Welcome to Curious Quill, an original content resource for d20 roleplaying.
Choosing a class typically is more about its capabilities: what will it allow the character to do? But when building your character, theorycrafting on why the character, versus the player, followed that path can play a large role in creating an interesting back story. Some classes are more straightforward, while some are more open-ended. In these Class Theory features we will explore and present ideas to help illustrate the reason a character follows a class path.
Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Rogue’ Builds
In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the rogue class: a martial melee weapon martial fighter with stealth, mobility, many skills, and the ability to increase their damage.
Read More about making an skulker.
Construction Werk: Character Themes
There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.
This time we will look at how to build characters by using a theme or motif for the character and making selections based on that.
Construction Werk: Feat vs. Multi-Class
There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.
This time we will look at a possibly big decision, whether to multi-class or get your first Feat.
Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Barbarian’ Builds
In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the barbarian class, a melee weapon fighter that can increase their damage.
Read More about making an alternative raging warrior.
Construction Werk: Order of Operation
There are often many ways to build characters with similar abilities, and finding the best option(s) to choose can be challenging, but challenging can be fun and rewarding. In the Construction Werk feature we will look at various tips and recommendations on the early phases of creating a character versus builds into even the early levels. This is about creating a solid foundation for your character.
This time we will look at our recommended order to make your initial selections at 1st-Level, which is applicable even if your campaign starts at a higher level.
Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Paladin’ Builds
In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the paladin class, combining melee weapon combat with divine/radiant magic.
Read More about making an alternative radiant warrior.
Clever Featwork: Unarmed Fighting
In the Clever Featwork features we will look at ways to use Feats (Origin and Regular) to not only provide benefits but also flavor and distinctiveness to your characters. Sometimes it may be a different way to look at them, others it will be ways to combine them. These explorations won’t be to optimize characters to do the most damage they can, but to develop interesting and unique characters with the abilities you want them to have. This time we are going to look at Tavern Brawler and other Feats that can enhance Unarmed Fighting, if you don’t take a class that makes it viable
Read More about creative ways to improve Unarmed Fighting.
Sub-Classes: Alternative ‘Ranger’ Builds
In the substitute classes (Sub-Classes) features we will look at ways to make different classes work in similar ways through combinations of backgrounds and class and subclass selections along with class feature and spell selection. This time we will look at how to build characters similar to the ranger class, combining weapon combat (usually ranged) with magic to improve their combat, with at least a minor connection to nature.
Read More about making an alternative wilderness warrior.
Clever Featwork: Magic Initiate
In the Clever Featwork features we will look at ways to use Feats (Origin and Regular) to not only provide benefits but also flavor and distinctiveness to your characters. Sometimes it may be a different way to look at them, others it will be ways to combine them. These explorations won’t be to optimize characters to do the most damage they can, but to develop interesting and unique characters with the abilities you want them to have. This time we will look at the Magic Initiate (MI) Feat(s).
Read More about creative ways to use the Magic Initiate.