D&D 5E Refusing To Heal Party Members?

[Herobizkit]

I think the reality could be that the Barbarian just assumes that the Paladin will heal him so he recklessly charges in unga-bunga with no regard for tactics.

With a low-heals party, focus should be on efficient tactics to kill enemies and mitigate damage so that combat healing won't be necessary.

No one can dictate how to play your character but yourself - but expect sour grapes until the Barbarian learns to fight smarter (or ups his Damage Resistance, though I forget how early that kicks in).

 

[ExploderWizard]

I think this is the first time I have heard that players wishing to play a barbarian must get permission from the another player to do so. I must have missed the memo.

Playing recklessly and expecting someone else to exist solely to pull your fat out of the fryer is another thing altogether. I have a standing policy to just let such fools die as a lesson.

 

[Leatherhead]

Playing a Barbarian in a group without a healer made me wonder what in the blazes you were going on about with this "Barbarians needing more healing" line, they take 1/2 damage from nearly everything, after all. But then I noticed you have a distinct lack of front-line classes. So the Barbarian is getting ground into hamburger because your Paladin is too hard of a target to crack, and everyone else is being a lame duck in paying the pound of flesh and blood tax for combat. It's kind of unfair to say the Barbarian is being selfish when they are the one who is figuratively doing all the heavy lifting in absorbing blows (and possibly literally doing the heavy lifting as the party pack-mule )


In the end though, this is just another reason to hate combat healing.

 

[iserith]

If I were the paladin, I would heal the barbarian and justify my choice with my oath. Once my healing options were spent, I would tell the party that we need to act more cautiously going forward and, being the Inspiring Leader the party needs me to be, lead by example.

I would never refuse another PC healing if I have access to it.

 

[Sunseeker]

I tend to play paladins for the ability to self-heal. Half the time I don't even pick spells because I'm burning slots on smiting.

That aside, expecting other players to ask you if they can play what they want to play is rude. Especially if you're getting upset over them not asking and its hypocritical when you don't even consider yourself the healer. If you're not the healer, be honest with the party that you're not the healer. They'll stop looking to you for healing in all but the most extreme of situations.

There is never an obligation to heal others unless you're playing a class or character which requires you to do so (such as that super-pacifist class from 3.5, it required you to give aid to everyone). If you don't want to heal a character and you are otherwise the party healer, I suggest having a good in-game reason. "He's a warlock, he's evil, I don't want to help him." "He lied to me and got himself into this situation." "I'm out of healing *deception check*".

Personally I think you should just announce that you're not the healer and people shouldn't expect healing from you.

 

[Fedge123]

Heal away and let the chips fall where they may.

 

[Imaro]

What's wrong with all members of the group buying potions of healing... also does your paladin have any spell based healing?

 

[Gimul]

Couple of questions for the OP:
Are you making any effort to tank?

Are you just running around Hulk Smiting everything?

You seem to be the only party member in heavy (and possibly even medium) armor. Did you ask the other players permission before playing a sentient #FailedStealthCheck?

If the answer to those questions is: No, Yes, No; then you might want to spend a little time communing with your deity, seeking guidance on not being a !#%$.

I'm joking a little, but you (I'm assuming seriously) just suggested another player should need your (you being a player and not a dm) permission to play his character.

Running healer-less is a valid party option. Running healer-less while clank-clanking it up and selling out the one party member with decent damage soaking is less so... but it can be done. I would suggest the party invest in healing kits/potions and camp early and often (protip: set a watch).

One way to avoid situations like these is to have some discussion/coordination before hand instead of everyone just showing up with a character sheet. Some players may consider that meta gaming, while others may consider it simply practical. YMMV. Do whatever is fun for you and your table.

 

[TerraDave]

Playing a Barbarian in a group without a healer made me wonder what in the blazes you were going on about with this "Barbarians needing more healing" line, they take 1/2 damage from nearly everything, after all. But then I noticed you have a distinct lack of front-line classes. ...

I noticed that. They should have a fighter. They have a great self healing ability.

 

[Fedge123]

I don't know the player, the party, the DM or the groups gaming style, etc. etc (Insert a dozen other qualifiers/disclaimers here including my own class prejudices and bias, etc.) ... but ...

I have to wonder what a virtuous knight in shining armor is doing hanging around with a savage, a crook, and three other party members (including two demon-spawn!) dabbling in dark forces they barely understand? Seems like the road to eternal damnation for our dear paladin if you ask me