So, I watched a video on Youtube earlier today detailing a Bladesinger build (well, technically Battlemaster/Bladesinger multiclass, but it was mostly the latter, so...), and the Youtuber recommended Gunner as the first feat. Something about mostly throwing Shadow Blade in melee without disadvantage IIRC. The Youtuber specifies that the proficiency in firearms part of the feat didn't matter, but it did get me thinking...
So, I guess that's what I'm here to ask: is a Wizard (let's say Bladesinger for argument's sake, unless you'd recommend another subclass) using the Gunner feat and taking advantage of that firearms proficiency a viable choice for a build? And if so, where would you go from there?
Also, I should mention that this is all purely theoretical and I don't plan to approach my DM with a character that uses guns -- at least, not at this very moment. But, even so, I'd love to hear all your thoughts.
The main problem with a firearm is that you need a free hand to reload it (same as a crossbow), so this would make things awkward for your spellcasting focus as a caster, depending upon how strict your DM is about it. Otherwise functionally they're fine for earlier levels, but as your cantrips level up a single firearm attack isn't going to be amazing.
If you want to be a wizard-ish gunslinger then an Artificer would be a lot more functional, as repeating shot lets you ignore ammunition and reloading, and on a Battle Smith you can even use Intelligence to attack with. Could still take levels in Wizard for the extra spells and abilities though?
Otherwise I'd think of it as more an alternative to cantrips at lower levels, and a backup weapon at higher levels, for when you run into an antimagic field or a thief has run off with your casting focus or whatever.
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EDIT: Alrighty, so I double checked and Gunner does ignore reloading but it says nothing about ammunition, so...yeah, I guess it depends on how the DM interprets the rules as written. Either way, thank you for your input Haravikk! :)
Not exactly, it lets you fire more than once per action (for if you have Extra Attack) but you still need a free hand to load the ammunition. So you ignore the loading property but not the ammunition property.
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Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
I would suggest Shadar Kai race for maneuverability and a 2 level start in artificer will open up the repeating shot infusion for the pistol, con save proficiency, as well as the mind sharpener. Then go bladesinger. Once you hit level 6, you can haste yourself for 3 shots, and have the comfort that your con saves and maneuverability will keep you from losing concentration.
One reason I'd be questioning a Wizard as Gunslinger is that if you're shooting your gun, you're not doing what your class is best at - casting spells. You're trading out strong spellcasting for weapon attacks which are less strong and don't synergize well with most of your kit.
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Greetings!
So, I watched a video on Youtube earlier today detailing a Bladesinger build (well, technically Battlemaster/Bladesinger multiclass, but it was mostly the latter, so...), and the Youtuber recommended Gunner as the first feat. Something about mostly throwing Shadow Blade in melee without disadvantage IIRC. The Youtuber specifies that the proficiency in firearms part of the feat didn't matter, but it did get me thinking...
So, I guess that's what I'm here to ask: is a Wizard (let's say Bladesinger for argument's sake, unless you'd recommend another subclass) using the Gunner feat and taking advantage of that firearms proficiency a viable choice for a build? And if so, where would you go from there?
Also, I should mention that this is all purely theoretical and I don't plan to approach my DM with a character that uses guns -- at least, not at this very moment. But, even so, I'd love to hear all your thoughts.
The main problem with a firearm is that you need a free hand to reload it (same as a crossbow), so this would make things awkward for your spellcasting focus as a caster, depending upon how strict your DM is about it. Otherwise functionally they're fine for earlier levels, but as your cantrips level up a single firearm attack isn't going to be amazing.
If you want to be a wizard-ish gunslinger then an Artificer would be a lot more functional, as repeating shot lets you ignore ammunition and reloading, and on a Battle Smith you can even use Intelligence to attack with. Could still take levels in Wizard for the extra spells and abilities though?
Otherwise I'd think of it as more an alternative to cantrips at lower levels, and a backup weapon at higher levels, for when you run into an antimagic field or a thief has run off with your casting focus or whatever.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Doesn't the Gunner feat already ignore reloading?
EDIT: Alrighty, so I double checked and Gunner does ignore reloading but it says nothing about ammunition, so...yeah, I guess it depends on how the DM interprets the rules as written. Either way, thank you for your input Haravikk! :)
Not exactly, it lets you fire more than once per action (for if you have Extra Attack) but you still need a free hand to load the ammunition. So you ignore the loading property but not the ammunition property.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
Got ya. :D
I would suggest Shadar Kai race for maneuverability and a 2 level start in artificer will open up the repeating shot infusion for the pistol, con save proficiency, as well as the mind sharpener. Then go bladesinger. Once you hit level 6, you can haste yourself for 3 shots, and have the comfort that your con saves and maneuverability will keep you from losing concentration.
One reason I'd be questioning a Wizard as Gunslinger is that if you're shooting your gun, you're not doing what your class is best at - casting spells. You're trading out strong spellcasting for weapon attacks which are less strong and don't synergize well with most of your kit.