Respectfully, you two, if you want to continue this discussion, it would probably be better in another thread or private messages, as it’s strayed pretty well away from the topic here.
I agree. That specific discussion will be moved into a PM.
I stand by my suggestions for OP's character:
-5 levels of Sorcerer first, then 2 levels of Warlock.
-Agonizing Eldritch Blast as a solid primary damage output, saving spells for where they're thematic or especially useful.
-Making use of the existing RAW mechanics to have a few extra spell slots each day, with a focus on L1 slots for spells like Shield, Absorb Elements, and Silvery Barbs. But have a discussion with the DM first to make sure you're on the same page, though choose your wording to avoid predisposing the DM towards banning this cool rules interaction.
-Let the DM know that Illusionist's Bracers are on your wish list, and you're up for it if the DM permits a quest to acquire a rare component, to be used in a time-consuming and expensive crafting process, provided there's some expectation that the time for crafting will happen (for example, if the party were to be able to take the winters off from adventuring).
CapitalVices,
A lot of people on here will argue until they're blue in the face telling you you can't do something because of the "rules" when the actual rules don't even support their position. The DM has the final say on all rulings, so that goes without saying, but these other people aren't your DM, and they're often factually wrong on what the rules say.
Honestly if you just want to be a ranged blaster/support, I'd say just commit to mostly Sorcerer with one or two levels of Warlock if you really feel you need it. There's not much point to having heavy armor and a Pact Weapon if you're planning to be in the back row most of the time anyways. Shocking Grasp or a blade cantrip is a much better melee option than a Pact Weapon for a dedicated caster, the damage will scale with you much better. Just the medium armor and shield from Hexblade is plenty of AC if you're not being attacked regularly. War Caster is also not a great pick for a feat if you're planning to be in the back; the advantage on saves is nice, but you've already got CON save prof and the stats to get +2 in it out of the gate. Also, my personal take is to almost always get five levels in your primary class before you dip, because there's a big bump in your power level when you're a level 5 as opposed to what you'll get with a 4/1. Really, I'd just say try going to level 5 as a Sorcerer and see if you've really been taking enough heat that you want the extra AC. Overall, this build seems to be trying to cover too many "just in cases", which usually just leaves you frustrated with features that rarely if ever come up in play.
This is incredible advice in terms of build at a macro and progression scale. Thank you. I think you hit the nail on the head with this last line. I saw the potential to be able to do a lot of different highly situational things, and in chasing that dragon I'm neglecting the ability to do any one thing well consistently -- Which would lead to a very frustrating player experience at the end of the day. Also, playing up to 5 allows me to evaluate with played experience how the build is going to function, especially in party-play. Sorlock is a hard recipe to **** up, which means I'd be at 7th (Assuming Sorc5/Hex2) and will have had ample time to weigh whether a single cleric mechanic is worth the dip.
...it would be really bad if you took the level in order cleric only to find they would rather keep their reaction.
While voice of authority doesn't force the ally to use their reaction, this is something I've come to realize could cause frustration for all parties involved. Either on my end because "no one wants to use the reaction-attack so why did i even take this cleric dip" or for other players feeling somehow obligated to do so because I constantly give them the ability to.
I really appreciate the advice, yall. I'll take the advice of not pushing MC until 5th. Who knows, I may enjoy playing just a straight-up sorc -- and, if I opt out of the cleric level it means either a pact boon or an (endcap) sorc origin feature. Likely a 3rd in warlock, as I rarely ever play for capstones but we'll see!
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I agree. That specific discussion will be moved into a PM.
I stand by my suggestions for OP's character:
-5 levels of Sorcerer first, then 2 levels of Warlock.
-Agonizing Eldritch Blast as a solid primary damage output, saving spells for where they're thematic or especially useful.
-Making use of the existing RAW mechanics to have a few extra spell slots each day, with a focus on L1 slots for spells like Shield, Absorb Elements, and Silvery Barbs. But have a discussion with the DM first to make sure you're on the same page, though choose your wording to avoid predisposing the DM towards banning this cool rules interaction.
-Let the DM know that Illusionist's Bracers are on your wish list, and you're up for it if the DM permits a quest to acquire a rare component, to be used in a time-consuming and expensive crafting process, provided there's some expectation that the time for crafting will happen (for example, if the party were to be able to take the winters off from adventuring).
CapitalVices,
A lot of people on here will argue until they're blue in the face telling you you can't do something because of the "rules" when the actual rules don't even support their position. The DM has the final say on all rulings, so that goes without saying, but these other people aren't your DM, and they're often factually wrong on what the rules say.
This is incredible advice in terms of build at a macro and progression scale. Thank you. I think you hit the nail on the head with this last line. I saw the potential to be able to do a lot of different highly situational things, and in chasing that dragon I'm neglecting the ability to do any one thing well consistently -- Which would lead to a very frustrating player experience at the end of the day. Also, playing up to 5 allows me to evaluate with played experience how the build is going to function, especially in party-play. Sorlock is a hard recipe to **** up, which means I'd be at 7th (Assuming Sorc5/Hex2) and will have had ample time to weigh whether a single cleric mechanic is worth the dip.
While voice of authority doesn't force the ally to use their reaction, this is something I've come to realize could cause frustration for all parties involved. Either on my end because "no one wants to use the reaction-attack so why did i even take this cleric dip" or for other players feeling somehow obligated to do so because I constantly give them the ability to.
I really appreciate the advice, yall. I'll take the advice of not pushing MC until 5th. Who knows, I may enjoy playing just a straight-up sorc -- and, if I opt out of the cleric level it means either a pact boon or an (endcap) sorc origin feature. Likely a 3rd in warlock, as I rarely ever play for capstones but we'll see!