This is my first time making a 5E character, and I'd like to make sure everything checks out. I read through the Warlock guide, but would appreciate it if folks with experience with the new system could take a look.
Eibon Woodrook — Level 3 Lightfoot Halfling Warlock (Great Old One Patron, Tome Pact)
Background: Charlatan. I use my magical abilities to hawk mystical healing pendants and other worthless charms.
Personality: I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets. I always look for the quick and easy solution.
Ideal: Aspiration. I’m determined to make something of myself, and this strange spellbook I found in my late grandfather’s effects will show me how. What could go wrong?
Bond: I owe everything to my Patron—an unknowable entity that whispers in my dreams. Coincidentally, this started happening around the same time I found that book.
Flaw: I’m convinced that no one could ever fool me the way I fool others.
Ability scores: STR: 8 (-1) DEX: 16 (+3) CON: 13 (+1) INT: 10 (+0) WIS: 12 (+1) CHA: 16 (+3)
Saving throws: STR: -1 DEX: +3 CON: +1 INT: +0 WIS: +3 CHA: +5
Initiative: +3 Speed: 25 Passive perception: 11 Size: Small Proficiency bonus: +2 Gender: Male
Hit points: 21 Hit dice: 3d8
Armor: Studded Leather
AC: 15
Melee attack:
Dagger (+5 to hit) 1d4+3 piercing damage
Ranged attack:
Eldritch Blast (+5 to hit) 1d10+3 force damage Range: 120
Proficient skills: Arcana +2, Deception +5, Persuasion +5, Insight +4
Non-proficient skills: Acrobatics +3, Animal Handling +1, Athletics -1, History +0, Intimidation +3, Investigation +0, Medicine +1, Nature +0, Perception +1, Perform +3, Religion +0, Sleight of Hand +3, Stealth +3, Survival +1
Languages: Common, Halfling Other proficiencies: Herbalism kit, Forgery kit
Racial Traits: Lucky, Brave, Halfling Nimbleness, Naturally Stealthy
Abilities: Otherworldly Patron (Great Old One), Awakened Mind, Pact Magic, Eldritch Invocations (Agonizing Blast, Eldritch Sight), Pact Boon (Pact of the Tome)
Equipment: Fine clothes, 10 Bottles of Dr. Nesbitt’s Patented Healing Elixir (vials of water with a few drops of ink), Studded Leather Armor, 2 Daggers, Dungeoneer's pack, Arcane focus, Herbalism kit, Forgery kit
Spells known: Hex, Dissonant Whispers, Misty Step, Detect Thoughts
Cantrips: Eldritch Blast, Minor Illusion
Warlock Tome Cantrips: Mage Hand, Guidance, Shocking Grasp
Spell slots: 2 second level Spell save DC: 13 Spell Attack Modifier: +5 Knows 4 spells
I have two suggestions, one dependent on the other:
- Pick a different cantrip instead of Shocking Grasp. I realize you need it on stand-by when you're in melee, but that's what the dagger is for...for now.
- At level 4, pick up Spell Sniper instead of taking the ASI. With this feat, you can acquire Shocking Grasp.
EDIT: I lied, I have another suggestion. Don't take Deception and Persuasion, acquire two different, equally useful skills. Then swap Eldritch Sight for Beguiling Influence where you will pick up Persuasion and Deception.
I would suggest taking mask of many faces instead of eldritch sight. I'd also recommend swapping dissonant whispers for charm person. Mask of many faces gives you disguise self at-will, which is amazing, and would be very useful for a charlatan. Charm person is also great, and if you're disguised, they end up hating the person you were disguised as when the spell ends, instead of the real you.
Thanks for the suggestions! You've zeroed in on parts of the build I've fluctated on myself.
I'm reluctant to give up Shocking Grasp -- I see how your suggestion is more elegant in the long run, but as it stands I don't really have long-term plans for this character -- he's more of a "try out 5E" fellow. I thought read something about retraining spells -- does that not apply to cantrips? The only way to get out of melee without eating an opportunity attack is to use your standard action, right? I worry about getting pinned down in melee with nothing to do but plink away with my dagger. But I guess that *would* be a break from Eldritch Bolt spam...
Casting a spell doesn't provoke, right? You just have disadvantage if you target a guy next to you? So I guess I could just ignore the guy next to me and keep zapping my original target -- the downside being that each hit I take has a chance to break Concentration. How important is mobility in 5E? Are stationary monsters more dangerous (e.g. something like 3.5's full-attacks) or is it more like 4E, where their attack is generally the same regardless?
Having more or less dumped INT, the other Warlock skills aren't all that appealing. I'd rather leave the Knowledge-type skills to a legitimate scholar. I guess I could do something like Investigation and Perception. Is the +2 proficiency bonus that big a deal?
I considered Disguise Self and Charm person, but they seemed redundant with the Deception and Persuasion skills, and the Charlatan's secret identity feature. Being small-sized, the benefits of Disguise Self over a mundane Deception-check disguise seem rather limited. "Oh, no. I'm not that halfling from before, I'm um... a gnome?" I don't really like the "when it wears off the target hates you" aspect of Charm Person. It has the same meta-game problem as Intimidate and Stealth -- useful if everyone in the party is on board, otherwise it's annoying to be That Guy.
Build looks fine to me. Glad to see you started L3 - that's when the warlock gets going!
I, for one, agree with your skill analysis. You should emphasis enhancing the skills that you're 'good' at - not the ones you think might be useful. Proficiency + corresponding attribute can be powerful - generally you're only rolling when the outcome is in doubt, so you want to own the rolls you have to make and leave the ones you can't to your party members who can. You have a high CHA and high DEX, but a low STR and INT. Your skills should reflect that - the charlatan's Sleight of Hand, for example, would be good one (useful to let a sceptical audience member see a real healing pendant, then palm it and replace it with a fake when it comes time for coins to change hands).
As for spells, you can cast two - just two. So pick ones that are as versatile as possible within your game. Dissonant Whispers is a combat spell, so is Hex. If you spend all of your time in combat with the briefest of role playing cut scenes, that's what you want. Charm Person and Disguise Self are not combat spells, and have wider use in games where combat is more infrequent. I would keep Hex as your fightin' spell, and pick a lovin' spell (as it were) to balance. Same for 2nd level - you have two great spells that can be used both in battle and out.
I do agree though, Shocking Grasp isn't all that hot (electric?). Shillelagh + club is better at your level, IMO.
Harakeke wrote:
Harakeke wrote:
Ah yes, I'm starting to see the synergies now. Thanks for explaining. 
I kind of like the idea that he constantly changes his face -- perhaps not even entirely of his own volition, what with the creepy patron and all. ("I wear no mask.")
I've decided to drop Eldritch Sight for Mask of Many Faces, Dissonant Whispers for Charm Person, and Shocking Grasp for Shillelagh.
I'm somewhat tempted to take the Friends cantrip now, and just run around charming *everyone* I talk to...
Appreciate the feedback everyone!
Harakeke wrote:
Harakeke wrote:
Given the new information that you don't plan to use this character for any extended period, I'd suggest keeping Shocking Grasp.
Keep Shocking Grasp. Fighting with weapons is just so... unseemly.
If this were me, I'd go with Mask of Many Faces, Agonizing Blast, and Beguiling Influence. Starting skills would be Arcana, Sleight of Hand, Performance, and something else off of the Warlock list that would make sense. At 4th, I'd pick up the Actor feat. Charming wouldn't be super nesscicary at that point. With 1 minute of study, you can copy a person's voice. Feel like they're gaining the upper hand in the social exchange? Well, then their own voice pops into their head saying, "you know, on second thought, this wee lad here is right. This is really is a great deal on such a wondrous item!"
Every party needs a Face. So you're in luck, the Actor GOO Warlock just happens to be the best one!