I'm thinking about making a Wood Elf AT/Shadow Sorcerer hybrid for my next session. I'm thinking about making a 16/4 split with following stats (27 point buy, 6-16 range):
STR: 6
DEX: 15 + 2
CON: 14
INT: 9
WIS: 13 + 1
CHA: 14
I'd go for first ASI from AT (Elven Accuracy), than switch to sorcerer and get second ASI (+2 DEX), reaching max DEX. The first part of this build would come online at 7th level with possibility to cast quickened BB and 2nd level support spells from sorcerer's side (I hope power drop during 5 and 6 level would be helped with utility of Elven Accuracy). After that I would go full AT (Elven Accuracy, Mobile, War Caster, +2 CHA). Idea is to use have a character that would be able to have a burst of awesomeness while burning avalaible spell slots. In combat that would mean using them in defensive (Mirror Image, Misty Step, Shield, Absorb Elements) or offensive (Shadow Blade, Haste, Hold Person, Darkness, Quickened Spell) manner. Out of combat slots could be used for good stealth and other skill related activities (Enhance Ability, Longstrider, Fly, Pass Without Trace, Enhance Ability) or some RP flavour (Illusions). And when the slots are expended a character can still do something (variety of cantrips, skill proficiencies and feats). Because of the stats AT side of spells would be 100% on support side, while sorcerer side may have a skill check related spell or two.
My question is, do you think it all make sense (like it does in my head) or i'm overlooking something that would break this character?
INT is important for your arcane trickster spells. It is fine if you don't plan on learning any AT spells that have a save or attack rolls (which seems unlikely since they will be mostly illusion and enchantment).
Agreed, int is still important. You could switch to high elf and swap your wisdom and int scores.
Taking this sorcerer dip is a little odd to me. Typically as a rogue, you're attacking with two short swords for two shots at hitting to deal sneak attack damage. Let's assume level 11, which by my guess is where your option is best relatively. Straight AT would deal 2d6 + 6d6 sneak attack. With a four level sorcerer dip, you'd be doing 2d6 + 2d8 BB (with another possible 3d8 if they move - the part where they move would not attack on the same Target), + 4d6 sneak attack. You however can only do this twice per long rest. So while you're doing slightly more damage 2-4) twice per long rest (unless the Target moves which unless you take the mobile feat or eat an opportunity attack, is unlikely), you're doing less (2-12) the rest of the time. You could convert your sorcerer spells to more points which would let you do this another 5 times but that also uses your bonus action and removes your spell slots.
The other reason to do it would be spells. However, the dip decreases your AT spell progression. ATs have access to all the same spells as a sorcerer, so I think this hurts you as well.
If you're looking for optimization, I think this misses the mark. If you're looking for fun RP options, I think this has potential.
Your same concept with straight sorcerer would be interesting. Cast shadow blade at high levels and be able to attack twice using quickened BB. You also get access to all the crazy high level spells. If you're really looking to abuse quickened BB, that'd be the way to do it.
seeing in darkness is cool but why shadow sorcerer? RP reasons aside, i would think bladesinger wizard would be more mechanically sound. And going 6 wizard / 14 rogue gets you 2 attacks and stacks int as your casting stat.
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I'm thinking about making a Wood Elf AT/Shadow Sorcerer hybrid for my next session. I'm thinking about making a 16/4 split with following stats (27 point buy, 6-16 range):
I'd go for first ASI from AT (Elven Accuracy), than switch to sorcerer and get second ASI (+2 DEX), reaching max DEX. The first part of this build would come online at 7th level with possibility to cast quickened BB and 2nd level support spells from sorcerer's side (I hope power drop during 5 and 6 level would be helped with utility of Elven Accuracy). After that I would go full AT (Elven Accuracy, Mobile, War Caster, +2 CHA). Idea is to use have a character that would be able to have a burst of awesomeness while burning avalaible spell slots. In combat that would mean using them in defensive (Mirror Image, Misty Step, Shield, Absorb Elements) or offensive (Shadow Blade, Haste, Hold Person, Darkness, Quickened Spell) manner. Out of combat slots could be used for good stealth and other skill related activities (Enhance Ability, Longstrider, Fly, Pass Without Trace, Enhance Ability) or some RP flavour (Illusions). And when the slots are expended a character can still do something (variety of cantrips, skill proficiencies and feats). Because of the stats AT side of spells would be 100% on support side, while sorcerer side may have a skill check related spell or two.
My question is, do you think it all make sense (like it does in my head) or i'm overlooking something that would break this character?
INT is important for your arcane trickster spells. It is fine if you don't plan on learning any AT spells that have a save or attack rolls (which seems unlikely since they will be mostly illusion and enchantment).
Agreed, int is still important. You could switch to high elf and swap your wisdom and int scores.
Taking this sorcerer dip is a little odd to me. Typically as a rogue, you're attacking with two short swords for two shots at hitting to deal sneak attack damage. Let's assume level 11, which by my guess is where your option is best relatively. Straight AT would deal 2d6 + 6d6 sneak attack. With a four level sorcerer dip, you'd be doing 2d6 + 2d8 BB (with another possible 3d8 if they move - the part where they move would not attack on the same Target), + 4d6 sneak attack. You however can only do this twice per long rest. So while you're doing slightly more damage 2-4) twice per long rest (unless the Target moves which unless you take the mobile feat or eat an opportunity attack, is unlikely), you're doing less (2-12) the rest of the time. You could convert your sorcerer spells to more points which would let you do this another 5 times but that also uses your bonus action and removes your spell slots.
The other reason to do it would be spells. However, the dip decreases your AT spell progression. ATs have access to all the same spells as a sorcerer, so I think this hurts you as well.
If you're looking for optimization, I think this misses the mark. If you're looking for fun RP options, I think this has potential.
Your same concept with straight sorcerer would be interesting. Cast shadow blade at high levels and be able to attack twice using quickened BB. You also get access to all the crazy high level spells. If you're really looking to abuse quickened BB, that'd be the way to do it.
seeing in darkness is cool but why shadow sorcerer? RP reasons aside, i would think bladesinger wizard would be more mechanically sound. And going 6 wizard / 14 rogue gets you 2 attacks and stacks int as your casting stat.