Professor Build Concept

[SouthpawSoldier]

Which do you folks think makes a better Marcus Brody? I'm aiming for all INT skills (though Nature isn't a must), Perception and Persuasion would be nice to have as well.

Knowlege Cleric: Proficiency in 4 skills, with Expertise in 2, and 2 bonus language proficiencies. Can use Channel Divinity for 10min of Proficiency in a skill or tool. All this is at first level; right out the gate as a problem/puzzle solver/translator.

Lore Bard: At first level, Proficiency in 3 skills; at 3rd level Proficiency in 3 more, with Expertise in 2. Expertise in 2 more skills at 10th.

I'm leaning towards Knowledge Cleric; CHA isn't a key factor in the character concept, so many Bard features don't quite fit. At the same time, Bards are more rounded; don't really want to build a one-trick pony. Neither really supports INT as a primary or even secondary ability.

Wizards have casting and save synergy with an INT-skill build, but the skill selection is weak. Only 2 skills, no additional proficiencies or Expertise.

 

[Blue]

If your DM is okay with the Unearthed Arcana material, look at the Mystic. (In the revised "v2" packet that's more polished.)

It's INT based, and the Order of the Awakened has several powers along those lines. At 1st you gain two more skills of your choice plus Expertise (double proficiency) for any one skill you know. 3rd level you can read the psychic imprint left on an object - goes well with Brody's ability with artifacts. Multiple of the Disciplines could fit depending on how you want to play him and what niche you are filling in the party, Third Eye seems particularly good for him.

 

[MacMind]

I'm playing a gnomish Diviner Wizard, whose 1st level was one level as a Knowledge Cleric. His background is a Sage, and he can read every written language in the PHB, has half-plate and a shield, and has the most amazing knowledge skills with expertise in two (Arcana & History). With spells like Shield, Command, Misty Step and the like, along with amazing abilities such as Portent, he is an incredibly difficult character to kill, and excels at battlefield control and keeping the party of predominantly Melee fighter types alive.

 

[Rhogar_Rarr]

You could always throw in some rogue / knowledge cleric. Rogue 1 can get you expertise in two knowledge skills and knowledge cleric 1 can get you two more. You could even put some intelligence towards an arcane trickster if you wanted too.