|
The classic offensive characters are the mage classes (sorcerer and wizard) and the warrior classes (barbarian, fighter, monk, ranger and paladin). If you are a new player with little experience role-playing, being a fighter is probably a good bet since what they do is pretty straightforward. If you are very experienced, try playing a mage for a change of pace, or a complex character like the paladin or the bard.
The key to being a good offensive character is doing damage. You will want to focus on things that help you do lots of damage to something, or do damage to more than one thing at a time. This means that the spells, feats, and sometimes the skills you choose should center on hitting more than one opponent as with area of effect spells like sleep or multiple attack feats like cleave or two weapon fighting. Doing lots of damage to a single opponent is also effective such as with spells like lightning bolt, magic missile, or damage enhancing feats like power attack or weapon focus with a powerful weapon such as the great sword, heavy crossbow, or bastard sword. You will want to balance your effects with others in your party, if you can kill monsters in a single shot, you will want someone else who can hit several things in a single blow.
The tougher warrior classes are meant to do battle up close, but if the enemy is too far away they are useless. They should be inflicting damage as soon as possible. Weapons that can be thrown and used in hand to hand are a good choice. These include the short spear, the throwing axe, the club and the half spear. Medium sized characters can use medium sized and smaller weapons with one hand, leaving the other free for another weapon or a shield.
In general, low-level mages are rather delicate, and should therefore usually engage targets at a distance, but if a mage is over run by an enemy he or she is toast. To keep this worst-case scenario from coming to pass, the mage should be able to fight up close. Sorcerers can use the short spear and the morning star, which are effective. These are a good choice. Elvish wizards can use swords and bows, another good choice when fighting up close. Having short-range spells is always a good practice. Keep in mind that both sorcerers and wizards can use the light crossbow, which is handy when you need to conserve spells. Having a weapon focus with the staff is also a good option.
|
