Welcome to Richard and Sally's Keep on the Shadowfell D&D 4th Edition Play by Post Discussion Page.
This is where we'll figure out all the details of your characters and getting the actual game started. I'll send some info out in emails and post other info here depending on what works best. I think I'm the only one with the Core Rulebooks so feel free to ask questions and I'll answer as quickly and concisely as possible. Once we get our characters figured out, I'll start a thread in the actual Play-by-post section. I figure we have a few options to start. Does everyone including the kids want their own characters or do those of you with kids want only one character for all of you? I would like to have a character as well as DM. So at least if you are all willing that gives us 4 PC's, Pat, Dan+kids, Tom+kids, Kev, and Bri. We can definitely have more if the kids want their own. I guess it depends on the amount of time and effort those of you with kids want to put in.
I'll post info about what I guess needs to be your first decision which is Class. In 4th Edition each class is grouped into one of 4 basic party roles.
Controller - large number of enemies, favor offense, powers damage multiple foes, other powers weaken, confuse, delay foes
Defender - high defenses, good close offense, front line combat, power that make moving past them difficult for enemies
Leader - inspire, heal, aid others, good defense, powers protect companions and target specific foes
Striker - high damage to a single target, superior mobility, trickery, or magic to move around foes
So when choosing your classes you need to cover every role in the party or you adventuring will be made more difficult. Keeping that in mind feel free to choose a class and post any questions. Once you have a decision, I'll post more info and we can choose race next. Don't worry about ability scores when choosing your class, we'll get to that after choosing race. Below are the classes to choose from along with some info on each and which party role it fulfills.
Cleric - Leader - Shield allies with prayers, healing, using powers that improve allies' attacks
Fighter - Defender - very tough and exceptional ability to contain enemies in melee
Paladin - Defender - durable, high hit points, heavy armor, issue bold challenges to foes and compel them to fight you rather than allies
Ranger - Striker - either ranged attacks or 2-weapon fighting to deal high damage to one enemy, hit and run tactics
Rogue - Striker - dart in to attack for massive damage and retreat to safety, does best teamed with a defender flanking
Warlock - Striker - attack powers highly damaging and often weaken or hamper the target, elude attacks by flyinf, teleporting, invisibility
Warlord - Leader - inspiring commander and master of battle tactics
Wizard - Controller - exert control with magical effects that cover large areas, sometimes hindering foes, sometimes consuming them with fire.
Swordmage - Defender - melee combatant who uses spells to fight better.
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