Marshal [MiniHB] Build

[gfunk]

We have a large party with all areas covered and I wanted to make a support character. I thought it would be fun to play a Marshal from the MiniHB. For those of you that don't have it, here's the write-up from WotC: http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=dnd/ex/20030906b

I would start at 6th level with standard PC Wealth. Here are some ideas I was throwing around:

1. Marshal/Paladin -- obviously good Cha synergy
2. Marshal/Rogue -- Buff up initiative boosting aura, ranged attacker with sneak attack
3. Marshal/Rogue/Fighter -- thinking about spiked chain build with Spring Attack
4. Marshal/Bard -- ultimate in party buffing

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Scharlata]

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi!
Even if I can't elaborate right now: go with the full-support character, that is Mar/Pal, Mar/Brd or Mar character. Do what you can do best: support, enhance, lead, buff, control, rally etc.

Works nicely.

Kind regards

 

[Paragon Kobold]

The Marshal/Bard is good, but I think the single-class Marshal is even better
at party buffing. Also, to fully use the character he should be wearing decent armor
and lead from the front. A Marshal/Cleric is also a good combination of support and
combat ability.

 

[Rystil Arden]

The true power of the Marshal isn't in those Majour Auras that rise based on level and never get very high, but rather in careful choice of Minor Auras, good tactics, and maxing out Charisma. The one that adds her Charisma bonus to all caster-level checks against SR is huge, for instance.

 

[gfunk]

So I guess the consensus is for a straight-up Human Marshal 6? Any suggestions of ECL races/templates I might dip into?

 

[DungeonmasterCal]

Not to hijack the thread, but this is the first time I can recall seeing anyone actually playing a Marshall on ENWorld. I was actually about to post something about how the class performs in actual play. I'm very interested in seeing peoples' impression of the class.

 

[Rystil Arden]

Not to hijack the thread, but this is the first time I can recall seeing anyone actually playing a Marshall on ENWorld. I was actually about to post something about how the class performs in actual play. I'm very interested in seeing peoples' impression of the class.

I have a high-level NPC Marshal in one of my face-to-face games, which has reached a similarly high level. The PC Wizard is trying to court the Marshal into helping with a research project, since the Marshal can give more than a +10 bonus to Intelligence-based skills just by being around

 

[Shin Okada]

IMHO Marshal build should be depend on other party members. If the party members often flank opponents, that minor aura which gives damage bonus when flanking will be sweet. If party members have relatively low will save, will save bonus will be fine.

Half-Elf Marshal/Paladin/Outcast Champion can have really high saves himself. And he can enhance party member's saves a lot.

 

[Rystil Arden]

IMHO Marshal build should be depend on other party members. If the party members often flank opponents, that minor aura which gives damage bonus when flanking will be sweet. If party members have relatively low will save, will save bonus will be fine.

Half-Elf Marshal/Paladin/Outcast Champion can have really high saves himself. And he can enhance party member's saves a lot.

That's quite true--the minor aura selection is the most important thing, and the best part is that the power of the minor aura does not depend at all on marshal level

 

[MeepoTheMighty]

Your first aura, and the one you use for most purposes, should be the one that adds to Dexterity checks and, more importantly, initiative rolls. If your Charisma is high enough, that's like giving everyone in the party Improved Initiative for free.

After that, I like the one that adds a bonus to trip and disarm attacks. Arm yourself with a flail and focus on annoying enemies while the heavy hitters focus on damage.

The Goad feat works well for a marshall in heavy armor, allowing him to draw off some attacks that would otherwise be directed at his companions.