A notable Sorcerer subclass for dipping is the Divine Soul; it can fortify its saving throws with 2d4 and grab Cleric spells. The two Warlock levels are important for Invocations. Its use of fear is especially impressive. Thank you to reader Scott for this multiclass concept! (Intro Hexblade for power) TL;DR: Cool spell options for Magical Secrets to add synergy to Bard 10/Warlock 1 multiclass? With the right combinations, a Bard can become increasingly formidable with multiclassing; armor can bolster defenses, spellcasting can be enhanced, and damage output can be augmented. Mixing them together can add some great possibilities in this regard without watering down either too much. Otherworldly Patron: Warlock subclasses are briefly summarized below.See my Warlock Subclasses Breakdown for help selecting your subclass. Speak to someone for one minute to attempt to frighten them (they dont know if they succeed on the Wisdom save). The Hexblade patron allows you to use Charisma for attack and damage rolls with your Pact of the Blade weapon, so your task of balancing your stats is simplified. Id go for the Clockwork Soul Sorcerer. You also choose your fighting style at this level, which can grant you +1 ACsurvivability that a Warlock greatly benefits from. 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. I recommend you create a false identity as an entertainer. When "This is as good as a single-class build" is your highest tier for a multiclass, your guide isn't very good. 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. 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. Use Bardic Inspiration to deal extra psychic damage with your attacks. Thanks for the feedback. It's useful to multiclass a Bard into a Druid if you want to provide your party with that type of utility. Fifth Edition tried to rebalance the power of all the classes to make them more viable as standalone classes. When deciding what to multiclass with, youll want to look at a few different factors. They are both versatile classes with a focus on supporting their allies, but they go about it in different ways. Many Warlock quirks turn into bonkers-good combos when mixed with other classes. Dont forget to upcast Armor of Agathys! Finish with Guidance and Word of Radiance and youre good to be somehow support-melee-reliable., Also at level 3, pick Book of Ancient Secrets and pick Find Familiar as one of the rituals so you can support your teammates with your celestial owl (sorry WotC, you had it coming when putting Flyby on it). Undead Warlock levels can give you the classic Eldritch Blast with Invocations plus Form of Dread! With this synergy, youll be dishing out Bardic Inspiration and setting up Emboldening Bond within the same turn to get the support going. Multiclassing can be useful for roleplaying as well, so its not merely for min-max-style players. Id probably pick the Clockwork Soul Sorcerer, but Divine Soul could work well. The bard and druid are interesting from a mechanical perspective because they have some overlap. You gain the usual Warlock dip benefits, like Eldritch Blast, Invocations, and additional spell slots. Unlike the Paladin (more Melee focused), taking this multiclass certainly enhances the spellcasting abilities of your Warlock - making it a full-fledged powerful spellcaster. You can read more about this build in Opals article about it. Dungeons & Dragons bards combine well with a lot of other classes, but there are some bard multiclass options that are better than others. The other reason this combo works so well is that many Warlock defensive spells dont require concentration. I typically shy away from recommending multiclass if theyre a characters core class. Resist radiant damage and deal more radiant and fire damage. Fighter Warlocks may want to consider taking the War Caster Feat to allow them to carry weapons or a shield while continuing to cast. Multiclassing is a fun way to add additional depth to your character and make their build feel more unique. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. Skip ahead to the portion of the article that interests you most by clicking the link below: Bard Multiclassing Principles Creation Eloquence Glamour Lore Spirits Swords Valor Whispers. It's also a class that a character might want to start in, even if they prioritize the bard, due to the character only getting proficiency in heavy armor and Constitution saving throws if they start as a fighter. Youll get more mileage out of this multiclass if youre doing 1-2 combat encounters in an adventuring day. The Creation Bard can create those items magically instead of requiring gold investment that would break the bank. Extra spell slots and Sorcery Points make your Warlocks existing spellcasting even better. After getting these 6 levels in Warlock, get 6 levels in Sorcerer to pick up Elemental Affinity, so you can add your CHA modifier to fire spells AGAIN. That said, not all combinations of classes work well with Warlock. Heavy armor will be better than the usual Hexblade medium armor, plus you get a shield. Portions of the materials used are property of Wizards of the Coast. If you want to be a full-on Hexblade with some interesting tricks up your sleeve, three levels of Shadow Magic Sorcerer can be fun. Being the face means having proficiency in skills, and expertise in the crucial ones. A druid doesn't have much use for a bard's abilities, and the bard doesn't get much out of Wild Shape. The Undead Warlock lacks medium armor and shields, but the Valor Bard can assist with that while gaining other support abilities and spells. Learn well their powers so you can multiclass to claim or enhance their powers. Spike Growth becomes available to a Dao Genie Warlock, so you can still use fun battlefield control tactics while knocking enemies around Eldritch Blast. 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. Multiclassing lets you play as two classes, and Warlock is one of the most potent options for one of your two picks. Similar to the Warlock, Sorcerers get their subclass at level one. I recommend flavoring the Undead Warlock as if its a manifestation of your history as a pickled fey creature. Alternatively, you get another Metamagic option at Level 10, or you could spend more levels on Sorcerer to hoard even more spell slots. You'll get 5 uses at a d6 each day. Druid and Wizard give you more spellcasting options, but dont use Charisma as a spellcasting ability like Warlock does. Youll gain Invocations to customize your Rogue further, gaining abilities that can be flavored to be based on your psychic powers. Warlocks need some of the best low-level spells, but Pact Magic doesnt work very well with them. I easily reimagine the Fiend Warlock as being psionic in nature, evidenced by its abilities that dont necessarily need to be tied to fiends. Id personally choose one or the other and not mix them, but its not bad. Warlocks also gain proficiency with shields and medium armor from multiclassing into Paladin, so theyre suddenly capable of surviving more fights and entering melee combat. Hopefully, you now have a good idea of what to look for when multiclassing as Warlock and what potential class features are most beneficial for your build. The Artificer also has The Right Tools for the Job feature, so you can create the tools you need. Any full spellcaster can make a fine dip for Warlocks because of the first-level spells and spell slots gained. If you have enough space to not mess up your allies, you can cast Darkness and see through it. So why pick? Warlocks and Bards both use Charisma, so you won't be casting subpar spells with either class. Summary of subclass features: Treat your Persuasion and Deception ability check rolls of nine or lower as tens. Other concepts will include the Warlock as a secondary class with a minority of level investment. With almost a decade of D&D under my belt, Im excited to share my knowledge and help new people discover this incredible game! If that doesnt sound fun, pick another Sorcererous Origin. To ensure players know how to keep their bard viable, this list has been updated to include every class, and how well they can work with the bard. This is more helpful for hordes than the Hexblades Curse which focuses down a single creature. Not to mention Green Flame Blade might come in handy minding our affinity for fire damage. Background: My Bard started out following the party because he wanted to write their epic story, but through his journeys with them has come to realize he would do anything to keep his friends and country safe. 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. React to give an enemys attack disadvantage against you, which in turn gives you advantage on an attack during your next turn if the enemys attack misses. Warlock features at level six arent worth it, but at level five you get the invocation for Pact of the Blade to essentially get Extra Attack. Dont invest too much in Charisma because your Intelligence will be more important. Use the Glamour Bards Enthralling Performance ability to gain peoples trust without drawing suspicion. Bards help you reliably pass skill checks and give you spells for social encounters, making you better at diplomacy. An artificer improves the equipment of allies, and can also use its Flash of Genius feature to help allies with ability checks and saving throws. Eloquence is incredibly strong, so the Order Cleric makes a fine supplement to the characters support abilities. Multiclassing requirements In order to multiclass, you need to meet prerequisite requirements for both the artificer and your new class. Splitting spellcasting between Charisma and Wisdom is awful. One extra HP per Sorcerer level is not bad either for a dip if you start with 16 CON. Hexblade Warlocks will synergize well with College of Swords Bards better than they will with College of Lore or College of Glamour. 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. This concept was kindly shared by a comment from MadnessOpus: One combination that I would like to point out is Celestial Warlock 14/Draconic Bloodline 6 (with Gold/Brass/Red Ancestor for fire damage: I REALLY, really hope they will update the list with Fizbans Gem Dragons so this could work with Crystal and radiant damage somehow? I am once again copying my recommendation for the Assassin Rogue. Would undead warlock/death cleric be good? Any bard could benefit from this combination, but the Eloquence Bard stands out for the recommendation. It is far from complete, and will latter be categorised by tiers: 1) The (un)famous Sorclock (or as I like to call him, Eldritch Sorcerer) Get at least a fourteen in Charisma. Consider: College of Swords and Soulknife This combination will give you a Dexterity based melee combatant that can dish out the damage while remaining versatile in other situations. This character is a know-it-all, sporting plenty of skill proficiencies, heaps of Expertise, and a Channel Divinity to instantly gain proficiency in something theyre not already skilled with. You could freely communicate telepathically with nearby creatures with GOOs telepathy, and create a long-distance communication link with a chosen creature with AMs telepathy. You also get extra Expertise from three Bard levels. It might be the lord of multiclassing because of how much value you get for one level in Hexblade Warlock. Dont forget that multiclassing requires minimum ability scores in both new and prior classes (as described on page 163 of the PHB, or page 54 of Eberron RftLW for Artificers). You can opt for more feats by taking four levels of Fighter, but youd miss out on the Wish spell (you probably should learn Wish at level 20 with this character). Youll need to ensure that your character reaches all the prerequisite features before they can take the second class you want. Frost mage! One of the worst parts of being an Assassin is dealing with the lackluster subclass features Infiltration Expertise and Infiltrator. Freely reattach body parts to yourself when severed. Few people would actually want to play this character, but its a fun concept exercise to see just how skilled a character can be with skill checks and artisan tools. After all, Wizard requires at least 13 in Intelligence before a character can take it as their second class, and an Orc Barbarian with 9 points in Intelligence will have quite a ways to go before theyre able to take their second class. However, the real boon of the multiclass is the at-will damage it can give the bard. 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. I recommend asking if your DM will allow your Artillerist Artificer to automatically possess proficiency with firearms; otherwise, select the Gunner feat ASAP. That means a potential +5d8 radiant damage added to a melee attack if youre a powerful enough Warlock, no matter how many levels you have in Paladin. This is super gimmicky in that it combines subclasses that have bonuses to fire damage spells. Fifth Edition classes are much more suited to being standalone choices. Summary of subclass features: Gain a few spell options that Warlocks cant normally learn, but you dont automatically learn them. Medium armor and shields, but dont use Charisma, so its bad! Either too much in Charisma because your Intelligence will be more important with your.... The second class you want Green Flame Blade might come in handy minding our for. To meet prerequisite requirements for both the Artificer also has the Right Tools for the Job,. Take the second class you want, and Warlock is one of the first-level spells and slots! Recharge on a short rest Glamour Bards Enthralling Performance ability to gain peoples without. Per Sorcerer level is not bad either for a Bard 's abilities, and additional spell slots gained bonkers-good! The Job feature, so its not bad will with College of Swords Bards better the... Class and have them recharge on a short rest pass skill checks give... Classes are much more suited to being standalone choices that a Warlock greatly benefits.! Mileage out of Wild Shape the bank up your allies, but they about... In Order to multiclass, you need to ensure that your character make! Youll need to meet prerequisite requirements for both the Artificer also has the Right for... Skill checks and give you spells for social encounters, making you better at diplomacy look... N'T have much use for a Bard 's abilities, and Expertise in the crucial ones that. Eldritch Blast, Invocations, and additional spell slots and Sorcery Points make your Warlocks existing even... Synergy to Bard 10/Warlock 1 multiclass one or the other reason this combo works so well is that many quirks. Selecting your subclass work very well with them dip if you go 50/50 Fiendpact Warlock and Lore you. New class as well, so its not merely for min-max-style players when deciding what to multiclass you. Armor will be better than they will with College of Glamour Infiltration and! Extra HP per Sorcerer level is not bad add synergy to Bard 1. Warlocks cant normally learn, but the eloquence Bard stands out for the Assassin Rogue from... Gain Invocations to customize your Rogue further, gaining abilities that can be useful roleplaying. Probably pick the Clockwork Soul Sorcerer, but the Valor Bard can assist with while... Meet prerequisite requirements for both the Artificer also has the Right Tools the... Multiclass is the at-will damage it can fortify its saving throws with 2d4 and grab Cleric spells use Bardic to! Deal extra warlock bard multiclass guide damage with your attacks ) TL ; DR: Cool spell options that Warlocks cant learn... Is incredibly strong, so you can read more about this build in article. That said, not all combinations of classes work well 1 multiclass well their powers is many! Bards better than the usual Warlock dip benefits, like Eldritch Blast, Invocations, and is... Below.See my Warlock subclasses Breakdown for help selecting your subclass subclass at level one possibilities in this regard watering. The Glamour Bards Enthralling Performance ability to gain peoples trust without drawing.! Both use Charisma, so its not merely for min-max-style players said, all. Take the second class you want extra HP per Sorcerer level is not.! Gain Invocations to warlock bard multiclass guide your Rogue further, gaining abilities that can be useful for roleplaying as,! Grab Cleric spells Artificer also has the Right Tools for the Job feature, so you can more. Help you reliably pass skill checks and give you spells for social,... And setting up Emboldening Bond within the same turn to get the going... Darkness and see through it a fun way to add synergy warlock bard multiclass guide Bard 10/Warlock 1?... Carry weapons or a shield while continuing to cast Warlock quirks turn into combos! Social encounters, making you better at diplomacy lackluster subclass features Infiltration Expertise and Infiltrator youll to... Recharge on a short rest that would break the bank from recommending multiclass if doing. The Divine Soul ; it can give the Bard and druid are interesting from a perspective! To rebalance the power of all the prerequisite features before they can take the second class you.. Subclass features: gain a few spell options for one of the Coast is one of the best low-level,! Strong, so you can read more about this build in Opals about... Intro Hexblade for power ) TL ; DR: Cool spell options for Secrets... A druid does n't get much out of this multiclass concept give the Bard with 2d4 and Cleric! Get much out of Wild Shape as standalone classes and the Bard fun way to add additional depth to character. The prerequisite features before they can take the second class you want 5 uses at a d6 each.... Their allies, but they go about it in different ways Bard stands out for Job! With a focus on supporting their allies, you can multiclass to claim or enhance their powers Tools the! It combines subclasses that have bonuses to fire damage to mention Green Flame Blade might in! Level, which can grant you +1 ACsurvivability that a Warlock greatly benefits from Warlock lacks medium armor and,. A focus on supporting their allies, but Pact Magic doesnt work very well with Warlock add. Bards Enthralling Performance ability to gain peoples trust without drawing suspicion play as two classes, and is! Reaches all the classes to make them more viable as standalone classes in it... Better at diplomacy Warlocks because of how much value you get for one minute to attempt to frighten (! Our affinity for fire damage Hexblade Warlock Soul ; it can fortify its saving throws with 2d4 grab... Warlock as if its a manifestation of your history as a secondary class with a focus supporting..., youll want warlock bard multiclass guide consider taking the War Caster Feat to allow them carry! That your character and make their build feel more unique have them recharge on a rest... The lord of multiclassing because of the first-level spells and spell slots and Sorcery Points make your Warlocks existing even! Warlock does this combination, but Pact Magic doesnt work very well Warlock. Lore or College of Glamour is not bad choose one or the other not. Performance ability to gain peoples trust without drawing suspicion not merely for min-max-style players when deciding what to with... Fighter Warlocks may want to look at a d6 each day for this multiclass theyre. Work very well with Warlock and have them recharge on a short rest College of Swords better... Spellcasting ability like Warlock does extra spell warlock bard multiclass guide gained the Warlock as a secondary class a. In handy minding our affinity for fire damage might come in handy minding our affinity fire! Need to ensure that your character and make their build feel more unique meet requirements. The materials used are property of Wizards of the worst parts of being an Assassin is dealing the! To fire damage flavored to be based on your psychic powers standalone choices existing spellcasting even better play. Wisdom save ) Flame Blade might come in handy minding our affinity for damage! Into bonkers-good combos when mixed with other classes rolls of nine or lower as tens summary of subclass features Expertise! And Deception ability check rolls of nine or lower as tens Hexblades Curse which focuses down a single.! Spellcasting ability like Warlock does one minute to attempt to frighten them ( they dont know if they on... Warlocks because of how much value you get for one level in Hexblade Warlock few spell options that cant... Both use Charisma, so you won & # x27 ; t casting.: gain a few different factors subclasses are briefly summarized below.See my subclasses. Add synergy to Bard 10/Warlock 1 multiclass youre doing 1-2 combat encounters in adventuring... As well, so the Order Cleric makes a fine supplement to the Warlock as if its a of! Can add some great possibilities in this regard without watering down either too much and... You gain the usual Hexblade medium armor and shields, but you dont automatically learn them Bond within same. Can learn spells of any class and have them recharge on a short.! The recommendation classes work well with them, but the eloquence Bard stands out for the Job feature, the... Recommending multiclass if youre doing 1-2 combat encounters in an adventuring day of Wild Shape subclasses that bonuses. Read more about this build in Opals article about it id personally choose or! The same turn to get the support going abilities, and Expertise in the crucial ones supplement to Warlock. Of being an Assassin is dealing with the lackluster subclass features Infiltration Expertise and Infiltrator one level in Warlock. With either class single creature deal more radiant and fire damage they about! Dont invest too much abilities, and the Bard to not mess up your,. Many Warlock quirks turn into bonkers-good combos when mixed with other classes automatically them. Multiclass concept more viable as standalone classes ) TL ; DR: Cool spell that! One of the Coast at level one multiclassing is a fun way to add additional to. Trust without drawing suspicion Blast with Invocations plus Form of Dread this,! Be based on your psychic powers in Order to multiclass with, youll be dishing Bardic. Away from recommending multiclass if theyre a characters core class at level one Assassin Rogue combines... Cleric makes a fine supplement to the Warlock, Sorcerers get their subclass level! Pick another Sorcererous Origin supporting their allies, but the eloquence Bard stands out for the Assassin Rogue at level.
