RPG Pondering: 20 level builds

I talk about why I like doing a full 20 level build for a character even when they are just starting out.

Category:

Gaming

Tags:

• RPG
• Pondering
• 20
• level
• builds
• role
• playing
• game
• roleplaying
• games
• role-playing
• gaming
• D&D
• Dungeons
• and
• Dragons
• Pathfinder
• fantasy
• sword
• sorcery
• tabletop
• ranger
• archer
• archery
• Dungeons & Dragons

[PagrZero]

I love that character idea. Mind if I NPC Greenheart at all? Also "Not gaming at the moment." that's a damn shame.

[tetsubo57]

@PagrZero Feel free to use Cedric.

[Onionkid99]

I think a Lawful character would indeed plan out their life goals. Chaotic characters would just go with the flow, baby!

The thing is, "Life is what happens when we make other plans". Bilbo Baggins made plans to be a 20th level Commoner, and die with a full belly and a pipe of Old Toby in his hand. Then some jerk Dwarves arrived, shook up his life, and he finds himself with some levels in Thief just to survive!

[tetsubo57]

@Onionkid99 But Bilbo isn't the *player*. JRRT was the player. And he knew right where Bilbo was going to end up.

[Wasparcher1]

I must be evil, because all I could think of as you were telling the backstory was; "If I was the GM in that game, I'd have him find the bow, only to discover that it was a Magic bow with some insane bonus to hit. And that the grandfathers legend was all built upon him finding that bow and using it to acquire fame and money. Just so I could crush the characters spirit by having him realize that everything he's ever known is all a sham. And thats how I, Chaotic Evil! XD

[tetsubo57]

@Wasparcher1 If that were true, Cedric would simply drop the bow and walk away. Forging his own path and creating his own legend.

[MaccacarianGuy]

This is actually interesting, thanks for sharing!

[PerkyStudio1]

I like to develop a character through what is needed to survive and how he acts. If my character is a greedy man with nimble fingers he may start as a rogue, but if it turns out that he needs to fight his way out of situations rather than sneak out a level of fighter can help. Also just because he is good at something it doesn't mean it will always be relevant, if all you can do is diplomacy and your in the abyss there isn't much you can do if you don't have services to offer.

[Webhead123]

...I knew a player who's character started off as a Fighter but changed to a Psion after having his life saved by a Psionicists' Guild. Never took another level of Fighter, if I recall correctly. Not saying "pre-built" character can't or won't change.

[Webhead123]

A character may (and often *should*) have a goal (I want to join the Arcane Archer's Guild!) and certainly the character (through the player) should make preparations and decisions that will get them there.

The reason I'm not fond of "plotting" a character out excessively is mostly because you simply don't know how a campaign will unfold. The kinds of challenges they will face, the sorts of abilities that will prove influential, the developments that the campaign will press upon the PCs, etc.

[Junvigun]

For dog companions there are two books I know of for PFRPG (not OGL).

Dogs of War by Little Red Goblin Games: I have not viewed this and it only has 5 types.

Phantasia Zoologica Volume 1 (used to only cover dogs): This has 30+ breeds of dogs with stats, gear, prices, and familiar/companion information.

[markamadeojohnson]

I would agree that it is "fun" to plan out 20 level builds and use my imagination but I wouldn't play one of them. I think it is fun to go where the game takes me, and build on the dm & other players ideas. I would have starting out goals and a reason for adventuring, They almost always change over the course of the adventure (at least the good ones). The foresight is powergame-ish and boring because if I already know how the adventure is going to end, I am only filling in the details.

[Potestas146184]

Personally, I plan out every character i play to all 20 levels. I find that doing so helps me find where I am limited by mechanics and helps me find out what possibilities lay before me. Then again at times I make 20 level builds for the hell of it.

[woodwwad]

I don't see that as a problem if you are not totally set on seeing all that through regardless of what happens. Feel free to vid response this if you like.

I think the way you bring it in talking about making a character for my game & such is a good way to help illustrate the character in a real way. I'm always a fan of working family details in on a character. Loosing the bow in a game is a great detail. Sounds like a very good character. Don't think I've ever seen darkwood used in a game