Setting Up a D&D character.

Anaraxes · 09-03-2019, 06:19 AM

5e is unusual in that you don't get your "real" class until level 3. That's where the significant class-defining abilities show up. Even the xp table shows that the first two levels are just intro levels that you blow through really quickly. If you want to multiclass, you'd probably much rather be 3/3 than 4/2. (I suppose it could be a short-term plan, expecting to rapidly pick up level 3 in the lower class, and just willing to suffer in the meantime.)

Like most editions of D&D and Pathfinder, multiclassing in 5e is broken. Not the worst of the various editions, but you're definitely weakening the character overall. He'll be tougher than a pure wizard, no doubt, but that will have a high cost when it comes to solving game problems. Some multiclasses will work ok at low levels, but they fade rapidly, as two 10th level characters just aren't a match for a 20th level threat (and a multiclass isn't even really two full characters, having only half the actions and HP of two toons).

The Combat Caster feat will be obligatory if you're going to be casting from the front line.

If you want some physical skills, you might consider rogue. ("Feats are for fighters, skills are for rogues.") Barbarian calls for STR and CON, while lots of the physical skills call for DEX and perhaps Wisdom (Perception, Survival). Then sorceror calls for CHA. You wind up spreading the character pretty thin. Rogue means you can focus DEX and CHA, with INT or maybe CON for toughness or flavor. Perhaps a sort of inverse of the Arcane Trickster, mostly caster with some rogue, instead of a rogue with some spell support.

Eldritch Knight is a spellcasting fighter, though I can't really recommend it. Even as a single class, it doesn't seem to work well.

Monk/cleric would be another possible multiclass with physical abilities and spells, letting you focus on DEX and WIS, minoring in CON (which also helps those concentration saves), stronger HP than mixes involving sorc or wizard. Also more freeform casting, if that's why you like sorc instead of wiz.

09-03-2019, 06:19 AM	#9
Anaraxes Join Date: Sep 2007	Re: Setting Up a D&D character. 5e is unusual in that you don't get your "real" class until level 3. That's where the significant class-defining abilities show up. Even the xp table shows that the first two levels are just intro levels that you blow through really quickly. If you want to multiclass, you'd probably much rather be 3/3 than 4/2. (I suppose it could be a short-term plan, expecting to rapidly pick up level 3 in the lower class, and just willing to suffer in the meantime.) Like most editions of D&D and Pathfinder, multiclassing in 5e is broken. Not the worst of the various editions, but you're definitely weakening the character overall. He'll be tougher than a pure wizard, no doubt, but that will have a high cost when it comes to solving game problems. Some multiclasses will work ok at low levels, but they fade rapidly, as two 10th level characters just aren't a match for a 20th level threat (and a multiclass isn't even really two full characters, having only half the actions and HP of two toons). The Combat Caster feat will be obligatory if you're going to be casting from the front line. If you want some physical skills, you might consider rogue. ("Feats are for fighters, skills are for rogues.") Barbarian calls for STR and CON, while lots of the physical skills call for DEX and perhaps Wisdom (Perception, Survival). Then sorceror calls for CHA. You wind up spreading the character pretty thin. Rogue means you can focus DEX and CHA, with INT or maybe CON for toughness or flavor. Perhaps a sort of inverse of the Arcane Trickster, mostly caster with some rogue, instead of a rogue with some spell support. Eldritch Knight is a spellcasting fighter, though I can't really recommend it. Even as a single class, it doesn't seem to work well. Monk/cleric would be another possible multiclass with physical abilities and spells, letting you focus on DEX and WIS, minoring in CON (which also helps those concentration saves), stronger HP than mixes involving sorc or wizard. Also more freeform casting, if that's why you like sorc instead of wiz.