Builds!

[Seanzie]

For some reason I absolutley fail at making builds. I just never can do it. And I know thats only a part of roleplaying but sometimes the build effects the RPing... and I was just wanting some help on making builds.. I've looked online.. and all I find is EPIC BUILDS.. lvl 40 builds. There is no Roleplaying Builds. (that I can find). BUT maybe you guys all know of a website? or is everybody just good at this game except for me..? Thankks!

[Thomas_Not_very_wise]

Build around a concept.

Build before role play.

[djspectre]

consider your characters concept. Even before race. Then build a character around that idea.

Most characters have great strong points and epic weaknesses.

I once had a quite powerful fighter build that was terrified of rats...so much so, she ran from a boss fight that cost the entire party their lives.

Trust me, build is only half the game.

Though if you are looking for better mechanics knowledge, IRC is full of people who can talk that walk also.

[Cerberus]

If you are talking about RPing your PC's stats try this link.
 
If you are talking about making a concept build based on race, class and personality (and breathing life into your PC) that gets a bit more complicated.

[Seanzie]

Okay.... But I dont know what makes a char good. like IDK what abilities to give it, what feats. Im just clueless.

[Seanzie]

Alright! thanks guys!

[mRmojoRisin_]

EfU is tough, there's no harm in building a strong PC, abilities wise, but known that even gimped builds can get by (Apart from 8 con wizards who get killed by seagulls). As the rest of the people in this thread have said, work your feats into the concept. e.g. Raging alcoholic? Poison Resistance. If you're totally new to NWN, or just haven't had much interest in the mechanics side, I'd recommend reading through the NWNWiki). It gives you much more detail than you possibly could want.

[Cerberus]

For game mechanics try these links...
Race
Class
Skills
Feats
 
For world stuff go to Faerûn...

[Barehander]

No need to be apologetic about it. People are eager to jump at the chance to say build (or action, in general) makes only half the game, but that inevitably means that the other half is also just half the game.

You need to learn basics: sources of AC, AB, how to best use your feats, what skills to choose. There's no learning this stuff academically, it comes from experience. I came from a level 30 server where I'd played rather succesfully for five years or so, and I was totally clueless in EFU:A's environment. Now I'm slowly starting to learn, but you really only learn by playing.

However, you can learn the basics of what things do at http://nwn.wikia.com. It's an invaluable resources I still use regularly, though it won't tell you how to use that information.

I encourage you to ask around about specific concepts. There's no shame in it, even if some elitists try to guilt trip you for openly talking about what they pretend isn't important. Come up with a concept, and then ask how to do it mechanically. I encourage smart building and making the most of your PC, but that doesn't mean cheesy cookie-cutters: on the contrary, when you know how to build well you can go for quirks like strange weapon or tactical choices. Don't listen to people who say you have to pick rapier or scythe, or that you need 18 in your main stat. But likewise, don't listen to those who say you can build stupid because RP is what matters. There's a huge area in between, the field of smart and tasteful.

Just ask specifics right here, IMO. It's better to be open and transparent than to form cliques and get private advice in IRC, Tells or PMs. We know it's going on, so better be honest, live and let live.

[Drakill Tannan]

I remember when i first attempted to RP. I made a nearly-faithless paladin/sorcerer with SF: Necromancy.

You'll learn in time, just stick arround. If you do something reallt stupid like a faithless necromancer paladin, i'm sure somone will let you know.

[Cluckyx]

No need to be apologetic about it. People are eager to jump at the chance to say build (or action, in general) makes only half the game, but that inevitably means that the other half is also just half the game.

You need to learn basics: sources of AC, AB, how to best use your feats, what skills to choose. There's no learning this stuff academically, it comes from experience. I came from a level 30 server where I'd played rather succesfully for five years or so, and I was totally clueless in EFU:A's environment. Now I'm slowly starting to learn, but you really only learn by playing.

However, you can learn the basics of what things do at http://nwn.wikia.com. It's an invaluable resources I still use regularly, though it won't tell you how to use that information.

I encourage you to ask around about specific concepts. There's no shame in it, even if some elitists try to guilt trip you for openly talking about what they pretend isn't important. Come up with a concept, and then ask how to do it mechanically. I encourage smart building and making the most of your PC, but that doesn't mean cheesy cookie-cutters: on the contrary, when you know how to build well you can go for quirks like strange weapon or tactical choices. Don't listen to people who say you have to pick rapier or scythe, or that you need 18 in your main stat. But likewise, don't listen to those who say you can build stupid because RP is what matters. There's a huge area in between, the field of smart and tasteful.

Just ask specifics right here, IMO. It's better to be open and transparent than to form cliques and get private advice in IRC, Tells or PMs. We know it's going on, so better be honest, live and let live.

This man speaks the truth. I used to be one of those elitist pricks of which he speaks. But no more. Your build is important, by it's very design, your main way or interacting with this world is by beating things up. If you can't do that you won't make and progress.
 Things like the fear of rats mentioned earlier are a good idea, but anyone who does that, unless you're lucky, people who know about your "weakness" will think of a good IC reason to leave you out next time.

 Character doesn't come before build.
 Build doesn't come before character.

They must form in tandem to create a fascinating story, that is also viable.

[TheImpossibleDream]

I wish people wouldn't spew that "Roleplay before Build" or "RBB" tripe. The ability to understand mechanics and builds has no effect upon ones ability to represent a character. So here's some guidelines to help a new player.

These guidelines are for the creation of some kind of non caster based character. If you follow them you'll have a fully customized unique character who can survive just about anything the server throws at them!

Primary Class

Take a TOTAL of four levels in any one or two max base attack bonus class. Thats fighter, barbarian, ranger, paladin.

So now you have say for example a 2 Barbarian 2 Ranger or another example would be a 4 Fighter.

These classes represent your abilities in combat, how you fight and maybe even your personal codes! Having levels in these classes ensures that whatever ever other classes you choose you will be durable and able to handle whatever efu throws at you.

Multiclass

Now look at this list of MID ab classes:

Bard, Cleric, Rogue, Druid, Monk

Taking up to four levels in any ONE of these classes will provide some boons. Remember to know what it is to be these classes before you choose them. In this forum you can learn about deities and expectations from certain classes.

The classic Fighter 4/ Rogue 3. This provides a boost to damage when flanking in addition when succeeding a reflex save for half damage you will instead take no damage.

Something a little more obscure would be:

Barbarian 2/ Ranger 2/ Druid 3

Great combat prowess and you can use your druid spells "One with the Land" and "Camouflage" to stealth about the wilds unhindered. Not to mention access to animal empathy which on EFU is modified to make most animals and reptiles not want to eat you as much anymore!

Ability Points

Put at least 14 points in strength, constitution and dexterity and you will have plenty left over to make a unique and interesting character while still having a fair chance to survive just about anything efu can throw at you!

Just remember when multiclassing a caster you will need at least 12 in int(wizard), cha (sorc, bard) or wis (cleric, druid) of that class to benefit fully from the multiclass.

Skill Points

If you want to be stealthy you'll want hide and move silent. If you want to fight in melee often consider taking discipline to avoid being knock-downed or disarmed. If you wear light or medium armor tumble can help! Spellcraft is great for protecting you from spells!

Other than that just place your skill points where you feel best suits your character.

---

That's about all I can think of to write for now. Remember that these are just guidelines! Training wheels so to speak. If you do choose to use them remember to take them off once you feel you're ready!

[johanmaxon]

Yeah, you'll learn. In the UD I came up with the epic idea "I'll make a druid, but use fullplate. That plus barkskinn will give me epic ac!"

Not a very good idea. xD

[Letsplayforfun]

There's no shame in trying out builds just for the sake of it. If only to survive on EFU, which can be challenging.

Learn with pure classes first. Most basic things you need to know about are more obvious on pure builds. On a low level server, every lvl counts.

Then, if it's in your PC's concept and you feel 'something is missing', you'll know what to multiclass in.

Remember this is a game, and you're here to enjoy it. The more you enjoy your pcs, the more you'll stay around ;)

[Drakill Tannan]

I'd recomend against multiclassing in the begining. Pure classes are very diverse already, better master thouse first IMO.