I’m thinking of making a melee-Wizard, a Wizard who fights with a sword. I’ll probably take a few levels in fighter, perhaps Eldritch Knight if I take it that far. But for the Wizard, I’m conflicted on which subclass to choose.
War Wizard is an obvious one, with buffs to offensive and defensive stats.
Bladesinger is another one, and is specifically designed for a spell-sword, but is the worst thematically for my character.
Order of Scribes has received largely negative reviews, but fits extremely well with my character theme. It also allows for more customization with spell damage types.
Abjurer is an option due to the defensive ward giving them more hit points than fighters have and protecting them somewhat from losing their concentration.
I’d consider Greenflame Blade and the other SCAG melee cantrip.
What's the thematic problem with Bladesinger? You're strongly opposed to being an elf? You want to focus on always-on abilities, rather than stuff you have to turn on a limited number of times per day? What?
Depending on your answer, Artificer and, as you mentioned, Eldritch Knight (or Arcane Trickster) can potentially help you gloss over any issues stemming from avoiding Bladesinger. Bear in mind that without a mechanical disadvantage like Bladesinger applies to doing so, you're likely to end up either sword-and-board or greatsword. Bladesinger's core design helps keep you on the straight and narrow if you want to dual wield.
There’s nothing wrong with being a elf. There’s also nothing wrong with being a performer. But neither fit this particular character concept very well. They a more bookish-Wizard, which is why I brought up Order of Scribes.
I’m thinking of making a melee-Wizard, a Wizard who fights with a sword. I’ll probably take a few levels in fighter, perhaps Eldritch Knight if I take it that far. But for the Wizard, I’m conflicted on which subclass to choose.
War Wizard is an obvious one, with buffs to offensive and defensive stats.
Bladesinger is another one, and is specifically designed for a spell-sword, but is the worst thematically for my character.
Order of Scribes has received largely negative reviews, but fits extremely well with my character theme. It also allows for more customization with spell damage types.
Any advice?
Abjurer is an option due to the defensive ward giving them more hit points than fighters have and protecting them somewhat from losing their concentration.
I’d consider Greenflame Blade and the other SCAG melee cantrip.
What's the thematic problem with Bladesinger? You're strongly opposed to being an elf? You want to focus on always-on abilities, rather than stuff you have to turn on a limited number of times per day? What?
Depending on your answer, Artificer and, as you mentioned, Eldritch Knight (or Arcane Trickster) can potentially help you gloss over any issues stemming from avoiding Bladesinger. Bear in mind that without a mechanical disadvantage like Bladesinger applies to doing so, you're likely to end up either sword-and-board or greatsword. Bladesinger's core design helps keep you on the straight and narrow if you want to dual wield.
There’s nothing wrong with being a elf. There’s also nothing wrong with being a performer. But neither fit this particular character concept very well. They a more bookish-Wizard, which is why I brought up Order of Scribes.
What level are you starting this character as?
Come participate in the Competition of the Finest Brews, Edition XXVIII?
My homebrew stuff:
Spells, Monsters, Magic Items, Feats, Subclasses.
I am an Archfey, but nobody seems to notice.
Extended Signature