Creating your first Character 101: Part 1 (Party Roles)

Welcome to the first post in a series of 5 for new players and veterans and newbies alike. We will look at ways to create characters, and what things can help make your decision. so get your pen and character sheet, as we're going to make a character!

Today we are going to look at party roles. To me, there are four or five roles within an adventuring party. This can help you make up your mind in creating a character. So, do you want to be a bard, who can buff allies and debuff enemies? Or do you want to be a barbarian, and chop people with a greataxe while raging? Let's find out.

Strength based Melee: This is the role for you if you like hitting people, being strong and don't want to die doing it. The ability scores that should be high are Strength and Constitution. Taking a class like Barbarian, Fighter or Paladin means you will be able to kill and not be killed. Good weapons for you are two-handed ones like Greatswords, Greataxes, Mauls and Glaives, as you can maximise the damage output.

Dexterity based ranged/melee: Do you want to be nimble? Quick? Then this is a good role. Prioritising Dexterity is a must. The second ability score depends on your class. Choosing to be a Heavy Crossbow wielding fighter? Choose a high Constitution. Want to be a ranger, running through primeval forests with a longbow? Choose high wisdom. Or even a dagger wielding rogue? Put a high Charisma. Melee weapons for you should be shortswords, scimitars or rapiers.

Support Caster: Do you feel like you want to help out your fellow adventurers? This is a good option then. But do you want to heal teammates? Then druid and cleric are good choices. Prioritise wisdom, and then strength, dexterity or constitution. Or buff/debuff allies and enemies? Bard and Warlock can fit this role pretty well. Your highest ability scores should be Charisma, then dexterity. You probably won't be able to have the best weapons, but choosing daggers, light crossbows and even handaxes (if you have high strength)

Offensive caster: This is for those of you that want to cast fireballs and call lightning from the sky. Do you want to be flexible, and be able to cast (almost) any spell? Wizard is the way to go. A high intelligence and either dexterity or constitution is a good way to arrange your ability scores. Or maybe you want to be able to change your spells with metamagic, and have tons of cantrips? Then the magic in your blood Sorcerer is your class. Choose high charisma and dexterity or constitution. How does making a pact with a powerful being, and getting a whole host of Eldritch Invocations sound? If yes, then being an eldritch Warlock is right for you. Make sure to have a high charisma and either dexterity and constitution.

Defensive caster: Last, but by no means least is for people who actively make sure that their friends don't die. Maybe choose Cleric, if you want to go down the route of a holy protector as well as being protected yourself. Make sure to have high wisdom, and constitution or strength. Or go Wizard to cast Shield and have your familiar help your allies. High intelligence and either constitution or dexterity.

And that's it! So, have you made up your mind about what role you would like to play? If you don't don't worry. We have plenty more to help you decide what your character will be.

-WildemountWanderer