My first character just hit level 3. I had originally started a Drow sorcerer but once I hit level 3 I figured I would try to multiclass it with a rogue. A swashbuckler rogue feels to rely on charisma and it fit well with what I had in mind with character as it developed. When I started the game a little over a month back, I had no idea what multiclass even meant but as I read more and learnt, I felt this would be a good idea.
My concern is that my dexterity is not too high. Currently a lvl 2 sorcerer and 1 rogue sitting at 15 dex (+2) and 17 charisma (+3). Bear in mind I am not too concerned about min-maxing my damage as this is a pretty laid back group. I am genuinely not sure till what level this campaign takes me but my current plan is to work to 2 rog -> 3 sorc and then go the rest of my way as a rogue.
Would this be something that could work or is the low dex going to be too punishing for me?
You are just one ability score improvement away from having a +3 in DEX (same as your CHA). Wouldn't worry about it. Plus you are only at Level 3 now, so there is plenty of room to grow.
Multiclassing requires an ability score minimum of 13 for the main stat of both the class you already have and the one you're adding. So you're well above the threshold for which the designers said 'this is a viable option.' Especially if you're not concerned about min-maxing.
I say this all the time, but I strongly advise against starting a multiclass before level 5; it's a major milestone in class level, and in general low level multiclass builds tend to just perform poorly as either class rather than synergizing into the kind of hybrid people visualize. You're not going to have great stats for melee combat and your sneak attack bonus is going to be low for your overall level, and you spellcasting will also start to stall out and fall behind. Also, imo your DEX is a bit low for attacking, and a 2/3 level split means you won't be getting any ability score increases until at least level 6, which will also impact your overall performance. Honestly, if you really have your heart set on a spellcasting Rogue, ask your DM to let you re-spec into an Arcane Trickster; you'll get much better performance there and won't be splitting your class levels.
My first character just hit level 3. I had originally started a Drow sorcerer but once I hit level 3 I figured I would try to multiclass it with a rogue. A swashbuckler rogue feels to rely on charisma and it fit well with what I had in mind with character as it developed. When I started the game a little over a month back, I had no idea what multiclass even meant but as I read more and learnt, I felt this would be a good idea.
My concern is that my dexterity is not too high. Currently a lvl 2 sorcerer and 1 rogue sitting at 15 dex (+2) and 17 charisma (+3). Bear in mind I am not too concerned about min-maxing my damage as this is a pretty laid back group. I am genuinely not sure till what level this campaign takes me but my current plan is to work to 2 rog -> 3 sorc and then go the rest of my way as a rogue.
Would this be something that could work or is the low dex going to be too punishing for me?
Your stats are fine, but if you're concerned, you can always take sorc to level 4, use the ASI to bump both DEX and CHA by a point, and then multiclass to rogue after that point
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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)
For your first campaign I would not recommend multiclassing at all. It is sometimes tricky how features interact and while I know you are not into optimization it can be frustrating not having high level spells sooner. With 17 cha and 15 dex you can improve your two most important stats at level 4 but you are delaying it to level 7
In combat a swashbuckler is about making attacks with a sword and then moving away while a sorcerer is about casting spells from a distance you can not do both.
What are you trying to achieve with swashbuckler, mechanically you will be weaker than a single class but you say that is not an issue, why does your sorcerer want to learn to use armor when mage armor is better? Or learn to pick locks and wild a sword.. With answers to those questions if you had played a few characters I would say go for it but with your level of experience I suggest you stick with sorcerer both for mechanical and roleplay simplicity.
Thanks for the replies folks. Both to folks who provided feedback that multiclassing may not be the best choice for me and those who provided ideas on how to play the multiclass.
I know I started as a sorcerer, which in retrospect was a bad choice/fit for me, since I don't really enjoy it as much. But hindsight is 20/20 and my hope is to optimize this build the best I can going forward and lean towards a swashbuckler heavy class. I will get to level 3 of a sorcerer mainly to acquire misty step but then focus primarily on going the rogue route.
I would echo the above, multiclassing can be really good if you know what you are doing and what you want. It can ruin your fun if you don’t. Getting 3rd level spells or a 2nd attack at level 5 is a massive change in power level and you will really miss out unless you have a way to mitigate it. You also don’t really want to be in melee combat, you have low hp and low ac so will get spanked. Likewise sneak attack doesn’t work with spells so you are wasting your biggest benefit from taking rogue. Personally I would say take sorc 3, you get metamagic and 2nd level spells. If you really really want to multi, then Warlock would be much better and ideally not before lvl 5
Thanks again. I am checking with the DM to see if he can let me reroll/re-create my character. We are all only level 3 so if he is ok, I will re-roll as a rogue and even start at level 1 if that is what it would take.
Thanks again. I am checking with the DM to see if he can let me reroll/re-create my character. We are all only level 3 so if he is ok, I will re-roll as a rogue and even start at level 1 if that is what it would take.
That sounds like a better idea, I always say the first rule of D&D is that everyone should have fun sorcerer is a tricky class for a new player as you get few spells and it is hard ot know which to learn and you have to manage both your spell slots and your sorcery points. If you arn't enjoying it your DM should let you change your character (as long as you don't do it on a regular basis!).
Regarding Misty step while it is normally a great spell, it is of less use on a Swashbuckler as even if they are in melee they can attack move away to cover and still hide as a bonus action even with two enemies in melee they can attack each one (assuming they are duel wielding) and move away without getting op attacked.
I spoke with my GM today and he was more than happy to let me re-roll as a Rogue. As this is my first campaign he understands that playing to have fun is important.
Thanks for all the input.
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My first character just hit level 3. I had originally started a Drow sorcerer but once I hit level 3 I figured I would try to multiclass it with a rogue. A swashbuckler rogue feels to rely on charisma and it fit well with what I had in mind with character as it developed. When I started the game a little over a month back, I had no idea what multiclass even meant but as I read more and learnt, I felt this would be a good idea.
My concern is that my dexterity is not too high. Currently a lvl 2 sorcerer and 1 rogue sitting at 15 dex (+2) and 17 charisma (+3). Bear in mind I am not too concerned about min-maxing my damage as this is a pretty laid back group. I am genuinely not sure till what level this campaign takes me but my current plan is to work to 2 rog -> 3 sorc and then go the rest of my way as a rogue.
Would this be something that could work or is the low dex going to be too punishing for me?
15 is not low anything under 11 would be low and bear in mind that there are ability increases built into your progression in both classes.
You are just one ability score improvement away from having a +3 in DEX (same as your CHA). Wouldn't worry about it. Plus you are only at Level 3 now, so there is plenty of room to grow.
Multiclassing requires an ability score minimum of 13 for the main stat of both the class you already have and the one you're adding. So you're well above the threshold for which the designers said 'this is a viable option.' Especially if you're not concerned about min-maxing.
Birgit | Shifter | Sorcerer | Dragonlords
Shayone | Hobgoblin | Sorcerer | Netherdeep
I say this all the time, but I strongly advise against starting a multiclass before level 5; it's a major milestone in class level, and in general low level multiclass builds tend to just perform poorly as either class rather than synergizing into the kind of hybrid people visualize. You're not going to have great stats for melee combat and your sneak attack bonus is going to be low for your overall level, and you spellcasting will also start to stall out and fall behind. Also, imo your DEX is a bit low for attacking, and a 2/3 level split means you won't be getting any ability score increases until at least level 6, which will also impact your overall performance. Honestly, if you really have your heart set on a spellcasting Rogue, ask your DM to let you re-spec into an Arcane Trickster; you'll get much better performance there and won't be splitting your class levels.
Your stats are fine, but if you're concerned, you can always take sorc to level 4, use the ASI to bump both DEX and CHA by a point, and then multiclass to rogue after that point
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)
For your first campaign I would not recommend multiclassing at all. It is sometimes tricky how features interact and while I know you are not into optimization it can be frustrating not having high level spells sooner. With 17 cha and 15 dex you can improve your two most important stats at level 4 but you are delaying it to level 7
In combat a swashbuckler is about making attacks with a sword and then moving away while a sorcerer is about casting spells from a distance you can not do both.
What are you trying to achieve with swashbuckler, mechanically you will be weaker than a single class but you say that is not an issue, why does your sorcerer want to learn to use armor when mage armor is better? Or learn to pick locks and wild a sword.. With answers to those questions if you had played a few characters I would say go for it but with your level of experience I suggest you stick with sorcerer both for mechanical and roleplay simplicity.
Thanks for the replies folks. Both to folks who provided feedback that multiclassing may not be the best choice for me and those who provided ideas on how to play the multiclass.
I know I started as a sorcerer, which in retrospect was a bad choice/fit for me, since I don't really enjoy it as much. But hindsight is 20/20 and my hope is to optimize this build the best I can going forward and lean towards a swashbuckler heavy class. I will get to level 3 of a sorcerer mainly to acquire misty step but then focus primarily on going the rogue route.
I would echo the above, multiclassing can be really good if you know what you are doing and what you want. It can ruin your fun if you don’t. Getting 3rd level spells or a 2nd attack at level 5 is a massive change in power level and you will really miss out unless you have a way to mitigate it. You also don’t really want to be in melee combat, you have low hp and low ac so will get spanked. Likewise sneak attack doesn’t work with spells so you are wasting your biggest benefit from taking rogue. Personally I would say take sorc 3, you get metamagic and 2nd level spells. If you really really want to multi, then Warlock would be much better and ideally not before lvl 5
Thanks again. I am checking with the DM to see if he can let me reroll/re-create my character. We are all only level 3 so if he is ok, I will re-roll as a rogue and even start at level 1 if that is what it would take.
That sounds like a better idea, I always say the first rule of D&D is that everyone should have fun sorcerer is a tricky class for a new player as you get few spells and it is hard ot know which to learn and you have to manage both your spell slots and your sorcery points. If you arn't enjoying it your DM should let you change your character (as long as you don't do it on a regular basis!).
Regarding Misty step while it is normally a great spell, it is of less use on a Swashbuckler as even if they are in melee they can attack move away to cover and still hide as a bonus action even with two enemies in melee they can attack each one (assuming they are duel wielding) and move away without getting op attacked.
I spoke with my GM today and he was more than happy to let me re-roll as a Rogue. As this is my first campaign he understands that playing to have fun is important.
Thanks for all the input.