Character Advice.

[Xemnas]

So I would like to get some advice as to if this character is decent for starting off or if I should make some changes. Not trying to min max just trying to make a beefy brawler in a party that has a lot of first timers, that way they don't have to worry about being the tank.

Character:
Name: Rai'kel
Alignment: CN
Race: Trox
Favored Class: Brawler
Level: 5 4 Bloodrager(Red Dragon)/1 Brawler
HP: 46 (2 bad rolls)
Stats Pre-racial/Post Racial and level
Str: 15/21
Dex: 12/12
Con: 16/17
Int: 11/9
Wis: 14/12
Cha: 10/8
Specials:
Fast Movement, Bloodrage, Claws, Large, Grabbing Appendages, burrow, darkvision, Frenzy, uncanny dodge, blood sanctuary, blood casting, eschew materials, draconic resistance, martial training, martial flexibility, brawlers cunning, unarmed strike

Feats:
Armor Proficiency, Medium/light, Shield proficiency, weapon proficiency,Martial(all)/simple improved grapple, Intimidating prowess, Throw Anything, Eschew Materials, Nightmare Fist, improved unarmed strike

Skills:
Acrobatics 6
Climb 12
Intimidate 11
Perception 7
Sense motive 5
swim 9

No equipment yet

Spells:
Cause fear
Reduce person
Break
enlarge person

Would like some advice as to what armor to use and if I should change anything.

[Rory]

Xemnas wrote:

Not trying to min max just trying to make a beefy brawler in a party that has a lot of first timers, that way they don't have to worry about being the tank.

Since you are playing with a lot of first timers, one gooooood option is to play a character that supports those players and helps them play a tank or whatever else they desire. You'll be able to boost the party and still remain quite competitive in a new player environment.

Playing a bloodrager will easily steal the spotlight from the first time player and might take away too much too easily from them.

This isn't the advice you asked for, but it's the advice I'd give any veteran when they are playing with a bunch of first timers.

Example Support Characters:

Level 5 dual cursed life oracle can Life Link the front people, buff the party, and start to reliably cast crowd control spells. Toppling Spiritual Weapons are fun as well as protecting the front line and giving AOOs against foes that stand up.

Level 5 bard is great for party buffing. Pick a long sword and shield fighting form to tank in the front line and buff all the new people by a lot.

[Xemnas]

So if I was to give this character to one of the newer people, and play the Dual Cursed life oracle, would there be any changes you would recommend.

I believe currently, we have a Wizard/Sorcerer(Don't remember exactly what they settled on) a Slayer(who wants to be an assassin for the death attack) the above Bloodraging Brawler, and one yet to be decided player.

Edit: the Slayer and Undecided player are brand new. the caster has never played anything outside of martial classes before.

[Rory]

Xemnas wrote:

So if I was to give this character to one of the newer people, and play the Dual Cursed life oracle, would there be any changes you would recommend.

I believe currently, we have a Wizard/Sorcerer(Don't remember exactly what they settled on) a Slayer(who wants to be an assassin for the death attack) the above Bloodraging Brawler, and one yet to be decided player.

I'd start them off with a simpler design for a character.

Playing a large race will be quite a challenge to play in a lot of ways. Playing such a non-standard race isn't an advised introduction to the game in general.

[Smallfoot]

Rory wrote:

Xemnas wrote:

So if I was to give this character to one of the newer people, and play the Dual Cursed life oracle, would there be any changes you would recommend.

I believe currently, we have a Wizard/Sorcerer(Don't remember exactly what they settled on) a Slayer(who wants to be an assassin for the death attack) the above Bloodraging Brawler, and one yet to be decided player.

I'd start them off with a simpler design for a character.

Playing a large race will be quite a challenge to play in a lot of ways. Playing such a non-standard race isn't an advised introduction to the game in general.

I agree with Rory. Multiclass, especially two hybrid classes like that, give a lot of complexity a beginner shouldn't deal with. And a non-standard race is just another set of concepts for a newbie to wrap their brain around.

Give the player a straight-up melee damage dealer, like a Barbarian. Your support character can carry a longspear and make Aid Another attacks to help the Barb's AC.

[Xemnas]

Going off your advice, I might Suggest Either Barb, Fighter or a battle domain Cleric. cleric might be a little confusing for them though

[Qaianna]

I'd agree there. Even barbarians and fighters open up the dreaded pit of options, and both can be pretty solid in front line tanking. If one of them insists on going barefisted, MAYBE an unchained monk. (Or not.)

One other option ... if you're starting at level 5, instead of rolling HP, just take 4 average rolls (and one max, of course). Also get ready for the results of shopping ...