That's an interesting multi-class.You don't see too many barbarian/wizards mostly because you can't cast spells while raging, barbs don't typically meet the int requirement for wiz and vice versa. I suppose it depends on whether you want to primarily be a barb or a wizard.
I would probably go wizard since you can't cast spells while raging, you already got the best of totem (level 3 bear I assume), spells > skills, and bladesingers are pretty badass on their own (green-flame blade ftw).
Barbs do get 4 rages at level 6 so that might be another reason to stick with barb for 6, but keep in mind that going into rage stops you from concentrating on a spell. It all depends on how you want to play during combat. If you want to primarily be a bladesinger who rages once in a while, stay wizard. If you want to be a barb who can cast spells out of or before rushing into combat, stick with barb.
Mirror Image is an excellent spell. My bladesinger used it the other night. Also, Booming Blade is good though I prefer Green-flame Blade because it hits more than one target and BB is dependent on movement. Shadow Blade and Spirit Shroud (3rd level spell) are both excellent for bladesingers, but they require concentration.
I debated multi-classing my barbarian with fighter, but ultimately, I stayed straight barb. I'm not sure that Action Surge and Second Wind are really worth losing barb or wizard levels for since you can only use them once per rest. You can't get Action Surge with it, but if you want a fighting style without taking fighter levels, you might consider the Fighting Initiate feat.
Unfortunately, 5e doesn't have a feat similar to Action Surge. The only way to get it is to multi-class with fighter. I don't think it's worth it, but YMMV.
To be honest this build confuses me a little. If you want to use Bladesong then you have to give up medium armor, 2 handed weapons and shields. If you want to Rage then you cannot cast or concentrate on spells. I know there are notable exceptions like Mirror Image but you are still missing out on powerful defensive staples like Shield and Silvery Barbs. Also if you ever decide to go Bladesinger up to 6, that special Extra Attack feature also does not work with Rage.
The build just seems weird because a Bear Totem Barbs biggest draw is taking half damage against almost everything. While on the other hand the big draw of a Bladesinger is incredibly high AC to avoid taking hits. So if you are taking damage then you are wasting the Bladesinger's side while on the other hand if you are avoiding all the hits then that kinda defeats the point of Raging.
Well aware of the mechanics of both! They're both work for and against each other. Not necessarily to Rage and Bladesing at the same time, every time. Depends on the character's ability to keep a cool head.
All good. The build comes out of RP, not min-maxing. So it's less a question of why do it, and moreso how to best do it.
But that's what it seems like your asking for, sounds very convoluted and not fun to juggle but to each their own. I def wouldn't take another level in Barb, sounds like your done with that part after getting Bear Totem... Go more wizard for RP like you said... But just out of curiosity what is the RP centered around/background? What are your stats?
All good! Appreciate the feedback; agree taking more Barb isn't going to help and the leveling in Wiz seems to be more synergistic to the RP AND combat while keeping with the character. Wild elf shaman with anger issues after their lands being invaded. Should have been barb/druid but hey that's hindsight! Old school dragon lance campaign, dm running it high rp and high resource conservation!
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Hey all, Level 5 Totem Barb + 2 Wiz bladesinger about to level up and need advice!
Another Barb Lvl for Tiger skills
Another Wiz Lvl for 2nd level spells
Take a Lvl (and start taking more Lvls in) Fighter (Battle Master) or Blood Hunter?
Thoughts? Playing a Survival heavy, RP and Combat chunky game with a loooot of tough shit!
That's an interesting multi-class.You don't see too many barbarian/wizards mostly because you can't cast spells while raging, barbs don't typically meet the int requirement for wiz and vice versa. I suppose it depends on whether you want to primarily be a barb or a wizard.
I would probably go wizard since you can't cast spells while raging, you already got the best of totem (level 3 bear I assume), spells > skills, and bladesingers are pretty badass on their own (green-flame blade ftw).
Yeah the idea would be to have some spells to cast pre-rage, but also things to do with the heavy RP and utility stuff!
Barbs do get 4 rages at level 6 so that might be another reason to stick with barb for 6, but keep in mind that going into rage stops you from concentrating on a spell. It all depends on how you want to play during combat. If you want to primarily be a bladesinger who rages once in a while, stay wizard. If you want to be a barb who can cast spells out of or before rushing into combat, stick with barb.
Maybe 1 more Wiz for things like Mirror Image, then head back into Barb for more Rage, maybe a couple fighter a little later for Action Surge?
Mirror Image is an excellent spell. My bladesinger used it the other night. Also, Booming Blade is good though I prefer Green-flame Blade because it hits more than one target and BB is dependent on movement. Shadow Blade and Spirit Shroud (3rd level spell) are both excellent for bladesingers, but they require concentration.
I debated multi-classing my barbarian with fighter, but ultimately, I stayed straight barb. I'm not sure that Action Surge and Second Wind are really worth losing barb or wizard levels for since you can only use them once per rest. You can't get Action Surge with it, but if you want a fighting style without taking fighter levels, you might consider the Fighting Initiate feat.
AH very fair point; feats may be the best way to get that variety rather than sacrifice levels, thanks!
Unfortunately, 5e doesn't have a feat similar to Action Surge. The only way to get it is to multi-class with fighter. I don't think it's worth it, but YMMV.
I mean the variety of Fighting Initiate once I settle more on my combat role.
Action Surge isn't super necessary if I can make my actions count!
Very true. The nice thing about Fighting Initiate is you can change your fighting style on ASI levels.
Pretty much if the question is a level in Bladesinger or a level in anything else the answer is usually take a level in Bladesinger.
Haha I'm starting to see that
To be honest this build confuses me a little. If you want to use Bladesong then you have to give up medium armor, 2 handed weapons and shields. If you want to Rage then you cannot cast or concentrate on spells. I know there are notable exceptions like Mirror Image but you are still missing out on powerful defensive staples like Shield and Silvery Barbs. Also if you ever decide to go Bladesinger up to 6, that special Extra Attack feature also does not work with Rage.
The build just seems weird because a Bear Totem Barbs biggest draw is taking half damage against almost everything. While on the other hand the big draw of a Bladesinger is incredibly high AC to avoid taking hits. So if you are taking damage then you are wasting the Bladesinger's side while on the other hand if you are avoiding all the hits then that kinda defeats the point of Raging.
All good. The build comes out of RP, not min-maxing. So it's less a question of why do it, and moreso how to best do it.
Well aware of the mechanics of both! They're both work for and against each other. Not necessarily to Rage and Bladesing at the same time, every time. Depends on the character's ability to keep a cool head.
But that's what it seems like your asking for, sounds very convoluted and not fun to juggle but to each their own. I def wouldn't take another level in Barb, sounds like your done with that part after getting Bear Totem... Go more wizard for RP like you said... But just out of curiosity what is the RP centered around/background? What are your stats?
All good! Appreciate the feedback; agree taking more Barb isn't going to help and the leveling in Wiz seems to be more synergistic to the RP AND combat while keeping with the character.
Wild elf shaman with anger issues after their lands being invaded. Should have been barb/druid but hey that's hindsight! Old school dragon lance campaign, dm running it high rp and high resource conservation!