Hey guys, I'm about to start a campaign with around 16 people (including dm) and the group I'm assigned to doesn't have a tank! This will be my first build in 5e so I'd like to try and push out of my comfort zone and try to tank. (I've mostly only ever done rogue or a special lore warden build I'm 3.5.) I'm extremely interested in a sword and board human fighter/paladin mc with fighter obviously being my main. Anyone have any advice on what I should be looking at?
Generally speaking, most people take Battlemaster as their archetype at 3rd, because Champion and Eldritch Knight are a bit underpowered (or at least difficult to optimize) and because BM has so many neat ways to contribute to combat. Keep in mind that "tanking" is somewhat difficult in 5e because you're not particularly 'sticky' (at least without Sentinel feat) and don't get much in the way of taunting-style options - but in tight corridors, a Fighter in full plate and a shield can hold the line really well. I'd still probably take Duelist over the other fighting styles, as you want to be threatening enough so enemies have a reason to prioritize you. Stick with Fighter until level 5 so you get your extra attack ASAP and you'll be rockin'. Action Surge is the bee's knees.
Variant Human for Heavy Armor Master. Heavy armor, shield, Defense, and a one-handed weapon. AC ranges from 19 to 21 and you still have a decent damage output. Champion nets you (in order) crit on a 19, Remarkable Athlete (not very impressive), a second Fighting Style (Dueling for extra damage or Protection to make a nuisance of yourself), crit on an 18, and Survivor (limited regeneration). The most durable build possible at 1st level, because barbarians have lower AC and need to rest.
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"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
If you're looking to Tank as a Fighter, may I direct your attention to the Cavalier martial archetype? Despite its history, the 5E Cavalier works perfectly well without a mount, in fact there's only one ability that's mount-specific. All the good stuff works just fine when you're standing on your own two feet. I have a Goliath Cavalier that's currently at 14th level and he's a BEAST on the battlefield. Cavaliers are great at keeping the attention focused on them, and at keeping enemies locked down. You'll want to prioritize raising your Str and Con scores before taking feats, since those ability modifiers will determine how many times/LR you can use certain abilities. If not Cavalier, I would probably go Battle Master or maybe Eldritch Knight. Champion is fine but its abilties are basically just "I can Fighter a bit better". Battle Master gives you some tricks to control the battlefield, and thankfully your Superiority Dice recharge on a Short Rest. EKs use Int for their casting, but stuff like Shield, Misty Step etc. don't need a high Int to be useful. Green-Flame Blade gets a little more damage with a high Int, but Booming Blade doesn't care. If you plan to multiclass with Paladin(certainly viable, though the higher-level Cavalier abilities are AWESOME) and intend to go sword & board for your combat gear, any combination of Duelist, Defense and Protection is fine. I would take Protection only if you think you'll regularly have an ally fighting right next to you. As for Paladin Oaths, it's really hard for me not to recommend Oath Of The Ancients, their Aura is just too good. :)
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Hey guys, I'm about to start a campaign with around 16 people (including dm) and the group I'm assigned to doesn't have a tank! This will be my first build in 5e so I'd like to try and push out of my comfort zone and try to tank. (I've mostly only ever done rogue or a special lore warden build I'm 3.5.) I'm extremely interested in a sword and board human fighter/paladin mc with fighter obviously being my main. Anyone have any advice on what I should be looking at?
Here's hoping you meant 6 people!
Generally speaking, most people take Battlemaster as their archetype at 3rd, because Champion and Eldritch Knight are a bit underpowered (or at least difficult to optimize) and because BM has so many neat ways to contribute to combat. Keep in mind that "tanking" is somewhat difficult in 5e because you're not particularly 'sticky' (at least without Sentinel feat) and don't get much in the way of taunting-style options - but in tight corridors, a Fighter in full plate and a shield can hold the line really well. I'd still probably take Duelist over the other fighting styles, as you want to be threatening enough so enemies have a reason to prioritize you. Stick with Fighter until level 5 so you get your extra attack ASAP and you'll be rockin'. Action Surge is the bee's knees.
Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile.
Variant Human for Heavy Armor Master. Heavy armor, shield, Defense, and a one-handed weapon. AC ranges from 19 to 21 and you still have a decent damage output. Champion nets you (in order) crit on a 19, Remarkable Athlete (not very impressive), a second Fighting Style (Dueling for extra damage or Protection to make a nuisance of yourself), crit on an 18, and Survivor (limited regeneration). The most durable build possible at 1st level, because barbarians have lower AC and need to rest.
"Any society that would give up a little liberty to gain a little security will deserve neither and lose both" -- allegedly Benjamin Franklin
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I’d say play a warforge for some built in armor
If you're looking to Tank as a Fighter, may I direct your attention to the Cavalier martial archetype? Despite its history, the 5E Cavalier works perfectly well without a mount, in fact there's only one ability that's mount-specific. All the good stuff works just fine when you're standing on your own two feet. I have a Goliath Cavalier that's currently at 14th level and he's a BEAST on the battlefield. Cavaliers are great at keeping the attention focused on them, and at keeping enemies locked down. You'll want to prioritize raising your Str and Con scores before taking feats, since those ability modifiers will determine how many times/LR you can use certain abilities. If not Cavalier, I would probably go Battle Master or maybe Eldritch Knight. Champion is fine but its abilties are basically just "I can Fighter a bit better". Battle Master gives you some tricks to control the battlefield, and thankfully your Superiority Dice recharge on a Short Rest. EKs use Int for their casting, but stuff like Shield, Misty Step etc. don't need a high Int to be useful. Green-Flame Blade gets a little more damage with a high Int, but Booming Blade doesn't care. If you plan to multiclass with Paladin(certainly viable, though the higher-level Cavalier abilities are AWESOME) and intend to go sword & board for your combat gear, any combination of Duelist, Defense and Protection is fine. I would take Protection only if you think you'll regularly have an ally fighting right next to you. As for Paladin Oaths, it's really hard for me not to recommend Oath Of The Ancients, their Aura is just too good. :)