How to create a Goth character? (3.5)

[Jeivar]

I like my PC's to be . . . well, memorable, so the idea struck to create one that's a stereotypical Goth, complete with black, frizzy hair, black, lacy clothing, black eyeshadow, tall, black boots, and a sullen attitude; The traditional marks of deep grieving in her culture (or some such ).

We're starting low-level, and I think I'll probably go with an elf Rogue for all that delicious backstabbiness (possibly a rogue/barb, or a rog/sorc), but I was wondering if someone had suggestions for weapons, items, feats, armor, or class combinations that would fit with the Goth-motif?

(. . . the more I think about it, the more I'm gravitating towards my Rogue/Barbarian idea, if only to have a frenzied barbarian jump out the shadows shouting "Life! Is! Pain!" and start furiously hacking backs )

[Nerd-o-rama]

Well, rogue and/or barbarian would actually model the stereotypical image of an actual Goth quite well, as would a preference for axes and mobile, fluid combat tactics.

[hamishspence]

Fiend Folio Shadar-kai, possibly. Not that different from the 4th ed version, aside from being fey rather than humanoid.

[wormwood]

I say go with a Bard. Put tons of skill points into Perform (Robert Smith Impersonation) and you're good to go.

[Kris Strife]

I say go with a Bard. Put tons of skill points into Perform (Robert Smith Impersonation) and you're good to go.

Dirgesinger?

And before anyone else says it: Play Vampire.

[Riffington]

Dirgesinger?

And before anyone else says it: Play Vampire.

He said he wanted a goth character to be memorable.

[kamikasei]

At the risk of being extremely obvious, nothing about Goth culture would require a particular build to represent.

If you're just after a look, anyone can dress appropriately. If you're after a personality, well, it's not like there's just one prescribed way to be a Goth. Come up with a character and then build to your concept.

[xPANCAKEx]

make sure you wield a flaming sword with the word "TOPIC" etched on the blade

[Jeivar]

And before anyone else says it: Play Vampire.

*cough*leveladjustment+8*cough*

Plus, I'm planning to be good-ish.

[SSGoW]

Go for Blood Magus those are.... creepy (and FUN :D)

[OverdrivePrime]

Instead of wearing magic rings on her fingers, give her magical piercings. I'll leave it up to you decide where those piercings go, but her earlobes would be way too pedestrian.

Charms of Protection from Law, or Magic Circle Against Law (in the form of pentagram brooches or necklaces) seem appropriate, as does any item or effect that draws on negative energy or necromancy. A Death Ward magic item in the form of an Ankh sounds like it would be in character as well.

A rogue/barbarian seems pretty funny, but that's more for the "high KISS-boots and spiked jackets" goths than the more standard issue "lame death poetry and black lace" goths. For that, I'd got with a Rogue/Wizard or Rogue/Sorcerer, maybe a Beguiler. Take high ranks in "Craft: Sorrowful Sketches" and make liberal use of Marvelous Pigments.

[Riffington]

*cough*leveladjustment+8*cough*

Dude, really?

[Kris Strife]

*cough*leveladjustment+8*cough*

Plus, I'm planning to be good-ish.

Wow... Apparently your sense of humor has a huge BAB penalty, cause you sure missed that one.

[Coidzor]

Dread Necromancer or cracking open Libris Mortis/Champions of Ruin might give you some ideas. With Dread Necromancer you have a dark character who with one feat can heal herself at will.

Also, Ravenloft.

The "Play Vampire" comment actually was referring you to the game "Vampire: The Masquerade" by... White Wolf(?)

[BRC]

Well, rogue and/or barbarian would actually model the stereotypical image of an actual Goth quite well, as would a preference for axes and mobile, fluid combat tactics.

Beat me to it.

Heh, random thing, next year for halloween, two of my friends are going as "Goths", one of each type.

[Hat-Trick]

I support bard. Perform (oratory) includes poetry and there is a variant that debuffs enemies, so you're ability to have a depressing song for any situation ruins your enemy's attacks.

[Dixieboy]

Dirgesinger?

And before anyone else says it: Play Vampire.

The Camarilla frowns upon you...

ohhhhh

3.5 vampire?

Yea.

[Sir Homeslice]

Fiend Folio Shadar-kai, possibly. Not that different from the 4th ed version, aside from being fey rather than humanoid.

IIRC 4e Shadar-Kai are vastly different than Fiend Folio Shadar-Kai in the sense that 4e Shadar-Kai are hedonistic thrill seekers with a meritocratic society while FF Shadar-Kai...weren't.

[mistformsquirrl]

... Sorry >< had to!


Hrmm...

Well: Black is the obvious color choice. Weapon-wise... daggers and short swords, whips, spiked chains (... not like that!), though I could also see a hand crossbow fitting the image as well.

Armor spikes might work too. Leather is probably better than chain; but that depends a bit.

I think honestly what'll matter more is your attitude and presentation. Well and maybe if you can find a particularly good picture on the web that covers what you want <. .>m

Btw, have you considered Warlock or Sorcerer (with lots of dark or necromancy type spells)? Just as an alternate possibility they might fit. You could even get a raven familiar <,<

*edit*

Oooh... someone mentioned Blood Magus - I'd forgotten about that, but that's a good one too!

[Jeivar]

make sure you wield a flaming sword with the word "TOPIC" etched on the blade

. . .

Er, I don't get it . . .

[Kris Strife]

The Camarilla frowns upon you...

ohhhhh

3.5 vampire?

Yea.

*sighs* No... You had it right the first time. It was a WoD joke...

[Dixieboy]

Oh oh oh

Armor = Studded leather with armor spikes

*sighs* No... You had it right the first time. It was a WoD joke...

Calling Vampire: The Masquerade/Requiem gothic shows a distinct lack of "Having actually played it"

Goths flirting with vampirism are used as portable breakfast, maybe ghouled and kept around to do stuff you don't want to.

[Kris Strife]

. . .

Er, I don't get it . . .

Hot Topic? As in the store?

[Coidzor]

IIRC 4e Shadar-Kai are vastly different than Fiend Folio Shadar-Kai in the sense that 4e Shadar-Kai are hedonistic thrill seekers with a meritocratic society while FF Shadar-Kai...weren't.

Doesn't really matter mechanically, but it is an interesting tidbit of a change.... Since this is 3.5 we're talking.

Beat me to it.

Heh, random thing, next year for halloween, two of my friends are going as "Goths", one of each type.

As a duo/couple/Together?

[Worira]

Wow... Apparently your sense of humor has a huge BAB penalty, cause you sure missed that one.

What's a bonus penalty?

[Tengu_temp]

IIRC 4e Shadar-Kai are vastly different than Fiend Folio Shadar-Kai in the sense that 4e Shadar-Kai are hedonistic thrill seekers with a meritocratic society while FF Shadar-Kai...weren't.

I don't know what they wrote about them in Dragon, but Shadar-Kai from the MM are the gothiest and most emo race you can currently choose in 4e - and remember, this game already has Tieflings and Drow.

[Kris Strife]

What's a bonus penalty?

What a first level wizard with a 3 for strength has for his attack bonus and grapple modifier.

[Iku Rex]

Go for mystic theurge. And focus on necromancy. Proper goths love the undead...

[Fastmover]

I like my PC's to be . . . well, memorable, so the idea struck to create one that's a stereotypical Goth, complete with black, frizzy hair, black, lacy clothing, black eyeshadow, tall, black boots, and a sullen attitude; The traditional marks of deep grieving in her culture (or some such ).

We're starting low-level, and I think I'll probably go with an elf Rogue for all that delicious backstabbiness (possibly a rogue/barb, or a rog/sorc), but I was wondering if someone had suggestions for weapons, items, feats, armor, or class combinations that would fit with the Goth-motif?

(. . . the more I think about it, the more I'm gravitating towards my Rogue/Barbarian idea, if only to have a frenzied barbarian jump out the shadows shouting "Life! Is! Pain!" and start furiously hacking backs )

Actually that isn't really goth like. You are thinking more so of a Emo. Most of us Goth are very intellectual, sarcastic and artistic. We simply veiw the darker side of life in a more beautiful way than others. At least that is my take on it. So I think with your char you should go make her a Drow/Vampire/Warlock-Sorc-Cleric. At least that is what my girl would love (The combination I mean). The whole Female Dom is so what she is. Sexy, authoritative and willing to make human sacrifices for me. (sigh) She is so great.

http://www.giantitp.com/comics/oots0349.html

[The Dark Fiddler]

If you wanted to be really memorable, you should go the Neo Vampire Twilight quote "emo" unquote.

Homebrew vampire that sparkles in the sun and has cold skin hard as rock yet somehow still runs fluidly.