New player here with some questions

[Bunnysmack]

Hi everybody, I just discovered your server and I'm pretty interested in joining up. I have two ideas for a character and wanted input to make sure it is up to code with the current rules (I've studied them, I just want to make sure I didn't overlook anything). Also get some advice as to which idea would mesh better with the current player base in game.

Human Cleric of Hoar, domains in War and Luck. Eventually classing into Stormlord and War Priest. His belief is that he can best serve Hoar by traveling the Sword Coast, seeking those who have been wronged, and offering to exact righteous vengeance on their behalf. He seeks only to exact vengeance that is just, and will refuse any requests that are for petty or otherwise unjust reasons.

The other possible option is a Warlock that is a downright selfish and evil jerk but tries to hide their more repulsive personality so he seems more trustworthy (I wanted to run a variation on the Blacklock build, but I'm not sure what your client has done to fix the bugs relating to Warlock spell penetration and Hideous Blow mechanics...)

[flipside43]

Human cleric of Hoar - domains are legal and I think you are good with Stormlord but there's an entry that says you won't be able to cast spells (perhaps no spell progression with Hoar? I am not sure how it's implemented).

Warlock - hideous blow was put on the mode bar to land on the first melee attack. Not sure what the spell penetration but was to answer that.

[Brother Bruce]

Human Cleric of Hoar, domains in War and Luck. Eventually classing into Stormlord and War Priest.

unfortunately you can only be a stormlord of Talos, however it wouldnt hurt to PM the DM team and see if you'll be able to take the classes you planned on here with the deity you've chosen. Seems like a fun concept to me.

[wangxiuming]

The spell penetration issue where warlock levels only count 1/2 has been fixed as far as I am aware.

The bug where standard eldritch blasts > 9d6 ignore spell resistance completely has also been fixed.

[Bunnysmack]

Oh cool. Glad to see those fixes. As for the Stormlord, a few followup questions:
1. Why wouldn't he be able to cast spells o.O?
2. Who should I petition?

After coming up with the idea I read the wiki article on Hoar and, oddly enough, the travelling vengeance priest of justice is actually how 90% of Hoar priests actually do their thing. Ironic. Also, Hoar's symbol involves lightning and his weapon is a "Lightning Javelin." I think it is a fair case for stormlord, but I'll happily abide any DM ruling to the contrary. Thanks for the help thus far everyone!

[Calodan]

Oh cool. Glad to see those fixes. As for the Stormlord, a few followup questions:
1. Why wouldn't he be able to cast spells o.O?
2. Who should I petition?

After coming up with the idea I read the wiki article on Hoar and, oddly enough, the travelling vengeance priest of justice is actually how 90% of Hoar priests actually do their thing. Ironic. Also, Hoar's symbol involves lightning and his weapon is a "Lightning Javelin." I think it is a fair case for stormlord, but I'll happily abide any DM ruling to the contrary. Thanks for the help thus far everyone!

The main issue is that nothing about storms or lightning are part of Hoar's domain though. Hoar's domain is pretty much war and vengeance. Law domain. Other things but not nature or storms.

Also I happen to be the head of the guild that does Hoarite RP. If you are seeking fellow Hoar's and wish to peddle your merchandise of vengeance on the streets of BG we are your place!

[Bunnysmack]

Ah, I can see what you mean. That's a shame, but oh well. Hoar seems like a fun deity to RP a cleric for, but Talos is...I just can't RP as Chaotic Evil. Lawful or neutral Evil, sure, but not Chaotic. Senseless evil isn't fun for me, I'm more into the scheming variety. Sad, because the Stormlord class seems really fun to use. I'm a sucker for any class that can mix weapon combat with effective spellcasting, and lightning spear priest just seems so cool.

That guild sounds like a distinct bit of fun though!

I couldn't find it in the wiki, but what is the max level that can be reached? Also, which attribute governs the learning of in game languages?

[Calodan]

Ah, I can see what you mean. That's a shame, but oh well. Hoar seems like a fun deity to RP a cleric for, but Talos is...I just can't RP as Chaotic Evil. Lawful or neutral Evil, sure, but not Chaotic. Senseless evil isn't fun for me, I'm more into the scheming variety. Sad, because the Stormlord class seems really fun to use. I'm a sucker for any class that can mix weapon combat with effective spellcasting, and lightning spear priest just seems so cool.

That guild sounds like a distinct bit of fun though!

I couldn't find it in the wiki, but what is the max level that can be reached? Also, which attribute governs the learning of in game languages?

Standard max level on BG is 30. You get 30 levels. One needs at least 28 Caster levels to be effective on their own here. In a group one could get by on most occasions with 20+.

[Bunnysmack]

Are Rogues in much demand? I know that in the single player game for NWN2, they are largely un-needed due to easy use of the knock spell and being able to just send a buffed up tank through any traps.

Is that the same mechanic on the server, or are the sneaky lockpickers actually handy to have around?

[Dagesh]

Thankfully, on this server, how you want to play is what matters most. Everyone will have short comings in one case and excel at another. Rogues are great for gathering intel, opening chests, being a grand trap master (if you go that route) or used as skill boons. What is important is that you find what play style works for you, and you will. It has taken me years to figure that out. If you can figure it out sooner, even better.

[Sapper Woody]

Are Rogues in much demand? I know that in the single player game for NWN2, they are largely un-needed due to easy use of the knock spell and being able to just send a buffed up tank through any traps.

Is that the same mechanic on the server, or are the sneaky lockpickers actually handy to have around?

While they are somewhat rare, there are a few chests that cannot be bashed open. I can think of one in the Gnolls Caves on the Lion's Way and two in the Cloakwood Mines, for example. So, having someone who can pick locks is a boon. Also, having a trap master is handy. I find that when I am running the Nashkel Mines, the only thing my Gish has to fear are trapped chests that dispel. Anything else he can handle.

Plus, you can ward with energy immunity to acid, cold, lightning, fire, and sonic, but not to divine and negative. So those traps still pose a problem.

Most of the time they are not deadly, though. And when they are, most of the time people can walk right around them.

So, mechanically, a rogue isn't of much use in dungeon running, except for the few locked chests. RP-wise, though, a rogue is a nice boon to an adventuring group.

[Bunnysmack]

Considering I can't stormlord it up with the deity I had in mind, I was thinking of doing a Tiefling Wiz/rogue that classes into Arcane Trickster and Daggerspell later on. Strongly statted for the wiz and rogue skills given the rediculously high Int he'll have.

Storywise, he's a tiefling that was raised right and as such is Chaotic good. He is a overall good guy, but the world is prejudiced against him so he has to try and avoid too much scrutiny. He has an urge to seek gold, riches, excitement, and influence, but he can never turn down someone helpless who is in need. When he is personally threatened, he's quick to rabbit out of the situation, but if someone innocent is in danger, he'll fight tooth and nail to protect them, even if he wishes his conscience would take a hike and let him get the hells out of dodge. Also, he's a bit of a drunk and extremely sarcastic.

I like the idea of playing good character from a race that is commonly seen as the scum of the earth, leads to all kinds of tense roleplaying situations.

[Glowfire]

Welcome!

Just keep in mind that you want at least 27 caster levels or you will get dispelled very often.

[Bunnysmack]

That shouldn't be a problem. Only taking 3 levels of rogue, and even that is getting offset by Practiced Spell caster. What I'm more worried about is whether he'll be able to hit anything at higher levels with his spell infused daggers. Arcane trickster and wizard both have low BAB progression, and after he starts with 18 dex, he is putting all his further ability bonuses into intelligence.

[Nemni]

You will have trouble hitting stuff in melee, but you can use ranged touch attack spells without much trouble.

Your cleric idea will probably be far easier to play for you if you are new to the server. You don't need stormlord to be powerful as a cleric. Wizards and rogues generally take more experience.