An alternative that you might consider that would give similar results is using Quickened Metamagic for Hold Person to paralyze your target. If it lands, your initial Witch Bolt attack (and many others on the list you mentioned like Vampiric Touch) will automatically crit if you're within 5 feet of your target, making up for the lost attack from not casting Witch Bolt a third time.
The end result would be the same for you for that one turn, but the Paralyzed condition will end up really benefitting your party spellcasters and martials especially.
1 tiny problem with your suggestion. Hold Person and Witch Bolt both require concentration.
Oops, it's been so long since I used that spell I forgot it was concentration.
Bumping this since the character just got access to 3rd-level spells, so vampiric touch has come online
Overall the combo's been fun, but far from broken, and it hasn't even been something I've relied upon every combat. Triple-zapping with an upcast witch bolt is simply a ton of fun, and 4d12 damage (soon to be 5d12!) in one round is nothing to sneeze at. The spell I've actually done the triple-tap the most with though is, surprisingly to me, maximilian's earthen grasp -- being able to grab-squeeze-squeeze in one round is just incredibly satisfying
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Update on this character: we're now level 9, which means I'm a level 7 sorcerer and have watery sphere
I've only been able to triple-tap vampiric touch once, but it was incredibly epic since I did it to one of two dragon wyrmlings within reach while staring a larger dragon in the eye and asking it which one of its kids it wanted to watch die...
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
I really like this! It only gets better with the newer Witch Bolt.
It actually doesn't work with 2024 rules, because Action Surge no longer works on Magic actions
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Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock) Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric) Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue) Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Oh right, but, theoretically, you could get someone to cast haste.
I've got bad news for you about the 2024 version of Haste.
I'm living in the past over here. Sorry then.
But the thing with the newer Witch Bolt is that now you don't need to do action surge shenanigans to keep using it and casting a new spell. From what I understand, Witch Bolt is the perfect spell for an Eldritch Knight, because they can attack while keeping the witch bolt on a specific target.
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"Uh, I have Illusory Script. I think I can read that."
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Oops, it's been so long since I used that spell I forgot it was concentration.
Bumping this since the character just got access to 3rd-level spells, so vampiric touch has come online
Overall the combo's been fun, but far from broken, and it hasn't even been something I've relied upon every combat. Triple-zapping with an upcast witch bolt is simply a ton of fun, and 4d12 damage (soon to be 5d12!) in one round is nothing to sneeze at. The spell I've actually done the triple-tap the most with though is, surprisingly to me, maximilian's earthen grasp -- being able to grab-squeeze-squeeze in one round is just incredibly satisfying
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Update on this character: we're now level 9, which means I'm a level 7 sorcerer and have watery sphere
I've only been able to triple-tap vampiric touch once, but it was incredibly epic since I did it to one of two dragon wyrmlings within reach while staring a larger dragon in the eye and asking it which one of its kids it wanted to watch die...
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
I really like this! It only gets better with the newer Witch Bolt.
"Uh, I have Illusory Script. I think I can read that."
It actually doesn't work with 2024 rules, because Action Surge no longer works on Magic actions
Active characters:
Carric Aquissar, elven wannabe artist in his deconstructionist period (Archfey warlock)
Lan Kidogo, mapach archaeologist and treasure hunter (Knowledge cleric)
Mardan Ferres, elven private investigator obsessed with that one unsolved murder (Assassin rogue)
Xhekhetiel, halfling survivor of a Betrayer Gods cult (Runechild sorcerer/fighter)
Oh right, but, theoretically, you could get someone to cast haste.
"Uh, I have Illusory Script. I think I can read that."
I've got bad news for you about the 2024 version of Haste.
pronouns: he/she/they
I'm living in the past over here. Sorry then.
But the thing with the newer Witch Bolt is that now you don't need to do action surge shenanigans to keep using it and casting a new spell. From what I understand, Witch Bolt is the perfect spell for an Eldritch Knight, because they can attack while keeping the witch bolt on a specific target.
"Uh, I have Illusory Script. I think I can read that."