{Edit} EDIT: after a long good talk with someonelast night I have decided to nix all bard thoughts. The idea to to go Celestial Warlock 3/Swashbuckler 3/Divine One Sorc 14. OR go CelestiaLock 3/Divine One Sorc 17 (9th level spells). I am still open to all other thoughts though!
So I am embracing the Pseudohealer role. Our party is going to be a HalfOrc Barbarian, a High Elf "Fire Wizard" (first time player), a Wood Elf Protection Fighter based on Lagertha from Vikings (also a first time player), and then me. We are still thinking we will have a 5th player but that is still an unknown. So yeah, I had a long talk with someone in 5E facebook group last night, and I am now planning on Celestial Warlock/Divine Soul Sorcerer. I will be Pact of the Tome and at level two will have EldBlast/Agonizing Blast, 7 cantrips including Shillelagh/Green-Flame Blade. I will have 3d6 Healing Light, and some healing spells, but also be a blaster. Levels 3 will give me Book of Shadows to write rituals in, and 4d6 Healing Light. Level 4-6 give me Sorcerer flexibility, and will be able to heal or blast at will. Top end of the build is loaded with Sorc points and has 9th level spells.
Also, Sorc/Lock isnt exactly a new concept as far as optimizing an Eldritch Blast/Metamagic build. However I am using that EB/Metamagic aspect as a fall back plan. I love that this character could cast a Delayed Blast Fireball, then a divine spell. Metamagic + warlock is just awesome. I can sac sorc points for healing spells, or sac a healing spell to blast something.
The best part about this build is the visual :D Because I am albino I wear a wide brimmed hat and carry an umbrella to protect me from too much sun. I had a stroke of genius last night and realized I could probably have my DM ok me casting Shillelagh on my umbrella hahaha! Imagine a little gnome walking along with an umbrella-cane and the BAM, Shillelagh/Green-Flame Blade *Thwap!* Or open my umbrella and cast Shield for effect to "block" arrows with my umbrella. Or....Leomund's Tiny Hut underneath the umbrella...? Ha, the Shillelaghbrella is what I really want though hehehe...
_________
Old post. Have since figured a LOT of it out.
Hey there! I could really use some help mulling all of this over to find the right build please My initial build idea was Swashbuckler/CelestiaLock/Bard. I wanted to be a bit of a healer but not a conventional one by any means. I also wanted to fill a bit of the stealth/thief role too. I love the CHA synergy here. Bard I only wanted for a splash, and was unsure which bard would be good. I have never played a Bard before, and only like it here because my character is going to be humming and singing to herself often, plus she likes to make up funny lyrics on the spot. But I digress. Bard would be nice to have, but I dont HAVE to use it.
My race is locked in, and isnt necessarily the most optimized for my build perhaps, but Im all about the experience and I know that great RP is spawned from characters who arent the most min/maxed. That said, I would love to make what I AM trying to build the best or near-best it can be. I am going to be an albino deep gnome that was abandoned to the surface at birth (DM says I was abandoned in Icewind Dale). Because I am albino I wear a wide brimmed hat and carry an umbrella everywhere.
Deep Gnome (+2 INT/+1 DEX) Numbers rolled: 7, 11, 12, 14, 14, 17. I am putting the 7 in wisdom, that's how I want to play the character :) STR 12 DEX 18 (17+1) CON 14 INT 13 (11+2) WIS 7 CHA 14 This is my initial spread. Subject to tweaking still!!
Here are some things on my mind
-What do I start as!? I want to start as rogue to get expertise and skills, but.... -Swash/Divine Soul/CelestiaLock instead? -What pact option? I am leaning Tome but kinda want a familiar.... -What class/level distribution is best? I want to have decent casting but still have OK sneak attack. Should I swap dex and cha? Guess it depends on caster heavy or rogue heavy eh? -I want to use a short sword I think. Should it dual wield if more gishy? Dont really want to do any shillelagh build, but I will listen to arguments for it! The only 5e character Ive played (Im mainly a DM) was a Sorc/Lock, Eldritch Blaster.
I guess Ill start with that and see if any thing sticks. I am hopeful for some good advice :D I think this could be a lotta fun. Oh also, I think I rolled the best numbers ( i dont think anyone has over a 16 but me).
Multiclassing has a tendency to end up as something that can actually hurt your character more than help it, unless you plan everything out with a high degree of system mastery involved; the reason why its an alternative rule than the default is exactly because it can make characters frustrating and difficult to play, and very easily end up with grossly underpowered as well as overpowered PCs, creating a very wide gap in party abilities. And I'm not seeing a lot of synergy here at all that would make this a cohesive whole. I'm actually seeing a lot of clashing abilities - in my experience, it leads to decision paralysis and frustration at the table, because you can't actually be everything you want to be.
What exactly were you planning with this character? What specific abilities did you want? Also, who else is in your party? One of the best things to do in a D&D game is for everyone to settle into their own respective niches, and synergize between themselves. This helps the group out as a whole, and encourages group fun, at least it does in my experience. Some others may have different experiences, but that's mine.
If you absolutely want to multi-class, I'd drop bard entirely; if you want to be good at whistling and dancing, then just take the Perform skill. Or do it without the skill, and make a joke about being bad, which can be played up for fun as well in a group. Warlock, if you want the class for more than Rod of the Pact Keeper, Eldritch Blast, or some shenanigans with short rest slots, tends to MC poorly, so you're going to want to maximize warlock levels to keep up with your healing.
Also, keeping in mind that both Cunning Action and combat healing take bonus actions, what are you planning on doing for your main actions in combat? Hitting people with a sword? Bow? Falling back on cantrips?
Multiclassing has a tendency to end up as something that can actually hurt your character more than help it, unless you plan everything out with a high degree of system mastery involved; the reason why its an alternative rule than the default is exactly because it can make characters frustrating and difficult to play, and very easily end up with grossly underpowered as well as overpowered PCs, creating a very wide gap in party abilities. And I'm not seeing a lot of synergy here at all that would make this a cohesive whole. I'm actually seeing a lot of clashing abilities - in my experience, it leads to decision paralysis and frustration at the table, because you can't actually be everything you want to be.
What exactly were you planning with this character? What specific abilities did you want? Also, who else is in your party? One of the best things to do in a D&D game is for everyone to settle into their own respective niches, and synergize between themselves. This helps the group out as a whole, and encourages group fun, at least it does in my experience. Some others may have different experiences, but that's mine.
If you absolutely want to multi-class, I'd drop bard entirely; if you want to be good at whistling and dancing, then just take the Perform skill. Or do it without the skill, and make a joke about being bad, which can be played up for fun as well in a group. Warlock, if you want the class for more than Rod of the Pact Keeper, Eldritch Blast, or some shenanigans with short rest slots, tends to MC poorly, so you're going to want to maximize warlock levels to keep up with your healing.
Also, keeping in mind that both Cunning Action and combat healing take bonus actions, what are you planning on doing for your main actions in combat? Hitting people with a sword? Bow? Falling back on cantrips?
Hey, thanks for responding! I was just coming here to edit the OP because after a long talk tonight last night I have decided to nix all bard thoughts, as well as rogue thoughts (though to answer you, swashbuckler IS synergistic, it gets CHA to initiative- plus I really love its mobility). The idea is to go CelestiaLock 3/Divine One Sorc 17 (9th level spells). OR go Celestial Warlock 3/Swashbuckler 3/Divine One Sorc 14. I am still open to all other thoughts though!
So I am embracing the Pseudohealer role. Our party is going to be a HalfOrc Barbarian, a High Elf "Fire Wizard" (first time player), a Wood Elf Protection Fighter based on Lagertha from Vikings (also a first time player), and then me. We are still thinking we will have a 5th player but that is still an unknown. So yeah, I had a long talk with someone in 5E facebook group last night, and I am now planning on Celestial Warlock/Divine Soul Sorcerer. I will be Pact of the Tome and at level two will have EldBlast/Agonizing Blast, 7 cantrips including Shillelagh/Green-Flame Blade. I will have 3d6 Healing Light, and some healing spells, but also be a blaster. Levels 3 will give me Book of Shadows to write rituals in, and 4d6 Healing Light. Level 4-6 give me Sorcerer flexibility, and will be able to heal or blast at will.
The best part about this build is the visual :D Because I am albino I wear a wide brimmed hat and carry an umbrella to protect me from too much sun. I had a stroke of genius last night and realized I could probably have my DM ok me casting Shillelagh on my umbrella hahaha! Imagine a little gnome walking along with an umbrella-cane and the BAM, Shillelagh/Green-Flame Blade *Thwap!* Or open my umbrella and cast Shield for effect to "block" arrows with my umbrella. Or....Leomund's Tiny Hut underneath the umbrella...? Ha, the Shillelaghbrella is what I really want though hehehe...
Okay, looks like you have everything you want, then? Not sure what else to talk about - most people who do a Sorlock tend to use the warlock spell slots to recharge their sorcery points during short rests, then take Quicken Spell so they can cast a fireball, followed by an eldritch blast in one turn. Or two eldritch blasts. Pretty straight forward build. Start off with two levels of warlock to get agonizing blast, then three levels of sorcerer to get metamagic; after, you're basically good doing whatever.
Okay, looks like you have everything you want, then? Not sure what else to talk about - most people who do a Sorlock tend to use the warlock spell slots to recharge their sorcery points during short rests, then take Quicken Spell so they can cast a fireball, followed by an eldritch blast in one turn. Or two eldritch blasts. Pretty straight forward build. Start off with two levels of warlock to get agonizing blast, then three levels of sorcerer to get metamagic; after, you're basically good doing whatever.
Yeah, but I am focusing on the healing side of magic, while having the straightforward sorclock back up plan. Thanks for your advice! Anything out there to make me a more effective healer/gish? I def want to be able to do some damage too (though i'd be the tertiary damage dealer, and secondary damage caster). Warcaster seems important? Also I am looking at lightfoot halfling to start with 16dex and 18cha. It doesn't feel the same as my non-optimized gnome idea, but its racial abilities all jive so much better with what I am going for I feel.
Also, is getting 9th level spells at level 20 worth not going some swashbuckler rogue? I feel like our campaigns usually peeter off around levels 10-12..., and Ive never had a character over level 14. I always get lost in 20 level builds and forget that a build that is great for midgame usually is what I could have gone with...
{Edit} EDIT: after a long good talk with someonelast night I have decided to nix all bard thoughts. The idea to to go Celestial Warlock 3/Swashbuckler 3/Divine One Sorc 14. OR go CelestiaLock 3/Divine One Sorc 17 (9th level spells). I am still open to all other thoughts though!
My rolled numbers: 7, 11, 12, 14, 14, 17 (Deep Gnome +2int, +1dex)
Str 12
Dex 15
Con 14
Int 13
Wis 7
Cha 17
of geniuslast night and realized I could probably have my DM ok me casting Shillelagh on my umbrella hahaha! Imagine a little gnome walking along with an umbrella-cane and the BAM, Shillelagh/Green-Flame Blade *Thwap!* Or open my umbrella and cast Shield for effect to "block" arrows with my umbrella. Or....Leomund's Tiny Hut underneath the umbrella...? Ha, the Shillelaghbrella is what I really want though hehehe..._________
Old post. Have since figured a LOT of it out.
Hey there! I could really use some help mulling all of this over to find the right build please
My initial build idea was Swashbuckler/CelestiaLock/Bard. I wanted to be a bit of a healer but not a conventional one by any means. I also wanted to fill a bit of the stealth/thief role too. I love the CHA synergy here. Bard I only wanted for a splash, and was unsure which bard would be good. I have never played a Bard before, and only like it here because my character is going to be humming and singing to herself often, plus she likes to make up funny lyrics on the spot. But I digress. Bard would be nice to have, but I dont HAVE to use it.
My race is locked in, and isnt necessarily the most optimized for my build perhaps, but Im all about the experience and I know that great RP is spawned from characters who arent the most min/maxed. That said, I would love to make what I AM trying to build the best or near-best it can be. I am going to be an albino deep gnome that was abandoned to the surface at birth (DM says I was abandoned in Icewind Dale). Because I am albino I wear a wide brimmed hat and carry an umbrella everywhere.
Deep Gnome (+2 INT/+1 DEX)
Numbers rolled: 7, 11, 12, 14, 14, 17. I am putting the 7 in wisdom, that's how I want to play the character :)
STR 12
DEX 18 (17+1)
CON 14
INT 13 (11+2)
WIS 7
CHA 14
This is my initial spread. Subject to tweaking still!!
Here are some things on my mind
-What do I start as!? I want to start as rogue to get expertise and skills, but....
-Swash/Divine Soul/CelestiaLock instead?
-What pact option? I am leaning Tome but kinda want a familiar....
-What class/level distribution is best? I want to have decent casting but still have OK sneak attack. Should I swap dex and cha? Guess it depends on caster heavy or rogue heavy eh?
-I want to use a short sword I think. Should it dual wield if more gishy? Dont really want to do any shillelagh build, but I will listen to arguments for it! The only 5e character Ive played (Im mainly a DM) was a Sorc/Lock, Eldritch Blaster.
I guess Ill start with that and see if any thing sticks. I am hopeful for some good advice :D I think this could be a lotta fun. Oh also, I think I rolled the best numbers ( i dont think anyone has over a 16 but me).
Thanks :)
Hmm.....
Multiclassing has a tendency to end up as something that can actually hurt your character more than help it, unless you plan everything out with a high degree of system mastery involved; the reason why its an alternative rule than the default is exactly because it can make characters frustrating and difficult to play, and very easily end up with grossly underpowered as well as overpowered PCs, creating a very wide gap in party abilities. And I'm not seeing a lot of synergy here at all that would make this a cohesive whole. I'm actually seeing a lot of clashing abilities - in my experience, it leads to decision paralysis and frustration at the table, because you can't actually be everything you want to be.
What exactly were you planning with this character? What specific abilities did you want? Also, who else is in your party? One of the best things to do in a D&D game is for everyone to settle into their own respective niches, and synergize between themselves. This helps the group out as a whole, and encourages group fun, at least it does in my experience. Some others may have different experiences, but that's mine.
If you absolutely want to multi-class, I'd drop bard entirely; if you want to be good at whistling and dancing, then just take the Perform skill. Or do it without the skill, and make a joke about being bad, which can be played up for fun as well in a group. Warlock, if you want the class for more than Rod of the Pact Keeper, Eldritch Blast, or some shenanigans with short rest slots, tends to MC poorly, so you're going to want to maximize warlock levels to keep up with your healing.
Also, keeping in mind that both Cunning Action and combat healing take bonus actions, what are you planning on doing for your main actions in combat? Hitting people with a sword? Bow? Falling back on cantrips?
of geniuslast night and realized I could probably have my DM ok me casting Shillelagh on my umbrella hahaha! Imagine a little gnome walking along with an umbrella-cane and the BAM, Shillelagh/Green-Flame Blade *Thwap!* Or open my umbrella and cast Shield for effect to "block" arrows with my umbrella. Or....Leomund's Tiny Hut underneath the umbrella...? Ha, the Shillelaghbrella is what I really want though hehehe...Okay, looks like you have everything you want, then? Not sure what else to talk about - most people who do a Sorlock tend to use the warlock spell slots to recharge their sorcery points during short rests, then take Quicken Spell so they can cast a fireball, followed by an eldritch blast in one turn. Or two eldritch blasts. Pretty straight forward build. Start off with two levels of warlock to get agonizing blast, then three levels of sorcerer to get metamagic; after, you're basically good doing whatever.