Across the Table (OOC Discussion)

[VennDygrem]

@bhu: I explained Hybridization a bit earlier when you asked about multiclassing. Here's what I wrote:

The second attempt at multiclassing came in PHB3, by way of the Hybrid class system. You can create a Hybrid between two classes, each of which has its own stats for how its numerical benefits, such as hit points and Non-AC defenses, as well as proficiencies, add as each part of the hybrid. Each class also gains access to limited versions of their class features. Often, a Hybrid class will take the Hybrid Talent feat to gain access to heavier armor proficiencies a class normally would have, or to the full version of a class feature. Sometimes the hybrid class will start with essentially the full version of the class feature anyway, though usually at the cost of one or more other class features. Sometimes this really isn't even much of a loss. There's also a special Paragon Path (like a Prestige Class; everyone gets to choose one while continuing to progress as their main class) which strengthens your ability to be a true hybrid of both classes. Humans make particularly good choices for Hybrids since they start with a bonus class skill trained, a bonus at-will power (making it less difficult to split your decisions between those of the two classes), and a +1 to all three non-AC defenses.

So you might say, Hey, I want to play a Paladin|Sorcerer. Ok! They both can synergize between Strength and Charisma. A Hybrid between those two would start at level 1 with 13 + Con score hit points (7.5 from Paladin, 6 from Sorcerer), and a +1 to Will from Sorcerer and +1 to a Non-AC Defense of your choice from Paladin. You get only the armor proficiencies shared by both classes, and all of the weapon and implement proficiencies from both (and you get to channel implement powers through any implement for all of your powers regardless of class). You could then take the Hybrid Talent feat to gain access to all of the Paladin's Armor options, and be a tanky blaster, or gain access to one of a couple other class features from either class. Making a Hybrid of these two would allow you to have more balance between ranged and melee combat options, at the expense of having full access to the class features of either class. Without the Paladin Armor proficiencies, you're still looking at a pretty vulnerable character, however.

The above Hybrid probably isn't a very good option unless you're working really hard to make it work, but it's an example to demonstrate why you might want to combine two classes and how it would work. I actually made a Hybrid Warlord|Artificer once for a game starting at Paragon tier (level 11+) and had the ability to take a feat granting a bonus heal per encounter I could hand out, which allowed me to be pretty damn good at healing, and I took all powers that allowed me to either buff my allies or grant them extra attacks. It was a great character, if a little boring to play.

[bhu]

So what class combo hybrids are worth it?

Given Nans options I'll prolly go warlock or psion then

[Bartholomew]

Hi, guys. I am the last recruit. I intend to play

Barbarian Minotaur - Striker
Dragonborn Fighter - Defender
ShardmindHuman Psion - Controller

I'm leaning toward the psion.

[Melblen_Cairn]

I said it above but it is buried now, welcome Bartholomew, and if I missed it before welcome bhu and Inspectre.

So far everyone has a good list going of possible choices. For those new to our thread, Shadowhunter has selected to keep playing Thespias Munroe, Halfling Sorcerer (Striker). His character (and possibly Dunor depending on what Venn goes with) will be returning to town after the prior group is wiped out.

All of your characters could know each other from prior and come to town recently, or have been thrown together during the attack from the Hobgoblin force just a few nights previous. Loudwater recently had a Midsummer festival (which was a bust due to the current heat wave) and an upcoming annual celebration devoted to the Heroes of Delimbyr Vale that defeated the previous Red Fist invasion 50 years  previous, so there is an influx of people that have come to the town in preparation of that.

I would like to start us off quickly once everyone is complete with their characters. Just summarizing how you all came together and put you all right back in front of the dungeon. I will prepare a separate thread for a couple flashback type scenes over the past couple days of game time to make up for the lost time (if the group is interested).

[Melblen_Cairn]

Wow Barbarian and Psion is on a lot of peoples lists  . Having played a Half Orc Whirling Barbarian, I can certainly see the damage allure. Hell he unloaded some crazy damage in a single round at level 1. Granted it was prime conditions (several enemies surrounding) and some damn lucky rolls on attacks and damage. Burned his daily, his encounter with an AP, and his racial power, plus got to use whirling slayer ability and whirling lunge power. It was one of those crazy moments that will happen only once or twice in a gamers life  .

[Bartholomew]

I have decided to play a Genasi Swordmage.

[Nanshork]

Bhu, are you officially going psion?

Does that mean I'm the only undecided one left?

What do we have so far?  (I've lost track.)

[bhu]

Psion or Warlock, I'm reading on my possible options with them now.

[Melblen_Cairn]

Nan here is what I have been tracking on so far;

Shadowhunter = Halfling Sorcerer
Bartholomew = Genasai Swordmage
bhu = Warlock or Psion
Venn = Barbarian, Psion, Warlock, ( I believe I am missing one here)
Inspectre = Seeker, Ranger, Warlord
Nan = Fighter, Barbarian, Warlord

Bartholomew has asked that I allow him to reflavor Burning Blade a level 1 daily power to be called Electrified Blade and change the damage type to Lightning. If no one else has any objections to this I would like to give everyone the opportunity to change the damage type of one of their powers at first level. Mostly I like changing the flavor text so it feels different but as long as this does not overbalance the game I do not have a problem with allowing it in the interest of fun.

[VennDygrem]

I decided to forego Warlock in favor of Bard since bhu had been interested in it, but otherwise the list is correct. I'm going to try a couple more builds once I get home which may make choosing easier, depending on what comes out to be the most fun concept.

Also,  I have no objections to the change.

[Nanshork]

I have no objection as long as he's not trying for ultimate cosmic power.

I always wanted to try a mid level bard multiclassed all over the place.  Not at level 1 though. 

[bhu]

I decided to forego Warlock in favor of Bard since bhu had been interested in it, but otherwise the list is correct. I'm going to try a couple more builds once I get home which may make choosing easier, depending on what comes out to be the most fun concept.

Also,  I have no objections to the change.

I can just go psion if u want warlock

[VennDygrem]

Actually, it looks like we won't have much in the healing department so if you want Warlock or Psion, I can go Bard and that leaves Nanshork free to pick up either Fighter or Barbarian depending on his own preference. I figure that if I'm going to play a striker in this game, rather than play a Warlock I might as well play Dunor as a Barbarian. I like the class, and I feel like the background fluff post-reboot would adequately explain why he's raging all of a sudden. However, if we need a Leader, the Bard is a great choice and is fun to play. I could also multiclass to get some ability to double down on another role.

[Nanshork]

I'm fine with playing a leader, just fyi.  There is one on my list. 

[Melblen_Cairn]

Dunor could easily be made into a Bard too, some sort of warrior skald.

[VennDygrem]

Technically that's true, though it would be a lot more difficult to explain how he's all of a sudden a lot more charming and has arcane magical powers. There is a Skald offshoot of the Bard in the Heroes of the Feywild book, but it's not quite as much of a departure as I think would be necessary...

[bhu]

I think I'm going to settle on star warlock.

Let the advicening commence!

[Melblen_Cairn]

Helps if I post this to the correct ooc thread 

I did a bit of an index early on in 4e. These Dragons had articles for Warlocks;
Character Concepts   365 Dragon   Pg 46
Wish Upon a Star   366 Dragon   Pg 17
Character Concepts   374 Dragon   Pg 5
Performing the Pact   381 Dragon   Pg 45
Class Acts                   382 Dragon   Pg 48
Power Play                   382 Dragon   Pg 59
Art of Binding            383 Dragon   Pg 40
Warlock Basics           384 Dragon   Pg 25
Class Acts                   386 Dragon   Pg 45

Wish Upon a Star, Performing the Pact, and Warlock Basics are particularly helpful. The others beside Character Concepts all have power and feats that may be useful to you.

[Nanshork]

Updated list!

Shadowhunter = Halfling Sorcerer (Striker)
Bartholomew = Genasai Swordmage (Defender)
bhu = Warlock (Striker)
Venn = Barbarian, Psion, or Bard
Inspectre = Seeker, Ranger, or Warlord
Nanshork = Fighter or Warlord


So we've got two ranged strikers and a defender.  Hmmm.  After looking at what Venn and Inspectre are thinking I'm going to remove Barbarian from my list.

Does that make things easier Venn?

[VennDygrem]

A bit, definitely. I'm thinking that if I go Barbarian, that gives us a nice chance for a meat-tank. I could multiclass with a defender class to get a once-per-encounter mark to be stickier, and try to rely on high hit points and refreshing THP in place of having a decent AC.