How do I get the most out of Shadow Blade? I've been considering some sort of .... sorcerer/eldritch knight thing, to get two attacks and spell slots (for Shield, mostly), but I frankly don't really know what's best.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
I would recommend using Half-elf, custom origin to have a total of +4 to stats. This'll be useful, since it's very MAD. Then, I recommend min-maxing, dumping any stats you don't need, especially if you're using point buy. If you only want sorcerer for sorcery points, only take five levels max. Also, take metamagic adept.
Oh, I'm not hellbent on sorcerer at all. I like the idea if near-infinite level 1 slots for spamming shield, but sorcerer get only 1 attack ever, which is hardly ideal. Spellsinger wizard get's two, which is better, but cannot afford quite the same levels of defensive spam. Then there are warlocks - but, warlocks seem the least attractive of the three.
Maybe eldritch knight (which I've very bad experiences with, they're just plain boring to play) or arcane trickster, but then .. well, I'd rather play a rogue as a rogue.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Oh really? How would you cut it? Mostly sorcerer with a dip into paladin? Or ... paladin 5 for extra attack? That seems attractive =)
Thing is, in my group, any levels above ... say, 10-ish ... are to be considered unicorn levels: We've heard of such things, and may have some belief in their reality - but we've never seen them.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Not as many spell slots or higher level slots but the fighters improved extra attack at level 11 and 20 scale shadow blades damage by number of attacks. 3rd and 4th level slots give the additional die up to a 3d8+mods per hit. Elven Accuracy combined with the advantage on attacks that the spell can generate for itself works really well.
The expected damage profile when accounting for damage makes this scale up as well as traditional power feats builds that make use of sharpshooter or great weapon master.
the exception being thst this builds damage doesn't fall off nearly as much vs high AC creatures.
Oh really? How would you cut it? Mostly sorcerer with a dip into paladin? Or ... paladin 5 for extra attack? That seems attractive =)
Thing is, in my group, any levels above ... say, 10-ish ... are to be considered unicorn levels: We've heard of such things, and may have some belief in their reality - but we've never seen them.
If that's the case then Paladin-2 + Sorcerer-X is what you should go for. You'll need to use spell slots constantly to smite to keep up in terms of DPR with classic martials after 5th level, but Haste can help with that, or you can stick with Shadowblade and really hope you hit on the attack. Also ask your DM if they allow Shadowblade to work with Booming Blade or Green Flame Blade, because if they don't you are better off using a normal weapon + one of those cantrips once you reach 5th level.
Also EK and AT are no good to you if you want to play with Shadowblade since they don't get 2nd level slots until 9th level.
That's if you want Shield spam.
If you actually want to play as a character that uses Shadowblade for their main attacks, then you want Bladesinger or Valor Bard (is shadow blade on the bard spell list?). Because RAW they are the only way to maintain full spell caster progression and get Extra Attack that works with Shadowblade.
Not as many spell slots or higher level slots but the fighters improved extra attack at level 11 and 20 scale shadow blades damage by number of attacks. 3rd and 4th level slots give the additional die up to a 3d8+mods per hit. Elven Accuracy combined with the advantage on attacks that the spell can generate for itself works really well.
The expected damage profile when accounting for damage makes this scale up as well as traditional power feats builds that make use of sharpshooter or great weapon master.
the exception being thst this builds damage doesn't fall off nearly as much vs high AC creatures.
Nice - thanks. I'm all but certain, though, that levels above 10 are entirely irrelevant. We never seem to get so far =)
It's interesting. Shadow Blade has high damage without requiring two hands. So you can use a shield as well. But that only really works for classes that allow shield. So .... eldritch knigh. Or multi class. Maybe what I'm really asking is: How do I get enough spell slots as Eldritch Knight? Or - maybe fighter 1, wizard (bladesinger) 19.
What I really want is a bladesinger variety of sorcerer =D
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Also EK and AT are no good to you if you want to play with Shadowblade since they don't get 2nd level slots until 9th level.
Nope you are mistaken. Those classes get 2nd level slots at level 7.
Also I feel one of the better multiclass to go with Eldritch Knight to abuse Shadow Blade would be the Twilight Cleric, preferably with a Half Elf or Elf to abuse the guaranteed advantage with Elven Accuracy.
Nope you are mistaken. Those classes get 2nd level slots at level 7.
Also I feel one of the better multiclass to go with Eldritch Knight to abuse Shadow Blade would be the Twilight Cleric, preferably with a Half Elf or Elf to abuse the guaranteed advantage with Elven Accuracy.
But is it really about higher spell levels? I'm not sure. I rather think it's about the highest possible number of 1st level slots. Maybe.
Someone posted somewhere that a bladesinger can attack with Shadowblade, cast Booming Blade (attacking with a cantrip - as Dual Wield) then Bonus Action attack with the Shadow Blade. Seems shady to me, but I really like the combo =)
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
What about Hexblade to 5th. Take thirsting blad for two attacks. This gives you 3, 3rd level spell slots. Sorcerer the rest of the way to spam your shield. Both are Charisma based so you will use your 18 or 20 charisma for attack (to hit and damage), have a great hex in the hexblades curse and sourcer lets you spame all you want.
What about Hexblade to 5th. Take thirsting blad for two attacks. This gives you 3, 3rd level spell slots. Sorcerer the rest of the way to spam your shield. Both are Charisma based so you will use your 18 or 20 charisma for attack (to hit and damage), have a great hex in the hexblades curse and sourcer lets you spame all you want.
Ooh - now we're talking. Let me just delve into that, that sounds very interesting. Doesn't get to use a shield though, right?
Edit: Oh, nonsense. Hexblades get shield use. Guess what? I have not only never played a warlock - I never read up on them until now.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
What about Hexblade to 5th. Take thirsting blad for two attacks. This gives you 3, 3rd level spell slots. Sorcerer the rest of the way to spam your shield. Both are Charisma based so you will use your 18 or 20 charisma for attack (to hit and damage), have a great hex in the hexblades curse and sourcer lets you spame all you want.
Ooh - now we're talking. Let me just delve into that, that sounds very interesting. Doesn't get to use a shield though, right?
Edit: Oh, nonsense. Hexblades get shield use. Guess what? I have not only never played a warlock - I never read up on them until now.
Unfortunately, thirsting blade's extra attack only works with your pact weapon, and to my knowledge, there is no way that you could make your shadow blade your pact weapon. This also means that you would not be able to use Charisma as your attack stat for Shadow Blade.
Unfortunately, thirsting blade's extra attack only works with your pact weapon, and to my knowledge, there is no way that you could make your shadow blade your pact weapon. This also means that you would not be able to use Charisma as your attack stat for Shadow Blade.
Hm .. well that sucks =)
Back to the drawing board.
Ok, so it's looking like this needs to be a blade singer. +4 or +5 AC from Int, so let's call that 12 for studded leather, 3 from dex, total of 19 or 20 - obviously, while spell slots last, that's effectively +5. Not too shabby. Damage would be 2d8+3, which is quite decent for a 1-handed weapon. Advantage in dim light. Play an elf for elven accuracy.
I'd dual wield, but then I can't cast shield =( but it's an option for when spell slots run out.
This is not so much a build as it's a one-trick pony. Still kinda fun.
Pick up Lucky feat.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Someone posted somewhere that a bladesinger can attack with Shadowblade, cast Booming Blade (attacking with a cantrip - as Dual Wield) then Bonus Action attack with the Shadow Blade. Seems shady to me, but I really like the combo =)
That is false.
Bladesinger mixed with Sorcerer would be my vote. Your best spells will be Wizard and you can focus on Dex and Int. For the Sorcerer side you can take spells that don't need Charisma, like Shield. You're best having at least 6 levels in Bladesinger and enough in Sorc for metamagic.
If you have your shadow blade active you can attack with Booming Blade, then attack with Shadow Blade then Quicken Spell Green-Flame Blade (the "damage if they move" from BB won't stack together, they'd only take the damage once, so may as well get some free damage to nearby enemies). Quicken spell can also be used for things like Mirror Image. Misty Step is also a good choice for a bonus action. Twin Spell for ranged cantrips if targets are out of range. Etc.
Get Warcaster and you can dual wield when you run out of sorc points to keep bonus action damage and still cast Shield.
Eventually get Mobile so you can skirmish tactic the fights if your spell slots get low. Although you could rely on converting SP into Slots, and you have Arcane Recovery from Wizard to recover some as well.
You will have a minimum of 8 cantrips for great versatility and damage options, making you quite adaptable in case you face enemies with resistances or immunities.
I'd actually recommend Lunar Sorc because you actually get all 15 spells as you level for free. There's some very good ones there that don't require your Charisma, like Shield, Lesser Restoration, Death Ward, Phantom Steed, Telepathic Bond, and Mislead.
If you want to up defence you can always consider a single level dip into Cleric without sacrificing spell slot progression. You'll only have between 1 to 3 spells you can prepare depending on your Wisdom score, plus 2 more from your Domain Spells, but they can come in handy. Life domain can boost a heal spell without needing wisdom thanks to Disciple of Life. If you're getting low on spell slots or getting into a dicier situation a simple Sanctuary can come in super clutch. You get medium armour proficiency and some, like Life, get you Heavy armour proficiency. And by the time you're taking this dip you should be able to afford full plate, so that's 18, plus Int, plus Shield, plus Mirror Image, plus cover if you get to skirmish in a good location, plus.. You get the idea. And, you have plenty of spells that don't need wisdom that are very useful. Not necessary but would be a great addition. Life and War would probs be the better domains, IMO.
Min 6 Bladesinger, Min 4 Sorc. Although I'd say more Sorc, the focus is better as Bladesinger: Contingency, a 6th level spell, is fantastic for Bladesingers. Ideally, in a 20 level build, I'd go 14 Bladesinger, 4 Lunar Sorc and 2 Life Cleric (although an argument could be made for War domain since their Guided Strike is kinda sweet but I feel overkill with Elven Accuracy + Shadow Blade, there is also Twilight Sanctuary feature for Twilight Domain but their "filled with dim light" gets iffy on interpretation if you're in bright light, as I've seen some DMs state being bright light overrules the dim light so no benefits for EB/SB - and since the focus on SB involves a lot of up'n'close with enemies, the healing buffs and domain spells of Life just help more, personally).
I would say start with Sorc in this build, because then you get Con save proficiency.
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As for all the rest: Sounds great, and thanks. When do you think such a build could come online? My group starts at level 1, and is unlikely to play beyond level 10 or so.
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Ideally the build makes its start at level 4 then comes fully online at 7th level. - 1st for Sorc to get Con save proficiency, free Shield spell if you're going Lunar. If you doubt you'd ever get more than 10th, I'd not focus on cleric, so you'll only have Light armour proficiency at 3rd level and even then, Mage Armour is still better for the early game. So I'd take Mage Armour, as a must. 2nd to 7th would be Bladesinger - you're going to want to beeline for that Extra Attack feature, and you'll get Shadow Blade at 4th. Then back to Sorc for the rest until you're 10th level, and if you continue you can go back to Wizard or take a Cleric dip there. This build will eventually be focusing on casting Shadow Blade at your highest slot and using your lowest slots for the low level defence spells.
Having such a split between classes means you won't get the super high spells but you don't really need them for this build. Also when you get on the higher levels you may find magical light armour that might be better than Mage Armour, so you can decide if you want to swap it out if you increase your Sorc level - although as a tip, if you got a familiar, it may be worth keeping it to cast on your familiar). You also won't be getting the higher features, but honestly Bladesinger's best features are 2nd and 6th, so they're the only ones you need for this build. Metamagic comes online fairly early and that's going to really ramp up your tactical options when you get it, which is enough to make up for what you lose.
Of course, if you think you won't need the con save prof you can always start as wizard and everything comes online 1 level earlier. However, since you're going to be a melee focus build, you'll be using your slots for defenses more quickly and so the big arsenal of cantrips you'll get by 2nd level (7 of them!) really rounds out combat adaptability and still have out of combat utility as well. Plus, who passes on free Shield spell (noting, you get 1 free cast per day too) in a melee caster build, from level 1?
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Ideally the build makes its start at level 4 then comes fully online at 7th level. - 1st for Sorc to get Con save proficiency, free Shield spell if you're going Lunar. If you doubt you'd ever get more than 10th, I'd not focus on cleric, so you'll only have Light armour proficiency at 3rd level and even then, Mage Armour is still better for the early game. So I'd take Mage Armour, as a must. 2nd to 7th would be Bladesinger - you're going to want to beeline for that Extra Attack feature, and you'll get Shadow Blade at 4th. Then back to Sorc for the rest until you're 10th level, and if you continue you can go back to Wizard or take a Cleric dip there. This build will eventually be focusing on casting Shadow Blade at your highest slot and using your lowest slots for the low level defence spells.
Sorry but getting proficiency in Con saves it not worth delaying Extra Attack, your Shadowblade and 3rd level spells for a whole level if you are unlikely to play beyond 10th level. Bladesinger already suffers from getting Extra Attack at 6th level rather than 5th level like all other martials.
To OP: go straight Bladesinger to 6th level, pick up Warcaster at 4th level if you're worried about your Con saves, but remember: with Bladesong you add your Int modifier to your Con saves! This means you absolutely do not need Con save proficiency, until you are such a level that you are running out of Bladesong.
If you want to MC after 6th level that's your choice, Fighter-2 is nice if you want to focus on melee weapon-y stuff - Fighting Styles and Action Surge work with your Bladesinger Extra Attack and Shadowblade just fine. But GFB and BB cannot be paired with Shadow Blade so the more you build for that (i.e. Sorcerer MC) the less you'll be using Shadow Blade. Also cantrips are a foolish investment, until 11th level a +1 long bow will be equal or better than your cantrips for ranged damage.
If you want a full build, I'd recommend:
Shadar-kai or Half Elf : depends on your stats since you want a 17 DEX + 16 INT and ideally a 14 CON at 1st level.
Level 1-6 Bladesinger. 1st ASI: Elven Accuracy: boost DEX up to 18 and get that sweet triple advantage. Must Take Spells: 1st - Shield, Absorb Elements 2nd - Shadowblade, Misty Step (if Half Elf) 3rd - Haste, Counterspell, Summon Fey (from Tasha's)
7-8 Fighter.
9-10 Bladesinger. 2nd ASI: +2 DEX.
You're not going to have the CHA to MC into Sorcerer, nor the WIS to MC into cleric unless you roll some truly exceptional stats. If that does happen feel free to replace Fighter with Twilight Cleric as the Twilight Sanctuary synergies amazingly with Shadow Blade and Elven Accuracy.
Shadow Blade is really good damage for a 1-handed melee weapon, but maybe not so good that I should be building a character around it. I mean it can certainly work - it's getting everything I want (shield prof, sorcerer font of magic, extra attack, and so on) that makes it kinda .. difficult. At best, it comes online late, which is kinda sad in a game I expect to reach level 10 at best.
Maybe I'll have fun with it for NPC's instead. They just have stat blocks, so you can get away with anything.
That however doesn't solve what I should be playing. Could just go Bladesinger wizard, stick with the Shadow Blade.
As an aside, for this same campaign I've also rolled a barbarian and a druid =)
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Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Shadow Blade is really good damage for a 1-handed melee weapon, but maybe not so good that I should be building a character around it. I mean it can certainly work - it's getting everything I want (shield prof, sorcerer font of magic, extra attack, and so on) that makes it kinda .. difficult. At best, it comes online late, which is kinda sad in a game I expect to reach level 10 at best.
Maybe I'll have fun with it for NPC's instead. They just have stat blocks, so you can get away with anything.
That however doesn't solve what I should be playing. Could just go Bladesinger wizard, stick with the Shadow Blade.
As an aside, for this same campaign I've also rolled a barbarian and a druid =)
Sorry, I think I'm confused. Why do you need another character if you've already made a barbarian and druid? Do you really expect to have 2 characters die in a campaign that doesn't even last beyond 10th level?
As for "what should you play" the answer is whatever you think is fun. What do you want to play?
Right: Simple question.
How do I get the most out of Shadow Blade? I've been considering some sort of .... sorcerer/eldritch knight thing, to get two attacks and spell slots (for Shield, mostly), but I frankly don't really know what's best.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
I would recommend using Half-elf, custom origin to have a total of +4 to stats. This'll be useful, since it's very MAD. Then, I recommend min-maxing, dumping any stats you don't need, especially if you're using point buy. If you only want sorcerer for sorcery points, only take five levels max. Also, take metamagic adept.
Oh, I'm not hellbent on sorcerer at all. I like the idea if near-infinite level 1 slots for spamming shield, but sorcerer get only 1 attack ever, which is hardly ideal. Spellsinger wizard get's two, which is better, but cannot afford quite the same levels of defensive spam. Then there are warlocks - but, warlocks seem the least attractive of the three.
Maybe eldritch knight (which I've very bad experiences with, they're just plain boring to play) or arcane trickster, but then .. well, I'd rather play a rogue as a rogue.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
If you want to play a spell-blade with infinite shield, bladesinger is good, but sorladin combos well. tons of slots for Smites and shields.
Oh really? How would you cut it? Mostly sorcerer with a dip into paladin? Or ... paladin 5 for extra attack? That seems attractive =)
Thing is, in my group, any levels above ... say, 10-ish ... are to be considered unicorn levels: We've heard of such things, and may have some belief in their reality - but we've never seen them.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Half elf eldritch knight, elven accuracy, dueling fighting style.
Not as many spell slots or higher level slots but the fighters improved extra attack at level 11 and 20 scale shadow blades damage by number of attacks. 3rd and 4th level slots give the additional die up to a 3d8+mods per hit. Elven Accuracy combined with the advantage on attacks that the spell can generate for itself works really well.
The expected damage profile when accounting for damage makes this scale up as well as traditional power feats builds that make use of sharpshooter or great weapon master.
the exception being thst this builds damage doesn't fall off nearly as much vs high AC creatures.
If that's the case then Paladin-2 + Sorcerer-X is what you should go for. You'll need to use spell slots constantly to smite to keep up in terms of DPR with classic martials after 5th level, but Haste can help with that, or you can stick with Shadowblade and really hope you hit on the attack. Also ask your DM if they allow Shadowblade to work with Booming Blade or Green Flame Blade, because if they don't you are better off using a normal weapon + one of those cantrips once you reach 5th level.
Also EK and AT are no good to you if you want to play with Shadowblade since they don't get 2nd level slots until 9th level.
That's if you want Shield spam.
If you actually want to play as a character that uses Shadowblade for their main attacks, then you want Bladesinger or Valor Bard (is shadow blade on the bard spell list?). Because RAW they are the only way to maintain full spell caster progression and get Extra Attack that works with Shadowblade.
Nice - thanks. I'm all but certain, though, that levels above 10 are entirely irrelevant. We never seem to get so far =)
It's interesting. Shadow Blade has high damage without requiring two hands. So you can use a shield as well. But that only really works for classes that allow shield. So .... eldritch knigh. Or multi class. Maybe what I'm really asking is: How do I get enough spell slots as Eldritch Knight? Or - maybe fighter 1, wizard (bladesinger) 19.
What I really want is a bladesinger variety of sorcerer =D
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Nope you are mistaken. Those classes get 2nd level slots at level 7.
Also I feel one of the better multiclass to go with Eldritch Knight to abuse Shadow Blade would be the Twilight Cleric, preferably with a Half Elf or Elf to abuse the guaranteed advantage with Elven Accuracy.
But is it really about higher spell levels? I'm not sure. I rather think it's about the highest possible number of 1st level slots. Maybe.
Someone posted somewhere that a bladesinger can attack with Shadowblade, cast Booming Blade (attacking with a cantrip - as Dual Wield) then Bonus Action attack with the Shadow Blade. Seems shady to me, but I really like the combo =)
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
What about Hexblade to 5th. Take thirsting blad for two attacks. This gives you 3, 3rd level spell slots. Sorcerer the rest of the way to spam your shield. Both are Charisma based so you will use your 18 or 20 charisma for attack (to hit and damage), have a great hex in the hexblades curse and sourcer lets you spame all you want.
Ooh - now we're talking. Let me just delve into that, that sounds very interesting. Doesn't get to use a shield though, right?
Edit: Oh, nonsense. Hexblades get shield use. Guess what? I have not only never played a warlock - I never read up on them until now.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Unfortunately, thirsting blade's extra attack only works with your pact weapon, and to my knowledge, there is no way that you could make your shadow blade your pact weapon. This also means that you would not be able to use Charisma as your attack stat for Shadow Blade.
Hm .. well that sucks =)
Back to the drawing board.
Ok, so it's looking like this needs to be a blade singer. +4 or +5 AC from Int, so let's call that 12 for studded leather, 3 from dex, total of 19 or 20 - obviously, while spell slots last, that's effectively +5. Not too shabby. Damage would be 2d8+3, which is quite decent for a 1-handed weapon. Advantage in dim light. Play an elf for elven accuracy.
I'd dual wield, but then I can't cast shield =( but it's an option for when spell slots run out.
This is not so much a build as it's a one-trick pony. Still kinda fun.
Pick up Lucky feat.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
That is false.
Bladesinger mixed with Sorcerer would be my vote. Your best spells will be Wizard and you can focus on Dex and Int. For the Sorcerer side you can take spells that don't need Charisma, like Shield. You're best having at least 6 levels in Bladesinger and enough in Sorc for metamagic.
If you have your shadow blade active you can attack with Booming Blade, then attack with Shadow Blade then Quicken Spell Green-Flame Blade (the "damage if they move" from BB won't stack together, they'd only take the damage once, so may as well get some free damage to nearby enemies). Quicken spell can also be used for things like Mirror Image. Misty Step is also a good choice for a bonus action. Twin Spell for ranged cantrips if targets are out of range. Etc.
Get Warcaster and you can dual wield when you run out of sorc points to keep bonus action damage and still cast Shield.
Eventually get Mobile so you can skirmish tactic the fights if your spell slots get low. Although you could rely on converting SP into Slots, and you have Arcane Recovery from Wizard to recover some as well.
You will have a minimum of 8 cantrips for great versatility and damage options, making you quite adaptable in case you face enemies with resistances or immunities.
I'd actually recommend Lunar Sorc because you actually get all 15 spells as you level for free. There's some very good ones there that don't require your Charisma, like Shield, Lesser Restoration, Death Ward, Phantom Steed, Telepathic Bond, and Mislead.
If you want to up defence you can always consider a single level dip into Cleric without sacrificing spell slot progression. You'll only have between 1 to 3 spells you can prepare depending on your Wisdom score, plus 2 more from your Domain Spells, but they can come in handy. Life domain can boost a heal spell without needing wisdom thanks to Disciple of Life. If you're getting low on spell slots or getting into a dicier situation a simple Sanctuary can come in super clutch. You get medium armour proficiency and some, like Life, get you Heavy armour proficiency. And by the time you're taking this dip you should be able to afford full plate, so that's 18, plus Int, plus Shield, plus Mirror Image, plus cover if you get to skirmish in a good location, plus.. You get the idea. And, you have plenty of spells that don't need wisdom that are very useful. Not necessary but would be a great addition. Life and War would probs be the better domains, IMO.
Min 6 Bladesinger, Min 4 Sorc. Although I'd say more Sorc, the focus is better as Bladesinger: Contingency, a 6th level spell, is fantastic for Bladesingers. Ideally, in a 20 level build, I'd go 14 Bladesinger, 4 Lunar Sorc and 2 Life Cleric (although an argument could be made for War domain since their Guided Strike is kinda sweet but I feel overkill with Elven Accuracy + Shadow Blade, there is also Twilight Sanctuary feature for Twilight Domain but their "filled with dim light" gets iffy on interpretation if you're in bright light, as I've seen some DMs state being bright light overrules the dim light so no benefits for EB/SB - and since the focus on SB involves a lot of up'n'close with enemies, the healing buffs and domain spells of Life just help more, personally).
I would say start with Sorc in this build, because then you get Con save proficiency.
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It sounded shady to me too =)
As for all the rest: Sounds great, and thanks. When do you think such a build could come online? My group starts at level 1, and is unlikely to play beyond level 10 or so.
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Ideally the build makes its start at level 4 then comes fully online at 7th level. - 1st for Sorc to get Con save proficiency, free Shield spell if you're going Lunar. If you doubt you'd ever get more than 10th, I'd not focus on cleric, so you'll only have Light armour proficiency at 3rd level and even then, Mage Armour is still better for the early game. So I'd take Mage Armour, as a must. 2nd to 7th would be Bladesinger - you're going to want to beeline for that Extra Attack feature, and you'll get Shadow Blade at 4th. Then back to Sorc for the rest until you're 10th level, and if you continue you can go back to Wizard or take a Cleric dip there. This build will eventually be focusing on casting Shadow Blade at your highest slot and using your lowest slots for the low level defence spells.
Having such a split between classes means you won't get the super high spells but you don't really need them for this build. Also when you get on the higher levels you may find magical light armour that might be better than Mage Armour, so you can decide if you want to swap it out if you increase your Sorc level - although as a tip, if you got a familiar, it may be worth keeping it to cast on your familiar). You also won't be getting the higher features, but honestly Bladesinger's best features are 2nd and 6th, so they're the only ones you need for this build. Metamagic comes online fairly early and that's going to really ramp up your tactical options when you get it, which is enough to make up for what you lose.
Of course, if you think you won't need the con save prof you can always start as wizard and everything comes online 1 level earlier. However, since you're going to be a melee focus build, you'll be using your slots for defenses more quickly and so the big arsenal of cantrips you'll get by 2nd level (7 of them!) really rounds out combat adaptability and still have out of combat utility as well. Plus, who passes on free Shield spell (noting, you get 1 free cast per day too) in a melee caster build, from level 1?
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Sorry but getting proficiency in Con saves it not worth delaying Extra Attack, your Shadowblade and 3rd level spells for a whole level if you are unlikely to play beyond 10th level. Bladesinger already suffers from getting Extra Attack at 6th level rather than 5th level like all other martials.
To OP: go straight Bladesinger to 6th level, pick up Warcaster at 4th level if you're worried about your Con saves, but remember: with Bladesong you add your Int modifier to your Con saves! This means you absolutely do not need Con save proficiency, until you are such a level that you are running out of Bladesong.
If you want to MC after 6th level that's your choice, Fighter-2 is nice if you want to focus on melee weapon-y stuff - Fighting Styles and Action Surge work with your Bladesinger Extra Attack and Shadowblade just fine. But GFB and BB cannot be paired with Shadow Blade so the more you build for that (i.e. Sorcerer MC) the less you'll be using Shadow Blade. Also cantrips are a foolish investment, until 11th level a +1 long bow will be equal or better than your cantrips for ranged damage.
If you want a full build, I'd recommend:
Shadar-kai or Half Elf : depends on your stats since you want a 17 DEX + 16 INT and ideally a 14 CON at 1st level.
Level 1-6 Bladesinger. 1st ASI: Elven Accuracy: boost DEX up to 18 and get that sweet triple advantage.
Must Take Spells:
1st - Shield, Absorb Elements
2nd - Shadowblade, Misty Step (if Half Elf)
3rd - Haste, Counterspell, Summon Fey (from Tasha's)
7-8 Fighter.
9-10 Bladesinger. 2nd ASI: +2 DEX.
You're not going to have the CHA to MC into Sorcerer, nor the WIS to MC into cleric unless you roll some truly exceptional stats. If that does happen feel free to replace Fighter with Twilight Cleric as the Twilight Sanctuary synergies amazingly with Shadow Blade and Elven Accuracy.
Shadow Blade is really good damage for a 1-handed melee weapon, but maybe not so good that I should be building a character around it. I mean it can certainly work - it's getting everything I want (shield prof, sorcerer font of magic, extra attack, and so on) that makes it kinda .. difficult. At best, it comes online late, which is kinda sad in a game I expect to reach level 10 at best.
Maybe I'll have fun with it for NPC's instead. They just have stat blocks, so you can get away with anything.
That however doesn't solve what I should be playing. Could just go Bladesinger wizard, stick with the Shadow Blade.
As an aside, for this same campaign I've also rolled a barbarian and a druid =)
Blanket disclaimer: I only ever state opinion. But I can sound terribly dogmatic - so if you feel I'm trying to tell you what to think, I'm really not, I swear. I'm telling you what I think, that's all.
Sorry, I think I'm confused. Why do you need another character if you've already made a barbarian and druid? Do you really expect to have 2 characters die in a campaign that doesn't even last beyond 10th level?
As for "what should you play" the answer is whatever you think is fun. What do you want to play?