6th level Cleric/Druid tips, 28-pt buy, low-magic, mostly 3.0

[carborundum]

I've got a weekend game coming up in a few days and need to make a 6th level character. I'm thinking Cleric or Druid. There are so many builds I have got lost - can you suggest one or two of each please?

The DM has piled on a lot of restrictions - it'll be low magic so 9000gp with no one item over 2500gp. The rules are mostly 3.0, with 3.5 Haste, Hold & Polymorph. Only Core books, and 3.0 class books such as Tome & Blood. I might be able to swing a Complete 3.5 book. Two flaws possible, but not Shaky or Noncombatant. Cloistered Cleric option is acceptable.

I don't really want a flaw, maybe one if it makes a cool concept possible.

The Rogue/ Cloistered Cleric archer is interesting but not easy to pull off with 28 point buy. We are also allowed the Knight of the Raven PrC, the Lightbringers orgaisation and Alchemical Items - something tells me we'll be playing Ravenloft!

It's cool to tweak your build for the setting but please don't tell me anything about it, I DM'd it back in AD&D days but know nothing about the 3rd Ed scenario/ campaign. I'd like to keep it that way.

Get tweaking and recommending, chaps. The world is counting on you!

 

[StreamOfTheSky]

Just do straight druid. As long as you have access to Natural Spell (Masters of the Wild, right?), level 6 is the level where you can stop particularly caring about your normal form and spend all day wild shaped. See if you can commision an item for continuous usage of ghost sound. It would allow you to sparsely communicate while wildshaped and as a cantrip, should fall within the pricing guidelines your DM set.

Cleric works, too, but they lose more without good weapons/armor available, and with a lack of later class features, you generally want to go into a prestige class. Druid offers relative simplicity (picking animal companions and wildshape forms could be a small chore), since it has enough class features where you cna just stay in it till 20 and be happy.

 

[Herobizkit]

I believe I know what adventure the DM is plotting on using. If you're thinking Ravenloft, you're thinking Undead, and you're now wondering if Rogue will be all that while fighting Undead.

Cloistered Clerics are awesomesauce IMO, but are tailored for NON-combat situations. Since you're likely playing a pre-gen adventure, your Cloistered Cleric is better at being a scholar (Knowledge skills and extra spells) than an archer. Now, if you throw a few Fighter levels in there (or even cheese the Ranger), you could become an expert Warrior/Scholar-type (with Undead as one of your favoured enemies in Ranger; Undead is not an optimal choice for enemy, but for the module, meh). You could even make a half-elf for nostalgia's sake. IMO, the Contemplative prestige class from the Complete Divine is a perfect prestige class for the Cloistered Cleric.

As for Druid, I agree with StreamOfTheSky, which is rare, so pay attention. LOL! Druids are pure awesome without needing Prestige Classes, especially the 3.0 version. As SotS mentioned, Wild Shape lasts until you change shape again instead of so many turns as in the 3.5 version. Same concept, though... I played a Fighter/Druid to good effect, and a Bard/Druid would still give you that feel-good scholarly feel if you're more interested in that side of things.

 

[carborundum]

Thanks - I've taken your advice, sifted through all the options and had a chat with the DM. He's happy with ...

A Ghostwise Halfling Druid with a Fleshraker companion. He didn't fancy Greenbound Summoning, but even I think that one's too much without some sort of Metamagic LA.

I'll be playing him as a kind of African pygmy with feral, almost cannibalistic urges. Looking forward to it!

Do you have any ideas about equipment and tactics? I am also allowed Natural Spell. Is it better to stay Jack-of-all-trades? Would you advise me to specialize, either in summoning or in melee (for example buffing myself and the companion)?

 

[Herobizkit]

All flesh must be eaten. (It's also the title of an RPG about Zombies)

I also cracked up when I looked up Fleshraker and got the d20 Modern demon. I was like, "WOW! Your DM is twisted!"

The Druid's strengh is in his versatility. To that end, I would suggest to examine what the other players are playing and find a way to fill any gaps. Natural Spell means never having to be without your spells in animal form, but if you don't intend on staying in animal form, save the feat for something else. Specializing in summons is a headache for the DM and may not be the best choice for the types of enemies you are likely to encounter (except maybe as meatshields/distractions for a few rounds). Buffs are never a bad idea.

 

[Shin Okada]

Greater Magic Weapon and Magic Vestment will be your best friend. Go straight Cleric and maximize your caster level.

A lot of 3.0e creatures have Damage Resistance X/+X weapon. If that is the low-magic game, Greater Magic Weapon is the easiest way to have a weapon which can bypass such DRs.

Taking some Item Creation feats, especially Scribe Scroll & Craft Wand will be useful.

Ask your DM if he is going to use 3.0eFR/3.5e experience rule which gives more XPs depend on the character level of each PCs, not average party level. Because it will encourage PCs to spend XPs by themselves. Even if not, some Item Creation will be useful as you can't buy many of them.