Eberron Character concepts

[tecnowraith]

I like some advice which class would be good for an antiquarian (adj 1: of or relating to persons who study or deal in antiques or antiquities 2: of or relating to antiques or antiquities n : an expert or collector of antiquities) type character. Some say Artificer and others say Wizard but which one. He wants to go out in the world and collect and sell them to anyone wants to buy them.

For an Artificer though, how good is he in a fight. Don't worry about buffing and modifying the equipment statement, i get that but what can do in straight combat? What weapons would be good for him? My first idea was him being a wand slinger (wands as firearms).

 

[shilsen]

Actually, I'd say an antiquarian as you're describing him would be an expert, not a wizard or an artificer. But since such a character would be handicapped as a PC, I'd say that it just depends on which class you prefer, since you can play either to fit that character concept.

The artificer in combat is probably best at using magical items (scrolls and wands), so I would suggest focusing on spells that aid your party and distract the enemy, since direct damage will not be a great option (save DCs are fairly low for magic items). Then again, depending on your level, all you need is a nice wand of enervation to make most enemies' lives miserable.

 

[Dinkeldog]

You could play a bard.

 

[drnuncheon]

Go out and collect them, as well as sell them? There's really only one choice: Rogue - just like Indiana Jones!

Go for a high Int. Take the Education feat and drop some of your crazy amount of skill ranks into various Knowledge skills (which are now all class skills for you) - History is pretty much a must. Add Search, Appraise, Disable Device, Decipher Script, and whatever skill your DM ues to let you drive the price up (Bluff or Diplomacy).

J

 

[tecnowraith]

Remember I wanted, on the combat side of the character, to use wands and staves like firearms as well.

 

[Andor]

Honestly for an Indiana Jones type character (which seems to be the archetype your shooting for, well actually you seem to be shooting for his nemesis Dr. Belloq) I would go with a rogue/extreme explorer.

You could still cap your UMD for the wands.

 

[tecnowraith]

Well the archetype is more base on Connor or Ducanon MacCeold than Indy.

 

[Starman]

Well, anyone can be an antiquarian in addition to whatever else they do. If you want someone with Highlander-like fighting ability, make him a Fighter/Rogue. You're going to want mostly fighter levels if you're looking for the combat monster. The rogue levels are going to be mostly for skill points. So, say by 10th level, you are fighter 8/rogue 2. You would only lose out on 1 BAB buy you would gain at least 16 skill points. Look at what drnuncheon recommended for skills and don't forget UMD for using wands and scrolls.

Starman

 

[John Q. Mayhem]

For a Connor Macleod character, unfettered from AU is a great choice. You can buy the .pdf with AUs fighter-type classes from white wolf for a few bucks.
If you have the Monsternomicon, there's a PrC called adventuring scholar with a very Indiana Jones feel.

 

[tecnowraith]

Its not the combat style I am talking about the but the way they do there business. Indy is mostly hired by a museum, the MacCleod's ran a shops. And do not tell me that NPCs are best suited for that cause not PCs must have a job to pay the bills. Yeah we get treasure and all but who who does all the selling? Heince my concept.

Think of it this way: Indy is more of the acedemic type and the MacCleods are the business/trader types but both still went out onto the field and gather the ietms.