The Arcane Trickster: D&D Build

"The best Rogues in D&D never take more than 3 or 4 levels in Rogue." So goes a popular idea about 5e. Today, we're going to put that theory to the test.
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Intro:(0:00)
Character Concept:(1:50)
World Anvil:(8:29)
Level 1:(11:23)
Levels 2-6:(16:59)
Levels 7-9:(25:20)
Levels 10-13:(31:48)
Levels 14-17:(37:06)
Final Thoughts:(43:41)
Outtakes:(49:15)
Math/Graph for this episode: docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Master Nova Damage Comparison (4 tabs):
docs.google.com/spreadsheets/...
Thanks to LudicSavant for the amazing DPR calculator! forums.giantitp.com/showthrea...)
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Artist: incompetech.com/
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[@Needlesse]

Bg3 allowed you to add sneak attack to cantrips as a arcane trickster. Such a good idea.

[@menarg1549]

IT DOES!? YOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@randomdud668]

I don't think it's limited to arcane trickster though tbh. I'm running a thief rogue/warlock build, and I can sneak attack with Eldritch blast still. I just assumed it was a bug.

[@Bootsofwings]

I allow it in my sessions, what’s the point of a rogue with spells if you can’t use all of them and have the least amount of spells from any class. For those saying the damage is too good that’s bull because you can booming blade for like 6d8+9d6+rapier damage at higher levels, I don’t think a 4d10 roll with no modifiers is OP, it’s honestly worse asides from being ranged, if you did the sharpshooter thing as a rogue that’s 1d8+15+9d6. Thus, why I allow it, it’s cool and not OP in fact may still be worse damage than most optimal builds for rogue

[@jaspermooren5883]

I'd say it's a feature, not a bug. BG3 is getting rid of, imo, needless restrictions. You can bonus action attack with the off hand without a main hand attack as well for example.

[@lucasramey6427]

Hella based of them now I know what my next build idea will be Can't wait to get my mods to work so I can get the combo of Thief rogue/Artillerist Artificer going for a sneak attack boosted suprise round firebolt for 6d10+2d8+4d6 damage to start things off followed by two eldritch cannons

[@marekw7562]

"welcome home. I'm really glad you are here" My beloved wife ain't talking to me that way... call me stupid, childish or whatever but I feel that greeting in the depths of my heart. Great to have a friend for DND but it's so heartwarming to have someone who greets me like you do. Have a wonderful day! And all of you guys, have a great day too ❤❤❤

[@Kid2590]

The short got me excited for this

[@Psuedo-Nim]

The Wood elf ability to hide when lightly obscured is amazing. Its makes you Fantasy Batman. Foggy, misty night? Rain? Light woods, tall grass, or in a garden--hide. Nearby shrubbery? Poof, you vanish like Batman annoying commissioner Gordon mid sentence.

[@BLynn]

The Arcane Trickster: D&D Build #145 Level 1:(see above) [rogue 1, expertise & race] Level 2:(see above) [rogue 2] Level 3:(@17:18) [rogue 3 & sub-class] Level 4:(@19:52) [rogue 4 & ASI] Level 5:(@20:21) [fighter 1 & fighting-style] Level 6:(@22:33) [fighter 2] Level 7:(see above) [paladin 1] Level 8:(@26:56) [paladin 2 & fighting-style] Level 9:(@30:07) [rogue 5] Level 10:(see above) [rogue 6 & expertise] Level 11:(@32:34) [rogue 7] Level 12:(@34:11) [rogue 8 & ASI] Level 13:(@35:25) [rogue 9] Level 14:(see above) [rogue 10 & ASI] Level 15:(@38:19) [rogue 11] Level 16:(@38:56) [rogue 12 & ASI] Level 17:(@39:53) [rogue 13]

[@ElManReborn616]

Hey! At my table we "fixed" the rogue basically giving them one d6 per rouge level if they choose to make a sneak "strike" instead of a sneak attack, meaning it's almost double the dice, but it prevents you from reaction sneaking. This makes it so it's a buff for any rogue who didn't weaponize their reaction, not for one who did! Oh, it's also when you take the attack action, so no booming blade

[@DesmondDentresti]

"I wanted to break 200 damage so bad" Well then, I award you a flame tongue Rapier for your efforts.

[@andrewhowlin]

So many Princess Bride quotes I'm loving this week's build

[@Fizz-Pop]

You're so easy to listen to, calming even. Yet your passion still shines through and is engaging. I've no idea how you do that. I like the builds too. I'm on my 2nd playthrough in BG3 and I'm using 3 or 4 of your builds. Top quality dude!

[@mploehrer]

As someone who doesn't really play video games, I'm so glad you're still making these. But I understand you have to follow the engagement so my call to everybody is this: please like and comment on these videos so Colby has a good reason for making these alongside BG3 content.

[@The2bros-qj4cf]

I’m playing a bugbear rogue in a heist campaign. The guard turns around and sees a towering creature. With skulker feat

[@tshimmin3577]

My first campaign I ever played, I was a bug bear fighter with pole arm master. Extra reach as a race feature and extra reach with the polearm. Felt like an absolute unit lol

[@The2bros-qj4cf]

@@tshimmin3577 I was just looking forward to this since they are now op but also it is funny to just be tall and quiet

[@tshimmin3577]

@@The2bros-qj4cf for sure! That’s like the raven guard in 40k being 7 feet tall in power armor and specializing in assassinations/stealth

[@tshimmin3577]

@@The2bros-qj4cf that bugbear polearm build actually saved that campaign. We were in a dungeon and we took a long rest without noticing a trap door in the wall. We then were ambushed by wraiths. As soon as I got up 2 party members were down. I just kept swinging since all enemies were in range. I survived with 5 hp and dragged my teammates into a secure room.

[@wildewalker]

​@@tshimmin3577Was his name "Clutch"? Seems to have been his title or job description, at least.

[@thebitterfig9903]

The mostly-Rogue I think about every now and then is an Aladdin rogue, who dips Genie Warlock. Depending on level, anywhere from 1-6 levels in Warlock could be pretty solid. Lots of ways to build it within this framework, too. Swashbuckler or Thief seem like the most appropriate Rogue subclasses, and then there are the four Genie types (all have benefits) and you can Blade if going deeper for the Invocations, Chain for a Familiar, or even Tome for the utility.

[@danielbeshers1689]

7:45 is a blessing. My kids are in middle and high school and get picked up at 6:06.

[@ZanoxisStreaming]

I'm so happy you're including boulders gate three adaptations at the end. I just started my play through and I love all the ideas

[@linkatronic]

Great build! Appreciate you taking on the challenge of making the rogue into a nova build!

[@zackvnoone]

Fantastic video and I loved the little rendition of Black Bird right at the end. Bravo!

[@darrenromanko2414]

Another great video as always. Really happy to see a 5e video. I am curious what a Rouge Arcane Trickster / Bladesinger might look like. I have my own theories, just throwing it out there

[@fishy6570]

Thank you so much for your awesome videos. I found your channel through your BG3 videos and after looking around at your other stuff it got me hyped for getting into D&D. My friend and I are going to be playing our first game next weekend!

[@DnDDeepDive]

This makes me so happy!

[@woutvanostaden1299]

Good luck and have fun.

[@GryphonDes]

So fantastic to see the channel back to its mainstay!

[@harbleboy]

This reminds me of one of my favorite character builds, champion 3, vengeance Paladin 6, and Rogue X (I think we got to level 14 in the campaign and started at level 9). He was made in the likeness of Alexander Anderson from Hellsing Ultimate, dual wielding rapiers reskinned as bayonets, even if the rogue levels didn't quite fit. I also fiddled around with hexblade 2 instead of the fighter 3 which makes it so you just have to cap out Cha for your stats and allows for backup eldritch blasts for when you need a ranged option. This also encourages half-elf for elven accuracy. I think missing out on universal expanded Crit range is excusable because Nova numbers from smites are usually best saved for a really big foe anyway. Of course both of these don't match with the concept you were shooting for in the vid, but at the end of the day they're builds trying to do similar things

[@SivirDepress]

I know the pain of being called every other name resembling it, being named Cody, working with a Colby, people not hearing me and call me Coby, or just assuming it's Cory/Corey. I have accepted my fate of being whatever they decide to call me

[@infra_r3d133]

My name is Carson, and this is something that I also deal with, and almost the same list of mistaken names…plus Cody lol Coleson…Carlson…Cason…etc

[@BlueFoxXT]

Hey Colby! For bg3 id swap elven accuracy for sentinel (and get +1 from act 1 you know what) and enable the reaction attack by provoking from tanky allies, or using an ally to have maybe compelled duel. Sentinel in bg3 gives advantage on the attack, so you get sneak attack a lot. I'm not much of a melee rogue kinda guy but my wife is and I've gotten her a lot of value from sentinel to clutch fights

[@gaidencastro9706]

I think one way to quantify how good a support build is is grabbing a bunch of your sustained DPS/Nova builds and seeing how much additional damage they would provide to each character.

[@gaidencastro9706]

For healing/defensive support, you could measure how many more hits each tank build can take

[@Eli-we1rs]

I remember years ago when you first started making videos I used your hexblade blade as a PC. Now as a DM I use your builds a villains against my players. How times have changed 😂

[@Mrsergius95]

I really like that you can attack with offhand weapons independently of your main action and I think it makes really interesting the Arcane Trickster by giving them the ability of casting control/support spells and using Sneak Attack. I was thinking about how other classes could also make a benefit from this and did some testing: - Flame Blade from Druid spell list will spawn in the left hand if you are dual weilding any pair of weapons (I was able to replicate througth different savedatas). - You don't need the Duelling Fighting Style because Flame Blade doesn't add any modifier even on main hand. - Easy to Multiclass with Thief Rogue to duplicate Bonus Action. - At level 6 you can swing two times with your Bonus Actions for 6d6 fire dmg + 2d6 necrotic from Symbiotic Entity (Spores Subclass) and use your main action in any other Spell/Cantrip. Even in a couple of turns preparing yourself you can use Shillelagh to make 3 attacks while only leveling Wisdom. It works nice with torches but feels strange, i would probably take the Dual Weilder Feat to use a Quarterstaff in the main hand if I found myself using too much Shillelagh instead of other DMG cantrips or spells.

[@zachvosburgh9810]

Another great video. Was starting to have withdrawal from a lack of d4 dnd videos.

[@mattrmarshall]

Dead Poets Society quote! Nice. Thinking of trying this or the Quickened Blade for my next Rogue.

[@Korekt01]

Thank you for an awesome dnd video Corey. 😃

[@charlesfunnell3101]

I think you got his name wrong. It’s actually Cody 😂

[@CluelessUnknown]

Man, I coulda sworn it was Corbin 😮

[@Pacific-NW-Native]

For this build you could easily pick up a Headband of Intellect early on for a 19 INT. My Gloomstalker 5 / Swashbucker 10; 4 ATT's at the start of combat with a massive initiative bonus, crossbow expert (hand crossbow x2) and sharpshooter = OP AF! Plus either Hail of Thorns or Hunter's Mark on round 2, superb.

[@b.b.927]

I think my favorite tech for Tricksters is the standard Mirror Image/Sentinel combo, but with Blade Mastery (always fun to use feats rarely seen) as my 10th level Feat, allowing me to get the advantage on the reaction attack as well and therefore triple with Elven Accuracy. I also like a single level of Hexblade for the improved crit range with Hexblade's Curse, so you essentially find your priority target and duel them to the death. I also take a full 3 levels of Fighter for Battlemaster since Ambush is always helpful, Goading Attack is a way to make your Mirror Images tankier, and the reaction attack options like Brace and Riposte are extra options for off-turn sneak attacks. Your DM has to interpret Sentinel + Maneuvers counting as opportunity attacks for Blade Mastery, but for Rogues not being the strongest I think it's a reasonable ask. If not, no harm no foul and you take something else.

[@Peace_Dog]

Love your videos and the Dungeon Dudes too! Rogue is my fav class but in BG3 I only take 4 levels of it. At the moment, I'm loving 8 levels of archery fighter (and dual xbows:) with it or Berserker Barb. I plan to delve into Trickster on another playthru very soon though.

[@devinneese1491]

I looove how even though you've been getting more views on the bg3 videos you're still dropping these! Maybe bringing the bg3 audience to your 5e videos can up overall engagement but these are what i started watching your videos for. We love you colby❤❤

[@sd_q3st3r]

BG3 is my introduction to D&D. And i gotta say all these terms are very familiar to me😅. Its almost like im still watching your bg3 build videos.

[@pasqualecirone9755]

I think with high dex and a breastplate to AC 18, an alternative battle maneuver, riposte, should be considered. One might then attack instead of holding their action to riposte with sneak attack. Mobile feat too could allow for bonus action attack instead of disengage. So many ways to build fun rogues!

[@goodguyjosh3142]

Keep in mind for this build if you ready to spell even a cantrip that does take your concentration until you use it, so you wouldn’t be able to take the ready actions for booming blade and have bless up at the same time.

[@bannerdrake3957]

Hear ye, hear ye! I most humbly implore you to do a build based off the new path of the giant barbarian! I was imagining the smallest race possible then having it grow to a large creature for odd maneuvering around the battle field but I would love to know your take on it!!

[@Boone_Faustus]

One of my favorite Rogue multiclasses is what I call The Blender which is Swashbuckler Rogue and Divine Soul Sorcerer.I take 5 levels of Sorcerer for Booming Blade, Spiritual Weapon, and Spirit Guardians and the rest is rogue. Get Warcaster to use Booming Blade as a reaction when they try to move out of the Spirit Guardians area and/or possibly Sentinel to prevent the movement (with sneak attack damage added on top for fun).

[@painappledad1352]

7:49 "This is an advise IF YOU WANT to remember how to pronounce the letter Ñ in Spanish" The sound of the letter "ñ or Ñ" in "Iñigo" (a last name) or "otoño" (autumn/fall) is the same sound the "gn" does in "lasaGNa". (if you dont care how to pronounce it, there is CERO problem💛 At least in my Spanish speaking country, we don't bother if you make mistakes trying to speak Spanish 💅🏻) (Love your videos Coby, thanks for your hard work 🙇🏻‍♂️💛)

[@benjeffries2610]

Favorite Beatles song: Come Together Love having more builds for my favorite class 🗡️ I know you said you were running out of builds for them but I have two more. The Retaliator: strength based build that takes three levels of Cavalier, use unwavering mark to get a BA sneak attack and then hold action to sneak attack again. Likely combine with Sentinel. Not the most reliable damage but a neat retaliation for hitting your friends. The anime: two levels of Hexblade warlock (I know, but stick with me) then arcane trickster. Put everything in Charisma and pick Eldritch Blast, Magic Stone, Hex and Wrathful Smite. I think it would create an interesting play style where you either use Eldritch Blast or sneak attack depending on the situation. And when you get haste, you can do both.

[@Fafnirod123]

Hey Colby, thought I’d mention that mage hand legerdemain doesn’t actually give you mage hand, you still need to pick it as a cantrip - so I guess instead of message on this build

[@jamesfoster9613]

Something you haven't done which I'd love to see, which is a very similar build (but likely sustained damage?) is a Swashbuckler/Hexblade :D

[@423RedWolf]

I second this request!

[@PhalanxRises]

Have you seen Treantmonk's video on the double Phantom Rogue? It's a straight lvl 9 Rogue that puts out very decent sustained damage - though it relies on splitting damage among two enemies every turn, and likes having enemies die near you to recharge your Tokens of the Departed. Turns out effectively increasing your Sneak Attack damage by 50% makes it more worth investing in!

[@DnDDeepDive]

I have - it's great! Assuming you can get everything you need for it to work. And also assuming you're ok with a lot of your damage going onto a secondary target :).

[@CarBENbased]

Colby, your sign off messages are always so heartwarming and genuine. Thank you for being awesome

[@alarin612]

The rapier and buckler style was a favorite in history and deserves more time in the son. You can also reskin a Main Gauche dagger as a shield without much trouble.

[@alarin612]

Ugh. SUN, not son.

[@matthewhelmers1426]

Even knowing that you don't take builds to 20, I'd still love to see an Arcade Trickster 12/Eldrich Knight 8 from you. Max feats, my friend!

[@KnicKnac]

This video made me think of Rogue/Ranger multiclass between Scout and Swarmkeeper for some utility and interesting range movement options

[@bryanbrown5886]

It's hilarious that only 20 mins in... this is literally the build I am working on in my first Roll20 campaign with friends!! I might def take some notes for later levels cus im only level 5

[@StriderZessei]

Arcane Trickster and Soulknife both get cooler and cooler with later levels, that's why I love them the most.

[@authorindisguise5173]

You should think about a Shield Master rogue. It's a cool way to get advantage on your off-turn attack. With expertise and eventually Reliable Talent, Athletics can be fairly secure.

[@rcschmidt668]

Rogues have always been a fun class to play, even if not the top damage dealer. An interesting note is that in the first editions of D&D, the amount of experience points needed per level was least for rogues, so rogues would level up faster than other characters.

[@TheNorseCrow]

Speaking of Booming Blade, there is a mod for Baldur's Gate 3 that adds a bunch of 5e spells and Booming Blade is among them. This has however created a very good and hilarious combo you can do because Larian decided to change Tempest Cleric's Thunderous Strike to Thunderbolt Strike so it can now proc on Thunder Damage as well and it is not limited to once per turn or even on your turn, it is any thunder damage that has you as its source. So you can push enemies back with Booming Blade and when the enemy moves they trigger the Booming Blade effect and gets pushed back again and you can combo this with PAM and War Caster (if you mod it to let you use any cantrip as it should be) you can basically perma push enemies as long as you hit them. Keep in mind the only thing that's different from 5e with this setup is what Larian did to Thunderous Strike which is not mod related at all.

[@rolandssmits5259]

A small correction: You should not hit the same target with booming blade before it moves. The rule of only the most potent same spell applies here, thus multiple coatings of booming energy do not stack. Tho it only cancels the second part of the cantrip, the original instant damage is still there, and, if you poke different targets in a single round, then it does not matter at all.

[@Ysidoroh]

I got here from BG3 from this guy plus BG3 has fully got me invested in DnD. I cant wait to find some people to play with sometime. Making these builds work in BG3 is so much fun too.

[@TheGeneralDisarray]

Depending where you live there's probably a group in your town you can join

[@Ysidoroh]

​@@TheGeneralDisarrayfor sure! I just worry about those horror stories of those sweatlords that want to win and not play the game y'know

[@fotipitrakkos1193]

You are a genius and a godsend, Colby. Action Surge to ready an action for that coveted Reaction Sneak Atrack... well I certainly wasn't sharp enough to think of it! You have helped my rogue swear their next ideal, and won a patron to show my gratitude. Thanks for the work you do, friend.

[@johannesstephanusroos4969]

You get Sneak Attack on opportunity attacks as well, as long it's not on the same Turn

[@fotipitrakkos1193]

@@johannesstephanusroos4969 yep, that's what i meant by Reaction Sneak Attack. As in, trying to get that sneak attack on someone else's turn must by definition be done with a Reaction. I can tell you having played a rogue to 18th lvl that getting an AOO with a ranged build is far from easy. But like I mentioned, I'm not that smart :)

[@johannesstephanusroos4969]

@@fotipitrakkos1193 Okay, yeah. Getting an opportunity attack with a ranged weapon is quite difficult. Unless you carry a weapon that can make melee and ranged attack, like a dagger or spear or something

[@fotipitrakkos1193]

@@johannesstephanusroos4969 true. It's a shame that 5e rogues don't get access to a great 3.5 ability called Opportunist. Basically grants an opportunity attack whenever an ally hits a target in melee. So you wait for your friend to strike and then shoot the enemy in that moment of distraction. This would've been a great way to address the rogue weakness Colby is highlighting here. Could still be mid/high level feature, but would help with the scaling problem.

[@johannesstephanusroos4969]

@@fotipitrakkos1193 Ah, welllll... I am a 3.5 supremacist

[@jimglenn6972]

I don’t know much about bg3 but for 5 e, I like a warlock dip of at least 3 level to get the imp familiar. Arcane trickster with an imp is soooo good. Just imagine that you are in a town and you send your invisible imp to see what people are like, get their lock combinations or passwords, steal things, open gates, doors or windows or read, yes READ their notes or letters. Wow. The whole city is yours to explore without leaving your room and if imp gets stuck, just dismiss it.

[@nickfaraci94]

Great video! Another good rogue build is the Hexbuckler. Id love to see how you build that character!

[@Tukab2007]

I really like the mixture of Rogue and Bard, personally. They just seem to go really well together in my humble opinion. Arcane trickster or Thief go real well, but maybe I'm colored by BG3 lol I loved this build, but I love rogues. Thank you for sharing this, oh tall drink of water

[@pzalterias5154]

Glad to see a 5e build again !

[@Bummer873]

Seeing there was a D4 vid drop makes even a really crappy night at work much better!

[@banan9377]

I recently had a martial vs caster divide realization moment in BG3 recently, I know it exists but in particular an example for one regarding Rogue happened in my playthrough. Basically without spoiling too much, I sneaked in to an enemy camp by first scouting using the Find Familiar spell as a rat and I was able to pretty much get the whole layout of map. Once I found exactly where I needed to go, I went into solo mode, cast Invisibility on myself, went straight to the important location avoiding all enemy encounters, then I just used the camp feature to teleport my companions into the area. With just a level 1 and 2 spell, one of them almost free due to being a ritual, I already did a better job of scouting and infiltrating than any Rogue that doesn't also use magic.

[@claytonweyl4135]

I had a generous DM who gave me opportunity attacks as a Phantom Rogue here and there. Those attacks were so good. At level 20 rolling 30 d6 for damage per round felt nice.

[@ChrisMedley]

Pain in the rear to go back and add to all the old write ups, but going forward I would love to have a link to the video at the top of the new ones!

[@mrchuffy6535]

Such a great channel, when I am done with BG3 I think I will just continue to watch this stuff. Eleanor Rigby

[@KC_Trimble]

hey, colby! just found the channel and have been bingewatching the back catalogue and loving it! not sure if you still take requests, but i've been kind of fixated on the idea of a character that mashes up all 4 wisdom classes, monk/ranger/cleric/druid. the flavor synergy seems really cool to me (a character that grew up as a follower of a nature god, was blessed by said god, then went out adventuring could easily account for all 4 classes imo). I'm not sure if it would even be possible to make a functional character, mechanically. but i'd love to see your take on it. thanks for all the great videos and great vibes!

[@buraeen5735]

Haven't gotten into the video yet, but Swashbuckler combined with Undead Warlock is a great kiting build. Hit melee monsters with Booming Blade, Frighten them, and then run away and laugh.

[@andrewmontoya4232]

I like Arcane Trickster built around Magical Ambush. You’re a Rogue. You should have max Dex to attack and get Sneak Attack off. And having a 14 Intelligence is okay, but it’ll be tough to get anything off. However, disadvantage on saves means your Hold Person will more than likely land and you’ll be critting with Booming Blade until they save or die. Only thing I wish I had access to was smite attacks or Divine/Eldritch Smites.

[@nadirku]

The UA7 "Tactical Mind" level 2 Fighter feature (which lets you spend a Second Wind, which has limited short rest recharging, to get a 1d10 boost on a failed Skill check that is not expended if the skill check still fails) feels like it would really contribute to that "feels hard not to multi-class out of Rogue"... the Fighter's probably still need the help with skill checks.

[@neverfallnewsmedia]

This class really works best as as a vampire, pale-master, rogue IMO. We really need more and better pale-master skills, with Astarion being that. Arcane Trickster really hits that sweet spot of a melee caster. Would like to see that after "the bite" for our own chars, and have some really cool multi-class options when LvL 20 arrives. It's possibly the best choice (Power-wise) for Astarion, but I think it benefits, non-undead less. It almost feels like it's supposed to multi-class wizard and rogue at 20.

[@TANSamuraiSmurf]

I’m playing a half Orc arcane trickster and it’s a blast!

[@jobiwan1015]

As always, wonderful build. Favorite Beatles song has to be She’s Leaving Home. My partner introduced The Beatles to me with that song. Also I love dead poets society so thank you for that last bit.

[@jobiwan1015]

WAIT WHAT NAME I INITIALLY MISSED THAT PART

[@timothyjacksondrake4454]

One thing you could do with magical ambush is cast hold person from hiding, then action surge and turn your sneak attack into an autocrit. A bit risky/expensive with this build but I think it could work well against certain targets.

[@indigo_tribe]

The d4 on your shirt is driving me absolutely nuts!

[@bradbradfordson9158]

Thank goodness for a dnd video. I have been tuned out of d4 lately since it's been wall to wall BG3

[@arandomweeb3834]

I haven't gotten past the character concept part yet, but I _know_ it's gonna be good since it's Colby!

[@LonFranson]

Got this queued up to watch later today but I am really looking forward to it. I'm currently playing an Arcane Trickster in my current campaign. I'll be interested to see what different choices you made. I've gone Rogue(Arcane Trickster)/Wizard(Bladesinger) even though I'm pretty sure it's not as optimal as it could be.

[@cornycornsnake]

I wonder if some sort of student delinquent could give you a story reason to have enough levels in full caster for shadow blade while also giving you a great in for going arcane trickster who focuses on shadow blade.

[@chorkentar]

Just a thought, not sure if its worth the time, but it would be cool to see a video comparing damage from builds with no multiclassing just to see how they stack up (with eachother and against all the optimized builds thus far). It would help put some of the wild numbers into perspective and see just how wild they are.

[@frostkitsunelive7661]

Hey, Colby. I’ve been having a blast messing around with an Eilistraee-inspired Twilight Cleric. I’d love to see your take on the idea. The way I’ve built it turned it into an absurdly powerful support character, able to give over 60 extra HP to 3 characters a turn (in both Temp and Max HP) without Concentration, and even the ability to protect from both spells and conditions. Just an idea for an all-around good support class that can do basically everything when needed.

[@DnDDeepDive]

Not sure if you’ve seen the starry twilight build I did awhile back, but that might come closest (though it’s admittedly healing-focused)

[@znail4675]

There are Finesse Glaive in BG 3 making it possible to use Polearm Master and Sentinel to get reaction backstabs.

[@iammattis1479]

An important note about Thunderous Smite (and any concentration spells you may be using with this character actually); when you ready an action to cast a spell, that spell requires your concentration. This includes cantrips like Booming Blade or GFB. That means if you cast Thunderous Smite and then miss with your attack, you would have to give up that spell to hold an action and cast the relevant bladetrip. Also valuable to know if your table allows bladetrips with Shadow Blade!

[@Amrylin1337]

One of the most stupid rules in 5E. Ready actions already nuke your turn as far as opportunity cost. You can't use extra attack with a ready action, for instance. Very easy houserule IMHO. There isn't any balance reason why it takes concentration. They just throw stuff at the wall with this edition.

[@robertrusk8648]

@@Amrylin1337 This is actually a very consistent ruling. Any time that a spell takes more time than an action to cast, you begin concentrating on it.

[@KenlieroGames]

Why would it do that? Thunderous Smite does not require concentration and it's just bonus action.

[@laoxep]

@@KenlieroGames It is concentration up to a minute

[@KevinGarrisonVA]

A cool series idea: viewers send build road maps to Colby and he reviews them, granting them advice, tweaks, and grades. Just an idea! I love these videos and I’m happy to be here every week for them!

[@DungeonerHarold]

my favorite with rogue is high elf (grab booming blade) get a rapier and then elven accuracy asap

[@Squeegee88]

Anther great video! If I may, I'd like to request a build that makes the character as large as possible. Concept is an enormous mobile suit gundam.

[@christophercox1630]

Vortex warp is one of my favorite spells on my artificer right now. The rest of my party is 2 barbarians and a fighter (goofy campaign), it’s so much teleporting them places 😂

[@johncox3541]

If you still have fine familiar, the raven is really good for getting you advantage of your attacks as it can blind your enemies.

[@catshitonthecarpet8520]

My favorite Beatles song is “I’ve got a Feeling”

[@MartinBueno-xf3hc]

Hi, really like your builds videos for Baldurs Gate 3. Been using the wizard tank and it is great.

[@deredware9442]

Booming Blade + a lot of other spells have already been modded in to BG3, If you want to go that route.

[@guinnesschili]

Paperback writer. Great song. Enjoy the return to the builds.

[@hearforthemusic9814]

One thing about casting Bless, you dont have to worry about casting it because when you ready a spell (like Booming Blade) you have to concentrate on it. So unfortunately you couldn't be concentrating on bless without losing it, but on the bright side no guilt about not casting it lol.

[@Leighzer]

When my friends invited me to play DnD with them for the first time two years ago, I didn't know anything about the game. They just asked me to describe what kind of a character I would like to play, and based on what I said, they just said: ''You're an arcane trickster''. Rogue is still probably my favorite class and A.T. is probably my favorite subclass in the game, so I feel like this video is made for me personally and I really appreciate it. Btw, could you maybe do a sort of a review for BG3?

[@Leighzer]

(also would really love to se a strong DPR mostly Rogue build, but, one can dream XD)

[@samkrerowicz4269]

My favorite Beatles song is definitely Yesterday, followed closely by In My Life. After that, it becomes difficult to pick, but Blackbird is definitely in contention for my number 3.

[@weirich88]

Hi, new member here and I know you don't do a lot of non-core rule book builds on your channel, but I would really love to see your take on Blight Druid using the level 10 feature to make your summons explode and if that is something that can be exploited (you could call it the blight bomber). Anyway love your content and can't wait to try out some of your builds!

[@DnDDeepDive]

Thanks! Will put it on the to do list ;)

[@penabler]

I have a hobgoblin barbarian 1/phantom rogue 6 in the Dragonlance module in a party with a battlemaster and an order cleric, so between them and the Knight of the Crown feat I always get to use my reaction to sneak attack. I usually attack with advantage (and have Squire of Solamnia feat if I don’t) and if I still miss, I have Fortune from the Many to nearly guarantee a hit. On my turn, I can return the favor to my team with the Knight of the Crown feat or Fey Gift as a bonus action. Just focusing on maxing Dex and Con so I can get maxed AC from Unarmored Defense, plus I’m carrying Ispen’s magic shield. It’s such a sick build with a party that really lets it shine. Raging and Expertise in Athletics let’s me win most grapple attempts even though my Str is just 14, but unfortunately I just have the one attack so I use it to either trip or grab someone the battlemaster has already tripped or grabbed, push enemies off castle walls, or keep smaller flyers on the ground.

[@patrickmaggio4244]

I did something similar but went with shield expert to knock enemies down and went CRIT fishing with champion fighter. It was fun

[@chrispetersen4863]

Blackbird IS an amazing song! I'm also a sucker for Hey Jude, and Let it Be, as well

[@KenlieroGames]

I found Fighter6(Battlemaster) + Ranger3(Hunter) + Rogue3(Thief) to work excellent. You have 1d8 Colossus Slayer and 1d6 hunter's mark from Hunter(they stack), BattleMaster extra attack and ranged maneuver +1d8 strikes, and 2d6 sneak from rogue with thief extra offhand attack for hand crossbow. You do solid damage EVEN if you don't do sneak attacks. +10 Sharpshooter with Precision attack is nice too. On top of that you have Archery(Ranger) AND Two-Weapon Fighting(Fighter), so you can switch to melee if needed. You don't need Crossbow Expert for it. You can take Dex instead. It also works, even if they fix Thief "bug".

[@blommen]

“Kelly and Monty are The coolest dudes” Insert picture of Kelly and Monty very much being The absolute coolest dudes

[@quercusmorgana]

Gotta stay for the end credits karaoke and being made to cry thinking about Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society when I fell in love with poetry.

[@Oneofthecoments]

So the interesting thing about Rogues is that it depends on your table. My first ever D&D experience had a Rogue that was constantly surprising the DM with spike damage. We were all brand new so we were playing objectively bad builds and the mobs had low hp. Even the dmg says something about rogues doing high dmg lol. Then we learned how to really play and broke the game 😂. Also, hey Jude