D&D General What class is Gandalf?

[Yaarel]

He's quite clearly a Magic User not a Wizard or Sorcerer.

Spellbook?

 

[Maxperson]

Solar radiation causes ozone.

Radiant damage.

Alright. You win. Do what you want.

In the book, though, it was a lightning bolt.

 

[Yaarel]

Alright. You win. Do what you want.

In the book, though, it was a lightning bolt.

Heh, but you said it was "like" lightning, meaning it wasnt lightning.

But more seriously, when the goal is to match Gandalf as closely as possible, using official 5e mechanics, the Paladin class matches many important features, and light that causes ozone isnt really a problem.

I will keep Knock/Lock in mind, hopefully for an elegant explanation that doesnt require dipping into an other class.

 

[Yaarel]

Paladin also explains how Gandalf can be a significantly high level without casting too many spells.

 

[J.Quondam]

Solar radiation causes ozone.

Radiant damage.

I think "radiation" is necrotic. Gandalf is clearly a Blackguard.

 

[Yaarel]

I think "radiation" is necrotic. Gandalf is clearly a Blackguard.

Heh, dont forget, light is radiation. The UV light causes the ozone, so its part of radiant damage.

 

[Maxperson]

Heh, but you said it was "like" lightning, meaning it wasnt lightning.

Bilbo didn't see the spell itself being cast. He just saw the flash, smelled the ozone and saw goblins fall over. Given that Tolkien was writing about a wizard casting a spell and not a D&D angel using radiant abilities, it was lightning bolt. He simply explained it from Bilbo's point of view.

But more seriously, when the goal is to match Gandalf as closely as possible, using official 5e mechanics, the Paladin class matches many important features, and light that causes ozone isnt really a problem.

I think grabbing the Deva and giving him Sorcerer spellcasting of say 7th or 8th level of ability would be sufficient. You could even give him Divine Soul abilities if you really want that stuff in there. The Deva is sufficiently skilled with melee to represent Gandalf's sword use. The Deva even has the added benefit of Change Shape like Maia could do.

 

[MoonSong]

Heh, but you said it was "like" lightning, meaning it wasnt lightning.

But more seriously, when the goal is to match Gandalf as closely as possible, using official 5e mechanics, the Paladin class matches many important features, and light that causes ozone isnt really a problem.

I will keep Knock/Lock in mind, hopefully for an elegant explanation that doesnt require dipping into an other class.

You don't liking sorcerer doesn't mean it isn't the answer... n_n

Four times out of five when you ask "what class is this spellcaster from fiction", the answer is sorcerer.

 

[MoonSong]

Bilbo didn't see the spell itself being cast. He just saw the flash, smelled the ozone and saw goblins fall over. Given that Tolkien was writing about a wizard casting a spell and not a D&D angel using radiant abilities, it was lightning bolt. He simply explained it from Bilbo's point of view.

Metamagic subtle spell?

 

[Mordhau]

Monk. Explains why he's so sprightly.