So I'm currently working on backup character ideas for one of my campaigns (but honestly i'm mostly just theorycrafting here) and one of my ideas is (as the title may suggest) a Barb+Warlock based pirate character. I think if built correctly, it could actually end up pretty strong, but in truth the idea is mostly for the flavor/theme, I'm not too worried about it being mechanically strong or OP. That being said, I'm trying to figure out what warlock patron would be best.
Build at lvl 20:
Warlock 12
Barbarian 8
OR
Warlock 12
Barbarian 6
Fighter 2
Which path I take will depend on whether or not I need/want the last ABI. It might seem kinda MAD but I'll be basing it with STR as I'm not too concerned about a super high CHA (outside of multiclassing requirements) as in combat I'll be leaning into the barbarian side and only really using spell slots for non-concentration spells like Armor of Agathys or extra damage via Eldritch Smite. I'm taking warlock to 12 for the third Patron feature, Mystic Arcanum (most likely Create Undead), and I might as well go to 12 for the ABI at that point. I will be taking Path of the Storm Herald for the barbarian archetype, and choosing Sea for the storm aura. If I dip into fighter at some point, it will just be for Great Weapon fighting style and Action surge.
Now, for the patron options. I'm caught between Kraken (UA) and Great Old One. I think they both work pretty well thematically but I'm having a bit of trouble deciding. Kraken is obviously a really strong thematic choice, but it's a bit more cliche whereas GoO is a bit more of a unique choice. Both of them are interesting to me though, so it comes down to the features granted by each...
LEVEL 1
Grasp of the Kraken
- Definitely interesting thematically and can help in combat, but not much roleplay potential.
- Based on Spell Save DC which will most likely not be very strong
- Does not need to recharge, but costs an action to use. Could be useful if I can't reach a target, or enemies are fleeing, though.
Awakened Mind
- Telepathy! Very fun and lots of roleplay potential, but not much use otherwise.
- Again, telepathy is cool
LEVEL 6
Inky Escape
- Really cool "Oh Sh**" button
- Takes damage to trigger
- Guarantees advantage on attacks my next turn
- Essentially a free disengage on my next turn
Entropic Ward
- Can avoid damage entirely
- Can grant advantage on attacks my next turn
- Not guaranteed
LEVEL 10
Scion of the Depths
- Somewhat niche
- Immunity to lightning damage is actually pretty nice, and returning damage is a cool bonus
- Water Breathing and Swim speed are a nice benefit as well, though only in certain situations
- Is essentially a better version of the level 6 Storm Soul feature from barbarian, and makes that feature useless :(
Thought Shield
- Also kind of niche
- Psychic resistance, and no chance to return damage
- Free ring of Mind Shielding, but not useful in most situations
Interested to hear your thoughts on the topic! What I'm seeing right now is that Kraken is mechanically stronger, though GoO is a bit more of an interesting/unique flavor (not to say that Kraken is thematically boring at all).
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Hey y'all!
So I'm currently working on backup character ideas for one of my campaigns (but honestly i'm mostly just theorycrafting here) and one of my ideas is (as the title may suggest) a Barb+Warlock based pirate character. I think if built correctly, it could actually end up pretty strong, but in truth the idea is mostly for the flavor/theme, I'm not too worried about it being mechanically strong or OP. That being said, I'm trying to figure out what warlock patron would be best.
Build at lvl 20:
Warlock 12
Barbarian 8
OR
Warlock 12
Barbarian 6
Fighter 2
Which path I take will depend on whether or not I need/want the last ABI. It might seem kinda MAD but I'll be basing it with STR as I'm not too concerned about a super high CHA (outside of multiclassing requirements) as in combat I'll be leaning into the barbarian side and only really using spell slots for non-concentration spells like Armor of Agathys or extra damage via Eldritch Smite. I'm taking warlock to 12 for the third Patron feature, Mystic Arcanum (most likely Create Undead), and I might as well go to 12 for the ABI at that point. I will be taking Path of the Storm Herald for the barbarian archetype, and choosing Sea for the storm aura. If I dip into fighter at some point, it will just be for Great Weapon fighting style and Action surge.
Now, for the patron options. I'm caught between Kraken (UA) and Great Old One. I think they both work pretty well thematically but I'm having a bit of trouble deciding. Kraken is obviously a really strong thematic choice, but it's a bit more cliche whereas GoO is a bit more of a unique choice. Both of them are interesting to me though, so it comes down to the features granted by each...
LEVEL 1
Grasp of the Kraken
- Definitely interesting thematically and can help in combat, but not much roleplay potential.
- Based on Spell Save DC which will most likely not be very strong
- Does not need to recharge, but costs an action to use. Could be useful if I can't reach a target, or enemies are fleeing, though.
Awakened Mind
- Telepathy! Very fun and lots of roleplay potential, but not much use otherwise.
- Again, telepathy is cool
LEVEL 6
Inky Escape
- Really cool "Oh Sh**" button
- Takes damage to trigger
- Guarantees advantage on attacks my next turn
- Essentially a free disengage on my next turn
Entropic Ward
- Can avoid damage entirely
- Can grant advantage on attacks my next turn
- Not guaranteed
LEVEL 10
Scion of the Depths
- Somewhat niche
- Immunity to lightning damage is actually pretty nice, and returning damage is a cool bonus
- Water Breathing and Swim speed are a nice benefit as well, though only in certain situations
- Is essentially a better version of the level 6 Storm Soul feature from barbarian, and makes that feature useless :(
Thought Shield
- Also kind of niche
- Psychic resistance, and no chance to return damage
- Free ring of Mind Shielding, but not useful in most situations
Interested to hear your thoughts on the topic! What I'm seeing right now is that Kraken is mechanically stronger, though GoO is a bit more of an interesting/unique flavor (not to say that Kraken is thematically boring at all).