Hey there. I got a quick question. I understand when going for an Eldritch knight build (or even a psi knight build) you want 14 intelligence. However is there any benefit to going higher than that? Like 16, 18, or even 20? I know most spells casted will often be defensive and or will likely not require too much intelligence, but is getting some extra points still worth it?
If we’re talking about ‘24, int is not all that necessary for an ek, unless you are trying to cast offense spells. Personally, I’d boost con to help with concentration and, of course fighters really wanting hit points, instead of worrying too much about int.
Psi warrior is a bit different, as it has powers which are directly tied to int bonus, so it might help there.
I mean, depending on your spell selection, 14 might even be too high. The int bonus will only matter if you’re trying to make spell attacks or force saving throws. So if you stick with the old, shield, absorb elements, silvery barbs kind of thing, maybe even throw in a magic missile since it just hits with no roll, you could probably roll around with an 8 int and be fine. The 14/16 will keep open more options in case you do want to throw out a fireball, or maybe a lightning lure, which could be really good on an ek. So it’s really going to depend on your playstyle and what kinds of things you want to do.
Huh, yeah alright, thanks! I do want to use plenty of evocation skills such as fireball, so I think I’m just gonna roll with 16 int. (15 to start off with and war caster at level 4) then I can focus on strength and constitution (great weapon fighting and heavy armor master respectively).
Thanks pally! I think I’ve made up my mind, but is there anything else I should know? (also half the fun of EK to me is being an intelligent fighter, so having a measly 8 int seems rather unfun to me. That’s why I want to balance the intelligence stat wit my strength and constitution if that makes any sense)
Smart fighter is good and can be really fun. Otherwise, I think a big thing is to manage expectations. As an ek, you’re not getting that fireball until 13th level. You actually might get more mileage from a 3rd level slot with spirit shroud or haste or utility spells like fly so you can get closer and make those melee attacks.
People I’ve seen hoping the ek is a gish end up disappointed. But people who use it as magic to augment their melee abilities end up happier.
Hey there. I got a quick question. I understand when going for an Eldritch knight build (or even a psi knight build) you want 14 intelligence. However is there any benefit to going higher than that? Like 16, 18, or even 20?
I know most spells casted will often be defensive and or will likely not require too much intelligence, but is getting some extra points still worth it?
If we’re talking about ‘24, int is not all that necessary for an ek, unless you are trying to cast offense spells. Personally, I’d boost con to help with concentration and, of course fighters really wanting hit points, instead of worrying too much about int.
Psi warrior is a bit different, as it has powers which are directly tied to int bonus, so it might help there.
So, what I’m hearin’ is 14 or 16 is enough? And focus the rest in constitution and strength yeah?
I mean, depending on your spell selection, 14 might even be too high. The int bonus will only matter if you’re trying to make spell attacks or force saving throws.
So if you stick with the old, shield, absorb elements, silvery barbs kind of thing, maybe even throw in a magic missile since it just hits with no roll, you could probably roll around with an 8 int and be fine. The 14/16 will keep open more options in case you do want to throw out a fireball, or maybe a lightning lure, which could be really good on an ek. So it’s really going to depend on your playstyle and what kinds of things you want to do.
Huh, yeah alright, thanks! I do want to use plenty of evocation skills such as fireball, so I think I’m just gonna roll with 16 int. (15 to start off with and war caster at level 4) then I can focus on strength and constitution (great weapon fighting and heavy armor master respectively).
Thanks pally! I think I’ve made up my mind, but is there anything else I should know?
(also half the fun of EK to me is being an intelligent fighter, so having a measly 8 int seems rather unfun to me. That’s why I want to balance the intelligence stat wit my strength and constitution if that makes any sense)
Smart fighter is good and can be really fun. Otherwise, I think a big thing is to manage expectations. As an ek, you’re not getting that fireball until 13th level. You actually might get more mileage from a 3rd level slot with spirit shroud or haste or utility spells like fly so you can get closer and make those melee attacks.
People I’ve seen hoping the ek is a gish end up disappointed. But people who use it as magic to augment their melee abilities end up happier.
Thanks boss. That’s all I needed to know. Have a nice day!
Bug your dm for this uncommon item and your problem is solved:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/magic-items?filter-type=0&filter-search=Intel&filter-requires-attunement=&filter-effect-type=&filter-effect-subtype=&filter-has-charges=&filter-partnered-content=f
But yeah 14 ish int would be sufficient , without effecting other attributes ( just a juggling act).