D&D (2024) "Sword" and Board Build?

[Zardnaar]

So I’ve not seen it mentioned, but the current high tier DPR shenanigans build is actually Sword and Board by preference.

I’m of course referring to the Warlock 2 (or 1)/ Valor Bard X with Conjure Minor Elementals running.

1. Attack
2. Eldritch Blast (for four attacks) extra attack swap
3. Bonus action attack (since you cast a spell with a casting time of one action on your turn)

All with a single weapon and a shield for top tier AC (you probably need Spell Sniper if you want to hit with Eldritch Blast at 5ft range).

I'm after a more traditional build. CME abuse us high level, mostly theoretical and also obvious.

 

[CreamCloud0]

despite the improvements provided by weapon masteries i still think the '24 weapons table is quite lacking in areas, especially for simple weapons, how are daggers the only simple finesse weapon, why isn't there a simple reach weapon, or a heavy finesse weapon?

 

[Paul Farquhar]

why isn't there a simple reach weapon

Because hitting a target that is further away requires some training.

or a heavy finesse weapon

Because it has too much momentum to redirect quickly.

 

[FrogReaver]

Defensive Duelist costs a feat spot and your reaction every turn. A very high cost. Might be worth it but there is a lot of competition for both.

Yes. And Thanks Captain Obvious.

 

[Horwath]

despite the improvements provided by weapon masteries i still think the '24 weapons table is quite lacking in areas, especially for simple weapons, how are daggers the only simple finesse weapon, why isn't there a simple reach weapon,

longspear could be one.
1d8, 2Handed, reach

or a heavy finesse weapon?

heavy with finesse sounds like not really possible.

finesse should reduce damage die by one step
heavy should increases die by one step

also, longsword, battleaxe, warhammer should be d10 weapons.
Versatile is not a property, it's a waste of print space, finesse is a property.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Defensive Duelist costs a feat spot and your reaction every turn. A very high cost. Might be worth it but there is a lot of competition for both.

As a tank, defensive duellist is a very double edged sword.

If someone attacks you and you use it, that means a free disengage for them. And if they have a second attack a free hit on your squishies.

Sentinel would be the better choice or grappler...

 

[FrogReaver]

As a tank, defensive duellist is a very double edged sword.

If someone attacks you and you use it, that means a free disengage for them. And if they have a second attack a free git on your squishies.

Sentinel would be the better choice or grappler...

Assumes squishies are still within move range. Smart squishies tend to stay more than enemy move distance from the tank when possible to prevent such things from occurring.

*Not always possible, but then, most enemies aren’t going to attack the tank, provoke defensive duelist and then run to the squishiest for their 2nd attack, even though it’s possible they could.

 

[UngeheuerLich]

Assumes squishies are still within move range. Smart squishies tend to stay more than enemy move distance from the tank when possible to prevent such things from occurring.

*Not always possible, but then, most enemies aren’t going to attack the tank, provoke defensive duelist and then run to the squishiest for their 2nd attack, even though it’s possible they could.

Why should they attack a second time?

Defensive duellist is a good feat... but better on characters that otherwise try to deal damage... not tanks.

 

[FrogReaver]

Why should they attack a second time?

Why shouldn’t they?

Defensive duellist isna good feat... but better on characters that otherwise try to deal damage... not tanks.

It’s one of the better ones, even for tanks.

 

[mellored]

I'm after a more traditional build. CME abuse us high level, mostly theoretical and also obvious.

Would you consider wand and shield? That opens up some options.

Why should they attack a second time?

Because they have a -20 move speed from whip and slasher (with damage from sneak attack / Smite).

Add in spiritual guardians, plant growth, or other difficult terrain to immobilize.
Or Ensnaring Stike.
Or Guardian Artificer.
Or world tree barbarian.

Even without an OA there are plenty of ways to keep them close.

And then the bard can drop Cloud of Daggers on top of them since they can't move.

Defensive duellist isna good feat

Most people think Shield a top tier spell. I've seen people use a feat to get it.
So why wouldn't Defensive Duelist be bad?

Reminder that it's not just 1 attack anymore.