Time for me to sound in on this particular subject. And since I've seena couple of people doing a top 5 list, I shall do the same. (These are in particular order, as I like them all equally.)
First are my favorite classes:
1. Monk [Player's Handbook] - Because I like a character that I don't need to worry about buying weapons for (for one). Also becuase of one prestige class (drunken master), or a particular feat (Vow of Poverty), the monk becomes a nigh unstoppable, and unpredictable opponent.
2. Ninja[Complete Adventurer] - Sure, being a rogue can be cool, what with all the sneak attacking and skill use and all. But to be able to disappear in front of someone (at least the way they see it), and then appear behind them and get all that bonus damage dice to boot, way cool. Plus, who wouldn't love being able to simply run up walls.
3. Druid [Player's Handbook] - For numerous reasons. I like the animal companion feature, because a pet dire wolf that attacks on command is cool. The shapeshifting abilities, because turning into a dire wolf, and then tag-teaming enemies wolf pack style is even cooler. And finally the nature-themed spell lists, because anchoring enemies in place, and then tearing the living S#!& out of them with your pet dire wolf, while in dire wolf form is just freaking awesome.
4. Fighter [Player's Handbook] - For when you absolutely, postively need something dead, look no furthur. The ultimate in comabt customization, and beautifully flexible.
5. Warmage [Complete Arcane] - The true combat magic caster. They throw the number of spells that a sorcerer can, but with a lot more options (though limited to combat-based spells only). On top of that, part of class involves learning to cast in armor (first light, then medium) without incurring a fail chance. Coupled with the Battle Caster feat (increases armor weight class you can use without interference to spells), you can be a mithril full plate wearin', fireball throwin', take-no-shite kinda person.
In case it isn't too obvious from my above choices, I'm not the kind of guy to sit in the back.
Choosing a favored race is even more difficult, since there are soooooo many of them. But for the sake of the thread, I'll try (although, I was only able to think of four).
1. Whisper Gnomes [Races of Stone] - When someone thinks about the best race for a rogue, they might say halfling. I know I used to. Used to being the opperative phrase. After I found Whisper Gnomes, I'll probably never look back. With bonuses to Dex and Con, they're nimble and rugged (and a penalty to Str and Cha is easily compensated for). Throw in a +4 racial bonus to both hide and move silently, and you've got a rogue ready for action (for those scratching their chins, wondering about the math, these small guys would have a +12 to hide[+4 size +4 racial +4 ranks] before you even threw in their Dexterity adjustment).
2. Humans [Player's Handbook] - The ever flexible, ever adaptable human is a good choice for any class (especially with their multiclassing benefits). The extra feat will get you off to a good start, and the extra skill point can keep you just ahead in skill use than many other races. Beyond their multi-usefulness, there really isn't much to say about this most basic of races.
3. Wood Elves [Forgotten Realms Campaign Setting] - Wood elves share much in common with their common kin (known as Moon Elves in the Forgotten Realms), but they also offer a different approach to elf-dom than most are probably used to seeing. They have racial bonuses to Str and Dex, and no penalty to Con, making them quite at home in the frontline unlike many of their frailer cousins. Although they do take penalties to their Int, Wis, and Cha to balance this out. What you end up with is an elf not predisposed to magic, diplomacy, or stealth dependent. You have an elf that leans more towards things like rangers, fighters, and even barbarians (beware the raging elf!).
4. Raptoran [Races of the Wild] - Imagine being able to glide a little at first, then as you level, your ability to fly becomes greater and greater. Throw in a prediliction towards aerail combat, and you've got the Raptoran. The Raptoran do quite well on the ground, but really shine once in the air. You could have awarrior who specializes in the racial 'footbow', snipes at enemies from the air. Or you could have a sorcerer, or cleric(the raptoran preferred class), who stays aloft while casting offensive and defensive spells witha clear view of the battle field.
Well I'm all typed out. Make what you will of all this.
"Apparently getting your ass kicked is now part of a complete breakfast." -
Roy Greenhilt,
Order Of The Stick- An Answerer of questions, and Questioner of answers.