Sorcerer feedback

They're flexible and are just straight up damage dealers.  A Charisma heavy character is not impacted by the presence of another one in this game. You get to modify spells to and use Sorcerer points.  It's fun to split spells that normally only hit one target or to fire a spell and a cantrip in one turn.  They have the ability for more burst damage than a Wizard.  There is a Cleric that gets Identify as a Domain spell so you have one other option there.  Try it in the Dungeon Maker.  I'm running a magic heavy combo right now.  I have a Sorc and Wiz in a party.  Lot of fireballs now at Lvl 5!!! 

I mentioned these problems I have encountered on another thread, but they are worth repeating here.  Either there is are a couple of bugs or myself (and a lot of other users and players) are doing something seriously wrong :

(1).  The Draonic Sorcerer's ability to add charisma bonus to damage does not seem to be working properly, or else is bugged.

(2).  The Sorcerer's Metamagic especially for the 'Empowered' spell again does not seem to be working or at least needs better clarification/explanation of how ot prepare and use.

I mentioned these problems I have encountered on another thread, but they are worth repeating here.  Either there is are a couple of bugs or myself (and a lot of other users and players) are doing something seriously wrong :

(1).  The Draonic Sorcerer's ability to add charisma bonus to damage does not seem to be working properly, or else is bugged.

It seems to work just fine for me, with its own entry into the combat log and everything.

It gives Charisma on damage for the associated type, not just on everything. If I have the Gold Dragon (fire) origin, I will get the bonus damage to spells like Fire Bolt, Burning Hands and Scorching Ray, but not Ray of Frost. If I have the Silver Dragon (frost) origin, I will get the bonus on Ray of Frost instead.

Doesn't appear to be working for Burning Hands, even though it works fine for Scorching Ray on the same character.

It can be good to have 2 characters with good diplomacy skills, just the way the game is structured, you may have your highest CHA character with an undesirable pick. (Maybe you want to do diplomacy but they're on intimidate instead). Though admittedly, having a high INT character to handle the INT skills helps too. You might be able to get away with having a paladin and sorcerer if you have a Rogue/Arcane Trickster with the academic or similar background, since they can cover the INT skills well enough. Naturally a cleric can handle the WIS based checks. 

As for choices, Draconic Bloodline with fire would probably be my favorite. It's benefits are pretty similar to taking the Shock Arcanist on a wizard. Personally I still like wizard more, but I do think you can make a Sorcerer work well. 

Draconic Sorc also can get a good AC without needing to take the sellsword background, which is quite handy. 

Thanks for the input. Question... Given Paladin-Wizard-Cleric as 3 members of the party.  What would you take for the 4th?

Sorcerer, Ranger, or Rogue?

Thanks for the input. Question... Given Paladin-Wizard-Cleric as 3 members of the party.  What would you take for the 4th?

Sorcerer, Ranger, or Rogue?

That is going to depend on how tanky your Cleric is. I find that having 2 characters capable of engaging in melee to be smart in Solasta, so I could go Ranger or Rogue unless you have a defensive Cleric. If you do have a tanky Cleric, going for Sorcerer could be a good idea for the Twinned buffs (like Haste) and Heightened AoE and crowd control.

If your Cleric is more of a traditional caster, I find Rogues to be very good compliments on the frontlines, especially Shadowcasters. Between Expertise and Sneak Attack, they remain relevant through the game. Rangers are also solid as Hunters (Colossus Slayer/Multiattack Defense) or Shadow Tamers.

Thanks for the input. Question... Given Paladin-Wizard-Cleric as 3 members of the party.  What would you take for the 4th?

Sorcerer, Ranger, or Rogue?

For my own party, I like Ranger with the lowlife background, they can handle the rogue skills and I find they handle better in combat than a Rogue. Rogues need to flank and use advantage to be effective. Rangers might not have the sneak attack damage but they can dish out a lot of hurt plus have heals and other utility stuff. That's my reasoning at least. They're also more defensively sound than rogues, having higher HP and AC from being able to use a shield and get the defensive combat style. 

Thanks for the input. Question... Given Paladin-Wizard-Cleric as 3 members of the party.  What would you take for the 4th?

Sorcerer, Ranger, or Rogue?

For my own party, I like Ranger with the lowlife background, they can handle the rogue skills and I find they handle better in combat than a Rogue. Rogues need to flank and use advantage to be effective. Rangers might not have the sneak attack damage but they can dish out a lot of hurt plus have heals and other utility stuff. That's my reasoning at least. They're also more defensively sound than rogues, having higher HP and AC from being able to use a shield and get the defensive combat style. 

I don't think the Rangers are better for combat than Rogues beyond the first few levels, generally speaking. Flanking and advantage are easily achieved through Cunning Action (hide, dash and disengage on bonus action) and they get some serious defensive buffs like Uncanny Dodge levelling up. I often find that positioning is often one of the most important things for Rangers and Rogues. Shadowcasters have access to powerful defensive magic to even the odds even more.

That's not to say Rangers aren't effective. They are pretty strong in Solasta, though very dependant on Hunter's Mark and therefor Concentration. Their biggest problem is opportunity cost, seing as they don't get subclass spells (like later archetypes in 5e gave them) and have a limited number of spells. Their spell selection is also a bit lacking. Often they'll just use Hunter's Mark and the occasional heal. 

Overall, I do think Rangers are a bit easier to use, but a well played Rogue will consistently dish out Sneak Attacks and dictate the engagement with their superior mobility. Shadow Tamer Rangers are likely the strongest damage dealers in the endgame though, since they get their proficiency bonus (+4 at lvl 9) on all weapon attacks against enemies with Superior Darkvision, which is just about every high lvl enemy. With dual wielding or Follow Up Strike, that's 12 damage extra per turn for free. 16 if hasted.

Hunters are more of an all around skirmisher, trading down their damage a bit (compared to Shadow Tamer) in return for Multiattack Defense, which is an amazing defensive feature. Solasta buffs it even more than normal, making you immune to attacks of opportunity as well.

I've not had a chance to try the Marksman Ranger much, but it seems underwhelming compared to the other options. For Rogues, only Shadowcaster seem to be worth it. Darkweavers get a poison damage as their late game ability, at which point most enemies are immune or resistant to it. Thieves are... well, not ideal for combat heavy campaigns.

Sadly we can't multiclass in Solasta. A Ranger 5 / Rogue 5 would probably be one of the strongest melee skirmishers in the game.

I would recommend people to try whichever one they haven't given a shot already. They might be surprised.