Neverwinter nights-revisited

[Jamski]

I shall write a code for my modules then to check every time you attack if the off-hand is being used. If so it will disable Finesse, and if not, it will add +50% to the STR bonus of the user. Should be quite easy, although it will have to be done via workaround, as you can't "turn off" a feat.

What I can do is look to see if the char has finesse, compare DEX with the STR score, and give a penalty to hit depending on the difference. (Simulating them using STR instead of DEX)

As for the extra STR when using a medium sized weapon with both hands, the game does this automatically with Halflings and Gnomes. They use a Longsword with both hands, for example, and get x1.5 STR bonus when doing so. I just need to fool the engine that the character is a Halfling when using a single handed weapon with the other hand free.

-Jam

[DrSpike]

Ok nice discussion guys. When I get back to it this evening I think I'll start it with a rogue, and add either fighter or ranger later. No one said which skills to go for though.

[Harovan]

If you're going to build a meleer, don't add to many rogue levels, as you will get measly hitpoints when leveling up as rogue, and it will spoil your base attack bonus. If you get the rogue levels only for locks and traps, add 3 levels at level 1, 4 and 9. In all three cases max the possible points for open lock, search and disable traps, as the other skills you can get as ranger too. See that you get the three skills to the maximum in level 9 (12 points), that should be enough.

Open locks is DEX based, so if you get a decent DEX (like 20/+5) it is added and you can open DC 37 locks without tools. For higher locks (which are pretty rare btw) take lockpicks, which you'll find plentyful.

Search and disable traps both is INT based, and your INT won't be very good (only 10/0 or at most 12/+1), so the maximum traps you'll be able to disarm are DC 32 or 33. But most ground traps are at most DC 30, so it's enough. Door and chest traps can go over DC 40, but those you can easily open/disable using arrows with elemental damage, which you also will find plentyful. Additionally, you'll find some items like rings and helmets increasing INT, which can help as temporary buff.

EDIT: Some explanation for the three recommended rogue levels:

Level 1: Obviously, for the lot of skill points.
Level 4: Comes around the time you face the first fireballs, and the rogue gets the Evasion feat for free at 2nd level, which is very helpful against elemental attacks.
Level 9: As late as possible but not too late, to get more skill points for locks/traps.

Btw: 2D6 as sneak attack bonus is enough for a meleer.

[DrSpike]

Nice. I see the point about Rogue and Fighter not gelling. In my prelude game I didn't have a high dexterity on my fighter. I went for strength and constitution mostly.

[Harovan]

You can build a "thuggish" rogue+fighter, but then just forget about DEX based skills.

For more rogue info I recommend you to study this document, which is excellent!

[Jamski]

I'd reccommend 5 levels of Rogue, stuff the HP and BaB, get another 1d6 sneak damage and be able to dismantle and recover some traps to set yourself later. I also reccomend exactly 14 INT, not the pathetic 10 or 12 suggested by Ralph. Then you can get +2 Skill Points per level (boost Tumble too, every 5 ranks = +1AC) and you can also choose some feats required to become a Weaponsmaster. I've completed the whole lot with a CON of 8, and a bunch of Rogue levels and I had no problems with low HPs.

-Jam

[Harovan]

That's close to my arcane archer, who was a rogue(5)/bard(6)/aa(4) when I abandonned him in chapter 3 (too strong, not fun). 3D6 sneak attack and a pretty powerful bardic song, ouch! Plus 3 fireball arrows per day.

[Harovan]

By the way, tumble is pretty much useless if you have Uncanny dodge.

[DrSpike]

Btw that link doesn't work, though I'll probably look at the gamefaqs site later.

[Harovan]

Works fine for me.

http://db.gamefaqs.com/computer/doswin/file/neverwinter_nights_rogue.txt

[centrifuge]

Damn you guys!!, Now you have me wanting to play the OC with a fighter/Rogue combo The question is whether I want to throw in a level of shadowdancer, or else some weapon master.

I would have loved it if my current uber character had been able to dual yield.

Last night I went through a short module that is designed for an evil character that had finished HotU, by betraying the Seer. It was called "The God's Themseleves" and was an interesting concept, but far too short, one major battle and it was over.

...but my 14/14/1 Rogue/Assassin/Shadowdancer had a new personal high for sneak attack damage he smacked down a drow warrior for 145 hit points.

[Jamski]

By the way, tumble is pretty much useless if you have Uncanny dodge

You need 10(?) ranks of Tumble to select Uncanny Dodge, I thought.

Also (big good thing) every 5 ranks of Tumble gives you +1 AC. That adds up big time.

-Jam

[Harovan]

You get uncanny dodge for free as rogue(3).

And your best armor is your DEX in any way. That's why I don't use studded leather. You can only get to 3(st.l. AC)+4(DEX)+Enhancement with it. You can get to 2(leather AC)+6(DEX)+Enhancement with leather, e.g. the Shadow leather armor, available in chapter 2, it's a leather+4 with +5 hide in shadows . You can get to 1(padded AC)+8(DEX)+Enhancement with padded armor.

My drow girl in HotU has 34 DEX at the moment and has the highest AC with no armor whatsoever (if I give her armor, her AC decreases).

[Jamski]

Yes, but why not have tumble's AC bonus AND a high DEX AND a decent +5 AC monk's robes (from use magic device) to become unhittable?

-Jam

[Harovan]

Because being invincable is such a killjoy. Most of my characters I abandonned, because killing hill giants with two blows and getting 4 XP for 'em doesn't feel right.