Basic Concept: Stack a high level Shadow Blade and Divine Smites on as many auto crit attacks as possible. Lore Bard provides shadow blade through a magical secret and boosts initiative with jack-of-all-trades. Half-Orc Savage Critical and Dread Ambusher add on even more damage die. Gloomstalker and Echo Knight lead to a lot of attacks while leaving room for a decent amount of spell slots.
The Routine: Infiltrate with your Echo. It's an at-will, limitless resource so always having one around before combat is not hard. Bonus Action 5th level Shadowblade, then attack, action surge and attack again. Use up both Unleash Incarnate charges for a total of 8 attacks.
Attack 1: 106.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Sneak Attack 2d6 4d6 14
Attack 2: 92.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Attack 3: 101.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Dread Ambusher 1d8 2d8 9
Attack 4: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 5: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 6: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 7: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (2nd) 3d8 6d8 27
Dread Ambusher 1d8 2d8 9
Attack 8: 74.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (2nd) 3d8 6d8 27
Total Damage: 709
Obviously this is assuming all of the attack hits, so realistically damage will be more in the 400-600 range. It also takes up a metric ton of resources to pull off the full nova (but whatever that's a classic nova thing anyways). And I'm not going to kid myself like this is some new idea or even the highest number you can get.
What I focused on besides damage is creating a build that's actually a satisfying play experience. This build manages to have a good basic routine and a bunch of out of combat utility while still being able to melt face in one truly absurd turn. It plays out just fine all the way from tier 1 since going gloomstalker 5 into assassin 3/ echo knight 3 is a very competent base. Plus you can pretend like you're stannis baratheon's demonic shadow baby.
Basic Concept: Stack a high level Shadow Blade and Divine Smites on as many auto crit attacks as possible. Lore Bard provides shadow blade through a magical secret and boosts initiative with jack-of-all-trades. Half-Orc Savage Critical and Dread Ambusher add on even more damage die. Gloomstalker and Echo Knight lead to a lot of attacks while leaving room for a decent amount of spell slots.
The Routine: Infiltrate with your Echo. It's an at-will, limitless resource so always having one around before combat is not hard. Bonus Action 5th level Shadowblade, then attack, action surge and attack again. Use up both Unleash Incarnate charges for a total of 8 attacks.
Attack 1: 106.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Sneak Attack 2d6 4d6 14
Attack 2: 92.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Attack 3: 101.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Dread Ambusher 1d8 2d8 9
Attack 4: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 5: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 6: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 7: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (2nd) 3d8 6d8 27
Dread Ambusher 1d8 2d8 9
Attack 8: 74.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (2nd) 3d8 6d8 27
Total Damage: 709
Obviously this is assuming all of the attack hits, so realistically damage will be more in the 400-600 range. It also takes up a metric ton of resources to pull off the full nova (but whatever that's a classic nova thing anyways). And I'm not going to kid myself like this is some new idea or even the highest number you can get.
What I focused on besides damage is creating a build that's actually a satisfying play experience. This build manages to have a good basic routine and a bunch of out of combat utility while still being able to melt face in one truly absurd turn. It plays out just fine all the way from tier 1 since going gloomstalker 5 into assassin 3/ echo knight 3 is a very competent base. Plus you can pretend like you're stannis baratheon's demonic shadow baby.
Another very cool build, but the one thing that bugs me theme wise is the Lore Bard. All the other classes fit a theme of a badass shadow slipping bounty hunter. Heck even the Paladin fits if you are working for a church to hunt evil. But the Lore Bard just seems a little wonky. I would probably give up Jack of all Trades and go Shadow Sorcerer instead. The Shadow Sorcerer's Darkness spell cast with sorcery points combined with the Gloomstalkers Umbral Sight makes night time infiltration childs play.
Overall I think a Shadow Sorcerer fits the theme of this character a little better than a Lore Bard. I know this is silly but if I can help it I want my theory crafted characters to make sense roleplay wise as well lol.
That's totally fair TheLonelyMagi. I absolutely had my mechanics glasses on when choosing Lore Bard. I was very focused on maximizing Initiative since I have absolutely no faith in Assassination as an ability (it's fun to use in these theory builds but I think it's really mediocre in actual play). That being said, I tend to think of Lore Bard as a very mutable class flavor-wise. Like the Paladin and Bard levels could be thought of as one grouping, where the Shadow joins a faith-militant group full of holy crusader-scholars that research the evils they hunt. Like if the Watchers in Buffy didn't rely on Slayers to do their fighting and took care of the hunting themselves. So Lore Bard doesn't end up bothering me when it comes to character concept, but I do agree Shadow Sorcerer makes for an extremely satisfying fit.
My take would be you have this person who is obviously very good at making death happen...they study for years to train how to kill someone quickly, quietly, and efficiently. At some point they realize that life has more to offer than just the death they can so easily bring. They pick up a lute...at first its just as a guise on a job but they like the feel of it in their hand and continue to play after the job is done. Soon they find power in the songs they create....it helps them on jobs of course but it also stirs feelings of joy, hope, and regret depending on what songs they play. Soon they find the easiest way to bring out these deep seeded feelings is through the songs they learn...its the only way they feel they can connect with people anymore.
Love it Optimus. Reminds me a lot of the show Barry on HBO with Bill Hader. It's about a hitman that stumbles into an acting class when he's on the job and he discovers he loves it. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend. It's hilarious.
If so, anything with a nice DM and a vorpal sword or a nine lives stealer
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Epic Boons make this a little too easy for my tastes. I don't even like to consider magic items at all when theory crafting with the way 5e has decided to handle magic item distribution.
Honestly the most overpowered build is probably the Coffeelock. Infinite spell slots is cheesey as all hell and an easy way to win a bunch of power points. Plus it's built on the back of the well known sorlock which has more than enough going for it.
How about an assassin 12/ Champion 4/ Zealot 4? Take halfling and lucky and that 3 per advantage as a feat and you auto crit round one, then you get brutal critical+Sneak attack. Then after that Zealot advantage+luck racial+lucky feat= 25% crit and sneak attack (6d6) and brutal critical (if crit [1d6])
Or use Shawn from TTC's Arcane archer
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
How about an assassin 12/ Champion 4/ Zealot 4? Take halfling and lucky and that 3 per advantage as a feat and you auto crit round one, then you get brutal critical+Sneak attack. Then after that Zealot advantage+luck racial+lucky feat= 25% crit and sneak attack (6d6) and brutal critical (if crit [1d6])
Or use Shawn from TTC's Arcane archer
3 per advantage feat? I hope you are not talking about Elven Accuracy. If you are I hope you are not suggesting a Halfling try and take it lol.
Yeah elven accuracy and halfling do not mix. Furthermore, Elven Accuracy doesn't work on strength based attacks and Reckless Attack only works on strength based attacks. Zealot 4 isn't enough to get brutal critical either. I would also definitely make sure to get extra attack on this build if so many levels are going to be spent on non Assassin things. Only 1 level away from getting it from either champion or zealot feels like a wasted opportunity.
Even then, this just isn't the way to get the most out of Assassin. It's a nova inclined subclass, and nothing does nova better than smite-stacking. Well maybe magic missile shenanigans, but that's a different build entirely. This approach has more sustain thanks to reckless attack + sneak attack synergies and the bulkiness of rage so I would lean more heavily into that. Personally I would build the general concept more like this:
Less sneak attack dice or other extra damage dice and an at-will source of advantage in Reckless Attacks means Assassinate loses a lot of value as an ability. I've gone with Scout to boost mobility even more and paired it with Totem Warrior because their sixth level abilities are exploration focused. Also Totem Warrior provides that juicy bear totem and leans into the sustain of the build rather than the burst damage.
I have a blast making stereotypical warlocks. Just use eldritch blast and you win at everything
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Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Sorlocks are fun. I wouldn't allow it at any table, but you can make a coffeelock with them and that's that.
Oh I wouldn't either. Or any sane DM. But this is already a theorycrafting space where stuff like drinking a vial of acid as a free action to then cast a super high level absorb elements is being thrown around. So might as well embrace the cheese and talk about the builds that are technically the most powerful no matter how improbable they are to be allowed at a table. In this world, I think the Coffeelock takes the crown.
Sorlocks are fun. I wouldn't allow it at any table, but you can make a coffeelock with them and that's that.
To be honest I feel sorlocks are strong but not to the point where they are overpowered. Think about what you need to even start being a sorlock: at least 2 Sorcerer 2 Warlock. That already sets your spell progression back by 2 levels. Also I've found that just having time sensitive matters like the person you are meant to rescue are scheduled to be sacrificed at a specific time means that a group will have to balance short rests with potentially showing up too late to save the day.
If sorlocks are still a problem a simple houserule that says warlocks spellslots can only be used for warlock specific abilities or general spellcasting should do the trick. Obviously make this houserule clear before anybody even decides to play a sorlock.
I just feel that you either allow multiclassing or you don't. If you do, banning certain combinations just seems like bad form.
Sorlocks are fun. I wouldn't allow it at any table, but you can make a coffeelock with them and that's that.
To be honest I feel sorlocks are strong but not to the point where they are overpowered. Think about what you need to even start being a sorlock: at least 2 Sorcerer 2 Warlock. That already sets your spell progression back by 2 levels. Also I've found that just having time sensitive matters like the person you are meant to rescue are scheduled to be sacrificed at a specific time means that a group will have to balance short rests with potentially showing up too late to save the day.
If sorlocks are still a problem a simple houserule that says warlocks spellslots can only be used for warlock specific abilities or general spellcasting should do the trick. Obviously make this houserule clear before anybody even decides to play a sorlock.
I just feel that you either allow multiclassing or you don't. If you do, banning certain combinations just seems like bad form.
Can't speak for Blagden but I for one was only talking about the Coffeelock build when talking about stuff I wouldn't allow at the table. Not sorlocks as a whole.
Thats the issue though. If you don't lay down the rules at the start then any Sorcerer x / Warlock 2 build could decide to become a coffeelock. My argument is that ground rules should be made clear at the start and if people are ok with trying to play a coffeelock with those restrictions then they should be able to. Outright not allowing just 1 specific multiclass could snowball into more in the future when the players start to get "creative" lol.
Well of course ThelonelyMagi. I didn't think it was necessary to go into the details. Always set campaign expectations at session 0, or before even, if there is a bunch of talk and planning before people can come together.
Not allowing Coffeelock shenanigans is not the same as not allowing an entire multiclass. I have absolutely no qualms with sorlocks that aren't trying to abuse the rest rules to the extent of getting infinite spell slots.
Thats the issue though. If you don't lay down the rules at the start then any Sorcerer x / Warlock 2 build could decide to become a coffeelock. My argument is that ground rules should be made clear at the start and if people are ok with trying to play a coffeelock with those restrictions then they should be able to. Outright not allowing just 1 specific multiclass could snowball into more in the future when the players start to get "creative" lol.
Coffeelock needs the invocation that allows them to stay up all night right? So you need at least 3 levels warlock as that's locked behind Tome Pact.
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Alright here's a build I was tinkering with in the wee hours of the night:
Basic Concept: Stack a high level Shadow Blade and Divine Smites on as many auto crit attacks as possible. Lore Bard provides shadow blade through a magical secret and boosts initiative with jack-of-all-trades. Half-Orc Savage Critical and Dread Ambusher add on even more damage die. Gloomstalker and Echo Knight lead to a lot of attacks while leaving room for a decent amount of spell slots.
The Routine: Infiltrate with your Echo. It's an at-will, limitless resource so always having one around before combat is not hard. Bonus Action 5th level Shadowblade, then attack, action surge and attack again. Use up both Unleash Incarnate charges for a total of 8 attacks.
Attack 1: 106.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Sneak Attack 2d6 4d6 14
Attack 2: 92.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Attack 3: 101.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (4th) 5d8 10d8 45
Dread Ambusher 1d8 2d8 9
Attack 4: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 5: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 6: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (3rd) 4d8 8d8 36
Attack 7: 83.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (2nd) 3d8 6d8 27
Dread Ambusher 1d8 2d8 9
Attack 8: 74.5 damage
Damage Critical Damage Average Critical Damage
Shadow Blade (5th) 4d8 + 7 8d8 + 7 43
Savage Critical 1d8 1d8 4.5
Divine Smite (2nd) 3d8 6d8 27
Total Damage: 709
Obviously this is assuming all of the attack hits, so realistically damage will be more in the 400-600 range. It also takes up a metric ton of resources to pull off the full nova (but whatever that's a classic nova thing anyways). And I'm not going to kid myself like this is some new idea or even the highest number you can get.
What I focused on besides damage is creating a build that's actually a satisfying play experience. This build manages to have a good basic routine and a bunch of out of combat utility while still being able to melt face in one truly absurd turn. It plays out just fine all the way from tier 1 since going gloomstalker 5 into assassin 3/ echo knight 3 is a very competent base. Plus you can pretend like you're stannis baratheon's demonic shadow baby.
Another very cool build, but the one thing that bugs me theme wise is the Lore Bard. All the other classes fit a theme of a badass shadow slipping bounty hunter. Heck even the Paladin fits if you are working for a church to hunt evil. But the Lore Bard just seems a little wonky. I would probably give up Jack of all Trades and go Shadow Sorcerer instead. The Shadow Sorcerer's Darkness spell cast with sorcery points combined with the Gloomstalkers Umbral Sight makes night time infiltration childs play.
Overall I think a Shadow Sorcerer fits the theme of this character a little better than a Lore Bard. I know this is silly but if I can help it I want my theory crafted characters to make sense roleplay wise as well lol.
Thanks!
That's totally fair TheLonelyMagi. I absolutely had my mechanics glasses on when choosing Lore Bard. I was very focused on maximizing Initiative since I have absolutely no faith in Assassination as an ability (it's fun to use in these theory builds but I think it's really mediocre in actual play). That being said, I tend to think of Lore Bard as a very mutable class flavor-wise. Like the Paladin and Bard levels could be thought of as one grouping, where the Shadow joins a faith-militant group full of holy crusader-scholars that research the evils they hunt. Like if the Watchers in Buffy didn't rely on Slayers to do their fighting and took care of the hunting themselves. So Lore Bard doesn't end up bothering me when it comes to character concept, but I do agree Shadow Sorcerer makes for an extremely satisfying fit.
My take would be you have this person who is obviously very good at making death happen...they study for years to train how to kill someone quickly, quietly, and efficiently. At some point they realize that life has more to offer than just the death they can so easily bring. They pick up a lute...at first its just as a guise on a job but they like the feel of it in their hand and continue to play after the job is done. Soon they find power in the songs they create....it helps them on jobs of course but it also stirs feelings of joy, hope, and regret depending on what songs they play. Soon they find the easiest way to bring out these deep seeded feelings is through the songs they learn...its the only way they feel they can connect with people anymore.
Love it Optimus. Reminds me a lot of the show Barry on HBO with Bill Hader. It's about a hitman that stumbles into an acting class when he's on the job and he discovers he loves it. If you haven't seen it I highly recommend. It's hilarious.
Can we use epic boons here?
If so, anything with a nice DM and a vorpal sword or a nine lives stealer
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
Epic Boons make this a little too easy for my tastes. I don't even like to consider magic items at all when theory crafting with the way 5e has decided to handle magic item distribution.
Honestly the most overpowered build is probably the Coffeelock. Infinite spell slots is cheesey as all hell and an easy way to win a bunch of power points. Plus it's built on the back of the well known sorlock which has more than enough going for it.
How about an assassin 12/ Champion 4/ Zealot 4? Take halfling and lucky and that 3 per advantage as a feat and you auto crit round one, then you get brutal critical+Sneak attack. Then after that Zealot advantage+luck racial+lucky feat= 25% crit and sneak attack (6d6) and brutal critical (if crit [1d6])
Or use Shawn from TTC's Arcane archer
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
3 per advantage feat? I hope you are not talking about Elven Accuracy. If you are I hope you are not suggesting a Halfling try and take it lol.
Yeah elven accuracy and halfling do not mix. Furthermore, Elven Accuracy doesn't work on strength based attacks and Reckless Attack only works on strength based attacks. Zealot 4 isn't enough to get brutal critical either. I would also definitely make sure to get extra attack on this build if so many levels are going to be spent on non Assassin things. Only 1 level away from getting it from either champion or zealot feels like a wasted opportunity.
Even then, this just isn't the way to get the most out of Assassin. It's a nova inclined subclass, and nothing does nova better than smite-stacking. Well maybe magic missile shenanigans, but that's a different build entirely. This approach has more sustain thanks to reckless attack + sneak attack synergies and the bulkiness of rage so I would lean more heavily into that. Personally I would build the general concept more like this:
Barbarian (Totem Warrior) 6/ Fighter (Champion) 4/ Rogue (Scout) 10
Less sneak attack dice or other extra damage dice and an at-will source of advantage in Reckless Attacks means Assassinate loses a lot of value as an ability. I've gone with Scout to boost mobility even more and paired it with Totem Warrior because their sixth level abilities are exploration focused. Also Totem Warrior provides that juicy bear totem and leans into the sustain of the build rather than the burst damage.
Sorlocks are fun. I wouldn't allow it at any table, but you can make a coffeelock with them and that's that.
I have a blast making stereotypical warlocks. Just use eldritch blast and you win at everything
Helper of Create a World thread/Sedge is Chaotic Neutral/ Mega Yahtzee High: 34, Low: 14/I speak English, je me parle le Francais, agus Labhraim beagan Gaeilge
Dream of Days Lore Bard 9/Wizard 4 Baulder's Gate: Descent to Avernus (In Person/Over Zoom)
Saleadon Morgul Battle Smith Artificer 11 Tyranny of Dragons (In Person/Over Zoom)
Hurtharn Serpti Ghostslayer Blood Hunter 7 Spelljammer (Over Zoom)
Ex Sig
Oh I wouldn't either. Or any sane DM. But this is already a theorycrafting space where stuff like drinking a vial of acid as a free action to then cast a super high level absorb elements is being thrown around. So might as well embrace the cheese and talk about the builds that are technically the most powerful no matter how improbable they are to be allowed at a table. In this world, I think the Coffeelock takes the crown.
To be honest I feel sorlocks are strong but not to the point where they are overpowered. Think about what you need to even start being a sorlock: at least 2 Sorcerer 2 Warlock. That already sets your spell progression back by 2 levels. Also I've found that just having time sensitive matters like the person you are meant to rescue are scheduled to be sacrificed at a specific time means that a group will have to balance short rests with potentially showing up too late to save the day.
If sorlocks are still a problem a simple houserule that says warlocks spellslots can only be used for warlock specific abilities or general spellcasting should do the trick. Obviously make this houserule clear before anybody even decides to play a sorlock.
I just feel that you either allow multiclassing or you don't. If you do, banning certain combinations just seems like bad form.
They get very good at later levels but it takes about 8 levels to get online at all.
Can't speak for Blagden but I for one was only talking about the Coffeelock build when talking about stuff I wouldn't allow at the table. Not sorlocks as a whole.
Thats the issue though. If you don't lay down the rules at the start then any Sorcerer x / Warlock 2 build could decide to become a coffeelock. My argument is that ground rules should be made clear at the start and if people are ok with trying to play a coffeelock with those restrictions then they should be able to. Outright not allowing just 1 specific multiclass could snowball into more in the future when the players start to get "creative" lol.
Well of course ThelonelyMagi. I didn't think it was necessary to go into the details. Always set campaign expectations at session 0, or before even, if there is a bunch of talk and planning before people can come together.
Not allowing Coffeelock shenanigans is not the same as not allowing an entire multiclass. I have absolutely no qualms with sorlocks that aren't trying to abuse the rest rules to the extent of getting infinite spell slots.
Coffeelock needs the invocation that allows them to stay up all night right? So you need at least 3 levels warlock as that's locked behind Tome Pact.