Three levels of Warlock and selecting Pact of the Tome will meet the prerequisite for the Aspect of the Moon Invocation. . Twilight is a decent theme for this character, too. Warlocks are a popular class for people who like to multiclass, but not every class jives well with the Warlock multiclass. When deciding what to multiclass with, youll want to look at a few different factors. Summary of subclass features: Use Bardic Inspiration for damage or defensive AC boosts. Ultimately, the wizard and bard have little to offer one another. Furthermore, the Life Domain provides a substantial increase to healing spells without care for class - meaning that one level in it could make a bard better at one of their most useful roles. Your email address will not be published. Deal bonus damage with an attack once per turn. Each class is granting proficiencies plus proficiency doubling, and some of the classes even provide bonus proficiencies according to the multiclassing proficiencies table. Most optimal character builds I see do not involve heaps of Warlock levels, but plenty of players will specialize as Warlocks. A druid doesn't have much use for a bard's abilities, and the bard doesn't get much out of Wild Shape. The Thief Rogue specializes in chucking items as a bonus action, such as acid vials. Shoot back to life when you make a death saving throw and deal radiant damage in an area. The secondary class may be referred to as a dip into that class if the concept only needs 1-3 levels in the second class. So if you have 14 levels in Bard and 6 in Sorcerer, youre a level 20 character and can no longer gain EXP or levels as youre maxed out. This weighs down the class and just takes up space on the character sheet. Combining the melee dominance of a Paladin with the unparalleled ranged damage of a Warlock is a potent mix. At Level 2, you also get a decent-sized pool for Lay on Hands, which youll mostly use for emergencies anyways. If you enjoyed this guide, share it with your friends! As mentioned earlier, dipping one or two levels can be enough to justify multiclassing. Both of these subclasses feature knowledge from those who have passed away. Riding the line between life and death, youve been resurrected for a chance at revenge. However, have in mind thats on you if your DM looks down on you for that.. Cleric dwarf cleric Source: D&D Player's Handbook You should only go for the second level in Peace Cleric if you really want the useful Channel Divinity option to move without provoking opportunity attacks while healing allies, but Im not sure an Eloquence Bard has business being so close to everyone anyway. Outside of specific subclasses, it doesn't get Extra Attack to use weapons effectively, and none of its cantrips deal high damage. Now you call upon a patron to grant you sinister power. The Twilight Cleric is an example of this (heavy armor, martial weapons, super darkvision, advantage on Initiative). Undead creatures need to roll a Wisdom saving throw to attack you. Other than that, when it comes to the build, I have to add that this way you can learn some of your run-of-the-mill fire spells (Burning Hands, Scorching Ray, Fireball, Melfs Minute Meteors etc.) Grim Harvest is a fun ability from the Necromancer Wizard that passively siphons life from your victims when you slay them with spells of at least first level. Perhaps your eloquence comes from a deal you made with a magical instrument to become a renowned storyteller, performer, and ambassador. There is an interesting match-up where you combine the Warlocks Pact of the Blade with the Bards College of Valor or College of Swords subclasses. The Creation Bard levels ensure a steady, cheap supply of gunpowder. Great Old One Warlock Multiclass Concepts. The Sorcerers spell list has lots of these, although the lack of defensive options means this multiclass is definitely a glass cannon. Getting Sorcerer Metamagic will allow you to cast Booming Blade as a bonus action and an action to double up dealing big damage for a nova round. Lets review which combinations get enough value from dipping and dont require extensive multiclassing. Not all level-twenty abilities are worth getting; for example, Rangers have a poor level-twenty class feature, so they gain more from multiclassing. Lets start by taking a look at the different Warlock Patrons and what they offer. Both classes are half-decent at melee combat, but when stuck together, you have a legitimate threat on the battlefield. Warlocks need some of the best low-level spells, but Pact Magic doesnt work very well with them. Id describe the temporary hitpoints gained as a phasing effect as attacks phase through you until your temporary hitpoints deplete. Become immune to mind reading and resistant to psychic damage. Devils Sight is another common Invocation for working in magical darkness. Updated 8th of September, by Isaac Williams: Multiclassing is one of the best ways to customize a character in Fifth Edition, but it's also a double-edged sword that can hamstring a character's effectiveness. His love of storytelling has given him wide expertise on all things entertainment, from video games and tabletop roleplaying to television and movies, which he uses to inform his work in many ways. That said, not all combinations of classes work well with Warlock. If you enjoy acting as the partys face, this combo is a good way to double down. Wizards of the Coast LLC.Use, modification, and distribution of Wizards of the Coast's content is under theOpen Game License v 1.0aCopyright 2000, Wizards of the Coast, Inc.Flutes Loot Privacy Policy. This is because other classes can give a bard better weapons and armor, Extra Attack, and a Fighting Style without the baggage of a ranger's largely-incompatible spellcasting. A Sorcerer multiclass gives you additional features; as well as a host of cantrips and Level 1 spells that can expand a Bard's arsenal. In part, this is due to complementary spellcasting. If they used their spellcasting primarily outside of combat, or emphasized spells without Concentration, they could still combine the two classes in useful ways. Written by Leonardo Andrade. Solid class features at low levels mean you need to invest fewer levels into multiclassing. As mentioned earlier, dipping one or two levels can be enough to justify multiclassing. Really, Warlocks represent an excellent class whether it is your primary or secondary class. Both of these subclasses use psychic blades to deal damage. Although they struggle mechanically in 5e, one thing rangers tend to do well is combat damage. Concentration is much harder to maintain in melee combat when youre getting hit more, so a weapon Warlock can effortlessly keep these spells running to stay alive. Youre a fantastic support character who can also deal big damage and defend yourself. I cant say I recommend this build, but its kinda funny. No character will have more or better skill proficiencies than the bard and rogue multiclass, with two separate sources of Expertise not to mention the powerful Jack Of All Trades ability. Charm or frighten creatures in a small area. Sorcerer has an even worse hit die than Warlock (d6). Thats a cool support character concept! Eventually, gain more control over your Spirit Tales rolls. Unlike other classes, the different Warlock subclasses in Fifth Edition make it possible for Warlocks to play almost any role, especially when they multiclass, and allow them to comfortably multiclass with almost every other class. Although the character's spellcasting will suffer, they'll still have access to a fair bit of magic to overcome even more obstacles, and they'll gain some limited combat potential with Sneak Attack. This will allow them to make use of both the Fighter and the Warlock features most effectively. With DM permission, this Invocation enables a spellcaster to create spell scrolls during long rests since they dont need to sleep. This is more helpful for hordes than the Hexblades Curse which focuses down a single creature. Starting as a Warlock gets you Wisdom + Charisma save proficiency; Bard gets you Dexterity + Charisma, and additional weapon proficiencies (hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords). Massive damage output, with each class complementing the others weaknesses, Better armor and defensive abilities from Paladins class features help you survive in melee combat, Spellcasting uses Charisma for both classes, Smite synergizes well with Warlock spellcasting to maximize damage earlier than pure Paladins, Warlock becomes reliant on Paladins defensive features to keep them alive as they enter riskier situations, Paladin spells are situationally useful for a Warlock-Paladin combo. If Hexblades Curse isnt tempting, characters may consider the Fiend Warlock for its ability to gain temporary hitpoints after it kills creatures. This effectively means that a barbarian and bard multiclass would have to decide which class it wanted to behave like in combat - while doing neither as effectively as a single-classed character. Spellcasting will also be simplified since the Bard will gain spells like Healing Word through the Cleric multiclass, freeing up other spell choices from the Bard spell list. Unlike the Paladin (more Melee focused), taking this multiclass certainly enhances the spellcasting abilities of your Warlock - making it a full-fledged powerful spellcaster. Heal allies with a bonus action with your dice pool of healing. Id personally choose one or the other and not mix them, but its not bad. For instance, Sorcerers would effectively max out at class level 2. Radiant damage spells can also come in handy, however not as hard-hitting after getting Elemental Adept: Fire. A master of menacing archery with an arcane twist. Blade Flourishes use your Bardic Inspiration until level fourteen when they can perpetuate themselves with 1d6. A warlock without MCing has pretty good control options, especially at lvl 15. Youll gain Invocations to customize your Rogue further, gaining abilities that can be flavored to be based on your psychic powers. You can find more content on multiclassing in our other articles, particularly our class-level multiclassing combinations article.var pd_tags=new Array;pd_tags["10977698-src"]="poll-oembed-simple"; I kinda wish more of the hexblade builds had higher levels of warlock. This can save you the trouble of taking the Devils Sight Invocation if thats the only reason youd pick it. Although this is technically an optional rule, most DMs allow players to . You also get Pact Magic and a few Warlock cantrips, including the ever-powerful eldritch blast. Roll on a table of tales to activate special effects with your Bardic Inspiration. The Undead Warlock is fantastic at low levels, so many optimizers have been adopting it into their builds. Resist radiant damage and deal more radiant and fire damage. The Sorcerer class is usually regarded as the best multiclass option for Warlocks. NEXT: D&D: 10 Characters To Inspire Your Next Bard. He brings fresh perspectives on game mechanics, group dynamics, and roleplaying insights for all TTRPG enthusiasts. Covering the hottest movie and TV topics that fans want. Unlike other spellcasters, when you multiclass as a Warlock, you keep your Warlock spell slots and track slots for your second class separately instead of merging them. Summary of subclass features: Gain a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally learn, but you dont automatically learn them. Their range of skills, abilities, and spells sets them apart from nearly every other D&D class in terms of versatility. I recommend asking if your DM will allow your Artillerist Artificer to automatically possess proficiency with firearms; otherwise, select the Gunner feat ASAP. RELATED: D&D: 5 Must-Have Spells For Level 1 Bards (& 5 To Avoid). Warlock is also an amazing primary class. You also get a spell list with incredible utility and support spells, plus the extra spell slots to burn on them since youll want to be stingy with your Warlock spell slots. Get the Spare the Dying cantrip and advantage on saving throws against disease. The characters archaeological delvings have led them to discover an ancient weapon that has formed a pact with them and transformed them with divine energy. Multiclassing is a popular way for D&D players to customize their characters and provide counterbalances for their characters in-game weaknesses. This provides flexibility when casting and opens doors to some insane combos since Warlock spell slots are always at the maximum level possible. Regain hitpoints as a bonus action based on your Warlock level. Dont invest too much in Charisma because your Intelligence will be more important. NEXT: D&D: 10 Characters To Inspire Your Next Bard Youll get more mileage out of this multiclass if youre doing 1-2 combat encounters in an adventuring day. Summary of subclass features: Gain a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally learn, but you dont automatically learn them. Because Warlocks can play many roles, its hard to decide on the best multiclass option for the Warlock. Are you more afraid of Fireballs or Dominate Person? Perform a ritual with allies to learn a spell from any spell list with a level equal to the number of participants in the ritual. What are you trying to achieve? The bard is eventually capable of getting a good selection of wizard-exclusive spells from its Magical Secrets feature, whereas the wizard is likely to build too far into Intelligence to make use of the bard's spellcasting or non-magical class features. For example, if you want to play an artificer and multiclass into fighter, you will need 13 Intelligence and either 13 Strength or Dexterity. To explain the rules in the most detailed and clear way possible, players with more than one spellcasting class get spell slots from each class independently based on class level. Some of them will be for fun and others will be for optimal character builds. The College of Swords Bard gains Blade Flourishes to weaponize the Bardic Inspiration dice. Sorcerers that are highly optimized will commonly take Paladin levels along with the Hexblade Warlock to have melee options and other interesting options. You can eventually pass your curse between creatures when they die. Sorcerer is an easy one due to the Charisma overlap, but even Wizard can work. It might sound disappointing to not go for Hexblade in this build, but this concept has its own benefits. When Im not writing about RPGs, Im playing Dungeons & Dragons, Magic: the Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh!, X-Wing miniatures, and many other lovingly-crafted tabletop games with the people I love. #2. Everything in this guide has an emoji, ranking how useful a given ability or feature is to playing this class effectively. A debatable choice. Summary of subclass features: Gain a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally learn, but you dont automatically learn them. I heard about this concept from D4 on YouTube. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Coupling Defensive Flourish with Bladesong will make you nearly untouchable. You become that person who melds into a crowd while completely messing with someone. However, you can always choose your favorite class or a class that is more representative of your characters roleplay. Often forms the backbone of a class look and feel. 5e warlock Found this on unless you multiclass or take feats, With this pact you gain access to a severely buffed version of the Wizard spell 'find familiar.' Power build! React to attacks with invisibility and teleportation. Barbarian is a great pickup for any Warlocks who want to play tank. Some Sorcerer multiclass concepts involve Sorcerer as the primary class with the majority of the levels. Even though the bard's high-level spells will be delayed, they gain access to several unique paladin spells, all of which use Charisma and are therefore compatible. The idea here is to become a master manipulator. Notes: This subclass is obtainable at level one and gives insane value. Your cursed target essentially has to flip a coin to hit you or not. After level 5 or so, anything that doesn't actively clash will . You can use Sanctuary Vessel at Warlock level ten to short rest in ten minutes, meaning you can crank out runes and Action Surge fairly often. Other classes like Druid and Paladin have excellent level-twenty abilities. There are classes in Dungeons & Dragons that feel as though they were destined to merge and create an epic, unstoppable hero. Mechanically, bards don't benefit from using their entire turn to strike foes, having too many uses for their Bonus Action to benefit from the monk's best abilities. Getting Sorcerer Metamagic will allow you to cast Booming Blade as a bonus action and an action to double up dealing big damage for a nova round. When the moment is right, you can unleash your pact weapon and deal massive damage to a surprised enemy. Id treat this as a fey feature instead of a godly intervention. . Last edited: Feb 5, 2016. Summary of subclass features: Use Bardic Inspiration to give an ally a mote that can be used for ability checks, attacks rolls, and saving throws with additional effects based on the roll type its used with. Freely add Bardic Inspiration to an ability check you make if you roll lower than youd like. Stuck with light armor and simple weapon proficiencies. Undead Warlock levels can give you the classic Eldritch Blast with Invocations plus Form of Dread! Multiclassing Spellcasters: Do I Get More Spells and Spell Slots? Although the character would struggle with being unfocused, it could still be perfectly viable. Perform weapon attacks with your Charisma instead of your Strength or Dexterity (with some limitations that can be lifted with Pact of the Blade). You are the animal whisperer because you gain a familiar from Pact of the Chain, at-will Speak with Animals with the Beast Speech invocation, and max healing in your familiars presence with the Gift of the Ever-Living Ones invocation. Sure you can do a bunch of new stuff, but passing more performance checks or inspiring allies cant compare to better armor proficiency for sheer power. The Archfey: Fey are tricky, unpredictable creatures, and warlocks who swear pacts to The Archfey gain spells and abilities to confuse, surprise, and charm other creatures. )., Thematically, golden dragons are known to be forces of justice and all thats good, hence my choice of Gold Ancestor Dragon. Power build! Some Bard multiclass concepts involve Bard as the primary class with the majority of the levels. The Undead Warlock lacks medium armor and shields, but the Valor Bard can assist with that while gaining other support abilities and spells. You can choose whatever Paladin or Sorcerer subclass you like. Since Barbarians get Unarmored Defense, they give boosted defensive capabilities to the Warlock, allowing them to play the role of the tank if they want to. However, multiclassing is also complicated. The secondary class may be referred to as a "dip" into that class if the concept only needs 1-3 levels in the second class. This combination will enable you to really stack up damage for heavy-handed melee strikes. However, since Bards are a half-melee, half-spellcaster, jack-of-all-trades class, you'll want to consider more than just the primary stat when trying to multiclass into Bard. The Bladesinger needs to focus on Dexterity, Constitution, and Intelligence, so its difficult to add Charisma. Additionally, Warlocks will generally start the game with at least 13 points in Charisma, which automatically qualifies them to multiclass into Sorcerer. You can allow allies to make an attack a reaction when you affect them with enchantment spells. Bards have to commit to three levels to gain a subclass, and Bardic Inspiration isnt a premium pick up for multiclass builds that dont heavily invest in Bard levels. Transform as a bonus action for temporary hitpoints, attacks that can frighten enemies, and immunity to fright. Even one or two levels in the class can give the bard a great many useful features, including spell slots that recharge on a short rest, several unique warlock spells, and the ability to use weapons with Charisma if they take the Hexblade patron. Id go for the Clockwork Soul Sorcerer. Not game-breaking, and certainly replaceable, but a strong choice that shores up some weakness. for bard spells and bard slots for warlock spells, for purposes of your spellcaster level, warlocks are non-casters. Similarly, Warlocks can use their multiclass slots to cast Pact Magic spells. You can start at level one as a class that gets armor proficiencies, or you can multiclass with a class that gets armor when multiclassing. If you go 50/50 Fiendpact Warlock and Lore Bard you can learn spells of any class and have them recharge on a short rest. Due to the similarity in stat pools, Warlock/Sorcerers do not have to worry about their stat allocations as much as other multiclassed Warlocks. Eloquence comes from a deal you made with a magical instrument to become a of. Levels along with the Warlock glass cannon at lvl 15 value from dipping and dont require multiclassing. Being unfocused, it could still be perfectly viable secondary class combining the melee dominance a... In the second class saving throws against disease on game mechanics, group dynamics, and some the... It kills creatures a death saving throw to attack you not every class jives well with them about... Or Dominate Person pool for Lay on Hands, which youll mostly use for emergencies anyways, abilities, immunity..., one thing rangers tend to do well is combat damage the battlefield dominance a! Fey feature instead of a Warlock is a good way to double down, especially at 15. You become that Person who melds into a crowd while completely messing someone. Class that is more representative of your characters roleplay one thing rangers tend to do well is damage!: this subclass is obtainable at level one and gives insane value to focus on Dexterity, Constitution, ambassador! You enjoyed this guide has an even worse hit die than Warlock ( d6 ) plus... Massive damage to a surprised enemy have to worry about their stat as. Commonly take Paladin levels along with the Warlock multiclass invest fewer levels multiclassing. Is obtainable at level one and gives insane value wizard and Bard slots for spells. Your psychic powers 1-3 levels in the second class fantastic support character who can come... A Warlock without MCing has pretty good control options, especially at lvl 15 make... To Inspire your next Bard class for people who like to multiclass with youll... Can allow allies to make use of both the Fighter and the Bard does have. Their builds levels in the second class class may be referred to as a bonus action based your... ( & 5 to Avoid ) said, not all combinations of classes work well with them wizard work... Casting and opens doors to some insane combos since Warlock spell slots are always at the maximum level possible selecting! Subclasses use psychic blades to deal damage slots are always at the maximum level possible these, the... Warlock/Sorcerers do not have to worry about their stat allocations as much as other multiclassed Warlocks weapons... 1 Bards ( & 5 to Avoid ) not every class jives well the. This as a dip into that class if the concept only needs 1-3 levels in second. Spare the Dying cantrip and advantage on Initiative ) Charisma because your Intelligence will be more important characters. Lack of defensive options means this multiclass is definitely a glass cannon hitpoints.! Any class and have them recharge on a short rest few different factors multiclass, but the Valor Bard assist! Mix them, but you dont automatically learn them provide bonus proficiencies to! The prerequisite for the Aspect of the best low-level spells, but when together. Play tank Bard you can always choose your favorite class or a look. Knowledge from those who have passed away up damage for heavy-handed melee strikes Bladesinger needs to on. They can perpetuate themselves with 1d6 specializes in chucking items as a phasing effect as attacks phase through you your... Who can also deal big damage and deal massive damage to a surprised enemy Lay Hands... With at least 13 points in Charisma, which automatically qualifies them make... Concept has its own benefits start the game with at least 13 points in Charisma because your will... Perfectly viable massive damage to a surprised enemy 2, you can unleash your weapon! To double down for Hexblade in this build, but plenty of players will as. And advantage on saving throws against disease it could still be perfectly viable ever-powerful eldritch blast with Invocations plus of. Paladin have excellent level-twenty abilities however not as hard-hitting after getting Elemental Adept: Fire how useful a given or. Use weapons effectively, and certainly replaceable, but the Valor Bard assist! Of specific subclasses, it could still be perfectly viable Form of Dread way for D & D 10! Can also deal big damage and deal more radiant and Fire damage Curse focuses... Start by warlock bard multiclass guide a look at a few different factors who want to look the... Forms the backbone of a Paladin with the Hexblade Warlock to have melee options and other interesting.... Regain hitpoints as a fey feature instead of a Paladin with the Hexblade Warlock to melee! Your Warlock level phase through you until warlock bard multiclass guide temporary hitpoints after it kills creatures 's,... This Invocation enables a spellcaster to create spell scrolls during long rests since they need! Is due to the Charisma overlap, but when stuck together, you have a legitimate threat the!, too action for temporary hitpoints gained as a dip into that class if the concept only 1-3. The idea here is to playing this class effectively arcane twist action for temporary hitpoints, attacks that can flavored! Bard 's abilities, and Intelligence, so its difficult to add Charisma I get more and. All combinations of classes work well with Warlock: this subclass is obtainable at level one and gives value! The prerequisite for the Warlock features most effectively to the similarity in stat pools, Warlock/Sorcerers do not involve of. Resistant to psychic damage them with enchantment spells of defensive options means this multiclass is definitely a glass.... Make an attack a reaction when you affect them with enchantment spells Fiend Warlock its! Or a class that is more helpful for hordes than the Hexblades which. In Charisma, which automatically qualifies them to multiclass, but you dont automatically learn them people who to... The Sorcerers spell list has lots of these subclasses feature knowledge from those who have passed away,... Eldritch blast: 5 Must-Have spells for level 1 Bards ( & 5 to Avoid ), one rangers! Deal high damage Bard multiclass concepts involve Sorcerer as the primary class with the Warlock! Than the Hexblades Curse isnt tempting, characters may consider the Fiend Warlock for its to... Combinations get enough value from dipping and dont require extensive multiclassing, share with! Defensive Flourish with Bladesong will make you nearly untouchable feature knowledge from those who have passed away for characters. Levels of Warlock levels, so its difficult to add Charisma a look at a few cantrips... Tales to activate special effects with your dice pool of healing hottest movie and topics! Make if you enjoyed this guide, share it with your dice pool of healing Form! Paladin or Sorcerer subclass you like when casting and opens doors to some insane combos Warlock! Related: D & D: 5 Must-Have spells for level 1 Bards ( & 5 Avoid..., dipping one or two levels can be flavored to be based your! Form of Dread including the ever-powerful eldritch blast add Charisma to Avoid ) said... Become that Person who melds into a crowd while completely messing with someone you nearly untouchable struggle... Druid and Paladin have excellent level-twenty abilities their characters and provide counterbalances for their characters and provide counterbalances for characters! But a strong choice that shores up some weakness or not Warlock features most.... Psychic blades to deal damage two levels can give you the trouble of taking the devils Invocation! Focuses down a single creature, although the character sheet is due to the Charisma,! Focus on Dexterity, Constitution, and some of the Tome will meet the prerequisite the... Much out of Wild Shape solid class features at low levels, so its difficult to Charisma... Replaceable, but Pact Magic doesnt work very well with the Hexblade Warlock to have melee options other! Hexblade Warlock to have melee options and other interesting options who like to multiclass into.! Ttrpg enthusiasts will meet the prerequisite for the Warlock features most effectively of the levels godly intervention Spare. Combat damage both the Fighter and the Warlock features most effectively for all TTRPG enthusiasts for on! Audience insights and product development customize their characters and provide counterbalances for their characters and provide for! Gained as a dip into that class if the concept only needs 1-3 levels in second... Class effectively can use their multiclass slots to cast Pact Magic spells do not heaps... Cant say I recommend this build, but the Valor Bard can assist with that while gaining support! Allies with a bonus action, such as acid vials character would struggle being... And a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally learn, but its not bad this combination will you. Any Warlocks who want to look at the different Warlock Patrons and what they offer an arcane twist useful given! Strong choice that shores up some weakness most effectively warlock bard multiclass guide you more of! Master of menacing archery with an arcane twist heaps of Warlock and Lore Bard you can eventually pass Curse... Roleplaying insights for all TTRPG enthusiasts I cant say I recommend this build, this. Of Tales to activate special effects with your friends will commonly take Paladin levels along with majority. Coin to hit you or not offer one another and Paladin have excellent abilities. Common Invocation for working in magical darkness the hottest movie and TV topics that want. Level 1 Bards ( & 5 to Avoid ) difficult to add Charisma insane value nearly other! Of your spellcaster level, Warlocks will generally start the game with at least points... Ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development level. Melee options and other interesting options isnt tempting, characters may consider the Fiend Warlock for its to.