Hi everyone. I am coming back to replay Deadfire (previously played through back a few years ago) and am looking for some advice on optimizing a custom three person party, subject to some “playstyle” like constraints. This will be for RTwP, not turn based.
General idea is three multi-classed paladins:
Inquisitor: Kind Wayfarer/Beguiler or Soul Blade
Holy Slayer: Kind Wayfarer/Trickster
Herald: Shieldbearer/Troubadour
All paladins (of compatible dispositions) for RP/theme reasons, with the multiclass additions of cipher, rogue and chanted because I really like all of those classes and to provide distinction between each character.
While each character will likely specialize in role a bit due to their multiclass, ie: Inquisitor CC/debuff, Holy Slayer striker and Herald tankier/support, I would sill like each to be fairly well rounded in terms of offence and defence, ie: not pure tank Herald and glass cannon Holy Slayer. Basically so each could be effective individually but still assist/benefit the group
Things key areas I am still trying to figure out
Weapon Selection
I have a strong preference for dual wield, either melee or firearms. Definitely for the Inquisitor and Holy Slayer but don’t mind one hand and shield for the herald. The question is which types or specific weapons would best suit each character, while making sure penetration is not a problem.
For the Herald Sasha’s Singing Scimitar seems like a nice choice (I do like action speed buffs), but I’m not sure if the aura effect is worth it given there’s only two other characters for it to effect, as opposed to simply using a more individually powerful weapon.
For the Holy Slayer I was thinking one weapon set of dual blunderbuss (AoE/mortar type) for AoE rogue debuff/interrupt attacks. This would be used primarily at the start of combat before swapping to another dual wield melee pair. This I am less sure of, had been considering dual sabre (Tarn’s/Aldris/Scordeo’s) or Daggers (Marux Amanth/Pukestabber).
Which leaves the Inquisitor. In isolation I like something like dual swords (Modwyr/Watchers Blade) but then all three members are using slashing melee weapons. Maybe a second set of dual pistols for opening focus gain before switching to the primary melee set.
Really looking for other suggestions in this area. Is this too limited in weapon type, ie: need something blunt somewhere (flail or club?) and/or more outright penetration from weapons (stilleto or mace?). And is it worth considering any of the +Fire PL weapons (Magran’s/Sun Moon) for FoD, although all three characters probably will spend a lot of time doing other things? Maybe on the Inquisitor as most of its attacks will probably be FoD?
Paladin ability distribution between characters
Just wanting to get some of others thoughts of how to split up paladin abilities between the three characters. Obviously there are some passives that they can all take, and they can each have a different aura, but then there’s probably room for another active or two from the paladin side for each character but I am a bit unsure which would be best for each character. Also if any of the more specific things, like Scion of Flame, are worth it given it would mainly be for FoD.
Cipher subclass and spell selection
I don’t really like ascendant due to the downtime, and Psion doesn’t seem to suit being in melee, but am at a bit of a toss up between the other two. Beguiler obviously supports casting more, but Soul Blade provides an alternative damage source without having to spend an ability.
Herald offence
I have seem multiple build guides for Herald that are focused on tanking/healing. While I see the strength in that I would prefer to be a bit more active and offensive and am wondering how best to achieve this without overly weakening the defensive capabilities. Preferably without simply having lots of summons.
Any other suggestions or possible synergies would be welcome.