I just started a new campaign at level 5, and decided to play a Wood Elf Archery Fighter. Here's my character currently:
Wood Elf Fighter (5) Archery Style, Battle Master, Crossbow Expert. (uses a Hand Crossbow)
Str 10
Dex 18
Con 11
Int 10
Wis 15
Cha 10
(I had to roll my stats)
Ultimately, I want to take three levels in Ranger for Dread Ambusher (the level 3 ability of the Gloom Stalker subclass from Xanathar's) and three levels in Rogue for Assassinate. I'm wondering whether this is any better than just going straight Fighter, and if so, when should I start multiclassing?
If I stay with Fighter, I get another ASI, which I could use to get my Dex to 20 (I have 18 currently because we rolled stats), or I could take Sharpshooter. From there, I get another Superiority Dice, another ASI, and Indomitable.
If I start into Ranger, I can get Dread Ambusher in 3 levels, which gives me an extra attack (or 2 with Action Surge) plus 1d8 of damage on the first round of each combat. It also gives me access to Hunter's Mark for an extra 1d6 damage on a hit, and Defense Style for +1 AC.
If I start into Rogue, I get one dice of Sneak Attack Immediately, plus a skill and Perception/Stealth Expertise. Cunning Action is a bit redundant with Crossbow Expert, but Assassinate gives me advantage against any creature slower than me on the first round of combat and free crits if I surprise my enemy.
The other thing I wonder is how can I make use of Elven Accuracy with a Hand Crossbow? Assassinate gives you advantage, but only for one round, and only against creatures slower than you (I do have very high Initiative with maxed Dex and +3 Wisdom) Are there any more reliable methods that don't require you be in melee?
Wood Elf Fighter (5) Archery Style, Battle Master, Crossbow Expert. (uses a Hand Crossbow)
Str 10
Dex 18
Con 11
Int 10
Wis 15
Cha 10
(I had to roll my stats)
Ultimately, I want to take three levels in Ranger for Dread Ambusher (the level 3 ability of the Gloom Stalker subclass from Xanathar's) and three levels in Rogue for Assassinate. I'm wondering whether this is any better than just going straight Fighter, and if so, when should I start multiclassing?
If I stay with Fighter, I get another ASI, which I could use to get my Dex to 20 (I have 18 currently because we rolled stats), or I could take Sharpshooter. From there, I get another Superiority Dice, another ASI, and Indomitable.
If I start into Ranger, I can get Dread Ambusher in 3 levels, which gives me an extra attack (or 2 with Action Surge) plus 1d8 of damage on the first round of each combat. It also gives me access to Hunter's Mark for an extra 1d6 damage on a hit, and Defense Style for +1 AC.
If I start into Rogue, I get one dice of Sneak Attack Immediately, plus a skill and Perception/Stealth Expertise. Cunning Action is a bit redundant with Crossbow Expert, but Assassinate gives me advantage against any creature slower than me on the first round of combat and free crits if I surprise my enemy.
The other thing I wonder is how can I make use of Elven Accuracy with a Hand Crossbow? Assassinate gives you advantage, but only for one round, and only against creatures slower than you (I do have very high Initiative with maxed Dex and +3 Wisdom) Are there any more reliable methods that don't require you be in melee?