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Grynning
2009-10-15, 12:07 AM
So, pretend you're playing a video game version of 4th ed where you control an entire party of 5. Or even a solo tabletop game where for some reason it's just you and the DM, but you get 5 characters to control.

What race/class/build combos would you like the best, and why? Can be from an optimization standpoint, or just a thematic one.

infinitypanda
2009-10-15, 12:33 AM
Fighter, bard, and ranger. The other two don't really matter to me. Why? Because I like those classes. That's really about it.

tcrudisi
2009-10-15, 12:40 AM
Wild Sorcerer / Rageblood Barbarian / Orb Wizard / 1h talent (Sword & Board) Fighter / Shielding Cleric

With this combination, I would feel very safe. The Wild Sorc would make sure lots of enemies died quickly, the Barbarian takes them down one at a time and serves as a very good secondary defender (with one of the highest AC's in the game), the Orb Wizard locks down Elites and Soloes, and the Fighter and Cleric keeps everyone alive.

I actually considered using a Bard instead of the Cleric, but I didn't want too much arcane power. I also love the Warlord, but I just felt like the Cleric would be a slight improvement. Really, I just think this is about as optimal a party as can be made.

*edit* The Starship Enterprise won. Go figure.

Robek
2009-10-15, 12:43 AM
Let's see... a Taclord, two rogues, a warden and a wild sorcerer. My favorite classes, and I love rogues, so I have to bring two. :smalltongue:

FoE
2009-10-15, 12:45 AM
Fighter, infernal warlock, rogue, cleric, druid.

Hashmir
2009-10-15, 12:45 AM
Guardian Fighter, Protecting Paladin, Earth Warden, Control Wizard

Win through the power of outlasting the DM's patience to run the encounters!

Haven
2009-10-15, 12:45 AM
Bard, Swordmage, Sorcerer, Wizard, and Warlock.

An Arcane Avalanche!

Zonack
2009-10-15, 12:49 AM
5 Paladins Demonhunters :D

AgentPaper
2009-10-15, 01:06 AM
Party of Dragonborn: Inspiring Warlord, Chaladin, Brutal Rogue, Dragon Sorc, TWF Ranger.

Alternately, party of Eladrin: THW Fighter/Wizard, going for Spiral Tower PP, Shielding Swordsage, Artful Dodger Rogue, Taclord, Control Wizard.

Or, for a ideal party from a more mechanical view:

Dragonborn Protection Paladin
Dwarf Dual-Hammer Ranger
Halfling Artful-Dodger Rogue
Eladrin Tactical Warlord
Human Control Wizard

Kylarra
2009-10-15, 01:12 AM
Elven Laser Cleric
Elven Bow Ranger
Crossbow Rogue
Dwarf Fighter (wielding hammer, distance hammer spare weapon)
Eladrin Artificer (wielding spear)

Everything dies at range!

Draz74
2009-10-15, 01:37 AM
At the moment? (I'm making this up as I go.)

Human Psion
Genasi Warlord (tactical)
Elf Ranger (archery)
Goliath Fighter (2h)
Deva Avenger

Sir Homeslice
2009-10-15, 02:17 AM
Party of five?

Five Dragonborn Bravura Warlords.

There are no turns, only more attacks.

Thajocoth
2009-10-15, 02:27 AM
Zep-hera: Genasi Swordlord of Assault (Swordmage|Warlord) - Deva Heritage feat, then Hybrid Talent for the +3 AC from Swordmage, then all racial feats. She was the captain of a merchant ship, but when she started manifesting Firesoul more often due to the stress of low profit margins, the crew kicked her off, thinking her presence would set the ship aflame.

"Nyx" Woodstar: Elven Predator Druid - She's been in her wild shape for most of her life. She's more comfortable as a panther than an elf. This could lead to some mildly awkward social situations.

?????: Changeling Dark (+Fey in Paragon) Pact Warlock - Replaced another member of the party when he died. The party has no idea they're a changeling and not their original party member.

?????: Gnome Bard - Takes all multiclass feats for more healing power.

?????: Bugbear Rogue multiclass Garrote.

Drager
2009-10-15, 04:18 AM
These are characters from a number of campaigns I am/have been in/run. I'd like to see them all in one party, cause they are awesome, not all are my characters, but theya re all rather cool.

Benar, Human Resourceful Warlord, Privateer captain, fights with a parrying dagger and rapier, wears light armour and has decent Strength, Int and Cha. Not the most optimised cahracter, but more than capable of holding his own and has powers designed to synergise very well with other party members.

Quinn (Or Quinntalion), Human Two Handed Fighter, specialises in pole arms and burst attacks, is at least 25% controller at heart and synergise brilliantly with Benar, being as he was built in concert and as Benar's Bosun. Very useful for marking multiple foes and for moving foes into situations that are particularly useful for granting combat advantage for

Karantalsis, Drow Artful Dodger Rogue, High Dex, High Charisma, tends to spam Sly Flourish. Karantalsis is from a campaign in which he and Enna, a ranger, duoed through keep on the shadowfell, whcih was made extra hard by rules such as "No milestone if you take any sort of rest between encounters", "If you are doing well extra monsters will appear" and "I don't like to give out magic items". Which means that halfway through thunderspire mountain Karantalsis was still armed with non magical weapons... and they were stillw inning (barely). He also has a tendancey to do interesting things, such as find someone a nice home, by killing the previous incumbent for some infrction (such as attemtpting to steal from him). What Karantalsis would really like is a solid defender to back him up.

Brent, Spellscared Human Dhampyr Fighter|Paladin Hybrid, Worshipper of Bane. With High defenses 3 flavours of mark, 3 flavours of self healing and decent damage, Brent is what you want standing between you and the enemy, shield in hand. He wears full plate and wields a longswod, standard issue for military captains in the ever expanding army to which Brent belongs. He has a great respect for his superior and teacher Emperor Abberent, Lord commander of the Armies of Proskur, Regent of Pros, etc. etc. Of course what he neds is someone to take care of the minions.

Pieter, Human Staff Wizard, based on my Solo Wizard build on these very froums Pieter is a wizard who can handle his own whilst still effeicently backing up a team situation. If a monster slips past the defenders Pieter can hold it off for a turn or two until help arrives, or deal with it himself sometimes. With his high defenses and self healing he is little drain on party resources and a great boon with his explosive spells.

Meepo, Kobold Artificer, is the last of the august band. An extrodinariyl cowardly creature, but also capable of great selfishness. Which leads directly to him keeping his "meat shields" alive.

AB
2009-10-15, 04:30 AM
Party of five...

Defender: Fighter
Striker: Rogue
Leader: Bard
Controller: Orbizard

...and as fifth man either Barbarian (Striker/Defender) or Paladin (Defender/Leader).

Kurald Galain
2009-10-15, 04:39 AM
Controller: zone-focused wizard, orb optional
Defender: trip fighter
Leader: taclord
Striker: archer-ranger (boring but effective)

Eldariel
2009-10-15, 04:42 AM
5 Elf Orbizards. Just 'cause I can. Some multiclass into some leaderish roles, I guess, and all take Stealth and Perception but beyond that the normal fare.

toasty
2009-10-15, 04:57 AM
Hmm... I think their is actually a lot of charm to the "Classic" build of a Fighter, Rogue, Cleric and Wizard. Its fun. But I personally think a bit of variance would be good:

Controller: Wizard. Wizards are awesome
Leader: Halfing Cha-focused Warlord. Honestly, its just because I can.
Striker: A Tiefling Infernal Warlock who is evil as hell, pun intended.
Defender: Human Fighter, probably a more generic fighter-type
Striker #2: Mischevious Rogue type, possibly a young elf or human, maybe another halfing.

potatocubed
2009-10-15, 05:04 AM
Bard, Swordmage, Sorcerer, Wizard, and Warlock.

An Arcane Avalanche!

Also my choice. All arcane, all the time!

Orzel
2009-10-15, 05:23 AM
Longtooth Fighter
Half-elf Star Warlock/paladin
Halfing Artful Dodger Rogue
Eladrin Taclord
Human Orbizard

Ichneumon
2009-10-15, 05:26 AM
Dark Elf cleric
Warforged Bard
Dwarf fighter
(non-dark) elf rogue
Human wizard

Because I like it.

Tiki Snakes
2009-10-15, 11:17 AM
At this precise second I want to see an all minotaur party.

Something like Rageblood Barbarian, Warlord, Fighter, possibly an invoker of some sort, and maybe a Cosmic Sorcerer? Not sure. I just really like the idea, in general. Could always just rock it out and have two barbarians, a fighter, a paladin and a Warlord. Who needs a controller at that point, really? ;)

Jack_Banzai
2009-10-15, 11:36 AM
Chaladin, Inspiring Warlord, Storm Sorceror, Cloaked Sniper Crossbow Rogue, Orbizard.

kestrel404
2009-10-15, 11:39 AM
Also my choice. All arcane, all the time!

Wow, this is a popular choice. Add another vote for the all-arcane party!

Mando Knight
2009-10-15, 12:10 PM
I might go with an All-Dragonborn group: Paladin, Sorcerer, Warlord, Ranger, and one of Illusion/elementalist Wizard, Str-Seeker, or Telepathy Psion.

DSCrankshaw
2009-10-15, 02:25 PM
Given how 4e is built, it's easy to go all one race, or all one power source, or both.

For example, an all-dwarf divine party:

Dwarf paladin--Strength focus, balance Charisma and Wisdom
Dwarf cleric--Strength focus, battle cleric, back-up defender
Dwarf cleric--Wisdom focus, laser cleric
Dwarf avenger--Unity censure, which works best with ganging up on foes
Dwarf invoker--Wrath, of course

And, an all-elf primal party:

Elf ranger--bow, and while technically not primal, awfully close, and a more effective elf striker than a barbarian
Elf druid--Predator, for your melee controller/striker needs
Elf warden--wildblood, of course, as your defender
Elf seeker--Bloodbond, ranged control
Elf shaman--Protector shaman

Interestingly, dwarves probably make a better all primal party than elves:

Dwarf barbarian - Bloodrage, of course
Dwarf druid - Guardian
Dwarf warden - either would work, but I prefer Earthstrength, since it grants easier access to weapon feats
Dwarf seeker - Bloodbond--and since he's a dwarf, he'll use a crossbow
Dwarf shaman - Protector

It think any of these would be fun to try out.

Mando Knight
2009-10-15, 02:42 PM
All-melee party:
Predator Druid
Barbarian, TWF Ranger, or Rogue
Any Defender
Warlord, Str-Cleric, melee Bard

Party of FIRE:
Firesoul Genasi, Deva, Eladrin, etc. Wizard
Firesoul Genasi Swordmage
Elf, Kalashtar, etc. LAZOR Cleric
Dragonborn Dragon Magic (fire) Sorcerer
5th wheel with radiant or fire powers such as a radiant-focused Divine character or Warlock

Perhaps the "Best" party:
Dragonborn, Longtooth Shifter, Half-Elf, Kalashtar, or Goliath Paladin or Dragonborn, Longtooth Shifter, Goliath, Bugbear, or Half-Orc Fighter
Half-Orc, Longtooth Shifter, or Bugbear TWF Ranger
Deva, Eladrin, Elf, or Gnome Wizard
Kalashtar (or Deva, Half-Elf, Elf, Dwarf, etc.) pacifist or LAZOR Cleric
Eladrin Tactical Warlord

Mr. Mud
2009-10-15, 02:46 PM
5 (4E Adapted) Truenamers :smallbiggrin:.
*ducks from incoming bullets*

Mando Knight
2009-10-15, 02:49 PM
5 (4E Adapted) Truenamers :smallbiggrin:.
*ducks from incoming bullets*

Depends on how you adapt Truenamers into 4e. You might, if you were ambitious enough to do so, differentiate each "style" of Truenamer enough to make it into its own power source...

Mr. Mud
2009-10-15, 02:51 PM
Depends on how you adapt Truenamers into 4e. You might, if you were ambitious enough to do so, differentiate each "style" of Truenamer enough to make it into its own power source...

Hmmm... This makes me want to give this a shot, 'cause that would be kinda spiffy. Seen any (good) Truenamer Adapt's around yet? I haven't looked.

Mando Knight
2009-10-15, 02:53 PM
Hmmm... This makes me want to give this a shot, 'cause that would be kinda spiffy. Seen any (good) Truenamer Adapt's around yet? I haven't looked.

I've seen one or two attempts, but I've neither seen an outstandingly good, finished one, nor a measuring stick with which to call one functionally decent.

Mr. Mud
2009-10-15, 02:55 PM
I've seen one or two attempts, but I've neither seen an outstandingly good, finished one, nor a measuring stick with which to call one functionally decent.

Hmm... have any interest in a jointed homebrew, then?

Hal
2009-10-15, 02:58 PM
I'd want to tackle an all-divine party, worshippers of Bahamut. So, two clerics, an avenger, an invoker, and a paladin (possibly switch one of those clerics for a second paladin).

This party might have some difficulties, but critical hits will not be one of them.

Mando Knight
2009-10-15, 03:02 PM
Hmm... have any interest in a jointed homebrew, then?

Two problems:

1.) I'm lazy. I'm putting off enough work already, and I'd probably only put off completing that project as well.
2.) I'm nowhere near familiar with truename "system" as-is. All I really know about it is that it involves knowing the universe's internal reference names for powerful beings and using that knowledge to control them. At best, I'd probably only be able to tell you what effects and damage dice would be decently well-balanced at the specific level, give or take a few.

Mr. Mud
2009-10-15, 03:13 PM
Two problems:

1.) I'm lazy. I'm putting off enough work already, and I'd probably only put off completing that project as well.
2.) I'm nowhere near familiar with truename "system" as-is. All I really know about it is that it involves knowing the universe's internal reference names for powerful beings and using that knowledge to control them. At best, I'd probably only be able to tell you what effects and damage dice would be decently well-balanced at the specific level, give or take a few.


Hmm... Okay, well if I do make something (It's a toss up really. Maybe, Maybe not.) I'll run it by you for critique, possibly :smalltongue:?

Oracle_Hunter
2009-10-15, 03:44 PM
I'm a huge fan of combos - and man, there are some nice melee ones you can do!

(1) Half-Orc Brutal Rogue (with Surprising Charge for +[W] when charging with CA)
(2) Dwarven CHA-adin (to keep the baddie from taking those OAs)
(3) Halfling Wild Sorcerer (anti-minion)
(4) Goliath Battlerager Fighter (tank)
(5) Elven Bow Cleric (tactical support and super-heals)

I feel like this would be vastly entertaining - and probably quite effective too! :smallbiggrin:

Aron Times
2009-10-15, 04:25 PM
I have a few ideas for the inevitable 4E CRPG:

1. Nobody expects the Thranish Inquisition - Two clerics, a paladin, an invoker, and an avenger. The Church of the Silver Flame's special forces.

2. The Cabinet of Faces - All hybrid class changelings. Basically, they can take your place and be much better at it.

3. Gnome: Total War - "Where did they go?"

4. Eladrin Ninja Death Squad - All-eladrin party trained in Stealth. Fey Step becomes Flash Step.

5. Zaraki Division - Two fighters, a rogue, a ranger, and a warlord. We don't need no shikai or bankai.

Kurald Galain
2009-10-15, 04:45 PM
5 (4E Adapted) Truenamers :smallbiggrin:.
*ducks from incoming bullets*

Since truenaming is based on a skill, wouldn't that make all classes reasonably effective truenamers?


(edit) also, speaking of combos, I think it'd be fun to have a party with lots 'n lots of push effects (using rushing cleats and gauntlets of the ram as necessary). Let's play ping pong!

its_all_ogre
2009-10-15, 05:00 PM
something like 2 dwarven melee rangers due to ridiculous damage output, Genasi taclord for additional attacks with great spear...given to, the group fighter probably a minotaur due to OA headbutt goodness, final guy is an inspiring warlord based on my actual dragonborn warlord Toric Saz.
enc 1 hammer and anvil
ut 2 inspired belligerance
enc 3 warlord strike
ut 2 one that gives cha bonus to all allies damage for a whole turn daily
enc 7 war of attrition (cha bonus on att+damage rolls on basic and at will attacks
dailies bastion of defence and stand the fallen.
m/c barbarian and swap L9 daily for rage of the black dragon. advance this guy to partial defender with full plate and shield.

i'd love to see a all warlord party once just to see action point madness also!!

Tyrrell
2009-10-15, 09:30 PM
All Dwarf all martial, Grumble, swill lager and condescendingly offer sympathy to the NPC's for being fragile as kittens (the board edited the original cat related word I had in mind) .
Two fighters, two two-weapon rangers, and a tac warlord

Decoy Lockbox
2009-10-15, 09:41 PM
I'd go with greataxe fighter, sword 'n' board warden, wizard, healing/control cleric, storm sorceror.

If a 4e crpg ever comes it (which it hopefully will), I'll probably try to have a half-elf fighter in my party with the versatile master feat so that he can use righteous brand as his preferred at-will to buff, say, a melee ranger. Its a shame that half-elves don't really have the stats to be amazing fighters.

Draz74
2009-10-16, 12:30 AM
All Dwarf all martial, Grumble, swill lager and condescendingly offer sympathy to the NPC's for being fragile as kittens (the board edited the original cat related word I had in mind) .
Two fighters, two two-weapon rangers, and a tac warlord

Hmmmm, if I did an all-Dwarf party, I'd consider Divine to be a thematically valid Power Source, in addition to Martial.

Specifically, Martial has no Controllers, and an Invoker seems perfectly Dwarven to me.

So ... all Dwarves:
- Wrath Invoker
- TWF Dungeoneering Ranger
- Sword'n'Board Fighter
- Bravura (or maybe Resourceful) Warlord
- another Fighter? a Str-Paladin? a Str-Cleric? an Avenger? a Barbarian? not sure which fits best into this party.

FlawedParadigm
2009-10-16, 04:47 AM
I think this question is missing an important qualifer: what level? There are characters I would absolutely never build at level one that if the game started at level six or eleven I would be _all over_. Conversely, there's some builds I'd never want to play past level ten or twenty, but would be supereffective for a time.