongly themed spell list. Something that'll make it look like you're sticking to a general idea for a fun build, but will also be clearly restrictive such as to prevent you from taking really useful and powerful spells. I'd go with the prismatic spell collection and spells that are similarly color-themed as, though they are powerful spells, the unpredictability of the effects makes them unreliable at best.The PHB (page 8, left side, under "Rerolling") suggests that if the sum total of your ability scores is 0 or lower, or your lowest score is below 13, reroll.

The latter counts, here.

[gijoemike]

The PHB (page 8, left side, under "Rerolling") suggests that if the sum total of your ability scores is 0 or lower, or your lowest score is below 13, reroll.

The latter counts, here.

That is correct. The stat rolls are so bad they get to be rerolled. Reroll and drop a least a 13 into dex. Go Human and take only levels of fighter and go two weapon fighter. Wear heavy armor so ranger levels aren't an option. This build is very inefficient and feat heavy. Lots of plausible deniability because you went fighter to pick up all the feats. Claim you are going for improved 2 weapon fighting( via magic gloves since you don't have the 17 dex), rend, defense, pounce, etc. Like I said very feat intensive and takes some of the worst feats in the entire system. Make sure you go long sword and torch as your 2 weapons. It requires doubling weapon focus, imp focus, and weapon spec. But there is a tiny chance to set stuff on fire. Also, say this with me "Weapon Specialization ( Torch )". If you really hate yourself go for dodge --> spring attack and go Tempest as your Prestige class at level 7.

Your stats as they stand now are so bad its a clear give-away its a throw away character. Going any NPC class is a clear give-away too. We all know fighter past level 2 is nigh worthless. In order to rend and pounce for DPS you need to attack multiple enemies per round instead of focusing down a single character which is the better tactic.

This would give you a proper class, lots of DPS, but your PC would be ineffective at actually bringing down an enemy, you would have no skills to speak of.

[MaxiDuRaritry]

That is correct. The stat rolls are so bad they get to be rerolled. Reroll and drop a least a 13 into dex. Go Human and take only levels of fighter and go two weapon fighter. Wear heavy armor so ranger levels aren't an option. This build is very inefficient and feat heavy. Lots of plausible deniability because you went fighter to pick up all the feats. Claim you are going for improved 2 weapon fighting( via magic gloves since you don't have the 17 dex), rend, defense, pounce, etc. Like I said very feat intensive and takes some of the worst feats in the entire system. Make sure you go long sword and torch as your 2 weapons. It requires doubling weapon focus, imp focus, and weapon spec. But there is a tiny chance to set stuff on fire. Also, say this with me "Weapon Specialization ( Torch )". If you really hate yourself go for dodge --> spring attack and go Tempest as your Prestige class at level 7.

Your stats as they stand now are so bad its a clear give-away its a throw away character. Going any NPC class is a clear give-away too. We all know fighter past level 2 is nigh worthless. In order to rend and pounce for DPS you need to attack multiple enemies per round instead of focusing down a single character which is the better tactic.

This would give you a proper class, lots of DPS, but your PC would be ineffective at actually bringing down an enemy, you would have no skills to speak of.Problem is, this is likely no fun for weckar himself. (Or herself. Not sure.) But at least throwing chickens at one's problem can be fun if you enjoy clucking outside the coop thinking outside the box and wacky shenanigans.

[Doctor Despair]

Problem is, this is likely no fun for weckar himself. (Or herself. Not sure.) But at least throwing chickens at one's problem can be fun if you enjoy clucking outside the coop thinking outside the box and wacky shenanigans.

Maybe a one- level dip into commoner for the flaw, then exoticist fighter for EWP: Fowl? :p

[MaxiDuRaritry]

Maybe a one- level dip into commoner for the flaw, then exoticist fighter for EWP: Fowl? :pI prefer cleric or archivist for making exploding undead chickens.

[Doctor Despair]

I prefer cleric or archivist for making exploding undead chickens.

Maybe take a potion-brewing subtheme? Strap each undead chicken with a splash potion of alchemist fire that kill the chickens and then deal the extra Destruction Retribution damage?

[AvatarVecna]

Real answer: maybe don't make a character designed to not be fun for you or them?

If this game were higher level, I'd suggest a fighter taking all the feats a fighter is supposed to take. For a lvl 4 game...play a sorcerer or wizard, and choose spells known that fit your character's personality rather than what's optimal or useful. Reroll stats to make something

Example
Human Wizard 2 (Abjurer, Focused Specialist) / Master Specialist 3 / Red Wizard 1 / Incantatrix 1

Allowed: Abjuration, Divination, Evocation, Universal
Prohibited: Conjuration, Enchantment, Illusion, Necromancy, Transmutation

Summoning? Heresy. Ensorcelling the mind? Heresy. Twisting and mutating the natural form? Heresy. Necromancy? You better believe that's heresy!

[MaxiDuRaritry]

Maybe take a potion-brewing subtheme? Strap each undead chicken with a splash potion of alchemist fire that kill the chickens and then deal the extra Destruction Retribution damage?Chicken boo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45bUOIK2cAo)m,
What's the matter with you?
You don't explode like the other chickens do.
Your vest's a surprise,
To blow up the bad guys,
But you're not a bomb,
You're a chicken boom.

[edit]
Real answer: maybe don't make a character designed to not be fun for you or them?

If this game were higher level, I'd suggest a fighter taking all the feats a fighter is supposed to take. For a lvl 4 game...play a sorcerer or wizard, and choose spells known that fit your character's personality rather than what's optimal or useful. Reroll stats to make something

Example
Human Wizard 2 (Abjurer, Focused Specialist) / Master Specialist 3 / Red Wizard 1 / Incantatrix 1

Allowed: Abjuration, Divination, Evocation, Universal
Prohibited: Conjuration, Enchantment, Illusion, Necromancy, Transmutation

Summoning? Heresy. Ensorcelling the mind? Heresy. Twisting and mutating the natural form? Heresy. Necromancy? You better believe that's heresy!He's a level 1 character in a level 4 game because he keeps dying and the DM makes him start at lower and lower levels.

[Psyren]

He's a level 1 character in a level 4 game because he keeps dying and the DM makes him start at lower and lower levels.

Yeah, my character would be Pleigh Stay-shun at that point - over on the couch, far away from this mess.

[weckar]

That's a bit harsh. The penalty is no worse than if the character were rez'd.

[Maat Mons]

Well, a Rez'd character would have enough XP to put him halfway to the next level. Does the new character get that much XP?

On the plus side, if he survives long enough, he could be hitting 3rd level about when the rest of the party is hitting 5th level. On the down side, he probably won't live long enough, because he's a 1st-level character in a 4th-level party.

[Falontani]

Elf wizard, con 5, grab quick and skinny traits, flaws you could do slow and feeble. Max your intelligence. You are a deformed elf that shouldn't have made it as long as you have, if not for your intellect and ability as a mage. Precocious Apprentice: False Life.

[Efrate]

Go Jester from dragon compendium. Grab a tower shield from fighter 1 and provoke then jump behind your shield. Be a silly funky character and be a total joke but at least you have potential to be useful.

[daremetoidareyo]

Go Jester from dragon compendium. Grab a tower shield from fighter 1 and provoke then jump behind your shield. Be a silly funky character and be a total joke but at least you have potential to be useful.

Load up on spear based set to receive charge feats and skewer em dead

[Psyren]

That's a bit harsh. The penalty is no worse than if the character were rez'd.

1) Rezzed characters lose one level in 3.5 (or get two permanent negative levels in PF) - not 3.
2) I play Pathfinder, where the "level loss" above can be cleared up with a mere 2000 gp of diamonds.

[weckar]

They are 3, almost 4. I was still at 2 because of artificer crafting. Please tell me why it is so strange I am at 1 now?

[Vaern]

Please tell me why it is so strange I am at 1 now?
The way you rule new characters is going to vary from table to table, but normally when someone brings in a new character in my main group they start at 1 level lower than the average level of the party, rather than 1 level below their old character's level. We generally have the option to bring in a new character rather than have your existing character resurrected for occasions when your current character has been raised or reincarnated several times, to the point that the difference in level either prevents them from contributing to the party in a meaningful way or just makes them downright unfun to play. For example, if the rest of the party is level 4 and your character would be dropped to level 1 after being reincarnated, you might opt to roll up a new character instead so that you can close the gap.
The same rule of starting 1 level lower than the current average level of the party is also applied to new players joining mid-campaign, so in a way retiring an old character to bring in a new one is tantamount to quitting the game and re-joining under the same stipulations as a new player joining mid-campaign. Besides, it makes a bit more sense from an in-game perspective for fresh PCs to be at a higher level. The party is going to be looking for someone to replace their fallen comrade who is able to carry his own weight. They're not going to want to pick up someone 3 levels beneath them that's going to die immediately if they aren't constantly babysitting him.

[RifleAvenger]

This thread is why forcing players to make weaker PCs when they die is and was always awful game design and GM'ing. Especially when it's allowed to death spiral.

Yes, resurrecting a PC will cause them to come back weaker, but that maintains the same character. Making a new PC means the old one is probably gone forever. From a narrative perspective, that's a huge loss. Forcing loss of character AND loss of effectiveness strikes me as overly punitive and a great way to alienate someone from the game. As seen in the impetus for this thread.

The only justification for having an all-new PC come in at a lower level is if the PCs are utterly replaceable game pieces. Even in that sort of D&D as boardgame, Vaern's method above of having a new PC be no weaker than APL-1 is preferable. 2+ level difference in 3e or Pathfinder can be akin to playing a completely different game.

I'm going to throw my weight behind the suggestion that if there's a problem here, address it out of character with the GM. Making a purposefully crap character out of spite does no one any good. I know you later said this is just meant as a thought exercise, but I find that hard to believe when you opened the thread with the clear intent of making a bad "revenge" character for use in a real game. With a desire for "deniability" no less.

[ExLibrisMortis]

Infested With Chickens commoner with Weapon Proficiency (Hen Grenade) and max ranks in Handle Animal, along with a spell component pouch for free-draw of chickens. Tell the DM you're going for cleric next level and plan on going divine necromancer with Fell Animate, then Fell Drain, then going (greater) consumptive field with lots of undead-boosting feats for exploding undead chickens.
And when the time comes to select your next level, you go Survivor instead of DN :smalltongue:. Because you want this character to live, dammit!

You do get two flaws at level 1, so how about taking Were-Sheep to do some actual tanking? You can be a sheep hiding infinite chickens under its woolly coat!

(For reference: were-sheep have the effects of the Delicious flaw while in sheep form. Delicious causes enemies always attack you in preference to everything else, which is good, but can be exhausting. As a were-sheep, you get to turn the effect off.)

Of course, you still need a way to survive... I'm not sure anything at level 1 will make you properly immortal, but Toughness + Troll-Blooded is pretty close. Put the 5 in Strength, so that your sunlight fatigue reduces your carrying capacity to virtually nothing (wouldn't want you to be an effective porter now, would we?). You'll be knocked out almost instantly in every fight, of course, but that's no problem! Roleplay your dramatic fall as your enemies tear into your woolly coat, chickens flying with every blow that strikes your body, monsters continuing to feed on your addictive flesh as the party cuts each down in turn... it'll be the best tank your party has ever known! And the flavour!

[MaxiDuRaritry]

And when the time comes to select your next level, you go Survivor instead of DN :smalltongue:. Because you want this character to live, dammit!

You do get two flaws at level 1, so how about taking Were-Sheep to do some actual tanking? You can be a sheep hiding infinite chickens under its woolly coat!

(For reference: were-sheep have the effects of the Delicious flaw while in sheep form. Delicious causes enemies always attack you in preference to everything else, which is good, but can be exhausting. As a were-sheep, you get to turn the effect off.)

Of course, you still need a way to survive... I'm not sure anything at level 1 will make you properly immortal, but Toughness + Troll-Blooded is pretty close. Put the 5 in Strength, so that your sunlight fatigue reduces your carrying capacity to virtually nothing (wouldn't want you to be an effective porter now, would we?). You'll be knocked out almost instantly in every fight, of course, but that's no problem! Roleplay your dramatic fall as your enemies tear into your woolly coat, chickens flying with every blow that strikes your body, monsters continuing to feed on your addictive flesh as the party cuts each down in turn... it'll be the best tank your party has ever known! And the flavour!I guess that's one way to earn your (mutton) chops.

[weckar]

I'm going to throw my weight behind the suggestion that if there's a problem here, address it out of character with the GM. Making a purposefully crap character out of spite does no one any good. I know you later said this is just meant as a thought exercise, but I find that hard to believe when you opened the thread with the clear intent of making a bad "revenge" character for use in a real game. With a desire for "deniability" no less.

I mention the imaginary nature of this character in the very first post, in addition to the first line of that same post saying this shouldn't be taken too seriously. I don't know what more you want.

[RifleAvenger]

I mention the imaginary nature of this character in the very first post, in addition to the first line of that same post saying this shouldn't be taken too seriously. I don't know what more you want.

Saying "don't take this too seriously" doesn't really offset you then framing the creation of this character against what seems to be a very real problem at your table. Especially when you never commit to this being completely hypothetical in the opening post, leaving in hedge words that permit a possibility the awful characters provided could wind up being played. This leaves me the following scenarios:

1. The situation described is real, and you only want to create this character as catharsis. Me providing you a build grants you catharsis, but does nothing to solve the root issue (being several levels behind) that drove you to seek it in the first place. This is the most likely scenario given the evidence I have at hand.

2. The situation described is real, and you do intend to use this character in the game, hiding behind "don't take this seriously" and hedging words like "(most likely)" to defuse concerns about providing you such a build. Me providing you a build creates a negative outcome for your entire table.

3. The situation described is made up, and the character is only a thought exercise. Whether I do or do not provide a build is irrelevant in this case, but this premise is pure conjecture. Also, I would take issue with the concept of creating a "revenge character" even in the hypothetical, as the hypothesis includes the assumption that the creation of revenge characters would be an appropriate response to the sample scenario.

4. The situation described is made up, but you intend to use the character at a real table. Has all the problems of both #2 and #3.

In none of these does providing you a crappy build produce a better result than directing you to solve the real issue, being severely behind the rest of the party.

What would I ask for? Maybe don't frame the question "what's the worst character I could create" against what seems to be an actual problem at your table? Or as a spiteful method of getting revenge, even if hypothetical?

[MaxiDuRaritry]

A level 1 shaper psion has access to at least one power that is highly useful even into epic. Psionic minor creation is useful and versatile enough that it could carry you through the whole game if used properly, and it could help keep you on par with the rest of the group. Focus on pumping Craft (Poison) and/or Craft (Alchemy) and start making poisons and alchemical items, and hire a few cheap minions to hold some portable walls (made from amber, so you can see through them) between you (and them) and your enemies. If you're a warforged, coat yourself and your (ranged) weapons in vegetable-based contact poison. Craft vials of poison you can hurl in a gnome calculus as a ranged touch attack, and likewise coat those vials in contact poison to make them even nastier.

Take Linked Power, and once you hit ML 2, Link together synchronicity and psionic minor creation to produce these things on the fly.

...If you can't play a crappy character, play a powerful one.

[rel]

Your best stat is dex and second best stat is wis. play a monk and act shocked (shocked I tell you) when your con 8 unarmored front liner dies in the first fight allowing you to reroll and hopefully get some better stats.

[MaxiDuRaritry]

Your best stat is dex and second best stat is wis. play a monk and act shocked (shocked I tell you) when your con 8 unarmored front liner dies in the first fight allowing you to reroll and hopefully get some better stats.Better yet, a Vow of Poverty monk. And, of course, when you enter your first building, read your first roadside sign, look at your first statue, or touch your first doorknob, you can say goodbye to the feats you just blew.

[weckar]

Better yet, a Vow of Poverty monk. And, of course, when you enter your first building, read your first roadside sign, look at your first statue, or touch your first doorknob, you can say goodbye to the feats you just blew.
Me = Confused

[JyP]

Me = Confused
Vow of Poverty can be literally interpreted to say you can't own anything, so touching a doorknob means you temporaraily own it and you blow the feat prerequisites and lose it.

Personnally, conceptually speaking, I would tend to make a very young ogre child. level 1 = he is still pretty much ignorant about the world works, needs a parent to be guided. On the other hand, his strength and might are on par with 4th level characters :smalltongue:

Play a baby monster ! level 1 but with +3 LA :smallbiggrin:

[MaxiDuRaritry]

Vow of Poverty can be literally interpreted to say you can't own anything, so touching a doorknob means you temporaraily own it and you blow the feat prerequisites and lose it.You can't own or use anything not explicitly on the given list. Twisting a doorknob to open a door is using it. Art objects are meant to be looked at. Look at an art object, and, well...

[liquidformat]

The PHB (page 8, left side, under "Rerolling") suggests that if the sum total of your ability scores is 0 or lower, or your lowest score is below 13, reroll.

The latter counts, here.

This jumped out at me first.


Infested With Chickens commoner with Weapon Proficiency (Hen Grenade) and max ranks in Handle Animal, along with a spell component pouch for free-draw of chickens. Tell the DM you're going for cleric next level and plan on going divine necromancer with Fell Animate, then Fell Drain, then going (greater) consumptive field with lots of undead-boosting feats for exploding undead chickens.

But you're still level 1, so do as much as you can with chickens. EVERYTHING is to be solved with chickens, somehow. Use smarts instead of class abilities and high numbers. (Int 10 and Wis 11 aren't terrible; they're average. Take ranks in Knowledge, Profession, or Craft for chicken-based tactics, meals, and weapons, like eggshell grenades?)


And when the time comes to select your next level, you go Survivor instead of DN . Because you want this character to live, dammit!

You do get two flaws at level 1, so how about taking Were-Sheep to do some actual tanking? You can be a sheep hiding infinite chickens under its woolly coat!

(For reference: were-sheep have the effects of the Delicious flaw while in sheep form. Delicious causes enemies always attack you in preference to everything else, which is good, but can be exhausting. As a were-sheep, you get to turn the effect off.)

Of course, you still need a way to survive... I'm not sure anything at level 1 will make you properly immortal, but Toughness + Troll-Blooded is pretty close. Put the 5 in Strength, so that your sunlight fatigue reduces your carrying capacity to virtually nothing (wouldn't want you to be an effective porter now, would we?). You'll be knocked out almost instantly in every fight, of course, but that's no problem! Roleplay your dramatic fall as your enemies tear into your woolly coat, chickens flying with every blow that strikes your body, monsters continuing to feed on your addictive flesh as the party cuts each down in turn... it'll be the best tank your party has ever known! And the flavour!
I feel like this commoner should be a main stay in all campaigns, chicken infested were-sheep with Toughness and Troll-Bloooded. The one question I have is are you just a sheep in hybrid form or are you a sheeple with working hands? If you are a sheeple then you can just start pulling chicken grenades out of your fur!

[unseenmage]

Better yet, a Vow of Poverty monk. And, of course, when you enter your first building, read your first roadside sign, look at your first statue, or touch your first doorknob, you can say goodbye to the feats you just blew.
THERE it is. Cant believe it took till page two.

This is what I was going to suggest.