OK...this is what I had in mind....(bear with me, I know this sounds bizarre)...
I was thinking of playing a lawful neutral hobgoblin warlock with the celestial patron.
He was a very honorable duty bound and brave standard bearer in a hobgoblin legion. He was starting to come into conflict with others due to his focus on honor and honesty which was occasionally seen as an excuse for softness and mercy.
I have not figured out HOW this happens but an Angel decides that he needs a herald. The herald needs to be militant, fierce, brave and honest. Somehow the hobgoblin is choses against all odds.
He will be a tome pact warlock so that he can do rituals that help him get his messages across (e.g. comprehend languages and so forth).
He will use a war horn when battle begins or he announces his patron. I will take thaumaturgy to make the ground shake! That sounds sort of angel-like.
He has proficiency in two martial weapons so will use a greatsword with greenflame blade.
(I was debating about multiclassing from fighter or paladin or cleric for that sweet armor/spell slots). Maybe to heck with it. Crap AC would be a challenge).
Mask of many faces would help him appear fairer in human, elven or other places...
Is he doomed? I dunno! DnD is exercise in survival! He might die! Let the gods (dice) decide!
I urge you to use the [MENTION=6777696]redrick[/MENTION] roller: http://aramis.hostman.us/dnd/RedrickRoller.htmlAs far as suboptimal, I have stated that using defined arrays or point buy ENCOURAGES min/max, making the problem worse. Rolling for stats will give you more variety
I think that is touching on perhaps the crux of the issue: party disparity. It doesn't really matter per se if the party is super powerful or weak: the GM can always put stronger/weaker monsters.sub-competent is fine as well as long as the group is ok with it.
A full party of VERY sub-competent characters can be a lot of fun to play or run a group for. It's a eye opening experience.
I think that is touching on perhaps the crux of the issue: party disparity. It doesn't really matter per se if the party is super powerful or weak: the GM can always put stronger/weaker monsters.
What can cause an issue is when some party members are very strong and others are badly built.
It's definitely a spectrum... I firmly believe that you should play the character you want, but said character should be able to contribute to the party !
As far as suboptimal, I have stated that using defined arrays or point buy ENCOURAGES min/max, making the problem worse. Rolling for stats will give you more variety