Firstly, I need some help putting together a 3rd to 4th level Blood Hunter for an ongoing 'CurseofStrahd' campaign, and beyond figuring that the Haunted One background looks pretty thematically appropriate, I'm afraid I don't really have a feel for how it goes together otherwise. It just feels rather Multi-Ability Score Dependent and I'm not sure why I wouldn't go for a Ranger / Warlock, or Ranger / Rogue, over it. I'm sure it's just one of those things where I might need to see it in play to truly understand it, but I wondered if the community could offer some suggestions and build customization advice for starting out and where I might look to go. One thing I'm especially unsure of is which Order is best for someone that has a grudge against Vampires? Also, the default Blood Hunter art looks to be a human or half-elf, but the half-elf's charisma bonus seems to buff the dump stat for the class. Is there a better choice?
What I'm currently figuring
– If you could offer your own ideas within the constraint of the Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8 for ability scores) that would help me on prioritizing a bit –
To me: Strength or Dexterity for attacks and I'm thinking Strength for both Melee and carrying capacity, though as they are a default medium armor class I definitely appreciate going for finesse and ranged. Secondary Intelligence and maybe Constitution right behind it, because blood curses and the crimson rite seem like defining features. Next, Wisdom, because they are trackers (see Hunter's Bane) who gain advantage on Survival and Intelligence checks against their foe (plus, Perception and Insight are nice). Next to last, either Dexterity for Strength Builds or Strength for Dexterity builds, and put the 8 in Charisma. So I imagine Strength 15, Dexterity 10, Constitution 13, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 12, Charisma 8.
And honestly? That's as far as I've gotten. I have a real distrust that my own reasoning above is solid the way I feel. I like the idea of the class but the mechanics in comparison to other classes that attract me are elusive. I have a lot of second guessing with this, though the Ghost Hunter is feeling more like the Order I'd go with. Recommendations on Feats, Races, Ability score Progression from adjustments by level, all of it is very much appreciated.
Quick Edit: Where would most place the priority on Blood Curses in progression? I chose Blood Curse of the Marked for my first choice in the character builder, but I honestly couldn't say there wasn't a better option.
I mean it should go without saying that Ghostslayer would fit an undead campaign. They get an Esoteric rite at level 3 (normally at level 14) that does RADIANT damage (and offers other buffs too including NECROTIC RESISTANCE!!). Also their curses now affect bloodless monsters (ZOMBIES!). You get an extra curse that punishes any creature that tries to posses anyone of your teammates and Rite of Revival is great if you make it to 18. The only thing I don't like compared to the old version is that ethereal step got nerfed - they removed an ability that gave you an extra (3rd) attack. I also don't like that he removed the free darkvision & extra movement in darkness that was given at level 10)
You can definitely use any class, Lycan is a sick Striker class. Very mobile but not so sturdy. Mutant sounds really cool and if you can micromanage all of the strengths and weaknesses then you're golden. Supposedly Profane soul is one of the stronger ones in general (at least in the previous version) but as a primary warlock player I haven't had an interest in the redundancy.
In general, Blood hunters would be fantastic for this campaign and a class I would most likely play if I ever played Strahd and their brand of castigation is almost broken considering Strahd's tactic of appearing and vanishing (Your DM might now even allow it)
If you go Stength, I would recommend taking 12 Dex at the minimum, 14 if youre able to, in order to utilize your medium armor bonus. (there's a feat with a revanant 2 bladed scimitar that let's you use the scimitar with finesse instead among a few other bonuses.. There's some lore involved and pretty much Valenar elf - based that get it as a starting proficiency (but not the feat). if you have an ASI to spare or can create a backstory involving your Vhuman to be raised by elves you may be able to take it.
I mean it should go without saying that Ghostslayer would fit an undead campaign. They get an Esoteric rite at level 3 (normally at level 14) that does RADIANT damage (and offers other buffs too including NECROTIC RESISTANCE!!). Also their curses now affect bloodless monsters (ZOMBIES!). You get an extra curse that punishes any creature that tries to posses anyone of your teammates and Rite of Revival is great if you make it to 18. The only thing I don't like compared to the old version is that ethereal step got nerfed - they removed an ability that gave you an extra (3rd) attack. I also don't like that he removed the free darkvision & extra movement in darkness that was given at level 10)
You can definitely use any class, Lycan is a sick Striker class. Very mobile but not so sturdy. Mutant sounds really cool and if you can micromanage all of the strengths and weaknesses then you're golden. Supposedly Profane soul is one of the stronger ones in general (at least in the previous version) but as a primary warlock player I haven't had an interest in the redundancy.
In general, Blood hunters would be fantastic for this campaign and a class I would most likely play if I ever played Strahd and their brand of castigation is almost broken considering Strahd's tactic of appearing and vanishing (Your DM might now even allow it)
If you go Stength, I would recommend taking 12 Dex at the minimum, 14 if youre able to, in order to utilize your medium armor bonus. (there's a feat with a revanant 2 bladed scimitar that let's you use the scimitar with finesse instead among a few other bonuses.. There's some lore involved and pretty much Valenar elf - based that get it as a starting proficiency (but not the feat). if you have an ASI to spare or can create a backstory involving your Vhuman to be raised by elves you may be able to take it.
Yeah, I was considering switching priority between Wisdom and the secondary attack stat, though I'm now leaning Dexterity for finesse and ranged (I keep switching every 10 minutes). Interesting with the double bladed scimitar, though I'm not sure if I lean towards two-handed or dueling (either way it'd be some kind of scimitar). It feels more and more like survival might be a skill and benefit to just pass on. I'll take a look at the Valenar Elf and compare that with Human or Variant Human. Thanks!
I mean it should go without saying that Ghostslayer would fit an undead campaign. They get an Esoteric rite at level 3 (normally at level 14) that does RADIANT damage (and offers other buffs too including NECROTIC RESISTANCE!!). Also their curses now affect bloodless monsters (ZOMBIES!). You get an extra curse that punishes any creature that tries to posses anyone of your teammates and Rite of Revival is great if you make it to 18. The only thing I don't like compared to the old version is that ethereal step got nerfed - they removed an ability that gave you an extra (3rd) attack. I also don't like that he removed the free darkvision & extra movement in darkness that was given at level 10)
You can definitely use any class, Lycan is a sick Striker class. Very mobile but not so sturdy. Mutant sounds really cool and if you can micromanage all of the strengths and weaknesses then you're golden. Supposedly Profane soul is one of the stronger ones in general (at least in the previous version) but as a primary warlock player I haven't had an interest in the redundancy.
In general, Blood hunters would be fantastic for this campaign and a class I would most likely play if I ever played Strahd and their brand of castigation is almost broken considering Strahd's tactic of appearing and vanishing (Your DM might now even allow it)
If you go Stength, I would recommend taking 12 Dex at the minimum, 14 if youre able to, in order to utilize your medium armor bonus. (there's a feat with a revanant 2 bladed scimitar that let's you use the scimitar with finesse instead among a few other bonuses.. There's some lore involved and pretty much Valenar elf - based that get it as a starting proficiency (but not the feat). if you have an ASI to spare or can create a backstory involving your Vhuman to be raised by elves you may be able to take it.
Yeah, I was considering switching priority between Wisdom and the secondary attack stat, though I'm now leaning Dexterity for finesse and ranged (I keep switching every 10 minutes). Interesting with the double bladed scimitar, though I'm not sure if I lean towards two-handed or dueling (either way it'd be some kind of scimitar). It feels more and more like survival might be a skill and benefit to just pass on. I'll take a look at the Valenar Elf and compare that with Human or Variant Human. Thanks!
Talk to your DM about what weapons are available in the campaign. The only good weapons with finesse are the Shortsword (d6) and the rapier (d8). Strength has longsword (d8/d10). Quarterstaves (d6/d10). All the 2 handed weapons, etc... a lot more versatile, especially with any weapons found.
I personally like the double sided scimitar (AND revenant feat) approach because since you would be wearing medium armor DEX shouldn't be a dump stat. a bare min of 12. It allows you to use a 2 handed (but you can hold it in one hand in regards to interacting with things/casting spells.. only 2 handed for attacking), it gives you 2d4 which is an interesting combo.. and if you take the 2 handed fighting style you'd be rerolling your damage die a LOT more often than you would for a 1d12 great axe (which may be good or bad). The feat ALSO gives you a +1 AC, AND a bonus action of 1d4 using the opposite end of the weapon (if you decide to go strength, you can also do this with the Polearm Master feat).
The only issue is that it's an investment. You'll need to use an ASI and personally I hate standard array so you'd be using ASIs more than point buy or rolling. or if you go Vhuman (AND get permission) it takes from taking a potentially better feat.. but it's good to always have an option for your Bonus Action too
High elves make sick blood hunters, as they get dex and int. A free spell and language is also good, especially as it gives you more attacking options.
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'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
One cool build that I have been tinkering with is using a variant human to get pole-arm master, and then taking sentinel at 4th level. This lets you get more attacks off and now that crimson right works a lot better with the pole-arm master feat it is a very high damage build.
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When the DM smiles, it is already to late.
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Firstly, I need some help putting together a 3rd to 4th level Blood Hunter for an ongoing 'Curse of Strahd' campaign, and beyond figuring that the Haunted One background looks pretty thematically appropriate, I'm afraid I don't really have a feel for how it goes together otherwise. It just feels rather Multi-Ability Score Dependent and I'm not sure why I wouldn't go for a Ranger / Warlock, or Ranger / Rogue, over it. I'm sure it's just one of those things where I might need to see it in play to truly understand it, but I wondered if the community could offer some suggestions and build customization advice for starting out and where I might look to go. One thing I'm especially unsure of is which Order is best for someone that has a grudge against Vampires? Also, the default Blood Hunter art looks to be a human or half-elf, but the half-elf's charisma bonus seems to buff the dump stat for the class. Is there a better choice?
What I'm currently figuring
– If you could offer your own ideas within the constraint of the Standard Array (15, 14, 13, 12, 10, and 8 for ability scores) that would help me on prioritizing a bit –
To me: Strength or Dexterity for attacks and I'm thinking Strength for both Melee and carrying capacity, though as they are a default medium armor class I definitely appreciate going for finesse and ranged. Secondary Intelligence and maybe Constitution right behind it, because blood curses and the crimson rite seem like defining features. Next, Wisdom, because they are trackers (see Hunter's Bane) who gain advantage on Survival and Intelligence checks against their foe (plus, Perception and Insight are nice). Next to last, either Dexterity for Strength Builds or Strength for Dexterity builds, and put the 8 in Charisma. So I imagine Strength 15, Dexterity 10, Constitution 13, Intelligence 14, Wisdom 12, Charisma 8.
And honestly? That's as far as I've gotten. I have a real distrust that my own reasoning above is solid the way I feel. I like the idea of the class but the mechanics in comparison to other classes that attract me are elusive. I have a lot of second guessing with this, though the Ghost Hunter is feeling more like the Order I'd go with. Recommendations on Feats, Races, Ability score Progression from adjustments by level, all of it is very much appreciated.
Quick Edit: Where would most place the priority on Blood Curses in progression? I chose Blood Curse of the Marked for my first choice in the character builder, but I honestly couldn't say there wasn't a better option.
I mean it should go without saying that Ghostslayer would fit an undead campaign. They get an Esoteric rite at level 3 (normally at level 14) that does RADIANT damage (and offers other buffs too including NECROTIC RESISTANCE!!). Also their curses now affect bloodless monsters (ZOMBIES!). You get an extra curse that punishes any creature that tries to posses anyone of your teammates and Rite of Revival is great if you make it to 18. The only thing I don't like compared to the old version is that ethereal step got nerfed - they removed an ability that gave you an extra (3rd) attack. I also don't like that he removed the free darkvision & extra movement in darkness that was given at level 10)
You can definitely use any class, Lycan is a sick Striker class. Very mobile but not so sturdy. Mutant sounds really cool and if you can micromanage all of the strengths and weaknesses then you're golden. Supposedly Profane soul is one of the stronger ones in general (at least in the previous version) but as a primary warlock player I haven't had an interest in the redundancy.
In general, Blood hunters would be fantastic for this campaign and a class I would most likely play if I ever played Strahd and their brand of castigation is almost broken considering Strahd's tactic of appearing and vanishing (Your DM might now even allow it)
If you go Stength, I would recommend taking 12 Dex at the minimum, 14 if youre able to, in order to utilize your medium armor bonus. (there's a feat with a revanant 2 bladed scimitar that let's you use the scimitar with finesse instead among a few other bonuses.. There's some lore involved and pretty much Valenar elf - based that get it as a starting proficiency (but not the feat). if you have an ASI to spare or can create a backstory involving your Vhuman to be raised by elves you may be able to take it.
Yeah, I was considering switching priority between Wisdom and the secondary attack stat, though I'm now leaning Dexterity for finesse and ranged (I keep switching every 10 minutes). Interesting with the double bladed scimitar, though I'm not sure if I lean towards two-handed or dueling (either way it'd be some kind of scimitar). It feels more and more like survival might be a skill and benefit to just pass on. I'll take a look at the Valenar Elf and compare that with Human or Variant Human. Thanks!
Talk to your DM about what weapons are available in the campaign. The only good weapons with finesse are the Shortsword (d6) and the rapier (d8). Strength has longsword (d8/d10). Quarterstaves (d6/d10). All the 2 handed weapons, etc... a lot more versatile, especially with any weapons found.
I personally like the double sided scimitar (AND revenant feat) approach because since you would be wearing medium armor DEX shouldn't be a dump stat. a bare min of 12. It allows you to use a 2 handed (but you can hold it in one hand in regards to interacting with things/casting spells.. only 2 handed for attacking), it gives you 2d4 which is an interesting combo.. and if you take the 2 handed fighting style you'd be rerolling your damage die a LOT more often than you would for a 1d12 great axe (which may be good or bad). The feat ALSO gives you a +1 AC, AND a bonus action of 1d4 using the opposite end of the weapon (if you decide to go strength, you can also do this with the Polearm Master feat).
The only issue is that it's an investment. You'll need to use an ASI and personally I hate standard array so you'd be using ASIs more than point buy or rolling. or if you go Vhuman (AND get permission) it takes from taking a potentially better feat.. but it's good to always have an option for your Bonus Action too
High elves make sick blood hunters, as they get dex and int. A free spell and language is also good, especially as it gives you more attacking options.
'The Cleverness of mushrooms always surprises me!' - Ivern Bramblefoot.
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One cool build that I have been tinkering with is using a variant human to get pole-arm master, and then taking sentinel at 4th level. This lets you get more attacks off and now that crimson right works a lot better with the pole-arm master feat it is a very high damage build.
When the DM smiles, it is already to late.