Min/Maxing Help?

[JesterPoet]

Well, here's the scoop...

One of my players has finally decided to run a game of D&D. It will most likely be a one shot, but could span into more.

The thing is, all of my players love to min/max their characters. When I complain about it, they don't seem to understand why I don't like the fact that all they do is build characters that get max attacks, max bonuses, etc...

So, here's my chance to show one of them. But I don't really know the tricks well enough to do it. Anyone out there willing to help me?

We're starting at level 4. I'd prefer to stick with stuff from the PH and DMG (though they never do). I have 28 points to use in the point-buy system.

We get starting gold for a 4th level character as designated by the DMG, and we are limited to enchantment bonuses of +1 or lower (though other magic items should be okay if I can afford them).

I don't know if anyone will want to help, but if you can I'd appreciate it. Most likely I will play a fighter or spellcaster of some sort (or perhaps both, depending on how many players we have).

Thanks in advance!

JP

 

[Tabarnak Smokeblower]

Hm not much info to go with here

Are you using 3.0 or 3.5?

At 4th level, min-maxing won't make you a blatantly more powerful character, but if you plan it right, it can lead to really powerful characters.

What's it going to be? Fighter or Wizard? What are you looking for? Maximized damage output? Maximized survivability/adaptability?

For damage, there's always the greatsword-wielding half-orc barbarian. For magic damage, the Evocation specialist.

Try to narrow your character concept, and people will surely help you out

TS

 

[Tom Cashel]

So you don't like min/maxing, but you're going to do it now that you're a player...?



That'll show 'em.

 

[JesterPoet]

To be perfectly honest, I'll play just about anything. I guess maximum damage would be best.

We're playing with 3.5

Perhaps it won't work all that well at 4th level. Planning is pointless, as I don't imagine this character will carry much farther than a one-shot. Mainly, I just wanted to show him what it is like when you have a fun adventure planned, but your players don't care about their character any more than how fast it can kill scores of enemies. But maybe that won't work this time...

One of these days, though....

 

[JesterPoet]

So you don't like min/maxing, but you're going to do it now that you're a player...?



That'll show 'em.

I see your point, and saw it before I thougt of doing this, but I do think it will show them. None of them ever run anything so they have no idea what it is like. I really do think they will at least understand what it does to the game. It may not change them, but I have a chance to make a point. I think it is worth taking.

But, like I said above, I see now that this might not be the best opportunity.



EDIT: As for "Now that you're a player", I've been a player for a long time. And I haven't been a min/max type of player... ever. That's why I know that they can not do it and still have fun. I'm the only one in the group that runs and plays.

 

[sithramir]

I'd be willing to help some but you'd have to be more specific. I can't just give you some character thats powerful. I mean you basically said any character by saying fighter or spellcaster type.

Get an idea of what you want to play and then we'll help make him buff.

An idea of a character NPC i'm making for my campaign (or potential to play in some recent campaign i am a player in) is a different type of paladin.

The last Dragon issue had a list of paladins with different alignments from LG. They had some different powers that fit each character but were a very good idea to allow a paladin into the game.

Here's what i'm making.

Barbarian 1/Paladin 3 (Continue with this obviously when leveling). I'm using the avenger Paladin type which is Chaotic Good instead. They basically get smite law instead of smite evil and get break enchantments at high levels a few times per day.

They still keep lay on hands I believe (at work now) and the other pally goodness like +cha bonus to saves. Their special mount has to be medium to small so it can't be a typical horse, but this is no typical character anyways)

He's basically the spiritual warrior of his tribe.

He'll have +10 movement to make up for using medium armor (from being barbarian) have rage 1/day and then great saves from being a paladin. I'd suggest something like a hawk as the special mount for scouting. Fits the character.

The great thing is this guy has tons of potential for role play use also but can still be powerful.

I'd suggest making him human for an extra feat and taking monkey grip to use like a greatsword in one hand and a shield.
Also take extra rage so you get it twice/day. Both feats I believe are from Masters of the Wild supplement.

Other feats are anything you like for flavor but things like power attack/cleave (awesome low level combo) or weapon focus are always good.

He will be able to dish out damage tank well with breastplate or some such medium armor with not as many penalties as he'll have the same movement as the rest. Good saves are huge bonus.

I'm at work so stats won't be great but something like

Str 14
Dex 10
Con 14
Int 10
Wis 12
Cha 14

and put the rest where you want but i'd say either charisma or str. I don't remember if theres a requirement for monkey grip but loook into that.

If you want something else please state it and i'll help with that.

 

[Tom Cashel]

Okay, sorry for the quip, JP. I just think you'll make your point better if you lead by example. Show them how great an adventure can be when the players really react to situations as their character would, rather than reacting to every threat like a S.W.A.T. team. There's so much more to D&D than the Combat chapter.

Good luck!!

 

[Aaron L]

Um... wouldn't a team of adventurers react to situations as a SWAT team does?

 

[howandwhy99]

Make a character of middling ability with plenty of personality, background and pizzazz. Then roleplay the heck out of 'em.

That'll show 'em.

 

[Tabarnak Smokeblower]

Make a character of middling ability with plenty of personality, background and pizzazz. Then roleplay the heck out of 'em.

That'll show 'em.

I'd suggest that (ie show them that there is fun to be had even when you're not making mince-meat out of Tarrasques OR play a Barb1/Rang2/Rog1 (rage + 2-weapon + sneak), or some other insane multi-class combo.

TS