Post/Author/DateTime	Post
Trydan 09-12-04, 05:19 PM	In our campaign, we are all at level 7. Our characters are as follows: Barbarian.2 / Fighter.5 Rogue.4 / Wizard.3 Barbarian.7 Monk.7 Druid.7 Ranger.7 Now, another player has asked to join the group, but he is a complete novice to role-playing. While we are confident that that he'll get into it quickly, he's asked what would be the easiest (and most compatible) character class to play. In terms of compatibility, I'd say Bard or Cleric, but they can be tricky classes, with loads of skills, spells, combat, turning, bardic song, and so on. Thus, I'm considering recommending Fighter or Sorcerer. However, before doing so, I'd like to ask your opinion. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions for this situation? Thanks!
carnivore 09-12-04, 05:25 PM	i would suggest sorceror............but you may want to print some of the info found here or have him look it up http://boards1.wizards.com/showpost.php?p=3032125 ESPECIALLY the DEFINATIVE SORCEROR SPELL LIST make sure he unerstands the idea of stay in the back and cast spells or the idea of run away, both ideas will save a sorceror
shadow mage 09-12-04, 05:38 PM	No fighter. Simple yes, effective no. You're just about at the levels that fighters STOP becoming effective, and for a novice player to come in and enjoy the first few levels and suck the remaining levels of a campaign, that won't be a very fun experience for him. I highly recommend NOT doing fighter, as you already have at least four others in the group (fighter/barb, barb, ranger, monk, and druid depending on how he's played). You need arcane/divine/psionic support. Maybe cleric? Hm... I'd agree with carnivore simply because sorcerers are very very easy to use, albiet slightly unbalanced. A slightly more complicated but better rounded sorcerer is in my sig (a determined effort by a large many persons to make the sorcerer a usable class). Also, if you're allowed, Psion would be a good choice. It's more difficult then a sorcerer, less difficult then a wizard, but if you choose Kineticist (Con-based) then he uses Constitution to power his psionics and he will at least have a good bit of life. Lots of hit points for novice players are often very helpful. I'm curious about your Rogue/Wizard friend. Does he plan to go arcane trickster? Or some other similar prestige class? If not he will seriously fall behind the party. Just my personal take on it.
Steelgryphon 09-12-04, 06:51 PM	unbalanced the core classes are balanced but the fighters weak NO i did over 100 damage with 1 crit and a normal with 2 attacks with my fighter today THATS weak HOW!
shadow mage 09-12-04, 07:01 PM	unbalanced the core classes are balanced but the fighters weak NO i did over 100 damage with 1 crit and a normal with 2 attacks with my fighter today THATS weak HOW! Do explain how, what level, what feats, things like this. I can very easily claim to have done similar wonders with a rogue, but until I can see proof of this I won't be convinced. Proove to me the fighter keeps up with the other classes, but do it on another thread. This is not the place for that, this person simply wants suggestions as to what classes this newcomer should become.
Mitchell 09-12-04, 10:19 PM	A fighter is redundant, as mentioned. Not bad, but also as mentioned, this isn't the place for that debate. Party need is important, and the more unique (and needed) the character is, the more involved the player will feel. I figure this takes us to three choices, given in the order that I would consider them. 1) Cleric. If the players personality fits it, this would be a good choice. A little guidance on spell selection is really all they would need. Undead turning is just a reminder, probably from other players, and they will have fighting ability and survivability. A cleric would give them an option to be involved no matter what the situation. 2) Sorceror. You have a wizard, but they are multiclassing, so a dedicated arcane caster would be good and useful. Spell selection becomes very important, though, so someone (you) should sit down with them and explain the spells and effects. Bad and redundant spell selection can cripple a sorceror. They have to be given good guidance to maximize their usefulness and versatility. 3) Bard. You don't have one, and they have some unique abilities. The problem is, they are often support and RP intensive. If the player isn't the type to be content with playing a tune or telling a tale or singing while everyone else is fighting, then it isn't a good choice. If the player isn't the type to get into the social encounters and RP aspects of the game as much as they are the combat, then it isn't a good choice. If, on the other hand, they are a naturally outgoing person and enjoy the RP aspect and interacting with the NPCs of the world, this is an excellent choice.
monkeywrench 09-12-04, 11:26 PM	Don't let him play a Cleric or a Bard. Clerics are tricky to use and unsatisfying for new people. New people wanna slug it out more than RP. They'll soon get over that, but the Cleric support healing role and the complete weirdness that is the Bard (to newbies anyway) will leave you with an unsatisfied player. Besides, you've got a Druid ( :ayyyy!: ) and a Ranger. You'll be fine in the healing department. What you need is most definitely a Sorcerer. Sorcerers are easier to play than Wizards, because you have a set list of known spells and don't have to make the all important spell choices each day, just once. Plus, the Sorcerer's usefulness in battle will make him a lot of fun for your new player and it's a very open ended class than can be roleplayed in any number of ways. He'll like it.