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Well my shiny new Arcane Powers arrived and I got myself an invite to play (haven't done that for years) in a 4e game it was time to make a character. Enter option overload...
I read even Arcane source blurb in the PHB/PHB2/FRPG/AP books. All screamed "PLAY ME, I'm fun" and backgrounds flooded even synapse.
So any suggestions, open to all and any. I never thought I would say this, but hell even a Bard looks good!
Brain melting, thank WotC...
Cheers in advance,
S.
PS: Quite excited about actually playing been DMing for decades (not joking).
Let's see, some random character ideas I've come up with:
1. Drow Sorcerer, Wild Magic. Was standing around in the mage's academy back in his home city, when the other wizards grabbed him and shoved him into a random portal to the Elemental Chaos to see what would happen. He got magic, but he also went somewhat crazy. They find out he is vaguely related to a priestess of Lolth, so they tossed him out into the Underdark and hoped they could convince people he just wandered off. Anyway, he made his way to the surface, and the rest is whatever you feel like.
2. Warforged Swordmage, Sheilding Aegis. The Dwarfs got sick of those snooty Eladrin and their sword magic, so they decided to make their own swordmage.
1. Dragonborn rogue.
2. Elf fey warlock.
3. Tiefling fighter.
4. Dwarf warlord.
5. Eladrin paladin.
6. Gnome barbarian.
7. Halfling warden.
8. Deva sorcerer.
9. Goliath bard.
Just off the top of my head. The choices are endless.
I'm itching to try the summoning magic from Arcane Power. Either that, or a 4E druid or barbarian. They look awesome!
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Well my shiny new Arcane Powers arrived and I got myself an invite to play (haven't done that for years) in a 4e game it was time to make a character. Enter option overload...
I read even Arcane source blurb in the PHB/PHB2/FRPG/AP books. All screamed "PLAY ME, I'm fun" and backgrounds flooded even synapse.
Yeah. Thanks. I have about 2 dozen characters of my own, thank you....I am actually thinking of a Dragonborn Sorcerer.
I haven't had this much fun in D&D for a long time! Played 4 sessions this weekend: 2x Home Adventures, a WWDG2 session, and an LFR session. Complete gamegasm!
... and I'm spent ...
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Well my shiny new Arcane Powers arrived and I got myself an invite to play (haven't done that for years) in a 4e game it was time to make a character. Enter option overload...
I read even Arcane source blurb in the PHB/PHB2/FRPG/AP books. All screamed "PLAY ME, I'm fun" and backgrounds flooded even synapse.
So any suggestions, open to all and any. I never thought I would say this, but hell even a Bard looks good!
Brain melting, thank WotC...
Cheers in advance,
S.PS: Quite excited about actually playing been DMing for decades (not joking).
I was trying to point this out to some one, that the number of choices inherent in the 4e system are absolutely mind boggling compared to 3.5. The choices you get to make are very different, feats and skills become less important, and class abilities become virtually infinite.
I was told I was wrong...
Sigh, what is so great about 4e is how much variety there is...
Enjoy, what ever choice you make, and pray your DM doesn't pick up MM 2 :)
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I was trying to point this out to some one, that the number of choices inherent in the 4e system are absolutely mind boggling compared to 3.5. The choices you get to make are very different, feats and skills become less important, and class abilities become virtually infinite.
I was told I was wrong...
I may have been one of those people. :) My first go at DMing 4e was shall we say a crap experience. But time passes on an once you stop trying to play 3.5e using 4e rules things are much easier...
Options are certainly there and I will say that one consequence of the powers being "sort of the same" (I mean end damage output) for each class is that there isn't a clear "uber-must play with these feats-class" in 4e. Each has pros and cons but at the end of the day all seem to function in a party. [Yes I know Scott, IT WAS the idea of 4e - you get one "I told you so" ok]. This means I have found that number crunching has dropped to almost zero. I look at a race (sure some have stat bonuses you want - but that is WHY some races have more of class X than Y - they are naturally better at it), and then power source (not class yet...), then finally class and type within that class...
So in my journey of making my first ever 4e character was race = Human (just because ok), power source = Arcane (Raistlin imprinted on my brain since 1984), and class = Urrgggghh, Grrrrr... and I have yet to do the type of class (I hate the term build, reeks of MMORPGs).
[Note not trying to make a Raistlin clone other than needing to grow in power so much that I can challenge the Gods and get free coffee at Starbucks]
But I think that I haven't thought so much about my "character" in terms of background and fluff this much since 2e! What I thought was too little fluff text turns out to be a great primer without imposing "this is what the class is". Darn had to start thinking for myself!
From a player point of view 4e certainly is a great version of D&D. Sometime I'll give DMing another go...
A lot of what I deemed a negative in 4e turns out to be their by design rather than accident - who knew? Certainly the ability to have an interesting character without needing to think - crap only spot left is the cleric is great. Our party doesn't really have "a healer" as I would call one in 3.5e and I don't feel I need to be one for the party to head off on daring adventures either. Not saying any edition is better than any other (just different) - just saying I'm having ball with 4e at the moment, and that's what I want out of a game.
So knowing my character I would like to build - what class?
Cheers,
S.
I don't have much experience with 4e, other than what I've read in the Player's Handbook.
But I would think you could narrow your choices further if you have a role you want to play. (Controller, Leader, etc.)
And can I take your statement that powers seem very much alike in effect to be standard? I got that impression, but haven't been certain.
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And can I take your statement that powers seem very much alike in effect to be standard? I got that impression, but haven't been certain.
I perhaps have over simplified, what I was trying to say was that option 1 wasn't any more "powerful" than option 2, only different. There is indeed lots of (and don't quote me) Power <insert name here> roll to hit <some stat> vs <something> does 'X'd'Y' damage, then in the case of option 1 it might have the added effect of moving you, in the case of option 2 perhaps you move the enemy. See? Sort of the same but subtly different. So the powers can reflect the way you like to play - aggressive/defensive or whatever. You have to throw the whole "one spell wonder" idea at 1st level out the window for starters. Different mindset.
I've only played "pre-gens" to date and haven't really played that much. Having to make my own character has forced me to sit down and really evaluate the rules/system. I think it manages to do what the designers wanted it to do - that is be 4th edition, nothing more, nothing less.
The main stumbling block for me has been using miniatures in combat, never have before and it seems like such a pain in the backside. However for those playing 3.5e with miniatures already it'll be to like ducks to water. If you can get past the "but it's not 3.5e" syndrome.
S.
Contributor, RPG Superstar 2010 Top 8
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I'll tell you my first Arcane Power character concept:
I was going to go with Vestige Pact Warlock. His whole shtick would be that he made his eldritch contact in the ruins of an ancient library. The books, which had been destroyed by a great fire, had left behind remnants of their arcane might in the form of Familiar-esque arcane spirits. He'd let these spirits ride around in and possess him, in the form of vestiges (and I was totally going to change the names of the powers to book titles).
You could also adapt that pretty easily to the Summoner Wizard (just have you summon the books as monsters).
My first 4E character is a DMPC dwarf artificer. From a mechanical perspective, I expected to be a little hamstrung because the full write-up in the Eberron Player's Guide isn't out yet. However, I've been playing him for a year, and I haven't really missed having additional options. I multiclassed him into wizard (all of my players have multiclassed, I've noticed), and sometimes I feel like there are too many options!
What I really like about him, though, is that he feels very dwarfy. He's a doubly-classed wizardy type; but his highest stat is his CON, he has as many hit points as the dragonborn fighter, and he can drink anyone in the party under a table. My own experience has been that I never felt comfortable doing that in previous editions. I always felt I had to choose between the mechanically sound and what fit the character. I'm not saying previous editions didn't allow it, only that 4E makes me feel comfortable doing it. Others' experiences may differ, but I'm enjoying the heck out of this edition at the moment.
So in my journey of making my first ever 4e character was race = Human (just because ok), power source = Arcane (Raistlin imprinted on my brain since 1984), and class = Urrgggghh, Grrrrr... and I have yet to do the type of class (I hate the term build, reeks of MMORPGs).
[Note not trying to make a Raistlin clone other than needing to grow in power so much that I can challenge the Gods and get free coffee at Starbucks]
But I think that I haven't thought so much about my "character" in terms of background and fluff this much since 2e! What I thought was too little fluff text turns out to be a great primer without imposing "this is what the class is". Darn had to start thinking for myself!
From a player point of view 4e certainly is a great version of D&D. Sometime I'll give DMing...
I've got a Taldoran Nobleman Human Shielding Swordmage foppish scholar type that I'd like to play. I've bought a lot of things to enhance his skills so I can make comments like, "of course I know that, we Taldorans learn that by 8th grade. How do you Chelaxians do it?"
And the good thing is that by buying Jack-o-a-trades, and perception and linguist and ritual caster and alchemy I'm still a good enough swordmage to do my job and still fit my character concept.
If I was going for more raw blasty goodness, I'd probably do a Storm Sorcerer. But that's because I like storms.
I want to play a Deva Wizard with the feat that allows you to get even more daily and utility spells in his spellbook, and then play him as a completely different type of wizard one day from the other.
One day, he's a summoner, the next he's an illusionist or a winter wizard or something like that. I just love this idea. Now I need a game in which I can play him!
I am currently playing a Human Avenger in game, but the party already has a wizard. And I love the Avenger class. I can't wait for Divine Power. And Primal Power.
4E is really coming into it's own. And, yes, I experience option overload when looking at Warlocks. Yowza.
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I want to play a Deva Wizard with the feat that allows you to get even more daily and utility spells in his spellbook, and then play him as a completely different type of wizard one day from the other.
One day, he's a summoner, the next he's an illusionist or a winter wizard or something like that. I just love this idea. Now I need a game in which I can play him!
I am currently playing a Human Avenger in game, but the party already has a wizard. And I love the Avenger class. I can't wait for Divine Power. And Primal Power.
4E is really coming into it's own. And, yes, I experience option overload when looking at Warlocks. Yowza.
That is a brilliant character concept! Your feat is Expanded Spellbook. I rather love having that one myself.
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That is a brilliant character concept! Your feat is Expanded Spellbook. I rather love having that one myself.
Deva can actually also take Remembered Wizardry, which does basically the same thing as Expanded Spellbook... meaning they can take both to have all the spells they can dream of! ;)
In any case, arkady_v, fantastic idea! I hope you won't be offended if I'm inspired by that into making a similar character myself...
o_O Ooooh!
Yeah - I've stolen this idea myself.
So in my journey of making my first ever 4e character was race = Human (just because ok), power source = Arcane (Raistlin imprinted on my brain since 1984), and class = Urrgggghh, Grrrrr... and I have yet to do the type of class (I hate the term build, reeks of MMORPGs).
Interesting...
I guess I'd recommend starting with a pretty basic choice - Human Wizard. To be somewhat like Raistlin your significantly identified by your stats, very low strength and constitution, Extremely high Intelligence. Oddly enough you might almost have too good stats. I don't really think Raistlin was particularly charismatic, wise or dexterous but you could probably get away with better then average stats in all or most of these. He might not have been wise but he certainly was cunning, he might not have been charismatic but he had a way of using people - convincing them that even if they did not personally like him his solution was the best of the options they had available.
I might go with using some of those feats to really bump up some of the lore applicable skills so that your just phenomenal at history and some magic related skills. So possibly going with both Skill Training and Skill Focus on certain skills. This makes more sense if your game is going to have a fair number of Skill Challenges (were some really good skills is very beneficial).
Deva can actually also take Remembered Wizardry, which does basically the same thing as Expanded Spellbook... meaning they can take both to have all the spells they can dream of! ;)
Wow, now that would be crazy. Almost makes me want to see Arcane Power 2 just to see all the spells that character could take!
I did notice Expanded Spellbook, and so my character idea has changed a bit. I'm really enjoying reading the Dresden Files books, and I love Butcher's depiction of the Never Never (equivalent to Feywild... I think 4E may have been influenced as much by Butcher as by WOW...).
So, my character idea that I just need a game to play in is a wizard that is beholden to the fey, that is being fought over by the forces of Summer and Winter, and that exhibits aspects of both. One day she is the Summer wizard, all happiness, light, and fire. The next, she's the Winter Wizard, all cold, calculating, and frosty. With a hefty dose of illusion magic across both personalities. She has the multiclass warlock feat and a Feypact.
Man, I love this character concept, but between DMing one game and playing an Avenger in another, I'm not sure when I'm going to get to play it.
The other part of Butcher's work that just feels like it found its way into fourth edition is the way Dresden uses a staff and a wand and a blasting rod. And the way he does rituals. The magic system just really seems very very similar to the Dresden Files magic system. The swordmage is very similar to a Warden, too.
The Dresden Files felt like they started off slowly, but, damn, the last few books have been great, great reads. Really good stuff.
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As an very occasional, very casual, "dabbler" in 4e, and, as my system knowledge is limited (and I do not subscribe to D&DI - heck, I had to drop my Paizo subs...), I have a question:
With all of the new options that weren't around a year ago, through the various sources, has anyone found anything "broken" yet, to the extent that some of the supplemental material for 3x has been described as "broken"? Or has 4e managed to maintain the system balance that, when the first books were released, seemed to be one of the stronger points of the new edition?
Just curious if there is anything I should look out for were I to immerse myself more fully into the 4e game. Thanks in advance for your answers!
As an very occasional, very casual, "dabbler" in 4e, and, as my system knowledge is limited (and I do not subscribe to D&DI - heck, I had to drop my Paizo subs...), I have a question:
With all of the new options that weren't around a year ago, through the various sources, has anyone found anything "broken" yet, to the extent that some of the supplemental material for 3x has been described as "broken"? Or has 4e managed to maintain the system balance that, when the first books were released, seemed to be one of the stronger points of the new edition?
Just curious if there is anything I should look out for were I to immerse myself more fully into the 4e game. Thanks in advance for your answers!
I know that people have pointed to a few magic items in the Adventurer's Vault and the battlerager fighter from Martial Power as somewhat problematic, but nothing as dramatically powerful as the broken 3.5e stuff.
"Problematic" as in "should be avoided" or "handle with care"?
And, anyone else have any others?
Mostly handle with care, but a lot of stuff that turns out to be problematic is often nerfed by WotC via errata.
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Deva can actually also take Remembered Wizardry, which does basically the same thing as Expanded Spellbook... meaning they can take both to have all the spells they can dream of! ;)I did notice Expanded Spellbook, and so my character idea has changed a bit. I'm really enjoying reading the Dresden Files books, and I love Butcher's depiction of the Never Never (equivalent to Feywild... I think 4E may have been influenced as much by Butcher as by WOW...).
While we're on the topic of 'lotsa spells', can I interest you in a Mnemonic Staff?
In addition to the enhancement bonus and an additional 1d6 to crit damage, as a Daily Minor you can swap a prepared spell for one in your book of equal or lower value.
I think at some point the player of the wizard would end up quietly chanting the thread title.