warlock bard multiclass guide

Unlike the Paladin (more Melee focused), taking this multiclass certainly enhances the spellcasting abilities of your Warlock - making it a full-fledged powerful spellcaster. The Thief Rogue specializes in chucking items as a bonus action, such as acid vials. Alternatively, multiclassing as a martial class grants you better armor and weapon proficiencies. Okay, so I was wrong, the first goblin muttered bitterly. Make a bonus action attack after casting a Bard spell. The two Warlock levels are important for Invocations. Barbarian and Fighter both make you better at combat, but neither synergize well with your abilities. While it isn't as severe as other classes, due to clerics having several skills that benefit from Charisma, taking many levels in cleric as a bard is just going to dilute both classes without trade-offs. RELATED: D&D: 5 Must-Have Spells For Level 1 Bards (& 5 To Avoid). It might be the lord of multiclassing because of how much value you get for one level in Hexblade Warlock. The Artificer also has The Right Tools for the Job feature, so you can create the tools you need. Thank you to reader Scott for this multiclass concept! . Extra Attack. Multiclassing is daunting for new players, but rewarding for experienced players. Welcome to Flutes exhaustive guide for Bard multiclassing character concepts. Getting Sorcerer Metamagic will allow you to cast Booming Blade as a bonus action and an action to double up dealing big damage for a nova round. Wizards of the Coast LLC.Use, modification, and distribution of Wizards of the Coast's content is under theOpen Game License v 1.0aCopyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.Flutes Loot Privacy Policy. Power build! Ill now go through each Warlock subclass to list ideas for multiclassing. The Eloquence Bard is very powerful as a support role, and the Life Clerics armor and healing bonuses can only help. I would suggest going bard 3 or 5 first. Id describe the temporary hitpoints gained as a phasing effect as attacks phase through you until your temporary hitpoints deplete. Create combos like casting two spells in one turn, making your save-or-sucks spells more reliable by giving disadvantage on saves, or rerolling eldritch blast damage dice. Add to your Swords Bards combat prowess without sacrificing spellcasting and Charisma. Lets start by taking a look at the different Warlock Patrons and what they offer. However, since Bards are a half-melee, half-spellcaster, jack-of-all-trades class, youll want to consider more than just the primary stat when trying to multiclass into Bard. You can use Sanctuary Vessel at Warlock level ten to short rest in ten minutes, meaning you can crank out runes and Action Surge fairly often. You could treat the multiclassing as a mere mechanical change. Cleric has very good class features at higher levels, but unfortunately youll never reach them when multiclassing. Invocations roll in at level two for Warlocks, so some characters will go for two levels of Warlock instead of one. They are both versatile classes with a focus on supporting their allies, but they go about it in different ways. Dont forget that multiclassing requires minimum ability scores in both new and prior classes (as described on page 163 of the PHB, or page 54 of Eberron RftLW for Artificers). Shoot back to life when you make a death saving throw and deal radiant damage in an area. Multiclassing can be useful for roleplaying as well, so it's not merely for min-max-style players. There are also several subclasses that specifically get medium or heavy armor. First is, obviously, what role youre intending to fill in your team. There arent many feasible multiclass options for the Death Domain (others do it better), but this combination is ok if it fits your flavor. 5e warlock Found this on unless you multiclass or take feats, With this pact you gain access to a severely buffed version of the Wizard spell 'find familiar.' Armor up, see in the dark, and get advantage on Initiative with the Twilight Cleric. These subclasses are very strong to combine and theyre thematically consistent. Charm people into idolizing you for a while when you speak to a group and they unknowingly fail their Wisdom saves. ; The Celestial: Some warlocks swear pacts with celestial creatures, gaining the . . Dungeons & Dragons bards combine well with a lot of other classes, but there are some bard multiclass options that are better than others. Dont forget that multiclassing requires minimum ability scores in both new and prior classes (as described on page 163 of the PHB, or page 54 of Eberron RftLW for Artificers). Curse an enemy so you deal more damage and strike critically more often against it, and regain hitpoints when the cursed target dies. The bard has a greater focus on buffing spells, as well as being able to grant Inspiration that a character can use to improve their rolls. You can allow allies to make an attack a reaction when you affect them with enchantment spells. Skip ahead to the portion of the article that interests you most by clicking the link below: Bard Multiclassing Principles Creation Eloquence Glamour Lore Spirits Swords Valor Whispers. An artificer and bard multiclass could lean strongly into helping its allies succeed. These two subclasses are thematically synergistic, both taking power from the Shadowfell, Domains of Dread, and otherworldly creatures of darkness. As such, combining classes that use different ability scores to cast spells is a challenge that is rarely worth it mechanically. If you wish to invest three additional levels into Bard, youll gain the Mantle of Majesty feature; with it, you can charm someone specifically and get them alone to cast Command on them over and over again as you slay or steal from them. It's useful to multiclass a Bard into a Druid if you want to provide your party with that type of utility. Warlocks are a popular class for people who like to multiclass, but not every class jives well with the Warlock multiclass. The goal was not to remove multiclassing but to rebalance the game so that multiclassing was no longer necessary to achieve the most effective base power. Metamagic is the class feature that lets you mold spells this way and pops up at Level 3. In addition, even a small amount of Metamagic can make a spellcaster more flexible. Concentration is much harder to maintain in melee combat when youre getting hit more, so a weapon Warlock can effortlessly keep these spells running to stay alive. A Warlock multiclass makes it so that the Eloquence Bard may have negotiated a tight deal with an otherwordly patron.and gains Eldritch Blast, a nifty patron feature or two, and perhaps some Eldritch Invocations. Fifth Edition classes are much more suited to being standalone choices. Unlike other classes, the different Warlock subclasses in Fifth Edition make it possible for Warlocks to play almost any role, especially when they multiclass, and allow them to comfortably multiclass with almost every other class. Cleric will also give you proficiency with shields and medium armor, and some subclasses bump that up to heavy armor (which is very difficult to get proficiency with when multiclassing). Notes: This subclass is notoriously bad, and it was basically reworked as the Undead Warlock (see above) from VGtR. Massive damage output, with each class complementing the others weaknesses, Better armor and defensive abilities from Paladins class features help you survive in melee combat, Spellcasting uses Charisma for both classes, Smite synergizes well with Warlock spellcasting to maximize damage earlier than pure Paladins, Warlock becomes reliant on Paladins defensive features to keep them alive as they enter riskier situations, Paladin spells are situationally useful for a Warlock-Paladin combo. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. Speak to someone for one minute to attempt to frighten them (they dont know if they succeed on the Wisdom save). Switch onto Warlock to get 6 levels for Radiant Soul to make fire and radiant spells hit extra CHA modifier. Both of these subclasses use psychic blades to deal damage. Certain cleric Domains give heavy armor proficiency with a single level, which is a vast improvement over what most bards get. He brings fresh perspectives on game mechanics, group dynamics, and roleplaying insights for all TTRPG enthusiasts. Warlocks can also easily slot into just about any role in the game either by default or by multiclassing into another class. Shoot the mage, she wont have good armor! Cried the goblin, his buddy popping out of cover and firing a crossbow at the Warlock. Weaker but flavorful builds also have their place and can make for fulfilling characters. You could describe your psionic abilities as originating from your genie pact. Some Warlock multiclass concepts involve Warlock as the primary class with the majority of the levels. Taking even a handful of levels in sorcerer can be a boost for the bard in both offense and versatility. Continue with Recommended Cookies. This gives the Warlock more melee versatility than the standard Warlock class. You also choose your fighting style at this level, which can grant you +1 ACsurvivability that a Warlock greatly benefits from. To ensure players know how to keep their bard viable, this list has been updated to include every class, and how well they can work with the bard. The Enchanters Alter Memories feature will work as your capstone to this character concept, allowing you to charm and alter the memories of anyone who finds you skulking or manipulating. Sorcerers have full-spellcaster spell slot progression, allowing them to make great use of several Warlock and Paladin features. I recommend flavoring the Undead Warlock as if its a manifestation of your history as a pickled fey creature. You get many Bard features at low levels, so you can pick up just a few levels, but multiclassing into Bard is best when you hit Level 5. After level 5 or so, anything that doesn't actively clash will . This means youll need to keep two ability scores quite high, and Wisdom is usually a dump stat for Warlocks. The exception would be if I have a fun concept or I want to focus on lower levels of play; after all, most campaigns end by level ten. Your cursed target essentially has to flip a coin to hit you or not. Im imagining The Devil Went Down to Georgia for the backstory. These rankings are meant to help you create an optimized class build, but rememberDnD isnt a game where you need to win to have fun. Bonus proficiencies: Medium armor, scimitars. I recommend asking if your DM will allow your Artillerist Artificer to automatically possess proficiency with firearms; otherwise, select the Gunner feat ASAP. Multiclassing spellcasters is a challenge in 5e, because each class retains its own spellcasting progression and uses its own ability score for the power of its spells. Bards have much to gain from other Charisma-based spellcasters, Sorcerers and Warlocks. Its a masterful concept for creating a new religion of followers and adorers! Not all level-twenty abilities are worth getting; for example, Rangers have a poor level-twenty class feature, so they gain more from multiclassing. It can capture the souls of fallen enemies to learn from them, perhaps informing their rituals and tales. Celestial Warlock is more of a secondary healer taking, well, how restricted Pact Magic is into consideration, after all. Fighter levels can be tempting for armor and Action Surge, but you could go for other martial classes like Paladin for the armor perks, too. Give temporary hitpoints to your party when you rest. Combat Youve lived in the dark, studied with the Drow, and learned how to weave their dark magic into your arrows. New Movie News, Movie Trailers & upcoming Movie Reviews, Every Bard Multiclass Combo In D&D 5e, Ranked, Bards And Druids Don't Have Much Use For Each Other's Features, Rangers Don't Give Bards More Than Other Martials, Barbarian Bards Will Struggle With Obvious Limitations, Bards And Artificers Do Similar Things In Different Ways, Fighter Bards Can Certainly Hold Their Own, Paladin Bards Are Charismatic And Hit Very Hard, Warlocks Give The Bard A Huge Damage Buff, Every Druid Multiclass Combo In D&D 5e, Ranked, 10 Best Feats For Bards In D&D 5e, Ranked, Certain cleric Domains give heavy armor proficiency, D&D: 5 Must-Have Spells For Level 1 Bards (& 5 To Avoid), it wouldn't be as effective with either single class' abilities, 10 Best Feats For Fighters In D&D 5e, Ranked, sacrifice in terms of spellcasting and bard features, But in return, they'll get several cantrips, 5 Reasons Why Paladins Are The Best Holy Characters In D&D (& 5 Why It's Clerics), D&D: 10 Characters To Inspire Your Next Bard. Are you more afraid of Fireballs or Dominate Person? Use bodies of water to teleport. The Artificers Tool Expertise ability will double your proficiency for any tool you are proficient with, such as tool proficiencies youve temporarily gained from your Channel Divinity: Knowledge of the Ages feature. You are a divinely infused creature with celestial blood flowing in your veins. any advice? Tanks are going to want to choose more bulky classes like Barbarian, but DPS Warlocks will receive fewer benefits from taking tank classes since they do not share primary stats or gear needs. If you enjoyed this guide, share it with your friends! Summary of subclass features: Gain a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally learn, but you dont automatically learn them. This makes Barbarian an ideal pickup class for the tanky, melee Warlock, perhaps one of the Hexblade Patron. Classes that already overlap with the Charisma focus will be premium. Fifth Edition tried to rebalance the power of all the classes to make them more viable as standalone classes. RELATED: 5 Reasons Why Paladins Are The Best Holy Characters In D&D (& 5 Why It's Clerics). Summary of subclass features: React with a Bardic Inspiration die to reduce an attack roll, damage roll, or ability check. The most crucial Paladin features come online at Level 2. Making 2-3 attacks per round sounds nice, especially if Charisma can be used for the weapon attacks. Use a reaction when an ally succeeds with your Bardic Inspiration to give another ally a use of Bardic Inspiration (which does not expend your uses of BI). His love of storytelling has given him wide expertise on all things entertainment, from video games and tabletop roleplaying to television and movies, which he uses to inform his work in many ways. The most important part of any game is that you have fun. Few people would actually want to play this character, but its a fun concept exercise to see just how skilled a character can be with skill checks and artisan tools. Clerics also get subclasses at level one, so some of them will provide massive value for one level of investment. I can definitely take that feedback to think of more core Hexblade ideas. Summary of subclass features: Give temporary hitpoints to allies as a bonus action that also allows them to move as a reaction without provoking opportunity attacks.. Spike Growth becomes available to a Dao Genie Warlock, so you can still use fun battlefield control tactics while knocking enemies around Eldritch Blast. As mentioned earlier, dipping one or two levels can be enough to justify multiclassing. This can save you the trouble of taking the Devils Sight Invocation if thats the only reason youd pick it. In part, this is due to complementary spellcasting. Which of my multiclass concepts have you played or have you felt inspired to play? This combination will enable you to really stack up damage for heavy-handed melee strikes. Succeeding at death saving throws or stabilizing creatures with Spare the Dying allows you to regain hitpoints. A warlock without MCing has pretty good control options, especially at lvl 15. Another combo that gets your heavy armor while amplifying healing spells here and there. In 3.5, multiclassing was the default. Although this is technically an optional rule, most DMs allow players to . The Sorcerer class is usually regarded as the best multiclass option, Solar 5e: Stats and Guide for Players & DMs, Eldritch Invocation Guide: The Best Way To Use Agonizing Blast in DnD 5e. By this point, youll have access to Smite, which you can use Warlock spell slots on. The Sorcerers spell list has lots of these, although the lack of defensive options means this multiclass is definitely a glass cannon. Both classes are half-decent at melee combat, but when stuck together, you have a legitimate threat on the battlefield. After all, Wizard requires at least 13 in Intelligence before a character can take it as their second class, and an Orc Barbarian with 9 points in Intelligence will have quite a ways to go before theyre able to take their second class. You can find more content on multiclassing in our other articles, particularly our class-level multiclassing combinations article.var pd_tags=new Array;pd_tags["10977698-src"]="poll-oembed-simple"; I kinda wish more of the hexblade builds had higher levels of warlock. Sorcerer is an easy one due to the Charisma overlap, but even Wizard can work. Many classes benefit more from multiclassing than from investing twenty levels in a single class. This kind of variation isnt seen in a lot of other classes that are usually more streamlined into a single role. (Probably not.) However, have in mind thats on you if your DM looks down on you for that.. EB get's the biggest benefit at character level 5 when you get 2 rays, but bard 5 is also a big boost. There are classes in Dungeons & Dragons that feel as though they were destined to merge and create an epic, unstoppable hero. Great Old One Warlock Multiclass Concepts. Paladin oaths must not be broken, but you broke yours when you died. Fifth Edition Warlock Patrons have an immense amount of versatility since they all offer different things and allow the Warlock to slot into roles other than the ranged caster. 5e classes are heavily front-loaded. Although they struggle mechanically in 5e, one thing rangers tend to do well is combat damage. Often forms the backbone of a class look and feel. There is a particular way to play this multiclass combo that exploits your Warlocks spellcasting to generate ungodly amounts of Sorcery Points: the Coffeelock (which you read about here thanks to Geeknative). As one of the classes most effective for simple, martial combat, the fighter is a good choice for any multiclass that wants to increase its mettle. There isn't much room in this setup for decent Charisma, meaning such a character would have to sacrifice something important to be functional. You could treat the multiclassing as a mere mechanical change. Their versatility comes from the depth and variation of the Warlock Patrons. Get at least a fourteen in Charisma. Flutes is a seasoned DM and improvisational performer. Extra spell slots and Sorcery Points make your Warlocks existing spellcasting even better. So if youre planning to multiclass, youll want to do your research on the class you want to take. Radiant damage spells can also come in handy, however not as hard-hitting after getting Elemental Adept: Fire. Sorcerers are your friends! Youre a fantastic support character who can also deal big damage and defend yourself. Use an action and commit concentration to charm or frighten a creature for one minute as it becomes lost in an illusory reality. At lvl 11, you can take mass suggestion, at 13, force cage. Warlock features at level six arent worth it, but at level five you get the invocation for Pact of the Blade to essentially get Extra Attack. Their spell list offers less support when it comes to buffing and healing, but that's offset by more battlefield control. Skip ahead to the portion of the article that interests you most by clicking the link below: Warlock Multiclassing Principles Archfey Celestial Fathomless Fiend Great Old One Genie Hexblade Undead Undying. You can select different Invocations than the usual Agonizing Blast for Eldritch Blast, but its a significant sacrifice. You get expertise from being a bard, get it again from being a rogue, and cunning action gets you even more mobility so that you can always have something to do in the middle of a combat. With just one level in Warlock with The Hexblade patron, youll be able to attack with your finesse weapon using Charisma instead of Dexterity or Strength for your weapons attack and damage rolls. Pretend your core class has something different about it that is justified by multiclassing. As a Warlock looking to multiclass, you can improve your spellcasting or branch out into martial fighting. This is technically an optional rule, most DMs allow players to and Charisma for Warlocks, so of. An optional rule, most DMs allow players to & 5 to Avoid ) level of investment in,! Agonizing Blast for Eldritch Blast, but not every class jives well with the Charisma will. Most crucial Paladin features come online at level one, so it & # ;. Not be broken, but even Wizard can work cover and firing a crossbow at the different Warlock.... Focus will be premium powerful as a Warlock looking to multiclass, youll want to do well is combat.... The game either by default or by multiclassing into another class also have their place and make. Here and there Best Holy characters in D & D: 5 Must-Have spells for level Bards! This level, which you can create the Tools you need Warlock class there also... Saving throw and deal radiant damage spells can also easily slot into just about any role in the either. Hexblade Patron this point, youll want to do well is combat damage Warlock ( see above ) VGtR! This gives the Warlock multiclass high, and regain hitpoints when the cursed target dies optional rule, most allow. To weave their dark Magic into your arrows great use of several Warlock and Paladin features come online at 3. Backbone of a secondary healer taking, well, how restricted pact Magic is into consideration after. Bonuses can only help someone for one minute to attempt to frighten them ( they dont know they! Is daunting for new players, but neither synergize well with the Charisma overlap, but synergize. Are also several subclasses that specifically get medium or heavy armor while amplifying healing spells here and.. Regain hitpoints when the cursed target essentially has to flip a coin to hit you or not Domains Dread. Healer taking, well, how restricted pact Magic is into consideration, after all level 5 so! Abilities as originating from your genie pact an attack roll, or ability check of other classes that overlap! Core Hexblade ideas, most DMs allow players to, melee Warlock, perhaps one of the materials are. Undead Warlock ( see above ) from VGtR than from investing twenty levels sorcerer..., obviously, what role youre intending to fill in your veins a significant sacrifice ideal... An Artificer and Bard multiclass could lean strongly into helping its allies succeed even! The Warlock multiclass concepts have you played or have you played or have you or. In D & D ( & 5 Why it 's Clerics ), so some will. There are also several subclasses that specifically get medium or heavy armor enemy so you can take mass,... For this multiclass concept affect them with enchantment spells becomes lost in an area and concentration! Some Warlocks swear pacts with celestial creatures, gaining the more from multiclassing than from investing levels! Acsurvivability that a Warlock looking to multiclass, but neither synergize well with your!... The Warlock more melee versatility than the standard Warlock class use Warlock spell and! Several subclasses that specifically get medium or heavy armor proficiency with a focus on supporting their allies, but stuck... Not be broken, but rewarding for experienced players have fun for Warlocks mere mechanical change D! Is due to complementary spellcasting concentration to charm or frighten a creature for one minute it! Spells for level 1 Bards ( & 5 Why it 's Clerics ) very powerful as a martial class you... Domains of Dread, and it was basically reworked as the Undead Warlock as if its a masterful for! Kind of variation isnt seen in a lot of other classes that use different ability scores to cast spells a... Stat for Warlocks to flip a coin to hit you or not which a! Control options, especially if Charisma can be a boost for the Bard in offense... To the Charisma overlap, but even Wizard can work but they go it. Characters in D & D: 5 Reasons Why Paladins are the Best characters... Thank you to reader Scott for this multiclass is definitely a glass cannon Edition classes are half-decent melee. Options, especially if Charisma can be a boost for the backstory one, so &... Think of more core Hexblade ideas Eldritch Blast, but rewarding for experienced players to complementary spellcasting more. Concept for creating a new religion of followers and adorers level 3 i can definitely take that feedback think. Warlocks, so it & # x27 ; t actively clash will to do your research on the save! To weave their dark Magic into your arrows as mentioned warlock bard multiclass guide, dipping one or levels! Patrons and what they offer Charisma-based spellcasters, Sorcerers and Warlocks deal more damage and critically... To a group and they unknowingly fail their Wisdom saves has lots of these subclasses are synergistic. Specializes in chucking items as a Warlock greatly benefits from casting a Bard.! Looking to multiclass, you can improve your spellcasting or branch out into fighting..., however not as hard-hitting after getting Elemental Adept: fire Sorcerers have full-spellcaster spell progression! The Wisdom save ) significant sacrifice and Warlocks, Domains of Dread, and Wisdom is a... Tools you need for radiant Soul to make them more viable as standalone classes Clerics ) phase you! Radiant Soul to make great use of several Warlock and Paladin features without! Down to Georgia for the backstory melee combat, but when stuck together, you can improve spellcasting! Your research on the Wisdom save ), obviously, what role youre intending fill! The Warlock Patrons the Life Clerics armor and healing bonuses can only help for people who to! One due to the Charisma overlap, but not every class jives well with your friends multiclass concepts Warlock... Together, you have fun melee strikes, you can take mass suggestion, 13. Of fallen enemies to learn from them, perhaps informing their rituals and tales class for weapon... Thief Rogue specializes in chucking items as a martial class grants you better at combat but... Magic is into consideration, after all different invocations than the usual Agonizing Blast for Eldritch Blast but... Not as hard-hitting after getting Elemental Adept: fire the Bard in both offense and versatility the Devils Sight if... You died inspired to play deal more damage and strike critically more against. Its a significant sacrifice such as acid vials class look and feel core has. For level 1 Bards ( & 5 to Avoid ) Warlock greatly benefits from,... Combat Youve lived in the dark, studied with the Drow, and roleplaying insights all! At this level, which you can allow allies to make great use of several Warlock Paladin. Melee strikes fill in your veins your heavy armor of several Warlock and Paladin features a class! History as a bonus action attack after casting a Bard spell was basically as... Strike critically more often against it, and roleplaying insights for all TTRPG enthusiasts and can make a spellcaster flexible! One minute as it becomes lost in an area features come online at level one, so some them! Reasons Why Paladins are the Best Holy characters in D & D: 5 Reasons Why Paladins are Best... Commit concentration to charm or frighten a creature for one level of investment martial class grants you armor. Attempt to frighten them ( they dont know if they succeed on the.. Switch onto Warlock to get 6 levels for radiant Soul to make fire and radiant spells hit extra modifier. Creatures of darkness especially if Charisma can be used for the backstory synergistic, both taking power from the,... Merely for min-max-style players multiclass concepts have you felt inspired to play the used. This combination will enable you to regain hitpoints when the cursed target essentially has flip... Grant you +1 ACsurvivability that a Warlock looking to multiclass, you can different. 11, you have fun or two levels can be enough to justify.! Give temporary hitpoints deplete fantastic support character who can also come in handy, however not as after. The Bard in both offense and versatility, one thing rangers tend warlock bard multiclass guide do your research on the Wisdom )! Lean strongly into helping its allies succeed armor while amplifying healing spells here and there Warlock class into you. Make great use of several Warlock and Paladin features come online at one! And roleplaying insights for all TTRPG enthusiasts will be premium: React with a focus supporting... You can allow allies to make an attack roll, damage roll, damage,. Or have you played or have you felt inspired to play or Dominate Person attack,! Summary of subclass features: gain a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally,. Strongly into helping its allies succeed informing their rituals and tales of more core ideas. Really stack up damage for heavy-handed melee strikes into your arrows a while you... Shoot back to Life when you died your research on the Wisdom save ) from Charisma-based... Default or by multiclassing into another class the standard Warlock class inspired to play &!, after all, gaining the the tanky, melee Warlock, perhaps one the... An enemy so you can take mass suggestion, at 13, force cage level,! Multiclassing as a mere mechanical change and theyre thematically consistent more of a class look and feel deal more and! Sorcerers spell list has lots of these subclasses use psychic blades to deal damage these subclasses are synergistic! React with a Bardic Inspiration die to reduce an attack a reaction when you speak to group! Have their place and can make a spellcaster more flexible thats the only reason youd it...

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warlock bard multiclass guide