D&D 5E Level 1 Character in 1v1 duel with standard Orc: Who do you bring?

[Sword of Spirit]

My personal pick would be:

Half-Orc Barbarian (16 str, 14 dex, 16 con)

Using starting equipment I would use a greatsword. However, I would prefer to use a longsword and a shield.

15hp, 1d8+5 damage (while raging), +5 attack bonus, 17 AC (assuming no armor), +2 initiative.

Don't forget your raging damage resistance, for effectively 30 hp if you win initiative, and Relentless Endurance so the orc can't one shot you if they win initiative.

 

[FrogReaver]

VHuman Fighter, Defensive Style, Shield Master (assuming DM doesn't disallow Shove before your own attack).

You know, this is a simple enough scenario that it should be easy to sim. I'll try to write something bare bones this week and post the URL. Run it 1,000 times and see what % you win.

How's the simulator working?

i was working on one in java. I can get a few values but a web based one would be awesome!

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Here's a quick sim of five simple builds, most of them first-level fighters with Defense style wearing chain mail and shield and using a longsword or rapier; except that the crossbow expert and GWM don't have a shield, and the Crossbow Expert also took Archery style instead of Defense.

Character stats:

let orc() = Combatant(nameOf giantNames "orc", (16, 12, 16, 7, 11, 10, 15), Prof = +2, AC = 13,
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 12, 3)]])
                        ])

let heavyArmor1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Valerian", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[HeavyArmorMaster],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let gwm1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Cimmerian", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 17,
                        Traits=[GreatWeaponMaster],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [BestOf(Attack.Create "slices" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)], Attack.Create "slices" 0 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 13)])])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let crossbowExpert1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "crossbow expert", (12, 16, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 16,
                            Actions = [
                                Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "shoots" 7 [DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 3)]])
                            ],
                            BonusActions = [
                                Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "shoots" 7 [DieRoll.Create(1, 6, 3)]])
                            ])
let lucky1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Fortunate", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[LuckyDefender],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let lucky1b() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Fortunate", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[LuckyDefender;LuckyAttacker],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let swash1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Agile", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[DefensiveDuelist],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])

As you can see, they differ only in equipment and feats, except for the crossbow expert who also switches Str and Dex (yielding better initiative). Run the sim by going to where the code is (https://repl.it/EnFq/19) and clicking the Run button, which runs this comparison:

compare [orc] [heavyArmor1;lucky1;lucky1b;swash1;gwm1;crossbowExpert1]

Typical Results:

Lux the Valerian wins 82 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 8.75 HP remaining (67% of total)
Daniel Pinkwater the Fortunate wins 92 out of 100 matches against Ootini the orc, with 11.16 HP remaining (85% of total)
Platt the Fortunate wins 91 out of 100 matches against Dank the orc, with 11.26 HP remaining (86% of total)
Kitty the Agile wins 75 out of 100 matches against Ootini the orc, with 8.34 HP remaining (64% of total)
Platt the Cimmerian wins 77 out of 100 matches against Mudd the orc, with 8.78 HP remaining (67% of total)
Elias the crossbow expert wins 81 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 8.71 HP remaining (67% of total)


Observations:

Lucky wins the most matches, at 90+%, but there isn't really a bad option on the list.

Heavy Armor Master is also quite strong, and unlike Lucky it's at-will, once you restore HP.

It doesn't really matter whether you use Lucky only to negate hits or also on attacks. Either way it comes out the same.

Mobile is also a very strong feat in actual adventuring, but not in a cage match like this challenge/simulation.

 

[Sword of Spirit]

I'd be interested in seeing simulations with @FrogReaver 's half-orc barbarian (with the greatsword). It seems like victory is almost assured if you win initiative (due to damage resistance), and Relentless Endurance is a great buffer to being one-shotted by a max damage roll or solid crit if you lose. While the AC isn't as high as the other builds, it will still have better AC (16 in scale) than the Orc, as well as better damage output.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

I'd be interested in seeing simulations with @FrogReaver 's half-orc barbarian (with the greatsword). It seems like victory is almost assured if you win initiative (due to damage resistance), and Relentless Endurance is a great buffer to being one-shotted by a max damage roll or solid crit if you lose. While the AC isn't as high as the other builds, it will still have better AC (16 in scale) than the Orc, as well as better damage output.

Give me a sec. I'll also check the Polearm Master Barbarian.

 

[FrogReaver]

Mine was the half orc barbarian with long sword and shield . Someone else had the great sword one.

I'd be interested in seeing simulations with @FrogReaver 's half-orc barbarian (with the greatsword). It seems like victory is almost assured if you win initiative (due to damage resistance), and Relentless Endurance is a great buffer to being one-shotted by a max damage roll or solid crit if you lose. While the AC isn't as high as the other builds, it will still have better AC (16 in scale) than the Orc, as well as better damage output.

 

[FrogReaver]

Did you have the fighter ever use 2nd wind?

Here's a quick sim of five simple builds, most of them first-level fighters with Defense style wearing chain mail and shield and using a longsword or rapier; except that the crossbow expert and GWM don't have a shield, and the Crossbow Expert also took Archery style instead of Defense.

Character stats:

let orc() = Combatant(nameOf giantNames "orc", (16, 12, 16, 7, 11, 10, 15), Prof = +2, AC = 13,
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 12, 3)]])
                        ])

let heavyArmor1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Valerian", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[HeavyArmorMaster],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let gwm1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Cimmerian", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 17,
                        Traits=[GreatWeaponMaster],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [BestOf(Attack.Create "slices" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)], Attack.Create "slices" 0 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 13)])])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let crossbowExpert1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "crossbow expert", (12, 16, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 16,
                            Actions = [
                                Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "shoots" 7 [DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 3)]])
                            ],
                            BonusActions = [
                                Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "shoots" 7 [DieRoll.Create(1, 6, 3)]])
                            ])
let lucky1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Fortunate", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[LuckyDefender],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let lucky1b() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Fortunate", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[LuckyDefender;LuckyAttacker],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])
let swash1() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Agile", (16, 12, 16, 11, 12, 10, 13), Prof = +2, AC = 19,
                        Traits=[DefensiveDuelist],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Second Wind", Healing (DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 1)), 1)
                        ])

As you can see, they differ only in equipment and feats, except for the crossbow expert who also switches Str and Dex (yielding better initiative). Run the sim by going to where the code is (https://repl.it/EnFq/19) and clicking the Run button, which runs this comparison:

compare [orc] [heavyArmor1;lucky1;lucky1b;swash1;gwm1;crossbowExpert1]

Typical Results:

Lux the Valerian wins 82 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 8.75 HP remaining (67% of total)
Daniel Pinkwater the Fortunate wins 92 out of 100 matches against Ootini the orc, with 11.16 HP remaining (85% of total)
Platt the Fortunate wins 91 out of 100 matches against Dank the orc, with 11.26 HP remaining (86% of total)
Kitty the Agile wins 75 out of 100 matches against Ootini the orc, with 8.34 HP remaining (64% of total)
Platt the Cimmerian wins 77 out of 100 matches against Mudd the orc, with 8.78 HP remaining (67% of total)
Elias the crossbow expert wins 81 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 8.71 HP remaining (67% of total)


Observations:

Lucky wins the most matches, at 90+%, but there isn't really a bad option on the list.

Heavy Armor Master is also quite strong, and unlike Lucky it's at-will, once you restore HP.

It doesn't really matter whether you use Lucky only to negate hits or also on attacks. Either way it comes out the same.

Mobile is also a very strong feat in actual adventuring, but not in a cage match like this challenge/simulation.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Did you have the fighter ever use 2nd wind?

Fighter uses 2nd wind whenever he is below 80% HP and has an unused bonus action after making his attacks.

Here's my sim results for FrogReaver and Plaguescarred. Check my stats here to see if they're what you expected:

let frogReaver() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "FrogReaver", (16, 14, 16, 8, 10, 12, 15), Prof = +2, AC = 17,
                        Traits=[Rage 2; DoubleCrits; RelentlessEndurance],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 8, 3)]])
                        ])
let plagueScarred() = Combatant(nameOf humanNames "Plaguescarred", (16, 14, 16, 8, 10, 12, 15), Prof = +2, AC = 16,
                        Traits=[Rage 2; PolearmMaster (Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 3)])],
                        Actions = [
                            Action.Create("Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "cuts" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 10, 3)]])
                        ],
                        BonusActions = [
                            Action.Create("Haft Attack", Attack [Attack.Create "bludgeons" 5 [DieRoll.Create(1, 4, 3)]])
                        ])

Robin Hood the Valerian wins 82 out of 100 matches against Mudd the orc, with 8.99 HP remaining (69% of total)
Lux the Fortunate wins 89 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 10.65 HP remaining (81% of total)
Kitty the Fortunate wins 92 out of 100 matches against Splatt the orc, with 11.65 HP remaining (89% of total)
Grizzabella the Agile wins 77 out of 100 matches against Dredd the orc, with 9.17 HP remaining (70% of total)
Platt the Cimmerian wins 61 out of 100 matches against Splatt the orc, with 7.02 HP remaining (53% of total)
John the crossbow expert wins 81 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 7.93 HP remaining (61% of total)
Daniel Pinkwater the FrogReaver wins 93 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 8.72 HP remaining (58% of total)
Rupert Grint the Plaguescarred wins 94 out of 100 matches against Platt the orc, with 9.98 HP remaining (66% of total)

Code is here: https://repl.it/EnFq/20

Both versions of the Barbarian are better than anything else I've tested so far, including the Lucky fighter. (The usual way the orc wins against the fighter is by one-hit kills which don't allow Second Wind to come into play; the Barbarian is far less vulnerable to those. So is a 2nd-level fighter, or a fighter with a party around him.)

 

[Parmandur]

Hill Dwarf Champion.

 

[FormerlyHemlock]

Hill Dwarf Champion.

Nobody is a Champion at first level. You have to earn the title by killing 900 XP worth of giant rats first.