D&D 5E Party Optimization

[lowkey13]

*Deleted by user*

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Okay, I admit that I love the term "Warbarian" (not sure how the "bear" creeped in there).

The "bear" is for Bear Totem at 3rd level (which you will take around level 12-14). Resistance to energy damage types isn't essential in every circumstance, but it's a nice thing to have in your back pocket eventually.

The naming madness stops at the point where you are no longer able to communicate clearly, i.e. people don't know what you're talking about. Then you have to slow down and fix your miscommunications. It's just like any other neologism.

 

[Ashrym]

I'll agree with choosing what you want to play and going from there. Optimization isn't necessary and if it doesn't provide fun then it's counter productive to playing a game; although, optimization exercises can be fun as well, I'll admit. To really answer that, a person still needs to know what you like, what type of game play and campaign for which you are optimizing, and more information about the other characters in the group.

Personally, the first thing I would look at here is a shadow monk. The group looks like it could make a great stealth and precision strike team. Shadow monk adds appropriate abilities including pass without trace to be a little different from the rogues but still be highly mobile and effective with decisive stunning strikes. Monks can also tank for a while if necessary for a more of a front line character based on the situation. The cleric can run support, and if it's a knowledge or trickery cleric then it can also fit into the stealth style. A sorcerer with invisibility, enhance ability (helps covers lower strength group and so can polymorph), and subtle spell who focuses on crowd control spells fits in well.

It's the makings of an elite commando / strike team. Being capable of engineering surprise often or avoiding combats can make a big difference. Alternatively, a third rogue fits in similarly. I would consider the barbarian build for nice sturdy and quick character after that. Just a thought.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

A sorcerer with invisibility, enhance ability (helps covers lower strength group and so can polymorph), and subtle spell who focuses on crowd control spells fits in well.

It's easy to overlook, but Quicken Spell metamagic can stand in for Cunning Action. Instead of spell + bonus action Hide, you bonus action spell + Hide.

 

[Ashrym]

It's easy to overlook, but Quicken Spell metamagic can stand in for Cunning Action. Instead of spell + bonus action Hide, you bonus action spell + Hide.

It's a good point, and one I had forgotten to mention. In a stealth strike time I would have recommended quicken spell as the other to take with subtle spell.

 

[SailorNash]

I won't jump on the "play what you want" bandwagon. While true, I know that I always have more ideas than I have time to play, and such questions are helpful to narrow down what might sound interesting.

Front line fighter makes the most sense, or any sort of melee-type really. I wouldn't worry about "tanking" so much as anything that could drop a Barb would liquify the rest of the group. Focusing too much on their one weak point means encounters have to be balanced around both extremes, rather than realistic for the party in question.

I'd rather go for a heavy DEX build, personally. Enough AC to engage in melee, but still able to keep up with a pack of Rogues without being that one guy clanking around in plate mail.

You already have skills and a party face, so I'd optimize for versatility. My pick would probably be Moon Druid, as his nature skills would fill in gaps left by the Rogues while likely not stepping on the Clerics toes. If that doesn't fit your groups theme, I might alternatively go with some form of arcane Gish - picking up whatever gaps your sorcerer can't fill.

 

[AldarinWindcaster]

Hiya!



Whatever you want? Seriously, I just don't get the "optimization" mindset (unless you just titled your thread weirdly...). Now, if you have a DM who does nothing to very little in order to 'balance' the PC's against NPC's/Monsters (pretty much like me I guess... ), *then* and only then will your "optimization" actually mean anything and be an actual optimization. If you have a DM who, however, is apt to "adjust" the challenges and re-write the entire game campaign world all for the sake of "balancing stuff so the PC's are challenged all the time, no matter their choices"...then all (as in every scrap) of time you put into 'optimization' is a total and complete waste of creative energy, time and effort.

I know, not helpful at all. Sorry. My 6 year old daughter is sick and I've been more or less up for 30-some-odd hours with a few cat naps in between...so I'm a bit cranky and don't much care. Anyway... play what you want if you have a DM leaning towards the second; because nothing you do to 'optimize' is going to matter. If you have a DM who is more like me, and apt to run a consistent "campaign world balance/expectation", then go with something to compliment the other classes; some kind of Fighter, Ranger or Barbarian (I'd opt for Fighter, personally).

^_^

Paul L. Ming

It seems like a lot of people think my thread is titled weirdly. What I mean by 'optimization' is creating the best character that will go along with the rest of my party. Thus, I'm attempting to optimize the ENTIRE PARTY by creating a character that will complement and enhance my party's abilities.
And yes, my DM makes no attempt to balance anything. He's the DM that will send a Tarrasque after a first level Wizard.

 

[AldarinWindcaster]

And no, I'm not exaggerating. He has literally done that.

 

[Azurewraith]

It seems like a lot of people think my thread is titled weirdly. What I mean by 'optimization' is creating the best character that will go along with the rest of my party. Thus, I'm attempting to optimize the ENTIRE PARTY by creating a character that will complement and enhance my party's abilities.
And yes, my DM makes no attempt to balance anything. He's the DM that will send a Tarrasque after a first level Wizard.

Poor tarrasque if i remember rightly a horse is all he needs to kill it.A valor bard could go down well can cover utility spells specs tend to miss and can stealth it up with the rogues.