D&D (2024) Best one level dip for a bladelock

[Neonchameleon]

The Pact of the Blade Warlock is mostly good other than being very squishy. And while 12 temp hp at will is great at tier 1 it falls off, so after level 5 I think the Bladelocks want a single level dip for medium armour and shields.

Paladin, ranger, and fighter all provide medium armour, shields, martial weapons, two (you can only really use one) weapon masteries, and Other Stuff.

Fighter: Requires Dex 13 (easy). Second Wind, fighting style

Ranger: Requires Dex and Wis 13. A skill, free Hunter's Mark, two spell slots (Absorb Elements?)

Paladin: Requires Cha (ha) and Str 13 (bleh). Provides 5hp Lay on Hands and 2 spells slots (non-conc 1d4 damage per hit buff?)

 

[mellored]

Barbarian also comes with medium armor, shields, and weapons mastery.

Rage is strong defensive option and stacks nicely with armor of agythis / fiends THP.
You don't get the damage boost and lose concentration, but you can pick and choose.

And there is a feat for medium armor if you want.


Note, you still need 13 Str to use a Heavy weapon, even has a bladelock.

 

[ECMO3]

I would say Paladin for Divine Smite .... which is now a spell and presumably can be used with pact slots.

Also if you do Paladin first you get heavy armor proficiency.

 

[FrogReaver]

A very smooth bladelock leveling experience would be to start fighter level 1, use the nick+vex masteries and two weapon fighting style. Primary either dex or str instead of charisma. Let your first feat be defensive duelist or heavy armor master depending on if you went str or dex.

The dex route at character level 6 would give you potentially 17 AC (Half Plate), Defensive Duelist for another +Prof Bonus =3 (Total 20 AC vs melee). You would make 3 attacks often at advantage due to vex and could keep hex up most of the time. 2d6+4 x3 = 33 Damage before accuracy adjustment.

The str route at character level 6 would give you potentially 18 AC (Plate), Heavy Armor Master for Prof Bonus = 3 damage reduction per attack. You would follow the same attack routine as the dex based fighter/warlock, 3 attacks often at advantage due to vex and could keep hex up most of the time. 2d6+4 x3 = 33 Damage before accuracy adjustment.

The Paladin version lacks the fighting style, which for our purposes is probably alot worse, but 2 level 1 spell slots is still nice compensation we could do some interesting things with.

A less smooth bladelock leveling experience might be to start Fighter and be Str Primary Greatsword. Use the Defensive Style and Plate. 19 AC and can take the Great Weapon Master at level 5. With hex you'll do 3d6+4+3 x2 = 35 Damage before accuracy adjustments and you will do 4 damage every miss. Biggest downside is only making 1 attack at character level 5. With the dual wielding warlock/fighter you at least are making 2 attacks at level 5. Still should be pretty good. Less good early game, probably a bit better later.

 

[FrogReaver]

If one really wants to go charisma bladelock and dip after level 5 for armor and shields - i think the above mostly applies, it's just slightly worse in the melee department but slightly better at spells.

 

[FrogReaver]

Note, you still need 13 Str to use a Heavy weapon, even has a bladelock.

I never remember that being a thing?

 

[DrJawaPhD]

Note, you still need 13 Str to use a Heavy weapon, even has a bladelock.

And for GWM which you probably want as well

 

[mellored]

I never remember that being a thing?

It's new.
Replacing the previous restrictions.

 

[FrogReaver]

It's new.
Replacing the previous restrictions.

Got ya. You said still need 13 str. The still confused me.