D&D General What class is Gandalf?

[Yaarel]

Which is blatantly wrong since in the books he hurled multiple lightning bolts and multiple fireballs at different times. He would have to be at a minimum 7th level, probably 8th or higher.

In the LotR those fireballs he hurled that burned the top of the hill were described as a series, which means more than 2.

I agree that casting multiple higher slot spells evidences a higher spellcasting level.

I view him as a legend tier Paladin, levels 17 to 20.



Re your earlier post that a DM can choose to add class levels to a monster statblock. Fair enough.

At the same time, I want to see a player character that comes as close as possible.

 

[Yaarel]

Re race. Even if Gandalf is a physicalizing angelic being, he could hypothetically be locked into this "incarnation" for the purpose of his mission. If so, he is a playable character despite his origin.

Because Gandalf associates firelight, I wonder if a scourge aasimar can make mechanical sense for his race, if allowing the Tolkien "setting" to tweak the flavor of this race?

 

[jolt]

First edition Sage with psionics. A few levels of Fighter, Magic-User, and Cleric.

 

[Benjamin Olson]

Oh no, is Gandalf a cheesy Sorcadin multiclass? Please don't tell me he took a Hexblade dip.

 

[Laurefindel]

So, polytomous?

very much so!

 

[Swarmkeeper]

We just never see him read it. Kind of like how we never used to see sitcom characters go to the bathroom.

What?!

 

[Micah Sweet]

He's an NPC, and in 5e that means he doesn't need to be defined in terms of classes.

Not really in the spirit of the game, but undeniably true.

 

[Micah Sweet]

I put down warlock, but I really need to explain. He only knows a few spells, they are powerful, but he normally attacks with his sword. He is knowledgeable but his main ability is to Inspire Hope (technically fan the flames of hope) and as an angel like being I honestly think making him a warlock would be a great way to get the feel.

Maybe a Aasimar (I wish 4e deva was a thing, but you could take the reborn form Van Ricten's after the balrog fight) Warlock/Paladin multi class with some game specific pact and oath.


Maybe not... Hexblade/pact of blade Oath of Ancients with a bit of refluff could do it.

Edit: a bard could work too I guess... like many characters you could most likely make him as 2-5 different builds and still get the essence.

4e deva is basically back in Level Up. They're in Adventures in Zeitgeist.

 

[The Glen]

 

[Joshy]

Rogue Thief with Charlatan background. Specializing in deception and sleight of hand.
He just used items without anyone noticing. He may have some cantrips from his race/feats or a magic item like his staff.
Most of what he did was off screen, he deceived everyone all the time take.
Flash of light, whip out magical trinket while everyone is blind.
Flash of light, dash and take off running or use stealth, so others think you are invisible or teleported away.
Who knows maybe the Balrog was in on it. Deceived him to help him out. Make him seem more awesome after his "victory".

Maybe, just maybe the whole thing with the ring is a huge scam. Maybe he is just so good at deception that he convinced multiple people that it was all real. He had the whole world dancing on his palm. It didn't matter who did what, he could take credit because in truth it really was because of him. Maybe it was a prank that got out of hand. Damn I can see it now he started this whole thing because of his psychedelic drug addiction. Maybe he is so good a deception that he even deceived himself.

Puff Puff, "Yes I can see it now, an eye, big ass chickens, and butterflies. Invisible hunters, and lots of short people." Puff Puff, "Big ass bats that the invisible people ride. Oh and elephants but bigger." Puff Puff, "Prideful but cowardly elves, Let the world rest on the shoulders of some random fool to make it interesting. Hmm, hmmm need dumb leaders so it doesn't end to quickly." Puff Puff, blows out a ring of smoke while grinning like an idiot. "Ohhhh rinngggssssss, yes yes rings."

Wow now that was a rabbit hole, I need sleep.