Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 garkalot Mar 23, 2009 22:05:54	We're starting a Scales of War campaign where we will be limited to three PCs all starting at first level. No one is entirely set on a class/race/build combo yet. I'm looking for some advice on what to focus on for a party that will be effective in combat. Effective outside of combat is important too, but really secondary because it won't help if we can't survive the fights. Any thoughts out there?
#2 orenthes Mar 23, 2009 22:35:03	For my party we actually did this one night where we lacked players. We had a STR/CHA paladin, a cleric, and a barbarian. For a party of three a laser cleric is recommended as a melee falling in battle would be really bad for the party.
#3 Novacat Mar 23, 2009 22:59:21	I've gotta recommend Barbarian, Fighter, and Warlord. The warlord can handle healing, especially if he's Inspiring, and will compliment an all-melee party very well. The fighter is (in my opinion) the best tank in the game, but since I'm talking about an all heavy-duty team, he can probably afford to turn in the shield for a big two-hander. The barbarian has sufficient damage output to function as the party's striker, and enough HP (and temporary HP) to not be a drain on the healer. If you think you'll need a ranged attacker, trade in the fighter for a ranger. Take the two-weapon style, but keep a bow handy, and at some point pick up a ranged power or two (or some powers that can be used in melee or ranged). The advantage of an all-melee party is that melee characters tend not to fear the front line, and since your party is so small, you can basically expect everyone to be on the front line all the time. Add the warlord's ability to compliment melee characters, and you've got a winning combination.
#4 real-tiefling Mar 23, 2009 23:02:56	Hmm wow talk about limited lol I'd say that you would most definitely want a sorcerer -- they are able to actually fight melee better then wizards not to mention some of the better striker spells they have, that or a warlock. A sorcerer or warlock will be able to role excellently on arcana checks or just wisdom and intelligence in general. Definitely a ranger from experience I have learned that a ranger can be one of the most vital asset to the team. They have excellent bonuses and combos and able to fight long ranged and close ranged in perfection. Not to mention that the ranger has an encounter spell that allows him to attack twice. Rangers can make excellent street wise checks and have natural stealth. If you want the intimidate or persuade skill as well try going above and beyond by maybe having a Tiefling or Drow ranger to induce fear on opponents. Lastly I'd have to say a cleric. They are excellent fighters against undead and are the only healer in your party and it looks like you might be doing a lot of healing in your campaign lol
#5 brashnir Mar 23, 2009 23:37:10	I'm playing in two three-player groups right now, and we're having a good time in both games. In one, we're a Paladin/Rogue/Wizard team, and in the other, we're Swordmage/Bard/Rogue. The two rogues are each the DMs of the other game, so everyone is playing something different in each. Both combos have proven effective thus far in their respective campaigns.
#6 Cohen95 Mar 30, 2009 6:49:45	Three leaders can be -really- fun. Especially if you mix power sources. A Bard, Cleric, Warlord combination can be extremely effective, for example, especially if you have a melee Cleric. That will give you both the Cleric and the Warlord staying up front, with the Bard only slightly behind them. Three strikers can also be effective, especially with a Ranger/Rogue combination, though I would probably recommend three Defenders ahead of three Strikers. I would say make sure that at least one of your characters not MC, preferably two. What you lose v. what you gain may not be worth it.