Post/Author/DateTime	Post
nerdor257 05-09-07, 11:12 PM	So I've got a group of new players together that all have some small idea about how to play. So far, we have a monk, a spellcaster of some type (hasn't decided yet on class) and a paladin. I'm the only experienced player and am wondering how best to round out the group without making the others weak by comparison. I was thinking bard, but I'm not too sure on that. Any suggestions?
Krusk 05-09-07, 11:30 PM	find out what type of spellcaster the last player is playing and then go with the opposite type. A bard could work, but i usually reserve them for 5th characters. If they are playing an arcane caster, i would say play cleric/druid for healing, and if they are playing a cleric or druid i would say wizard/sorcerer for offense spells. The group has skill guy down- monk, and fighter down, palidin and monk as backup. so you are either going to need arcane guy or divine guy. The palidin can serve as backup divine guy if youve got your heart set on bard so long as you help out with the healing a little too. monk- secondary fighter/skills palidin- fighter/ secondary healer either arcane or divine caster. one or other. so if you just fill in whats left you guys should be set.
loaba 05-09-07, 11:30 PM	Make a utility meat-shield. :D Every party needs a toughguy to muck about in the corners and free up the puck for the more skilled players. Note: Err, sorry, random hockey analogy, my bad. Note 2: the above poster reminded me that Clerics are quite useful and they can even work passably well in utility meat-shield role!.
Waterhammer 05-09-07, 11:52 PM	The ranger makes a fine addition to any party. That tracking ability is priceless. Actually, shouldn't the player have some say in this? Even if everybody wanted to play fighters, I would allow it. It's part of the fun of D&D. To play your fantasy.
Varia 05-10-07, 12:32 AM	I'm sensing a DMPC here... Definitely wait and see what kind of caster that last person is. If its divine and I'm right about the DMPC thing then maybe a beguiler? A trap monkey and lots of handy, handy buffage without stealing anyones thunder. If its not a DMPC then still wait and see, and play a something with healing if that other caster is arcane, and still maybe a beguiler if its divine, for basically the same reason- trap monkey and lotsa lovely buffages. I'm loving my beguiler cohort right now, so I may be a little biased about them, but seriously, while he's done, quite literally, under 10 damage over the whole adventure (9-10 sessions, 3 levels), he's nevertheless been the mvp more than once, saving several lives. Hastes, displacements, freedom of movements in web-heavy combat, color spray on vermin swarms, just sooo useful. :)
loaba 05-10-07, 12:40 AM	I'm sensing a DMPC here... That's my impression as well. And may I just say that, in my experiance, there is nothing wrong with a *well played DMPC. *Note: certain conditions may apply
Varia 05-10-07, 01:23 AM	Yes, a well-played DMPC can be ok, but it IS dangerous territory. There's a reason many many people spit and claw at the mere mention of a DMPC. I certainly get very cautious. But it IS possible to play one properly. Thats part of why I suggested a beguiler- trap monkey/buffers dont steal other peoples thunder, and thus avoid the primary DMPC pitfalls. Stay off the charms and you're most of the way there to easy acceptance. :)