Source
r/PCAcademy•
Predator6

Supporting Fellow PCs

Table Skills

Hey everyone, I’ll soon be transitioning from DMing to playing to allow a friend (and player in my game) to run a campaign.

We have two totally new players in the group and a returning player that struggles with keeping track of class features and the like.

I was originally planning on supporting them in game as a Life Cleric or Bard, but it seems like everyone has decided to try and tackle something ambitious mechanically.

Now I’m thinking it may be better to play a simpler class so that I can help them keep track of class features, spell slots, etc.

I’m torn between supporting the players at the table or their characters in game. I want the game to run smoothly for everyone, but I’m not sure the best way to do that. Any advice?

Posted Jan 17, 2020, 5:51 PM UTC

4212
Truezenda•

If you want to keep your character simple and still be able to support your party, I'd suggest a Celestial Warlock. You only get two spell slots/short rest, the rest of your healing is packed into one resource, and you can still put out decent damage with eldritch blast if you focus all out on healing.

To go full support, pick up pact of the tome for utility cantrips and guidance to aid skill checks.

24
KingNarwahl•

I like this guy's idea

2
sonntam•

In my opinion, play what you want. Neither Life Cleric nor Bard are overly complicated. Especially Bards have little manage in terms of spells, but provide excellent support.

Another point: do not stress over helping the new players. They will learn, sooner or later. I played with a full group (6 people excluding me) of newbs ALL of which had to learn rules, because they never played DnD before. Sure, at first me and DM had to suggest often what the players can do, but it soon picked up.

If players already picked something mechanically challenging, then I don't think they are already overwhelmed or scary of the complexity. If they prepare for it, they will get along just fine. Mostly you will just need to help them with stuff like "what is an ability modifier" or "uhhh, what is my proficiency for acrobatics"?

14
Predator6OP•

I’m hopeful that a couple of them will figure it out pretty quickly. I worry about one though. They haven’t been able to get the hang of their class features and basic stuff after a couple years of playing. Them playing a complex class unassisted would be terrifying to me if I was the DM. I’m not sure if they don’t prepare at all or if they just struggle with remembering what’s happening or how to use certain things.

The other two, I have no doubt that they’ll prepare pretty well and get it down after a while. The small questions, like modifiers or bonuses, aren’t a problem at all.

6
sonntam•

The returning player is then merely hopeless. If after several years they have not learned the game system, they won't improve with you holding their hand.

Unless you really enjoy backseat driving and telling a person what their abilities are, it will not be in any way productive or fun to guide this player.

And what is the worst thing that can happen, if you don't support them? Character ends up being weak and underpowered, because they are being played wrong? That is not the end of the world and people can still have fun with a character like that. And if your returning player wants to get stronger, then you will be able to help out.

Another point: I am not sure about your table situation, but in my experience even newbs soon get annoyed when you give them advice unprompted. A returning player may also not appreciate it that much. However you know them better than me! Just a point to consider.

6
tvtango•

For your friends that forget their features, have them write down each one on a card, then have a short rest and long rest pile when they use them

11
Predator6OP•

That’s not a bad idea. I may see if we can spend part of session zero making up note cards with features and spells.

6
Rhazior•

I decided I wanted to support new players that chose Bard and Warlock, by playing an Ancestral Guardian Barbarian.

I would tank at the front lines and try to stop them from killing themselves by taunting enemies.

At the same time, my personality was pacifistic, often attempting diplomacy first and trying to non-lethal the last enemy so they could be interrogated.

The flavor was that my Barb was a former acolyte that had become so Zen, he could literally ignore damage (Rage).

3
Bukler•

I'd probably try to do a oneshot or twoshot, at like level 4/6, just so that everyone can try their playable class when most features are there but it's not too complex. Also it's great for the new players to let them familiarise more with the game without commuting too much on a character!

If the oneshot is not possible I'd advise for you just to do your thing, be it supporting or whatever, and talk a lot with the master so that he can guide them, as a player in my opinion you should set the example and maybe nudge to one thing or two that they can do but the role of reminding the rules and what it's possible to do should be left to the master, and if the master doesn't wanna deal with this he can delegate a player like you, maybe it's a bit too much for a newbie master tho.

2
Predator6OP•

He’s not a new DM in the slightest. I don’t think he’ll have a problem handing the situation. If I’m sitting beside them, it makes a lot of sense to help out when I can. Many hands make for light work, and he’s certainly done his share of helping me out while I’ve been DMing.

3
omanisherin•

Bring a carry as a player is a different role as a player than as a DM. You need to readjust your perspective and mindset to maxmize everyone's fun per hour as a peer and not as a rule adjudicator.

Your new mission, get everyone to feel something and maximize player engagement. Take the DM s story and make it personal.

Noobs are going to screw up the rules, let em. Pretend it isn't happening unless they ask for help. No worries, character death invokes emotion and engagement.

Focus on making the others laugh, cry and feel things.

2
Predator6OP•

I didn’t think about that side of it as much. I’m used to being responsible for creating a majority of the game.

Treating them as peers, sharing the experience, and helping as needed is probably a much better mindset than bordering on backseat gaming. Thanks for pointing that out.

2