So I am soon to be in a game with an assemblage of characters, none of whom can (or will) stand in the fore of a fight, only one of whom can heal to any extent, and only one of whom is actually a caster. We are looking at two rogues, a ranger wedded to their bow, and a druid with the tactical sense of a rock. I need to create a character that 'can' stand in the front, that is also able to heal anyone in the group at range, crucially 'while' in the midst of battle, and who also has significant casting options to bolster the druid's.
My thinking is to splash a single level of Life Cleric as the first level to get the heavy armor proficiency and Disciple of Life. With that he can start with an AC of 18, more than able to tank the front given no one else. Then go for three levels of Celestial Warlock to get Eldritch Blast, a couple of Eldritch Invocations to use with that Eldritch Blast, four dice of Healing Light, and Pact of the Tome. Then spend all future levels on Divine Soul Sorcerer for an actual spell list of both cleric and sorcerer spells, plus MetaMagic. Here's a tentative first level character sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Panpiper/characters/6607942
I realize that I would be sacrificing things like Mass Heal, and the highest level special abilities. A long time will be spent at lower levels, though I do expect us to get to the highest levels at some point. (We already lived through a five year campaign with the GM in a different game system.) We might ultimately even move into 'epic'. My thinking is that while I might not have the fanciest, highest level ability, I'll still have Eldritch Blast at full effect and good AC. With the shield spell to fall back on if I get hit too hard, and a massive number of cantrips focused on non-combat utility, I figure I'll still be more than viable at the higher levels.
I am unfortunately relatively unfamiliar with 5th edition D&D. The last time I played tabletop D&D it was AD&D first edition. So there may be a whole slew of details I am unaware of and overlooking. Does anyone have any advice for me? Am I making a huge mistake with this build? Is there a better way to be a well rounded caster, able to heal very effectively 'and' substitute as the sole tank?
I know someone will want to suggest paladin, but I really don't think a paladin would hold a candle to what I have outlined above. Their AC would be no better, their sustained damage output would be lower and not ranged, and what healing ability they have would be unable to help someone not in touch range.
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Bookworm, martial artist, repentant psychic, dried out drug addict, paramedic, pseudo-apostate libertarian, debater, knife maker, SCA basher, professional gamer, speculator, pornographer, and nascent social commentator. ...and I want an uncomplicated life.
So I am soon to be in a game with an assemblage of characters, none of whom can (or will) stand in the fore of a fight, only one of whom can heal to any extent, and only one of whom is actually a caster. We are looking at two rogues, a ranger wedded to their bow, and a druid with the tactical sense of a rock. I need to create a character that 'can' stand in the front, that is also able to heal anyone in the group at range, crucially 'while' in the midst of battle, and who also has significant casting options to bolster the druid's.
My thinking is to splash a single level of Life Cleric as the first level to get the heavy armor proficiency and Disciple of Life. With that he can start with an AC of 18, more than able to tank the front given no one else. Then go for three levels of Celestial Warlock to get Eldritch Blast, a couple of Eldritch Invocations to use with that Eldritch Blast, four dice of Healing Light, and Pact of the Tome. Then spend all future levels on Divine Soul Sorcerer for an actual spell list of both cleric and sorcerer spells, plus MetaMagic. Here's a tentative first level character sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Panpiper/characters/6607942
I realize that I would be sacrificing things like Mass Heal, and the highest level special abilities. A long time will be spent at lower levels, though I do expect us to get to the highest levels at some point. (We already lived through a five year campaign with the GM in a different game system.) We might ultimately even move into 'epic'. My thinking is that while I might not have the fanciest, highest level ability, I'll still have Eldritch Blast at full effect and good AC. With the shield spell to fall back on if I get hit too hard, and a massive number of cantrips focused on non-combat utility, I figure I'll still be more than viable at the higher levels.
I am unfortunately relatively unfamiliar with 5th edition D&D. The last time I played tabletop D&D it was AD&D first edition. So there may be a whole slew of details I am unaware of and overlooking. Does anyone have any advice for me? Am I making a huge mistake with this build? Is there a better way to be a well rounded caster, able to heal very effectively 'and' substitute as the sole tank?
I know someone will want to suggest paladin, but I really don't think a paladin would hold a candle to what I have outlined above. Their AC would be no better, their sustained damage output would be lower and not ranged, and what healing ability they have would be unable to help someone not in touch range.
Bookworm, martial artist, repentant psychic, dried out drug addict, paramedic, pseudo-apostate libertarian, debater, knife maker, SCA basher, professional gamer, speculator, pornographer, and nascent social commentator. ...and I want an uncomplicated life.
I haven't played this build but it is interesting and might add some advice by itself.
www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?471899-Ridiculously-good-healer-(just-for-fun)