Tag: Class Discussions

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Class Discussions Player Resources

Adventuring With A Sub-Optimal Party (Part 2)

Delving through dungeons with a non-standard party is an invitation to failure in most instances. What happens when the most stereotypical member of the adventuring party is missing? Defenders represent the key trait that all adventurer’s need, toughness. Defenders are the embodiment of nobility, honour, duty and physical perfection. Legend and fiction are full of characters that embody the spirit of the defender: Lancelot, Conan, Elric and Beowulf all fit the description. Warrior’s any adventurer would want by their side.

What happens to an adventuring party when this key element is missing? What happens when the tank, the individual who absorbs all the damage, is missing? What adjustments does a party need to make to ensure it can successfully navigate the challenges that face it?

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Class Discussions Editorial

Is More Really Better: A Look At Character Classes

I’m all about options, I love to have a multitude of choices, doing the research and then selecting the best fit for the vision of my character. These choices don’t just include the feats and powers I select for my PC, in fact the decisions start the moment I open up the Character Builder. I’m first confronted with the choice of what class to play, followed by race and so on. While these two early choices may seem simple, they are anything but. They will serve to represent your character as much or more than any other choice you make.

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Player Resources

The Goliath, A Giant Waste

Me Smash! You go crush! Me smash, you crush!

I’ll admit these were my initial thoughts on the Goliath and things haven’t changed much. Perhaps my stereotypes aren’t fair or justified, but that’s ok because they’re mine. I don’t like the Goliath for a number of reasons, however I wanted to give this giant of a race a fair shot. So here is my take on them, my perceptions of their strengths and weaknesses. You may also want to see my thoughts on Dwarves (the best race) and Tieflings.

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Player Resources

Celebrating The Teiflings Infernal Heritage

The descendants of ancient bargains with infernal powers, Teiflings are often misunderstood. It is assumed that they are dangerous, cunning and untrustworthy people. While this is true for some, Teiflings make valuable allies. Their innate Charisma assists them in putting their opponents off guard and their Intelligence allows them to tactically size up a situation before they act.

Last week we covered Dwarves, the best race, today let’s take a look at this infernal race. You may also want to check out Mark’s write-up on why he thinks Humans are the best race over at Dice Monkey.

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Player Resources

Dwarves Are The Best Race

Surly, gruff, uncouth and belligerent. Nothing could be further from the truth when speaking about Dwarves. Insightful, tough, resilient and reliable are better words to describe Dwarven kin. In looking at the characteristics of this noble folk you realize that not only would you enjoy an evening of pints with a Dwarf, but you also want them watching your back. Of course we shouldn’t neglect to mention those beards. Phenomenal stuff! Let’s take a deeper look at the toughest of races.

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Editorial

PHB3 First Look: Hybrid Characters

Hybrid characters, the newest Player’s Handbook 3 debut content, were released as part of Dragon Magazine #383 (DDI subscription required). The concept of a dual classes and how the game designers were going to differentiate multi-classing from hybrids is something I’ve wanted to see for some time. I was very excited to see this update and to get my hands on the debut rules. Based on my first impression with the hybrid system I’m very impressed.

In short, the hybrid system opens up a wealth of new character options for players. While not every option will make sense or be optimized, the hybrid system allows players to tinker with various character concepts and build something unique.

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Player Resources

A Beginner’s Guide to Dungeons & Dragons (Part 2)

Welcome to the second installment of our Beginner’s Guide to Dungeons & Dragons. In our previous article we discussed the history of D&D and what a new player requires to get started in the hobby.

Today’s installment tackles the issue of character creation. There is a lot that goes into this aspect of the game and considering all of the elements carefully will lead to long term enjoyment while running your player character (PC). If you don’t give character creation proper consideration then you may not enjoy the campaign.

This series is primarily aimed at new players, but I would encourage long time fans of the game to chime in with any tips they have when considering character creation.

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Class Discussions

Why You Want A Controller In Your Party

Combat in 4e Dungeons & Dragons is a tactical affair. The effective use of conditions and the importance of movement demand that an effective party do more than just attack. The party needs to attack as an efficient cohesive unit, where every resource is used to best advantage.

This requires that someone call the shots. A default assumption might be for the leader in the party to be that person, after all leaders lead. But is that really the best decision? Is the leader dazing, stunning, slowing, moving or immobilizing their opponents?

Didn’t think so, no that duty rest primarily with the party’s controller.

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Class Discussions

Necromancer: Epic Tier (Revised)

female necromancerThis is the third and final part of our revised Necromancer powers. Although few players seem to be playing the Epic Tier regularily, there are opportunities for one-off adventures where you can use these powers to try something different. Our goal is to provide options for those who enjoy the Wizard class and want to add a Necromantic feel.

Once again a big thanks to Wyatt from Spirits of Eden for his feedback and providing the motivation to update these articles. If you would like to see more powers and options for the Necromancer visit some of our previous articles on the subject.

Revised Articles

Original Articles

If you’ve enjoyed these articles on the Necromancer and are looking for more then return to Dungeon’s Master in December when we’ll present new and original takes on the Necromancer.

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Class Discussions Player Resources

Necromancer: Paragon Path (revised)

We continue our reimaging of the Necromancer with this update of a Paragon Path for wizards. Perhaps I’m the only one, but I miss the old specialist wizards of previous editions. This revision results from reader feedback and a desire to provide the community with a more workable version of the Necromancer.

Once again I’d like to thank Wyatt of Spirits of Eden for his suggestions to provide more balance to this paragon path. You can read more on our thoughts on the Necromancer and our previous versions of the class. We hope to have a revised version of the Epic Tier in the next few weeks.

Revised Articles

Original Articles

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