Question about Multiclassing [OPTIMISATION]

Post/Author/DateTimePost
#1

Ishamaelus

Sep 15, 2014 10:03:29

So I've recently been reviewing the PHB and having only come from a 4e background, the Multi-classing still feels a little strange to me, so I'd like to ensure I'm getting it right.

 

Firstly, with the stat attribute increase, this to me seems to be based off a Class level, rather than total level given that fighters get 2 additional increases at 6th/14th level.

 

Given this I am looking to make an Oath of Vengeance Paladin, but if I went 18/2 Paladin/Fighter to try and take advantage of Action Surge/Second Wind, would this mean I would effectively be forgoing the level 19 Stat bonus from Paladins, as well as the level 20 Class feature.

 

If that is the case, would an effective build then be to take a 16/4, to get the attribute increase from Fighter, as well as letting me take the class specialisation of Champion for the Increased Crit Range, as well as Action Surge to combine actions.

 

Finally, as I've yet to really experience spell casting yet in 5th, I'm unsure if going the 16/4 route is worth it to give up 2x5th level slots, and 1x4th level.

 

Anyone who is better with the theorycrafting/Maths or general Character optimisation mind pointing me in the right direction with this?

#2

Kalani

Sep 15, 2014 10:25:39

Ability Bonuses/Feats: This is causing a lot of confusion for the 3.X and 4E crowd. Unlike the previous two editions, ABIs/feats are now class features, and as such are based off class-level.

 

You are correct. Your Pal 18/Fighter 2 gives up their 19th and 20th level Paladin features - including the 19th level ABI/Feat.

 

Effective builds depend entirely on what your priorities are. An 18/2 build prioritizes different features than a 16/4 build. If feats are your #1 priority, then a 16/4 build is perhaps better in this instance. 

 

Other popular level distributions are:

  • 17/3: Prioritizes 9th level spells, high level class abilities & subclass abilities of secondary class. Loses 1 feat.
  • 12/8: Prioritizes feats. Loses 5th level spells & 9th level class abilities.
  • 11/9: Prioritizes 5th level spells & 9th level class abilities. Loses 1 feat.

With that being said, do not look at L20 exclusively. Pay attention to your characters abilities at various snapshots, and plan accordingly.

 

Popular 6th level snapshots include:

  • 5/1: Prioritizes Extra Attacks, and some (few) 5th level class abilities.
  • 4/2: Prioritizes Feats.
  • 3/3: Prioritizes subclass abilities.

 

#3

Mommy_was_an_Orc

Sep 15, 2014 10:28:43

Kalani wrote:
#4

Kalani

Sep 15, 2014 11:02:06

Mommy_was_an_Orc wrote:
#5

FluffyBunbunKittens

Sep 15, 2014 11:06:10

Aye, for warriors, that 2nd attack is so huge, as it doubles your effectiveness straight away. You'd have to get something smashing out of that early dip to make it worth it.

 

That said, I've been tempted by starting a Paladin build with Fighter 1, because it gets you that bloody Con save prof, to keep your concentration spells up with. Saves you a feat, but delays everything.

#6

Yunru

Sep 15, 2014 13:03:36

15/5 is also a popular split (especially amongst casters), as it grabs the Lvl 14 Feature of a class and the 5th level goodies (extra Sneak Attack, lvl 3 spells, etc.) of the other.

#7

Kalani

Sep 15, 2014 15:07:46

FluffyBunbunKittens wrote:
#8

Lawolf

Sep 15, 2014 16:06:39

According to Mike Mearls, invocation level requirements can be total

character level, not warlock level. 

 

This is means a rogue 2, warlock 3 can be pretty awesome. Blade pact, darkness, devils sight, and thirsting blade. Cast Darkness on your weapon, engage in melee with your enemies, use a cunning action to hide.

 

Your enemies have to guess your location and still have disadvantage on their attacks against you. Your attacks are made with advantage. You do not provoke OAs because yor enemies can't see you.

#9

Kalani

Sep 15, 2014 16:25:38

Lawolf wrote:
#10

Xaielao2

Sep 15, 2014 16:38:21

Kalani wrote:
#11

Kalani

Sep 16, 2014 11:07:24

Xaielao2 wrote:
#12

Xaielao2

Sep 16, 2014 10:48:54

Thanks for the tips. I was thinking Battlemaster as well, a lot of added utility on their maneuvers.