D&D 5E Have a new player that I will be DMing, got some questions.

[Jaiken]

My questions are:

1) Should I introduce multiclassing to the new player?

2) Is having one enemy to start with good enough to explain the game?

3) Should I start him off at level 9 like his cousin is?

 

[MatthewJHanson]

My questions are:

1) Should I introduce multiclassing to the new player?

2) Is having one enemy to start with good enough to explain the game?

3) Should I start him off at level 9 like his cousin is?

1) No. I'd say the exception is if he really wants to do a character build that requires multi-classing, but I'm not sure what that would be.
2) If by, "explain the game," you mean give him a general overview, then yes. It will take a while before he masters it.
3) I assume that he and his cousin are both playing in the same campaign. This is hard. I think it's good for PCs to be the same or at least similar levels, but 9th can be a lot for a new player. What do you think about a one-shot with lower level characters to help get him started. Maybe it could be a "flashback" to the start of his character's adventuring career and then do a time jump to bring him up to 9th level.

 

[Jaiken]

1) No. I'd say the exception is if he really wants to do a character build that requires multi-classing, but I'm not sure what that would be.
2) If by, "explain the game," you mean give him a general overview, then yes. It will take a while before he masters it.
3) I assume that he and his cousin are both playing in the same campaign. This is hard. I think it's good for PCs to be the same or at least similar levels, but 9th can be a lot for a new player. What do you think about a one-shot with lower level characters to help get him started. Maybe it could be a "flashback" to the start of his character's adventuring career and then do a time jump to bring him up to 9th level.

That sounds perfect thank you.

 

[Jaiken]

1) No. I'd say the exception is if he really wants to do a character build that requires multi-classing, but I'm not sure what that would be.
2) If by, "explain the game," you mean give him a general overview, then yes. It will take a while before he masters it.
3) I assume that he and his cousin are both playing in the same campaign. This is hard. I think it's good for PCs to be the same or at least similar levels, but 9th can be a lot for a new player. What do you think about a one-shot with lower level characters to help get him started. Maybe it could be a "flashback" to the start of his character's adventuring career and then do a time jump to bring him up to 9th level.

Found out more information. The new player wants to be able to fight using martial weapons but also wield magic. Would a Paladin/Fighter Sorcerer build work?

 

[Bayushi_seikuro]

Found out more information. The new player wants to be able to fight using martial weapons but also wield magic. Would a Paladin/Fighter Sorcerer build work?

Personally, I think maybe going with something with one of the Adept feats might be easier. It'll be easier to manage a fighter who can cast one spell (Shield?) starting out I would think.

Or make a dwarven mage? Then he can wear armor and cast spells, as well as have access to some martial weapons?

 

[Jaiken]

Personally, I think maybe going with something with one of the Adept feats might be easier. It'll be easier to manage a fighter who can cast one spell (Shield?) starting out I would think.

Or make a dwarven mage? Then he can wear armor and cast spells, as well as have access to some martial weapons?

Even a Bard might work, right?

 

[kigmatzomat]

Depends on your source books. I wouldn't multiclass as it makes life complicated for a new person. Plus there are already multiple chassis you can use

• Fighter-Eldritch knight is mostly fighter, a smidgen wizard (only 5 spell slots)
• Paladin is warrior with spells, Auras and smites. Might be too complex (9 spell slots, healing, mounts, etc)
• Valor bard - full caster, a bit of fighter (2 attacks, medium armor, shieldl
• Hexblade Warlock- only 2 spells per short rest but they are very strong , plus unlimited eldritch blast, medium armor, shield, a summonable weapon, and can get 3 attacks

 

[Stormonu]

Found out more information. The new player wants to be able to fight using martial weapons but also wield magic. Would a Paladin/Fighter Sorcerer build work?

A Warlock (Hexblade), Fighter (Eldritch Blade or Bladesinger) or Bard (Valor) might be an easier start that trying out as a multiclass character.

If they haven't played before, I wouldn't start them out at 9th level, especially with a spellcaster.

 

[UngainlyTitan]

Are you using 2014 rules or 2024? If the latter, then the Eldritch Knight has become a decent but not too complex fighter caster whereas I found that build very limiting in the 2014 rules.
If using 2014 the paladin would be my recommendation for a martial that can cast spells.

I would also recommend a session at level 3 to 5 to introduce the new player to the mechanics of their class.

 

[Jaiken]

Are you using 2014 rules or 2024? If the latter, then the Eldritch Knight has become a decent but not too complex fighter caster whereas I found that build very limiting in the 2014 rules.
If using 2014 the paladin would be my recommendation for a martial that can cast spells.

I would also recommend a session at level 3 to 5 to introduce the new player to the mechanics of their class.

I am using 2014 rules.