I've seen plenty of polls and threads talking about favorite classes and races in Dnd, but not many asking about party "roles". So I got curious, do y'all have a preference for what role you play in a party? do you mix it up a lot? or just what are your opinions on party roles?
This is mainly just done out of curiosity as I am bored at work and enjoy reading different opinions to pass time lol
For me in particular, I always (sometimes even subconsciously) lean towards making "Face" characters. Even if High CHA isn't required for the class, I just enjoy playing a charismatic people person. I didn't even realize I did this until recently when I took inventory of characters I've played for extensive lengths that ALL of them had a minimum 16 CHA and persuasion proficiency lol
I may be a bit odd in that I don't have a favorite 'role.' But I greatly enjoy having my own role/niche in the party. I can happily be the social face, the sneaky scout/lock picker, the front liner martial tank, the strategic spellcaster etc. So long as I'm filling some kind of role in the party.
I was once in a combat where giant spiders were threatening to swarm us WHILE we fought a big boss who was trying to assassinate the king we were protecting, while the rooftops we were fighting on were starting to go up in flames. My wizard was able to set up a relatively safe perimeter with wall of force to cut off the big boss from reinforcements, and when it turned out that the spiders had enough strength to running leap over the 10ft panels, I was able to use Scatter to throw all the minions into the various flames a good distance away. By the time they managed to get back, in the round or two it took them, the Warlock and barbarian were able to dispatch the big bag and keep the king alive, after which he spiders and other adds fled.
Most of my favorite spells are control spells, and I love how they give you so much license to respond to various challenges that might not be so easily solved just by throwing damage at the problem.
I was once in a combat where giant spiders were threatening to swarm us WHILE we fought a big boss who was trying to assassinate the king we were protecting, while the rooftops we were fighting on were starting to go up in flames. My wizard was able to set up a relatively safe perimeter with wall of force to cut off the big boss from reinforcements, and when it turned out that the spiders had enough strength to running leap over the 10ft panels, I was able to use Scatter to throw all the minions into the various flames a good distance away. By the time they managed to get back, in the round or two it took them, the Warlock and barbarian were able to dispatch the big bag and keep the king alive, after which he spiders and other adds fled.
Most of my favorite spells are control spells, and I love how they give you so much license to respond to various challenges that might not be so easily solved just by throwing damage at the problem.
Those kind of clutch, creative, in-the-moment moments are what DnD is for in my opinion! Awesome scene!
I try to go for 'well rounded' or skill monkey. I've got a Life Cleric who, due to party composition, has to spend a good amount of time acting as the party wizard, and most of my other characters are rogues or rangers -- good at very specific things in combat and have a handful of niche skills outside of it. I hate being the party face, though, and I don't like playing characters who are good at combat and combat only.
My absolute favourite role is the 'Face' as you call them (I've always known them as the unwieldy-to-say "persuasion user") but I'm terrible at doing it. I prefer video games where the dialogue options are written out and NPCs can only respond in pre-programmed ways, but I also like save-scumming, so it's no wonder why I've no social skills in or out-of-game. The ASD doesn't help matters either.
Ahem. The other roles I chose are Brains because I love reading up wikis and poring over tomes to aid the group, but out of libraries I like being support. Because I'm not a very good roleplayer, I'm essentially a third wheel, so I like to do what nobody else can. If the party needs someone to open doors, look in corners, use a shield or Spare the Dying, that's my jam. Always a follower, never a leader. ^^
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I try to go for 'well rounded' or skill monkey. I've got a Life Cleric who, due to party composition, has to spend a good amount of time acting as the party wizard, and most of my other characters are rogues or rangers -- good at very specific things in combat and have a handful of niche skills outside of it. I hate being the party face, though, and I don't like playing characters who are good at combat and combat only.
I can't believe I forgot to add skill monkey to the list! Theres something so satisfying about being a bard/rogue with multiple expertise's saying "I rolled a 35 stealth"
I'm not a big fan of being the Face, perhaps because I don't do that very well in real life either. I'm not the kind that likes to have a fixed, optimised, method either, so I don't want to be the fighter either.
I really like the Wizard, just being the omnitool - I love to make things go bang, like Fireball, but also being able to use my spells to be creative and change things is pretty awesome too. The ability to change things up on the fly and alter how the battle is going is simply great.
I haven't played the sneaky type, that might be fun.
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I tend to mix two or three roles together. Like the time I ran a hexblade optimized for combat but also acted as the party Face (with a dash of mischief maker)... Actually got band of mercs who were pulling the classic tollroad scam so confused with my fast talk and bluster they ended up paying us. (characters motto was if I cant blind them with my brilliance; I'll baffle them with my bullsh**)
I selected Brains because I like to figure out what the overarching struggle is all about.
Depending on my build I will obviously play one of the three jobs you listed in the combat section; fighter, controller, supporter. If the build is a Charisma build I will often play the face of the party. This also fits in with my Brains role because I am trying to become a player in the world, making a name for myself and a positive impact on the society I favor.
I haven't played all the classes yet, so I have quite a way to go.
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Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
I like being the cavalry. The lemonade maker when the adventure gives us lemons. Not shining in any particular capacity, just finding a way to right the ship when in dire straits. Or die trying, that's been known to happen too.
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Problem.solver? I played a druid, and between a particular wild-shape creature and many nice utility spells, often I would be the one who'd figure out how to get us in or out or solve the puzzle or thwart the bad guy.
My typical goal when building a character to actually play is to make them capable of filling multiple roles. They might not be as good at them as a specialist would, but when the rest of the party averages a -1 on persuade, a 12 charisma and proficiency starts looking pretty good.
I do tend to lean on the parenting type of character, I find it fun roleplaying as the Mom/Dad of the group! I mostly ended up as the asian tiger mom role, reminding them to add their D4 or else I beat them with my slipper! I mostly backup people if they need a little assistances and a little bit of karening "I would like to see your manager, you disrespecting this poor goblin boy!" to "Aiyahh... why you so annoying - vicious mockery" all of my characters tend to have at least one or all asian traits snice i'm asian myself!
I selected "Other", as I like being a tactician. Working out the best approach to puzzles/encounters. Obviously I don't tell people what to do on their turns - I roleplay making the plan before, and leave it to people whether they want to follow it!
I also am the mischief/comic relief quite often. I am always willing to roleplay to my characters weaknesses - such as being a chatty character when we're trying to hide & wait for an enemy to come out, and need to be quiet. I often consider the aim of the game to be the creation of awesome stories, and everyone performing picture-perfect actions for the situation is seldom going to cut that mustard! If my character would show off, he shows off, and if that means he takes an arrow for trying to fight on top of a table (and making himself a bigger target) then that's how things go! I do avoid doing things which will affect other players, though (EG moving out of combat if people are relying on me to hold them there, or not fighting to muck about, that sort of annoying thing!). It's a tricky balance but I'm determined to get it right!
I like to be the heavily armoured, indestructible, battle controlling tank. I like standing as the front line between the enemy and my allies, brushing off hits that would bring down the average hero, and knowing that I am the rock on which the enemy tide will break. Eldritch Knight is my favourite class for this, with shield, protection from evil and good, booming blade, absorb elements, War Caster, Sentinel and covered in steel (or adamantine if I can get it). Being the character who grits their teeth, spits blood and snarls "C'mon, is that the best you can do?" as the rest of the party tries to bring the foe down is where it's at for me.
I find Charisma an issue in 5e, as I hate that no matter how well I roleplay, or how convincing or strong my arguments might be, I can be asked for a Persuasion check, so I make sure I have at least 12 Charisma now too for all characters.
I really didn't expect so many people to prioritize control! When it comes down to combat, I think I develop "monkey brain" syndrome. My head goes all " WANT SEE BIG NUMBER"
I mean, my two favorite classes I've played so far have been paladin and rogue, which are both ALL about BIG NUMBER lol
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I've seen plenty of polls and threads talking about favorite classes and races in Dnd, but not many asking about party "roles". So I got curious, do y'all have a preference for what role you play in a party? do you mix it up a lot? or just what are your opinions on party roles?
This is mainly just done out of curiosity as I am bored at work and enjoy reading different opinions to pass time lol
For me in particular, I always (sometimes even subconsciously) lean towards making "Face" characters. Even if High CHA isn't required for the class, I just enjoy playing a charismatic people person. I didn't even realize I did this until recently when I took inventory of characters I've played for extensive lengths that ALL of them had a minimum 16 CHA and persuasion proficiency lol
I may be a bit odd in that I don't have a favorite 'role.' But I greatly enjoy having my own role/niche in the party. I can happily be the social face, the sneaky scout/lock picker, the front liner martial tank, the strategic spellcaster etc. So long as I'm filling some kind of role in the party.
I was once in a combat where giant spiders were threatening to swarm us WHILE we fought a big boss who was trying to assassinate the king we were protecting, while the rooftops we were fighting on were starting to go up in flames. My wizard was able to set up a relatively safe perimeter with wall of force to cut off the big boss from reinforcements, and when it turned out that the spiders had enough strength to running leap over the 10ft panels, I was able to use Scatter to throw all the minions into the various flames a good distance away. By the time they managed to get back, in the round or two it took them, the Warlock and barbarian were able to dispatch the big bag and keep the king alive, after which he spiders and other adds fled.
Most of my favorite spells are control spells, and I love how they give you so much license to respond to various challenges that might not be so easily solved just by throwing damage at the problem.
Those kind of clutch, creative, in-the-moment moments are what DnD is for in my opinion! Awesome scene!
I try to go for 'well rounded' or skill monkey. I've got a Life Cleric who, due to party composition, has to spend a good amount of time acting as the party wizard, and most of my other characters are rogues or rangers -- good at very specific things in combat and have a handful of niche skills outside of it. I hate being the party face, though, and I don't like playing characters who are good at combat and combat only.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
My absolute favourite role is the 'Face' as you call them (I've always known them as the unwieldy-to-say "persuasion user") but I'm terrible at doing it. I prefer video games where the dialogue options are written out and NPCs can only respond in pre-programmed ways, but I also like save-scumming, so it's no wonder why I've no social skills in or out-of-game. The ASD doesn't help matters either.
Ahem. The other roles I chose are Brains because I love reading up wikis and poring over tomes to aid the group, but out of libraries I like being support. Because I'm not a very good roleplayer, I'm essentially a third wheel, so I like to do what nobody else can. If the party needs someone to open doors, look in corners, use a shield or Spare the Dying, that's my jam. Always a follower, never a leader. ^^
Zero is the most important number in D&D: Session Zero sets the boundaries and the tone; Rule Zero dictates the Dungeon Master (DM) is the final arbiter; and Zero D&D is better than Bad D&D.
"Let us speak plainly now, and in earnest, for words mean little without the weight of conviction."
- The Assemblage of Houses, World of Warcraft
I can't believe I forgot to add skill monkey to the list! Theres something so satisfying about being a bard/rogue with multiple expertise's saying "I rolled a 35 stealth"
I'm not a big fan of being the Face, perhaps because I don't do that very well in real life either. I'm not the kind that likes to have a fixed, optimised, method either, so I don't want to be the fighter either.
I really like the Wizard, just being the omnitool - I love to make things go bang, like Fireball, but also being able to use my spells to be creative and change things is pretty awesome too. The ability to change things up on the fly and alter how the battle is going is simply great.
I haven't played the sneaky type, that might be fun.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
I tend to mix two or three roles together. Like the time I ran a hexblade optimized for combat but also acted as the party Face (with a dash of mischief maker)... Actually got band of mercs who were pulling the classic tollroad scam so confused with my fast talk and bluster they ended up paying us. (characters motto was if I cant blind them with my brilliance; I'll baffle them with my bullsh**)
I selected Brains because I like to figure out what the overarching struggle is all about.
Depending on my build I will obviously play one of the three jobs you listed in the combat section; fighter, controller, supporter. If the build is a Charisma build I will often play the face of the party. This also fits in with my Brains role because I am trying to become a player in the world, making a name for myself and a positive impact on the society I favor.
I haven't played all the classes yet, so I have quite a way to go.
Cum catapultae proscriptae erunt tum soli proscript catapultas habebunt
I like being the cavalry. The lemonade maker when the adventure gives us lemons. Not shining in any particular capacity, just finding a way to right the ship when in dire straits. Or die trying, that's been known to happen too.
Want to start playing but don't have anyone to play with? You can try these options: [link].
Problem.solver? I played a druid, and between a particular wild-shape creature and many nice utility spells, often I would be the one who'd figure out how to get us in or out or solve the puzzle or thwart the bad guy.
My typical goal when building a character to actually play is to make them capable of filling multiple roles. They might not be as good at them as a specialist would, but when the rest of the party averages a -1 on persuade, a 12 charisma and proficiency starts looking pretty good.
I try to play a different character each game.
Find your own truth, choose your enemies carefully, and never deal with a dragon.
"Canon" is what's factual to D&D lore. "Cannon" is what you're going to be shot with if you keep getting the word wrong.
I do tend to lean on the parenting type of character, I find it fun roleplaying as the Mom/Dad of the group! I mostly ended up as the asian tiger mom role, reminding them to add their D4 or else I beat them with my slipper! I mostly backup people if they need a little assistances and a little bit of karening "I would like to see your manager, you disrespecting this poor goblin boy!" to "Aiyahh... why you so annoying - vicious mockery" all of my characters tend to have at least one or all asian traits snice i'm asian myself!
I lean equally against damage, tanking and utility, mainly in combat.
My previous game I was tank and support as a Cleric. Currently a pure fighter EK.
Altrazin Aghanes - Wizard/Fighter
Varpulis Windhowl - Fighter
Skolson Demjon - Cleric/Fighter
I selected "Other", as I like being a tactician. Working out the best approach to puzzles/encounters. Obviously I don't tell people what to do on their turns - I roleplay making the plan before, and leave it to people whether they want to follow it!
I also am the mischief/comic relief quite often. I am always willing to roleplay to my characters weaknesses - such as being a chatty character when we're trying to hide & wait for an enemy to come out, and need to be quiet. I often consider the aim of the game to be the creation of awesome stories, and everyone performing picture-perfect actions for the situation is seldom going to cut that mustard! If my character would show off, he shows off, and if that means he takes an arrow for trying to fight on top of a table (and making himself a bigger target) then that's how things go! I do avoid doing things which will affect other players, though (EG moving out of combat if people are relying on me to hold them there, or not fighting to muck about, that sort of annoying thing!). It's a tricky balance but I'm determined to get it right!
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I tend towards support characters. Fight a little, heal a little, magic a little, lore/knowledge a little…
For the longest time, in 3.5e, I played variations of a Ranger/ Cleric of various neutral death gods…. Nemorga, Kelemvor, Wee Jas, etc.
I like to be the heavily armoured, indestructible, battle controlling tank. I like standing as the front line between the enemy and my allies, brushing off hits that would bring down the average hero, and knowing that I am the rock on which the enemy tide will break. Eldritch Knight is my favourite class for this, with shield, protection from evil and good, booming blade, absorb elements, War Caster, Sentinel and covered in steel (or adamantine if I can get it). Being the character who grits their teeth, spits blood and snarls "C'mon, is that the best you can do?" as the rest of the party tries to bring the foe down is where it's at for me.
I find Charisma an issue in 5e, as I hate that no matter how well I roleplay, or how convincing or strong my arguments might be, I can be asked for a Persuasion check, so I make sure I have at least 12 Charisma now too for all characters.
This is super interesting :D
I really didn't expect so many people to prioritize control! When it comes down to combat, I think I develop "monkey brain" syndrome. My head goes all " WANT SEE BIG NUMBER"
I mean, my two favorite classes I've played so far have been paladin and rogue, which are both ALL about BIG NUMBER lol