D&D 5E Min-maxers: What's the best class and race for a Tier 1 investigative game?

[Whizbang Dustyboots]

I'm going to be going through Wolves of Langston and, damn it, I feel like being a munchkin here.

So, give me your best suggestions. I already know about the pallid elf, thanks to DND Shorts on YouTube, but I'm looking for additional options here. (Also, since when are the Exandria races in the D&D Basic Rules? Wild!)

 

[DavyGreenwind]

Left field: Kenku, Githzerai, or Autognome for species.

I feel like Inquisitive Rogue is unequaled in the Investigative game.

 

[TaranTheWanderer]

Investigative? Rogue? or Bard? Lots of skills with expertise. Any race that boosts wisdom or Int.

Solo adventure so I might stay away from spells so you don't use'em all up too soon. Yeah, rogue would be my pick. But I love rogues.

 

[FrogReaver]

Moon Druid. Wild Shape owns tier 1 in combat and provides great utility (possibly track by smell). It also comes back on a short rest. Druids also have plenty of useful rituals.

Then there's guidance which in tier 1 can be better than expertise on any skill is you are able to abuse it (some games it can be and some games it can't be).

You can be wisdom based, not focus too heavy or dex/con leaving you plenty of stats for the mental stats due to Wild Shape.

For a race, pick custom lineage if possible or variant human. I'd recommend the Fey Touched feat. More spells and casts feels really good in a low level game.

 

[FrogReaver]

I love rogues too. Their combat mobility and a ranged weapon can outright win many combats. That said if enemies have ranged attacks or you start close quarters then his low ac really hurts. You also will struggle to reliably keep up sneak attack in a solo adventure.

 

[bedir than]

Ghostwise Halfling, Inquisitive Rogue or Lore Bard or Knowledge Cleric.

I like the ability to communicate silently in such a game. Lucky is always handy, especially when you'll be rolling in social situations frequently.

I've run each of those classes leaning into the INT and sometimes CHA skills.

 

[FrogReaver]

Additional thoughts: One could dip a single level of knowledge cleric onto just about any class. Gives 2 additional skills, expertise in them, medium armor and shields along with a couple of spells.

Something like Fighter 1 / Knowledge Cleric 1 could be really promising.
Or Knowledge Cleric 1 / Wizard X.

 

[Ancalagon]

Autognome can be a lot of fun, and have neat RP. An investigationbot!

 

[Voadam]

Starting at level 1?

Bard with comprehend languages is my first thought.

Anyone can have two skills of choice from their custom background so most any class can be decent in a few relevant areas with proficiency in choice of investigation, insight, persuasion, perception. Bards get an extra three of choice though from class to start.

Only rogues with their four class ones from a list that includes all of those could do better investigation skill wise. Bards being charisma based and their spells + inspiration gives them a slight edge in my view.

Knowledge skills are not bad also if you are doing Mythos research investigations.

From TV and movies deception is often the key for getting in to check things out, my experience in D&D is mixed. Sometimes a cover story is the party plan, often not. Rogues picking locks to get into places or locked storage is a plus on this angle of investigation.

To really munchkin out make sure the party has these skill things covered with different stat specialists and buddy up to help each other to gain advantage on the skill check for the best specialized roller for each task. At higher levels enhance ability can give advantage on skill checks without the need to buddy up.

 

[EzekielRaiden]

Half-Elf Rogue 1/Cleric (Knowledge) 1/Lore Bard +N (or Eloquence, if heavily Persuasion/Deception-based).

Half-elf gives you +2 skills and +2 Cha, +1 to two others. Rogue starts with four skills rather than two, Thieves' Tools, and Expertise in your choice of two skills (or one skill + Thieves' Tools.) Dipping 1 level of Knowledge Cleric gets you guidance, medium armor, shields, other nice Cleric spells, and two additional skills (and Expertise with those skills). Bard then gives you +1 extra skill for multiclassing, 3 more skills with Lore (or Reliable Talent for Persuasion and Deception with Eloquence), and a total of 4 more Expertise.

Alternatively, if you want more flexibility rather than more baseline competence, swap out Half-elf for Ghostwise Halfling, since the telepathy could be quite powerful, and halfling luck is always nice.

If you're looking for a mono-class build, no MC allowed, then either Bard (Lore/Eloquence) or Cleric (Knowledge/Peace.) The former will be better personally, the latter will be better as support.