TOPIC: What is the best class to take to 5th level...

I have the pleasure of outfitting eight people this year for my family run. I have a Charm of Heroism and a Medallion of Heroism that we will use. Thus, my question...

When limited, which classes do you feel are the top 3 classes to bump to 5th level for your run? Would your choices matter if doing puzzle or combat?

MU Skulls Rob.

cleric and druid

cleric can bring back a previously used spell

The druid get lightning or something that does 40pts of damage

so get that times two

Cleric, Rogue, Druid is my order. Rogue's flank can be the difference in a fight.

Bard, Cleric, Druid

The Cleric/Druid combo has already been covered. The Bard's bardsong bonus gains an additional +1 to hit and +1 to damage to every party member. Plus, the addition of Sooth Wounds to the spell list can net a 10 person party 60 points of healing.

Human Wizard and Rogue are also really good choices. The Human Wizard for the Lesser Maze spell and the Rogue for the Flanking ability.

Yes the bard can be a good choice especially for combat runs. If you have 5 slider classes you have +1 to hit and +1 to damage every round they slide.

Lets say a minimum of 4 slides per monster per character for 20 slides. Even at a 50% hit ratio you have +10 damage in one room. It starts to get equal to the Druid high level damage spell over the course of the adventure. Add the greater chance to hit and the healing and the Bard becomes a good choice.

If you have a party where someone always ends up dying because they go around touching things they shouldn't or not letting the cleric know they are about to die then I suggest the Paladin just because he can save you a $12-$15 token (potion of Death's Door) once per run (twice if the cleric uses his/her ability on the Paladin).

jedibcg wrote: If you have a party where someone always ends up dying because they go around touching things they shouldn't or not letting the cleric know they are about to die then I suggest the Paladin just because he can save you a $12-$15 token (potion of Death's Door) once per run (twice if the cleric uses his/her ability on the Paladin).

that is where I just let them die

That and you can (will) never play a paladin.

jedibcg wrote: That and you can (will) never play a paladin.

that is true too...but i would let them die for being stupid

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote:

jedibcg wrote: If you have a party where someone always ends up dying because they go around touching things they shouldn't or not letting the cleric know they are about to die then I suggest the Paladin just because he can save you a $12-$15 token (potion of Death's Door) once per run (twice if the cleric uses his/her ability on the Paladin).

that is where I just let them die

And as someone who goes around touching stuff, I have to say: I'd totally deserve that.

Now that I have a little bit of time, I want to go class by class. Here are the additional bonuses to each class at 5th level:

Barbarian: +1/+1 Melee, Damage Resistance 1, +2 Rage Melee Damage, 12 HP

Bard: +1 AC, +1 REFX, +1 Ranged Attack, Soothe Wounds (bonus spell), +1 damage to Bardsong, additional 1st level spell, +6 HP

Cleric: +1/+1 Melee, Cure Serious Wounds and Searing Light (bonus 3rd level spells), +6 HP

Druid: +1/+1 Melee, Cure Minor Wounds and Call Lightning (x 2) and Protection from Energy (bonus spells), +8 HP

Dwarf Fighter: +1/+1 Melee, x3 Critical Damage (instead of x2), +10 HP

Elf Wizard: +1 AC, +1 REFX, +1 Ranged Attack, Acid Splash, Magic Missile, Fireball, Stoneskin (bonus spells), +6 HP

Fighter: +1/+1 Melee, Reslide 1 combat round/room, +10 HP

Monk: +1/+1 Melee, +1 AC, Improved Evasion (failed save = 1/2 damage, made save = 0 damage), +8 HP

Paladin: +1/+1 Melee, Sacrifice Ability, +3 points to Lay on Hands, +7 HP

Ranger: +1 AC, +1 REFX, +1 Ranged Attack, +2 Ranged Damage (bow, crossbow, sling),Barkskin and Cure Lesser Wounds, +9 HP

Rogue: +1 AC, +1 REFX, +1 Ranged Attack, +5 Sneak Attack Damage, Flank Ability, +6 HP

Wizard: +1 AC, +1 REFX, +1 Ranged Attack, Ray of Frost, Magic Missile, Lesser Maze, Lightning Storm (Bonus Spells), +5 HP

There are all the additions for 5th level characters. Hopefully this will help in your decision.

lazlo_hollyfeld1985 wrote:

jedibcg wrote: If you have a party where someone always ends up dying because they go around touching things they shouldn't or not letting the cleric know they are about to die then I suggest the Paladin just because he can save you a $12-$15 token (potion of Death's Door) once per run (twice if the cleric uses his/her ability on the Paladin).

that is where I just let them die

Ditto. His love affair with the wizard has gone too far.

Cleric, cleric, cleric.... Just kidding.
If you are limited then the best choices have been pointed out. Cleric, bard, rogue, and Druid. If you have good sliders and combat people rogue, otherwise Druid for the direct damage. Bard is a great choice to boost damage and soothe is a boss fight must- it also allows the cleric a round to pop off some damage or a spell regen.

Unfortunately, you are also asking groups that are all 5th level or who's decision is, "Which character is best to leave at 4th level ?"