I found the charlattan background perfect for what I wanted to do with this class.

Thank you, glad it's helpful!

@@TreantmonksTemple Could you recommend feats, and spell choices if we were using all other source books as well? I'm making this build for my first character. I chose Forest Gnome so I got minor illusion for free and my INT is 16 at level 1. Booming blade seems like a must-have. I'd appreciate any help I get.

Thanks Cory, much appreciated!

I like you!

No problem. When you use a weapon, you add the appropriate ability modifier to the damage (the same one that gave you a bonus to hit). In this particular case, it was the Dexterity modifier.

Gloom stalker elf with Elven Accuracy and Sharpshooter is insane

@@Behindthejab and lvl 3 Echo Knight with action surge

variant humans aren't always allowed also some people like having fun early game and not just blowing through the entire first four levels

The main challenge with this concept is the lack of Pact Magic slots. This will force you into the EB every round mode (which isn't bad mind you, EB does decent damage if that's your jam), but in the realm of buff/debuff you are going to find that spell slots are a huge issue. So, to begin with, I would suggest any Warlock you take to do this isn't going to be that optimized. Fey pact does provide some subclass abilities that provide some battlefield control, and you could take something like a Half-Drow for some extra spells, and infinite use invocations like Misty Visions will give you another option to shore up your poor spell slots, but overall, this one will be challenging.

So far I have a GOO Half Drow Tomelock, just trying to figure out invocations and all the peripherals to try and make it viable. EB will be used for main damage output, but just trying to avoid being a one trick pony.

@@bored_pyro Yeah, that's tougher with a Warlock, but Half-Drow is a good start - Darkness of course is useful as a battlefield control, and I'll have a video coming out tomorrow morning that might give you some ideas how to use that Dancing Lights cantrip effectively as well. Good luck and let me know how it goes. If you develop any good tips, please send them my way.

I'll keep it in mind for my character build, but that's a "3rd-level evocation" we only get up to 1st level spells in this video.

I agree that elven accuracy would have been a no-brainer at 4th level over athlete.

I play a Wood Elf AT 9/Trickery Cleric 2 (my stats are honestly middling except my Dex), and Elven Accuracy is SO overpowered when i have a Find Familiar owl to do a fly by help action to gain advantage. Same character also owns a Bag of Devouring. Honestly more OP in an Arcane Trickster's hand due to Mage Hand than anyone else, bc only they can safely stow and retrieve items from it.

It contends with more important spells at 1st level. I took Silent Image at level 4 and have used it once recently at level 6. It's probably great if you're much quicker on your feet, but I was using my slots for Sleep at early levels in combat. Silent Image is something I think of using for more urban encounters, although a crafty player could probably do wonders with illusion magic.

minor illusion doesnt move and can't make noise and be a visual illusion without a gnome.

@@acm4bass Good point but that's why you're choosing the variant option of MINER Illusion, not MINOR Illusion.

No, going single class is a good idea until you get used to the rules.

Thanks for the quick response! So is there any specific build you would recommend fro a single class warlock? Currently looking at pact of the blade + hexblade, but eldritch blast build also sounds cool.

Take a look at my Hexblade Archer build, I think it's solid for single-class warlock build. You can find it here: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/o8xpZLJ-x7fYe3k.html

If you're going to be using melee as an arcane trickster than I'd definitely pick it up.

Ask your DM about customizing a background to get the proficiencies you want for the character. It's directly from the Player's Handbook, and it's not even a variant rule: *"Customizing a background:* You might want to tweak some of the features of a background so it better fits your character or the campaign setting. To customize a background, you can replace one feature with any other one, *choose any two skills,* and choose a total of two tool proficiencies or languages from the sample backgrounds" (PHB, 126-127)

I took the Arcanist feat for it. My DM accused me of being an optimizer (in jest, he didn't mind if I was) so I ignored the obvious +2 DEX to 20 at level 4 to instead flatten my INT and gain prestidigitation + Arcana prof. My regret is 2nd only to my enjoyment of the cantrip.

a gnome can't hide behind a bigger PC, only a lightfoot halfling can do that

Yeah, not for awhile, the first time I tackle a BS build it will be with my Wizard guide series and it will be straight-class. If I'm looking to add some BS goodness to an Arcane Trickster, I would probably only dip Rogue 1 before switching to Wiz for 2 levels. Once BS is achieved then I would go right back into rogue. So Rogue 1/Wiz 2/Rogue X. The reality is that the rogue SA progression is pretty flat and there is no extra attack, so there is no special "goodie" to achieve before switching. However, dipping that one level of Rogue before going into Wiz will get you armor prof, an extra skill prof, and a couple extra HP. Grabbing Find Familiar through Wiz is also nice as it then becomes a ritual casting.

Treantmonk's Temple Thanks! This is exactly what I needed to know. One quick question about Cantrips since I can’t change them after selection: Would you bother with other offensive cantrips (they can’t backstab) aside from the SCAG ones or should I just pick Utilities spells? AT - Mage Hand AT - Message AT - Minor Illusion Elf - Prestidigitation BS - Booming Blade BS - Green Flame Blade BB - ??? Note - Toll of the Dead is not allowed due to PHB+1

@@d3c0yBoY Yeah, I wouldn't take ranged cantrips since a bow or crossbow is going to be so much more effective. Your list there looks very solid. as for ???, maybe mending or light (useful spell even if you have darkvision).

Good question! They kind of got overshadowed by the Hexblade didn't they? I think they are better mechanically than the PHB warlock options and add some role versatility (bonus action non-spell healing and a nice temp HP provider). Haven't played one yet, but want to.

Treantmonk's Temple I know right? I'm kinda interested in playing one just to do something different. Maybe tome pact and play as a pseudo wizard with book of ancient secrets for ritual utility. Not having the level 1 hexblade features, proficincies, and shield spell sure does feel bad tho. Only 13-14 ac? Yikes.

Aequilix Once you’ve tasted Hexblade it’s impossible to go back.

M0ebius Unfortunately. I still wanna try a celestial though. Even though Hexblade has better damage, survivability, and is SAD, I think utility like the features celestial provides are sometimes overlooked in min maxong discussions/builds. What you can do for your party vs your theoretical awesome dps. Like a celestial aint going to be doing the damage of a hexblade or a sorlock. But EB with agonizing blast is still respectable.

Aequilix The damage and the SADness I could manage without. But once I got used to slinging spells decked out in armor/shield backed by the Shield spell, I just can’t go back to spending half my turns running away or burning spells on defense. The last time I played Celestial Warlock it was the Unearthed Arcana version that gave Radiant Soul at level 1. So naturally I went Draconic Sorcerer 6 Celestial Warlock 2 to double dip on fire damage and pick up EB. In the current iteration it would need to be Draconic 6 Celestial 6 - probably not worth it, though just the Sorlock shell can likely carry you pretty far if you’re not the primary caster. My backstory was something like I am the son of an Asian-style Celestial Dragon that was cast down from the heavens that was nursed back to health by my human mother. The draconic scales were reflavored as an yakuza-style golden dragon tattoo/birthmark that covered my body, the Eldritch Blasts were flavored as writhing force dragons that slithers off of my tattoos and burst forth from my palms, likewise with the Scorching Rays, and Burning Hands and Fireballs flavored as dragon fire that jets forth from my mouth.

Also I wanna take catapult. Sling rocks at peoples face.

Would be hard to do a video on that because it's such a wide topic. How many levels of each, and at what level are you doing the build? Arcane trickster 3 / Bladesinger 2 technically is this multiclass, but that character is quite a bit different from AT 8 / BS 2, or AT 5 / BS 5, and so on.

I'll be doing straight bladesinger eventually, the multiclass is pretty good, but no plans on that yet

Stranger I’m asking for his preference and take on the build, not all the variations. Nothing wide about the topic if he goes into what is tailored to his liking which is what he’s been doing with all his other builds.

@@d3c0yBoY That's fair. My point is that, if you asked me what I think of the build, I'd need to know what tier of play you want it for and what role you want to fill with it. I think it functions best as a scout with some control, but you can built a surprisingly decent front-liner like this as well. There's nothing squishy about a character with shield (spell), absorb elements, uncanny dodge, and over 20AC. Point is that you can take it a lot of directions depending not just on preference but on what your party needs you to do. It's much less pigeon-holed than a pure AT rogue, who is a rogue with spells, or a pure BS wizard, who is a wizard who doesn't die immediately in melee.

I feel like everyone is always trying to break Bladesinger MCs, but BS is always so mediocre in combat roles but so good at casting that they always end up being played as just another pure casters.

Booming Blade/Greenflame Blade

Yeah, BB/gfb. Also elven accuracy naturally at level 4.

Yes, expertise works on any skill you are proficient with.

I realize this comment is several months late, but you're probably best picking up more Dex. There are plenty of spells that will not have a spell save DC or use of your int modifier, like mirror image or greater invisibility.

@@ianhancock9045 I ended up doing just that, but thanks anyway

@@nirdram8549 I figure it was best to leave a comment for other folks watching the video later that read the comments. How'd did you end up enjoying the character?

@@ianhancock9045 AT is pretty awesome, specially when the dice helps you with your convoluted plans and ideas. That extra dex really saved me a lot too thanks to the AC boost and extra damage. All and all I am pretty happy.

Number of spell slots available, ability to write and use a spellbook (vs. knowing a few spells), and class abilities.

It depends on your focus. That level of wizard gives a lot more spells, more slots, and ritual spells. 2 levels of Cleric gives that duplicate ability, lots more spells, domain spells, and also more slots. However, you are giving up sneak attack dice. If you want to focus more on spellcasting than offense, either is an OK option (I would be more inclined to Wizard, especially if you pick up a 2nd level and Bladesinger is an option) For beginners though, I generally recommend staying away from multiclassing until you become more comfortable with the game.

@@TreantmonksTemple I've worked up a BS/AT at 5th lvl. With mage armor + blade singing + shield can get a temp AC of 23. I like a halflings and dislike elf, just peculiar that way. Don't know if I could make the character a elf. Thanks for the earlier reply. Always enjoy the effort you put into your videos.

As per my video last week, halflings are my favorite!

@@derekishmael4034 I'm interested in theory crafting. Sorry for rambling little ^_^ hope you don't mind: Taking 2 levels Divination Wizard as Halfling and picking up Lucky feat for 6 rerolls and 2 back up dice added with Rogue's Reliable Talent and then lvl 1 Trickery Cleric for the advantage for friend to stealth (looking at fighter and paladin in full heavy plate) added with personal Guidance you get to add 1d4 to everything and if you WANT to succeed at something you 100% Can do so. My only question is can you use Lucky to reroll the Divination Wizard's morning dice :D I don't like braking the game so I don't play this. Only time I WOULD play this is 1. multiclassing is ok 2. Dm is an asshole. I mean I rather either go pure arcane trickster or take 3 levels Lore Bard . . . Lore -> You can use your bardic dice to reduce the enemies starting initiative while getting ½ the proficiency added to the initiative :D Use the dice to BBEG ^_^ Use Guidance to your self ~ you get 1d20 +½proficiency +dex modifier +1d4 initiative and enemy gets 1d20+dexmod -1d6 . . . That should neat you going almost anytime first and add Alerted and you gain +5 to it also . . . Fun stuff, I do this as Kobold and use spells like Sleep to Crowd Control the game instead of focusing at the killing, but when needed I can also bring the hurt. Shadow Blade is my dps spell and is used when I need the extra dmg other wise I run with rapier, shortsword and 2 daggers on other side my belt . . . I can pull 1d8 or 1d6. Using short swords allows me to slash using bonus action if I miss with my short sword. Rapier is for show, duels and honoring my noble name! Kobold. Why there is Kobold in party? Worry not, that is 4 Kobolds in party! I always ask from DM if I could run Noble variant Knight Kobold that has gained Knighthood from player or some npc and if it was npc the npc said to players something lines "You seem to be in need of Guide and Help. I don't want to give you my best man so take this Kobold who has been honorable to me past 10 years with his friends." and then play him more on the Natural side with bond/ideal/flaw mixed "Blood does not make my family, my friends make my mafily, My family is more importan in this word than anything else, I sometimes do or say things that bring shame to my family name." This makes sense that she is smoll kobold to be rogue and Knight makes sense to be Noble and Lore is also important as Noble you must know your history :^) Kobold Knight. Arcane Trickster / Lore. With his brothers and sisters as you get 3 followers one who is fellow knight and will leave if you abuse them :D Gives DM good way to railroad the campaign ^_^ now I went to ramble about my kobold :( sorry . . . hope you had fun reading my ramblings and don't hate me now . . . have a great week ^_^/) My favored class in games is healer or support with stealth . . . like Druid or Paladin from World of Warcraft.

Charles Williams as long as you know the general direction of the person, they are within 120ft and not hidden past the x ft of material wall it doesn’t matter, per the definition of the spell. You point your finger toward a creature within range and whisper a message. The target (and only the target) hears the message and can reply in a whisper that only you can hear. You can cast this spell through solid objects if you are familiar with the target and know it is beyond the barrier. Magical silence, 1 foot of stone, 1 inch of common metal, a thin sheet of lead, or 3 feet of wood blocks the spell. The spell doesn’t have to follow a straight line and can travel freely around corners or through openings. It does not say you need to see the target.

Me too, and you hoped for a 13 somewhere to tell you what class you were going to play. Not sure I was happier then, but my memories of D&D are always happy, that's why I love this game!

@@TreantmonksTemple Not sure I was *actually* happier then, but I had to transition to "Four Yorkshiremen" after that start. "Ahh, them good ol'days, ya know?"

@Glenn Wilson Too young! Well if you played back in the day and you played the original Traveller you know the most dangerous time for a character - the time when they took their life into their own hands with each roll of the dice - was during character creation. Campaign-depending, gameplay itself was less dangerous (certainly per minute of playing time)!

@Glenn Wilson We will both maintain a discrete silence on that, and press 'F' to pay respects to the fallen. :p

Well, mostly cause unless you plan on doing some specialized kind of build, like grappler rogue, strength is usually the least useful stat for rouges. And even then, an 8 only gives you a -1, so just give him Guidance and/or Bardic Inspiration.

Just take proffeciency in athletics if you are planning on climbing a lot. Wasting points on str is a terrible idea.

Most stat generation produce maybe three decent stats and thee average or poor stats. Dex, Int, Con,Wis,Cha, Str is the priority list, for an Arcane trickster. You are absolutely right Str is needed for jumping and climbing, and on my swashbuckler Str becomes more important. Handicapping perception by dumping wis or Cha - and giving up deception, persuasion and intimidate is hard.

I'm a GM, so I don't get to make PC for myself. My players are all beginners, so we didn't optimize the chars at all. What I was trying to convey is that when I see a rogues his climbing skills tend to be -1, when I would expect it should be higher. But then again this assumption is probably comming from what a rogue is, not from a optimal solution.

@@muker83 You can allow the player to do an athletics(dexterity) check rather than athletics(strength) if you deem it appropriate for the situation. It's similar to most barbarians dumping charisma, which makes sense until it comes to intimidation checks, which is why I allow big scary characters to do intimidation(strength) checks if appropriate

I do love a halfling outrider. Yeah, that's probably going to happen at some point. It might be a few weeks...

Sweet!!! I look foreword to it!

In this video I limited myself to PHB, so Elven Accuracy was off the table...

Treantmonk's Temple yes, I understand. But you said there were better options if you don’t limit yourself to the PHB. I’m curious what you’d choose if you didn’t limit yourself to the PHB.

@@krunchyfrogg I would 100% take elven accuracy, it's a great feat for a character that can hide as a bonus action.

Treantmonk's Temple or get his familiar to use the help action... 😏

@@krunchyfrogg So now the learner becomes the master...

Not available in PHB only though

Not a bad idea, but you need Xanathar's for that.

Did. I. Stutter?

You don't have to buy the whole book, especially for the purposes of creating a character. Just look up "Additional Purchase Options". Pull out the feats, races, spells etc. Just things you need to set up. Even if you do that for a few source books like xanathar's and the sword coast adventurer's guide it should be more within reach.

The players handbook is not 300 dollars, what you clicked on was most likely a bundle. You can purchase the books individually

Barbarian/wizard? If so, I like it!

I think that's a bit of a misnomer dude. Not saying you can't make a great character that's fun to play, however I don't think there's anything optimised about the rage Mage.

Effective then

@@PrimordialAnnihilator There's no way to be an effective barbarian/spellcaster, cause rage makes you unable to cast and to maintain concentration on spells, so you either have to fight without rage, making you a worse Eldritch Knight Fighter, or rage and waste the ability to cast spells. You can use class features, like Druid's Wildshape or Channel Divinities of Clerics, but not much else. You can do it and have fun, but it won't be optimized or effective.

I think the only way to pull this off reliably is as a blade singer wizard with any barbarian multiclass. You'll go for spells that are useful outside of combat mostly and spells that last a long time without concentration that you can use before a fight starts or one big powerful buff/debuff with concentration before you rage on your first turn. You only really start going on the offensive in your second round however since rage and blade song both require a bonus action to activate.

What?

Steve Smith Honestly, Battlemaster or Barbarian is much better for beginners. Because a beginner will look at the party members like wizards and boards and go “why don’t I have options like that? I just do the Attack Action every turn” Plus Champion Fighter doesn’t really have any inherent synergy with any class. Battlemaster can trip and disarm for their party members. DnD is a game about teamwork and thinking which is not exactly the champions strong point. Champion is simple but too simple to get new player’s attention