Is a +3 good enough to hit stuff?

[Thanee]

A reflex defense of 17 is certainly not typical in the module, but 14 is quite common (that's still a 50% to-hit chance with just a +3).

Bye
Thanee

 

[Plane Sailing]

I've been playing a Dragonborn Paladin with a 16 strength for five levels (3 to 8) with no real problems. I hit often enough to do my job, and that's against AC (using a flail for my weapon).

Well, you are getting your weapon proficiency bonus on top of the +3 there

 

[Runestar]

I think someone (either here or at the gleemax dnd forums) once crunched the numbers and found that in general, a monster's defenses tend to scale a little faster than a PC's attack rating (meaning that you will typically start off being able to hit better than average, but this will gradually worsen until you hit a little worse than average).

So in summary, a base16 in your key attacking stat might appear to suffice at very low levels, but be warned that this "honeymoon period" will not last. So don't be lulled into a false sense of security.

 

[Belphanior]

I think someone (either here or at the gleemax dnd forums) once crunched the numbers and found that in general, a monster's defenses tend to scale a little faster than a PC's attack rating (meaning that you will typically start off being able to hit better than average, but this will gradually worsen until you hit a little worse than average).

This is intersting. But did it account for magic weapons/implements and the larger availability of buffing powers?

 

[Runestar]

Yes for the magic weapons, not so sure for buffs, since this seems party specific, and may not be a "luxury" every party can afford. Also, all other factors constant, an optimized party can benefit from buffs as much as a relatively less optimized party, so I am not sure if it is really that relevant here.

Here is the article in question. Make of it what you will.
http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1067404

 

[ValhallaGH]

Well, you are getting your weapon proficiency bonus on top of the +3 there

Sure I am And targeting a defense that is generally +2 higher than all other defenses, so I'd say it balances.

(Being a cheeky, precise, speaker is fun, isn't it?)

 

[mattdm]

This is intersting. But did it account for magic weapons/implements and the larger availability of buffing powers?

Or for the other advantages you might be able to get from feats you can access because you have more spread-out ability scores?

 

[Keenath]

A 16 in your base stat is totally playable at all levels. If you feel it necessary, just prioritize getting higher-bonus weapons (or holy symbols) over getting better armor or whatnot. Talk to the DM about the fact that you want to make sure you always have the biggest weapon enhancement bonus available at your level.

 

[Rechan]

Why aren't you taking Righteous Brand, and other Strength-based attacks? Righteous Brand is a contender for the strongest At-Will in the game.

To answer your and Zillah's question, because I am going devoted cleric.

We have a paladin, a swordmage, a rogue and potentially a warlord; melee is pretty much wrapped up.

I just don't want to play an Elf or Dwarf, so I am making sure that a 16 in a stat is sufficient.

 

[zillah]

A 16 in your base stat is totally playable at all levels. If you feel it necessary, just prioritize getting higher-bonus weapons (or holy symbols) over getting better armor or whatnot. Talk to the DM about the fact that you want to make sure you always have the biggest weapon enhancement bonus available at your level.

not to be an a$$ but doesn't that seem a little against the whole game of DND?
"Hey Mr. DM lets talk for a second. Now, I decided to be a non optimized cleric here, and I want some fun but I need your help. I want the biggest weapon enhancement bonus relative to my level at all times. Now, if you can do that, that would be great. Thanks! O and I want 10 extra hit points too..."