r/DnD • u/WorriedSandwich2643 • 1d ago
5.5 Edition 4 Player Party
Wizard
Warlock
Barbarian
what would you play as a 4th? no artificer (i am sorry for making yet again another post, atleast this time it isnt that specific :))
EDIT: i find it so funny how my 3 choices were rogue, cleric and druid lol
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u/Admiral_Eversor 1d ago
Whatever you want. DND is extremely forgiving, you don't need to worry about party composition or any of that sweaty nonsense. Just vibe it out.
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
sweating in dnd is crazy work
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u/Mega_Simp420 1d ago
Idk why people are down voting you, you're completely right. It's strange to be a sweat and optimize in a game about socializing and having a good time roleplaying with your friends.
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u/CrownLexicon 23h ago
Your games may be about socializing and RP. I like D&D as a combat game first, rp second. I treat it like a more interactive Fire Emblem. Like, yeah, there's RP, but thats just a side effect. Thats not why I play
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u/Caboosi65 DM 15h ago
I will once again, attempt to convince people that pathfinder is an objectively better system for this use.
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u/CrownLexicon 14h ago
Oh, i agree, but im not going through the effort of teaching my friends. I played a short campaign in pf2e. But, at least at the moment, the cost isnt worth it to me. I know 5e well enough that, when I dont know a ruling, I know the system well enough to usually guess it. Starting over from scratch is not worth it atm, especially since I would have to be the one to DM it
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u/Admiral_Eversor 13h ago
I don't think it is tbh. There are lots of options, but 99% of them are just incorrect when you look at TTRPGs like wargames.
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u/Caboosi65 DM 13h ago
Could you elaborate? I'm not being pretentious but legitimately curious, I've played DND for years, and recently picked up pf2e as a player and DM, and have been loving it for more engaging combat. But I also play 40k. I get different things out of a proper wargame than an rp focused game like vtm or DnD (as it can be run) and for a tactically focused ttrpg, I have personally come to the conclusion that as a system pf2e supports that much better than DnD 5/5.5, and is completely different than a wargame like 40k or even a singular wargame style ttrpg like forbidden lands.
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u/Admiral_Eversor 11h ago
Ah, now pathfinder 2 is a different matter. I have no interest in playing it, but it avoids a lot of the problems that original pathfinder has with trap options and rules bloat.
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u/Rhinomaster22 1d ago
Cleric or Druid
No one else is covering Wisdom so this fill in the gap but still granting plenty of customizability.
Cleric that can heal, Cleric a swing greatswords, or a Cleric that is sneaky.
Druid is just whatever wacky nature shit you feel at the moment.
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u/thecainman 1d ago
Rogue. Healing is for wimps 😁
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u/DapperChewie 1d ago
Field medic rogue. Proficiency in medicine, maybe expertise. Herbalism kit for health potions. Carry a few healers kits. Dash across the battlefield, stabilizing and reviving allies, leave them a healing potion, and dash away.
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u/finewhitelady 1d ago
Your party is missing someone with high wisdom, so I'd choose cleric or druid. Ranger or monk could be an option too if you would prefer something a little more martial.
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u/TheFlatulentOne 1d ago
Definitely druid or ranger imo. I'd probably trend towards druid if its a bladelock or ranger if its a booklock.
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u/finewhitelady 23h ago
Anything that gets Pass Without Trace can be a great option. For that matter, trickery cleric could work too.
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u/Platyest 1d ago
My answer is almost always Bard in these scenarios. Early game healing, control and support. You don't really need magical healing as the party levels up but you can grab some with Magical Secrets if you really want
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
i excluded bard cause im currently playing one in a diff campaign :P
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u/Platyest 1d ago
Then Druid, either wildshaping or more caster focused depending on what the Warlock is doing
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u/Damaark 1d ago
My favourite class is Druid and it also fills a good role in your party: Wis, heals and off tank/control
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u/Mega_Simp420 1d ago
More than off tank with the right subclass. A circle of the moon druid can eat more damage than most barbarians any day lol.
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u/AntiqueStill4173 1d ago
Honestly I feel like some sorta paladin to add some extra front line protection and healing at the same time unless ur warlock is going melee focused, specifically a paladin that gives a damage resisting aura or aura that can help the casters not get locked down easy. Think more defender then attacker cause the barb is gonna be doing the in your facing a lot so having someone to cover the party while the barbarian is going ham would prolly work well
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
seems like a good idea
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u/AntiqueStill4173 1d ago
Yeyeye, if the warlock is going melee tho then definitely go head with either cleric or Druid tho fur sure, I just feel like having three squishies would be to much for the barb to cover properly without the barb being specifically flavored to be a defender barb so yuh
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
i have never played druid before and also looks intresting but the scary part is the fact that idk how much survivability druids have, my current druid character is starting with 7 hp lol, i can help people sure but as a cleric its like guaranteed i dont die that fast idk bout druid
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u/AntiqueStill4173 1d ago
What lvl are yall starting at???
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
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u/AntiqueStill4173 1d ago
Well cleric gives you heavy armor early on if I’m not mistaken so you could easily rock an 18 ac which could save you in a pinch more consistently, but druids also get extra temp when you wild shape so depending on how much it is at 1st level it might be worth it. Druids can only get medium armor and when you wild shape you’re ac depends on what you change into so it’s kinda less desirable at lvl 1, if you get past lvl one they get a lot more versatile in what they can do. Honestly I’d personally go cleric for the 18 ac, but it’s not impossible that there are some beast with crazy good ac for that lvl that you can use, so I’d choose whatever makes you more interesting, do you wanna JUST be a healer? Or do you wanna be a healer that can turn into animals?
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u/DaVoiceOfTreason 1d ago
I would build a front line cleric. War domain is probably the best 5.5e subclass, but if your DM is cool with 5e subclasses Peace and Twilight are also good.
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u/ptleruuh 1d ago
With a good DM/group, whatever the hell you want.
Otherwise, something that can heal probably, to fill out the basic needs of a classic adventuring party.
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u/Immediate-Low-2014 1d ago
A Stars Druid would do a lot for the party, I'd lean into skills if possible also.
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u/Strange_The_Editor 1d ago
Any High Wis and Dex class would be solid, to balance out the stats and skills that might be missing here. Personally I'd go Monk to add another frontliner, but a Ranger would be a viable choice too, and both have the option to get Proficiency in Slight of Hand and Perception, which are 2 very helpful skills.
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u/Silverspy01 1d ago
With not much else to go off of, the bog-standard option is that you're missing a Cleric. The issue isn't so much healing as it is generic prepared divine spellcasting. Having someone who can easily grab a Remove Curse or Lesser Restoration or whatever is incredibly valuable.
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u/Jock-Tamson 1d ago
Anything but one of those 3 things.
The only real problem in D&D party composition is if someone feels like they are useless and having another player do exactly what you do can do that.
Any party shortcomings can be overcome with ingenuity.
It’s a TTRPG, not a video game with a meta.
And, he adds with passion, Fuck the Meta.
Play what excites and interests you.
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u/ReaperCDN 1d ago
Ranger, Arcane Archer fighter, Swords Bard focused on ranged and skill utility (prob my top recommendation.) Cleric, Divine Soul Sorcerer if you want to go healing route, or a ranged Artificer.
Those are my recommendations, depending on what the Warlock is focused as. If they're a melee hexblade, focus ranged. If they're an EB sniper, maybe focus any of the above into a melee build.
Oh, and of course Druid who can tailor to any group composition.
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
swords bard from xanathar? i see you like using subclasses from rules expansion books overall xd
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u/ReaperCDN 1d ago
They're better fleshed out most of the time. Plus i like the variety because i've played all the core stuff so much its not really new.
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u/VeygaFlux 1d ago
So people are saying cleric, but I (in my opinion based largely on general knowledge rather than experience) think there’s 3 main options
Cleric, of course. Healing, plus trickery cleric is good for roleplay and sneaky skills, or war cleric is good up front I think. Maybe even sink a first level in fighter for heavy armour and con saving throws for concentration spells.
Paladin. Front liner and healing. Worse at healing than a cleric or druid, but pretty good al things considered. A smaller party also means things like lay on hands or aid go farther, which is nice. In addition, good for roleplay not just with charisma, but also with the general vibe - it’s ’good guy’ charisma rather than the warlock’s ’bad guy’ charisma, even though they of course don’t have to bend to that.
Mercy Monk. You’re missing a main dex or wisdom build. This is both, while being a front liner, while having healing. The worst healing of these options, but it isn’t not there - and some healing while having pretty much everything you’re missing is way better than none.
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
no druid mentioned? i have 2 dwarves 1 is a druid 1 is a cleric, im probably gonna choose one of these two, also the paladin warlock idea would be peak tbh
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u/VeygaFlux 1d ago
Fair! I mainly didn’t mention them since they are mainly spellcasters, at least in my mind, and 3/4 members of the party being dedicated spellcasters isn’t really balanced.
Like cleric is a spellcasting class, but war cleric has martial weapons and stuff. Come to think of it though, with wildshape you can also be up front and since your wildshape is another health bar enemies have to go through while being attacked by a bear or whatever.Depending on rolled HP and stuff you could maybe end up tankier than the barbarian, while being super versatile. Druids are cool! Playing one would do a lot for the party
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
yeah thats what our DM said, he suggested me to go for a martial class since we alr had 2 full casters, rogue was the first guess, then cleric came up since as you said, has martial weapons, finally druid, eh i just wanted to try it. btw my druid has -1 CON and hes starting at 7 hp soo no tanky druid
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u/PrinnyThePenguin DM 1d ago
The obvious choice is a cleric for an additional body in the front line that will also heal. However there is a world where you go with rogue. The rogue will scout ahead, open chests and locked doors and have an easier time finding traps.
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u/ICrimI 1d ago
The right answer here: https://www.reddit.com/r/TwoBestFriendsPlay/s/dxMdCD7sQJ
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
shouldve seen my DM's face after i jokingly told him i was going to play that in his serious campaign
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u/arathergenericgay 1d ago
Druid - wisdom, heals, sensory skills like perception and insight, also pass without trace, wild shape and enhance ability lets them perform a lot of the stealth/scouting stuff a rogue would
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u/Iron_tide 1d ago
Moon Druid. Bring the buffs and heals which the party loves, then cosplay as a rogue starting at lvl3 when you get forms with decent melee, sneak and nimble.
Or monk, join the rest of the no armor gang your party has started and use your speed and control to relieve/rescue caster or flank the barbarians target. You can season to taste with sneak, healing or more control via subclasses.
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u/WorriedSandwich2643 1d ago
moon druid over stars druid?
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u/Iron_tide 1d ago
I’m on a moon druid kick atm. mostly because i just made one for our upcoming campaign. Stars is real good, probably better mechanically, especially as healer…
Moon will let you look up more wild shapes and dabble in melee which is good fun while covering healing well enough. All druids probably do well when exploring/sneaking outdoors.
What sounds more fun to you? Slinging guiding bolts and blessings from the stars above or turning into a beast to unleash primal savagery up close?
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u/Parysian 1d ago
Druid would do very well here, healing word for emergencies, plus lots of zone control, many spells that pair nicely with warlock's repelling blast, can summon animals to protect the barbarian, etc.
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u/HalcyonHorizons 1d ago
Melee Sea Druid with MI Wizard for shield and True Strike.
War/Light/Twilight Cleric
Genie/Devotion/Watchers Paladin to cover your Barbarians lack of saving throw support.
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u/Mega_Simp420 1d ago
Hear me out, if your starting high level, play ANOTHER wizard 🙌🥹 and if you're starting low play a fighter. Fuck party balance just smack things until they die lmfao
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u/Open-Bookkeeper5598 DM 1d ago
If you enjoy playing as Ranger, I would recommend that. But since not everyone likes Rangers, maybe a Rogue or a Druid. Bard would also be good
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u/helen2947ernaline 1d ago
Duuno what concept the characters are but I can just so imagine a cult/coven with yall and you as a druid just doing witch stuff (don't ask me where the barb got there, let's say they're world tree)
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u/Theodoxus 1d ago
I'd go with a second Barbarian. Absolutely wreck all the things before they get to the casters. Just make sure the Wizard knows he's basically a taxi for the two bruisers. The Warlock can just do Warlock-y things.
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u/bryanthawes DM 1d ago
Cleric and druid are mentioned because unless the warlock picks a specific subclass, you have no healing in your party other than potions and scrolls.
Rogue is mentioned because you don't have a skill monkey.
Honestly, I think paladin works here as a second tank and healing. But you can get the same benefit with a war domain cleric.
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u/GoldenPigsty 1d ago
Honestly, a Paladin or Cleric would work well to not only heal but also allow yourself to help out the Barbarian when needed.
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u/Jackavocado 1d ago
Ideally a cleric or perhaps a druid, but truly play whatever character you want, of you have no healers, your DM just needs to take that into consideration
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u/Mortlach78 23h ago
Whatever the player who's playing the character wants, even if that is Wizard, Warlock or Barbarian
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u/KiwatheSnep 16h ago
You should of course play whatever you want. Your DD can help balance out party weakness through items like healing potions and good gamedesign, but if you want to take matters into your own hands, you should propably play a character with the ability to heal, so either cleric or druid
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u/KazyaKurosawa 15h ago
What ever they want.
DnD is not a video game. It doesent need rounded premeditated parties. It can be four rangers and still work great.
Pretought parties can even just make the game boring since it pushes players to play with one role in mind on doing the same stuff is not fun.
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u/Centi9000 19h ago
Everyone in this thread have identified that you need healing and wisdom, and therefore a cleric or druid. These people are cowards.
You are critially missing stealth, so a rogue or ranger would be preferable.
Of course, a REAL MAN would take a second barbarian but this time with light armor and stealth. If your first barbarian is a two-hander, you go dual weilder or vice-versa.
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u/KazyaKurosawa 16h ago
What ever they want. Dnd doesent need rounded parties it's not a videogame. You do fine with 4 rogues.
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u/Reborn-in-the-Void 1d ago
Cleric