D&D 5E (2024) Divine Smite vs Searing Smite in play

[Zardnaar]

This is a really good catch for high level play. I will be playing 1-20 so at low level a smite is still better.

Also though a lot of times for burst damage I will be doing both as Psychic Blades do not use an action of any type.

Reminds me a bit of tge warlock/paladin eldritch smite+smite build.

Divine smites always good, better if undead and fiends are around and low level.

Searing smite upcasts better.

Divine smite transitioning to searing smite somewhat DM and party dependent.

 

[ECMO3]

I think another option is to grab Wrathful Smite from Shadow Touched at level 5 and then I won't need to prepare it any more leaving room for both Divine Smite and Searing Smite.

 

[Zardnaar]

I think another option is to grab Wrathful Smite from Shadow Touched at level 5 and then I won't need to prepare it any more leaving room for both Divine Smite and Searing Smite.

Yup. Basic idea is one big attack using Truestrike to the end?

 

[ECMO3]

Yup. Basic idea is one big attack using Truestrike to the end?

Well it is basically a full caster, so lots of options, but when I am attacking it is probably usually this. At low levels there is a dual wielding play with a hand axe and scimitar, but after level 5 it is probably either a sword and board with sap or a heavy weapon with Cleave or Graze.

 

[Zardnaar]

Well it is basically a full caster, so lots of options, but when I am attacking it is probably usually this. At low levels there is a dual wielding play with a hand axe and scimitar, but after level 5 it is probably either a sword and board with sap or a heavy weapon with Cleave or Graze.

Im liking the build. I suspect if whispers bard get updated they'll nuke it.

Might be a reslly good unexpected gish build like drids snd clerics.

 

[Zardnaar]

Indeed. If you care for versatility, you have the opportunity to pay its cost. If you wish not to pay the cost, then at least you can get comfort in the fact that you made the choice to have 2 out of 3 smites, and not that you were forced to leave one on the table

BTW, not fully related, but in case it gives more ideas for the build, Colby just came out today with a Searing Smite build.

Just watched it.

Takes a bit long to get good imho. Could do something similar Pal1, War6, 2 more paladin (devotion) .

ECMO3 Current builds better imho.

 

[ECMO3]

So I have the build mostly figured out.

I am going 16 Strength, 13 Dex, 12 Constitution, 8 Wisdom, 8 Intelligence, 17 Charisma. I am going to start Paladin for the Wisdom saves.

I am going to play a Drow favored of Zinzernia - makes for good thematics with Paladin and Whispers Bard.

I will be getting Persuasion, Athletics, Perception, Stealth and Deception to start with. Expertise first in Deception and Stealth and later in Athletics and Persuasion.

Feats are going to be Drow High Magic at Bard 4 (we get a +1 Charisma with this via houserule), Shadow Touched with Wrathful Smite at Bard 8 (CH19), either Spellfire Spark or Elven Accuracy at level 12 (CH20)

The only things I am undecided on - Should I take any Sorcerer levels. I can pick up 2 level of Sorcerer, probably at level 3 (P1/B1/S1) and level 18 (P1/B15/S2). This delays Psychic Blades scaling by 1 level but gives me Shield and False Life. Innate Sorcerery is twice a day and would give me advantage on spells, including the Truestrike that is my prime attack and landing crits with both psychic blades and divine smite is huge. If I did this I would take Elven Accuracy at Bard 12. This also gives me an Epic Boon a level earlier, but one less feat overall.

Not sure about my Origin Feat yet. I am thinking about Tough, but I am not a huge fan of that feat.

On the Original question - I am going to do Wrathful Smite and Divine Smite until Bard 6, then swap for Searing Smite, then when I pick up WS on the feat at Bard 8 put Divine Smite back in.

Thoughts??