Duo for beginner and returning player.

[Naezghul]

It’s been close to 10 years I haven’t played. I had a firm grasp of playing complex character classes(not necessarily elite builds).
My son(14) plays pnp dnd, but will be starting DDO.
He will likely play a paladin.
So I’m looking for race/class suggestions to play alongside the pally and race/style for the pally.
I was thinking drow pally.

 

[Klorox]

I would say go Dragonborn for his paladin, with human being a second free racial choice. KotC being your primary tree.

And to play with him, a hybrid bard/rogue using Drow as a free option, Human (or Aasimar as a premium choice), would be a great support character as you could disable traps and pick locks, have a little extra healing, buff both of your characters, a have some potential crowd control for monsters. The type of bard depends if you want to melee or cast spells.

For melee, you can roll a swashbuckler, with some warchanter and assassin mixed in (you should be getting sneak attacks if he's grabbing aggro). You could even splash 1-2 levels of fighter as a third class for more feats. So, 16 bard / 2 rog / 2 ftr. -OR- 15 bard / 3 rog / 2 ftr ... if you want to cut bard 6th level spells and gain more sneak dmg. This is a slightly complex build and I suggest creating it in Maetrim's character planner. Always take rogue at level 1 to maximize your skill points. You'd be using the single weapon fighting line, which requires balance skill. Ideally you'd have access to the powerful Vistani Knife Fighter tree (495 points or unlock for free with 180 Ravenloft/Keepers of the Feather favor) though not 100% required.

For your main stat, you'd have options...
DEX based, getting DEX to-hit and damage from assassin (dex-to-dmg needs 3 rog levels or you grab it from Swash). No premium trees needed.
CHA based. getting CHA-to-hit for 3 AP via Feydark Illusionist (either 495 points or can be unlocked for free via 135 Summer Court favor) Also requires Magical Training feat.
INT based, getting INT-to-hit for 3 AP via Harper Agent tree (495 points or unlock for free via 310 Harper favor).
Swashbuckler Teir 3 "Different Tact" will let you choose either dex/int/cha to damage.

Spoiler: example first life drow

Character name: Stinger
Classes: 15 Bard, 3 Rogue, 2 Fighter, E10, L4
Race: Drow Alignment: Chaotic Neutral

Start Tome Final HP: 2414 Displacement: 50%
Str: 8 0 40 Unc Rng: -585 Incorp: 10%
Dex: 16 0 61 PRR: 177 AC: 113
Con: 14 0 54 MRR: 84 +Healing Amp: 87
Int: 16 0 47 Dodge: 25/25 -Healing Amp: 0
Wis: 8 0 38 Fort: 191% Repair Amp: 0
Cha: 16 0 48 SR: 6 BAB: 20
DR: 6/-
Immunities: Sleep, Fear, Level Drain, Fear, Magic Missiles, Energy Drain, Freedom of Movement, Fear, Freedom of Movement, Falling Damage

Class and Feat Selection

Level	Class	Feats
1	Rogue(1)	Standard: Single Weapon Fighting
2	Fighter(1)	Fighter Bonus Feat: Shield Mastery
3	Rogue(2)	Standard: Precision
4	Bard(1)
		Dexterity: +1 Level up
5	Rogue(3)
6	Bard(2)	Standard: Quicken Spell
7	Bard(3)
8	Bard(4)	Dexterity: +1 Level up
9	Bard(5)	Standard: Improved Single Weapon Fighting
10	Bard(6)
11	Fighter(2)	Fighter Bonus Feat: Improved Critical: Slashing Weapons (use a kukri)
12	Bard(7)	Standard: Improved Shield Mastery
		Dexterity: +1 Level up
13	Bard(8)
14	Bard(9)
15	Bard(10)	Standard: Greater Single Weapon Fighting
16	Bard(11)	Dexterity: +1 Level up
17	Bard(12)
18	Bard(13)	Standard: Greater Shield Mastery
19	Bard(14)
20	Bard(15)	Dexterity: +1 Level up
21	Epic(1)	Epic Feat: Overwhelming Critical
22	Epic(2)	Epic Destiny Feat: Perfect Single Weapon Fighting
23	Epic(3)
24	Epic(4)	Epic Feat: Eerie Aim
		Dexterity: +1 Level up
25	Epic(5)	Epic Destiny Feat: Perfect Shield Mastery
26	Epic(6)
27	Epic(7)	Epic Feat: Epic Damage Reduction
28	Epic(8)	Epic Destiny Feat: Deific Warding
		Dexterity: +1 Level up
29	Epic(9)
30	Epic(10)	Epic Feat: Patience
		Legendary Feat: Scion of Arborea
31	Legendary(1)	Epic Destiny Feat: Doublestrike
32	Legendary(2)	Dexterity: +1 Level up
33	Legendary(3)	Epic Feat: Improved Feint?? Or, whatever else...
34	Legendary(4)	Epic Destiny Feat: Titan's Blood -OR- something else if you have the HP from gear

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Skill Points     44  5 11  9 11  9  9  9  9  9  5  9  9  9  9  9  9  9  9  9
Skill Name       01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20  Ranks Tome Buffed
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance           4  1  1  1  1                                                 8.0    0   71.0
Bluff             4           1              1                                  6.0    0   54.0
Concentration                                                                   0.0    0   41.0
Diplomacy                                                                       0.0    0   48.0
Disable Device    4     2  1  1  1  1  ½  1  ½     1     1  1     ½ 1½ 1½ 1½   20.0    0   63.0
Haggle            4                                                             4.0    0   52.0
Heal              1                                                             1.0    0   34.0
Hide                                                                            0.0    0   49.0
Intimidate                                                                      0.0    0   48.0
Jump              4  1  1  1  1        3        3                              14.0    0   50.0
Listen                                                                          0.0    0   35.0
Move Silently                                                                   0.0    0   49.0
Open Lock         4     2  1  1  1  1  ½  1  ½     1     1     ½  ½            15.0    0   65.0
Perform           2        1  2  1     1  1  2        4  1  1  2  2  1  1  1   23.0    0   71.0
Repair                                                                          0.0    0   37.0
Search            4     2     2  1  1  ½  1  ½     1       1½ 1½  1  1  1  1   20.0    0   65.0
Spellcraft                                                                      0.0    0   37.0
Spot              4     2  1     1        1  1     1 1½ 1½  1  1  1  1  1  1   20.0    0   61.0
Swim                                                                            0.0    0   34.0
Tumble            2                                                             2.0    0   48.0
Use Magic Device  4  1  1           3  2     1  1  1  2  1  1  1  1  1  1  1   23.0    0   66.0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Available Points  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0  0
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enhancements: 80 APs

---

Vistani Knife Fighter - Points spent: 41
Core1 Knife Expertise
Tier1 Mist Stalker I
Tier1 Undead Hunter
Tier1 Acrobatic - 2 Ranks
Tier1 Rapid Attack
Core2 Knife Juggler
Tier2 Vistani Knife Training II
Tier2 Haste Boost - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Mist Stalker II
Tier3 Vistani Knife Training III
Tier3 Mist Stalker III
Core3 Quick Reflexes
Tier3 Deadly Blades
Core4 One With Blades
Tier4 Double Daggers: Single Dagger
Tier4 Celerity
Tier4 Mist Stalker IV
Tier4 Vistani Knife Training IV
Tier5 Vistani Knife Training V
Tier5 Throw or Hold the Grudge: Grudge Bearer
Tier5 Mist Stalker V
Core5 Vistani Fortune
Tier5 Vendetta
Core6 Blade Master

---

Swashbuckler - Points spent: 12
Core1 Confidence
Tier1 On Your Toes - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Blow By Blow: Blow By Blow - 3 Ranks
Core2 Swashbuckling
Tier2 Fast Movement
Tier3 Swashbuckling Style: Skirmisher
Tier3 Resonant Arms

---

Warchanter - Points spent: 16
Core1 Skaldic Rage / Skaldic Constitution: Skaldic Constitution
Tier1 Inspired Bravery - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Rough and Ready - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Sprint - 3 Ranks
Core2 Weapon Training
Tier3 Frozen Fury - 1 Ranks
Tier3 Ballad Melody: Ironskin - 3 Ranks
Core3 Song of Heroism

---

Assassin - Points spent: 6
Core1 Knife in the Darkness
Tier1 Sneak Attack Training I
Tier1 Shiv - 2 Ranks
Core2 Dagger in the Back

---

Kensei - Points spent: 5
Core1 Kensei Focus: Kensei Focus: Light Blades
Tier1 Extra Action Boost - 2 Ranks

---

Epic Destinies: 69 Destiny Points

---

Fatesinger - Points spent: 34
Core1 Fate Singer's Repertoire
Tier1 Harmonic Resonance
Tier1 Epic Strike: Strike a Chord
Tier1 Tune of the Weave - 3 Ranks
Core2 Intoxicating Presence
Tier2 Mantle of Sound and Fury
Tier2 Discord: Blade of Discord
Tier2 Pianissimo - 3 Ranks
Tier3 The Sonata to Serve - 3 Ranks
Tier3 The Rhythm to Reign - 3 Ranks
Core3 Glitter of Fame
Tier3 Master the Acoustics - 3 Ranks
Tier4 Great Ballads of War - 3 Ranks
Tier4 Resonance of Fate: Martial Resonance
Tier5 Turn the Tide
Tier5 Blade Song
Tier5 Ballad of the ages

---

Shadowdancer - Points spent: 21
Core1 Shadow Training
Tier1 Cover of Darkness - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Technician - 3 Ranks
Core2 Step Through Shadows
Tier2 Dance in the Dark - 3 Ranks
Tier2 Lithe - 3 Ranks
Core3 The Darkest Luck
Tier3 Grim Precision - 3 Ranks
Tier3 Shadowcaster: Shadowstriker
Core4 Cut to the Soul

---

Fury of the Wild - Points spent: 14
Core1 Die Hard
Tier1 Strength or Swiftness: Quick Cutter - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Enduring - 3 Ranks
Tier1 Acute Senses - 2 Ranks
Core2 Die Harder
Core3 Die Harderest
Tier3 Wild Weapons: Doublestrike - 3 Ranks

---

Bard Spells

Level	Spell Name	School	CL/MCL	DC	Average Damage	Critical Damage
1	Color Spray	Illusion	-	-	-	-
1	Feather Fall	Transmutation	-	-	-	-
1	Focusing Chant	Enchantment	-	-	-	-
1	Sonic Blast	Evocation	22/12	36	174 - 609, Average 435	348 - 1219, Average 871
2	Cure Moderate Wounds	Conjuration	22/17	36	100 - 136, Average 122	201 - 272, Average 244
2	Glitterdust	Conjuration	-	36	-	-
2	Invisibility	Illusion	-	-	-	-
2	Rage	Enchantment	-	-	-	-
3	Cure Serious Wounds	Conjuration	22/22	36	111 - 165, Average 143	222 - 330, Average 287
3	Displacement	Illusion	-	-	-	-
3	Good Hope	Enchantment	-	-	-	-
3	Haste	Transmutation	-	-	-	-
4	Break Enchantment	Abjuration	-	36	-	-
4	Cure Critical Wounds	Conjuration	22/27	36	122 - 193, Average 165	244 - 387, Average 330
4	Dimension Door	Conjuration	-	-	-	-
4	Freedom of Movement	Abjuration	-	-	-	-
5	Cure Light Wounds, Mass	Conjuration	22/32	36	89 - 107, Average 100	179 - 215, Average 201
5	Greater Dispel Magic	Abjuration	-	36	-	-
5	Greater Heroism	Enchantment	-	-	-	-

Equipped Gear Set: Standard

Armor	Legendary University Bulwark's Reinforced Shirt	Drops in: Grand Theft Aureon, End chest
	+15 Enhancement Bonus
	Physical Sheltering +36
	Fortification +153%
	Parrying +6
	Freedom of Movement
	Lost Purpose: Legendary Devil's Infernal Dance
	Green: Legendary Sapphire of Riposte
	Colorless: Diamond of Exceptional Charisma
Belt	Legendary Bladesworn Bandolier	Drops in: The Bark and the Blade, End chest
	Constitution +14
	Quality Fortification +38%
	Quality Physical Sheltering +8
	Vitality +48
	Green: Legendary Demonheart Emerald
	Colorless: +2 Festive Constitution
	Legendary Forbidden Knowledge
Boots	Legendary Lightning Railworker's Boots	Drops in: Grand Theft Aureon, End chest
	Insightful Constitution +6
	Incite +130%
	Electric Absorption +36%
	Elemental Resistance +45
	Green: Diamond of Wisdom
	Colorless: Diamond of Strength
	Legendary Forbidden Knowledge
Bracers	Legendary Crystalline Wristlet	Drops in: Vecna Denied, End chest
	Insightful Charisma +6
	Insightful Wizardry +147
	Quality Will Save +3
	Poison Resistance +54
	Green: Legendary Undying Sapphire
	Legendary Forbidden Knowledge
Cloak	Legendary University Duelist's Cloak	Drops in: Taken in Hand, End chest
	Quality Accuracy +5
	Quality Deadly +3
	Insightful Armor-Piercing +10%
	Insightful Doublestrike +7%
	Lost Purpose: Legendary Devil's Infernal Dance
	Green: Legendary Swordcrossed Topaz
	Colorless: Diamond of Balance
Gloves	Legendary Gloves of the Nimble	Drops in: Death Hosts This Banquet, end chest
	Insightful Dexterity +6
	Quality Reflex Save +3
	Speed +30%
	Physical Sheltering +37
	Green: Legendary Wraithborn Emerald
	Colorless: Diamond of Exceptional Dexterity
	Moon: Lunar Gem of Healing Amplification (Legendary)
Goggles	Legendary Mystic Monocle	Drops in: Paper Trail, End chest
	Charisma +14
	Quality Potency +26
	Use Magic Device +5
	Exceptional Alluring Skills Bonus +10
	Green: Sapphire of Greater Heroism
	Colorless: +2 Festive Charisma
	Legendary Forbidden Knowledge
Helmet	Legendary University Champion's Helm	Drops in: Party 101, End chest
	Deadly +11
	Accuracy +22
	Armor-Piercing +22%
	Enhancement Seeker +14
	Lost Purpose: Legendary Devil's Infernal Dance
	Green: Sapphire of Healing Amplification
Necklace	Key of Rhukaan Draal	Drops in: Project Nemesis, end chest; Masterminds of Sharn saga: Epic end reward; rare drop in any legendary Sharn quest
	Intelligence +14
	Insightful Accuracy +10
	Insightful Deadly +5
	Chaos Absorption +23%
	Blue: +2 Festive Intelligence
	Green: Diamond of Intelligence
	Yellow: Diamond of Insightful Intelligence
Ring1	Legendary Signet of Thelanis	Drops in: The Hand and the Eyes, end chest
	Deception +11
	Enhancement Seeker +14
	Dodge +14%
	Reflex Save +12
	Green: Diamond of Insightful Wisdom
	Colorless: Diamond of Insightful Strength
Ring2	Legendary Deadmonger Gang's Signet	Drops in: , end chest (rare)
	Action Boost Enhancement
	Melancholic Slot (Accessory): Melancholic False Life (Legendary)
	Dolorous Slot (Accessory): Dolorous Quality Constitution (Legendary)
	Miserable Slot (Accessory): Miserable Stunning (Legendary)
	Green: Legendary Moment to Legendary Moment
	Colorless: Diamond of Exceptional Wisdom
Trinket	Legendary Heartshard	Drops in: , end chest
	Legendary Conditioning +15%
	Melancholic Slot (Accessory): Melancholic Dexterity (Legendary)
	Dolorous Slot (Accessory): Dolorous Quality Dexterity (Legendary)
	Miserable Slot (Accessory): Miserable Magical Resistance Rating (Legendary)
	Green: Weaverwisp Melody
	Colorless: +2 Festive Dexterity
	Sun: Solar Gem of Armor Layers (Legendary)
Weapon1	Dinosaur Bone Kukri	Drops in: The Isle of Dread, any chest
	+15 Enhancement Bonus
	IoD: Weapon: Scale Slot: MeltScale
	IoD: Weapon: Fang Slot: Meltfang
	IoD: Weapon: Claw Slot: Meltclaw: Constitution
	IoD: Weapon: Horn Slot: Melthorn
Weapon2	Legendary Azure Buckler	Drops in: Party 101, End chest
	+15 Enhancement Bonus
	Quality Magical Sheltering +8
	Shield Bashing +22%
	Feat - Elusive Target
	Insightful Diversion -10%
	Legendary Forbidden Knowledge

With no Vistani, I think 41 AP Warchanter to get a lot of friendly buffs, core 4, and most T5s; 8 AP Kensai get haste boost 3 ; 14 AP Assassin for sneak 3 and 1 dex; 3 AP Drow for 2 SR and 1 dex; 13 AP Swash adding core 3.

If you are more into spell slinging, there's either Spellsinger which is very good and will have more of a crowd control aspect and sonic spells, or Stormsinger (locks out swash) if you want to cast some hardcore lightning and cold spells. 18 bard / 2 rog here. Tiefling and Dragonborn are more free racial options here. Could skip rogue splash obviously for better caster core 6 enhancements if you don't care about the traps/locks. Alternatively, you can have his paladin take rogue levels like this. Problem with a caster is you'd probably kill most mobs before his paladin could engage them, which makes me think a support melee would provide a better play experience.

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Remember to use the code FAVOREDMEMORIES (all caps) to unlock Favored Soul, Artificer, and Warforged Race, and 32-point builds on your account.

And if the PAX codes still work...

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[Jasparius]

When I played with my son he went sword and board Pally and I went caster Cleric. We had a lot of fun.

 

[Mornyngstar]

When I played with my son he went sword and board Pally and I went caster Cleric. We had a lot of fun.

I agree. For Cleric I would suggest going Sun Domain. The number of SLAs (Spell Like Abilities) will help with taking down targets and you can heal the Paladin as he takes the front for agro. Dragonborn is very good for race for the Paladin. As to the cleric race it really doesn't matter. I am using Sun Cleric for my racial past lives on my main Mornyngstar on Thrane. If you want more details just message me.

 

[ChickenMobile]

Having a class that can trap would help keep it fun.
I really don't know what kind of playstyle you want to play but almost everything works with a Paladin, so here are some potential trapper opts:

• Survival in melee - two weapon fighting Dark Hunter 'Tempest'.
• Use a bow - Dark Hunter 'Deepwood Stalker'.
• Use a Crossbow - Artificer. If your son wants to play a warforged paladin you can also heal him with repair spells
• Note: all 3 of these options can heal

That said multiclassing 1 level of rogue, dark hunter or artificer will also give trapping skills. Being a INT-based class will help tremendously with keeping up with the amount of skills needed to thief effectively.

Other options:

• Spellcasters get useful buffs, healing spells and more AoE damage - especially druids, clerics, bard and wizards. I would choose druid, bard or cleric if they aren't a robot, wizard or sorcerer if they are

Have fun!

 

[Naezghul]

When I played with my son he went sword and board Pally and I went caster Cleric. We had a lot of fun.

I played caster cleric when first came out
Had a lot of fun

Just looking for something new
Leaning toward favored or dark Hunter