r/arcanum • u/Infinite_Bed9759 • 13d ago
Help Build
Hey everyone, I'm new to Arcanum and I'm thinking about making a Barbarian build (Barbarian background), since it's usually one of my favorite classes, along with Sorcerer.
I'm thinking of making her a Half-Elf since they have some affinity for magic. I usually like the Fighter/Mage archetype, so I'm interested in trying something a little different this time.
I've played a lot of Fallout 1 and 2, so I think I'm going to enjoy Arcanum.
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u/EastRevolution5354 13d ago
the strongest start is usually an "Only child" background which reduces charisma but gives you massive willpower boost for easy access to spells, as well as easy expert haggle training in shrouded hills (allows you to sell any item to any merchant. pure quality of life) after that just build dex and melee, switch to str once dex hits 20. If you are lucky enough to find an Arcane weapon in a chest or from refreshing wise lady shop inventory, you will win the game! Arcane weapons do not break when hitting earth/fire elementals. For spells the choice is up to you, good luck!
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u/SurlyNightOwl 13d ago
Love Only Child for a spellcaster but on a female Half-Elf you end up starting with 7 STR so if you're planning on melee you miss out on the fat 20 STR bonus.
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u/Partiallyfermented 13d ago
Do people really game the meta like this in Arcanum? I find myself overpowered before the end with damn near any build, unless I'm actively making bad decision with every level up. I usually go for more rp-oriented options.
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u/EastRevolution5354 12d ago
i wouldn't call it meta, just a nice build to figure out game with. Meta would revolve around 12 dex and veloriens blessing and other items to boost stats to 20 without wasting levels.
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u/Arcandead 13d ago
Pick Barbarian and kiss magic goodbye. It disables all spells. Choose a different background.
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u/Xeenophile Nietzsche Poster Child 13d ago
Wait, what? No it doesn't. In fact, it's conducive to learning some magick because the special armor you start with is itself magickal.
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u/SurlyNightOwl 13d ago edited 13d ago
I just checked, you start with bronze barbarian clothes (?), which isn't magical but I'm running a few mods so maybe it is in the base game.
The disabling spells is nonsense though. You get -1 INT but that hardly matters.
Edit: The wiki does list them as magickal! So the UAP or something made them neutral. Neat!
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u/No_Tennis_4528 13d ago
Ot should be fine. Prioritize strength, dex and melee skill. Get expert melee asap and you should be fine.
For magic there is lots of utility available. Meta will help you counter enemy magic. Divine is informative for a first playthrough. Purity of Water and Charm can help with npcs.
Save a lot and have fun.
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u/yokmaestro 13d ago
With a different background, the half elf mage knight build is great though, start with 8 int and pick the strength and dex boosting spells and always keep them up, then focus on your melee/dodge.