u/JazzlikeMine2397

Hey! I could use some help: what am I missing? I just got the green light on joining an existing party of level 7 characters. They seem martial (and Wisdom) heavy. So I'm thinking they need a caster, likely a bard or a wizard. Don't know yet if a face or someone with higher Arcana/Investigation checks is needed. Plus, I'd like a contrast from my current barbarian character in a different campaign.

The party I'm joining consists of:

Elf Ranger (7)

Human Ranger(6)/Druid(1)

Human Monk (7)

1/2 Elf monk (2)/Cleric(5)

My take on this group composition is that they're skirmishers first and I want to be able to provide combat support and buffs, as well as help solve out of combat puzzles they may encounter. Either talking their way out or succeeding on logic puzzles.

We're doing a homebrew with mostly classic Elf / Dwarf / Halfling / Human options, class restrictions include no Artificers - Paladins - Sorcerers - Warlocks allowed. Otherwise 2014 & 2024 PHB*, XGE and TCE allowed. There's more but that's the gist of it.

*Campaign started before 5.5 but is adapting.

What I'm wondering with the 5.5 rules: would you go College of Lore (or Eloquence) Bard, Abjurer Wizard, or something else? Either way I expect to be the only one with counterspell and will be trying to solve puzzles, lend a hand since I'm the new guy.

Leaning towards the Abjurer build right now. Lucky origin feat. Yes, I'm going to ask if I'll be allowed to take Armor of Agathys but outside Rune Keeper I don't see a way. Plan to take Arcane Vigor with a Periapt of Wound Closure, Bracers of Defense and a Staff of Power. So, will be pretty tanky.

Bard options would be Inspiring Leader, Lore or Eloquence, and pumping up the party as often as possible with Bardic Inspiration, Alert (switching places with the Rangers), and so one.

Oh, and I got a hint about our next arc: old lady dancing house.

Which build(s) would you bring to this table and why? Thanks in advance!

I want to challenge my players with waves of undead. I know that for game mechanics, I could just send more minions at them, but I would like to come up with some lore reasons why this could happen.

This will be in the Mere of Deadmen, and fighting some BBEGs who use powerful necromancy. (Can add more if interested.)

Is there an aura, a field, a creature stat block that is known to raise other undead? Either mid-fight or as part of a timed scenario after the battle. I know how I want it to look as far as tempo, description, and all that but I would like my description to be defensible for in-world lore so that they can use skill checks to get to the bottom of the puzzle.

Just curious if others are aware of this happening in the books, and how it was described, or if people have tried this successfully in their games, and what worked or what didn't.