Advice on blowing 9000 GP's on a 5th Level Character gen?

[Vyrolakos]

I've got a one off D&D 3.5 game to play in tomorrow. So I have created an Elven Ranger of Mielikke (FR setting) and have all of the main character stuff worked out, the only thing left to do is spend 9000 GP's on some magical stuff.

I've never really been a min/maxer, so I just went with my backstory and made up a nice Orc Bane Longbow +1. This cost 8375 GP (according to the DMG)

My DM suggested that I might like to consider something with a little more usability than just smegging Orcs.

I did point out that it's a perfectly good +1 Longbow!

... anyway, anyone have any suggestions for blowing 9000 GP's on a 5th level Elven Ranger who has specialised in Combat Style: Archer (Point Blank Shot, Rapid Shot) and has been limited to 'Minor' magic items only?

May the blessings of Mielikke be with you (as long as you stay off the grass!)

 

[Ahnehnois]

Well, in general, the purpose of magic items is to help you not die. The most cost-effective items are defensive and ability enhancers. My first buy for virtually any character is a cloak/vest of resistance. For a ranger archer, I'd consider following that up with a Dex item. A healing belt is usually a good investment. I'd also consider boots of striding and springing and maybe some stealth items like boots/cloak of elvenkind. I don't know that I'd bother with a magic weapon or armor for a character under those financial constraints.

 

[Olgar Shiverstone]

Pick up a mithral chain shirt (1,100 gp); perhaps enchant it for a protection bonus, or even add Arrow Deflection (+2 equivalent) to help dodge return fire.

 

[RUMBLETiGER]

I'd advise reading thru Bunko's Bargain Basement, Dark Samurai's Utility Belt and Shax's Indispensable Haversack for ideas.

 

[Vyrolakos]

Thanks for the ideas, I've taken notes and I shall see what transpires tomorrow.

 

[Tovec]

Mithril chain is probably the best bet for a DEX based character like 90% of the time. It is a great armor and easily upgradeable.

Some things that would help us are; (a) What books you are limited to, (b) things about your personality as opposed to stats.

If you want a better offense then you DM is probably right an Orc Bane may not be a great choice, bane itself is really situational and orcs are a fairly small target usually unless you know something you aren't sharing. The best choices for Bane vary with the campaign but can sometimes be.. human (if a mostly urban - in human lands game), undead (whatever types/subtypes you have to use to get there) and dragons (since their DR and high HP are annoying). For your money (a +1 bonus) it is probably better to get any one of the elemental bonus dice as it will apply to more creatures more often.

Another really strong choice (if you are looking to make a really strong character ) is to boost saves and defenses. With the right items you can make yourself nearly untouchable with the right combination. I think personally these are a good choice, but I try NOT to make them until I find my defenses lacking in 3.5 math. I prefer to get other items to help my character.

Random item time, namely Wondrous items: Boots of speed (12000, I know so not yet) are a good item to get for martial classes who want to maximize their attacks and speed. Bag of Holding, Bag of Tricks (random choice, but a frequently fun and useful one), Slippers of Spider Climb (depending on spell options), Gloves of Dexterity (I'm assuming your bow using ranger uses DEX), hat of disguise, bracers of archery (and later greater archery). Several of these boost your innate skills or bypass their need almost entirely. Good choices in my book. And again, finally, depending on the personality of your character other items may make sense; decks of illusion, figurines of wondrous power, wands, scrolls, different armor or weapons (ones with names), and so on.

These are my best thoughts. Kind of ramble-y Hopefully they helped.

 

[Dandu]

Seeking > Orc Bane

 

[roundviper]

I would take bracers of armor and something that would allow me to either move without hindrance or be able to shoot faster as well.

 

[SirAlexanderCourt]

I would personally say you put the gold in a bank account,
perhaps buy some land, even a house and retire from adventuring.

9000 gp is a lot of money, you could even become a fellow
at some university or library if you're the scholarly type.

 

[Vyrolakos]

I would personally say you put the gold in a bank account,
perhaps buy some land, even a house and retire from adventuring.

9000 gp is a lot of money, you could even become a fellow
at some university or library if you're the scholarly type.

You know, I did actually consider that. But what would an Elven Ranger (follower of Mielikke) do with money in a bank, and a house to live in ("you mean like, inside!?")?

When you sit down and calculate costs, it's truly staggering just how much money the average adventurer is carrying around, just in magic items.

...and I was the poorest member of the party.