Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
The
VOIDRUNNER'S CODEX
is coming! Explore new worlds, fight oppressive empires, fend off fearsome aliens, and wield deadly psionics with this comprehensive boxed set expansion for 5E and A5E!
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
Character Builds & Optimization
Help me make a Master of Minor Magic
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Zaruthustran" data-source="post: 6668667" data-attributes="member: 1457"><p>I echo the advice about investing in Warlock. Book of Shadows gives you amazing versatility (pick from any spell list). Plus, as has been stated, Invocations give you that at-will-magic vibe you're looking for. I highly recommend Mask of Many Faces. </p><p></p><p>Keep in mind that MCing Warlock means you can cast the spells from classes with the "Spellcasting" feature using your Warlock spell slots. This is a Big Deal, because those slots refresh after a short rest. And, at Warlock 3, they'll be 2nd level slots (or higher). 1st level spells cast with higher level slots are often more potent. Sleep, for example, becomes very, very powerful when cast in a high level slot. Note the absence of saving throw.</p><p></p><p>I caution against grabbing classes just for the boost in # of cantrips. Once you get Eldritch Blast, you really don't need any other attack cantrips. Maybe Shocking Grasp for the "no reactions" feature (it's a good "escape" spell because no reactions = no OAs). Maybe Fire Bolt to start fires beyond Prestidigitation's 10 foot range, and because fire damage is useful. And Sacred Flame is nice for the radiant damage, and because it's a ranged cantrip that doesn't care about cover (obviating the need for Spell Sniper). Okay, I guess there is a need for more attack cantrips. <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite1" alt=":)" title="Smile :)" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":)" /></p><p></p><p>I'd go for these cantrips first (in order of priority)</p><p>Prestidigitation</p><p>Eldritch Blast</p><p>Guidance</p><p>Fire Bolt</p><p>Sacred Flame</p><p>Shocking Grasp (particularly if you have a familiar)</p><p>Minor Illusion</p><p>Mending</p><p></p><p>Starting at 6 gives you the luxury of not having to consider playability at low levels. For max fun, I suggest going 3/3 so that you <u>immediately</u> have access to all the 3rd level goodies from two classes. </p><p></p><p>So: </p><p>Start as Warlock 3, for Wis & Cha saves. Failing Wis saves often means losing your turn/losing your action.</p><p>Your choice of either Fighter 3 (Eldritch Knight), Rogue 3 (Arcane Trickster), or Bard 3 (either, though Lore seems more in-theme).</p><p></p><p>You could instead go Wizard 2 (School of Conjuration gives a fun and powerful at-will magical ability) + Cleric 1 (either Light domain for Light, or Nature Domain for Guidance or Mending). </p><p></p><p>I think Eldritch Knight 3 might deliver most bang for buck. Action Surge is amazing with Eldritch Blast (four attacks!); the self-heal, Defense style, and armor & shield proficiencies vastly increase survivability; and the weapon bond is super cool--especially if you bond a thrown weapon, and call it back after impaling someone. Plus you're only two levels away from Extra Attack, making you a melee threat, and thereafter only one level away from an additional feat (like Magic Initiate, presuming you took Spell Sniper at 1st as a human or at 4th on the way to 6th).</p><p></p><p>Then again... Arcane Trickster gives you 1 more cantrip than Eldritch Knight: the always-useful Mage Hand. Actually an improved Mage Hand: it's invisible, and much more capable. Plus, Rogue can combo very well with Warlock if you took the Mask of Many Faces invocation: put one of your Expertise choices into Deception. On the other hand, Sneak Attack doesn't work with spells. </p><p></p><p>Tough choice, but really you can't go wrong. Either one, or Bard, would be a blast.</p><p></p><p></p><p><strong>Quick build:</strong></p><p><strong>Concept:</strong> Master of minor magics. DPR + tank. Uses Eldritch Blast for ranged damage, but not afraid to mix it up in melee.</p><p></p><p>Str 14, Con 13, Dex 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 16</p><p>HP: 42 AC: 21 (plate + shield + Defense style) Speed: 20 (base 30, -10 because doesn't meet Str requirement for plate)</p><p>Attacks: +4 (1d8 + 2 morningstar), or +4 (1d6 + 2 javelin, range 30/120) or +5 (two blasts, each at 1d10 Eldritch Blast).</p><p></p><p>Key gear: morningstar (bonded), javelin (bonded), bat familiar, plate armor, shield.</p><p></p><p>Key class features: Defense Style, Action Surge, Second Wind, Pact Magic, Spellcasting, Invocations (see below), Weapon Bond, Fey Presence (Charm or Frighten AOE).</p><p></p><p>Class Levels:</p><p>Warlock 3 (Fey Patron, Chain Pact)</p><p>Eldritch Knight 3</p><p></p><p>Feat: War Caster (advantage on Concentration checks, weapon or shield don't interfere with Somatic components, can cast spell instead of OA).</p><p></p><p>Invocations: Mask of Many Faces (cast Disguise Self at-will), Book of Ancient Secrets (gain Ritual Casting and two rituals, can add any ritual spell to Book of Shadows).</p><p></p><p>Cantrips:</p><p>Prestidigitation (wlk)</p><p>Eldritch Blast (wlk)</p><p>Guidance (tome pact)</p><p>Sacred Flame (tome pact)</p><p>Fire Bolt (tome pact)</p><p>Minor Illusion (Eldritch Knight)</p><p>Shocking Grasp (Eldritch Knight)</p><p></p><p>1st level spells:</p><p>Hex (Warlock)</p><p>Dissonant Whispers (Warlock)</p><p>Sleep (Eldritch Knight)</p><p>Shield (Eldritch Knight)</p><p>Magic Missile (Eldritch Knight)</p><p>Find Familiar (Book of Ancient Secrets)</p><p>Unseen Servant (Book of Ancient Secrets)</p><p></p><p>2nd level spells:</p><p>Misty Step (Warlock)</p><p>Suggestion (Warlock)</p><p></p><p>You can go Warlock 4 and 5 after this for the additional Cantrip (Minor Illusion), ability score improvement (Cha), invocation (agonizing blast), and spells (Vampiric Touch, Hunger of Hadar).</p><p></p><p>Or can go Fighter 4 and 5 for the ability score improvement (Str, to get rid of speed penalty and add to weapon attack & dam), Extra Attack, and spell (Protection from Evil & Good--like your other Int-based spells, this spell doesn't care about your Int modifier). And then pick up fighter 6 for another ability score improvement, but choose Resilient (Con) to bump your Con to 14 and gain proficiency in Con saves (and net +1 HP per level).</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Zaruthustran, post: 6668667, member: 1457"] I echo the advice about investing in Warlock. Book of Shadows gives you amazing versatility (pick from any spell list). Plus, as has been stated, Invocations give you that at-will-magic vibe you're looking for. I highly recommend Mask of Many Faces. Keep in mind that MCing Warlock means you can cast the spells from classes with the "Spellcasting" feature using your Warlock spell slots. This is a Big Deal, because those slots refresh after a short rest. And, at Warlock 3, they'll be 2nd level slots (or higher). 1st level spells cast with higher level slots are often more potent. Sleep, for example, becomes very, very powerful when cast in a high level slot. Note the absence of saving throw. I caution against grabbing classes just for the boost in # of cantrips. Once you get Eldritch Blast, you really don't need any other attack cantrips. Maybe Shocking Grasp for the "no reactions" feature (it's a good "escape" spell because no reactions = no OAs). Maybe Fire Bolt to start fires beyond Prestidigitation's 10 foot range, and because fire damage is useful. And Sacred Flame is nice for the radiant damage, and because it's a ranged cantrip that doesn't care about cover (obviating the need for Spell Sniper). Okay, I guess there is a need for more attack cantrips. :) I'd go for these cantrips first (in order of priority) Prestidigitation Eldritch Blast Guidance Fire Bolt Sacred Flame Shocking Grasp (particularly if you have a familiar) Minor Illusion Mending Starting at 6 gives you the luxury of not having to consider playability at low levels. For max fun, I suggest going 3/3 so that you [U]immediately[/U] have access to all the 3rd level goodies from two classes. So: Start as Warlock 3, for Wis & Cha saves. Failing Wis saves often means losing your turn/losing your action. Your choice of either Fighter 3 (Eldritch Knight), Rogue 3 (Arcane Trickster), or Bard 3 (either, though Lore seems more in-theme). You could instead go Wizard 2 (School of Conjuration gives a fun and powerful at-will magical ability) + Cleric 1 (either Light domain for Light, or Nature Domain for Guidance or Mending). I think Eldritch Knight 3 might deliver most bang for buck. Action Surge is amazing with Eldritch Blast (four attacks!); the self-heal, Defense style, and armor & shield proficiencies vastly increase survivability; and the weapon bond is super cool--especially if you bond a thrown weapon, and call it back after impaling someone. Plus you're only two levels away from Extra Attack, making you a melee threat, and thereafter only one level away from an additional feat (like Magic Initiate, presuming you took Spell Sniper at 1st as a human or at 4th on the way to 6th). Then again... Arcane Trickster gives you 1 more cantrip than Eldritch Knight: the always-useful Mage Hand. Actually an improved Mage Hand: it's invisible, and much more capable. Plus, Rogue can combo very well with Warlock if you took the Mask of Many Faces invocation: put one of your Expertise choices into Deception. On the other hand, Sneak Attack doesn't work with spells. Tough choice, but really you can't go wrong. Either one, or Bard, would be a blast. [B]Quick build:[/B] [B]Concept:[/B] Master of minor magics. DPR + tank. Uses Eldritch Blast for ranged damage, but not afraid to mix it up in melee. Str 14, Con 13, Dex 12, Int 12, Wis 12, Cha 16 HP: 42 AC: 21 (plate + shield + Defense style) Speed: 20 (base 30, -10 because doesn't meet Str requirement for plate) Attacks: +4 (1d8 + 2 morningstar), or +4 (1d6 + 2 javelin, range 30/120) or +5 (two blasts, each at 1d10 Eldritch Blast). Key gear: morningstar (bonded), javelin (bonded), bat familiar, plate armor, shield. Key class features: Defense Style, Action Surge, Second Wind, Pact Magic, Spellcasting, Invocations (see below), Weapon Bond, Fey Presence (Charm or Frighten AOE). Class Levels: Warlock 3 (Fey Patron, Chain Pact) Eldritch Knight 3 Feat: War Caster (advantage on Concentration checks, weapon or shield don't interfere with Somatic components, can cast spell instead of OA). Invocations: Mask of Many Faces (cast Disguise Self at-will), Book of Ancient Secrets (gain Ritual Casting and two rituals, can add any ritual spell to Book of Shadows). Cantrips: Prestidigitation (wlk) Eldritch Blast (wlk) Guidance (tome pact) Sacred Flame (tome pact) Fire Bolt (tome pact) Minor Illusion (Eldritch Knight) Shocking Grasp (Eldritch Knight) 1st level spells: Hex (Warlock) Dissonant Whispers (Warlock) Sleep (Eldritch Knight) Shield (Eldritch Knight) Magic Missile (Eldritch Knight) Find Familiar (Book of Ancient Secrets) Unseen Servant (Book of Ancient Secrets) 2nd level spells: Misty Step (Warlock) Suggestion (Warlock) You can go Warlock 4 and 5 after this for the additional Cantrip (Minor Illusion), ability score improvement (Cha), invocation (agonizing blast), and spells (Vampiric Touch, Hunger of Hadar). Or can go Fighter 4 and 5 for the ability score improvement (Str, to get rid of speed penalty and add to weapon attack & dam), Extra Attack, and spell (Protection from Evil & Good--like your other Int-based spells, this spell doesn't care about your Int modifier). And then pick up fighter 6 for another ability score improvement, but choose Resilient (Con) to bump your Con to 14 and gain proficiency in Con saves (and net +1 HP per level). [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
General Tabletop Discussion
Character Builds & Optimization
Help me make a Master of Minor Magic
Top