Pact of the Blade is not a spell, so you can use it while Raging. The same goes for Lifedrinker and Thirsting Blade.
Eldritch Smite is also not a spell, so it can also be used while Raging. Rage says that you can't cast spells, not that you can't use spell slots. Using spell slots for things other than casting spells is perfectly fine.
I think there is a couple of major considerations that'd put me off of the Warlock/Barbarian multiclass, I'll just put down the considerations at to why here.
1) Barbarian's rage damage requires attacks using strength, reckless attack (if you plan to use it) also requires attacks using strength. So the main benefit of Pact of the Blade (using Charisma) is reduced.
2.a) barbarian's unarmoured defence is dexterity and constitution which would make such a character very MAD, Or
2.b) to get medium armour proficiency barbarian needs to be your 1st level, which would switch your saving throw proficiency from WIS+CHA to STR+CON. While CON saving throw proficiency can be good for casters for concentration, you can't concentrate while raging.
3) As you're raging, you can't benefit from spells like Hex or Spirit Shroud since they are concentration spells.
4) Barbarian Subclass considerations
4.a) berserker gets extra damage from using reckless attack (again strength based attack requirement)
4.b) World Tree, Vitality of the Tree scales off of Barbarian level... so it's benefits will be weakened by multiclassing
4.c) zealot, Divine Fury scales off of barbarian level... so it's benefits will be weakened by multiclassing
- Wild Heart should be fine
5) Warlock subclass considerations
5.a) Archfey is basically built around misty step, but you can't cast spells while raging
5.b) Great Old One, is basically built around casting damaging spells and inflict psychic damage
- Celestial and Fiend should be fine, additionally both offer an additional resistance that can help.
I am not saying to not do this multiclass, just that there is a number of considerations/caveats you should consider before taking it, if you feel you're experienced enough to handle it then feel free but if not as certain, I might recommend thinking of one of these two options:
Warlock/Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) will get you most of the same benefits as Warlock/Barbarian except for rage but with no real downsides and in fact more positives.
Barbarian/Fighter (Battlemaster/Champion) would easily out-perform this if going for more for a Barbarian build.
I think there is a couple of major considerations that'd put me off of the Warlock/Barbarian multiclass, I'll just put down the considerations at to why here.
I agree, at 1st glance not being able to rage and cast spells is a major issue. Thank you very much for you analysis. Never heard of spiritual shroud as it is not in the 2024 PHB. Hex sounds good, but not sure if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. If one needs to use a concentration spell in combat, there seems like better ones. Thank you for mentioning the Paladin, overlooked it as had no intention of being a LG knight. But I will look at it to see the benefit of choosing that.
The intent is to get a better con save. So with only a 1 level dip that appears to be Sorcerer/FTR/Barbarian. Barbarian did appear to be a dead end. Sorcerer seemed the most obvious, but at 1st level it only had the CON save, and that appeared to be a bit too steep of a price to pay. Comparing Sorcerous Burst and eldritch blast seems why bother with Sorcerous Burst. You get a better hit die, but that is it. Eldritch blast will give you multiple as you advance and you can apply the CHA modifier. Once you get to level 5, and get two eldritch blast attacks it is much better.
Barbarian/FTR gives you access to wearing armor & shield. If you are going Pact of Blade that is a big bonus. The unarmored defense appears to be a red herring, as most armor caps you at dex of 2. Even by boosting con, it is at best even but not enough to be better than a shield + armor. With Pact of Blade, you are already limited on spells due to holding a weapon while doing somatic portion. So war caster eliminates that issue. Based on my understanding of actions. If I am swinging my weapon, how do I still have an available magic action, so Raging is not as big of a concern as implied. I can't swing and cast spells.
With warcaster, you can have your weapon and shield/armor, cast eldritch blast (like a ranged weapon aka bow) when the opponent gets within 30 feet, then rage and ignore the ability for casting spells.
Both FTR/Barbarian allow you to have weapon mastery, and the FTR bonus is an overkill. The barbarian does give you a 2 more starting HPs which is nice. You also get the damage resistance when raging which is a big bonus and a big reason to rage.
As for the lack of strength, that is a know issue and can be mitigated (not solved) when abilities are created. This also holds true if a fighter is picked as well.
Overall to get a better CON save, it is basically a 48/52% toss up between ftr and Barb.
I think there is a couple of major considerations that'd put me off of the Warlock/Barbarian multiclass, I'll just put down the considerations at to why here.
Thank you for mentioning the Paladin, overlooked it as had no intention of being a LG knight. But I will look at it to see the benefit of choosing that.
Probably worth mentioning that, unlike in some past editions, none of the classes in 5e have any alignment restrictions. You do not have to play a Paladin as a lawful good knight if you don't want to, though that's still a commonly used archetype.
I think there is a couple of major considerations that'd put me off of the Warlock/Barbarian multiclass, I'll just put down the considerations at to why here.
I agree, at 1st glance not being able to rage and cast spells is a major issue. Thank you very much for you analysis. Never heard of spiritual shroud as it is not in the 2024 PHB. Hex sounds good, but not sure if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. If one needs to use a concentration spell in combat, there seems like better ones. Thank you for mentioning the Paladin, overlooked it as had no intention of being a LG knight. But I will look at it to see the benefit of choosing that.
The intent is to get a better con save. So with only a 1 level dip that appears to be Sorcerer/FTR/Barbarian. Barbarian did appear to be a dead end. Sorcerer seemed the most obvious, but at 1st level it only had the CON save, and that appeared to be a bit too steep of a price to pay. Comparing Sorcerous Burst and eldritch blast seems why bother with Sorcerous Burst. You get a better hit die, but that is it. Eldritch blast will give you multiple as you advance and you can apply the CHA modifier. Once you get to level 5, and get two eldritch blast attacks it is much better.
Barbarian/FTR gives you access to wearing armor & shield. If you are going Pact of Blade that is a big bonus. The unarmored defense appears to be a red herring, as most armor caps you at dex of 2. Even by boosting con, it is at best even but not enough to be better than a shield + armor. With Pact of Blade, you are already limited on spells due to holding a weapon while doing somatic portion. So war caster eliminates that issue. Based on my understanding of actions. If I am swinging my weapon, how do I still have an available magic action, so Raging is not as big of a concern as implied. I can't swing and cast spells.
With warcaster, you can have your weapon and shield/armor, cast eldritch blast (like a ranged weapon aka bow) when the opponent gets within 30 feet, then rage and ignore the ability for casting spells.
Both FTR/Barbarian allow you to have weapon mastery, and the FTR bonus is an overkill. The barbarian does give you a 2 more starting HPs which is nice. You also get the damage resistance when raging which is a big bonus and a big reason to rage.
As for the lack of strength, that is a know issue and can be mitigated (not solved) when abilities are created. This also holds true if a fighter is picked as well.
Overall to get a better CON save, it is basically a 48/52% toss up between ftr and Barb.
Spirit Shroud is from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything - I don't know why they didn't bring this one over to 2024 PHB to be honest but it is still usable by a 2024 character if they have access to Tasha's. you'd replace Hex out with Spirit Shroud, generally speaking but without extra material, yeah, there are other spells to consider depending on how you want to play. Hex is just good early game.
If you're after better con saves, there is also the Resilient (constitution) feat, at level 4 take Warcaster (Charisma) then at level 8 take Resilient (constitution). But this won't give you armor/shield. I would say Fighter gives more since a fighting style isn't to be sneezed at. Paladin doesn't have the LG restrictions anymore, it would also gives two additional 1st spell slots for level 1, which can ease the burden on Warlocks limited number of Pact Slots.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the Warlock/Barbarian combo... Armor of Agathys and Rage are the perfect combo, out of combat spell utility... I'd skip pact of the blade, personally (unless you want to go for Thirsting Blade), as Pact of the Chain or Pact of the Tome both bring a lot to the table, and your Invocations are where your warlocky goodness really shines when added to Barbarian.
It's fun, flavorful, and imho, pretty damn effective.
I kind of like the combo, I don't see it blending well out side armor of agathys. But I feel rage is a solid functionality extender for the warlock who only gets 2 spells per short rest. You feel more free to use them as you can always fall back onto rage.
That being said I don't get barbarians restrictions on magic, they are not more powerful than paladins, fighters etc its like they are stuck on 1es unearthed arcana barbarian concept.
I kind of like the combo, I don't see it blending well out side armor of agathys. But I feel rage is a solid functionality extender for the warlock who only gets 2 spells per short rest. You feel more free to use them as you can always fall back onto rage.
That being said I don't get barbarians restrictions on magic, they are not more powerful than paladins, fighters etc its like they are stuck on 1es unearthed arcana barbarian concept.
it works well with eldritch smite too. You can't cast spells, but you can dump them into raw damage. it allows you to pump your Str and Con over CHA too. Eldritch smite does not care what your charisma is. That's where I think some people run into issues, is they hyper focus on spell casting, which you aren't doing in combat anyways. If I am casting AoA before I rage, then using my second spell slot in combat to eldritch smite, what do I need to max out charisma for? Neither of those abilities use charisma. Take utility spells and cantrips for use outside combat, and you're good to go.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
A potential issue with Armor of Agathys: At least in the 2024 Rules, both the spell and invoking Rage are consuming your Bonus Action, so you can't do both in the same Turn. That said, in the 2024 version, the Temporary Hit Points granted can easily outlast the spell duration, so casting it long before the Combat Situation may be worth it.
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🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
I'm not even sure how often I'd go for the AoA well rather than double-tap eldritch smite. It's an option though, and I like options.
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Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
I'm not even sure how often I'd go for the AoA well rather than double-tap eldritch smite. It's an option though, and I like options.
The big advantage of Armor of Agathys is that when someone hits you, it deals a decent chunk of damage to them automatically without you having to roll an attack or them having to fail a save. So, the case where it might be more useful than a couple of Eldritch Smites is the case where you're fighting something that's really hard to hit (super high AC, or it's imposing disadvantage on all your attacks, or whatever) and you can't be sure you're going to be able to land those smites on.
Yep. I tested it once upon a time under the 2014 rules. My group had just run an encounter with some fish men, might have been Kuo-toa, but I don't remember. Anyways, I made a barbarian warlock at the same level as our characters, and threw it against 3 or 4 of the same creatures we'd fought. I cast AoA on myself and just stood there with rage up, and the monsters beat themselves to death on my damage shield in 3 rounds. I never swung my weapon. I was a bit surprised at how effective it was at putting out damage.
As I said, options. I get a choice between trying to control my damage, or have a passive "pay to hit me". In some ways it works a bit better now, because a fiendlock can recharge the temp hps and keep them up a bit longer. As was pointed out, getting everything set up is a bit janky due to the action economy, but it's certainly doable.
As I mentioned previously, folks tend to get caught up on the combo because they feel they HAVE to pump that charisma because you lose part of the benefit to pact of the blade. I view blade pact as simply a tax to get to the good stuff. Something that's not been mentioned is that new Thirsting Blade chains into devouring blade to gain you a third attack as well assuming 12 levels of warlock. IIRC, out of the box, Barbarians only get one extra attack.
I think that barbarian - warlock has a lot to offer if you view it as a martial rather than a primary spell caster.
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Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
This video introduces a unique Barbarian/Warlock multiclass build (0:00) that leverages the Armor of Agathys spell (1:47) to create a "thorns tank" character. The build focuses on a Strength-based barbarian who can rage and deal damage while also reflecting damage back to attackers.
Here's a breakdown of the build:
Core Concept: The primary goal is to maximize the effectiveness of Armor of Agathys, a spell that grants temporary hit points and deals cold damage to creatures that hit you. By combining this with the Barbarian's rage resistances and the Fiend Warlock's Dark One's Blessing (2:12) (which replenishes temporary hit points upon killing enemies), the character becomes incredibly resilient and deals consistent damage.
Ability Scores (6:42):
Strength (15): Prioritized to utilize Reckless Attack (7:28), which grants advantage on attack rolls and makes enemies want to hit you (thus triggering Armor of Agathys).
Constitution (15): Crucial for hit points and survivability, as the character will be taking many hits.
Charisma (13): The minimum required for multiclassing into Warlock. Offensive spells are not the focus of this build.
Race (9:15):Aasimar is recommended for its Radiant and Necrotic resistance (9:50), which complements the Wildheart Barbarian's resistances (13:13), leaving only Force and Psychic damage as unresisted types. Aasimar also provides additional damage or a flying speed.
Leveling Progression (11:16):
Barbarian Levels 1-3 (11:35): Start as a Barbarian to gain weapon masteries, rage, Reckless Attack (12:32), and choose the Path of the Wildheart subclass (12:50), specifically the Bear option for resistances (12:57).
Warlock Levels 1-17 (13:27):
Warlock Level 1: Take Pact of the Blade (14:01) to unlock key invocations, and Armor of Agathys (14:53).
Warlock Level 2: Gain invocations. Fiendish Vigor (15:41) allows at-will casting of False Life for extra temporary hit points.
Warlock Level 3: Choose Fiend Patron (17:00) for Dark One's Blessing (17:12), which provides temporary hit points upon killing enemies.
Warlock Level 4 (Character Level 8): Take the Great Weapon Master feat (18:30) for a bonus action attack upon killing an enemy.
Warlock Level 5 (Character Level 8): Access third-level spells and new invocations. Take Eldritch Smite (19:16) to use spell slots for extra damage and Thirsting Blade (19:19) for two attacks per turn. At this point, the build "comes online" (19:46).
Warlock Level 7 (Character Level 10): Gain fourth-level spell slots, making Armor of Agathys even more potent. Access the Fire Shield spell (22:13) from the Fiend Patron, providing additional reactive damage.
Warlock Level 9 (Character Level 12): Gain fifth-level spells, further increasing Armor of Agathys's power.
Warlock Level 10 (Character Level 13): Choose Fiendish Resilience (25:21) to gain resistance to Psychic damage, making the character resistant to all damage types except Force (25:30).
Warlock Level 11 (Character Level 14): Acquire a Mystic Arcanum. Tasha's Bubbling Cauldron (26:10) is recommended for brewing potions of Force Resistance, making the character resistant to all damage types (26:36).
Warlock Level 12 (Character Level 15): Take Devouring Blade (27:04) for three attacks per turn.
Out of Combat Spells (28:21): The Warlock spell slots can be used for utility spells like Invisibility, Fly, Dimension Door, and Scrying, making the barbarian useful outside of combat encounters (28:47).
Effectiveness (30:17): This build excels in encounters with multiple enemies, allowing the character to constantly replenish temporary hit points and deal reactive damage. While it may struggle against single, high-damage bosses (5:31), it remains a powerful and resilient character even when Armor of Agathys is depleted (35:32).
Honestly, I hadn't considered the Routine Reckless Attack / Armor of Agathys option. That said, I kind of think Dark One's Blessing and Fiendish Vigor are, at best last-ditch emergency stopgaps.
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🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Honestly, I hadn't considered the Routine Reckless Attack / Armor of Agathys option. That said, I kind of think Dark One's Blessing and Fiendish Vigor are, at best last-ditch emergency stopgaps.
Fiendish Vigor works pretty well at keeping you alive longer when you are a raging Barbarian with a lot of damage resistances, since the amount of Temp HP effectively becomes doubled. At Warlock 12, you would be getting 17 Temp HP, which is effectively 34 with resistance to all damage types. Add on top of that a Barbarian making 3 Greatsword attacks using Reckless Attacks and Great Weapon Master, while dealing back an average of 34 cold damage back to enemies each time they hit you (25 from Armor of Agathys and 9 from Fire Shield), and you have a pretty effective minion sweeper. The build falls apart a little bit against a single monster that can deal a boatload of damage in a single hit, but even then you are still a Raging Barbarian with 3 attacks per turn.
I understand with Rage you cannot cast spells and you can't concentrate.
But can the Eldritch Invocations like Pact of the Blade still be usable (before you rage)?
What about Lifedrinker and thirsting blade?
I assume if raging you can't use Eldritch Smite as that uses a spell slot.
Pact of the Blade is not a spell, so you can use it while Raging. The same goes for Lifedrinker and Thirsting Blade.
Eldritch Smite is also not a spell, so it can also be used while Raging. Rage says that you can't cast spells, not that you can't use spell slots. Using spell slots for things other than casting spells is perfectly fine.
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Thank you
No problem!
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I think there is a couple of major considerations that'd put me off of the Warlock/Barbarian multiclass, I'll just put down the considerations at to why here.
1) Barbarian's rage damage requires attacks using strength, reckless attack (if you plan to use it) also requires attacks using strength. So the main benefit of Pact of the Blade (using Charisma) is reduced.
2.a) barbarian's unarmoured defence is dexterity and constitution which would make such a character very MAD, Or
2.b) to get medium armour proficiency barbarian needs to be your 1st level, which would switch your saving throw proficiency from WIS+CHA to STR+CON. While CON saving throw proficiency can be good for casters for concentration, you can't concentrate while raging.
3) As you're raging, you can't benefit from spells like Hex or Spirit Shroud since they are concentration spells.
4) Barbarian Subclass considerations
4.a) berserker gets extra damage from using reckless attack (again strength based attack requirement)
4.b) World Tree, Vitality of the Tree scales off of Barbarian level... so it's benefits will be weakened by multiclassing
4.c) zealot, Divine Fury scales off of barbarian level... so it's benefits will be weakened by multiclassing
- Wild Heart should be fine
5) Warlock subclass considerations
5.a) Archfey is basically built around misty step, but you can't cast spells while raging
5.b) Great Old One, is basically built around casting damaging spells and inflict psychic damage
- Celestial and Fiend should be fine, additionally both offer an additional resistance that can help.
I am not saying to not do this multiclass, just that there is a number of considerations/caveats you should consider before taking it, if you feel you're experienced enough to handle it then feel free but if not as certain, I might recommend thinking of one of these two options:
Warlock/Paladin (Oath of Vengeance) will get you most of the same benefits as Warlock/Barbarian except for rage but with no real downsides and in fact more positives.
Barbarian/Fighter (Battlemaster/Champion) would easily out-perform this if going for more for a Barbarian build.
I agree, at 1st glance not being able to rage and cast spells is a major issue. Thank you very much for you analysis. Never heard of spiritual shroud as it is not in the 2024 PHB. Hex sounds good, but not sure if the benefits outweigh the disadvantages. If one needs to use a concentration spell in combat, there seems like better ones. Thank you for mentioning the Paladin, overlooked it as had no intention of being a LG knight. But I will look at it to see the benefit of choosing that.
The intent is to get a better con save. So with only a 1 level dip that appears to be Sorcerer/FTR/Barbarian. Barbarian did appear to be a dead end. Sorcerer seemed the most obvious, but at 1st level it only had the CON save, and that appeared to be a bit too steep of a price to pay. Comparing Sorcerous Burst and eldritch blast seems why bother with Sorcerous Burst. You get a better hit die, but that is it. Eldritch blast will give you multiple as you advance and you can apply the CHA modifier. Once you get to level 5, and get two eldritch blast attacks it is much better.
Barbarian/FTR gives you access to wearing armor & shield. If you are going Pact of Blade that is a big bonus. The unarmored defense appears to be a red herring, as most armor caps you at dex of 2. Even by boosting con, it is at best even but not enough to be better than a shield + armor. With Pact of Blade, you are already limited on spells due to holding a weapon while doing somatic portion. So war caster eliminates that issue. Based on my understanding of actions. If I am swinging my weapon, how do I still have an available magic action, so Raging is not as big of a concern as implied. I can't swing and cast spells.
With warcaster, you can have your weapon and shield/armor, cast eldritch blast (like a ranged weapon aka bow) when the opponent gets within 30 feet, then rage and ignore the ability for casting spells.
Both FTR/Barbarian allow you to have weapon mastery, and the FTR bonus is an overkill. The barbarian does give you a 2 more starting HPs which is nice. You also get the damage resistance when raging which is a big bonus and a big reason to rage.
As for the lack of strength, that is a know issue and can be mitigated (not solved) when abilities are created. This also holds true if a fighter is picked as well.
Overall to get a better CON save, it is basically a 48/52% toss up between ftr and Barb.
Probably worth mentioning that, unlike in some past editions, none of the classes in 5e have any alignment restrictions. You do not have to play a Paladin as a lawful good knight if you don't want to, though that's still a commonly used archetype.
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Spirit Shroud is from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything - I don't know why they didn't bring this one over to 2024 PHB to be honest but it is still usable by a 2024 character if they have access to Tasha's. you'd replace Hex out with Spirit Shroud, generally speaking but without extra material, yeah, there are other spells to consider depending on how you want to play. Hex is just good early game.
If you're after better con saves, there is also the Resilient (constitution) feat, at level 4 take Warcaster (Charisma) then at level 8 take Resilient (constitution). But this won't give you armor/shield. I would say Fighter gives more since a fighting style isn't to be sneezed at. Paladin doesn't have the LG restrictions anymore, it would also gives two additional 1st spell slots for level 1, which can ease the burden on Warlocks limited number of Pact Slots.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the Warlock/Barbarian combo... Armor of Agathys and Rage are the perfect combo, out of combat spell utility... I'd skip pact of the blade, personally (unless you want to go for Thirsting Blade), as Pact of the Chain or Pact of the Tome both bring a lot to the table, and your Invocations are where your warlocky goodness really shines when added to Barbarian.
It's fun, flavorful, and imho, pretty damn effective.
I kind of like the combo, I don't see it blending well out side armor of agathys. But I feel rage is a solid functionality extender for the warlock who only gets 2 spells per short rest. You feel more free to use them as you can always fall back onto rage.
That being said I don't get barbarians restrictions on magic, they are not more powerful than paladins, fighters etc its like they are stuck on 1es unearthed arcana barbarian concept.
it works well with eldritch smite too. You can't cast spells, but you can dump them into raw damage. it allows you to pump your Str and Con over CHA too. Eldritch smite does not care what your charisma is. That's where I think some people run into issues, is they hyper focus on spell casting, which you aren't doing in combat anyways. If I am casting AoA before I rage, then using my second spell slot in combat to eldritch smite, what do I need to max out charisma for? Neither of those abilities use charisma. Take utility spells and cantrips for use outside combat, and you're good to go.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
Agreed - the Barblock characters I've done have CHA 13, as that's the required minimum for multiclassing...
A potential issue with Armor of Agathys: At least in the 2024 Rules, both the spell and invoking Rage are consuming your Bonus Action, so you can't do both in the same Turn. That said, in the 2024 version, the Temporary Hit Points granted can easily outlast the spell duration, so casting it long before the Combat Situation may be worth it.
🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Charisma Saving Throw: DC 18, Failure: 20d6 Psychic Damage, Success: Half damage
I'm not even sure how often I'd go for the AoA well rather than double-tap eldritch smite. It's an option though, and I like options.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
The big advantage of Armor of Agathys is that when someone hits you, it deals a decent chunk of damage to them automatically without you having to roll an attack or them having to fail a save. So, the case where it might be more useful than a couple of Eldritch Smites is the case where you're fighting something that's really hard to hit (super high AC, or it's imposing disadvantage on all your attacks, or whatever) and you can't be sure you're going to be able to land those smites on.
pronouns: he/she/they
Yep. I tested it once upon a time under the 2014 rules. My group had just run an encounter with some fish men, might have been Kuo-toa, but I don't remember. Anyways, I made a barbarian warlock at the same level as our characters, and threw it against 3 or 4 of the same creatures we'd fought. I cast AoA on myself and just stood there with rage up, and the monsters beat themselves to death on my damage shield in 3 rounds. I never swung my weapon. I was a bit surprised at how effective it was at putting out damage.
As I said, options. I get a choice between trying to control my damage, or have a passive "pay to hit me". In some ways it works a bit better now, because a fiendlock can recharge the temp hps and keep them up a bit longer. As was pointed out, getting everything set up is a bit janky due to the action economy, but it's certainly doable.
As I mentioned previously, folks tend to get caught up on the combo because they feel they HAVE to pump that charisma because you lose part of the benefit to pact of the blade. I view blade pact as simply a tax to get to the good stuff. Something that's not been mentioned is that new Thirsting Blade chains into devouring blade to gain you a third attack as well assuming 12 levels of warlock. IIRC, out of the box, Barbarians only get one extra attack.
I think that barbarian - warlock has a lot to offer if you view it as a martial rather than a primary spell caster.
Any time an unfathomably powerful entity sweeps in and offers godlike rewards in return for just a few teensy favors, it’s a scam. Unless it’s me. I’d never lie to you, reader dearest.
Tasha
Dungeon Dudes made a very good video on this subject.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=gGkm3QaD6pw
if I had known about this build with the stats I rolled, I very well may have done this instead of pure Barbarian.
For those that can't watch videos, what is it about?
A YouTube-generated Summary:
Honestly, I hadn't considered the Routine Reckless Attack / Armor of Agathys option. That said, I kind of think Dark One's Blessing and Fiendish Vigor are, at best last-ditch emergency stopgaps.
🎵I'm on top of the world, looking down on creation, wreaking death and devastation with my mind.
As the power that I've found erupts freely from the ground, I will cackle from the top of the world.🎵
Charisma Saving Throw: DC 18, Failure: 20d6 Psychic Damage, Success: Half damage
Fiendish Vigor works pretty well at keeping you alive longer when you are a raging Barbarian with a lot of damage resistances, since the amount of Temp HP effectively becomes doubled. At Warlock 12, you would be getting 17 Temp HP, which is effectively 34 with resistance to all damage types. Add on top of that a Barbarian making 3 Greatsword attacks using Reckless Attacks and Great Weapon Master, while dealing back an average of 34 cold damage back to enemies each time they hit you (25 from Armor of Agathys and 9 from Fire Shield), and you have a pretty effective minion sweeper. The build falls apart a little bit against a single monster that can deal a boatload of damage in a single hit, but even then you are still a Raging Barbarian with 3 attacks per turn.