Advice for Character Build

[Aranador]

My character is now a Lvl 3 Swashbuckler. I intend to get one more level, but then I would like to multiclass.

My current thoughts are : Bard (swords), Fighter (battlemaster) or Warlock (Hexblade)

I am interested in people's thoughts on what would be a good direction to go in, why, and how to make use of the character effectively.

Thank you for your advices.

[JuX]

If you want more favorable dialog outcomes then Bard (College of Swords).
If you want more melee options then Fighter (Battle Master).
If you want more synergy then maybe Ranger (Beast Master).

Thou Fighter is probably the best choice since you are only getting Swashbuckler for the bonus attacks. And may consider respec to fighter first to change your proficiencies and spend one more level for rogue for the uncanny dodge (lvl 5).

[Kamuizin]

I have been in your shoes for a while, trying to combo a hexblade + rogue + critical damage build. I dropped the idea at the end.

Based on your preferences, if you’re not going to invest heavy in charisma, don’t pick hexblade. Hex warrior bound weapon force charisma modifiers to hit/dmg over strength or dexterity.

If you’re not going charisma, no need for swashbuckler lvl 4 features, their DC are charisma based.

Assuming it will be a non charisma build, in fact i don’t even know what to suggest here. I thought of a similar combo before and ended reworking it to a fighter (champion) + rogue (thief) + maybe warlock (Great old one).

The link below display my thoughts on level distribution:

https://steamcommunity.com/app/1086940/discussions/0/600776153213484807/

(Check comment #4).

If you’re going charisma, if you insist on bard, my advice then is bard 3 (sword) + rogue 4 (swashbuckler) + warlock 5 (hexblade). I think this is the best approach for what you have in mind, afaik.

This allow bard to refresh your warlock spells with song of rest, gives you a fighting style that otherwise you wouldn’t have and some charisma spellcasting on bard.

You can also drop bard entirely and go fighter 1/2 + rogue (swashbuckler) 4/5 + warlock (hexblade) 6.

Truth be told you just lose the rest song as an important feature (but doesn’t matter, you can use companions/hirelings for this). In return, you get the fighting style and the special summon of hexblade.

Just decide by yourself if you prefer second wind (fighter 2) or uncanny dodge + 1x6 extra sneak attack (rogue 5). I personally think the later better.

If you go this approach, cha is your main attribute and dex your second, fixed at 14/16, based on your choice of pick medium armored master feat or not.

[Aranador]

I was planning on DEX and CHA, as I do like to face. People have raised a very interesting point about Rogue 5 for me to consider. I also had certainly not considered a 2h weapon, thinking that 1h plus maybe shield was the way to go. I was thinking of using Karlach giant rager for damage and mayhem, while I was liking the idea of the control and debuff potential of the Swashbuckler, being a more tactical combatant than just maxed out damage. (I do appreciate that the most effective condition to give an enemy is dead, but I am playing 'normal' difficulty so I do not need to be too optimal)

Also Ranger was mentioned above for Synergy. What sorts of synergy does it bring?

[ocamiac]

Ill go with a Hexbuckler, starting with Swashbuckler.

[JuX]

Originally posted by Aranador:

I was planning on DEX and CHA, as I do like to face. People have raised a very interesting point about Rogue 5 for me to consider. I also had certainly not considered a 2h weapon, thinking that 1h plus maybe shield was the way to go. I was thinking of using Karlach giant rager for damage and mayhem, while I was liking the idea of the control and debuff potential of the Swashbuckler, being a more tactical combatant than just maxed out damage. (I do appreciate that the most effective condition to give an enemy is dead, but I am playing 'normal' difficulty so I do not need to be too optimal)

Also Ranger was mentioned above for Synergy. What sorts of synergy does it bring?

For one you can obtain resistances such a fire resistance to cut damage you take in half for utilizing heat conversion items which deals minor damage to yourself (1d4) for having stacks.

Your companion and familiar can help provide your rakish sneak attack advantage and the companion even takes advantage of hunters mark. And each companion animal gives different benefits. You could even have raven and raven familiar for all of you to do 3 blinding attempts on target.

You also get fighting style to choose, extra attack, well as proficiencies and some spells. So overall you should have lot of options how to build up your character.

[Nirhildija]

Fighter is the best choice for extra attack and action surge, but play rogue for fun. Rogue and Swashbluckler are among the worse classes in the game and struggle in higher difficulties.

Bard is no good, you will do mediocre melee and mediocre magic.
Fighter can be decent, great melee.
Hex is uhh.....mhmmm....so-so? I mean you do good melee but you better reroll your stats and go all in on CHA. Also mediocre magic.