Of course, it really depends on what kind of campaign it is. However, given no information whatsoever, I was unsure between Bard and Paladin. In the end, I chose Bard on the assumption that there was a reasonable amount of RP-combat balance. If I were just designing a party for combat, though, I would have gone with the Paladin.
Best 5th party member?
I voted Bard but Druid is also an excellent choice. Assuming this archetype party has an archetype rogue (sneak, search, open locks & disarm traps type) then they don't have a face-man for diplomacy and fast-talking so a Bard would be a big help.
Additionally, either bard or druid can be optimised to be a back up to where ever the party is weak. Cleric getting taken out too often--these guys can heal him so he can heal others. Rogue hates to scout alone? Both of these have abilties or spells that make them good scouts (forestfold or invisibility, etc). Need additional ranged damage? A bard maxed for archery is great and a druid's flamestrikes are a handy follow-up to the wizards fireballs. Need additional front line fighting? A wildshaped druid w/barkskin, bull's strength and greater magic fang can dish out damage similarly to a fighter while a bard...well, I've never tried to make a greatsword wielding bard but his singing helps the rogue and fighter lay it down and his support spells (haste, etc) help everyone too. They both have handy information gathering abilities too.
For versatility, either would be great. If you're in the city a lot I'd go bard, if in the wilderness I'd go druid.
-vox
Additionally, either bard or druid can be optimised to be a back up to where ever the party is weak. Cleric getting taken out too often--these guys can heal him so he can heal others. Rogue hates to scout alone? Both of these have abilties or spells that make them good scouts (forestfold or invisibility, etc). Need additional ranged damage? A bard maxed for archery is great and a druid's flamestrikes are a handy follow-up to the wizards fireballs. Need additional front line fighting? A wildshaped druid w/barkskin, bull's strength and greater magic fang can dish out damage similarly to a fighter while a bard...well, I've never tried to make a greatsword wielding bard but his singing helps the rogue and fighter lay it down and his support spells (haste, etc) help everyone too. They both have handy information gathering abilities too.
For versatility, either would be great. If you're in the city a lot I'd go bard, if in the wilderness I'd go druid.
-vox
Trickstergod
First Post
Went with the bard. In part, because I like the class, but I also feel that it can supplement the other four characters better than any other class can. With the proper spell selection, it can pick up some of the curing slack, and, while it doesn't have all the bang a wizard does, it does have a fair amount of the non-attack spells of a wizard, so can allow the wizard to prepare more attack spells while the bard handles some of the miscellaneous jobs a wizard might normally pick up (Identify, Knock, Stat buffs, what have you). It can sneak along with the rogue, and, while it may not be quite the slugger during combat others might, it can help make up for the deficit with its bardic song.
Now, if a game is going to have a specific focus, the bard may not be so hot. However, in a general game, which includes combat, intrigue, stealth, and more, the bard has enough useful tricks that it can squeak on by where, say, a Paladin, Druid, or Sorcerer might not.
But, I'm biased (though I'm also biased towards paladins - but a paladin can't fit just about anywhere, like a bard can)
Now, if a game is going to have a specific focus, the bard may not be so hot. However, in a general game, which includes combat, intrigue, stealth, and more, the bard has enough useful tricks that it can squeak on by where, say, a Paladin, Druid, or Sorcerer might not.
But, I'm biased (though I'm also biased towards paladins - but a paladin can't fit just about anywhere, like a bard can)
As someone else said, it really depends on the type of adventures being run...
If the campaign is heavy on combat I would go with a ranger. I assume the fighter is playing a tank type role with a melee weapon, so a good ranged fighter would help make a more well rounded party for combat.
If the campaign has a good deal of role playing, I would go with the Bard. It comes off as a more social class, and it can be nice to have a well spoken face in the group that can represent the party in such situations.
If the campaign is heavy on combat I would go with a ranger. I assume the fighter is playing a tank type role with a melee weapon, so a good ranged fighter would help make a more well rounded party for combat.
If the campaign has a good deal of role playing, I would go with the Bard. It comes off as a more social class, and it can be nice to have a well spoken face in the group that can represent the party in such situations.
Bloodsparrow
First Post
Cthulhu's Librarian said:Bard-while he may not be the best on his own, he can help everyone else out in what they do. (It doesn't hurt that I really like bards as well)
Here here!
Blood Jester
First Post
Bard.
He can back up the rogue in the skills he's weak on. He can pour out both healing and damage with the right spell selection. He can hold his own in a fight (not out-fight anyone, but he doesn't need a dedicated protector assigned to him). And he can inspire everyone.
He can back up the rogue in the skills he's weak on. He can pour out both healing and damage with the right spell selection. He can hold his own in a fight (not out-fight anyone, but he doesn't need a dedicated protector assigned to him). And he can inspire everyone.
Ankh-Morpork Guard
First Post
I would say Pyschic Warrior...but, since that isn't up there. Druid. Definatly Druid...with Bard as probably just as good a choice, depending on the type of game.
Another wizard. Once you have a cleric, rogue and fighter in position, more wizards increase your power incredibly- not only vastly increasing rate of firepower, but also being highly versatile. If you have specialists, a second wizard becomes almost imperative.
Failing that, sorcerors are always a good bet. Once you have one meat-shield in position, the best way to up firepower is to increase the number of arcane casters.
PS Are rangers so lame that you didn't even bother to include an option ?
Failing that, sorcerors are always a good bet. Once you have one meat-shield in position, the best way to up firepower is to increase the number of arcane casters.
PS Are rangers so lame that you didn't even bother to include an option
?
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pogre
Legend
Piratecat said:Bard, no question about it. He can prance, he can mime, he's the best in social situations, and he's your one-stop source for perfumed foppery.
As much as I hate to admit it - the bard is probably the best. Another Cleric is a close second - when do you have too many clerics? Almost never.
