Advice for a new player bored with his character

[mrorangesoda]

Hi everyone,
I've been lurking for a while, but decided to post looking for some advice. Hope this is in the right place (I think it is)

I started playing D&D for the first time with some friends from work back in June. I really enjoy it, but am growing bored with my character (though I'm still really interested in the story).

We're playing "A Night Below" adapted for 3.5. I joined the group mid-story when they were all level 6. I was told that the group needed some damage dealers (at that point it consisted of a human Cleric who wasn't doing much, elf Rogue, half elf Ranger, human Sorcerer, and half orc fighter). I decided to be a human fighter (with a classical Greek hero kind of theme) for my first time out, mostly because the wizard section of the ph seemed confusing.
I was really helpful at first, but as we've moved forward my guy is seeming less cool and less useful- my stats aren't good enough to move forward along a feat progression chain to change the way I fight and I haven't tried to get some of the fancy magical gear that we've found cause it doesn't fit my guy's background. Fighting for me consists of charge, stab, stab, take some damage, stab, get healed. We've had trouble with scheduling, and haven't been playing as consistently recently- I find myself reading the ph and think of all the cool characters I could make if my current character were to meet an untimely end.
I've read online that fighters in 3.5 plateau and I'm wondering if this is coming out of that. I also realize this could be sour grapes on my part because our cleric got the talking magical sword in addition to suddenly getting all these crazy powerful spells that make him super useful or that I don't get a 38 on spot checks like our elf rogue while I haven't gotten to jump, swim, or climb once so far.

How do I go about fixing things so I'm engaged with my character as much as with the broader story, like I used to be? Should I talk with my DM or would broaching this topic cross some line? Is this a normal experience for one's first time out and it will pass?

that's a big chunk of text with way too much exposition. thanks for any advice you have.

 

[teach]

I would first talk to the DM. A lot of time, talking the DM about your boredom with your character can help. Either he can let you change some of the stats, skills and feats you've taken, or maybe he'll let you build a new character. Or maybe he'll start sprinkling into the adventure some treasure that fits your character better. But really, the first step is talking to the DM.

Good luck!

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

1) While it doesn't bug everyone, there IS a power gap between spellcasters and non-casters that starts becoming really noticeable about midway up the XP chart.

2) There seems to be an element of favoritism creeping into the distribution of treasure. That happens from time to time- hopefully, its not endemic to your campaign. You might ask your DM about it in private.

3) Sometimes, a PC simply isn't as kewl as we thought it would be. That's a hazard of the hobby. "Suiciding" or retiring a PC can be done. Sometimes, though, you can rework a PC to be a bit more fun, depending upon how he's statted out. Sometimes, all it takes is a change in gear.

4) It could also be that the fighter simply isn't the PC for you. When you REALLY think about it, is it the simplicity of his routine that is getting to you? Do you want to do more? If so, you might consider multiclassing, or choosing a class with a different theme...or from a different book. Me? I always liked mixing martial skill with magical ability, and there are all kinds of ways to do that via multiclassing or with classes that mix the two together (Duskblades, War Mages, Stalwart Sorcerer, Battle Sorcerer, etc.).

 

[smetzger]

If your tired of your character ask your DM if you can run a different one.

Its just a game not a marriage.

 

[On Puget Sound]

Yes, you should definitely talk with your GM about this, and not during a session. See if he/she will let you make some character modifications now that you know the game better.

The lack of stats to follow a feat chain is a biggie; once you get past around level 8, you really need to be specializing to be effective.

If you can't alter your current character beyond the normal retraining rules, there are still a few tricks 3.5 allows to make yourself more effective.

Many classes (rogue, barbarian, ranger) handsomely reward taking even one or two levels in that class. Making your next level a multiclass level can add some interesting new options. Even a single level of sorcerer can be surprising - take True Strike and Enlarge Person, and Shield if you normally use a two-handed weapon.

 

[mrorangesoda]

thanks for the quick responses. I'll definitely be talking to my dm at some point about fixes.

It is the monotony of my role in combat that's getting to me most. I asked at one point about how much combat was going on, and apparently we're in the hack and slash heavy middle chapter of this campaign.
I'll look into multi-classing. Honestly, I've never read much about it as I thought that veering from specificity would be a weakness. Where my guy is now though, it sounds like it may be a good solution.

re:treasure distribution- I have been offered things I turn down because it doesn't fit my character. I feel pretty sure he's using the magic items that are listed in the book. Any disconnect probably has to do with me not talking with him enough. (Also, that talking sword was doled out based on alignment, so I don't hold that against anyone. Still, talking sword. that's pretty sweet.)

 

[TarionzCousin]

It's not a short-term fix, but you might volunteer to take a turn as the DM for the next section of the game--like after you finish "A Night Below."

Decent or better DM's are never bored.

 

[Dannyalcatraz]

Honestly, I've never read much about it as I thought that veering from specificity would be a weakness.

It can be in the eyes of the optimizers, depending upon your particular choices.

If, however, you're trying to spice up your PC's flavor and give your PC more options in and out of combat, multiclassing can do that like almost nothing else in the game.

 

[Dausuul]

I agree with the suggestion to ask if you can re-stat your character. Given the learning curve of 3E, it's not fair to force a newbie to stick with his initial feat and class choices. You don't have to change your character concept, just the mechanics.

Do you have access to the Book of Nine Swords? If so, see if your DM will let you rebuild your PC as a warblade. Much more versatile and tactically interesting than a straight-up fighter, and you'll be able to keep up with the casters unless they're hardcore Batman/CoDzilla types*.

If you want further suggestions on how to re-build your PC, you need only ask on these boards and you'll get more ideas than you could ever use.

Incidentally, what is your current build? From the way you describe it, you sound like a fighter specializing in some type of spear... more details?

[size=-2]*Common "optimized" methods of playing wizards, clerics, and druids in 3E. The wizard is Batman, with a utility belt full of instant win spells for every situation. The cleric or druid is CoDzilla, cleric-or-druid-zilla, using personal buffing spells to become a horrific melee monster.[/size]

 

[fba827]

Some of my suggestions repeat suggestions already made ...
a) Stick with it and see if your opinion changes
b) Let your fighter leave and bring in a new PC (clean, simple, no baggage)
c) Ask the DM if you can rebuild your fighter (keeping him thematically the same, but tweaking stats and feat choices, etc)
d) Ask the DM if you can rebuild your PC from scratch (this works best if the DM can tie it into the story. Perhaps he dies and is raised from the dead with a new found touch of divine insight becoming a cleric of the faith that raised him. perhaps he encounters some hidden jewel artifact that releases memories of a past wizard into him, thus, changing him, or perhaps he spends two months training with a master monk, and so on. this method works best to preserve your PC's story connections and bond with the existing party, but it is also tricky to pull off without seeming too cheesy)


In my experience, I've found for me personally when I start questioning my enjoyment with a PC, I prefer to either go for b or d from the above list. (a is already lost if i'm questioning my fun with it, and c tends to frustrate me because i keep thinking about all the reasons i didn't like it in the first place).

But your own preferences and style, as well as that of the DM and the rest of your table should be taken into consideration.