If you were going to play solo. . . - Downloaded from the Wizards Community, all coding removed by Solauren

If you were going to play solo. . .

Post/Author/DateTime Post
#1
lostdwarf
Jul 12, 2008 18:10:35 . . . what character would you play. By solo I mean just one player and a DM, not some crazy random dungeon thing.

Im leaning toward a Dwarven Battle Cleric weilding an greataxe. Fair dammage output, moderate defences, and good self healing abilites.

Other options??
#2
Novacat
Jul 12, 2008 18:28:12 Orc Fighter with Bastard Sword proficiency, going sword-and-board.
Pick up plate proficiency early.
No one can match the orc fighter's ability to heal himself. Comeback Strike, Boundless Endurance, and Warrior's Surge, oh yeah!

Leaders are generally a bad idea for solo play, as most of their power is based on the assumption that you'll have a group. Strikers are terrible against multiple foes. The wizard (the only controller so far) is far too delicate.
#3
gorditobandito
Jul 12, 2008 19:05:44 i think i would play a feylock. i find that in a group setting their ability to get themselves out of a pickle is a bit counterintuitive since what they are trading is the ability to contribute as much during combat. if they are the only player than that ability to get away is much more useful and I think it would be a lot of fun. i would probably multiclass something a bit funky too like fighter or warlord to have a few below the belt punches to pull if it were necessary. since the encounters will be tailored to me specifically you can have fun with some out there ideas
#4
captfisher
Jul 12, 2008 19:20:35 I haven't gotten to play it yet so take this with a grain of salt, but i think that one of the good things about 4e is that with healing surges the need for a cleric is less nessasary, so playing a lone fighter or theif is possible, without days of "natural" healing.

Obviously the way you play is different with any class. I would love to play a thief. A story involving the guild, finding my own way, by my quick wits and quicker daggers.

For a more traditional story with only one character I would like you said do a cleric...maybe multiclass.
#5
nerdicus
Jul 12, 2008 19:57:33 I personally think that 4th edition is the best suited to solo campaigns. Given the rolls, it spells it out real nice for you when you are making a character what you want to do.

I have found that solo campaigns are usually about playing one of those cool character concepts that don't work well in a group. Lone assassin, travelling warmage, tortured paladin, whatever. Well now it works to do it alone just great!

Of course some of the classes would be the most fun if you had an NPC or two to have around. I mean, Playing a warlock/paladin/cleric would not be nearly as fun without someone to lead/protect/heal.

I personally would love to play a ranger and have an animal companion for my meatshield!
#6
doomsought
Jul 12, 2008 21:11:11 you can go for the spec ops style striker.

or you have some more options in 3ed, the crusader can heal himself by dealing damage, or you can just be impossible to hit:
(tiny + flying + maxed out hide + magic armor)
By level ten I was able to make an attack (-20 to hide check) and most enemies still couldn't spot me, even with a natural 20.
the 3ed warlock was the true sniper.

Gestalt can also give you lost of fun options.
#7
jimb
Jul 12, 2008 22:34:25
Orc Fighter with Bastard Sword proficiency, going sword-and-board.

Being an orc (for the warrior's surge) is a really good idea. Dwarf (minor action second wind) or dragonborn (dragon breath for minion clearing) would also be good picks.

As for the class, I would lean towards paladin over fighter. Too many of a fighter's abilities involve marking targets, which is kind of pointless if there aren't other party members. Paladins also get a bit more healing then fighters, especially if they multiclass as a cleric or warlord, or if they take the Raven Queen channel divinity feat.
#8
korgoththeprist
Jul 13, 2008 0:54:10 human

paladin

Cha based

Multyclass Warlock

Lets Go Chum match me 20 AC
15 Fort
17 Ref
17 Will Defence level 1 character
With ability to lay on hands and such Lets Go XD

Now your quest is to walk old ladys across the street and such and never put your defence into a situation where its called for.
#9
Iry
Jul 13, 2008 11:14:15 Elven Cleric/Ranger.
Str: 12, Con: 12, Dex: 18, Wis: 18.

You've got awesome ranged abilities, awesome AOE abilities, awesome healing abilities, possibly awesome steath, and possibly awesome perception.

Stealth + Longbow will carry you signifigantly, with lasers and rocking AOE when things get close. Ranger gets you several abilities to shift away from foes, and nets you a few useful striker talents. High Wisdom also allows for good Insight for conversation.

Angelic Avenger is a very interesting Paragon Path, offering minion destruction, defensive powers, and other perks.

Lets Go Chum match me 20 AC
15 Fort
17 Ref
17 Will Defence level 1 character
With ability to lay on hands and such Lets Go XD

Naah, that kind of character has far too many weaknesses.
#10
arthurhoneyhill
Jul 13, 2008 11:23:45
Orc Fighter with Bastard Sword proficiency, going sword-and-board.
Pick up plate proficiency early.
No one can match the orc fighter's ability to heal himself. Comeback Strike, Boundless Endurance, and Warrior's Surge, oh yeah!

Leaders are generally a bad idea for solo play, as most of their power is based on the assumption that you'll have a group. Strikers are terrible against multiple foes. The wizard (the only controller so far) is far too delicate.

If you were a striker, why would you go up against multiple enemies? If you were doing a solo campaign, then obviously it's going to be keyed for whatever your abilities are. ie. thieves guild for rogue, magic item quest for wizard, plain old survival for ranger.
#11
perfect
Jul 13, 2008 12:38:21 Ez. Always wanted a dm to write up a campaign where I was the dragon. You know go from a wee lil wyrm right up to 30th level. Could be fun.
#12
pigknight
Jul 13, 2008 16:38:02 Half-elf Paladin/Infernal Warlock of the Raven Queen str/con based with a greatsword.
#13
doomsought
Jul 13, 2008 17:43:09
Ez. Always wanted a dm to write up a campaign where I was the dragon. You know go from a wee lil wyrm right up to 30th level. Could be fun.

that would be awesome, did he make you level up through the LA between sizes or just skip it?
#14
etarnon
Jul 13, 2008 21:59:40 It would depend on the campaign's needs, and how I felt as I rolled it up.

Could range from a Dwarf to an Elf to .. something else.
#15
nehallenia
Jul 14, 2008 11:21:43 If you have a good DM, you can play whatever class you like, and he/she will make the encounters/adventures in such a way that you always have the possibility to survive.
#16
eluxis
Jul 14, 2008 13:46:30
If you have a good DM, you can play whatever class you like, and he/she will make the encounters/adventures in such a way that you always have the possibility to survive.

+1.

Since you are the only PC, the DM can pretty much design the campaign to suit whatever class you choose.
#17
CCS
Jul 14, 2008 14:18:39 Well, I know the character I'd play. Name, personality, backstory, etc.
I just don't know (yet) how exactly I'd translate him into 4e given that he's a bard....
But I'd make something work.
#18
high_octane
Jul 14, 2008 14:23:57 In 3.5? Ranger.

Loads of skill points, good hit points, 2 good saves, full BAB, martial weapons, a great skill list, a disposable pet, and eventually some pretty good spells.

Druid works great too of course, but their skill list is missing the sneaky skills, which can be darned useful when alone (Discretion is the better part of valor)

In 4e, I dont see any one class working well solo, but I dont have enough experience with it to make that judgement.
#19
nani
Jul 14, 2008 15:23:23 4E Half Elf, probably Rogue with a Charisma/Dex based focus with dilatante power in something odd, like a Paladin or Ranger ability. Or perhaps a Ranger depending on the mood I was in.

All the Best,

Nani?
#20
perfect
Jul 24, 2008 11:14:00
that would be awesome, did he make you level up through the LA between sizes or just skip it?

I never actually played as a dragon. I just thought someone with talent should attempt to write a campaign for one!
#21
bedeverekm
Jul 24, 2008 13:52:58 If I was going to play solo.....

I'd not let Greedo shoot first. :P

On a less silly note, I'd probably play a rogue or a warlock. Depends on one or two small factors, like how roleplay or combat based the game is going to be.
#22
kaldair
Jul 24, 2008 14:08:50 Drow Artful Dodger Rogue or Doppleganger Feylock, you can deal out quite a bit of damage and slip away if need be via massive shifting powers or teleporting (with the rogue dealing more damage and the 'lock being better at getting away if need be). And the Doppleganger can mimic minions to infiltrate and with a rod of reaving behind his back or up his sleeve he can kill minions with a glance (depending upon how unobtrusive your DM lets your warlock's curse be you could kill all the minions, after all it is a 1 second action approximately) before combat starts.

Now that I'm thinking about it actively, I'd go with the Feylock because getting away is VERY important in solo games, cuz you don't have backup to heal you when you drop. And teleporting is much better at getting away than shifting.
#23
Kaganfindel
Jul 24, 2008 14:29:54 Assuming the DM was smart and flexible enough to adapt the campaign to the character, I'd pick the character based on the setting she was best at running. For a city or dungeon campaign I'd play a human rogue. If it was an outdoor campaign mostly, I'd go ranger, and if it was comedic or rural, or combat was going to be infrequent I'd go with a human or halfling feylock.

Yeah, I see the pattern too. The lock wouldn't be doing much striking, though.
#24
mufflon
Jul 24, 2008 16:13:36 I don't play solo (it's all a bit to touchy-feely for my taste) but if I had to, I really would try a system other than 4e, which is VERY geared towards a group of players. 3.X, or a non D&D system, would work a lot better.
#25
jack_altrades
Jul 24, 2008 19:59:03 I agree that the leader role is less suited to solo play, since most of their powers are party oriented, but you could use NPCs for the benefits of that. Have some kobolds attack the town, and the lone PC Warlord walks up to some town guards and gets them moving... could be fun.

What about multiclassing... Fighter/ranger Damage taking and damage output... if you made it a Two Weapon Fighter and took some of the twf powers from ranger I think you might be able to hold your own... at least for a while.

Another Idea for Solo Leaders: Come up with a 3.x style Leadership system, and give them minions to control. Rule that minions don't die (just get incapacitated so they are out of the fight) and as long as the PC survives the fight he can "Bring them Back" by mending thier wounds (except for critical hits maybe). should be fine as long as you keep the number of minions down.

(this looks like it almost might play like chess or more appropriately D&D minis)

Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 lostdwarf Jul 12, 2008 18:10:35	. . . what character would you play. By solo I mean just one player and a DM, not some crazy random dungeon thing. Im leaning toward a Dwarven Battle Cleric weilding an greataxe. Fair dammage output, moderate defences, and good self healing abilites. Other options??
#2 Novacat Jul 12, 2008 18:28:12	Orc Fighter with Bastard Sword proficiency, going sword-and-board. Pick up plate proficiency early. No one can match the orc fighter's ability to heal himself. Comeback Strike, Boundless Endurance, and Warrior's Surge, oh yeah! Leaders are generally a bad idea for solo play, as most of their power is based on the assumption that you'll have a group. Strikers are terrible against multiple foes. The wizard (the only controller so far) is far too delicate.
#3 gorditobandito Jul 12, 2008 19:05:44	i think i would play a feylock. i find that in a group setting their ability to get themselves out of a pickle is a bit counterintuitive since what they are trading is the ability to contribute as much during combat. if they are the only player than that ability to get away is much more useful and I think it would be a lot of fun. i would probably multiclass something a bit funky too like fighter or warlord to have a few below the belt punches to pull if it were necessary. since the encounters will be tailored to me specifically you can have fun with some out there ideas
#4 captfisher Jul 12, 2008 19:20:35	I haven't gotten to play it yet so take this with a grain of salt, but i think that one of the good things about 4e is that with healing surges the need for a cleric is less nessasary, so playing a lone fighter or theif is possible, without days of "natural" healing. Obviously the way you play is different with any class. I would love to play a thief. A story involving the guild, finding my own way, by my quick wits and quicker daggers. For a more traditional story with only one character I would like you said do a cleric...maybe multiclass.
#5 nerdicus Jul 12, 2008 19:57:33	I personally think that 4th edition is the best suited to solo campaigns. Given the rolls, it spells it out real nice for you when you are making a character what you want to do. I have found that solo campaigns are usually about playing one of those cool character concepts that don't work well in a group. Lone assassin, travelling warmage, tortured paladin, whatever. Well now it works to do it alone just great! Of course some of the classes would be the most fun if you had an NPC or two to have around. I mean, Playing a warlock/paladin/cleric would not be nearly as fun without someone to lead/protect/heal. I personally would love to play a ranger and have an animal companion for my meatshield!
#6 doomsought Jul 12, 2008 21:11:11	you can go for the spec ops style striker. or you have some more options in 3ed, the crusader can heal himself by dealing damage, or you can just be impossible to hit: (tiny + flying + maxed out hide + magic armor) By level ten I was able to make an attack (-20 to hide check) and most enemies still couldn't spot me, even with a natural 20. the 3ed warlock was the true sniper. Gestalt can also give you lost of fun options.
#7 jimb Jul 12, 2008 22:34:25	Orc Fighter with Bastard Sword proficiency, going sword-and-board. Being an orc (for the warrior's surge) is a really good idea. Dwarf (minor action second wind) or dragonborn (dragon breath for minion clearing) would also be good picks. As for the class, I would lean towards paladin over fighter. Too many of a fighter's abilities involve marking targets, which is kind of pointless if there aren't other party members. Paladins also get a bit more healing then fighters, especially if they multiclass as a cleric or warlord, or if they take the Raven Queen channel divinity feat.
#8 korgoththeprist Jul 13, 2008 0:54:10	human paladin Cha based Multyclass Warlock Lets Go Chum match me 20 AC 15 Fort 17 Ref 17 Will Defence level 1 character With ability to lay on hands and such Lets Go XD Now your quest is to walk old ladys across the street and such and never put your defence into a situation where its called for.
#9 Iry Jul 13, 2008 11:14:15	Elven Cleric/Ranger. Str: 12, Con: 12, Dex: 18, Wis: 18. You've got awesome ranged abilities, awesome AOE abilities, awesome healing abilities, possibly awesome steath, and possibly awesome perception. Stealth + Longbow will carry you signifigantly, with lasers and rocking AOE when things get close. Ranger gets you several abilities to shift away from foes, and nets you a few useful striker talents. High Wisdom also allows for good Insight for conversation. Angelic Avenger is a very interesting Paragon Path, offering minion destruction, defensive powers, and other perks. Lets Go Chum match me 20 AC 15 Fort 17 Ref 17 Will Defence level 1 character With ability to lay on hands and such Lets Go XD Naah, that kind of character has far too many weaknesses.
#10 arthurhoneyhill Jul 13, 2008 11:23:45	Orc Fighter with Bastard Sword proficiency, going sword-and-board. Pick up plate proficiency early. No one can match the orc fighter's ability to heal himself. Comeback Strike, Boundless Endurance, and Warrior's Surge, oh yeah! Leaders are generally a bad idea for solo play, as most of their power is based on the assumption that you'll have a group. Strikers are terrible against multiple foes. The wizard (the only controller so far) is far too delicate. If you were a striker, why would you go up against multiple enemies? If you were doing a solo campaign, then obviously it's going to be keyed for whatever your abilities are. ie. thieves guild for rogue, magic item quest for wizard, plain old survival for ranger.
#11 perfect Jul 13, 2008 12:38:21	Ez. Always wanted a dm to write up a campaign where I was the dragon. You know go from a wee lil wyrm right up to 30th level. Could be fun.
#12 pigknight Jul 13, 2008 16:38:02	Half-elf Paladin/Infernal Warlock of the Raven Queen str/con based with a greatsword.
#13 doomsought Jul 13, 2008 17:43:09	Ez. Always wanted a dm to write up a campaign where I was the dragon. You know go from a wee lil wyrm right up to 30th level. Could be fun. that would be awesome, did he make you level up through the LA between sizes or just skip it?
#14 etarnon Jul 13, 2008 21:59:40	It would depend on the campaign's needs, and how I felt as I rolled it up. Could range from a Dwarf to an Elf to .. something else.
#15 nehallenia Jul 14, 2008 11:21:43	If you have a good DM, you can play whatever class you like, and he/she will make the encounters/adventures in such a way that you always have the possibility to survive.
#16 eluxis Jul 14, 2008 13:46:30	If you have a good DM, you can play whatever class you like, and he/she will make the encounters/adventures in such a way that you always have the possibility to survive. +1. Since you are the only PC, the DM can pretty much design the campaign to suit whatever class you choose.
#17 CCS Jul 14, 2008 14:18:39	Well, I know the character I'd play. Name, personality, backstory, etc. I just don't know (yet) how exactly I'd translate him into 4e given that he's a bard.... But I'd make something work.
#18 high_octane Jul 14, 2008 14:23:57	In 3.5? Ranger. Loads of skill points, good hit points, 2 good saves, full BAB, martial weapons, a great skill list, a disposable pet, and eventually some pretty good spells. Druid works great too of course, but their skill list is missing the sneaky skills, which can be darned useful when alone (Discretion is the better part of valor) In 4e, I dont see any one class working well solo, but I dont have enough experience with it to make that judgement.
#19 nani Jul 14, 2008 15:23:23	4E Half Elf, probably Rogue with a Charisma/Dex based focus with dilatante power in something odd, like a Paladin or Ranger ability. Or perhaps a Ranger depending on the mood I was in. All the Best, Nani?
#20 perfect Jul 24, 2008 11:14:00	that would be awesome, did he make you level up through the LA between sizes or just skip it? I never actually played as a dragon. I just thought someone with talent should attempt to write a campaign for one!
#21 bedeverekm Jul 24, 2008 13:52:58	If I was going to play solo..... I'd not let Greedo shoot first. :P On a less silly note, I'd probably play a rogue or a warlock. Depends on one or two small factors, like how roleplay or combat based the game is going to be.
#22 kaldair Jul 24, 2008 14:08:50	Drow Artful Dodger Rogue or Doppleganger Feylock, you can deal out quite a bit of damage and slip away if need be via massive shifting powers or teleporting (with the rogue dealing more damage and the 'lock being better at getting away if need be). And the Doppleganger can mimic minions to infiltrate and with a rod of reaving behind his back or up his sleeve he can kill minions with a glance (depending upon how unobtrusive your DM lets your warlock's curse be you could kill all the minions, after all it is a 1 second action approximately) before combat starts. Now that I'm thinking about it actively, I'd go with the Feylock because getting away is VERY important in solo games, cuz you don't have backup to heal you when you drop. And teleporting is much better at getting away than shifting.
#23 Kaganfindel Jul 24, 2008 14:29:54	Assuming the DM was smart and flexible enough to adapt the campaign to the character, I'd pick the character based on the setting she was best at running. For a city or dungeon campaign I'd play a human rogue. If it was an outdoor campaign mostly, I'd go ranger, and if it was comedic or rural, or combat was going to be infrequent I'd go with a human or halfling feylock. Yeah, I see the pattern too. The lock wouldn't be doing much striking, though.
#24 mufflon Jul 24, 2008 16:13:36	I don't play solo (it's all a bit to touchy-feely for my taste) but if I had to, I really would try a system other than 4e, which is VERY geared towards a group of players. 3.X, or a non D&D system, would work a lot better.
#25 jack_altrades Jul 24, 2008 19:59:03	I agree that the leader role is less suited to solo play, since most of their powers are party oriented, but you could use NPCs for the benefits of that. Have some kobolds attack the town, and the lone PC Warlord walks up to some town guards and gets them moving... could be fun. What about multiclassing... Fighter/ranger Damage taking and damage output... if you made it a Two Weapon Fighter and took some of the twf powers from ranger I think you might be able to hold your own... at least for a while. Another Idea for Solo Leaders: Come up with a 3.x style Leadership system, and give them minions to control. Rule that minions don't die (just get incapacitated so they are out of the fight) and as long as the PC survives the fight he can "Bring them Back" by mending thier wounds (except for critical hits maybe). should be fine as long as you keep the number of minions down. (this looks like it almost might play like chess or more appropriately D&D minis)