I'm having trouble choosing my next character. I'm considering to be a barbarian or a sorcerer. Rage vs. majik? Although I haven't played a majik character before.
Can anyone help me make up my mind?
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Why not do both? Start as a barbarian, at some point take some levels of sorcerer. Eventually, take levels of Eldritch Knight or Dragon Disciple. It's one of the more popular ways to get into dragon disciple from what I've seen anyway.
Or if you feel the need to stick with one, it really depends on what you can get into. I have multiple players in my group who plays the same types of characters every game, and they have no interest in branching out. They know what they like.
I also have players (and fall into this group myself) who are constantly distracted by shiny new classes and classes they haven't played. If you can really get into a majiking character, why not give it a shot?
Sorcerer can be a lot of fun, both mechanically and for roleplaying reasons. The bloodlines give a player a really nice place to start if they're having trouble coming up with details about their character. High charisma gives you a lot of options in RP scenarios, while your unique abilities give you a lot to talk about.
I say play around with majik and branch out. Maybe make a 1st level draconic sorcerer, and if you decide you don't like magic very much, just go for 4 levels of barbarian and then dragon disciple. It's a pretty interesting class!
RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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Why not do both? Start as a barbarian, at some point take some levels of sorcerer. Eventually, take levels of Dragon Disciple.
Have you beeen reading my Characters... ;)
Make a half-elf Barbarian/Sorcerer. Why make a choice when you can have both?
Seriously though. What appeals to you about each of the two options? What did you play most recently? What sort of Sorcerer are you wanting to flesh out? What sort of Barbarian?
Characters are more then just a class. There's probably over a hundred different ways to build each class at level 1.
Or here's a thought.
Build both characters. Flesh them out completely and stat them out and then decide which of the two sounds like the most fun.
Since I am currently playing a sorcerer, I would say "go with barbarian".
Actually, if my current character gets killed, I think I'd go with a sorcerer/barbarian with spells like Expeditious Retreat, Shield, and True Strike. Forget making arcane attacks on enemies, that's why you carry a Great Axe. But use arcane magic to buff yourself up and then go in to fight.
OTOH, maybe cleric/barbarian would work better for a guy who uses magic and fighting. Prepare spells to help yourself instead of trying to be a primary spellcaster, but being able to cast Cure Light Wounds when you want would be neat.
A bard/barbarian would also work well.
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RPG Superstar 2009 Top 32
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I've never really played a Barbarian before (they don't interest me) but since Pathfinder's Sorcerous Bloodlines have come out Sorcerer has quickly become my favourite Class (and I feel that very soon Oracle will share that top spot). They have so much versatility to them.
As w0nko pointed out though, try something new (and with Sorcerer now, there's always something new). :)
Thanks everyone^^
In the past I've played mostly rogues, and a Ranger. I'm pretty new to PF/3.5 (spent a year with 4.0), and I have never played a caster class, so I haven't really delved into the majik rules yet...
Are you playing strictly Pathfinder or are 3.5 things (and feats from the Ultimate Feats book) being allowed? If you want to play something very effective at one shotting enemies, Barbarian can deal obscene amounts of damage with the right combination of feats after taking levels in Frenzied Berserker.
In the end, play what you feel best about conceptually... if you have a great idea for a sorcerer character, by all means play one. Barbarians can be really nasty pieces of work if done right, though.
Dork Lord, well, it's hard to resist having an obscenely strong character. But at this point, I'm feeling in need to test the waters of majik. As for what is played; only pathfinder material is allowed. ^^
Grep, I haven't considered the wizard or other classes that require preparing spells because I don't think I can get into the spell preparations. It's almost as if you need to be somewhat psychic, since no one really knows what the day will bring.
It is kind of a tough decision. I, for one, love my Barbarian/Rogue, but Pathfinder has really streamlined the concept of the Sorceror. Until Pathfinder I didn't allow the class in my games, moreso because my setting's magic system didn't allow for them, but also because of my disdain for the class. The Fey bloodline looks particularly interesting. To me anyway.
Why not role up one of each and see if your DM might let you try each character at a separate game session? Kind of test drive them and see what fits you better?
Why not do both? Start as a barbarian, at some point take some levels of sorcerer.
I would guess that the Barbarian's inability to cast spells while raging would be counterproductive to this build.
Dork Lord, well, it's hard to resist having an obscenely strong character. But at this point, I'm feeling in need to test the waters of majik. As for what is played; only pathfinder material is allowed. ^^Grep, I haven't considered the wizard or other classes that require preparing spells because I don't think I can get into the spell preparations. It's almost as if you need to be somewhat psychic, since no one really knows what the day will bring.
If you just want to 'test the waters' I recommend dragon bloodline sorceror/barbarian/dragon disciple. Just take a couple sorceror levels, start with barbarian, and use your magic mostly to buff before you rage. Then you can get a taste of magic without delving too deep. You wont have a book full of spells like a wizard, or a world full of spells like the cleric.
Multi classing in 3.5 and Pathfinder it is very easy to wind up with a character who is just plain horrible. Before you jump into a fairly complex multi-class character you should probably get comfortable with the classes as straight class. You are much more likely to wind up with an effective character that way.
Multi classing in 3.5 and Pathfinder it is very easy to wind up with a character who is just plain horrible. Before you jump into a fairly complex multi-class character you should probably get comfortable with the classes as straight class. You are much more likely to wind up with an effective character that way.
Dennis da Ogre: Good point. I am not planning on multi-classing. I really want to experience my character in her full form.
Over night I decided on the sorcerer^^
Really, the Wizard class is more about choosing very good spells you can use for any situation, and going with your gut and the clues in the story to tweak that baseline list a bit according to the situation (typically a maximum of maybe 20% of your list will change day to day)
Kyrt-ryder, thank you for this. I tried playing a druid once in a campaign that got canceled... before lvl 2, and I didn't enjoy trying to prepare spells off a spell list each day. I never got a chance to get use to the spell system, so I really dont know how majik works.
It's final's week now, so I'll also study some of the majik system, if I get a chance. I think I will compare the wizard and sorcerer.
I can't wait, the system is nothing like 4.0! :D
I can't wait, the system is nothing like 4.0! :D
Thank the gods for that. ;)
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I tried playing a druid once in a campaign that got canceled... before lvl 2, and I didn't enjoy trying to prepare spells off a spell list each day. I never got a chance to get use to the spell system, so I really dont know how majik works.
You do not have to pick new spells each time you get new slots. Just keep 'preparing' the same spells over and over again until you feel a need to pick a new spell(s).
I tried playing a druid once in a campaign that got canceled... before lvl 2, and I didn't enjoy trying to prepare spells off a spell list each day. I never got a chance to get use to the spell system, so I really dont know how majik works.You do not have to pick new spells each time you get new slots. Just keep 'preparing' the same spells over and over again until you feel a need to pick a new spell(s).
If you do this you are really not taking advantage of the primary advantage of a prepared caster, in which case you are better off with a spontaneous one.
And to the OP, sorceror is a good choice to enter the spellcasting world. You have just a few powerful tools in your toolbelt. Just make sure you choose spells you will almost always want to use.
Really wish people would stop taking ever chance they can find to bad-mouth 4th edition.I can't wait, the system is nothing like 4.0! :DThank the gods for that. ;)
I played 4.0 for one year, and it was really fun. I'm not bad-mouthing it, I'm just looking forward to PF.
Looks like I'm going to play a aberrant sorcerer. We have a druid and possibly a ranger or paladin, so it would be cool to have the unnatural vs. natural dichotomy.
I haven't rolled for stats yet, nor have I decided on my race. Suggestions?
Really wish people would stop taking ever chance they can find to bad-mouth 4th edition.I can't wait, the system is nothing like 4.0! :DThank the gods for that. ;)
It's just my opinion. No one said you have to agree. To me Pathfinder is a godsend alternative to 4th ed... and I know I'm not alone in that thinking.
Really wish people would stop taking ever chance they can find to bad-mouth 4th edition.I can't wait, the system is nothing like 4.0! :DThank the gods for that. ;)I played 4.0 for one year, and it was really fun. I'm not bad-mouthing it, I'm just looking forward to PF.
Looks like I'm going to play a aberrant sorcerer. We have a druid and possibly a ranger or paladin, so it would be cool to have the unnatural vs. natural dichotomy.
I haven't rolled for stats yet, nor have I decided on my race. Suggestions?
My suggestion is decide what kind of sorceror you want to be first. Pick your bloodline and have a look at the spells and see which ones jump out at you. This will help you decide your race and stats.
For instance if you want to go for a blasty elemental sorc with a penchant for rays, i would probably recomment halfing, good charisma, good dex. If you plan on going Draconic sorceror, with the claws, you will need a good strength to make use of them and wont want to be small.
My suggestion is decide what kind of sorceror you want to be first. Pick your bloodline and have a look at the spells and see which ones jump out at you. This will help you decide your race and stats.
I'm 98.9% sure she will have an aberrant bloodline. In previuos campaigns my characters have been elven, human or even drow. I am considering halfling, half-elf or human. One of my lvl one spells, I've decided on, will be grease.
BTW Thank everyone for all your advice and comments! ^^ I'm new to paizo and I'm so happy to find a new community full of intelligent & mature gamers. :D
My suggestion is decide what kind of sorceror you want to be first. Pick your bloodline and have a look at the spells and see which ones jump out at you. This will help you decide your race and stats.
I'm 98.9% sure she will have an aberrant bloodline. In previuos campaigns my characters have been elven, human or even drow. I am considering halfling, half-elf or human. One of my lvl one spells, I've decided on, will be grease.
BTW Thank everyone for all your advice and comments! ^^ I'm new to paizo and I'm so happy to find a new community full of intelligent & mature gamers. :D
Well in that case i'd say halfing. Better AC, better to hit, and you arent worried about damage from natural attacks. Plus you get a charisma bonus. Second choice would be human, can still boost charisma, and you have the bonus feat which is always good.
Stats, charisma should be your best, but dont skimp on strength, You will want a descent strength score to make use of your Long limbs feature. Also make sure you have at least 1 melee touch spell you have by level 3. This is going to be shocking grasp since I believe you are restricted to core rules right? At 2nd level spells you have touch of idiocy and ghoul touch which can both be nice. At level 6 pick up vampiric touch etc.
Grease is a great choice, and stays good the whole time. If you have a rogue in the party he will love you. I would also recommend at least 1 damage spell at level 1 [magic missile or burning hands]. Doing damage as a caster is usually not the best thing you can do, but when the party needs you to do damage at low level, its because no one else can (swarms, incorperal beings etc.)
Well in that case i'd say halfing. Better AC, better to hit, and you arent worried about damage from natural attacks. Plus you get a charisma bonus.
Stats, charisma should be your best, but dont skimp on strength, You will want a descent strength score to make use of your Long limbs feature. Also make sure you have at least 1 melee touch spell you have by level 3. This is going to be shocking grasp since I believe you are restricted to core rules right? At 2nd level spells you have touch of idiocy and ghoul touch which can both be nice. At level 6 pick up vampiric touch etc.
Yes, restricted core rules. What if I skip strength, and put the points in dex and take weapon finesse, that way I can have good AC, and that applies to melee touch-attacks, right?
It's just my opinion. No one said you have to agree. To me Pathfinder is a godsend alternative to 4th ed... and I know I'm not alone in that thinking.
Yeah, having been hornswaggled by my game group into playing and DM'ing 4th edition for a couple months I'd have to agree. Pathfinder was exactly that, a Godsend.
However, people can play what they like. No right and wrong when it comes to opinion. There is alot to like about 4th Edition and I don't blame anyone for liking it. It was a very "pick-up-and-go" system for me and my group. I will say that despite my personal problems with it, our sessions ran rather smoothly. Still, 3.5, and now Pathfinder are my preferred systems.
Hell, if my wife had her way we'd still be playing 2nd Edition. Not sure I fully disagree though, I've had good times with all incarnations of D&D :)
It's just my opinion. No one said you have to agree. To me Pathfinder is a godsend alternative to 4th ed... and I know I'm not alone in that thinking.Yeah, having been hornswaggled by my game group into playing and DM'ing 4th edition for a couple months I'd have to agree. Pathfinder was exactly that, a Godsend.
However, people can play what they like. No right and wrong when it comes to opinion. There is alot to like about 4th Edition and I don't blame anyone for liking it. It was a very "pick-up-and-go" system for me and my group. I will say that despite my personal problems with it, our sessions ran rather smoothly. Still, 3.5, and now Pathfinder are my preferred systems.
Hell, if my wife had her way we'd still be playing 2nd Edition. Not sure I fully disagree though, I've had good times with all incarnations of D&D :)
True, that. As helpful as a good system might be, a good group is all you need for a good time.
Yeah, having been hornswaggled by my game group into playing and DM'ing 4th edition for a couple months
you have my sympathies
Wow! I just looked over that bloodline, and it has some great options!
Here are some quick thoughts:
Any race but dwarf is good, and it is very nice to be small generally, but don't let your strength get too low. If you use the point buy a very good Cha is important, as well as a decent Dex, Con, Str, and even Int. You don't need these scores to be great, but 10-14 is good. You probably don't want below a 10 Wis.
Since you get the acid darts to start off, point blank shot isn't bad.
I would avoid the weapon focus feats, because you might do a lot of shapeshifting (Polymorph)later on. This is also why you want decent ability scores. Note that you can cast in some forms, but not others. You might be able to still use some your spell like abilities when in beast and elemental forms.
In terms of picking spells, try to go for stuff that offers multiple options from a single spell, and avoid spells that might piss off the dm, as you will be casting them over and over.