Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 FunkySpunk Jul 21, 2015 22:48:30	Hey guys.    I'm going to be playing a character soon who will be a Pact of the Blade Warlock. He will be expected to be a semi-front line Fighter as well as being responsible for some magical help in the party. Basically, I'm making a gish type.    I'll be using point buy and starting at 5th level.    I'm not sure what will be a better option: go with a Fighter 1/ Warlock X build (Variant Human, Mountain Dwarf or Dragonborn all work well here), or if I should make the character a single classed Mountain Dwarf Warlock.    The single classed Mountain Dwarf will be able to wear medium armor and start with a stat array of 18(+2 from level 4)/14/14/8/10/14.    Multiclassing will allow me to lower my initial DEX as I'll be going for heavy armor, and will allow a fighting style. Shield proficiency doesn't matter for me, I'm going to be using a halberd or greataxe anyway (haven't decided yet).    Are the extra spells and aquiring Eldritch Invocations a level earlier worth the benefits of heavy armor and a fighting style?
#2 transcendantviewer Jul 21, 2015 23:08:58	Well, since this is a private character, build alternate versions of them and see which one you'd like best. I personally don't spring for optomization anymore, since now that ridiculous ability scores and class options and prestige classes aren't a thing, I can focus on interesting characters. You really don't need high stats as much as you'd think. And even if your armor class is in the 20s by level 4, you can only dodge so many blows. Spells will still invariably become a problem. Rant aside, I'll suggest that you spring for a more versitile character, because specializing can lead to problems filling your role when you go down. Spells and invocations are a lot stronger than you'd expect, especially because the invocations that Warlocks get are actually quite game-changing. You want to be an Arcane Archer, Eldritch Blast with the cantrip that lets you knock enemies back with it becomes your bow. A bow, I might add, that deals a form of damage that nothing can even resist. Your better question is to ask yourself: what will my character choose? If you don't have an idea for that, start working on one. You'll find that playing a character that's developed is way more entertaining than playing one that just does a job and is good at it.
#3 Vulf Jul 22, 2015 1:45:31	I would stay away from Dwarf if you are going melee. That 25' movement causes problems in difficult terrain or when you want to move diagonally. Durable melee fighters need to be able to position themselves near enemies each turn.   Any race that has Strength or Charisma would be good picks. With the standout being Half-Orc for having the best racials for melee and dark vision. You can get away with not having Dark Vision on your race if you want to use one of your Invocations to gain it.   Paladin/Warlock has a lot of Synergy.   You can use Warlock spell slots for Divine Smite or Cure Wounds and they recharge on a short rest. Both classes use Charisma as their casting stat. 6 levels of paladin and you get aura of protection. You add your charisma modifier to all saving throws. This helps for concentration checks.   The best cutoff points for Paladin levels would be 3, 6, or 11.   If you are going to start at level 5, start with 5 levels of Paladin. You get spells (4 1st level, 2 2nd level) including Misty Step! fighting style Oath of Vengeance a feat (Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master) extra attack   You could go 1 more level for aura of protection, or start dipping into Warlock to get those recharging spell slots.
#4 FunkySpunk Jul 22, 2015 17:11:03	It's going to be a Fighter 1/Warlock or pure Warlock.    My goal is to wear medium or heavy armor and r able to stand up in melee.    Eldritch blast is a backup ranged attack.    I'm trying to build a Gish because the party consists of a Cleric, Monk, and Ranger. I'm trying to cover two roles. None of these characters is well suited to soaking up some melee hits.    With an armored Warlock, at least I can cast either fire shield or mirror image and swing a great sword.