Well, really Gandalf's ability to inspire others comes from a magic ring. Therefore it would not be a "class" skill. Conceptually Gandalf would be difficult to fit into DnD. Despite what many people think, I don't really know why, DnD doesn't follow the logic of Tolkien's fantasy. But in addition, Galdalf is conceptually an angel of Judeo-Christian mythology. Not an arcanist, magician, wizard, or another similar archetype of conventional fantasy.
Mechanically the closest thing in DnD would be a bard, on that I agree. But thematically it doesn't fit. A bard performs his magic through music, it is his thematic core. Gandalf is not quite sure how, if at all, conjures his magic. But there is no indication that he does so through music. But he wouldn't be a wizard, really, or any other arcane class. It's really hard to fit into DnD, oddly enough.
Gandalf doesn't really use music all that much; simply taking the Entertainer background or the like would be just fine for that. His inspiration of others can, as people have pointed out, come from other sources. I think I'd make him an elf or other race that gets proficiency with longswords (I know he isn't actually an elf, but it's probably the closest mechanically) and then go with Divine Soul Sorcerer or Perhaps Light Cleric. At later levels you could add in some Bard, perhaps.
Actually, in considering it again, I'd go with three levels of bard (swords) to start, then the rest as cleric (light). This would get the focus Gandalf has on fire magic, as well as letting us inspire people and use a sword as a focus. I might go for Inspiring Leader and War Caster as feats.
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Will everyone stop calling him "The Demogorgon"? It's his name, not a title!
Gandalf is a paladin, maybe a multiclass into Divine Soul Sorcerer, but for sure a paladin. Specifically Oath of the Ancients. This could have been written by him:
TENETS OF THE ANCIENTS
The tenets of the Oath of the Ancients have been preserved for uncounted centuries. This oath emphasizes the principles of good above any concerns of law or chaos. Its four central principles are simple.
Kindle the Light. Through your acts of mercy, kindness, and forgiveness, kindle the light of hope in the world, beating back despair.
Shelter the Light. Where there is good, beauty, love, and laughter in the world, stand against the wickedness that would swallow it. Where life flourishes, stand against the forces that would render it barren.
Preserve Your Own Light. Delight in song and laughter, in beauty and art. If you allow the light to die in your own heart, you can’t preserve it in the world.
Be the Light. Be a glorious beacon for all who live in despair. Let the light of your joy and courage shine forth in all your deeds.
How is he not similar to those abilities? Like, eg, they get Speak w/ Animals. And like, Turn the Faithless? Painful words that stop fiends? "You shall not pass"
Gandalf is not a bard or a wizard really he is more a miscellaneous magic user
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if i say something inflammatory the intention is not to trigger an emotional response and the fact that it does so is purely accidental and I sincerely apologise if it does
Well, really Gandalf's ability to inspire others comes from a magic ring. Therefore it would not be a "class" skill.
Conceptually Gandalf would be difficult to fit into DnD. Despite what many people think, I don't really know why, DnD doesn't follow the logic of Tolkien's fantasy. But in addition, Galdalf is conceptually an angel of Judeo-Christian mythology. Not an arcanist, magician, wizard, or another similar archetype of conventional fantasy.
Mechanically the closest thing in DnD would be a bard, on that I agree. But thematically it doesn't fit. A bard performs his magic through music, it is his thematic core. Gandalf is not quite sure how, if at all, conjures his magic. But there is no indication that he does so through music. But he wouldn't be a wizard, really, or any other arcane class. It's really hard to fit into DnD, oddly enough.
Gandalf doesn't really use music all that much; simply taking the Entertainer background or the like would be just fine for that. His inspiration of others can, as people have pointed out, come from other sources. I think I'd make him an elf or other race that gets proficiency with longswords (I know he isn't actually an elf, but it's probably the closest mechanically) and then go with Divine Soul Sorcerer or Perhaps Light Cleric. At later levels you could add in some Bard, perhaps.
Will everyone stop calling him "The Demogorgon"? It's his name, not a title!
Journey through Inustwaith in my campaign here!
Actually, in considering it again, I'd go with three levels of bard (swords) to start, then the rest as cleric (light). This would get the focus Gandalf has on fire magic, as well as letting us inspire people and use a sword as a focus. I might go for Inspiring Leader and War Caster as feats.
Will everyone stop calling him "The Demogorgon"? It's his name, not a title!
Journey through Inustwaith in my campaign here!
Gandalf is a paladin, maybe a multiclass into Divine Soul Sorcerer, but for sure a paladin. Specifically Oath of the Ancients. This could have been written by him:
I got quotes!
In his actions, certainly. But as far as his actual abilities go, he's functionally not that similar to an Oath of the Ancients Paladin.
Will everyone stop calling him "The Demogorgon"? It's his name, not a title!
Journey through Inustwaith in my campaign here!
How is he not similar to those abilities? Like, eg, they get Speak w/ Animals. And like, Turn the Faithless? Painful words that stop fiends? "You shall not pass"
IDK man, seems on point to me.
I got quotes!
Hmm... good point. But what about the focus on fire magic? Maybe just paladin radiant spells instead.
Will everyone stop calling him "The Demogorgon"? It's his name, not a title!
Journey through Inustwaith in my campaign here!
Gandalf is not a bard or a wizard really he is more a miscellaneous magic user
if i say something inflammatory the intention is not to trigger an emotional response and the fact that it does so is purely accidental and I sincerely apologise if it does
Bard/Wizard multi class.
I reserve the right to /stillme for any reason whatsoever.
The fires of Hell scorch you,
My vengeance terrible,
I, ascendant,
Above the flames of
The Inferno,
Of whom the lowest and most torturous
of circles is
Reserved for traitors.
The dead shall
Laugh at
Your eternal fate
Your sins
Shall return
To mock
And torment you.