I am looking to create a character that can stand in the front of the group at melee range and survive, yet also pack a punch both in melee and at range. Absolutely critical however is that the character also be capable of 'in combat' healing preferably while also attacking. I would intend to take the feats Close Quarters Shooter and War Caster soonest. I am much enamoured by the Pack of the Tome combined with Book of Ancient Secrets so as to get maximum out of combat utility with cantrips and ritual spells.
The critical question is armor class. At this point my plan, such as it is, is to take level one as a fighter with defense as a fighting style and enough strength to wear chainmail, for a starting AC at level one of 19. This would not incidentally also give me proficiency with constitution saving throws. The question is whether such a one level dip in the beginning in fighter is the best course to a high AC.
The ranged healing is crucial. The damage output of the character would be with Eldritch Blast, 'not' melee weaponry. An aside consideration is that our GM is giving us a free feat at start and another at level ten, so I can have Close Quarters Shooter and War Caster by level five, and probably picking up Resilient (+1 Dexterity) at level nine, before maxing my charisma.
Bookworm, martial artist, repentant psychic, dried out drug addict, paramedic, pseudo-apostate libertarian, debater, knife maker, SCA basher, professional gamer, speculator, pornographer, and nascent social commentator. ...and I want an uncomplicated life.
Hmm. If your party is lacking a good tank, it might not be a bad idea to go full paladin. Just an alternative option, certainly not required.
On that note though paladin is not a bad alternative to fighter for a dip, 2 levels gets you armor, spellcasting (including cure wounds), a fighting style, smites, and lay on hands to heal up to 10 HP a day (in terms of tanking, not as useful as a fighter's second wind, especially with many short rests).
A second level fighter gets you action surge (spellcasters love it).
Life domain cleric will also get you armor and more healing spells and slots. Channel divinity preserve life, at level 2, is a free healing word for low health allies.
A warlock with armor of shadows invocation can cast mage armor once a day for free. You could also just get the medium armor feat, if you are starting at level 4 with a bonus feat, you could have 2.
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I am looking to create a character that can stand in the front of the group at melee range and survive, yet also pack a punch both in melee and at range. Absolutely critical however is that the character also be capable of 'in combat' healing preferably while also attacking. I would intend to take the feats Close Quarters Shooter and War Caster soonest. I am much enamoured by the Pack of the Tome combined with Book of Ancient Secrets so as to get maximum out of combat utility with cantrips and ritual spells.
The critical question is armor class. At this point my plan, such as it is, is to take level one as a fighter with defense as a fighting style and enough strength to wear chainmail, for a starting AC at level one of 19. This would not incidentally also give me proficiency with constitution saving throws. The question is whether such a one level dip in the beginning in fighter is the best course to a high AC.
The ranged healing is crucial. The damage output of the character would be with Eldritch Blast, 'not' melee weaponry. An aside consideration is that our GM is giving us a free feat at start and another at level ten, so I can have Close Quarters Shooter and War Caster by level five, and probably picking up Resilient (+1 Dexterity) at level nine, before maxing my charisma.
A tentative character sheet: https://www.dndbeyond.com/profile/Panpiper/characters/6607942
Any advice or feedback?
Bookworm, martial artist, repentant psychic, dried out drug addict, paramedic, pseudo-apostate libertarian, debater, knife maker, SCA basher, professional gamer, speculator, pornographer, and nascent social commentator. ...and I want an uncomplicated life.
Hmm. If your party is lacking a good tank, it might not be a bad idea to go full paladin. Just an alternative option, certainly not required.
On that note though paladin is not a bad alternative to fighter for a dip, 2 levels gets you armor, spellcasting (including cure wounds), a fighting style, smites, and lay on hands to heal up to 10 HP a day (in terms of tanking, not as useful as a fighter's second wind, especially with many short rests).
A second level fighter gets you action surge (spellcasters love it).
Life domain cleric will also get you armor and more healing spells and slots. Channel divinity preserve life, at level 2, is a free healing word for low health allies.
A warlock with armor of shadows invocation can cast mage armor once a day for free. You could also just get the medium armor feat, if you are starting at level 4 with a bonus feat, you could have 2.