The New Bladelock: D&D Build

[@DnDDeepDive]

Check out World Anvil here! worldanvil.com/?c=D4 Use the promo code d4 at checkout to save 51%! ALSO! I should hedge a little here: I say in 2024 Potions only take a BA to drink - I'm assuming this is the case as every potion we've seen so far says so, but it might say otherwise in the DMG. ALSO! ERRATA: Level 13 Damage report I said 108 damage vs a 10 AC, it's actually 118 :).

[@Sepiriel]

You forgot the costly consumable component for Force Cage sadly. Also the potions is unclear because the Bonus action is only explained in the Potion of Healing itself there are no general rules for other potions (it’s a good informed guess but it’s a guess none the less). I still would dip fighter in level 1 🤣

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@Sepiriel Indeed - as I mention in this comment that you replied to ;). As for the consumable component for Force Cage... 1500 GP is steep, but I dunno. In every game that I've ever played in where I actually *got* to level 13, I always had more gold than I knew what to do with. Maybe that won't be the same at every table or with the new crafting rules?

[@rogerexcell249]

44:50 I would point out that it (Eldritch Hex) does technicly benefit your build as is. The clairvoyant combatant is a will save, so hexing for damage and penalising their will saves and check will... 1) Make them less perceptive or able to tell if you're lying if you've any stealth or trickery skills or allies subtly without warning via Psychic spells. Possibly as an opener as you try and talk your way out of a problem but expecting things to go bad. 2) Still add damage and this method compared to spirit shroud can be done more subtly as it doesn't conjure a swarm of ghosts. 3) Hexing before trying to trigger Clairvoyant Combatant gives them disadvantage on their wisdom save vs that ability. While its not as good as Spirit shrouds for damage, you can always take Pact of the Tome invocation for a free L1 Warlock spell slot, or the aformentioned Fey Touched or Arcane Initiate feats, and have both options. Also quick question: Wouldn't weapon mastery be better than Polearm master? A Cleave great weapon gets you another attack with a bonus action of 2D6/1D12+PB, vs 2d4+5+PB, which is very close but crits better or are you factoring in PAM's reaction attack of oppertunity here?

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@rogerexcell249 Cleave is great, but isn't a guarantee, as you won't always have someone standing next to your opponent. Also, I'm building here for single target damage. I'll definitely plan on using Cleave in some multi-target damage builds and am excited to see what we can do with it :).

[@BLynn]

You mentioned that potions are a bonus action to drink, but so far only the 'Potion of Healing' has been released & it states in its data that it is a bonus action to drink which means that there may NOT be a general rule about drinking potions any more. Each potion you may have to read the text in order to know what kind of action it requires, or that all potions except 'Potion of Healing' requires an action. Do not over assume things, that is how you thought that 'Elven Accuracy' could be available to 'Custom Lineage'.

[@JMcSkill]

Interesting point regarding custom backgrounds. On page 38 of the new PHB, there’s a sidebar that states if you choose an older background, you can pick what ability scores to increase as well as gain an Origin Feat of your choice. This essentially allows you to customize your background by RAW using the PHB only!

[@neb985]

Well you’d also be using the book the old background is from

[@StriderZessei]

Wildspacer is back, baby!

[@angelagranger760]

​​@@neb985No, you use the new Origin feats tacked onto the old background and whatever ASIs you want. I don't know why they went from using book assigned ASIs to Put them where you want back to book assigned ASIs.

[@Kytseo]

That's good, because otherwise, pretty much everyone would be making criminals

[@unholyxeras8182]

​@@Kytseogiven how most players in any group I've DMed for have played their characters, that would probably be quite appropriate to be fair😂

[@4roryvt]

Quick point I thought I'd note since everyone seems to miss it- Mystic Arcanums explicitly DON'T USE SPELL SLOTS. By the new spellcasting rules, this means you can cast them and a leveled spell on the same turn if you have actions available. Probably doesn't change much for this particular build, but worth noting on any warlock video

[@jiminkpen9750]

I really hate this. It solidifies the Warlock as the worst designed class in 5e and 2024. I love playing Warlocks, the theme and their style, but honestly the class needs ripping apart and redesigned from the ground up to make sense whilst keeping its unique role and theme.

[@patdav56]

​@@jiminkpen9750 i dont see how this specific comment/rule interaction ruins warlocks? If anything makes them better. The arcanums not requiring a slot to cast was always the case, but new rules interact with it better, allowing for stronger and more diverse play while still feeling unique

[@jiminkpen9750]

@@patdav56 it's not about whether this rules interaction makes them more powerful, less powerful etc. Its more about the amount of unique mechanics in the class, how they interact with rules, playstyle etc. The spell slots being max level and resetting on a short rest makes it hard to balance. If a DM gives too few short rests the warlock player feels picked on and unable to use their toys, and if they have too many they outclass pure casters and make them feel underpowered. They can get certain spells they can cast unlimited times through invocations, something wizards can't do until max level. Unlimited invisibility spells at 5th level, great unless the GM often uses very sunny locations, or unlimited disguise self and silent image at low levels. Again these can cause real difficulties in games as they have no resource cost. Mystic arcanum are loved or hated by players as they feel limited in choice or flexibility, whilst giving Warlocks up to 9th level spells. They now potentially interact weirdly with the new rules. Now pacts are invocations and you can have multiple they are even more versatile, allow 1 level dips for combat using charisma. Still have eldritch smite even though they changed the paladin version allowing amazing gishes. They don't need so many mechanics

[@feltrix334]

Potentially casting a high-level spell and setting up Spirit Shroud would be a way to go with it?

[@erikkesler1739]

@@jiminkpen9750 It is precisely those unique mechanics that I and every other warlock main I know loves. I have never been more excited to play warlock than right now and nearly everyone else I have talked to agrees with me (you being one of to exceptions)

[@BLynn]

The New Bladelock: D&D Build #178 Level 01: (see above) [warlock 1, race & background] Level 02: (see above) [warlock 2 & eldritch invocations] Level 03: (@22:30) [warlock 3 & subclass] Level 04: (@26:08) [warlock 4 & feat] Level 05: (@27:54) [warlock 5 & eldritch invocations] Level 06: (@30:45) [warlock 6] Level 07: (see above) [warlock 7 & eldritch invocations] Level 08: (@37:59) [warlock 8 & feat] Level 09: (@38:49) [warlock 9 & eldritch invocations] Level 10: (see above) [warlock 10] Level 11: (@45:02) [warlock 11] Level 12: (@47:06) [warlock 12, feat & eldritch invocations] Level 13: (@48:06) [warlock 13] Level 14: (see above) [warlock 14] Level 15: (@53:23) [warlock 15 & eldritch invocations] Level 16: (@54:58) [warlock 16 & feat] Level 17: (@57:57) [warlock 17]

[@Arkios64]

The GOOLock description indicates a change in the Warlock fantasy that explains why subclass at level 3 is perfectly reasonable: you don't HAVE to create a pact with a specific entity. Warlocks now officially gain their abilities by drawing from outside sources, but initially they can do so on their own, only getting an entity interested in them after doing so for a while. Basically, you can study Eldritch Knowledge and get some modicum of power by tapping into one of those sources that might be associated with a Pact later on, but you might end up just not being able to go beyond level 2, because you're not interesting enough (low charisma) for anyone to offer you a pact for easier access. Or you could accidentally stumble upon a book containing all of the knowlege on how to harness that power directly and never even NEED a pact; which could certainly lead to a whole different set of issues, depending on who notices your access. A Warlock who takes it all for themselves is now possible within the class fantasy. And keeping your abilities after breaking your Pact, as long as you learn how to tap into your power source directly.

[@andrewmcmillan229]

That's one possibility, I also like the possibility that you still do make a pact with a specific entity, and they give you some basic powers until you prove yourself, at which point (level 3) they start teaching you things that you couldn't learn from another patron.

[@Arkios64]

@@andrewmcmillan229 That's definitely the other way you can go about it. That way you can even have the Patron be a secret, and only at level 3 do they reveal themselves in their actual form, either conforming the initial plans, or completely "screwing over" the Warlock. It might even be that the initial "I'm doing all of this myself" was actually a rudimentary pact already, which locks the Warlock into not being able to choose a different Patron; or something like that. Now that that idea clicked in my head I am absolutely in love with the freedom this change *accidentally* gives for Role Play. So many stories already feature a "secret patron" or a "Wizard/Sorcerer, that's actually a Warlock", so having the freedom to start out actually having the character doing their own training or not knowing where the power comes from opens those really up to be mechanically supported for the first levels.

[@Nemo12417]

@@Arkios64 I think it's more like at level 1 and 2 (but most people start at level 3 anyways) you are an acolyte, not a true warlock.

[@fxsantazo]

Old One Security Team: we see you tapping into the Source around 1AM 6/12/24. can you explain this use of Power? Nyarl: TF? i was sleeping! you tell me why i have Power use that time. Old One Security Team: we are just reviewing the Access logs. we recommend you to rotate your magic circles and reissue your books

[@Bonehead_Paladin]

That is actually a decent perspective on the matter I'm still not an overall fan of the standardization of subclass access especially in regards to Sorcerer and Paladin since which oath you dedicated yourself to and who's blood courses through you are both pivotal traits of a character's identity so I still don't like that new design philosophy overall But as for Warlock this comment thread has convinced me that it can be made to make thematical sense

[@MinhDuong-lg7uk]

I may have missed it, but I think that Colby missed one of the sneakiest Buffs that warlocks received: Mystic Arcanum spells are cast without using spell slots! Therefore, you can cast your “high level” spell and a levelled bonus action spell all in one turn.

[@barcster2003]

To be honest I hadn't even thought of that.

[@pw3829]

The 2nd thing I’ll be checking when I get my PHB is what combos this will allow for… unless someone does a video on that specifically before I get it.

[@da61n]

Every non-hexblade bladelock now: "Do you know how long i've been waiting for this? whoooimboutamakeanameformyselfyea"

[@guyperson7487]

I don’t think you make it out of this

[@shadow-faye]

​@@guyperson7487 just make sure you let everyone know what happened here today

[@TreantmonksTemple]

GOO Bladelock is also my first choice for Bladelock I want to try

[@DnDDeepDive]

Same! Although Arch Fey looks suuuuuuper fun as well.

[@Sharpie2ish]

I'm actually running a celestial bladelock right now and a great sword pact weapon with green flame blade kicks out a ton of damage every round. Multiattack and a base +10 damage plus the dice rolls every round is wild. And free ranged healing on a bonus action makes a healer melee damage dealer a real possibility.

[@torrfran]

*Count Dooku's voice* I've been looking forward to this

[@Spiceodog]

This is where the fun begins

[@Austen1145]

@@Spiceodog flying is for droids ... wait I mucked it up

[@CubaLibre200X]

Dew it.

[@DWQMusic]

Colby - "My builds powers have doubled since we last met, count!"

[@bigsmoke8816]

I audibly gasped when I heard you talk about Devouring Blade, I distinctly remember reading the playtest and thinking to myself "there's no way they'll keep THAT in"

[@XanderHarris1023]

In the playtest you didn't even need a third invocation so did bring it down a little. I think they also got weapon mastery on their pact weapon. Looks like that didn't make it.

[@antongrigoryev6381]

@@XanderHarris1023 I'm also pretty sure that Thirsting Blade, the "Extra Damage on hit" Invocation, worked on every attack in the playtest, while now it's only once per turn. So yes, warlocks do get to attack thrice, but it's not as busted as it was in playtest.

[@xThronex]

@@antongrigoryev6381 Lifedrinker (Thirsting Blade is still the Extra Attack invocation). Got a pretty big nerf, but also got reduced prereq; gone from Cha-mod necrotic damage on every hit, to 1d6 damage once per turn, though you can now choose the damage type (between necrotic, psychic or radiant) and can get a hit-die+con mod healing, and now requires lvl 9 rather than 12. So now Devouring Blade (Extra Extra Attack) will be the go-to lvl 12 Invocation. Edit: for what it's worth, the Lifedrinker nerf is obviously the trade-off that lets us have Devouring Blade; we wouldn't get that third attack if we were still adding +5 damage to every attack.

[@darkestlight660]

I agree whole heartedly, not having custom backgrounds is a massive step backwards. If a table doesn't allow for custom background I honestly don't know if I'd play at it

[@cantweuseournames8975]

It could encourage role play. Hear me out. Maybe the restricted choice will encourage players to ask the DM for a custom background. The DM will then have to require the player to imagine a roll play reason for the custom background. That way the DM can more easily integrate characters into their world. There is a lack of roleplay focus generally in the new PH. And I wonder if roll play will be a focus in the DMG. Just a thought.

[@Cmor0028]

​@@cantweuseournames8975 If the main benefit of standardized backgrounds is leading to custom backgrounds something is way off

[@grimdagoblinmain]

​@@Cmor0028 it will be in the DMG but for now just do +2/+1 or +1/+1/+1 of any stat with the background you choose. You won't get Pinkertons sent after you for this.

[@reneroache2955]

@@Cmor0028 My feeling is with the official backgrounds, they tried to make the skills and origin feat given to make sense for the background. Though, I'm not sure if they succeeded in that or not. But they kept the custom background option, so by RAW, players could still choose the abilities they wanted in their background. And I'm glad they did it this way, because I was worried you'd have to use the 2014 PHB, to benefit from custom Backgrounds.

[@joshh7819]

​@cantweuseournames8975 the thing I dont like with the nee backgrounds is the required attribute point allocation. It's annoying if you want the druid magic initiate but you want to bump cha you can't because its on the guide and that one doesn't let you. I'd be okay if you got to choose any origin feat and you were restricted on attribute points or you're stuck with origin feat but the attribute point allocation is open.

[@saschahein6332]

Me and my group have decided to go with our own version of custom backgrounds. 2 skill proficiencies, 1 tool proficiency, 1 origin feat, the ability score increases and 50 gp.

[@adamienw]

Doing exactly the same at my table.

[@rekcroom]

I’m glad that we aren’t abandoning the old content since I know personally I only recently got into TTRPGs in the past few years and I haven’t been able to play many of the “Old Toys” that others are sick of.

[@DeadpoolAli]

Same. I just got into this in recent years and only play 2x a month. So much more to experiment with.

[@A-McDrae]

Yeah we can still use the old feats too. Which may get confusing when we have two different players using different versions of the same feats.

[@mrmuffins951]

I’ve been so hyped for this video since the embargo ended!

[@matthewhelmers1426]

Every background should have had Con as a stat that can be increased. Every origin feat should have had a background that includes physical stats and another background with mental stats. Custom background should have been explicitly allowed in the Player's Hamdbook. OK, off my soap box. I've been looking forward to this video! Thanks for the great work, Colby!

[@Paradockzz]

On page 38 of the new PHB, there’s a sidebar that states if you choose an older background, you can pick what ability scores to increase as well as gain an Origin Feat of your choice.

[@shadow-faye]

At least con or dex on all of them considering every character will want one or both

[@barcster2003]

They could have just let you pick your stats without restrictions

[@Metalchefkiwi]

Its crazy that ive been scouring the internet today to piece a bladelock build together and then this video just happens to get posted right when i needed it lol

[@coreybarker8283]

I would love to see this truly optimized, and side by side your baseline. Specifically, starting lvl 1 fighter for all of the weapon masteries and all that

[@rosskasal4166]

Yess! I have been so excited for the first *official* (?) 2024 build. Using this to help make a full archfey warlock for my first 2024 character

[@rosskasal4166]

Having now watched the video I cannot wait to play. Probably going to take Entertainer background for Musician feat. Start off with a glaive or halberd weapon for reach. Then grab Pact of the Chain earlier and get a sprite (spren?) to match with Feylock. Grab Inspiring Leader at 4 and GWM at 8. Having Musician and Inspiring Leader to me really helps incentivize other players at your table to want to take more short rests with you. You can always give away inspiration and temp HP. Definitely fits in with a certain Stormlight archives character that has a spear, a fairy companion and is a leader 😉

[@benjaminmalisheski6494]

Melee Archfey looks like SOOO much fun. All the teleportation and such!

[@StriderZessei]

I love this. I'm excited to play a 1-20 Swords Bard with the Eldritch Adept feat letting me take Pact of the Blade.

[@Brogie_21]

So Armor of Agathys had a major wording change. It doesn’t specify the Temp HP from Armor of Agathys only. So it could mean that you could extend it by giving yourself more Temp HP from a different source

[@loganreidy7055]

At levels 1-11 this is a really meaningful buff, it'll begin to fall off at later levels though. Twilight cleric temp HP every turn + armor of agathys will be huge, just don't lose all your temp HP lol

[@Johnny5isstillalive]

@@loganreidy7055there’s a cleric spell that gives you 120tempHP

[@Brogie_21]

@@loganreidy7055 I'd say its fairly meaningful considering you only have to cast it once to keep it going potentially an entire combat day (depending on how many combats per hour). If you can keep things targeting you, that's a ton of passive damage, only a single action required before combat ever begins

[@mqb3gofjzkko7nzx38]

Polymorph now gives temp HP equal to the beast's HP. That could go a long way.

[@GirlPhoenix85]

As in 2014, temporary hit points never stack. If you have 5 and you get 7 from any source, you now have 5 or 7, your choice, not 12.

[@bg-cc6hn]

The outro to the build was so wholesome 😭 We will do our best to do our best Colby 🫡

[@zazikel1885]

You can select Wrathful Smite via Shadow Touched now.

[@PainfulLaughter]

Damn. Going through a tough time. And, the song at the end totally got me crying. Thanks for all you do.

[@EpicRandomness555]

1:08 I’ve been liking the idea of calling it R5e. Revised 5th edition

[@mastanvx]

Nah just call it 5.5 lol

[@aaronwilliams8887]

@@mastanvx but does it deserve a full 5.5? its more of a reskin, so i like 5.24, referencing that it is both 24, and that it is not enough changes for a 5.5 making fun of wizards of the coast.

[@twopercentflat4766]

DND 5er (Fiver)

[@EpicRandomness555]

@@twopercentflat4766 Lol that’s kinda funny and kinda works

[@MrSeals1000]

I've seen 5r thrown around and like how snappy it is, as well as how it directly pairs with saying 5e. It's better sounding than 5eR, though I'll probably be calling its official name 5th Edition Revised, or 5e Revised

[@jareddmunoz]

Appreciate all the content as always. Recently discovered your channel and love it. Wanted to suggest a build- Shadow monk multi classed into soul knife rogue. Soul knives would qualify as monk weapons so you could use the martial arts dice and they have range built in. I liked the theme as well. Much appreciated!

[@garretttrue3478]

I needed that "i hope you have a great week. Be kind." Than i thought i did. Thanks.

[@DevinHandleyy]

So fun fact. I feel like musician is the best starter feat. Giving heroic inspiration to your team for just any short or long rest feels soooo good.

[@garion046]

Treantmonk agrees with you!

[@Deathmvp1]

I know it will be a while but I can not wait to see what will make the best gish for the 2024. So far I think it may be Fighter1/lock 19 but I could see Pal1/loc 19 also being number 1.

[@NathanT_Performer]

As soon as i saw devouring blade, i got so excited for the new bladelock

[@BattlerZ]

If you're taking Fey Touched already, you could pick up Hex with it. Then you can use your No Spell Slot Hex as a bonus action and a nasty saving throw spell as your action, all on the same turn.

[@barcster2003]

Yep that spell slot rule effectively let's you double cast.

[@Papa_Nebo]

Got Randall’s TTRPG after seeing your short about it. The lil’ gremlins love it. Thanks for putting us on to it!

[@chachy3369]

I love this. I would love to see at least one video of each class that's pure. Thank you for your hard work.

[@KCriticalHit]

27:16 I know everyone is saying Cleave is mid because of focus fire, but I do like (at least from what I've heard on how to interpret it) you would still get the bonus GWM damage on the extra attack against the second target. I could be wrong, but if not, it definitely gives the Mastery and feat further legs.

[@Irongineer]

A Warlock Gish to start the 5.24 builds off right and there was much rejoicing

[@patricklangille1911]

"Almost Poetic" - Love this for you dude; unreal how your following has grown since BG3

[@amazingmenace6168]

10:06 wood elf is my new favorite. I love getting druidcraft and pass without trace for free and longstrider is a useful bonus too.

[@ChuckFinnley944]

I really like the features they’ve added to specific subclasses throughout letting players use summon spells without concentrations. Super cool addition!

[@tommy6691]

1:00:50 ooooo, looking forward to potentially seeing some pure martial builds! Perhaps one that doesn’t cast any spells for sustained damage? 🤔

[@jelte3754]

Your closing words are interesting and quite kind :) Also nice behind the scenes lol

[@chiepah2]

You said Fey-touched hasn't changed, and technically it hasn't, but if you cast Misty Step for free with that feature you can also cast a spell with a spell slot, so the same but better.

[@Bonehead_Paladin]

Githyanki stocks are going very slightly up Still outclassed by Eladrin and Shadar-kai in terms of teleportation features, but hey every little helps

[@Shikiro14]

Great video. I can’t wait for Colby’s new build that uses Dual-wielder feat and the nick weapon property to lots of hits!!

[@fullmetalpoitato5190]

I would be absolutely thrilled at the opportunity to play a Warlock under the new rules using the Undead subclass out of the Ravenloft book. My Arthas / Lich King fantasy will now be complete!

[@Oneir-md7ww]

Lll

[@mcullennz]

Fathomless would also be fun. Play as a hexblood, from a coven of sea hags. They created you and are they are the source of your power.

[@TiredDad2019]

I am going fighter 1 warlock X. Use a rapier and get advantage basically every attack other than your first actions until you hit during early levels.

[@waitthatsillegal.7552]

In Planescape, besides the rule of three, 17 is a somewhat magical number, since there are 17 planes, it takes 17 squared years for a modron march, etc. "Ending" within the 170ies for 5e somewhat reminded me of that. Full on Colby march, yay!

[@TaylorHodgsonScott]

48:40 Do you still feel Forcecage is a must-take even given that the 1500gp spell components are consumed?

[@DnDDeepDive]

Must take, no. Still good and useful, yeah. Especially since, by level 13+, 1,500g is a fairly trivial amount of gold at most tables.

[@zukuu]

"SAD Gishlock: 14 STR, 14 Dex, 14 CON, 17 CHA" Excuse me? xD

[@chachy3369]

Anti SAD

[@decryptedshade4476]

Obviously this isn't in the build he used, but starting fighter gives you heavy armor proficiency, from the start which would handle your AC from the start removing the Dex requirement. Taking that into account, you also can start with 14 strength allowing for plate armor without the movement restriction at level 5.

[@brojoe4919]

@@decryptedshade4476 I'd rather do Paladin 1, 14 str (15 with GWM), dump dex, 2 level 1 slots, command, divine favor or searing smite

[@ericgonzales419]

Man, Ive been running UA builds the whole time theyve been available; I freaking love them. Also, the art this week is incredible

[@garion046]

The fact that this requires 13 STR just reinforces to me how strong Paladins with a warlock dip are going to continue to be.

[@Thunterise]

Divine smite is what made it so powerful. The nerf to divine smite will definitely have nerfed it quite a bit.

[@rivenstone7035]

Was very excited to see this. Given the new epic boon feats, it might be nice to get a brief overview of which ones you like for a given build at the end.

[@fakjbf3129]

36:28 I would assume it would be like watching a KZbin video on your phone, you can still see and hear what’s going on around you while you focus on the video.

[@ninjadoughnut4837]

It seems like archfey would be the ideal bladelock subclass in the new phb, I'd like to see an optimized version of that at some point

[@clarkside4493]

The 13 Strength prerequisite is important to remember when fighting undead that drain Strength.

[@YourUndiess]

So glad to find this I’ve been waiting for someone to post about 2024 phb warlock

[@Stevensenegal222]

Colby you are answering the right questions :D . Everybody is curious about the pact of the blade and gish-warlock potential overall. :D

[@methmeth]

Hey Colby you might enjoy the ending of Treant Monk’s video that comes out tomorrow. It’s on his Patreon so I saw it early. 😊

[@NotYourAverageNothing]

Which one?

[@UlissesSampaio]

Hey Colby, I wonder how the numbers would fare using Elven Accuracy, considering it would make crits more common. Also, maybe taking 3 levels in Fighter Champion for improved Crit & Action Surge. With 3 attacks with advantage, the chance to crit with least one of them goes to 1-(18/20)^9=61%. With 4 (polearm mastery), it would go to 72%.

[@brianschell9381]

Love your channel. I especially have enjoyed your past Bladesinger builds. Any chance you’ll be making more Bladesinger builds using the 2024 PHB? That would be gishtastic!!!!

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@brianschell9381 planning on it :)

[@stoephil]

About origin feats : I don't care if it's not optimal, I'm choosing Skilled every time. Maybe even twice as human : 7 proficiencies without restriction feels to fun for me 😅

[@snowsun538]

While this might not be optimal for the type of white-room math d4 uses, this is optimal in a realistic scenario. Having the right skills can stop a combat before it even starts, avoid traps, and generally make the game more fun to play. That's why he always points out that he is beholden to a spreadsheet: so when he says something is 'optimal' he means for DPS. Also I'm planning on my first 5.24 character being a rogue that is proficient in every single skill by level 7 when they get the ability to not roll less than 10. So I might be biased :P

[@angelagranger760]

@@stoephil Funny you should say that. I was thinking Skilled was going to become the defacto feat most people were going to choose to start now that you can't get great weapon mastery and sharpshooter at level 1 anymore

[@stoephil]

​@@snowsun538 Planning to do something like that (only 13 skill proficiencies) on a swashbuckling kind of character, high charisma and taunting every enemy around, hoping to survive by avoiding combat or thanks to Defensive Duelist. I'm still hesitating whether I want to multiclass 3 levels of fighter for a Shield, Fighting Style Defense, Tactical Mind x1 (this feature is crazy), Action Surge, Champion crit range & advantage to initiative and athletics checks.

[@-hunt-6225]

Yeah it’s gonna be super powerful to be proficient in everything. People underestimate the power that can be held in rp scenarios.

[@zifnabdr]

@@snowsun538 Because im curious, what does level 1 look like and whats the level 3 subclass? I love being a skill monkey and knowing things, but Im trying to avoid being less useful in combat. I know the story and the DM are the most important part, but Sneak Attack sorta rubs me the wrong way and i dont like it.. But, the skills!

[@Istinon]

Just found this Vid 1 day after submitting my own Archfey-Bladelock (starting from lvl 5) for a campaign. I could not resist the lvl 1 Fighter Dip with Great Weapon Fighting + Heavy Armor - As you said, it is just too good for a lot of classes! Having said that, I went with a 14 Str, 14 Con, 17 Cha (8 int, 12 wis, 10 dex) build to wield heavy weapons (Greatsword is just too tasty). The Dex-Dump does not hit as hard for initiative because I (of course) picked Alert as origin from being a Human and will have an invisible Sprite (fitting to the Archfey-Background) from Pact of the Chain with me that will roll Ini with advantage and will let me yoink that with alert. First feat at lvl 4 Warlock is Shadow Touched for a) Flavour/backstory (most important I think) b) 18 Cha to hit better and c) more invisibility + the new and improved color spray Second feat at lvl 8 Warlock will be Great Weapon Master for 15 Str (Ultra heavy armor with 18 AC incoming!) and, ofc, prof to dmg I don't think the campaign will go way beyond lvl 9-10, but if it were, I'd push Cha to 20 next with ASI, you don't really need anything else. Warcaster is replaced by an invocation and most feats that boost Cha give you bonus to spellcasting, which is not needed with this build because you will either just SLAP the enemy or teleport right next to them and THEN slap them. I am super exicted to try out that insane mobility + fun side effects while teleporting!

[@ulti19]

I was wondering if you have heard about how a lot of people are saying, being a single class monk is stronger then multiclassing it, would love to see your take on it. Also I love the new videos and hope we get more.

[@caosisaac]

Im really hoping he makes my current monk i'm using because id love to see how he'd optimize it. Aasimar 4 elements monk 11/tempest cleric 6. Channeling electric damage into my fists for guarunteed push on large and smaller creatures my goal is to launch enemies skyward with my pushing attacks then chase them into the sky with my flyspeed to knock them higher and higher before they fall. If all attacks land, capped dex, and i have the movement speed to keep up with spirit shroud active thats 5d10+5d8+31 lightning and radiant/necrotic damage plus an additional 5d6-11d6 (with charger) fall damage; on top of them falling prone and a potential stunning strikes stunning them in a round. I chose aasimar for the 3rd level fly speed for 1 minute per day to get the build online a little sooner as well as the extra pb in damage once per turn.

[@garion046]

Surely weapon mastery for nick is worth multiclassing though? Or is there some interaction that messes it up for monks?

[@caosisaac]

@@garion046 nick actually works wonderfully for monks; arguably better than any other class since they can upgrade the damage of nick based weapons in accordance with their martial arts die. It, and topple through the use of a quarterstaff, are both amazing masteries to grab for monks; though if you dont want the fighter level you can also grab it through the feat for a mono class build.

[@Cirdan345]

​@@caosisaac Plus you'll have 3 attacks as Attack action thanks to Nick, and 3 unarmed attacks as BA.

[@Dannihilate]

Amen about the background changes! Preach brother!

[@ryadinstormblessed8308]

18:48 "... but we'll feel a little guilty about it." I'm just imagining Colby looking slightly off and... Wife: what's wrong honey? Colby: umm... feeling a little guilty babe. I did something and I know it's wrong, but I just couldn't help... Wife: yeah, I'm just gonna cut off the dramatics right there because I already know it's something related to D&D. Colby: 😢 Wife: fine. Tell me what you feel bad about. Colby: I took a 1-level dip in Warlock again. Wife: 🙄

[@itsjponYT]

I really needed that encouragement to not give up. I’m going to try for one more day again ♥️

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@itsjponYT you got this!

[@danielbeshers1689]

My favorite bit from Holy Grail is that the ending is literally a cop out.

[@bleuoval64]

I'm playing a gishlock in a game currently. We started at level 2, so I started as a Fighter 1, Warlock 1. We rolled are stats collectively, then voted on the array to use. With what we settled on, I built my lock with 15 str, 7 dex, 18 con, 10 int, 13 wis, 19 cha. I'm using a homebrewed weapon that is mechanically a halberd. I've reflavored it to be a zwiehander. It's similar to a greatsword, but it's longer and has reach. The 15 Str allows me to use the heavy weapon and heavy armor since I started fighter. I went Archfey instead of GOO. The new augments to misty step(and the fact they get it with the subclass and get free casts charisma times each day) look like so much fun. At Warlock 6, Archfey can become invisible when they misty step, not just when they teleport as a reaction. Essentially, a bonus action(or reaction) ability to become invisible is great and I'm looking forward to it. We're level 4 right now. I'm Fighter 1, Warlock 3. I'm not sure when/if I go back to Fighter to get action surge. If I was confident the game wasn't going to level 13 (since warlocks get second extra attack at 12) or beyond, then I probably would go and get it.

[@guerra7021]

They moved subclasses to 3 but the hexblade simply dodged it with the Unrelenting Hex invocation's teleport

[@ReaverKain]

I've never wanted to play Arch Fey before but this new variant looks amazing with Pact of Blade.

[@bobnewkirk7003]

I was super excited for your take on this build and it didn't disappoint. Blade locks are my favorite class and everything I am hearing makes me think that 5.5 is going to be a good time for it; not being tied to Hexblade alone means I can actually retool my character to not be the same at every table. The power scaling seems pretty smooth through leveling and having access to our pact weapon at level 1 (cough 2) means we can get the flavor of the character online right away. 3 attacks every round for blade locks was one of my favorite parts of BG3 and its inclusion is very welcome to tabletop. I don't know enough about the 5.5 ruleset yet to know one way or the other, but I really like the group synergy bonuses that come during the midgame. Having a break from personal power increases in favor of amplifying the group context should really help to gel collaboration at the table and get some discussions about synergy going early on. Whatever we lost as character boosts could be made up for by another player and in a cooperative game that's a pretty amazing change even if it might feel bad on paper.

[@EpicRandomness555]

I have realized something with the new Goliath… we don’t exactly know what all the other Goliath types look like. Or at least can look like. I mean I suppose you can just look at the giants and use their features to put on Goliaths. I’m sure it helps more if you have the book, there might be more art in there, but with the one picture we have, I can’t actually tell what all types they’re supposed to be. I only say this here because Hill Goliath is the species Colby picked.

[@JackkReaction]

My first through and through 5e24 build will be a Pact Goolock! I was very excited that you touched on so many of the same ideas I had. Our biggest point of separation is actually the species and reliance on illusions overall though... Taking away the Verbal and Somatic components of Enchantment/ Illusion spells is wild, especially when paired with the Mask of Many Faces invocation, and (mostly for flavour) the Firbolg race. You're basically a setting agnostic Changeling 2.0, with the added features of Hidden Step and Powerful Build, and the 3ft height range means you can tower over everyone, or be as small as a Halfling, depending on how you feel that day.

[@robocop1051]

I’ve been refreshing this page for a week in anticipation of this video.

[@wandrilleturle36]

This muscleman pose is the next barbarian thumbnail 👌💪

[@r863sa]

Oh wow, I was really expecting the Repelling + Agonizing booming blade to be the way to go over standard attacks with Spirit Shroud.

[@thomasquesada7248]

Booming blade isn’t in the new phb, so you’re gonna have to ask your dm to be allowed to use it

[@apjapki]

​@@thomasquesada7248 Plus the optional expanded Warlock spell list from Tashas. Let's face it this is an exploit, not a combo.

[@shortbus3119]

​@apjapki Pact of the Tome... just take Pact of the Tome and then take Booming Blade and GFB as two of the cantrips, no TCE options needed.

[@shortbus3119]

It's not an exploit. The new PHB specifically says it is backwards compatible and that if something isn't in the new then you can use the old. You can still use Booming Blade and GFB. I do agree that optional rules from Tasha's shouldn't be used anymore, so it would require taking Pact of the Tome probably. Which means this combo comes online at level 5 once you get 5 invocations... Pact of the Blade, Pact of the Tome, Agonizing Blast(Booming Blade), Repelling Blast (Booming Blade), Thirsting Blade.

[@apjapki]

@@shortbus3119 Please don't waste DM time with this obvious exploit.

[@dardicus29]

Love going back to watch through your videos while I’m building characters, always a great source of inspiration

[@Brandonrod]

Never have I ever clicked faster on a vid. Can’t wait to see this

[@GogglesInMiami]

As soon as it popped up on my phone I clicked on it 😅

[@-hunt-6225]

Very happy to hear bladelock is still a powerhouse. My favorite character from 5e was my hexblade which I made from your first video! Nothing cooler than playing an edge lord who serves a dark patron and slices his foes to ribbons with a big sword. Lol

[@Fenikkusu14]

Not gonna lie, even though this is the first Gish build, I can't wait to play an Eldritch Knight in the new rules. Words I never thought I'd say tbh

[@Jnom73]

I am so excited to see the new rules in an optimized build!!!

[@gregorhancock145]

Warlocks get extra gold compared to most because they have made a bargain for power and part of the deal is extra cash earlier.

[@wurutana]

100% agree on the backgrounds. I don't want my meditating Monk to be a Sailor/Tavern Brawler... except that's exactly the only Background that I want for the stats.

[@jspsj0]

Remember that the PHB 2024 said that you can use any background published before (page 38). You ignore the ASI of the races and add a feat and +2+1 in the ability scores of your choice. In a way, custom backgrounds are in the book. Cause you can customize the old background the way you want.

[@VeryLittleGuy]

A very cool point about mystic arcanum is that since it doesnt expend a spell slot you can cast another spell slot spell on your turn (depending on actions and bonus actions you have used)

[@CivilWarMan]

As a brutal high level tactic, bonus action cast Hex, debuff the target's Intelligence, then cast Befuddlement using the Mystic Arcanum. One turn, disadvantage on the save against a still pretty brutal debuff, and since both spells are Enchantment Warlock spells, there are no somatic or verbal components, so it can potentially be done in a crowded room without anyone realizing what happened.

[@CivilWarMan]

@@voodoophil Only for level 10+ Great Old One Warlocks. Colby mentions it in this video.

[@skyenyx8972]

I'm *really* confident that custom backgrounds aren't going to be a thing at most tables I play on, though I might encourage it as a house rule.

[@Snags5050]

I'm confident that it will be far more common than with the old backgrounds. The old backgrounds required coming up with a feature that was flavorful but not necessarily powerful. The new ones you just need to put together an ASI spread, origin feat, a couple skills, and a Title that reasonably ties them all together. Way easier.

[@nickm9102]

I expect it to be basically the same thing as I do now for custom. Pick an existing background for the narrative feature then, in this case, 1 Origin feat, 2 skills, and whatever else there is in the new background. Probably two tools or languages.

[@mattdahm4289]

Thanks Colby! So excited for all the new builds! ❤️🎲

[@s.p.1434]

Honestly the more I think about the more I like the changes to needing a min Str score for weapons. There's a lot of Pallock builds out there that will feel annoyed by it because if they really want to get that heavy armor they need 15 strength which vastly limits their feat options. And if they don't go plate armor they'll still need 13 str and then Dex on top of it or their AC will be poor. It's good design that leads to meaningful trade offs and doesn't leave the concept of reign in everyone splashing warlock with purely roleplay ramifications from selling your soul to an eldritch being. What I want to know though is how does a warlock with that third attack scale compared to a 2024 fighter.

[@GirlPhoenix85]

The fact that heavy ranged weapons require 13 DEX instead of STR is an interesting choice. You are still holding the weight of the weapons. Should be STR to be capable of using, DEX determines how well you shoot.

[@shadow-faye]

They made strength less useless

[@Kusabiii]

Perfect vid to start the day. The first thing I thought of when reading the new Warlock was how much I wanted to play a Pact of the Blade char

[@theearlofdallas]

I think the right way to refer to this new version is 5.nerf

[@kristopherbruns7674]

I'm playing a Cloud Goliath Arch-fey Warlock in my latest campaign! Just played the first session last night and had a lot of fun running up to the enemy and hitting them twice with my summoned Shadow Blade and then Misty Stepping away and become invisible till my next turn! My DM even allowedd my Cloud's Jaunt to count as a Misty Step.

[@ian6843]

Colby, we need to talk. As you probably know, Conjure Minor Elementals is broken. And I think I may have stumbled among the highest nova damage build ever. It goes like this: 7 levels in Eldritch Knight Fighter, for war magic action surge 1 - 2 levels in warlock, for Eldritch Blast and Agonizing blast. Maybe pact of the blade and another 2 Invocations + Magical Cunning and an extra spell slot. Though one level will suffice Sorcerer rest of the way Plan of attack: Turn 1 - Cast Conjure Minor Elementals, Use Innate Sorcery. Turn 2 - Quicken Upcast Scorching Ray, Attack, replace one with Eldritch Blast. Action Surge and do another Attack, Replacing one with another Eldritch Blast = Big Damage (Also I'm curious if going Straight Sorcerer and Upcasting with higher level spellslots be more damage than double eldritch blast action surge + 2 attacks?) Edit: Turns out there is no way for sorceres to innately get CME, I proposed a (arguably better) way to still do this build. Go bladesinger wizard, or valor bard with a 5 level dip into: 2 lv Fighter, 2 lv Sorcerer, 1lv Warlock

[@jonpalmg]

Isn't CME wizard/druid only? I might be wrong...

[@ian6843]

@@jonpalmg I thought there was a subclass that gave that to sorcerers, I was wrong. A better way to do it would be going wizard with a 2 lvl sorcerer, 1 lvl warlock, 2 lvl fighter dip. And using blade singer subclass

[@M9Seradon]

This won't work. CME is a 4th level Wizard/Druid Spell so Sorcerer levels won't grant it, and Eldritch Knight only sees it at level 19. You can however take Valor Bard (Bards get all Wizard AND Druids spells available to them at 10), with 1 level dips into both Warlock and Fighter to grab Eldritch Blast, Agonizing Blast, Fighting Styles, and Weapon Mastery.

[@ian6843]

@@M9Seradon yeah, my mistake. I thought that a few subclasses gave it but apparently not. I didn't even think about Valor bards, as I don't really like the class. That would be better than Bladrsinger, since you wouldn't be MAD

[@Longshanks126]

The Contact Patron change is great, the Warlock in my campaign kept trying to use the original spell but had terrible int so he kept failing the save. Made for some funny moments as he was turned into a gibbering mess, but I think he only succeeded once so he didn't get as much contact with his patron as he would have liked.

[@bouidge]

Nice build my man. But with 14/15 AC and D8 hit dice I feel like this is more of a burst dmg build than a sustainable one 😵

[@stecon5]

Yeah that’s my worry with this. I’d probably start fighter for med armor, shield, con prof, defense (or dueling), and weapon mastery. Less DPR but WAY more survivability and versatility.

[@bouidge]

​@@stecon5I feel like warlock and Fighter dips are going to be even more popular now

[@ryadinstormblessed8308]

With the new rules for Dual Wielder, I'm looking forward to seeing a build with Dual Wielder, Nick Mastery and 2-Weapon Fighting. Maybe even just do that as a Champion or Battle Master. I'm curious how that stands up to GWM and Polearm Master in 5.24, and in the overall damage output rankings.

[@jorgegarcia-yj6cn]

you cant use mage armor while armored

[@New_Definitions]

A tag team build idea: The eldritch hex + mindsliver using warlock with an ally who concentrated on Bane turn 1 and then uses save or suck spells (maybe a cleric to banish? have them as a ghost/ devil hunting tag team) . - 2d4 AND disadvantage gives an average equivalent of -10 to saving throws! (as disdvantage is roughly a -5)

[@alxaviir2956]

Upside : new warlock seems soooooo much cooler ! Downside : I’m devastated about the ranger and how much they missed the mark …

[@JoshityJosh]

The new pact of the blade with combination of the archfey subclass makes me wanna play Magik from Xmen. It would also pretty much match the backstory with the warlock being abducted to feywild instead of limbo.

[@Marabcd315]

Great build! If you wanted to start Fighter 1 (specifically fighter 2) I'd recommend going with Abyssal Tiefling, access to hold person without using a pact slot will stay useful up to higher levels and the fighter levels let you cast it and take three of your attacks on the same turn and to get you access to weapon masteries

[@jorisboonekamp9038]

So now I'm thinking since you put it so well that taking a 1 lvl Warlock dip now works for many classes... what if you create a Warlock 1/Psi-Warrior X build with Pact of the Blade (only for the improved dmg type) / GWM. Take Savage Attacker as Origin feat and use the Greataxe for the Cleave mechanic. Then at lvl 6 you could use Attack, Action Surge and Extra attack with GWM bonus, Hex bonus and on one of them a psionic strike 1d8+3. All of that a combination of psychic, necrotic and force damage. Use Savage Attacker for lowscoring crits. With Cleave even more damage to nearby enemies. Take Goliath for that auto-prone for advantage attacks. Thanks for the amazing ideas!

[@RaineYiVTube]

I've been super busy lately and some drama occurred in my DnD group (I know, what a surprise) so I haven't watched in a while but I'm excited to listen into this build!

[@aceofaces0007]

Something that I've just realized is that, despite the improvements to Pact of the Blade, Hexblade still has a place in D&D 5.24, and not just because of Hexblade Curse. The Hex Warrior feature makes it so that we can touch one weapon to make it able to be used with CHA for attack and damage, and this is IN ADDITION to Pact Weapons (which we can only have one of at a time). If we want to do Two Weapon Fighting as a Warlock, Hexblade is a strong choice so that both weapons we're using benefit from the ability to use CHA instead of your non-pact weapon being STR or DEX. Hexblade isn't mandatory for Two Weapon Fighting, but it does come in handy. With the Dual Wielder feat, and 2 levels of Fighter for the fighting style, weapon masteries and Action Surge, a Hexblade that gets up to level 12 for Devouring Blade can attack at most 8 times in one turn! (Gotta love our good buddy Nick amirite?). Never mind any extra damage from the Hexblade Curse, or something like Hex, or even better, Spirit Shroud from Tasha's. In the new 2024 rules, the existence of weapon masteries would seem to indicate that WotC wants our arsenals to be more diversified, rather than simply relying on one weapon for everything. It would make sense that Hexblade would contribute to this diversified arsenal by giving Bladelocks a second weapon they can use CHA with besides their Pact Weapon.

[@djcowell91]

Fun video and smart breakdown, thanks. Plus, my first 5e 2024 game is one we had just started in 2014, so I converted a Paladin/Warlock into 2024. It is working out incredibly well at level 5 (2 pally/3 warlock) and I can't wait to see what you can do with it. I'm using Agonizing Blast, but instead of Eldrich Blasting, I put it on Booming Blade. So now at 5, with my warhammer weapon mastery, I smack them for 2d8+6, push them away from me, and if they come at me it's another 2d8+3. Looking forward to plans to Eldrich smite AND Divine smite on the same turn. Like I said, can't wait to see how you do a Lockadin!