Hi all, very likely I'll start a new campaign in a few weeks. Starting level is 8, and it's old school dungeoneering. There are only 3 party members. Other stuff of importance:
- no to multiclassing, yes to feats
- probably no items
- probably rolling for stats

Of course, without knowing what stats I'll have, and what the other party members are, it is difficult to come up with a concrete build, but what I am looking for is stuff that, under these circumstances, is strong for this starting level and the small party size.

For example, I'm not very keen on a class like lore bard: they cover a lot of bases, but are relative squishy in the AC/HP department, something that can't be compensated with a hexblade or fighter dip, and with only 3 people I can't expect to be able to stay out of melee all the time. Same with archery builds: BM fighter with SS / CBE is a great damage dealer at this level, but its relative low AC gives me pause.

I'm tending towards builds like Artificer Battlesmith, shield/handcrossbow build (damage ranged and melee, some support like a little healing and providing a magic weapon for a party member, lots of defense), Hexblade blaster (focus on EB for damage, shield & medium armor, utility and optional 'face' role with invocations), or shepard druid (party support & summoning). The first two also bring an extra critter to the table (robo-pet / specter). Other options are monk (probably shadow), since at level 8 I think they have enough ki to not feel starved, and they have a solid AC 18 (provided I rolled average results), or PAM/sentinel barbarian (to have a solid hp buffer and some battlefield control to keep enemies away from the squishies)

But maybe I'm missing great options that work very well on this level. So if you feel like it: gimme ideas!