Best of the Best - Leaders.

[Kzach]

Ok, so it's been a couple of days since posting the last one of these and I feel that it's about time to move on to the next one. The poll was interesting as I feel there was a clear victor, which I wasn't really expecting, so it will be even more interesting to see if opinions are as clear-cut for the leader role as they are for the defender, considering IMO that all the leader classes are about as good as each other.

So, without further delay, I give you the Best of the Best Leaders poll!

 

[MortalPlague]

It'll be interesting to see how this one goes.

I have played a battle cleric, and he was great fun. He was not, however, a very effective leader, as far as the role was concerned. It was a blast to wade into combat using righteous brand and priest's shield, mind you...

I've seen an inspiring, a tactical, and a bravura warlord in play, and all three were reasonably effective. The tactical warlord in particular was an excellent healer, though this was because the player picked almost exclusively gear and powers that benefited this role.

I haven't seen much of the bard yet. Nor any other leader class.

 

[Jack99]

I voted cleric, because to me, the most important aspect of a leader is the healing, and noone can quite heal like the cleric. At end paragon, the bonuses he gives on healing powers often eclipse the value of the healing surge for none-fighter classes, which makes a huge difference.

 

[Mustrum_Ridcully]

That's a hard one.

I really enjoy playing my Inspiring Warlord, and I think he kicks ass, takes names and heals a lot (and still has other "buffs").
The Devoted or Shielding Cleric probably can't be beaten in terms of healing power provided.

I haven't seen enough from the other ones to make a good judgement on their strengths and overall "power" in the role.

I think I'll go with the "fun" option for me - Inspiring Warlord.

 

[Victim]

I've seen: laser cleric, melee cleric, tactical warlord, inspiring warlord, and prescient bard.

I really enjoyed playing my tactical lord, but his healing ability was somewhat weak. Moreover, newer feats mean that characters are more accurate, so the large to hit buffs provided by the tactician are somewhat less important.

Laser clerics seem like they might be the best overall. They have good area attacks that are generally selective, and can provide large heals. Divine Oracle and Radiant Servant are both strong PPs too. Their biggest weakness is a lack of good save granting ability besides Sacred Flame.

Prescient Bard is interesting because the class seems to work by interrupting things. While it didn't seem to be incredibly effective, it did seem to really annoy the DM.

I wasn't really impressed with Inspiring Warlords, but they probably do the best as "fighty guy with heals." They're also very good at granting saves.

 

[Nymrohd]

Bear shaman, awesome control, good healing and protection.

 

[Kzach]

Hmm, so far it seems that people are split on what really defines a leader, and therefore vote towards what they think represents their ideal.

I voted the valourous bard since I felt the bards powers combined with the valourous temp hit points really epitomises the leader role.

 

[jbear]

Bear shaman, awesome control, good healing and protection.

Agreed. Well underrated. Very easy to step outside the box with the Shaman's Spirit... and the level 1 Daily Spirit of the Healing Flood... pure awesome!

 

[C_M2008]

Leading is about setting up your team to win. Tac-lords do it best.
granting Movement, extra attacks, to Hit bonuses and solid healing give them flexibility and the best tools to do the job.

 

[Mr. Wilson]

Taclords are great....if you have enough melee to make them shine. Their one downfall is sub-optimal healing, but they have the highest party nova capability.

I have to vote for the Laser cleric. He has at wills that buff party members, and the healing capability by the end of paragon is pretty crazy.

That said, if you have at least 2-3 other melee PCs, Taclords are the right choice.