What are the advantages/disadvantages? I'm considering running this multiclass, planning on 3 levels of fighter and 17 of wizard (if we get that far). Eldritch knight fighter subclass, transmutation focus for the wizard school.
Not an uncommon multiclass. Armor, weapons, shield, fighting style, and action surge are all very useful for wizards. You will slow your spell progression slightly though.
Starting as Fighter also gives something Very useful as a caster: proficiency with Constitution saving throws. That's almost like getting Resilient: CON for free! How sweet is that? You don't have to spend a feat for it and you get all that other stuff DxJxC mentioned.
Starting as Fighter also gives something Very useful as a caster: proficiency with Constitution saving throws. That's almost like getting Resilient: CON for free! How sweet is that? You don't have to spend a feat for it and you get all that other stuff DxJxC mentioned.
If you go School of Transmutation with your Wizard, at 6th (Wizard) level you get the "Transmuter's Stone" ability which gives you "Proficiency in Constitution saving throws". Which is a huge reason (at least to me) to play a Transmutation Wizard. You're basically getting the Resilient CON feat for free, which frees you up to take a different feat instead. However since you're getting Proficiency in Constitution saving throws for free with the Fighter subclass you could use the Transmuter's Stone to do something else. Which is still pretty cool.
The problem with a fighter 3/wizard 17 is eventually you will stop doing things 'fighter' related and just cast spells. Being able to wear plate will be nice but you could get the same as a war cleric 1/abjuration wizard 19 and your spell casting would be less ******. Possibly action surge could be worth a few level dip into fighter but that is debatable.
If I wanted to play a fighter/wizard I would either go EK fighter 12/war wizard 8 (three attacks a round with enough backup magic to pull off some neat effects) or I would play a hexblade warlock 20. To me three levels of fighter is not enough to be worth much in combat and too big an impact to your wizard spellcasting.
Also, don't overlook Bladesinger if you are looking to play a fighter/Mage. You are a full caster, and my current Bladesinger PC is usually tanking better than the party fighters.
Half orc. Wizard 1. Fighter 1. War Mage Wizard for the rest. 14 Int, max out Str to 20. Rest of points in Con. 8 Dex. Heavy Armored, War Caster, Resilient Dex, Shield Master.
Here’s the key: Your saves and AC will be ridiculous with Arcane Deflection and Durable Magic. Don’t take a single spell that has a DC check - get buffs, self-buffs, etc.
Nearly impossible to break concentration, just go invisible, or hasted, and still have 9th level magic
When you’re bored - Tenser’s Transformation. Proficiency in every save excluding Charisma, god-like AC, crazy Damage because your strength is so high...
It’s a blast to play and a satisfying way to wreck your enemies.
What are the advantages/disadvantages? I'm considering running this multiclass, planning on 3 levels of fighter and 17 of wizard (if we get that far). Eldritch knight fighter subclass, transmutation focus for the wizard school.
Thematically seems like it'd be a lot of fun.
Not an uncommon multiclass. Armor, weapons, shield, fighting style, and action surge are all very useful for wizards. You will slow your spell progression slightly though.
Starting as Fighter also gives something Very useful as a caster: proficiency with Constitution saving throws. That's almost like getting Resilient: CON for free! How sweet is that? You don't have to spend a feat for it and you get all that other stuff DxJxC mentioned.
If you go School of Transmutation with your Wizard, at 6th (Wizard) level you get the "Transmuter's Stone" ability which gives you "Proficiency in Constitution saving throws". Which is a huge reason (at least to me) to play a Transmutation Wizard. You're basically getting the Resilient CON feat for free, which frees you up to take a different feat instead. However since you're getting Proficiency in Constitution saving throws for free with the Fighter subclass you could use the Transmuter's Stone to do something else. Which is still pretty cool.
The problem with a fighter 3/wizard 17 is eventually you will stop doing things 'fighter' related and just cast spells. Being able to wear plate will be nice but you could get the same as a war cleric 1/abjuration wizard 19 and your spell casting would be less ******. Possibly action surge could be worth a few level dip into fighter but that is debatable.
If I wanted to play a fighter/wizard I would either go EK fighter 12/war wizard 8 (three attacks a round with enough backup magic to pull off some neat effects) or I would play a hexblade warlock 20. To me three levels of fighter is not enough to be worth much in combat and too big an impact to your wizard spellcasting.
Current Characters I am playing: Dr Konstantin van Wulf | Taegen Willowrun | Mad Magnar
Check out my homebrew: Items | Monsters | Spells | Subclasses | Feats
Also, don't overlook Bladesinger if you are looking to play a fighter/Mage. You are a full caster, and my current Bladesinger PC is usually tanking better than the party fighters.
Good points, all. Thanks.
Wish is high priority.
I'll have a think about war cleric 1/ wizard 19 though...
mountain dwarf gets med armour,
shieldsand warhammer/battle axe. this would allow you to go full 20 wizardJesus Saves!... Everyone else takes damage.
Dwarf does not get shield proficiency.
right you are! I have edited that post. Still, a decent start to a fighter-like wizard without spending the levels.
in fact if the dwarf wizard in question goes abjuration... I think they are very frontline worthy.
Jesus Saves!... Everyone else takes damage.
Half orc. Wizard 1. Fighter 1. War Mage Wizard for the rest. 14 Int, max out Str to 20. Rest of points in Con. 8 Dex. Heavy Armored, War Caster, Resilient Dex, Shield Master.
Here’s the key: Your saves and AC will be ridiculous with Arcane Deflection and Durable Magic. Don’t take a single spell that has a DC check - get buffs, self-buffs, etc.
Nearly impossible to break concentration, just go invisible, or hasted, and still have 9th level magic
When you’re bored - Tenser’s Transformation. Proficiency in every save excluding Charisma, god-like AC, crazy Damage because your strength is so high...
It’s a blast to play and a satisfying way to wreck your enemies.