I have joined a team of people to play Dungeons and Dragons, and there’s a 172 page manual you’re supposed to review beforehand.
Before the meeting, our Dungeon Master said we didn’t have to read it, but when I arrived at the first meeting where we declare our characters, class and race, it was instantly clear to me that everyone had done significant preparation work.
“That will be useful against the Drow,” said the Dungeon master, in response to one player’s suggestion. Everyone nodded as though that meant something to them.
Anyway, you’re probably wondering what I have selected for my character. Let me tell you: I’m a Barbarian High Elf. As a Barbarian, I’m not sure if I will select Path of the Ki Warrior or Path of the Shaman. “Why not Path of the Healer?” you ask. Well, good question. I think for the most part, it would be misguided of me to take on a role in the medicine space. What if I could not save my friends? I’d be devastated and unable to continue playing the game. The burden would be too much.
You’re probably also thinking, “A High Elf? You are the most grounded, open-minded writer I’ve ever read! You’re not one to look down on others!” Sure sure, this is a role play exercise though, so I thought I would dabble in superiority for a while. I suspect putting on airs might suit me just fine.
Between the two, I’d suggest Path of the Ki Warrior unless your wisdom is pretty high already. Also, if your friends are real friends, they’d understand if you tried to save their character and failed.
While making your decision, don’t overlook this opportunity to determine which of them you’d save if an irl villain dramatically makes you pick which ones live. Imagine being able to confidently stare back at said villain and without hesitation point and say, “Kill those ones; they are not true friends.”