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Help me with good RP/Optimization balance for Half-Elf (probably)Valor Bard (archer?)
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<blockquote data-quote="ccs" data-source="post: 7601590" data-attributes="member: 6803664"><p>There's not much, if any, reason NOT to use a rapier in this setup. A d8 weapon that keys off your 16 Dex or a sword that likely uses your +0 Str. Hmm....</p><p></p><p>Shields: The math says use a shield. But you should play the character that your envisioning. So, does a shield fit that vision?</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>With a bow? No. For somantic components of spells you need 1 free hand. So unless you're always walking around with an arrow knocked it likely won't be interfering. And you can't cast a spell at the same time your firing the bow. </p><p>With sword/rapier + shield? That'll interfere. But you should talk to your DM about this. I've seen a great many who simply ignore limitations like this. At the worst you'll just have to learn to plan how to cast spells better.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Barring some other future modifier, your AC (with shield) will top out at either 18 (breastplate or chain shirt) or 17 (studded leather). </p><p>Without shield it's: 15 (studded leather), 16 (chain shirt), or 16 (breastplate).</p><p>I don't see any math reason except GP cost to go with studded leather (or lighter), and I doubt you'll be able to afford breastplate early on (it's 400GP). So chain shirt? </p><p>The only rules reason you'd take leather is if you use the starting equipment package.</p><p></p><p>Now on the RP end of the spectrum? You should absolutely use the armor that fits your vision. Even if that's not optimal. One of my own characters was a barbarian with decent stats. And I still wore a breast plate even though it'd have been about 2 AC pts higher with zero armor. </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Well, you won't get that feat/ASI bump until 4th lv. So you've got a few sessions to further ponder this one.</p><p>*Will taking Sharpshooter help more than taking ______?</p><p>*What will best help me play the character I'm envisioning? Sharpshooter or ______? I generally go with whatever furthers my vision.</p><p>*And keep an eye on how the story itself is progressing. Sometimes there might be other considerations.</p><p></p><p>As far as optimizing by stat? There's nothing wrong with your stats. As a bard Cha is important. And your 16 dex influences bow & rapier attacks, AC, initiative & is a fairly common saving throw. And since you don't want any negatives.... </p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>See my answer above.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>Bard 1, Bard 2, Bard 3, Bard 4..... and go with the flow of the game. As for Multi-classing? You'll have a tough time qualifying for that with either of the stat lines you're looking at.</p><p></p><p><strong>Ability Scores (char is half-elf):</strong></p><p></p><p>10 16(+1 incl.) 12 (+1 incl.) 10 12 16 (+2 incl.)!</p></blockquote><p></p><p>I'd do this one.</p><p>[/QUOTE]</p>
[QUOTE="ccs, post: 7601590, member: 6803664"] There's not much, if any, reason NOT to use a rapier in this setup. A d8 weapon that keys off your 16 Dex or a sword that likely uses your +0 Str. Hmm.... Shields: The math says use a shield. But you should play the character that your envisioning. So, does a shield fit that vision? With a bow? No. For somantic components of spells you need 1 free hand. So unless you're always walking around with an arrow knocked it likely won't be interfering. And you can't cast a spell at the same time your firing the bow. With sword/rapier + shield? That'll interfere. But you should talk to your DM about this. I've seen a great many who simply ignore limitations like this. At the worst you'll just have to learn to plan how to cast spells better. Barring some other future modifier, your AC (with shield) will top out at either 18 (breastplate or chain shirt) or 17 (studded leather). Without shield it's: 15 (studded leather), 16 (chain shirt), or 16 (breastplate). I don't see any math reason except GP cost to go with studded leather (or lighter), and I doubt you'll be able to afford breastplate early on (it's 400GP). So chain shirt? The only rules reason you'd take leather is if you use the starting equipment package. Now on the RP end of the spectrum? You should absolutely use the armor that fits your vision. Even if that's not optimal. One of my own characters was a barbarian with decent stats. And I still wore a breast plate even though it'd have been about 2 AC pts higher with zero armor. Well, you won't get that feat/ASI bump until 4th lv. So you've got a few sessions to further ponder this one. *Will taking Sharpshooter help more than taking ______? *What will best help me play the character I'm envisioning? Sharpshooter or ______? I generally go with whatever furthers my vision. *And keep an eye on how the story itself is progressing. Sometimes there might be other considerations. As far as optimizing by stat? There's nothing wrong with your stats. As a bard Cha is important. And your 16 dex influences bow & rapier attacks, AC, initiative & is a fairly common saving throw. And since you don't want any negatives.... See my answer above. Bard 1, Bard 2, Bard 3, Bard 4..... and go with the flow of the game. As for Multi-classing? You'll have a tough time qualifying for that with either of the stat lines you're looking at. [B]Ability Scores (char is half-elf):[/B] 10 16(+1 incl.) 12 (+1 incl.) 10 12 16 (+2 incl.)![/QUOTE] I'd do this one. [/QUOTE]
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Help me with good RP/Optimization balance for Half-Elf (probably)Valor Bard (archer?)
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