best cohort to compliment a character [Archive] - Wizards Community

best cohort to compliment a character [Archive] - Wizards Community

Post/Author/DateTime Post
Manaduar
10-05-05, 02:27 PM I'm playing in a campaign where the DM has made if very "monty hall" and all the characters are rediculously powerful, in particular the fighter and the mage (that's me). We've all been given the leadership feat and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best build for my cohort so to make him as useful as possible, here's what I think are decisive factors:

already have a great fighter, (fighter/tempest/dervish/???) that's got AC in the 50-60ish range depending on what he's doing, +20-60ish attacks (usually in the 40 to 50 range) and damage in the +20-100 range (usually around 30-50)

got a great mage (1fighter/8mage/7initiate of 7fold veil/chosen of mystra/???) all stats in the 20's knows most all spells, lots of gear like ring of wizardry 1-9, pearls of power, metamagic rods to allow for lots of casting and good numbers on spells, also tough enough that THIS mage makes a decent secondary fighter (although never had a need to be, drops stuff before my initiative come up half the time)

have good ranger type class, dunno about his build but in comparison to the fighter and mage he's not as great but pretty decent in combat

have a rogue that COULD be a good one but person playing him is idiot, but with tutoring he does what he needs to fairly well

have a great NPC cleric that doesn't see a lot of action since it's NPC, he only jumps in if we really need him (which is next to never)

finally we have a really good psionic type guy (can't say much about him, I don't care for psionics so don't pay attention to his details but he gets the job done when it matters)

so since I'm the mage does anybody have any ideas of what I should build cohort as so he'd be the most use to the group but also helpful to me should I be split from the group?
peanut35
10-05-05, 02:45 PM marshals from Miniatures are very cool for party enhancing benefits, so are bards. For fighting type, also from miniatures, is the tactical soldier PrC, which is helpful for those in melee. Wayfarers can be a great help, get around, and fast. Druids can be really helpful to a party, for temp stats and good melee. It sounds like the party is pretty well rounded. So now i htink you should look at what is lacking or what is cool for flavor. Marshal, bard, Tactical are all party benefitting characters. Depending on the campaign, you might want to go more specific. If the rogue player is poor, and you don't want to step on his toes, atleast directly, go scout or ninja, to pick up the same abilities, to a degree, but is different enough so that the player may not be offended.

For you in particular, the Marshal gives some really nice party bumps, but could be helpful to you, as he can take some marshal and some fighter, and stand by your side most of the time. Also, the bard is really really nasty now, and there are some songs that will boost your caster level. so yeah, i guess for you, go with Bard or Marshal.

Sometimes flavor is all you want from cohorts, i mean an occult slayer by your side might be kinda cool, and the roleplaying aspect of that would be kinda neat, and he would protect you from other casters, to a degree, and his is a fighter, for that side of things.
Manaduar
10-05-05, 11:54 PM how are you getting an increased caster level from a bard? haven't figured that part out yet. Also forgot to mention, we just became epic characters so cohorts are somewhere around lvl 18 or 19, so applying prestige classes and all that is an option that I'm trying to decide on also, or at least a general direction to take, then I could figure out an optimized rogue or bard type thing from there.
mrpopstar
10-06-05, 02:33 AM Manaduar:There is no better cohort than a bard. I would go straight bard and maximize his buffing/support capabilities. If you are hesitant to believe that the bard is a capable bodyguard when the two of you have been separated from the party, then you should take a multiclass dip into fighter to augment his combat efficiency (though this truly isn't needed). Check out Complete Adventurer for the bard spells that increase target's caster level.
Silverthumb128
10-06-05, 02:47 AM My first thoughts were either Ranger or Rogue. Ranged support is always good. Though if you chose Rogue, perhaps through example, you could help your Rogue friend get a better idea of how to get things done? Nothing better than an example, right?

Though, I do agree that Bard is a great choice. Support, healing, great skills, mild melee, what's not to love?
mrpopstar
10-06-05, 03:20 AM A bard cohort can select all of those pesky utility spells as spells known and allow you to keep your options open for the colorful stuff.
A bard cohort can use all of those magical items you've crafted (via Use Magic Device or by having the item spell on his spell list).
A bard cohort can read all those scrolls you've scribed (via Use Magic Device or by having the scroll spell on his spell list).
A bard cohort can buff the entire party (including your familiar) while performing.
A bard cohort can be buffed with anything you would normally spend on the fighter-types, if he is serving as bodyguard while your party is elsewhere (an Enlarged bard with a reach weapon is a force to be reckoned with; considering he can wear armor, carry a shield, and buff himself with Alterself and his performance).
A bard cohort can focus on all of those ever-so-helpful knowledge skills that assist in your spell selections.
A bard cohort can heal.
A bard cohort can assist the rogue with his skill usage.
A bard cohort, most importantly, always makes you look good!
Silverthumb128
10-06-05, 03:22 AM Mrpopstar for the win. :D
mrpopstar
10-06-05, 03:27 AM Silverthumb128:Mrpopstar for the win. :D Thankyouverymuch. :cool:
CzarGarrett
10-06-05, 12:21 PM My inital thought was a bard as well.

Since you expressed that you're somewhat lacking with a rogue, could use more for secondary fighter, and a bard can always help with full party buffs.

If not a bard, go for something bizarre and wierd. Like a Warforged Warlock or something else not commonly seen.
Speed Racer
10-06-05, 01:58 PM In a game I am palying right now. I am running a Warforged Artificer as a cohort. Allows me to upgrade the entire parties magic items, he can disarm traps, he can fight very well (almsot as good as our fighter), he can use any magic Item and can do persistant buffs from wands. I know my GM hates my cohort (muhahaha) but we have lived through alot of things so for just because he was in the group.
Atar
10-06-05, 02:34 PM How about a Monk / Fighter / Deep Wood sniper? :) Ranged backup is always nice, and when you go all out on wisdom and use Zen Archery you also get a VERY good spotter / listener. I suggest something like 6 Monk, 4 fighter (wep spez), rest Deepwood Sniper.
Douglas Zuver
10-08-05, 01:19 PM Bard sounds like a very good choice.

Since the Cleric is an NPC, and you want to separate from the group some of the time, A Healer would be an interesting alternative. If the healer is 18 to 20 level, it can have a very good companion which can cast spells like a 9th level sorcerer and let both of you ride on its back while it flies thru the air.

Or you could lock the Healer up in your tower and ask the healer to cast true resurrection when you die...
:cool:

The Healer would not preach at you all the time either
;)
IceFractal
10-08-05, 04:17 PM Artificer all the way! An Artificer can put any spell you want on you, and have it last 24 hours. They can absorb the essence of any unwanted magic items and use it to make whatever new items you want. They can heal, buf, blast (surprisingly well), and cast any utility spells. In fact, I've had to voluntarily not take an Artificer cohort in the past because of how much it would unbalance things. However, if you're in a super high-power game, it'd be right up your alley.
trevor6141
10-08-05, 04:46 PM For the fun of it you could take the feat that allows you tog et a dragon cohort. That could be flavorful. :dragon:
Manyfist
10-08-05, 10:04 PM It's a tie between a Bard, and a Wilder I say. Maybe a Psychic Rogue. The Bard is jack of all trades, while the Wilder can help blast things to oblivion, maybe pick up a few Saves or Dies on the way. If you have Thrallherder you can have 2 Thralls (Cohorts) at the 10th lvl. :D Double the pleasure!
Douglas Zuver
10-09-05, 10:35 AM For the fun of it you could take the feat that allows you tog et a dragon cohort. That could be flavorful. :dragon:

:w00t: :cheer: :w00t:

How about all the player's sitting down together and making sure all the cohorts combine together well. Especially if everyone gets the epic leadership feat.

Marshal, Bard, and Dragon cohorts are three that could do everybody lots of good. Think about what an epic Marshal cohort could do on a battlefield. Extended Aura and DR4/_.

At epic level, sooner or later you will be leading/assisting an army marching for war.

Lots of other possibilites as well, have fun choosing. :lightbulb

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Manaduar 10-05-05, 02:27 PM	I'm playing in a campaign where the DM has made if very "monty hall" and all the characters are rediculously powerful, in particular the fighter and the mage (that's me). We've all been given the leadership feat and I'm trying to figure out what would be the best build for my cohort so to make him as useful as possible, here's what I think are decisive factors: already have a great fighter, (fighter/tempest/dervish/???) that's got AC in the 50-60ish range depending on what he's doing, +20-60ish attacks (usually in the 40 to 50 range) and damage in the +20-100 range (usually around 30-50) got a great mage (1fighter/8mage/7initiate of 7fold veil/chosen of mystra/???) all stats in the 20's knows most all spells, lots of gear like ring of wizardry 1-9, pearls of power, metamagic rods to allow for lots of casting and good numbers on spells, also tough enough that THIS mage makes a decent secondary fighter (although never had a need to be, drops stuff before my initiative come up half the time) have good ranger type class, dunno about his build but in comparison to the fighter and mage he's not as great but pretty decent in combat have a rogue that COULD be a good one but person playing him is idiot, but with tutoring he does what he needs to fairly well have a great NPC cleric that doesn't see a lot of action since it's NPC, he only jumps in if we really need him (which is next to never) finally we have a really good psionic type guy (can't say much about him, I don't care for psionics so don't pay attention to his details but he gets the job done when it matters) so since I'm the mage does anybody have any ideas of what I should build cohort as so he'd be the most use to the group but also helpful to me should I be split from the group?
peanut35 10-05-05, 02:45 PM	marshals from Miniatures are very cool for party enhancing benefits, so are bards. For fighting type, also from miniatures, is the tactical soldier PrC, which is helpful for those in melee. Wayfarers can be a great help, get around, and fast. Druids can be really helpful to a party, for temp stats and good melee. It sounds like the party is pretty well rounded. So now i htink you should look at what is lacking or what is cool for flavor. Marshal, bard, Tactical are all party benefitting characters. Depending on the campaign, you might want to go more specific. If the rogue player is poor, and you don't want to step on his toes, atleast directly, go scout or ninja, to pick up the same abilities, to a degree, but is different enough so that the player may not be offended. For you in particular, the Marshal gives some really nice party bumps, but could be helpful to you, as he can take some marshal and some fighter, and stand by your side most of the time. Also, the bard is really really nasty now, and there are some songs that will boost your caster level. so yeah, i guess for you, go with Bard or Marshal. Sometimes flavor is all you want from cohorts, i mean an occult slayer by your side might be kinda cool, and the roleplaying aspect of that would be kinda neat, and he would protect you from other casters, to a degree, and his is a fighter, for that side of things.
Manaduar 10-05-05, 11:54 PM	how are you getting an increased caster level from a bard? haven't figured that part out yet. Also forgot to mention, we just became epic characters so cohorts are somewhere around lvl 18 or 19, so applying prestige classes and all that is an option that I'm trying to decide on also, or at least a general direction to take, then I could figure out an optimized rogue or bard type thing from there.
mrpopstar 10-06-05, 02:33 AM	Manaduar:There is no better cohort than a bard. I would go straight bard and maximize his buffing/support capabilities. If you are hesitant to believe that the bard is a capable bodyguard when the two of you have been separated from the party, then you should take a multiclass dip into fighter to augment his combat efficiency (though this truly isn't needed). Check out Complete Adventurer for the bard spells that increase target's caster level.
Silverthumb128 10-06-05, 02:47 AM	My first thoughts were either Ranger or Rogue. Ranged support is always good. Though if you chose Rogue, perhaps through example, you could help your Rogue friend get a better idea of how to get things done? Nothing better than an example, right? Though, I do agree that Bard is a great choice. Support, healing, great skills, mild melee, what's not to love?
mrpopstar 10-06-05, 03:20 AM	A bard cohort can select all of those pesky utility spells as spells known and allow you to keep your options open for the colorful stuff. A bard cohort can use all of those magical items you've crafted (via Use Magic Device or by having the item spell on his spell list). A bard cohort can read all those scrolls you've scribed (via Use Magic Device or by having the scroll spell on his spell list). A bard cohort can buff the entire party (including your familiar) while performing. A bard cohort can be buffed with anything you would normally spend on the fighter-types, if he is serving as bodyguard while your party is elsewhere (an Enlarged bard with a reach weapon is a force to be reckoned with; considering he can wear armor, carry a shield, and buff himself with Alterself and his performance). A bard cohort can focus on all of those ever-so-helpful knowledge skills that assist in your spell selections. A bard cohort can heal. A bard cohort can assist the rogue with his skill usage. A bard cohort, most importantly, always makes you look good!
Silverthumb128 10-06-05, 03:22 AM	Mrpopstar for the win. :D
mrpopstar 10-06-05, 03:27 AM	Silverthumb128:Mrpopstar for the win. :D Thankyouverymuch. :cool:
CzarGarrett 10-06-05, 12:21 PM	My inital thought was a bard as well. Since you expressed that you're somewhat lacking with a rogue, could use more for secondary fighter, and a bard can always help with full party buffs. If not a bard, go for something bizarre and wierd. Like a Warforged Warlock or something else not commonly seen.
Speed Racer 10-06-05, 01:58 PM	In a game I am palying right now. I am running a Warforged Artificer as a cohort. Allows me to upgrade the entire parties magic items, he can disarm traps, he can fight very well (almsot as good as our fighter), he can use any magic Item and can do persistant buffs from wands. I know my GM hates my cohort (muhahaha) but we have lived through alot of things so for just because he was in the group.
Atar 10-06-05, 02:34 PM	How about a Monk / Fighter / Deep Wood sniper? :) Ranged backup is always nice, and when you go all out on wisdom and use Zen Archery you also get a VERY good spotter / listener. I suggest something like 6 Monk, 4 fighter (wep spez), rest Deepwood Sniper.
Douglas Zuver 10-08-05, 01:19 PM	Bard sounds like a very good choice. Since the Cleric is an NPC, and you want to separate from the group some of the time, A Healer would be an interesting alternative. If the healer is 18 to 20 level, it can have a very good companion which can cast spells like a 9th level sorcerer and let both of you ride on its back while it flies thru the air. Or you could lock the Healer up in your tower and ask the healer to cast true resurrection when you die... :cool: The Healer would not preach at you all the time either ;)
IceFractal 10-08-05, 04:17 PM	Artificer all the way! An Artificer can put any spell you want on you, and have it last 24 hours. They can absorb the essence of any unwanted magic items and use it to make whatever new items you want. They can heal, buf, blast (surprisingly well), and cast any utility spells. In fact, I've had to voluntarily not take an Artificer cohort in the past because of how much it would unbalance things. However, if you're in a super high-power game, it'd be right up your alley.
trevor6141 10-08-05, 04:46 PM	For the fun of it you could take the feat that allows you tog et a dragon cohort. That could be flavorful. :dragon:
Manyfist 10-08-05, 10:04 PM	It's a tie between a Bard, and a Wilder I say. Maybe a Psychic Rogue. The Bard is jack of all trades, while the Wilder can help blast things to oblivion, maybe pick up a few Saves or Dies on the way. If you have Thrallherder you can have 2 Thralls (Cohorts) at the 10th lvl. :D Double the pleasure!
Douglas Zuver 10-09-05, 10:35 AM	For the fun of it you could take the feat that allows you tog et a dragon cohort. That could be flavorful. :dragon: :w00t: :cheer: :w00t: How about all the player's sitting down together and making sure all the cohorts combine together well. Especially if everyone gets the epic leadership feat. Marshal, Bard, and Dragon cohorts are three that could do everybody lots of good. Think about what an epic Marshal cohort could do on a battlefield. Extended Aura and DR4/_. At epic level, sooner or later you will be leading/assisting an army marching for war. Lots of other possibilites as well, have fun choosing. :lightbulb