TOPIC: Least popular character class for GenCon PUG runs?

Is there a character class that is particularly less likely to be picked in GenCon PUG runs than the others?

I ask because I'm trying to pick a backup-backup build to prepare in case my preferred (Elf) or elf-with-just-a-few-token-changes classes are taken, or if my PUG is mostly new folks and I want to let them pick classes first.

This is an interesting question.

I just went through this and often struggle with this; it leads to bigger questions that are more akin to:
Which Set of Gear/Tokens would allow me to play the most characters and be the most flexible (apply to multiple builds).

To answer this, I started by getting a ranged build (seems less popular than mele) and then worked in damage doing spellcasters. I have roughly two builds now that handle: Rogue, Wizard, Elf Wizard, Fighter (Ranged), Ranger (Ranged), and Druid.

I'd love to figure out some common core components to do a str based build to allow me to step into Dwarf Fighter, Monk, and Paladin.

Cleric seems to be the most specialized class in the way of Tokens (but that's my feeling on the matter, I may be corrected)..
Hope this helps some?

Andy Strassmann wrote: Is there a character class that is particularly less likely to be picked in GenCon PUG runs than the others?

I ask because I'm trying to pick a backup-backup build to prepare in case my preferred (Elf) or elf-with-just-a-few-token-changes classes are taken, or if my PUG is mostly new folks and I want to let them pick classes first.

To more directly answer your question, see what tokens your build is currently leveraging and see which classes you can flex to with minimal investment. Head into that direction first rather than doing major builds (unless it's a red build).

Good luck and let us all know what you come up with!

I would suggest instead of trying to have a backup-backup build, have a collection of tokens that will work for any class. Then you aren't locked in if someone wants to play the backup-backup class.

I have noticed during coaching, the three least popular classes are Elf Wizard, Wizard, then Monk. Most popular is cleric, then Ranger and maybe Rogue, but most popular is harder to pick out (other than the scramble to find a rogue equippable weapon for the ranger off-hand). I just know which cards get returned to the box most often after the party leaves.
Now saying that, each of those have their devotees and I specifically built a monk back in the 8 player party days specifically because it was least popular. Then I shifted to Elf when we went to ten player parties.
So if you gear for Dexterity, you should be fine. Melee classes have lots of fun token pack options so newer players do well with them.

Plug for Matthew Hayward's Nearly Nightmare discount ranged build, that works with basically every class. Probably not what you want to copy for PUG-compatibility (it's too powerful), but a good starting point: www.truedungeon.com/forum?view=topic&catid=5&id=256561

Thank you all for your very helpful replies.

Fizzikx wrote: Good luck and let us all know what you come up with!

Here goes …

Goal:
Create multiple backup class builds for a range of run difficulties by making limited changes to an Elf Wizard build designed to hit AC15.
- Elf’s tokens include Charm of Spell Swapping, Ring of Expertise, and Charm of Fortitude

Design Constraints:
- Total of max 20 tokens so they fit in one token tube for ease of carrying.
- Budget of two UR’s plus any typically-priced Rares needed.
- No changes affecting the party card if last-minute party joiners change the run difficulty.

Results:
- Created Wizard, Spell Bard, Spell Druid, and Spell Cleric backup builds, giving 5 total class options.
- Biggest expense was Briano’s Blessed Bodhran, but ensuring that a PUG has a Bard is worth it.
- To avoid skill tests for multiple classes, you can use Ring of Storms instead of the Savant.
- Avoiding overshadowing weaker party members done by appropriate play (e.g., casting Bull’s Strength instead of Quickened Magic Missiles first round), not by different builds.

The Builds (only modifications to the base build shown):

Human Wizard:
- No token changes needed.

Spellcaster Bard:
1) Briano’s Blessed Bodharan
2) Shield of Nightbane
3) Pirate Battle Longcoat
4) Fancy Hat (allows Bardsong in silence & underwater)
5) Necklace of the Songbird
6) Figurine: Sea Horse (priority is keeping Bard alive)

Spellcaster Druid:
7) Baton of Focus
8) Dire Spider Hide Armor
- Shield of Nightbane
9) Pendant of Surging
10) Ring of the Savant
11) Greater Mistletoe
12-14) Three Bless Scrolls. Wizards are the two classes least likely to be taken (thanks Raptorov!), making scrolls a cheaper way to occupy non-attack-spell rounds than trying to buff a hit-AC15 build to hit NM/HC targets.

Spellcaster Cleric:
- Baton of Focus
15) Defender Shield
16) Defender Platemail
17) Defender Helm
18) Medallion of Inner Faith
19) Charm of Sacred Light replaces Charm of Fortitude
- Ring of the Savant
- Three Bless Scrolls
20) Haven Holy Symbol