TOPIC: 5th Level Character on Hardcore?

Is it overkill to use a 5th level character on hardcore? I've been using the Totem of Heroism on nightmare for VTD, but for in-person I wasn't sure if I should or not.

My entire group plays Hardcore and we all have 5th level characters.

Mike Steele wrote: My entire group plays Hardcore and we all have 5th level characters.

Ditto!!

If using a 5th level character, or really any character, one should try to match power level to the party.

If it's a PUG, make sure to let others shine too.

TL; DR: I’d use the fifth level card.

What class do you typically play? The whole party benefits when the Cleric, Druid, and Bard are fifth level and can keep up with healing/provide enhanced Bardsong. The party also benefits if the Wizards have more starting HP. I think where it starts to feel bad is if a Fighter is doing 40+ damage a round and everyone else is doing 10-20.

5th level isn't overkill on Normal. What's overkill are too much damage output, too much resilience, or both.

5th level and commons isn't likely to be even good on Hardcore.

Also, I'm not clear how different HC is in person versus VTD.

I have been on runs where adventurers who have powerful builds step back and let the others have fun. Veteran players should always make sure newer folks are enjoying themselves. Ditto what Belinda sayson the Bard, Cleric and Druid. 5th Level does not feel like overkill to me.

Thanks for the advice everyone! At GenCon I play Cleric 9/10 times, so at 5th level I can help out everyone and let them shine.

Oh yeah, if you usually play Cleric at Gen Con, being fifth level with a nice healing bonus and a way to split heals is a great way to go. You can keep the rest of the party alive so they can kill the monsters. Prayer and bless also go a long way toward helping the party hit.

I distinctly remember the first time I was on a run with a Cleric who was actually proactive with healing. It felt like such a luxury!

I normally play Nightmare or Epic. At this year’s Gen Con I have 5 characters besides mine to run Hardcore. I have build those characters.

I plan to use some tokens off of my usual build to crank them up a bit. I also have extras to improve them more. But I am bringing healing potions along to help.