Best Base Class for Multiclassing?

[Andor]

What classes need to multi-class?

Cleric and Paladin are strong bases to multi out of, but what more do they need? They are already very powerful classes.

Warlord and Fighter have no ranged powers.

Warlocks have two, count 'em, two encounter close powers and the second one doesn't arrive until 23 lvl. So they are hard up for abilities that don't draw AOOs in melee combat.

Rogues and Wizards have no self healing.

Clerics, Paladins and to a lesser extent Rangers are 'complete package' classes with little need to look outside themselves to fill in missing gaps. Instead they multi-class to cherry pick the best powers or for a PP.

 

[Exen Trik]

I don't think you can evaluate that just based on role. Since multiclassing really means cherry-picking desirable powers, it doesn't really matter what the overall capabilities of the class are - just what specific powers are available.

The problem is that generally, controllers and strikers just have stronger powers. They give up durability and proficiencies for it, which is a fair trade off within the class, but outside of it they have a clear advantage.

Any fighter can get a lot of use out of a big blast wizard power, even without having a very good int. A wizard with a melee, weapon based attack? Not so much.

 

[Tony Vargas]

Since multiclassing no longer gives you the features, proficiencies, 'saves'/defenses, hps, etc of a 1st level character, the answer might well be whichever class has the most first level goodies. That is, unique class features, high starting hps, good defense bonuses, & armor and weapon proficiencies. The fighter and paladin get a lot of hps and proficiencies, for instance (fighter gets martial ranged weapons while the paladin gets plate armor). The paladin gets +1 to all defenses. So, I guess, start with the class that has the starting abiliities and class features you want the most, and multiclass into the class that has the powers you want to cherry-pick from.