What do you choose to play in a party that has all the basics covered?

[belegost]

That's a perfect situation! I love coming into a campaign that has the "basics" covered. You can create a 100% your choice, colorful PC without worrying about letting your fellow players down (so... you need a cleric again...).

In my current campaign, the basics were covered first and the two remaining players both chose to play Rangers without consulting one another. It has worked out well and the two rangers are VERY different in style.

 

[Seule]

What you really need is to pick a niche, and be the best it. Something that doesn't infringe on any other character. I can suggest a Wizard specializing in whatever the Illusionist has barred, or pretty much any of the other suggestions here, but my first pick would probably be Archer. It sounds like they don't have one yet, and a dedicated archer character can swing battles very quickly while staying out of harm's way. You'll be a little more fragile being lower level, so attacking at range is probably an optimal choice. An Arcane Archer can probably contribute the best in my opinion, particularly once your arrows get up to the +3-+5 range. Order of the Bow or Deepwood Sniper can also be good, but then you end up begging a lot of Greater Magic Weapons off party members, and as the new guy, it'll be good if it seems like you can pull your own weight.

--Seule

 

[Marius Delphus]

Personally, I'd give equal consideration to anything that doesn't duplicate any of the party members' existing strengths. Evocation magic might be considered a minor "hole" in this particular party, so a sorcerer loaded with attack spells might find a niche.

OTOH, IMHO this situation almost *cries* "bard!" The always-likable, shmoozing, flamboyant "face" character type of bard, or perhaps the intellectual, epic-poem-composing tag-along kind of bard.

ObWarStory: At a convention game, I played the *second* bard in a large party, so I decided my character ought to have a strong belief in Destiny and the party's place in History. Every time there was a lull, my character pulled out the pen and parchment and started writing about what had just happened. Before this got too boring, the character started composing music to go with it.

Er, anyway. As already stated, do try to take advantage of the opportunity to create a character of a type you've never had a chance to play, and have fun.

 

[Quickbeam]

Beyond echoing the "play whatever sounds like the most fun" sentiments of my peers, I'd also consider the race of each PC in the group. It might be entertaining to play a dwarf if the party has mostly elves and humans; or a half-orc among several gnomes and halflings; etc.

If you really want advice though bard and druid would be good choices. The fact that you'd be playing a character 2-3 levels behind the other party members, mitigates my desire to suggest paladin, ranger or monk. You may also consider a cleric with a peculiar twist -- like following a deity with luck, magic, trickery or destruction domains. That way you wouldn't have to duplicate the role of group healer and lightbringer, but rather play your PC with a roguish flair AND the power of divine might!!

 

[robaustin]

Hwo about a Ranger - specialize in long range bow attacks. Seems like the party probably has some rather average long range attacks. A Ranger with really good skills with abow is a real plus to a party. Plus tracking, and animal companion are great too. Our ranger has a dire wolf. Let me tell you - the wolf can really dish it out AND take it.

--*Rob

 

[Doc_Klueless]

Cleric. Because clerics are just fun to play.

 

[Bhaal]

That's essentially how my PCs are composed right now (trade fighter for monk and illusionist for sorcerer). What they're dying for is a nature-attuned individual. They also could use another tank, but make due.

Take a look at the setting you'll most likely be in. If it's outdoors a lot, a ranger or druid or maybe barbarian will help them out a lot. Otherwise possibly another melee type to help the fighter or a generic spellcaster to cover what the cleric and illusionist can't cast.

 

[Broken Fang]

Like others have said...this is the best spot to be in...you can play whatever you want! What level are you going to be? What rces are the other players?

 

[mmu1]

My first suggestion would be to try to convince the DM to let you in at the same level as the rest of the party. Forcing new players start off three levels below the rest of the party is petty and absurd, relegating them to the status of "junior partner" at best, and henchman at worst. It doesn't reward the players already in the game in any way, it simply punishes the new guy...

However, if I was to answer the actual question, I'd pretty much go with the consensus - play whathever you think would be fun...

Aside from anyone who's going to be engaging in heavy-duty melee combat, that is. Maybe it's just me, but in my experience, taking the hits for a party of characters 2-3 levels higher than you bites.

If you are concerned with contributing significantly in combat, though, go with an archer with Point Blank Shot and Rapid Shot - it'll help you close the damage gap a bit, and help keep you out of harm's way.

Where in NY do you play, incidentally?

 

[JohnClark]

I'll throw my two cents in here. Even though you'll already be down a few levels, you may want to consider a template if your into those (ie Half-Dragon, Half-Celestial etc). True, you'll be down even more levels, but if you pick a class that goes well with the race (half-dragon fighter or barbarian for instance) you can be almost as effective as you would've been and have some good roleplaying opportunities.