RogueJK
It's not "Rouge"... That's makeup.
I'm currently 5th level in a Descent Into Avernus campaign with a Human Vengeance Paladin glaive-wielding Polearm Master tank.
Stats are currently STR 20 DEX 12 CON 16 INT 10 WIS 12 CHA 16, with PAM feat at 1st and +2 STR at 4th. Party is a ranged Cleric, Monk/Rogue, and ranged Warlock primarily slinging EB.
We're coming up on 6th level, so I'm considering one of the three following options, which may require a decision as soon at 7th.
I know Avernus typically runs through Level 12ish. So without any Avernus spoilers or the like, which would you consider to be most optimal:
A) Paladin 12
Pros:
-3rd Level Paladin Spells, including Haste from my Oath, starting at Level 9
-Fear immunity
-Improved Divine Smite for 1d8 extra radiant damage per hit
-Full ASIs (I'm planning either Sentinel or GWM at 8th and +2 CHA at 12th)
Cons:
-Limited spell slots, maxing out at 4/3/3
-Limited ranged damage options. (I'm currently really hurting for options against ranged/flying foes)
B) Paladin 6 then Sorcerer 6
Pros:
-Additional and higher level spell slots for casting and especially Smiting, eventually ending up with 4/3/3/3/1
-5x Cantrips, including ranged damage options (I'm thinking Chill Touch.)
-7 Sorcerer spells known of up to 3rd, especially stuff like Shield, Absorb Elements, Mirror Image, Haste, Fly
-Sorcerer subclass abilities
-Metamagic for full 2x Attacks + Quickened Spell in 1 round
Cons:
-No 3rd level Paladin spells known
-No access to Vengeance Paladin's 7th level ability, which synergizes well with PAM and reach weapon
-Access to Haste 2 levels later than straight Paladin at Level 11
-1 fewer ASI than straight Paladin and 2 levels late; I'd do +2 CHA at Level 10
-No Fear Immunity
-No Improved Divine Smite
C) Paladin 9 then Sorcerer 3 (or more likely Pal6 > Pal6/Sor1 > Pal9/Sor1 > Pal9/Sor3)
Pros:
-3rd level Paladin spells at the same rate (or nearly) as straight Paladin, including access to Haste at Level 9 (or 10 if I dip Sorcerer 1 early)
-One additional higher level spell slot for casting/Smiting, ending up with 4/3/3/1
-4x Cantrips, including ranged damage options
-4 Sorcerer spells known of up to 2nd level, especially stuff like Shield, Absorb Elements, Mirror Image
-Sorcerer subclass abilities
-Metamagic for full 2x Attacks + Quickened Spell in 1 round, eventually
Cons:
-1 fewer ASI than straight Paladin; I'd do +2 CHA at Level 8
-No Fear Immunity
-No Improved Divine Smite
-Metamagic doesn't come online until the very end
If you suggest B or C, which Sorcerer subclass would you recommend? I'm thinking Divine Soul or Shadow. Divine Soul is thematically appropriate, and would allow for Cleric spells, plus occasional even higher saves from Favored by the Gods. But Shadow's Darkvision is nice for a Human, and Strength of the Grave is good for a tank, especially with my already boosted saves.
I'm currently leaning towards C, but I'm far from decided. I'm also open to considering alternate options if you have a different suggestion, like Pal6/Sor1 to Pal11/Sor1, or maybe even Paladin/Bard. (Paladin/Warlock would be thematically less ideal, and a bit redundant.)
Stats are currently STR 20 DEX 12 CON 16 INT 10 WIS 12 CHA 16, with PAM feat at 1st and +2 STR at 4th. Party is a ranged Cleric, Monk/Rogue, and ranged Warlock primarily slinging EB.
We're coming up on 6th level, so I'm considering one of the three following options, which may require a decision as soon at 7th.
I know Avernus typically runs through Level 12ish. So without any Avernus spoilers or the like, which would you consider to be most optimal:
A) Paladin 12
Pros:
-3rd Level Paladin Spells, including Haste from my Oath, starting at Level 9
-Fear immunity
-Improved Divine Smite for 1d8 extra radiant damage per hit
-Full ASIs (I'm planning either Sentinel or GWM at 8th and +2 CHA at 12th)
Cons:
-Limited spell slots, maxing out at 4/3/3
-Limited ranged damage options. (I'm currently really hurting for options against ranged/flying foes)
B) Paladin 6 then Sorcerer 6
Pros:
-Additional and higher level spell slots for casting and especially Smiting, eventually ending up with 4/3/3/3/1
-5x Cantrips, including ranged damage options (I'm thinking Chill Touch.)
-7 Sorcerer spells known of up to 3rd, especially stuff like Shield, Absorb Elements, Mirror Image, Haste, Fly
-Sorcerer subclass abilities
-Metamagic for full 2x Attacks + Quickened Spell in 1 round
Cons:
-No 3rd level Paladin spells known
-No access to Vengeance Paladin's 7th level ability, which synergizes well with PAM and reach weapon
-Access to Haste 2 levels later than straight Paladin at Level 11
-1 fewer ASI than straight Paladin and 2 levels late; I'd do +2 CHA at Level 10
-No Fear Immunity
-No Improved Divine Smite
C) Paladin 9 then Sorcerer 3 (or more likely Pal6 > Pal6/Sor1 > Pal9/Sor1 > Pal9/Sor3)
Pros:
-3rd level Paladin spells at the same rate (or nearly) as straight Paladin, including access to Haste at Level 9 (or 10 if I dip Sorcerer 1 early)
-One additional higher level spell slot for casting/Smiting, ending up with 4/3/3/1
-4x Cantrips, including ranged damage options
-4 Sorcerer spells known of up to 2nd level, especially stuff like Shield, Absorb Elements, Mirror Image
-Sorcerer subclass abilities
-Metamagic for full 2x Attacks + Quickened Spell in 1 round, eventually
Cons:
-1 fewer ASI than straight Paladin; I'd do +2 CHA at Level 8
-No Fear Immunity
-No Improved Divine Smite
-Metamagic doesn't come online until the very end
If you suggest B or C, which Sorcerer subclass would you recommend? I'm thinking Divine Soul or Shadow. Divine Soul is thematically appropriate, and would allow for Cleric spells, plus occasional even higher saves from Favored by the Gods. But Shadow's Darkvision is nice for a Human, and Strength of the Grave is good for a tank, especially with my already boosted saves.
I'm currently leaning towards C, but I'm far from decided. I'm also open to considering alternate options if you have a different suggestion, like Pal6/Sor1 to Pal11/Sor1, or maybe even Paladin/Bard. (Paladin/Warlock would be thematically less ideal, and a bit redundant.)
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