Planning character progression

[BraveSirRobin]

oops, changed it although I am not sure if I will end up keeping it there. I am now planning on picking up MotW and checking those feats out a bit more closely.

What I don't understand is what people have against weapon focus? Is the +1 just not worth it? Or is it the fact that you only have it on one weapon type?

 

[Dr. Zoom]

What I don't understand is what people have against weapon focus? Is the +1 just not worth it? Or is it the fact that you only have it on one weapon type?

Weapon focus is a good feat. The +1 is worth it because you will likely use it on every attack. It is also the prereq. for weapon specialization for a fighter.

For me, unless I play a fighter with weapon specialization, I take other feats and use whatever weapon soots me at a particular time. That is the main reason I suggested dumping it. What if you take it for a greatsword and then find a nice magical greataxe? Then your feat is less than useful in most combats, whereas if you took something like improved initiative or power attack and cleave, you can use them for most any weapon. This is especially true for the non-fighters who do not get all those bonus feats. This is just my preference, though. Choose whatever feat suits your character.

 

[Crothian]

What I don't understand is what people have against weapon focus? Is the +1 just not worth it? Or is it the fact that you only have it on one weapon type?

If I have a character that is only go to use one type of weapon, I'll take this feat usually. You use for every attack, and how many times have people gone "I missed by one Argh!!"

 

[BraveSirRobin]

O.K. I thought that might have been the reason. Thanks.

decisions, decisions

 

[GuardianLurker]

Alternate Ability Progressions

A 22 STR is nice, but it's only an additional +2 bonus over your starting point - well within the reach of Bull's Strength, and at high levels it's going to be swamped out by the magic increases anyway.

Another alternative is this ability progression :
Lv 4 : DEX (18)
Lv 8 : CHA (18)
both of these change your bonus from +3 to +4. For a Sorc, this grants additional bonus spells cast per day, a slightly higher DC, and a higher spell level cap (although that won't be a big issue for you).

Lv 12 : CON (17)
LV 16 : CON (18)
For a front line fighter HPs are *really* nice. OTOH, by level 16, maybe you won't care about the additional 16 HP.

LV 20 : Bump any of the 18's to 19.

Another point to consider : Int 8 is low enough to really hurt on the skill selection. If I recall correctly, barbarians get 4+Int skill points, which will limit you to 3 skill points a level. This may (or may not) be a problem. If it is, you might want to consider :
Lv 4 : INT(9)
LV 8 : INT(10)
LV 12: CHA (18)
LV 16: DEX (18)
LV 20: Bump an 18.
I switched CHA and DEX in this order because the DC/spell bump is probably going to be more important to you than the +1 AC. And since INT increases *aren't* retroactive (like Con is) the earlier you get rid of those penalties the better off you are.

Also, you might want to consider moving Expeditious Retreat earlier in your spell selection and taking Spring Attack - one of the barbarian's more unique abilities is his increased BASE move, and these would let you use that to the fullest. For that matter, I don't know where slow and powerful came from for barbarians - light to medium armor and increased move *screams* skirmisher (quick and deadly) to me.

 

[mzsylver]

i would ditch Bull's Strength as your first 2nd level spell. by that time you're likely to have gauntlets or a belt of strength. get Blur immediately. it is a FABULOUS spell.