My group and I are starting a second campaign for weeks when not all of us can make it. I'm trying to figure out a character to create for a small group (3 PC's, maybe 4 max). The hard part is by definition there won't be very many of us, and the group composition will change depending on who shows up.
Our DM has given us wide latitude since it's a home campaign and there will be few party members when we do play. A 25-point buy, any race/feats/spells that are published Paizo materials, and I do know the general arc of the campaign. We will start out with the Mad God's Key (Dungeon 114), then The Dragon's Demand, and Expedition to Ravenloft. Following this the Abyss trilogy from Dungeon 117-119. Not sure after that, but we could go all the way up to lvl 20. I hope so.
I am using the bench-pressing guide by RPG Willikers and trying to keep as many abilities in the green as I can. I've created an Azata-blooded Aasimar archer paladin with oath of vengeance as a first attempt because I haven't played a DPR guy in a while. I can supply my build if requested. I'd like some thoughts on that, and if any could offer some ideas of classes or builds that would be suited to a small party campaign? Probably one that could fill multiple roles depending on the day, and he doesn't necessarily have to be DPS-focused.
I think I'm taking so many things into consideration that I'm confusing myself. Thanks for any help!
J
I'd suggest something similar to the system Pathfinder Society uses. You're all members of a group of specialists that get sent out on missions. You work with whoever's on your team to accomplish your mission.
Hmm, was hoping for more of a response.
J
The Shaman or Spirit Guide Oracle can change up their wandering spirit once per day to give themselves a wider array of abilities and spells.
What I suggest is getting with the DM and group and look at possibly peeling back the point buy in favor of Gestalt. Gestalt will help a single PC cover more roles and have the abilities to adapt to an inconsistent party. Making a party of 3 PCs still perfectly viable.
If this is not an option then play a very versatile class like an Alchemist, Bard, ext. That way you can cover a few positions as needed.
Bards can be capable combatants themselves while buffing a team.
Druids are super versatile. The companion helps with combat, and spontaneous summons can fill up a battlefield. They're 9 level casters that can prepare from a whole list that is surprisingly versatile, have 4+ skill points, and with wildshape, they can tank and scout and skirmish.
Maybe go half-elf, replace Skill Focus with Exotic Weapon Fauchard, and take:
1. Combat Reflexes
3. Power Attack
5. Natural Spell, naturally
7. Spell Focus conjuration
9. Augment Summoning
11. Quicken Spell
At low levels, play like a Reach Cleric. At higher levels, wildshape and use your natural reach for AoOs galore.
Maybe replace feats 7 & 9 for some Teamwork feats you share with your Animal companion. Or maybe some crafting feats. Or some fun combat feats, like Pushing Assault and Stand Still.
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Bards can be capable combatants themselves while buffing a team.Yeah, but it's often not as much fun with a small team / no minions. Of course, that makes dawnflower dervish all the more enticing :D
Druids can summon a team for the bard to cheer! And their animal companions can be the mascots! :-D
The Summoner definitely deserves a mention due to how well-rounded he can be. With the Eidolon pulling melee duty and the Summoner pulling spellcasting duty he can easily fill a variety of holes in party composition. He can even act as a party face or skill monkey if he's built for it.