Now i just need to get back into a campaign and switch out my fighting style and I should be golden.
Sorry... but no, please don't. Don't bring a pre-built character to a campaign, it's a major red-flag for many DMs because it means the player probably won't get invested in the campaign as they will be too wrapped up in their own character to fit into the party and broader narrative. If you are joining a campaign talk with the DM and the other players at the table about your general concept for a character or two and make it fit into the campaign.
If you want to play a pre-built character, you should go join a WestMarches server or go do AL.
There are many ways to build a character. There is nothing wrong with building a character to do the things you want or to have a the abilities you want. The story you wrap around that build is what is the character and your attitude about the game will determine how you gel with the table members. Your build will have nothing to do with it.
Wow. I honestly never thought about that. It most certainly would not be my intention to ifnore my party’s needs.
i’m not sure if this is better or worse, but I have several builds of characters of each class based on research, so I could play whatever i feel my party needs. If anything, I would think that would be a problem as far as not being invested in building a character more naturally. Either way, I prefer to have a solid road map with my character builds. Plus half of my playtime so far in my life has just been one shots or two shots designed for fun.
Part of the reason I have been focusing on this fighter/warlock besides it being my favorite is it’s my only custom miniature I own. The rest right now are generic unpainted and store bought (although they were also gifts and hold a place in my heart). Anyway, it’s the main one I would like to use in the future for my just for fun sessions. It may even be awhile before I get to use the updated version, as the people I have been playing with are only using 2014 rules. I guess I am just rxcitrd to start the new content. Until then, once things start up again after the holidays I will hopefully be back to playing, but as a 2014 Barbarian in a campaign.
Anyway, my point is that it’s not my intention to never deviate from a build I make; only to have a game plan.
With that out of the way, I’m not sure i need Warcaster with a healthy + to constitution from starting as a fighter. The only downside of fey touched is waiting for hex, but it’s not really optimized until i get extra attack or an extra eldritch blast.
I’m still not positive about starting with a quarterstaff or not to wait for a free pact weapon in one level. They say the early levels are more dangerous, so by that logic should I bite the bullet and pay the extra 25 gold for the rapier, or do I hope for that special cheap magic weapon to start with as discussed previously.
Wow. I honestly never thought about that. It most certainly would not be my intention to ifnore my party’s needs.
i’m not sure if this is better or worse, but I have several builds of characters of each class based on research, so I could play whatever i feel my party needs. If anything, I would think that would be a problem as far as not being invested in building a character more naturally. Either way, I prefer to have a solid road map with my character builds. Plus half of my playtime so far in my life has just been one shots or two shots designed for fun.
Part of the reason I have been focusing on this fighter/warlock besides it being my favorite is it’s my only custom miniature I own. The rest right now are generic unpainted and store bought (although they were also gifts and hold a place in my heart). Anyway, it’s the main one I would like to use in the future for my just for fun sessions. It may even be awhile before I get to use the updated version, as the people I have been playing with are only using 2014 rules. I guess I am just rxcitrd to start the new content. Until then, once things start up again after the holidays I will hopefully be back to playing, but as a 2014 Barbarian in a campaign.
Anyway, my point is that it’s not my intention to never deviate from a build I make; only to have a game plan.
With that out of the way, I’m not sure i need Warcaster with a healthy + to constitution from starting as a fighter. The only downside of fey touched is waiting for hex, but it’s not really optimized until i get extra attack or an extra eldritch blast.
I’m still not positive about starting with a quarterstaff or not to wait for a free pact weapon in one level. They say the early levels are more dangerous, so by that logic should I bite the bullet and pay the extra 25 gold for the rapier, or do I hope for that special cheap magic weapon to start with as discussed previously.
A custom miniature sounds awesome.
For middle ground consider a shortsword (10 GP, 1d6 damage, and Vex). You could even have 2 for the price of a rapier and still has Finesse.
Wow. I honestly never thought about that. It most certainly would not be my intention to ifnore my party’s needs.
i’m not sure if this is better or worse, but I have several builds of characters of each class based on research, so I could play whatever i feel my party needs. If anything, I would think that would be a problem as far as not being invested in building a character more naturally. Either way, I prefer to have a solid road map with my character builds. Plus half of my playtime so far in my life has just been one shots or two shots designed for fun.
Part of the reason I have been focusing on this fighter/warlock besides it being my favorite is it’s my only custom miniature I own. The rest right now are generic unpainted and store bought (although they were also gifts and hold a place in my heart). Anyway, it’s the main one I would like to use in the future for my just for fun sessions. It may even be awhile before I get to use the updated version, as the people I have been playing with are only using 2014 rules. I guess I am just rxcitrd to start the new content. Until then, once things start up again after the holidays I will hopefully be back to playing, but as a 2014 Barbarian in a campaign.
Anyway, my point is that it’s not my intention to never deviate from a build I make; only to have a game plan.
With that out of the way, I’m not sure i need Warcaster with a healthy + to constitution from starting as a fighter. The only downside of fey touched is waiting for hex, but it’s not really optimized until i get extra attack or an extra eldritch blast.
I’m still not positive about starting with a quarterstaff or not to wait for a free pact weapon in one level. They say the early levels are more dangerous, so by that logic should I bite the bullet and pay the extra 25 gold for the rapier, or do I hope for that special cheap magic weapon to start with as discussed previously.
A custom miniature sounds awesome.
For middle ground consider a shortsword (10 GP, 1d6 damage, and Vex). You could even have 2 for the price of a rapier and still has Finesse.
I mean, that is true from a financial standpoint, but then i miss out on the nick mechanic attack, so i need at least one.
I’m considering starting out with a scimitar and shield at Fighter 1 and then once I get a Pact Weapon at Warlock 1 I can make either a rapier to go with my shield or a shortsword to go with my scimitar. I think i would keep Duelist as my fighting style just for when i did use a shield since it seems like the superior anyway, but I could still go all out with two weapons depending on the circumstance. Does that make sense?
(Sorry I haven’t replied in so long! I honestly forgot about this post for a bit. My bad.)
Now i just need to get back into a campaign and switch out my fighting style and I should be golden.
Sorry... but no, please don't. Don't bring a pre-built character to a campaign, it's a major red-flag for many DMs because it means the player probably won't get invested in the campaign as they will be too wrapped up in their own character to fit into the party and broader narrative. If you are joining a campaign talk with the DM and the other players at the table about your general concept for a character or two and make it fit into the campaign.
If you want to play a pre-built character, you should go join a WestMarches server or go do AL.
There are many ways to build a character. There is nothing wrong with building a character to do the things you want or to have a the abilities you want. The story you wrap around that build is what is the character and your attitude about the game will determine how you gel with the table members. Your build will have nothing to do with it.
IME players that come in with the attitude of "I'm going to play this character that I have played before and love" without even asking about the existing party is a major red-flag for them to have "main-characteritis" and/or to not pay attention to the game I'm running or other players at the table and just want to hack-and-slash because they have the psychological "sunk cost" of spending days / weeks / years perfectly designing their character for combat and nothing else. They also tend to be toxic if combat doesn't go their way since they have built up in their mind that this character is perfectly optimal for combat so if it isn't performing well in combat it must be that the DM hates them, it can possibly be that combat is more complex than the blank open field filled with sacks of hit points that just try to punch them that they imagined when designing their "optimal" character or that the outcome of combat is highly reliant on random luck of the dice at low levels.
The OP obsessing over every little detail of this character is a waste of everyone's time because IME the vast majority of tables have at least some house rules or non-RAW start. Lots of games I've played it gave players extra gold and/or equipment at the start of the game (or took equipment away and had the characters start out shipwrecked or in prison), and most didn't start at level 1. So why are so many people in this thread spending their time debating what the optimal option is for level 1 assuming RAW gold/equipment? This character is unlikely to ever be played, and even less likely to be played at level 1, and even less less likely to be played at level 1 with RAW gold/equipment. Even if it does get played the difference between a quarterstaff, a rapier, a shortsword, or a scimitar is not going to be noticable you need thousands of rolls for the difference to be apparent and most players will barely make 20 attack rolls before levelling up.
Now i just need to get back into a campaign and switch out my fighting style and I should be golden.
Sorry... but no, please don't. Don't bring a pre-built character to a campaign, it's a major red-flag for many DMs because it means the player probably won't get invested in the campaign as they will be too wrapped up in their own character to fit into the party and broader narrative. If you are joining a campaign talk with the DM and the other players at the table about your general concept for a character or two and make it fit into the campaign.
If you want to play a pre-built character, you should go join a WestMarches server or go do AL.
There are many ways to build a character. There is nothing wrong with building a character to do the things you want or to have a the abilities you want. The story you wrap around that build is what is the character and your attitude about the game will determine how you gel with the table members. Your build will have nothing to do with it.
IME players that come in with the attitude of "I'm going to play this character that I have played before and love" without even asking about the existing party is a major red-flag for them to have "main-characteritis" and/or to not pay attention to the game I'm running or other players at the table and just want to hack-and-slash because they have the psychological "sunk cost" of spending days / weeks / years perfectly designing their character for combat and nothing else. They also tend to be toxic if combat doesn't go their way since they have built up in their mind that this character is perfectly optimal for combat so if it isn't performing well in combat it must be that the DM hates them, it can possibly be that combat is more complex than the blank open field filled with sacks of hit points that just try to punch them that they imagined when designing their "optimal" character or that the outcome of combat is highly reliant on random luck of the dice at low levels.
The OP obsessing over every little detail of this character is a waste of everyone's time because IME the vast majority of tables have at least some house rules or non-RAW start. Lots of games I've played it gave players extra gold and/or equipment at the start of the game (or took equipment away and had the characters start out shipwrecked or in prison), and most didn't start at level 1. So why are so many people in this thread spending their time debating what the optimal option is for level 1 assuming RAW gold/equipment? This character is unlikely to ever be played, and even less likely to be played at level 1, and even less less likely to be played at level 1 with RAW gold/equipment. Even if it does get played the difference between a quarterstaff, a rapier, a shortsword, or a scimitar is not going to be noticable you need thousands of rolls for the difference to be apparent and most players will barely make 20 attack rolls before levelling up.
Honestly? Because I sort of enjoy it. I’m not really good at much, and this game is really no exception, but I enjoy learning about it and what makes a character strong.
i realize there are different stories that can be told that add complications, but I also believe having a plan both in life and in game can help guide you through it. Obviously plans change, but to me it’s better than going in completely blind.
The notion of the story is not lost on me either. Sure I could probably make one out of any character, but this process simply helps me decide easier. I like the idea of a fighter who just doesn't do well with weapons except for a basic quarterstaff until an angel comes down and blesses him, giving him the power to create whatever weapon he can use. It really fits the lost then found soul vibe I’m going for more than just a straight warlock would have.
Anyway, I respect your opinion on the matter, and I would try to do the same for everyone at my table. If they would rather us be more fluid in our choices I guess I would respect their wishes and go in more blind. It’s all something i would need to work out with them during session zero.
In a perfect world though, this is the character I would like to work into a campaign because I enjoyed making it, and I would honestly assume every player would have a character they are passionate about, whether they put time into it the way I have or not.
One other note, this is based on my first and favorite 2024 build. I would like to learn more about other classes and be able to possibly play them to depending on what the game calls for. I realize it’s still not what you believe in, but I just want to prove that I am aware some things might not jive with the party or setting and that i may need to make some changes. I believe it was Monty Martin who said to have multiple character ideas ready for a possible campaign.
Mine is currently on hiatus and is only my second one I have ever been a part of. My first campaign i was in it completely blind to where I was a warlock who didn’t know about eldritch blast! They also use to do oneshots where we could basically do whatever we wanted, which ai enjoyed so much. If we ever get back together to do them and start using the new rules, this is the character I want to have ready.
Honestly? Because I sort of enjoy it. I’m not really good at much, and this game is really no exception, but I enjoy learning about it and what makes a character strong.
You're doing great. You seem to have a good grasp of the weapon masteries and a custom miniature is a great inspiration source. I also enjoy spending my time discussing the rules and builds and am looking forward to seeing what you end up with.
I've been meaning to respond to your earlier post but the reply control is glitched on my desktop (and I haven't wanted to reopen the browser). The mobile interface is mediocre.
Wow. I honestly never thought about that. It most certainly would not be my intention to ifnore my party’s needs.
i’m not sure if this is better or worse, but I have several builds of characters of each class based on research, so I could play whatever i feel my party needs. If anything, I would think that would be a problem as far as not being invested in building a character more naturally. Either way, I prefer to have a solid road map with my character builds. Plus half of my playtime so far in my life has just been one shots or two shots designed for fun.
Part of the reason I have been focusing on this fighter/warlock besides it being my favorite is it’s my only custom miniature I own. The rest right now are generic unpainted and store bought (although they were also gifts and hold a place in my heart). Anyway, it’s the main one I would like to use in the future for my just for fun sessions. It may even be awhile before I get to use the updated version, as the people I have been playing with are only using 2014 rules. I guess I am just rxcitrd to start the new content. Until then, once things start up again after the holidays I will hopefully be back to playing, but as a 2014 Barbarian in a campaign.
Anyway, my point is that it’s not my intention to never deviate from a build I make; only to have a game plan.
With that out of the way, I’m not sure i need Warcaster with a healthy + to constitution from starting as a fighter. The only downside of fey touched is waiting for hex, but it’s not really optimized until i get extra attack or an extra eldritch blast.
I’m still not positive about starting with a quarterstaff or not to wait for a free pact weapon in one level. They say the early levels are more dangerous, so by that logic should I bite the bullet and pay the extra 25 gold for the rapier, or do I hope for that special cheap magic weapon to start with as discussed previously.
A custom miniature sounds awesome.
For middle ground consider a shortsword (10 GP, 1d6 damage, and Vex). You could even have 2 for the price of a rapier and still has Finesse.
I mean, that is true from a financial standpoint, but then i miss out on the nick mechanic attack, so i need at least one.
I’m considering starting out with a scimitar and shield at Fighter 1 and then once I get a Pact Weapon at Warlock 1 I can make either a rapier to go with my shield or a shortsword to go with my scimitar. I think i would keep Duelist as my fighting style just for when i did use a shield since it seems like the superior anyway, but I could still go all out with two weapons depending on the circumstance. Does that make sense?
(Sorry I haven’t replied in so long! I honestly forgot about this post for a bit. My bad.)
Rapier has Vex, not Nick though and neither quarterstaff nor rapier are light weapons so wouldn't be usable with the light weapon bonus attack. However, Vex gives you advantage on a hit. Mathematically advantage is about a +3.8 to hit, if I recall correctly, so it can help with your reliability.
If you prefer Nick for the extra attack, I would start with two weapons. With a sword and shield, I would go for a different mastery. I wouldn't worry about picking up additional weapons as play progresses. Edit: (By which I mean, it shouldn't be difficult.)
Honestly? Because I sort of enjoy it. I’m not really good at much, and this game is really no exception, but I enjoy learning about it and what makes a character strong.
You're doing great. You seem to have a good grasp of the weapon masteries and a custom miniature is a great inspiration source. I also enjoy spending my time discussing the rules and builds and am looking forward to seeing what you end up with.
I've been meaning to respond to your earlier post but the reply control is glitched on my desktop (and I haven't wanted to reopen the browser). The mobile interface is mediocre.
Wow. I honestly never thought about that. It most certainly would not be my intention to ifnore my party’s needs.
i’m not sure if this is better or worse, but I have several builds of characters of each class based on research, so I could play whatever i feel my party needs. If anything, I would think that would be a problem as far as not being invested in building a character more naturally. Either way, I prefer to have a solid road map with my character builds. Plus half of my playtime so far in my life has just been one shots or two shots designed for fun.
Part of the reason I have been focusing on this fighter/warlock besides it being my favorite is it’s my only custom miniature I own. The rest right now are generic unpainted and store bought (although they were also gifts and hold a place in my heart). Anyway, it’s the main one I would like to use in the future for my just for fun sessions. It may even be awhile before I get to use the updated version, as the people I have been playing with are only using 2014 rules. I guess I am just rxcitrd to start the new content. Until then, once things start up again after the holidays I will hopefully be back to playing, but as a 2014 Barbarian in a campaign.
Anyway, my point is that it’s not my intention to never deviate from a build I make; only to have a game plan.
With that out of the way, I’m not sure i need Warcaster with a healthy + to constitution from starting as a fighter. The only downside of fey touched is waiting for hex, but it’s not really optimized until i get extra attack or an extra eldritch blast.
I’m still not positive about starting with a quarterstaff or not to wait for a free pact weapon in one level. They say the early levels are more dangerous, so by that logic should I bite the bullet and pay the extra 25 gold for the rapier, or do I hope for that special cheap magic weapon to start with as discussed previously.
A custom miniature sounds awesome.
For middle ground consider a shortsword (10 GP, 1d6 damage, and Vex). You could even have 2 for the price of a rapier and still has Finesse.
I mean, that is true from a financial standpoint, but then i miss out on the nick mechanic attack, so i need at least one.
I’m considering starting out with a scimitar and shield at Fighter 1 and then once I get a Pact Weapon at Warlock 1 I can make either a rapier to go with my shield or a shortsword to go with my scimitar. I think i would keep Duelist as my fighting style just for when i did use a shield since it seems like the superior anyway, but I could still go all out with two weapons depending on the circumstance. Does that make sense?
(Sorry I haven’t replied in so long! I honestly forgot about this post for a bit. My bad.)
Rapier has Vex, not Nick though and neither quarterstaff nor rapier are light weapons so wouldn't be usable with the light weapon bonus attack. However, Vex gives you advantage on a hit. Mathematically advantage is about a +3.8 to hit, if I recall correctly, so it can help with your reliability.
If you prefer Nick for the extra attack, I would start with two weapons. With a sword and shield, I would go for a different mastery. I wouldn't worry about picking up additional weapons as play progresses. Edit: (By which I mean, it shouldn't be difficult.)
Ok, i think I have a better idea of what I’m doing. I do have a question though. With the interception fighting style, it requires your reaction to use. Should I avoid things like Hellish Rebuke since it requires a reaction and I wouldn’t be able to use it whenever, or is it good to have those kind of options available? Or is interception not even a good fighting style? I’ve read online it’s actually rated pretty highly, but I’d rather hear from the people online.
Ok, i think I have a better idea of what I’m doing. I do have a question though. With the interception fighting style, it requires your reaction to use. Should I avoid things like Hellish Rebuke since it requires a reaction and I wouldn’t be able to use it whenever, or is it good to have those kind of options available? Or is interception not even a good fighting style? I’ve read online it’s actually rated pretty highly, but I’d rather hear from the people online.
Not going to comment on its relative strength, since my philosophy is not to care too much about that.
In terms of reactions, it's not going to happen that often. Stuff like Hellish Rebuke also doesn't happen every round, though since you're a front-line fighter, it'll happen fairly often. (But you'll run out of spells if you rebuke every time you get hit.)
The two actually synergize fairly well -- if they attack you, you can rebuke, and if they don't attack you, you can intercept. It's not going to be amazing, but it'll probably be fun.
Both Interception Fighting Sty;e, and Hellish Rebuke take a Reaction so while having many such actions with different triggers opens up more possibilities to use your Reaction, you are still limited to take one after which, you can’t take another one until the start of your next turn. The feat doesn't rely on a ressource though so it can be used at-will making it even more useful
I am a little worried about having to be tight next to someone for it to work though. Isn’t it risky grouping up most of the time due to group/line/cone attacks/spells?
Also, if I do go interception anyway, should i stay away from war caster since it requires a reaction for part of its’ function to work, or should I just view that as another opportunity to use my reaction?
I am a little worried about having to be tight next to someone for it to work though. Isn’t it risky grouping up most of the time due to group/line/cone attacks/spells?
Depends on the circumstances. It can be. On the other hand, you don't usually get to pick your fights.
Also, while it increases your vulnerability to spell-type-effects, fighting side-by-side reduces your vulnerability in other ways. It makes it harder to get overrun. (A particular threat to blade warlocks, who are not tanky in the least.) It allows for support abilities (such as interception) to come into play. And so on. There's no single correct solution to all scenarios.
Also, if I do go interception anyway, should i stay away from war caster since it requires a reaction for part of its’ function to work, or should I just view that as another opportunity to use my reaction?
War caster's main benefits are the concentration and casting while armed. (And the stat)
The spell opportunity attack is not a new use of your reaction -- you already get attacks of opportunity.
Fundamentally, reactions are not like bonus actions. While you only get one per round, you can't count on getting to use any single reaction. More reactions is more options, but you're still going to go entire fights without having the chance to use any of them.
I am a little worried about having to be tight next to someone for it to work though. Isn’t it risky grouping up most of the time due to group/line/cone attacks/spells?
Depends on the circumstances. It can be. On the other hand, you don't usually get to pick your fights.
Also, while it increases your vulnerability to spell-type-effects, fighting side-by-side reduces your vulnerability in other ways. It makes it harder to get overrun. (A particular threat to blade warlocks, who are not tanky in the least.) It allows for support abilities (such as interception) to come into play. And so on. There's no single correct solution to all scenarios.
Also, if I do go interception anyway, should i stay away from war caster since it requires a reaction for part of its’ function to work, or should I just view that as another opportunity to use my reaction?
War caster's main benefits are the concentration and casting while armed. (And the stat)
The spell opportunity attack is not a new use of your reaction -- you already get attacks of opportunity.
Fundamentally, reactions are not like bonus actions. While you only get one per round, you can't count on getting to use any single reaction. More reactions is more options, but you're still going to go entire fights without having the chance to use any of them.
Ok, I guess I’ll go with Fey Touched and the Interception/Hellish Rebuke combo. Thanks!
Not sure if this works or not, but here’s what I have:
There are many ways to build a character. There is nothing wrong with building a character to do the things you want or to have a the abilities you want. The story you wrap around that build is what is the character and your attitude about the game will determine how you gel with the table members. Your build will have nothing to do with it.
How to add Tooltips.
Wow. I honestly never thought about that. It most certainly would not be my intention to ifnore my party’s needs.
i’m not sure if this is better or worse, but I have several builds of characters of each class based on research, so I could play whatever i feel my party needs. If anything, I would think that would be a problem as far as not being invested in building a character more naturally. Either way, I prefer to have a solid road map with my character builds. Plus half of my playtime so far in my life has just been one shots or two shots designed for fun.
Part of the reason I have been focusing on this fighter/warlock besides it being my favorite is it’s my only custom miniature I own. The rest right now are generic unpainted and store bought (although they were also gifts and hold a place in my heart). Anyway, it’s the main one I would like to use in the future for my just for fun sessions. It may even be awhile before I get to use the updated version, as the people I have been playing with are only using 2014 rules. I guess I am just rxcitrd to start the new content. Until then, once things start up again after the holidays I will hopefully be back to playing, but as a 2014 Barbarian in a campaign.
Anyway, my point is that it’s not my intention to never deviate from a build I make; only to have a game plan.
With that out of the way, I’m not sure i need Warcaster with a healthy + to constitution from starting as a fighter. The only downside of fey touched is waiting for hex, but it’s not really optimized until i get extra attack or an extra eldritch blast.
I’m still not positive about starting with a quarterstaff or not to wait for a free pact weapon in one level. They say the early levels are more dangerous, so by that logic should I bite the bullet and pay the extra 25 gold for the rapier, or do I hope for that special cheap magic weapon to start with as discussed previously.
A custom miniature sounds awesome.
For middle ground consider a shortsword (10 GP, 1d6 damage, and Vex). You could even have 2 for the price of a rapier and still has Finesse.
How to add Tooltips.
I mean, that is true from a financial standpoint, but then i miss out on the nick mechanic attack, so i need at least one.
I’m considering starting out with a scimitar and shield at Fighter 1 and then once I get a Pact Weapon at Warlock 1 I can make either a rapier to go with my shield or a shortsword to go with my scimitar. I think i would keep Duelist as my fighting style just for when i did use a shield since it seems like the superior anyway, but I could still go all out with two weapons depending on the circumstance. Does that make sense?
(Sorry I haven’t replied in so long! I honestly forgot about this post for a bit. My bad.)
IME players that come in with the attitude of "I'm going to play this character that I have played before and love" without even asking about the existing party is a major red-flag for them to have "main-characteritis" and/or to not pay attention to the game I'm running or other players at the table and just want to hack-and-slash because they have the psychological "sunk cost" of spending days / weeks / years perfectly designing their character for combat and nothing else. They also tend to be toxic if combat doesn't go their way since they have built up in their mind that this character is perfectly optimal for combat so if it isn't performing well in combat it must be that the DM hates them, it can possibly be that combat is more complex than the blank open field filled with sacks of hit points that just try to punch them that they imagined when designing their "optimal" character or that the outcome of combat is highly reliant on random luck of the dice at low levels.
The OP obsessing over every little detail of this character is a waste of everyone's time because IME the vast majority of tables have at least some house rules or non-RAW start. Lots of games I've played it gave players extra gold and/or equipment at the start of the game (or took equipment away and had the characters start out shipwrecked or in prison), and most didn't start at level 1. So why are so many people in this thread spending their time debating what the optimal option is for level 1 assuming RAW gold/equipment? This character is unlikely to ever be played, and even less likely to be played at level 1, and even less less likely to be played at level 1 with RAW gold/equipment. Even if it does get played the difference between a quarterstaff, a rapier, a shortsword, or a scimitar is not going to be noticable you need thousands of rolls for the difference to be apparent and most players will barely make 20 attack rolls before levelling up.
Honestly? Because I sort of enjoy it. I’m not really good at much, and this game is really no exception, but I enjoy learning about it and what makes a character strong.
i realize there are different stories that can be told that add complications, but I also believe having a plan both in life and in game can help guide you through it. Obviously plans change, but to me it’s better than going in completely blind.
The notion of the story is not lost on me either. Sure I could probably make one out of any character, but this process simply helps me decide easier. I like the idea of a fighter who just doesn't do well with weapons except for a basic quarterstaff until an angel comes down and blesses him, giving him the power to create whatever weapon he can use. It really fits the lost then found soul vibe I’m going for more than just a straight warlock would have.
Anyway, I respect your opinion on the matter, and I would try to do the same for everyone at my table. If they would rather us be more fluid in our choices I guess I would respect their wishes and go in more blind. It’s all something i would need to work out with them during session zero.
In a perfect world though, this is the character I would like to work into a campaign because I enjoyed making it, and I would honestly assume every player would have a character they are passionate about, whether they put time into it the way I have or not.
One other note, this is based on my first and favorite 2024 build. I would like to learn more about other classes and be able to possibly play them to depending on what the game calls for. I realize it’s still not what you believe in, but I just want to prove that I am aware some things might not jive with the party or setting and that i may need to make some changes. I believe it was Monty Martin who said to have multiple character ideas ready for a possible campaign.
Mine is currently on hiatus and is only my second one I have ever been a part of. My first campaign i was in it completely blind to where I was a warlock who didn’t know about eldritch blast! They also use to do oneshots where we could basically do whatever we wanted, which ai enjoyed so much. If we ever get back together to do them and start using the new rules, this is the character I want to have ready.
You're doing great. You seem to have a good grasp of the weapon masteries and a custom miniature is a great inspiration source. I also enjoy spending my time discussing the rules and builds and am looking forward to seeing what you end up with.
I've been meaning to respond to your earlier post but the reply control is glitched on my desktop (and I haven't wanted to reopen the browser). The mobile interface is mediocre.
Rapier has Vex, not Nick though and neither quarterstaff nor rapier are light weapons so wouldn't be usable with the light weapon bonus attack. However, Vex gives you advantage on a hit. Mathematically advantage is about a +3.8 to hit, if I recall correctly, so it can help with your reliability.
If you prefer Nick for the extra attack, I would start with two weapons. With a sword and shield, I would go for a different mastery. I wouldn't worry about picking up additional weapons as play progresses. Edit: (By which I mean, it shouldn't be difficult.)
How to add Tooltips.
Ok, i think I have a better idea of what I’m doing. I do have a question though. With the interception fighting style, it requires your reaction to use. Should I avoid things like Hellish Rebuke since it requires a reaction and I wouldn’t be able to use it whenever, or is it good to have those kind of options available? Or is interception not even a good fighting style? I’ve read online it’s actually rated pretty highly, but I’d rather hear from the people online.
Not going to comment on its relative strength, since my philosophy is not to care too much about that.
In terms of reactions, it's not going to happen that often. Stuff like Hellish Rebuke also doesn't happen every round, though since you're a front-line fighter, it'll happen fairly often. (But you'll run out of spells if you rebuke every time you get hit.)
The two actually synergize fairly well -- if they attack you, you can rebuke, and if they don't attack you, you can intercept. It's not going to be amazing, but it'll probably be fun.
Both Interception Fighting Sty;e, and Hellish Rebuke take a Reaction so while having many such actions with different triggers opens up more possibilities to use your Reaction, you are still limited to take one after which, you can’t take another one until the start of your next turn. The feat doesn't rely on a ressource though so it can be used at-will making it even more useful
Interesting…
I am a little worried about having to be tight next to someone for it to work though. Isn’t it risky grouping up most of the time due to group/line/cone attacks/spells?
Also, if I do go interception anyway, should i stay away from war caster since it requires a reaction for part of its’ function to work, or should I just view that as another opportunity to use my reaction?
Depends on the circumstances. It can be. On the other hand, you don't usually get to pick your fights.
Also, while it increases your vulnerability to spell-type-effects, fighting side-by-side reduces your vulnerability in other ways. It makes it harder to get overrun. (A particular threat to blade warlocks, who are not tanky in the least.) It allows for support abilities (such as interception) to come into play. And so on. There's no single correct solution to all scenarios.
War caster's main benefits are the concentration and casting while armed. (And the stat)
The spell opportunity attack is not a new use of your reaction -- you already get attacks of opportunity.
Fundamentally, reactions are not like bonus actions. While you only get one per round, you can't count on getting to use any single reaction. More reactions is more options, but you're still going to go entire fights without having the chance to use any of them.
Ok, I guess I’ll go with Fey Touched and the Interception/Hellish Rebuke combo. Thanks!
Not sure if this works or not, but here’s what I have:
www.dndbeyond.com/sheet-pdfs/Actionsparda_138128127.pdf