Sword Coast - Dumitru Florin

My third attempt for a character in Sword Coast.

Dumitru Florin
Male Human Bard 3
Chaotic Neutral
Representing Matt

Strength 9 (-1)
Dexterity 15 (+2)
Constitution 11 (+0)
Intelligence 14 (+2)
Wisdom 10 (+0)
Charisma 16 (+3)

Size: Medium
Height: 6' 0"
Weight: 140 lb
Skin: Pale
Eyes: Ice
Hair: Blond, Short, Beardless

Total Hit Points: 6
Speed: 30 feet
Armor Class: 15 = 10 +2 [leather] +1 [buckler] +2 [dexterity]
Touch AC: 12
Flat-footed: 12
Initiative modifier: +2 = +2 [dexterity]
Fortitude save: +1 = 1 [base]
Reflex save: +5 = 3 [base] +2 [dexterity]
Will save: +3 = 3 [base]
Attack (handheld): +1 = 2 [base] -1 [strength]
Attack (unarmed): +1 = 2 [base] -1 [strength]
Attack (missile): +4(+5) = 2 [base] +2 [dexterity] (+1 >30ft.) [point-blank shot]
Grapple check: +1 = 2 [base] -1 [strength]

Light load: 30 lb. or less
Medium load: 31-60 lb.
Heavy load: 61-90 lb.
Lift over head: 90 lb.
Lift off ground: 180 lb.
Push or drag: 450 lb.

Languages: Common, Dwarven, Elven, Draconic, Goblin, Orc, Undercommon

Light Crossbow [1d8, 19-20/x2, range incr 80 ft., 4 lb., piercing]
Dagger [1d4, 19-20/x2, range incr 10 ft., 1 lb., piercing]
Leather armor [light; +2 AC; max dex +6; check penalty 0; 15 lb.]

Feats:
- Point-Blank Shot
- Negotiator
- Persuasive

Skill Name Key Ability Skill Modifier Ability Modifier Ranks Misc. Modifier
Appraise Int 3 = +2 +1
Balance Dex* 3 = +2 +1
Bluff Cha 9 = +3 +4 +2 [persuasive]
Climb Str* 0 = -1 +1
Concentration Con 1 = +0 +1
Craft_1 Int 4 = +2 +2
Craft_2 Int 2 = +2
Craft_3 Int 2 = +2
Decipher Script Int 6 = +2 +4
Diplomacy Cha 9 = +3 +4 +2 [negotiator]
Disguise Cha 7 = +3 +4
Escape Artist Dex* 4 = +2 +2
Forgery Int 2 = +2
Gather Information Cha 7 = +3 +4
Heal Wis 0 = +0
Hide Dex* 4 = +2 +2
Intimidate Cha 5 = +3 +2 [persuasive]
Jump Str* 0 = -1 +1
Listen Wis 2 = +0 +2
Move Silently Dex* 4 = +2 +2
Perform_1 Cha 7 = +3 +4
Perform_2 Cha 3 = +3
Perform_3 Cha 3 = +3
Perform_4 Cha 3 = +3
Perform_5 Cha 3 = +3
Profession Wis 2 = +0 +2
Ride Dex 2 = +2
Search Int 2 = +2
Sense Motive Wis 4 = +0 +2 +2 [negotiator]
Sleight of Hand Dex* 4 = +2 +2
Spellcraft Int 3 = +2 +1
Spot Wis 0 = +0
Survival Wis 0 = +0
Swim Str** 1 = -1 +2
Tumble Dex* 3 = +2 +1
Use Magic Device Cha 4 = +3 +1
Use Rope Dex 2 = +2
* = check penalty for wearing armor

- This character also has 4 ranks in Speak Languages.
- Zero-level Bard spells: 3 per day
- First-level Bard spells: 2 (1+1) per day

Human:
--Extra feat at first level (already included)
--Four extra skill points at first level (already included)
--One extra skill point at each additional level (already included)

Bard:
--Bardic Knowledge
--Bardic Music
--Can know only limited numbers of spells
--High charisma gains bonus spells daily

Class HP rolled
Level 1: Bard 6
Level 2: Bard X
Level 3: Bard X

Dumitru Florin's Equipment:
20 lb Weapons / Armor / Shield (from above)
1 lb Bolts, crossbow (10)
2 lb Backpack
Ink vial
Ink pen
Paper sheets x3
2 lb Rations (1 day) x2
3 lb Musical instrument (Citole)
2 lb Spell component pouch
250 GP (-GP used to buy equipment)
--------------------------
30 lb Total

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A few quick things to say about this character,

First of all, I decided to remain CN. Don't worry as this won't make Dumitru squeamish toward evil tactics or uncaring about anything. The type of character I wanted to portray here was basically an egotistical womanizer. That said, he has a severe dislike of authority and is already pretty close to CE.

Secondly, I decided to give him a whip as his weapon though I was quite undecided between a whip and a hand-crossbow. If you think I should've gone with the hand-crossbow say so and I'll switch over.
EDIT - Switched to hand-crossbow.
EDIT2 - Switched to Light Crossbow + a dagger. Taken away 1 daily ration to compensate for the crossbow's weight gain.
EDIT3 - Given buckler. Taken away exotic weapon proficiency feat. Given point-blank shot feat.
EDIT4 - Taken off buckler.

Thirdly, I have no idea which instrument he should use, any suggestions?
EDIT - Decided on a violin, at least for now.
EDIT2 - Switched to a Citole.

Lastly, I was asked why it always says "Representing Matt". That is because my real name is Matthew (or Matt for short).
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Yeah, the whip is...pretty shitty, really. Unless you want to specialize in tripping and disarming guys, it's complete crap in combat.

He's damn tall/heavy for a dude with 9 Str and 11 Con. He a chunky fellow?

You don't need an instrument. Could do chanting/shouting/etc. Ice blue eyes, a big build, and pale skin makes him sound like he's from Viking stock. Could do a whole skald theme with that.

I'm not so good with the height/weight ratio in all honesty. I wanted him to be tall, around 6 feet, but actually really lanky. Stocky is definitely not what I had in mind.

I'd prefer to use an instrument over chanting. Just not sure what kind of instrument to use.

Alright, I'll edit him to use a hand crossbow instead.

Actually, with the blond hair, pale skin and icy eyes I was trying to shoot for a very Romanian/Transylvanian character (hence his Romanian name).

6' fall and 140 is well, skinny, don't worry. #1 doesn't have #1 facts =)

Your choice about taking gnome as a language. Typically, we don't use gnomes, becaues they serve no purpose (and I hate them!). Could swap it for giant or draconic maybe, but keep if you wish, I do use svirfneblin saying all that.

Instrument wise, I dunno, #1 is right, you don't have to use an instrument, otherwise lute is the general popular choice, also flute, hand drums.. I dunno, I'm crap with instruments.

Wastern european works for me. This character works for me.

Alright, I'll give him draconic instead of gnome.

I do still want to use an instrument... I'll probably just search online for medieval instruments. If I find nothing I like I'll just settle for a flute.

Romania's western European? I always thought it was Eastern, which is sad if I'm wrong considering I AM Romanian. >_<

Wastern... Eastern.. E and W are next to each other =)

Yeah, true. Europe's an extremely small continent, so I guess it's okay to mix those up. Here in Canada however, you mix that up and you're either a foreigner or retarded.

Sweet! Another Canadian. Those fucking limey bastards were close to having a monopoly. Now they'll have to make stupid snow/ice jokes at TWO people!

On topic: How come you're just using a hand crossbow? From what I recall, they don't have the greatest of ranges, which makes ever-so-much of a difference since you're going the cool route and just wearing leather armour. Got a free hand there...

Also, a melee weapon is always handy to have just in case. Especially a knife, they have hundreds of uses, in and out of combat.

I never understood all those Canadian stereotypes. We go to school, watch tv, and ride polar bears just like everybody else!

Hmmm, I'll see what I can fit in as far as equipment goes. I want to keep myself under the light load, and I'm already at 27 lb.

Would it be better for me to use a shield/hand crossbow or a two-handed crossbow with better range?

A knife seems like a good idea. Not for combat, since my str. is a measly 9, but you're right in saying they're extremely useful.

We don't really use the encumberance rules, but yeah, should try to stay at a reasonable amount to carry.

A shield/hand crossbow combo sounds pretty cool, but you have to have two hands to be able to reload, so you'd only be able to use a buckler if you wanted to shoot every round. Overall, a heavier crossbow is probably the best tactical choice you could make.

Looking at bards, they get some funky weapon choices. And they lost the hand crossbow in 3.5, that sucks. Uh, you could use a light crossbow or a shortbow.

Pros for shortbow: x3 crit, can shoot as much as your BAB allows (which isn't much of a point with bards, and you can do that with crossbows with a feat).
Pros for light crossbow: better damage, better range, 19-20x2 crit, can shoot while prone.

You could always ditch the hand crossbow, take a light crossbow/shortbow, have a buckler strapped to your arm so you can take the AC when you're not attacking, and use your spare feat for, like, weapon finesse and use a rapier/buckler combo. Or take point blank shot and work towards precise shot (every PC archer needs precise shot, otherwise you'll get -4 to shoot into combats and have a chance to hit fellow PCs....who won' appreciate it in an evil game).

Btw, where in Canuckistan are you?

I'm going to stick with the crossbow since if you have a str. penalty it carries over into shortbow attacks, but not in crossbow attacks.

I only get three feats, so I think I'm going to take out exotic weapon finesse in favor of point blank shot (and I'll work towards precise shot). I'll stick with a dagger instead of a rapier for now, considering I don't have enough feats for weapon finesse or even martial weapon proficiency. I will, however, definitely get a buckler.
EDIT - Nevermind, I checked the Bard again. I see what you mean now about the rapier, I can use one without martial weapon proficiency.

Oh yeah, and I'm in the part of Canada everybody hates.
A.K.A. the part that hates Canada.
A.K.A. the French part.
A.K.A. Quebec.
You?

Crossbow/buckler/knife sounds like a cool visual style. At higher levels (or if you just get real lucky on HP rolls) the buckler will become pretty useless unless you get some shiny magic one. Just remember that you can use its AC whilst attacking with a two-handed weapon (which I assume applies to crossbows) but you take the AC bonus as a penalty to your attack.

Oh. My. God. We're mortal enemies. I'm in Ontario. Also, you're like half a mortal enemy to the limey bastards.

Actually I think crossbows are an exception for that rule. I don't think I get the penalty for using a crossbow with the buckler's AC, but I could be wrong.

Would it be better for me to use Crossbow/buckler/knife or Crossbow/buckler/rapier?

Hahaha, basically yeah Ontario and Quebec hate each other. From language to hockey, they're always at odds. Don't worry too much though, I speak French as well as a grizzly bear on crack.

zomg Stripey is a frog-fuck!

On another note, use whatever weapon combination suits your PC idea best, game mechanics to a minimum. Saying that, rapier does more damage with a better critical.

Anyway, rapiers are cliche as fuck for bards (and elves)... get an idea of your PC, something original (if possible) and use that... mace? Flail? Spear? I dunno, whatever suits.. if you have a sterotypical bard in mind, waterdeep solicate, then by all means, get a rapier.

Also, we do use encumberance rules, ignore Zerty for that bit (the rest stands).

Also, can you two canadians stop feeling each other up.. fucking poofs =)


http://www.d20srd.org/ Bookmark this site, Stripey, if you ain't already.

Also, try to find a PC picture please.

Buckler


This small metal shield is worn strapped to your forearm. You can
use a bow or crossbow without penalty while carrying it. You can also
use your shield arm to wield a weapon (whether you are using an
off-hand weapon or using your off hand to help wield a two-handed
weapon), but you take a -1 penalty on attack rolls
while doing so. This penalty stacks with those that may apply for
fighting with your off hand and for fighting with two weapons. In any
case, if you use a weapon in your off hand, you don’t get the buckler’s
AC bonus for the rest of the round.

Includes bows too oddly, I think we'll house rule that, apart from shortbows.

Anyway, what that means is... you can indeed USE a bow (short only from now on) or crossbow whilst wearing a buckler but do not recieve the AC bonus when you attack.

Although I'm going to go ahead and say handcrossbows do not recieve that -1 to hit and still give the user a +1 AC bonus from the buckler

I see....With that in mind, am I better off with a crossbow/buckler or a handcrossbow/buckler?

Ehhh, the buckler's just a -1/+1. Not that big, nor small. Take it or don't, your choice.

Eh, if I don't even receive the AC bonus and it gives me attack penalties, it's not worth it to me. Consider the buckler taken off.

On another note, I seem to have found a cool Romanian guitar called the Zongora. It was invented pretty recently though, is it still okay to use it in this campaign?

Well... the Zongora is just a standard guitar with the strings close together, to make it easy for rapid strumming.



I don't really give a shit personally, but it's quite a modern instrument really. It may have evolved from something rather older, but given that Zongora actually means Piano, it's definitely out of period

You might want to look at this site for some nice examples of medieval instruments, or there's always my favourite for stupidly overcomplex medieval instruments, the uber-lute that is the Theorbo

And... now on the subject of French Canada..

Stripey wrote:Eh, if I don't even receive the AC bonus and it gives me attack penalties, it's not worth it to me. Consider the buckler taken off.

No no no. See, you'd get the penalty to your attack whenever you opted to use the AC bonus from the buckler. And that's only when you attack. So if oyu were running to position, setting yourself up to fire at somebody, you could use the AC bonus, and then opt out of using it when you shoot the next round.

Nah, Zert, that's wrong.

You get the AC bonus, except when you use your offhand, with either an offhand weapon or 2H weapon. By wearing a buckler, you get a -1 to hit all the time you use a weapon in your offhand or 2H weapon.

Ya both sorta wrong.

I took a look at the instrument site Tromador put up there, and the Citole looks exactly like the type of instrument I'd see my character using. With that said, consider my instrument switched to the Citole.

As far as the buckler goes, I'm definitely going to keep it off. I have one other question though. Seeing as Bard's can use Rapiers, should I keep my dagger or switch to a Rapier?

Oh come on, French Canadians aren't THAT bad....Well......Well, at least they're never naked. Usually.

No clue what a citole is, didn't even notice the links. Whatever suits yah, me fellow Canuck.

Re: dagger/rapier -- again, whatever suits yah tastes/character idea/whatevah. As long as neither is jewel-encrusted. Because you'll be relieved of it and probably your neck too within the first five minutes of meeting the PCs.

From what I've learned from the elderly, the walls of public washrooms, and the six-legged midget I trapped in my basement back in 1921, French Canada exists in a completely alternate reality where dogs talk and birds have human pets. OooOoooh.

A Citole is basically an ancient guitar. I'd show you a pic but I have no idea how to put pictures onto forums.

In that case I think I'm going to stick with the dagger. I find it suits my character better.

Shhhh, don't mention that alternate reality stuff. My dog's right here watching me and if she finds out I leaked this kind of information; my crow, pidgeon and seagull overlords will surely see to it that I am punished!