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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Porphyrogenitus" data-source="post: 4299951" data-attributes="member: 69738">Decloaking to Ramble On - THE GREAT WALL OF TEXTICUSOk, this thread made me register & decloak, 'cause I'm pondering (taking over the world?) whether 4E is for me or not.Here's my essential character concept:Among the greatest arcane spellcasters of her era, with a versatile spell repertour, however not necessarily one focused on blowing stuff up, she is also expert with a rapier - as deadly with it as a knight of the equivalent level. Her skill with it is based more on intelligence and deftness (dex) than brute force. She does not wear armor but avoids blows through skill, misdirection (cha), and enchantments. She can slip through most areas unseen without setting off traps and gets passed locked and barred areas without notice. She is a master of persuasion and can inspire people to follow her [I hate the name "Warlord" but that's just flavour-text]. She has deep insight into lore and can gather a wide variety of information, through both mundane and divinatory means. Has a wide variety of interpersonal skills and deep knowledge of many subjects (history, politics, local lore - think 3E Loremaster combined with Info Gathering & Knowledge skillz)I will tell you that when I have "converted" this character to computer games, I didn't bother with spellcasting because I.E. NWN/NWN2 didn't capture it (instead I used Rogue/Paladin/Swashbuckler/Monk in NWN2 - Swashbuckler being someone's mod/hak), because the computer conversion didn't/doesn't capture the essence of her spellcasting - in battle, she tends to use the blade over spells, with spells used in preparation (intel-gathering, buffs, &tc) and also for a lot of what would seem "background" uses - non-combat things, long-duration personal enchantments, illusions, critter construction, fortress-building, beguiling, follower-enhancing; but not simple "Bard Buff" stuff (thus a Bardish/Buffer conversion on computer would not be apt); she's a builder and an enhancer of the constructions she's built through magic, or simply acquired and then renovated with arcanegeneering. Abjurations and protective magics that neutralized what others cast at her (and her associates) were a key as well, along with spells that broke down the opponents defenses.Used divinatory spells (such as Wizard Eye and its variants, among others) to pre-scout areas in advance and plan, thus prepare a proper spell selection before going into any area. Generally grew to prefer intrigues and maneuverings to advance her aims, which were long-range and wide-reaching, using combat selectively. She's not incapable of spells that blow stuff up, but they are generally "backdrop" for her, things she uses on "lesser included" opponents rather than challenging ones/her peers (they get the tongue or the blade-backed-by-enchantments&skill). Invariably goes into battle swaddled in spells that damage the opponent if they manage to hit her. Small in size, she intimidates through shear force of personality...and, eventually, reputation. So skilled at negotiation it is said she could sell snow to the frost giants of icereach and sand to a Calashite pasha. She is a Lord (Lady/Dame/whatever) Knight by status, rank, and title in her own land, and formerly elected Senator of its capital city (position resigned, has status Senator Emeritus). That's all "flavour text" but gives some insight into the character concept. Not a wandering minstrel or scavenger for spare coin in taverns, she's a person of learning and culture. Thus needs a good skill-set and good spell-set and keen expertise with the rapier so she can go, if not toe-to-toe with competative opponents, at least strike-and-dash (Spring Attack style. Oh, and she's fast...speed magically enhanced). Definately can teleport & fly and travel the planes (such as they are in 4E...*sigh*. Almost not worth going anymore, pity, really).From what I gather, the 3E spell list now leans heavily towards combatives, and less so towards "utility" spells, especially summonings/bindings/ensorcelments/beguilements &tc that invoke aid or influence opponents (except perhaps short duration, which is relatively useless unless you only plan to bump into them in one encounter or bump them off in that encounter). In that sense, it seems it *has* swayed more towards the MMORPG than the PnP, the latter where NPCs might have more persistence and not be simpleminded computer bots (most DMs tend to be smarter than a 'bot...your mileage may vary, and perhaps MMORPG 'bot AI outwits you more than your DM's NPCs do, but I feel sad for you if that's the case. If it is, try the Turing Test on your DM. If he fails, look for another). In OD&D this character was a Thyatian Forester (of Alphatian decent, from IoD), in 2E a dual-class Thief (Swashbuckler kit)/Wizard, after having reached L.15 in Rogue went on to Archmage status in Wizard (2nd class). 3.5E monstrosity build version is Rogue/Swashbuckler/Wizard/Eldritch Knight/Loremaster and an accumulation of feats and abilities that give wicked hit & damage to rapier and improvements to her AC.I'm open to items producing some effects - after all that happens now - but some things are intrinsic to her and her skills (her spellcasting doesn't follow the Path of the Burnout, fumbling around with fetishes. I suppose her rapier would be an acceptable focus. Or her headdress perhaps, or gown. But not a walking stick or the like).For those who haven't lost interest, a visual can be found <a href="http://shiramune.deviantart.com/art/vivianna-Romanones-Commission-80963715" target="_blank">here</a>, a piece I commissioned of her, excellently executed by Shiramune (<-- a plug for his work; he's getting really good).What she doesn't need (superfluous): skill with armor can be dispensed with. Skill with a wide variety of weapons is not needed - just a few, mainly rapier, rapier, rapier. Shortsword & short composite bow or hand cross bow & dagger possibly as well. But signature weapon definately rapier. But my point is knowledge of a wide variety of weapons is not needed. Always nice, but not essential to the character.Interestingly, in her current 3.5E Monsterous Build Version, she's an excellent dancer and decent singer, but was never a Bard nor would that really fit the concept. Not-a-Bard. Perhaps a multiclass Wizard/Rogue or Wizard/"Warlord" (*retch at vulgarian name*) So another thing she isn't is "A Bard" - when it comes to spellcasting, they're hedge-wizards and dillitantes. Her knowledge of spellcasting is both deeper and broader, more versitile. Versitility is the best one-word description of her arcane side, excellence is the best one word description of her fighting side.</blockquote>

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