So, based on what I've read here at ENWorld and my limited experience playing, it seems that 4E's mechanics overtly emphasize teamwork. Assuming that's the case, which is fine, what if you're creating a character for a campaign where you can't predict what your team's role composition will be? Maybe this week there's no thief, maybe next week no leader, maybe the next week no controller? Do you just accept the potential for a suboptimal composition and go have fun with whatever concept you've dreamed up?
If so, I'm totally cool with this approach. Real life is kind of like that and memorable situations can arise because of it. Still, if anyone's had experience planning for this unpredictability when creating a character, I'd love to hear it. Is there any skill you think's absolutely essential, for example? Important enough to risk, say, using a feat to train in it just in case no one else has it on a particular game night?
I ask because I've recently joined a Living Forgotten Realms pick-up campaign. The size and role composition of the party in any given week can be pretty varied (except levels).
If so, I'm totally cool with this approach. Real life is kind of like that and memorable situations can arise because of it. Still, if anyone's had experience planning for this unpredictability when creating a character, I'd love to hear it. Is there any skill you think's absolutely essential, for example? Important enough to risk, say, using a feat to train in it just in case no one else has it on a particular game night?
I ask because I've recently joined a Living Forgotten Realms pick-up campaign. The size and role composition of the party in any given week can be pretty varied (except levels).