Evening.
Fairly new to the world of Pathfinder and about to begin the Jade Regent adventure path. DM has ok'd my request to play a Dhampir. I'm fairly certain I'd like to go with the Oracle class, but am open to other suggestions. As to why I've decided to play the Dhampir is more of a role-playing aspect in my mind, so I don't mean to be rude but please don't suggest I choose a different race.
I guess my question is, if I were to go with the Oracle, what good mysteries/curses I should go with? Any advice pertaining to how to build said character would be amazing.
I'd like her to be more of a caster than a frontline fighter. Personality wise, she has a bit of an evil sadistic streak, but only in thought. I'm going to most likely play her as chaotic neutral.
I can't really think of anything else I need to add, but if there's anything you guys need to know in order to help me think up this character, I'll gladly answer any questions.
All help is seriously appreciated. Thank you so much!!
Thanks, Deadmanwalking. I was thinking about purchasing an Inflict Light Wounds wand at start-up.
Oh, and I'm considering the Dark Tapestry mystery.
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Oh, and I'm considering the Dark Tapestry mystery.
Dark Tapestry is a lovely Mystery. Loads of fun and very thematic. You'll probably be doing battlefield control and save-or-suck effects to at least some degree, so maxing out Charisma is a very good idea indeed. I'd also make a virtue of your Dex bonus and buy a decent amount of that as well, as more AC never hurts, and make sure to keep Con from getting too low. Surviving is good.
Curse-wise it depends on what flavor you want, but Haunted, Tongues, and Wasting are all good and very thematically appropriate for both this Race and Mystery. Revelation-wise, I'd probably grab Many Forms at 1st level.
I also reccomend checking out this thread for some more (pretty good) optimization advice.
Such wonderful advice, thank you! I will definitely be checking out that thread. I'm new at the casting thing--I've typically only played barbarians and rogues.
I've always liked the Haunted Curse for some reason, will probably go with that. I will also need to take a closer look at Many Forms.
What do you think I should expect from the other players as an Oracle?
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Such wonderful advice, thank you! I will definitely be checking out that thread. I'm new at the casting thing--I've typically only played barbarians and rogues.
I know what you mean. I usually play non-casters too. Though GMing has required me to learn the basics.
And I'm always happy to help. :)
I've always liked the Haunted Curse for some reason, will probably go with that. I will also need to take a closer look at Many Forms.
It's got a real downside, but adds a bunch of cool spells to your list. Also, thematically fun.
What do you think I should expect from the other players as an Oracle?
Well, you're the Cleric-equivalent, so be aware that you're probably gonna be carrying most of the party weight on healing (unless you have another dedicated healer), and that other PCs will expect that of you. Doesn't mean you should mostly be doing that in combat (indeed, you mostly shouldn't), but sometimes it's gonna be necessary (to save a PC's life, for example), and you should save a few spells to do it.
One thing to note about playing an oracle that's more of a caster than a frontline fighter is that if you're starting at level 1 (which Jade Regent does), you're not going to have the spells/day to make spellcasting your primary combat action for a few levels. Even if you take one of the "3 + Cha Uses attack actions", such as Dark Tapestry's Touch of the Void, you probably want to be at least vaguely useful in rounds where you're making a weapon attack, so drop at least a few points into strength or dexterity. (As a dhampir you're more suited to ranged attacks, but ranged combat requires some annoying feat taxes just to be adequate; I can see going either way on melee vs. ranged with such a character.) Until you're around level six, you're going to be relying on weapon attacks as much as spellcasting as your primary combat action, especially if you're casting some spells out of combat (which as the presumptive divine caster in the party is pretty likely.)
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Until you're around level six, you're going to be relying on weapon attacks as much as spellcasting as your primary combat action, especially if you're casting some spells out of combat (which as the presumptive divine caster in the party is pretty likely.)
This is true, but frankly a Light Crossbow is very workable up until that level, and requires no real investment of any sort. It's really not that big a deal.
Deadmanwalking - Yeah, from what the other people in my group are saying pertaining to what characters they want to play, it looks like I might be the healer. I don't think we have someone who's going to be dedicated on healing. My DM has also suggested I DM something in order to get a better handle on the rules, but it makes me nervous. I'm bad with numbers and I have a hard time remembering things.
Joyd - Thanks for replying and for the advice! I understand the lack of amazingness at lower levels; I've only played in one campaign (out of maybe 5 or 6 total) where I haven't started at level 1. I think I'll pick up a Light Crossbow and while Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot will have to take up my first few feats, it'll allow me to learn how to reserve my spells for optimum use.
Unfortunately as a new, fairly self conscious player I often find myself in the background not knowing what to do anyway, so as an oracle with yet-to-be-had amazing abilities it's something I'll be familiar with. :( Haha.
I really appreciate all this advice! I'm very pleased with it.
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Deadmanwalking - Yeah, from what the other people in my group are saying pertaining to what characters they want to play, it looks like I might be the healer. I don't think we have someone who's going to be dedicated on healing. My DM has also suggested I DM something in order to get a better handle on the rules, but it makes me nervous. I'm bad with numbers and I have a hard time remembering things.
Healing at low levels is easy enough, I wouldn't worry about it too much, just hold onto some spells for it.
Joyd - Thanks for replying and for the advice! I understand the lack of amazingness at lower levels; I've only played in one campaign (out of maybe 5 or 6 total) where I haven't started at level 1. I think I'll pick up a Light Crossbow and while Point Blank Shot and Precise Shot will have to take up my first few feats, it'll allow me to learn how to reserve my spells for optimum use.
This isn't necessary, and is probably a bad idea. You don't need the Feats to just shoot things, only to aim into melee, which you probably shouldn't be doing anyhow most times.
There are basically three situations where an enemy is in melee with a party member of yours:
1. They are weak, and in melee with a melee specialist. Don't bother shooting this one, they're dead next round anyway. Shoot something else.
2. They are in melee with a non-melee character. Delay your action, wait till the wizard (or whatever) moves away (which they will), then shoot.
3. They are strong and in melee with your melee characters. Often the whole party vs. one melee threat. You should be using a spell here.
Now, there are some corner cases where it's worth it to shoot into combat...but none that are worth spending two Feats from a non-weapon oriented character.
You'd be a lot better off with, say, Combat Casting and Improved Initiative. Or Extra Revelation for Gift of Madness if you really want an option to do to people when shooting won't work. IMO, GoM isn't really worth it till 7th level, but it does give you another option.
Unfortunately as a new, fairly self conscious player I often find myself in the background not knowing what to do anyway, so as an oracle with yet-to-be-had amazing abilities it's something I'll be familiar with. :( Haha.
I really appreciate all this advice! I'm very pleased with it.
Oracles are actually pretty cool even right out of the gate, just more in the buffing the group and healing than direct effects.
But that only really lasts until you get 2nd level spells, so by 4th level you'll be doing awful things to people (Blindness and Hold Person are fun, as is Dust of Twilight).
Yeah, after reading your reply I think I'll be choosing different feats. I'm just so used to being somewhat useful in battle right from the get-go. I think I'll choose Combat Casting--I'm not too fond of Improved Initiative, but maybe for buffing and stuff it'll be a better idea.
Typically my characters don't make it to past 5th level (group gets bored/characters die/group falls apart), so perhaps this time around I'll be able to actually get a good working Oracle going. And I'm able to do it with your help, wonderfully enough.
Spells are another thing I haven't quite gotten the hang of, yet. Do you think you could help me out once more by suggesting some good spells to go with? I don't mean to be taking up so much of your time, but it's so nice to have someone to talk to about this. My DM is extremely helpful as well, but I want to be able to talk to others, too.
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Yeah, after reading your reply I think I'll be choosing different feats. I'm just so used to being somewhat useful in battle right from the get-go. I think I'll choose Combat Casting--I'm not too fond of Improved Initiative, but maybe for buffing and stuff it'll be a better idea.
Typically my characters don't make it to past 5th level (group gets bored/characters die/group falls apart), so perhaps this time around I'll be able to actually get a good working Oracle going. And I'm able to do it with your help, wonderfully enough.
Spells are another thing I haven't quite gotten the hang of, yet. Do you think you could help me out once more by suggesting some good spells to go with? I don't mean to be taking up so much of your time, but it's so nice to have someone to talk to about this. My DM is extremely helpful as well, but I want to be able to talk to others, too.
Sure! Always happy to be of help. :)
Cantrips, it really depends on what you want, but Detect Magic is cool, Create Water is good, and Light is fun, but Stabilize is the only must. Never take Bleed (as you can do the same with a pointy stick), or Virtue (which isn't worth it)
Good 1st level Spells: Well, you get Cure Light wounds for free, and need Inflict Light Wounds for self-healing (though you can also use it to hurt people in emergencies). That sadly only leaves you with one other choice.
Of the available options, Bless is probably technically your best bet at 1st level, but if what you want is to directly effect people (as I suspect it is) Command or Murderous Command are probably your go-to spells (bear in mind that Murderous Command is useless against lone foes), though Cause Fear isn't a bad choice either at this level (though one that you'll need to switch out later).
You'll get Entropic Shield at 2nd, and should grab Bless and Protection From Evil when you can.
In terms of 2nd level stuff: You'll just get Dust of Twilight, which is good and an area effect, and I'd grab Lesser Restoration (because it'll be both useful and needed), then either Hold Person and Blindness/Deafness, then then maybe some buff spells, like Bull's Strength.
Are you sure you'll really need Combat Casting? If you position yourself correctly and make sure that you use those 5' steps you shouldn't need to cast next to any threats (I will admit it's a good fail-safe though). You might get more use out of extra revelations for one of your mystery options.
Another option (although less powerful) might also be to look into the Eldritch Heritage line of feats. Particularly for the shadow bloodline. It's not the best ability but could fit thematically with the chaotic/darkness theme of your mystery. And if you grab Skill Focus (Stealth) at first level (which is what you'd need for eldritch heritage shadow) you'd be somewhat effective at sneaking around and doing some recon with the party scout.
Just an option of course :)
So, Stabilize. Will do. I made the mistake of picking Doom once and used it incorrectly...still actually haven't heard the end of that one and that was over a year ago. Whoops. I figured my 1st Level Spell slots would be taken up pretty quickly. :/ Oh well.
I've always noticed that Bless does tend to be a good idea. I've figured out that my main job is going to be buffing/debuffing. I'm not so sure about doing much for combat anymore. But things could change. But I'll probably be taking most of the spells from your suggestions.
My DM has mentioned the importance of Lesser Restoration before, sometime...in the back of my mind I'm remembering it...hah.
& thanks, mjb235. I forget about the 5' steps fairly often. I'll have to look more in depth with the Eldritch Heritage line. I'm not sure if I'm into the whole stealthy recon stuff this time around, but you never know. :)
An alternative to the Shadow bloodline would be the Sanguine bloodline (Assuming you can take wildblooded with Eldritch Heritage). It's an altered Undead bloodline that lets you drink a dead enemy's blood for HPs. It's a bit on the evil side but could help you play out the "Vampireness" of your character.
*disguised voice* You should get a whole bunch of wands of cure wounds for the fighter in your group. He's such an awesome guy isn't he? :D