I agree that Wyll is a GREAT origin play thru. He is mechanically and lorewise a great leader/face man. I did mine as a bardlock too. Tons of fun, all the good dialogue options, good bard support and sustain, etc. Agonizing blast with potent robe, birthright, etc is awesome. Did mine as a “good guy” run. Was great.
Damnn perfect timing, I just started a playthru as Wyll and didn't want Wyll to be a spellcasting Warlock. This seems like THE lore-perfect build for Wyll.
I’m only level 5, (1 Bard, 4 Warlock,) and this is the funnest build I’ve played with yet! I’m loving it! All the utilization of the ritual spells is so nice. Thanks for posting this!
Warlock, for me, has been the most flavourful playthrough yet. Incredibly strong but also super fun talking one's way through boss encounters and NPC interactions. Really wanted a hexblade like build so I'm super keen to see what you do here
going fiend for command is OK but if you’re gonna wear potent robes then the temp hp is redundant. great old one is a “we have command at home” since mortal reminder accomplishes almost the same thing just less consistently.
Yep like I mention, either subclass is great for this build, but GOO is the best for basically every *other* warlock build, so when fiend is somewhat competitive and on-flavour it's nice to take the excuse to use it!
That consistency difference is huge thou. I've not played this particular build but arcane acuity command is often 100% disable on up to 6 spread out targets. Due to it I don't know the mechanic of like the last 2 bosses I fought because they never got a turn. Potent robe also doesn't really fit on this build imo since if that is what you then could have gotten a lot of other cool things with e.g. the sword bard and bladelock levels that you weren't going to use anyways.
Just the thing I was looking for. I'm on my balanced run right now, but I want to tackle honor mode, and I needed some ideas for my honor mode party comp. Thanks for that!
Bit late, but it's worth adding that when you bind your pact weapon the character becomes proficient with said weapon, even if he/she wasn't before! This means you could use a greatsword or other two handed weapon with this (although the low AC and not having a shield would be risky)
Great build! I'm really enjoying these videos, so thank you for them! I think it could also be fun to take a 2 level dip of paladin (5 Bard, 5 Warlock, 2 Paladin) using the bonus action hold person for critical smites. But that would have the down side of missing out on the 4th level spell slot
I just commented similar that I'm surprised he didn't go 2 levels Pally. Heavy armour prof too. Has 2 lvl2 Warlock spells refreshing short rest and so thats 2 3d8 spell slots every short rest right there....essentially quadrupling his weapon damage
Sure! I wanted to keep the guide simple (mostly because I already did a paladin-warlock build for Wyll, but maybe that was the wrong impulse), but there's a lot of great two level dips I should have mentioned as options: paladin, fighter, even spore druid or cleric 1/sorc 1 are all excellent options.
Another fun way to do this on honor mode is Level 6 bard/Level 6 warlock and choose pact of the tome and use Infernal Rapier. Infernal Rapier uses your charisma for DMG the same as pact of the blade. You can also summon a cambion with the rapier and it has spell save DC on it. It fucking rocks. Pact of the tome gives you Animate Dead, Haste and Call Lightning once per long rest at lvl 5. So, you are giving up lvl 4 spell slots for this but I feel like you gain quite a bit in return.
I'm currently running Justiciar's Greatshield on my Wyll so i can get darkness on my first turn as a bonus action, advantage on eldritch blast, hex on second turn, which I'm still cloaked during. Most combats are over in 2 turns Edit: this is a tactician run
Thank you, I just started a new run and hadn't really made up my mind what to do with Wyll this time around. I greatly enjoyed the Warlock/Paladin/Sorcerer build you suggested for him previously.
i like that you mentioned items that trivialise encounters - i beat honour mode but it really wasn’t through any nice class decisions, it was cause of the items!! i’m hyping myself up to try a run with some limits, no radiating orb, no gloves that let you cast hypnotic pattern as a bonus action… the biggest one for me is no elixirs 😳
I highly recommend it! I tried to keep things as clean as possible for my first honour mode run (basically nothing that doesn't exist in tabletop, so no elixirs, no "wet", pretty much nothing with the words "add a stack of") and imo it was way more fun - although it must be acknowledged that I'm also just Like That
Im gonna try this too since i got the golden dice already, but I was also planning to CONFRONT every boss encounter and do almost 0 pre buffing that has a turn counter (such as mirror image) and back up my characters arrogance with good starts in 0 bonus round combat (basically ill be pushing the attack button in dialogue rather than pre placing my characters etc)
My current spellblade is: 1/2 lvl of fighter with dual wielder 2 lvl of warlock for eldrich blast with 2 invocations 4 lvl of rouge for extra bonus action and feat 4/5 lvl sorcerer for spells and spell slots and feat 1 feat is Dual Wielder to take Phalar Aluve or other versatile offhand and The Spellsparkler for main hand 2 feat to + 2 DEX or CHA or whatever depending on gear main action to blast foes and 2 bonus actions to beat them also I dont want to choose to punch or cast... i want both at the SAME TIME EVERY TIME 🤩
This is almost exactly the build I'm planning for a Origin Wyll run haha. Although I'm trying to decide if I want to do 5 bard/3 warlock/3 battlemaster for even more martial flourishing. Two levels of paladin at the end for smites could also be good.
Warlock is such a fun class. In my opinion it feels like the most complete “caster” class even though it’s half caster. Also if you guys are playing honor mode, try one with shadows (at lvl 7 Warlock invoc.) with half illithid fly to jump start surprise engagements.
@@leafwdm yeah my bad it’s actually not a half caster considering it gets level 3 spells at character level 5 and level 4 spells at character level 7 etc.
I'm way late but I did that in one honor mode playthrough of this build. I think 2 levels in paladin for Smites is better. You only get level 3 Smites but they come back on short rest and you only really use them on bosses as you can control crowds really easy. It's more damage and you can still hit the boss with bonus action vicious mockery to give them disadvantage if you want
THE CORRECT STARTING INSTRUMENT IS LUTE. There is no other best option. Its the IRL historical instrument of entertainers and bards, and the peak of bardic music.
one thing tho forget about „fast friends“ or similar enchantments spells instantly turns the enchanted hostile at the end of the spell 90% of the time. so only usable if you are prepared to fight them anyways.
“Killing in Darkness, Shrieks of Murder” Half Drow Durge with Planar Aluve Cast Darkness (plus race gives free cast) (w/Devils Sight) Flourishes (w/Phalar Aluve debuff) + works with Slayer form but you won’t need it if you wanna do Good Durge + Viconia’s shield Fiend because GOO relies on Crits whereas Fiend relies on Kills which is easier to secure imo. But whatever you want works lol I go to Song of Rest (Bard 2) before reclassing to Warlock cause it’s very valuable early game instead of delaying it. (At level 3 you’re in Act 1 so being Bard 2/War 1 imo is better than Bard 1/War 2) Love the video. I keep coming back to it for inspiration lol ❤ Edit: I just realized I won’t get Potent Robe because of Evil Durge unless I cheat and kill the Dragonborne instead, but the Durge Robe is so cool lol Interested to know if wearing all the Bard gear with this build would work if you wanted to take more Bard levels than Warlock? Edit Edit (my ADHD is acting up lol): - Ascended Astarion Open Hand Monk (extra Necrotic Damage + Karlach won’t be around) - Evil Shart Storm Sorceror/Tempest Cleric (or just full Life Cleric for EZ mode) - Paladin/Fighter Minthara (unless you kill her, then Lae’zel) The Bardlock could be a Controller/Melee murderer in the darkness lol Hold Person is like my favorite spell 😅
Dark vision, any kind of darkness spell and EB is really strong all game. Drink a speed potion or get "Hastened" and let her rip... Just start blasting.
I would like to advocate for taking armor of shadows as your 4th invocation. If your using those robes, a free daily cast of mage armor is nice to help bring you AC up.
Band of the Mystic scoundrel is at the start of Act 3. So I was surprised you said you would get it “soon” after Level 3 (re Tasha’s Hideous Laughter). What level do you usually start Act 2 and 3? I know the game gets easier as you learn more but starting Act 3 before Level 7 seems extreme and would be a speed run. I’d love to hear your approach. And other things you do to make the game more challenging (ie, “house rules”).
I sense that you might be joking here, but in case you're genuinely confused, it actually doesn't matter *at all*. Musical instruments are 100% a flavor choice. There's only one instrument (not one instrument type, one singular unique instrument) in the game with an effect that could be considered useful, and even then it's a purely story effect. Being a bard also gives you the ability to play any instrument in BG3, and you can easily get one of each to see which one you like the best.
I know this is quite a few months old, but what's your opinion on taking two levels of fighter instead of the last two levels in warlock for honor mode? You'd be sacrificing 4th level spells/spell slots and an eldritch invocation for +1 AC from Defence and Action Surge which is just incredibly powerful. Assuming you're mainly using Hunger of Hadar, 4th level spell slots are pretty much meaningless, but they would reduce your flexibility giving you less options.
I've been scouring the net for a goolock/college of lore bard build. A weird one I know. I've been playing as an H.P. lovecraft baldarian human noble and I have the back story and even which family he comes from down. I figured goolock would be perfect for him but the real Lovecraft would be considered a lore bard. What would be your take on an in game Lovecraft type?
This is the closest thing I've found so far with all the command spells. I think a bg3 version would be all about terrorizing and frightening his opponents.
Faerie Fire is underrated. The anti-invisibility thing is secondary. Its most important effect is to grant advantage when attacking anyone in the faerie fire. If course there are issues as with any persistent area spell .. enemies move out of it and you have to keep your team out of it. And Drow or Half Drow get this once a day as a cantrip.
Sure! I wanted to keep things simple for the video, but there's a lot of great two level dips I could (maybe should) have mentioned - fighter, paladin, spore druid, or cleric 1/sorc 1 are all excellent options!
cephalo have you tried to use a pure blade warlock? i only play solo/duo, and tried to make melee warlock multiclasses work but so far the pure warlock has been the one with the best results for me. The trouble for me with the multiclasses is the plateaus in the powercurve before spiking again with no teamate to help, but the pure class just has very smooth scaling. Also a great recipient for ilythid shenanigans On githyanki, specifically, being able to use medium armor from the get go is really good and only elevates it through the game
Paladin level 1, then 5 levels warlock, then back to 6 more levels of paladin feels really good. It isn't too good for melee before level 7, because it leans heavily into Warlock EBung. The heavy armour and lay on hands charges means it isn't bad though; you're just not smiting until 7 or melee-ing more than one before 6.
Gith might be my favorite race in the game and they're so damn strong. Bae'zel is amazing. My open hand gith monk is an absolute menace. They're really good.
Did the same build on my first playthrough, actually prefer a single level in sorc instead of bard 7 at the end, since you can get shield that way and become very tanky too, especially if using defensive flourishes
How would you alter the build if you arent playing a race that has shield proficiency? Like do you just use a one-handed weapon and no shield (to be able to use dueling fighting style)? Do you use two handed weapons and just accept that the fighting style from bard won't benefit you? Do you get the dual weilder feat so that you can go sword and staff and find a good off hand staff? (spellsparkler or staff of spell power both feel like good picks, admittedly this idea would render the bard fighting style a bit wasted). I guess if you can squeeze out the dual weilder feat, you could instead get the shield proficiency feat and use a shield that way. Mainly I am asking because I am curious what the comment section hive mind spits out, but also because I'd like to use tiefling for this build. (mostly for story reasons (has good dialogue options and feels extremely fitting for a durge run), but also because I can't seem to create a character that I like the appearance of with the face options available to half-elf or human) EDIT: If you don't have shield proficeny, this build makes excellent use of the Duelist's Preogative. Most shields are probably better if you have the proficiency, but if you aren't playing a race with that proficeny for what ever reason (such as playing tiefling for roleplay and/or character appearance) the DP works fantastically, until you get it, just use the best rapier, or two-handed weapon you can find, everburn blade is great for this if you haven't given it to karlach or Lae'zel.
Nice one as always. What do you like better for filling the main character role that has good DPS/utility in honour mode: This or your coffeelock build?
Thanks very much! It really depends on what you want to cover - the coffeelock is more of a pure caster with strong ranged dps, where this leans more towards the dps side but with powerful control spells added in. Either will be excellent, though I'll say if you're not using the arcane acuity helmet this build is a little harder to play, since it's a low-hp melee character and requires careful positioning.
Wyll really is the perfect protagonist for BG3. I sometimes wish i had played as origin Wyll so that i could enjoy even more of the character dialogue because my morality choices were very much inline with what i felt wyll would've done. And because wyll is the main character he'd benefit RP wise from the having more autonomy. Who else but wyll could keep this band of adventurers together
I am already playing Wyll as an origin character on Honour Mode and really enjoying the experience. Wyll has a very interesting romance with Karlach too
Is there potentially an argument for taking Plant Growth over Fear/Hypnotic Pattern on this character to layer with Hunger of Hadar? It's resource intensive but I've found the combination to be pretty helpful
I feel like its better to go more Bard first so you can get song of rest and try to get to improved bardic inspiration and your flourishes which are really strong
Could dipping into fighter at first level work for the heavy armour proficiency can con rolls? Mainly for Tactician and lower just noticed the final level of bard only gives greater invis so I wonder what you think is better? Especially if the build is kind of squishy
i was wondering, i'm doing kind of the same build, and i was wondering, my wyll has passed every zaith'isk checks and can use illithid power as bonus action. My question for you and this wonderful audience is : Do you think sacrificing bard / warlock lvl to go and get some thief thingy going on so i can have two bonus action, for my illithid powers on top of the rest of this arsenal (going for 5 warlock/4 bard/3 rogue)
I Love this Build. Thinking About the Team around him..what would you think about the Cleric/Bardhealer and a Thrower and OH-Monk? Too Squishy or viable to give SH Targets for her Healing Spells?
so for your reaction resource usage is hellish rebuke just not worth considering? Especially when I already have gale to cover counterspell usage it feels silly to not pick a "free" damage reaction on Wyll/my warlock. I assume there's some reason you didn't bring it up. Otherwise great video, motivated me to finally start that Wyll origin run I was planning to do.
My question is : do you recommend this build for main character first full playthrou i kinda wanna do hafling bard / warlock and be face of the party or you recommend your second build called "party face build" for this? I kinda wanna be bard in talking my way out but also be powerful like warlock.😊
I'm very curious if you could find a way to fit two to four levels of paladin into this for an eventual split of 3 warlock (for cha damage), 6 swords bard, and 3 paladin (or 2 and another level of warlock for the feat) to take advantage of smite. I'm less concerned about losing bard and warlock traits, and more thinking it would come online way way too late,
Love the vids ! A question, isn't the Find Familliar for the first ranger level also a good choice ? I'm asking because during the first levels he has yet to take significant damage, and the little beast can decoy, distract, or provide a little utility ? Or are there drawbacks like pet always follow you triggering an unwanted additionnal stealth check ?
Sure! Guild artisan is the best background for a party face - both relevant skills, doesn't conflict with Actor if you end up taking that, and gives you lots of pretty easy inspirations, mostly for things you wanted to do anyways.
Question for honor mode: If you can get the weapon from Wyll's questline to give you basically the effect of a Pact Weapon, what is the point in taking Warlock higher than lvl 2 and getting 10 levels in Bard for Bannishing Smite? I'm not sure what is the actual synergy in honor mode between Bard and Warlock since the extra attacks don't stack. Could you please enlighten me? I would very much appreciate it.
I have a question, i want to play 4 levels of darkness warlock, which class is the best to multiclass it for honor mode gameplay? I wanted to do it as a bard so i could have many skills to lead the party
Just fyi, I got the mirror of loss to give me +3 charisma, so instead of a second ability improvement, I'm taking Savage Atacker. Please let me know if this was not the right choice lol
Yeah, if you aren't a race (like human or any half-elf) that gets shield proficiency, this build doesn't get it naturally - you can use a two handed weapon instead in that case, or the duellist's prerogative which requires an empty offhand
While not optimal, I'm kind of wanting to run a band playthrough (everyone has a level or 2 of bard). I took a break from BG3, but I've had so much fun watching through the videos I missed! Had to resub!
Hello, I like this build but please guys help me ! I got the "multiclass spells slots" bug, I can't choose using my warlock spell slots first if I still got regular spell slots, this is very annoying. Is it a bug for all still ? I read on forums that should have been fixed 😮😢
OR pure swords bard with infernal rapier or Jaheira’s Scimitar But we are getting into powerplay build territory, and this is lore build, so I say cool Wyll build)
I was going to make a similar suggestion. The Sylvan scimitar with the infernal rapier achieves the same as a pact weapon but without the pact needed. You can go two of warlock and 10 bard for magical secrets. Though you won't get your third attack on tactician and lower difficulty.
This is a huge request, but would you ever do a spell ranking video on the spells from the 5e spells mod? It would be awesome to see your thoughts on them
Surprised you didn't go 2 levels Paladin for heavy armour prof and smites instead of 7 levels Bard. You only really lose out on 4th lvl spell slot, but you gain so much more through Pally
Sure! I wanted to keep the guide simple (mostly because I already did a paladin-warlock build for Wyll, but maybe that was the wrong impulse), but there's a lot of great two level dips I should have mentioned as options: paladin, fighter, even spore druid or cleric 1/sorc 1 are all excellent options.
This was basically my main character for my first playthrough. Great party face, a little slow to come online but really fun once it does. If you can free up a feat slot with ethel's hair, I actually really like dual wielder for this build. It benefits more than most from being able to have 2 good weapon passives, and the offhand attacks are quite deadly with two weapon fighting from swords bard.
From what I see level 12 choices aren't that amazing for the build. I often find myself going 1 level dip in fighter to get CON prof. which really helps for gish builds.
I had a question regarding the mirror of loss and how to get the +3 charisma. Do I need to make certain choices or reach a certain point in the game to unlock the option or dialogue to get the initial +1? I know if you give up a memory you get +2 but there is an option to get an additional boost.
@Cephalopocalypse Sorry for coming off so frustrated. I actually was referring to the ranged warlock cantrip. I am only character level 3 so I haven't gotten to the pact weapon part. Thanks for the reply though!
I just set this up on a level 8 honor mode character and it just seems fairly meh. I don't pretend to be an expert, but, the damage only seems meh. I wonder if it is not meant to be played until you have all the pieces, or are higher level? I even have the hat and ring of arcane synergy, and it just seems like my eldritch blasts dont do much. Do you have a link to a vod where you play this build?
Honestly the "gameplay showcases" after "BEST BUILD" guides are nonsensical. All of them are showcasing level 12 character fully geared/ready for endgame setup "critical hitting" nonstop low level 8 NPCs instead of showcasing boss fights of 2-3 rounds at least to show a "cycle". The low-level showcase from most I've seen were actually level 5-6 into level 4 mobs (like gnolls or Ethel). This is a very unpopulare opinion because it seems only I have this opinion. So far not a single guide impressed me what the builds' showcase and how it TRULY feel like. So when I see guides like this, I appreciate it better done in this format rather than those who try to "BEST BUILD" and nobody is paying attention to what they are hitting/doing. Focusing on numbers is after all the juicy dopamin people look for.
YEEES THANK YOU! Ive been waiting your bardlock build for months now
I agree that Wyll is a GREAT origin play thru. He is mechanically and lorewise a great leader/face man. I did mine as a bardlock too. Tons of fun, all the good dialogue options, good bard support and sustain, etc. Agonizing blast with potent robe, birthright, etc is awesome. Did mine as a “good guy” run. Was great.
I played him in my first playthrough as a warlock/paladin.
Damnn perfect timing, I just started a playthru as Wyll and didn't want Wyll to be a spellcasting Warlock. This seems like THE lore-perfect build for Wyll.
I’m only level 5, (1 Bard, 4 Warlock,) and this is the funnest build I’ve played with yet! I’m loving it! All the utilization of the ritual spells is so nice. Thanks for posting this!
Warlock, for me, has been the most flavourful playthrough yet.
Incredibly strong but also super fun talking one's way through boss encounters and NPC interactions. Really wanted a hexblade like build so I'm super keen to see what you do here
A) Eldritch blast
B) Eldritch blast
C) Eldritch blast
D) Hex into Eldritch blast
@@realdaggerman105 And don't forget Eldritch Blast.
@@arekpetrosian4965 my bad I forgot
@@realdaggerman105 It's okay, I forget sometimes, too.
@@arekpetrosian4965Don't forget about Blast Eldritch as well
going fiend for command is OK but if you’re gonna wear potent robes then the temp hp is redundant. great old one is a “we have command at home” since mortal reminder accomplishes almost the same thing just less consistently.
You can’t cast eldritch blast with band of mystic scoundrel
Yep like I mention, either subclass is great for this build, but GOO is the best for basically every *other* warlock build, so when fiend is somewhat competitive and on-flavour it's nice to take the excuse to use it!
That consistency difference is huge thou. I've not played this particular build but arcane acuity command is often 100% disable on up to 6 spread out targets. Due to it I don't know the mechanic of like the last 2 bosses I fought because they never got a turn.
Potent robe also doesn't really fit on this build imo since if that is what you then could have gotten a lot of other cool things with e.g. the sword bard and bladelock levels that you weren't going to use anyways.
Just the thing I was looking for. I'm on my balanced run right now, but I want to tackle honor mode, and I needed some ideas for my honor mode party comp. Thanks for that!
Awesome - good luck!
Bit late, but it's worth adding that when you bind your pact weapon the character becomes proficient with said weapon, even if he/she wasn't before! This means you could use a greatsword or other two handed weapon with this (although the low AC and not having a shield would be risky)
Thanks!
Thank you so much for the support! I really appreciate it - glad you're enjoying the videos!
Great build! I'm really enjoying these videos, so thank you for them!
I think it could also be fun to take a 2 level dip of paladin (5 Bard, 5 Warlock, 2 Paladin) using the bonus action hold person for critical smites. But that would have the down side of missing out on the 4th level spell slot
I just commented similar that I'm surprised he didn't go 2 levels Pally. Heavy armour prof too. Has 2 lvl2 Warlock spells refreshing short rest and so thats 2 3d8 spell slots every short rest right there....essentially quadrupling his weapon damage
Sure! I wanted to keep the guide simple (mostly because I already did a paladin-warlock build for Wyll, but maybe that was the wrong impulse), but there's a lot of great two level dips I should have mentioned as options: paladin, fighter, even spore druid or cleric 1/sorc 1 are all excellent options.
Don't you lose the extra attack if you don't go bard 6? (tact difficulty)
@@shinzoux5912yeah but he’s speaking on honor mode
@@petergriffith712
Warlock 5, bard 6 and cleric 1 for tact mode then?
Would have liked to see gameplay of some situations in which you would cast things in certain order
True but a lot of the fun is playing this build with your own strategy to make things fun for you
I came here looking for a Loki build, and this one suits it really well. Thanks!
Another fun way to do this on honor mode is Level 6 bard/Level 6 warlock and choose pact of the tome and use Infernal Rapier. Infernal Rapier uses your charisma for DMG the same as pact of the blade. You can also summon a cambion with the rapier and it has spell save DC on it. It fucking rocks. Pact of the tome gives you Animate Dead, Haste and Call Lightning once per long rest at lvl 5. So, you are giving up lvl 4 spell slots for this but I feel like you gain quite a bit in return.
The best thing about this chanell is that ou have sightstone as your profile icon
I'm currently running Justiciar's Greatshield on my Wyll so i can get darkness on my first turn as a bonus action, advantage on eldritch blast, hex on second turn, which I'm still cloaked during. Most combats are over in 2 turns
Edit: this is a tactician run
Instructions unclear. Ended up having a hand drum playtrhrough. 10/10, would recommend
Do you have a twitch channel? I'd love to watch you play
Just the build I was looking for! I was going to use Wyll in my new Durge redemption play and will 💯 use this build.
Thanks bro, this has been a lot of fun so far!
Thank you, I just started a new run and hadn't really made up my mind what to do with Wyll this time around. I greatly enjoyed the Warlock/Paladin/Sorcerer build you suggested for him previously.
i like that you mentioned items that trivialise encounters - i beat honour mode but it really wasn’t through any nice class decisions, it was cause of the items!!
i’m hyping myself up to try a run with some limits, no radiating orb, no gloves that let you cast hypnotic pattern as a bonus action… the biggest one for me is no elixirs 😳
I highly recommend it! I tried to keep things as clean as possible for my first honour mode run (basically nothing that doesn't exist in tabletop, so no elixirs, no "wet", pretty much nothing with the words "add a stack of") and imo it was way more fun - although it must be acknowledged that I'm also just Like That
I’m playing with no special items and things are busted anyway
Im gonna try this too since i got the golden dice already, but I was also planning to CONFRONT every boss encounter and do almost 0 pre buffing that has a turn counter (such as mirror image) and back up my characters arrogance with good starts in 0 bonus round combat (basically ill be pushing the attack button in dialogue rather than pre placing my characters etc)
This is perfect for my next run as evil Dark Urge! Just not decided on race Thiefling of Zariel, Drow or Human
My current spellblade is:
1/2 lvl of fighter with dual wielder
2 lvl of warlock for eldrich blast with 2 invocations
4 lvl of rouge for extra bonus action and feat
4/5 lvl sorcerer for spells and spell slots and feat
1 feat is Dual Wielder to take Phalar Aluve or other versatile offhand and The Spellsparkler for main hand
2 feat to + 2 DEX or CHA or whatever depending on gear
main action to blast foes and 2 bonus actions to beat them also
I dont want to choose to punch or cast... i want both at the SAME TIME EVERY TIME 🤩
How
Whack
Dare
Whack
You
Whack
Not
Whack
Die
Whack
To
Whack
Eldritch
Whack
... Dead ...
This is almost exactly the build I'm planning for a Origin Wyll run haha. Although I'm trying to decide if I want to do 5 bard/3 warlock/3 battlemaster for even more martial flourishing. Two levels of paladin at the end for smites could also be good.
Warlock is such a fun class. In my opinion it feels like the most complete “caster” class even though it’s half caster. Also if you guys are playing honor mode, try one with shadows (at lvl 7 Warlock invoc.) with half illithid fly to jump start surprise engagements.
How do you figure warlock is a half caster?
@@leafwdm yeah my bad it’s actually not a half caster considering it gets level 3 spells at character level 5 and level 4 spells at character level 7 etc.
@@CMiY0 Oh no problem I was just wondering if I was missing something
I’d probably take a War Cleric dip on Honor mode. For an additional melee attack.
U would use ur bonus action for spells tho
What spells did you have in mind here?
@@Yobolight hold monster/person, Otto’s laughter, there’s some rly solid scrolls u can use, or Illithiad abilities if u used the gith machine
I'm way late but I did that in one honor mode playthrough of this build. I think 2 levels in paladin for Smites is better. You only get level 3 Smites but they come back on short rest and you only really use them on bosses as you can control crowds really easy. It's more damage and you can still hit the boss with bonus action vicious mockery to give them disadvantage if you want
THE CORRECT STARTING INSTRUMENT IS LUTE.
There is no other best option. Its the IRL historical instrument of entertainers and bards, and the peak of bardic music.
If you're a drow it is a Lyre for the Spider Lyre though.
one thing tho
forget about „fast friends“ or similar enchantments spells
instantly turns the enchanted hostile at the end of the spell 90% of the time.
so only usable if you are prepared to fight them anyways.
“Killing in Darkness, Shrieks of Murder”
Half Drow Durge with Planar Aluve
Cast Darkness (plus race gives free cast) (w/Devils Sight) Flourishes (w/Phalar Aluve debuff) + works with Slayer form but you won’t need it if you wanna do Good Durge + Viconia’s shield
Fiend because GOO relies on Crits whereas Fiend relies on Kills which is easier to secure imo. But whatever you want works lol
I go to Song of Rest (Bard 2) before reclassing to Warlock cause it’s very valuable early game instead of delaying it. (At level 3 you’re in Act 1 so being Bard 2/War 1 imo is better than Bard 1/War 2)
Love the video. I keep coming back to it for inspiration lol ❤
Edit: I just realized I won’t get Potent Robe because of Evil Durge unless I cheat and kill the Dragonborne instead, but the Durge Robe is so cool lol
Interested to know if wearing all the Bard gear with this build would work if you wanted to take more Bard levels than Warlock?
Edit Edit (my ADHD is acting up lol):
- Ascended Astarion Open Hand Monk (extra Necrotic Damage + Karlach won’t be around)
- Evil Shart Storm Sorceror/Tempest Cleric (or just full Life Cleric for EZ mode)
- Paladin/Fighter Minthara (unless you kill her, then Lae’zel)
The Bardlock could be a Controller/Melee murderer in the darkness lol
Hold Person is like my favorite spell 😅
Ok I’m back 😅. I’m going to try this as Wyll instead of Durge. Which is good cuz I’ll be able to get Potent Robe.
Warlock was and still my favourite charactaer, 2nd play now. Its not the most powerful but I just love it for the lore too
Dark vision, any kind of darkness spell and EB is really strong all game. Drink a speed potion or get "Hastened" and let her rip... Just start blasting.
I would like to advocate for taking armor of shadows as your 4th invocation. If your using those robes, a free daily cast of mage armor is nice to help bring you AC up.
What do you use for gear/weapons until you get to act 3?
If you take ethel's deal, should you just skip actor and get 20 cha at lvl 5?
May I suggest for you to include gear options for act 1 and act 2? It's what is lacking in many of your videos.
Band of the Mystic scoundrel is at the start of Act 3. So I was surprised you said you would get it “soon” after Level 3 (re Tasha’s Hideous Laughter). What level do you usually start Act 2 and 3? I know the game gets easier as you learn more but starting Act 3 before Level 7 seems extreme and would be a speed run. I’d love to hear your approach. And other things you do to make the game more challenging (ie, “house rules”).
WAIT NO WHAT IS THE INSTRUMENT I SHOULD TAKE??
I sense that you might be joking here, but in case you're genuinely confused, it actually doesn't matter *at all*. Musical instruments are 100% a flavor choice. There's only one instrument (not one instrument type, one singular unique instrument) in the game with an effect that could be considered useful, and even then it's a purely story effect. Being a bard also gives you the ability to play any instrument in BG3, and you can easily get one of each to see which one you like the best.
I know this is quite a few months old, but what's your opinion on taking two levels of fighter instead of the last two levels in warlock for honor mode?
You'd be sacrificing 4th level spells/spell slots and an eldritch invocation for +1 AC from Defence and Action Surge which is just incredibly powerful. Assuming you're mainly using Hunger of Hadar, 4th level spell slots are pretty much meaningless, but they would reduce your flexibility giving you less options.
I've been scouring the net for a goolock/college of lore bard build. A weird one I know. I've been playing as an H.P. lovecraft baldarian human noble and I have the back story and even which family he comes from down. I figured goolock would be perfect for him but the real Lovecraft would be considered a lore bard. What would be your take on an in game Lovecraft type?
This is the closest thing I've found so far with all the command spells. I think a bg3 version would be all about terrorizing and frightening his opponents.
Faerie Fire is underrated. The anti-invisibility thing is secondary. Its most important effect is to grant advantage when attacking anyone in the faerie fire. If course there are issues as with any persistent area spell .. enemies move out of it and you have to keep your team out of it. And Drow or Half Drow get this once a day as a cantrip.
It's... not a cantrip? It's a first level spell
@@harrymcgrory2531 yeah I was thinking of if you’re a Drow you can use it once a day as a cantrip regardless of class
@@doloresabernathy9809My bad, I see what you mean now
I'd take 2 Fighter or Spore druid lvls for either additional damage or APR.
Sure! I wanted to keep things simple for the video, but there's a lot of great two level dips I could (maybe should) have mentioned - fighter, paladin, spore druid, or cleric 1/sorc 1 are all excellent options!
cephalo have you tried to use a pure blade warlock? i only play solo/duo, and tried to make melee warlock multiclasses work but so far the pure warlock has been the one with the best results for me. The trouble for me with the multiclasses is the plateaus in the powercurve before spiking again with no teamate to help, but the pure class just has very smooth scaling. Also a great recipient for ilythid shenanigans
On githyanki, specifically, being able to use medium armor from the get go is really good and only elevates it through the game
Paladin level 1, then 5 levels warlock, then back to 6 more levels of paladin feels really good.
It isn't too good for melee before level 7, because it leans heavily into Warlock EBung. The heavy armour and lay on hands charges means it isn't bad though; you're just not smiting until 7 or melee-ing more than one before 6.
Gith might be my favorite race in the game and they're so damn strong.
Bae'zel is amazing.
My open hand gith monk is an absolute menace.
They're really good.
Thanks for the video! Which companion builds would go well with this character, for a balanced party? :)
I did a similar build, but put one level in wizard, so instead of lv4 bard spells I use hasted or whatever is useful
Glad I found your channel dude! Great videos.
I think this fits Wyll better than the game’s recommendation. Spreading tales about “The Blade of the Frontiers” is definitely a dip in bard!
Yeah, exactly! I knew swords bard was one of the subclasses in the game, and was shocked after his intro to find out that he somehow wasn't one
Did the same build on my first playthrough, actually prefer a single level in sorc instead of bard 7 at the end, since you can get shield that way and become very tanky too, especially if using defensive flourishes
I think this build would pair incredibly with your arcane vampire build. Setting up the hold person for astarion
Doesn't Armor of Agathys conflict with the temporary hitpoints you get from The Fiend each time you kill an enemy?
If you don't take flute on your bards I don't even know you.
I like violin
Let's you sing and play music
How would you alter the build if you arent playing a race that has shield proficiency? Like do you just use a one-handed weapon and no shield (to be able to use dueling fighting style)? Do you use two handed weapons and just accept that the fighting style from bard won't benefit you? Do you get the dual weilder feat so that you can go sword and staff and find a good off hand staff? (spellsparkler or staff of spell power both feel like good picks, admittedly this idea would render the bard fighting style a bit wasted). I guess if you can squeeze out the dual weilder feat, you could instead get the shield proficiency feat and use a shield that way.
Mainly I am asking because I am curious what the comment section hive mind spits out, but also because I'd like to use tiefling for this build. (mostly for story reasons (has good dialogue options and feels extremely fitting for a durge run), but also because I can't seem to create a character that I like the appearance of with the face options available to half-elf or human)
EDIT: If you don't have shield proficeny, this build makes excellent use of the Duelist's Preogative. Most shields are probably better if you have the proficiency, but if you aren't playing a race with that proficeny for what ever reason (such as playing tiefling for roleplay and/or character appearance) the DP works fantastically, until you get it, just use the best rapier, or two-handed weapon you can find, everburn blade is great for this if you haven't given it to karlach or Lae'zel.
Nice one as always. What do you like better for filling the main character role that has good DPS/utility in honour mode: This or your coffeelock build?
Thanks very much! It really depends on what you want to cover - the coffeelock is more of a pure caster with strong ranged dps, where this leans more towards the dps side but with powerful control spells added in. Either will be excellent, though I'll say if you're not using the arcane acuity helmet this build is a little harder to play, since it's a low-hp melee character and requires careful positioning.
Wyll really is the perfect protagonist for BG3. I sometimes wish i had played as origin Wyll so that i could enjoy even more of the character dialogue because my morality choices were very much inline with what i felt wyll would've done. And because wyll is the main character he'd benefit RP wise from the having more autonomy. Who else but wyll could keep this band of adventurers together
I am already playing Wyll as an origin character on Honour Mode and really enjoying the experience. Wyll has a very interesting romance with Karlach too
Is there potentially an argument for taking Plant Growth over Fear/Hypnotic Pattern on this character to layer with Hunger of Hadar? It's resource intensive but I've found the combination to be pretty helpful
Definitely! Plant Growth is always great, and is the perfect combo with Hunger
I feel like its better to go more Bard first so you can get song of rest and try to get to improved bardic inspiration and your flourishes which are really strong
Could dipping into fighter at first level work for the heavy armour proficiency can con rolls? Mainly for Tactician and lower just noticed the final level of bard only gives greater invis so I wonder what you think is better? Especially if the build is kind of squishy
i was wondering, i'm doing kind of the same build, and i was wondering, my wyll has passed every zaith'isk checks and can use illithid power as bonus action.
My question for you and this wonderful audience is : Do you think sacrificing bard / warlock lvl to go and get some thief thingy going on so i can have two bonus action, for my illithid powers on top of the rest of this arsenal (going for 5 warlock/4 bard/3 rogue)
I Love this Build.
Thinking About the Team around him..what would you think about the Cleric/Bardhealer and a Thrower and OH-Monk?
Too Squishy or viable to give SH Targets for her Healing Spells?
spell slots usage is bugged, some can't choose which lv3 spell slots to use
That's so annoying !
so for your reaction resource usage is hellish rebuke just not worth considering? Especially when I already have gale to cover counterspell usage it feels silly to not pick a "free" damage reaction on Wyll/my warlock. I assume there's some reason you didn't bring it up.
Otherwise great video, motivated me to finally start that Wyll origin run I was planning to do.
My question is : do you recommend this build for main character first full playthrou i kinda wanna do hafling bard / warlock and be face of the party or you recommend your second build called "party face build" for this? I kinda wanna be bard in talking my way out but also be powerful like warlock.😊
I've never played a Bard - why is Violin the best instrument?
It’s a meme, instrument doesn’t matter. Also, everyone knows lute is best anyway.
It does the most damage to Shadowheart's underwear
I'm very curious if you could find a way to fit two to four levels of paladin into this for an eventual split of 3 warlock (for cha damage), 6 swords bard, and 3 paladin (or 2 and another level of warlock for the feat) to take advantage of smite. I'm less concerned about losing bard and warlock traits, and more thinking it would come online way way too late,
Quick question, why would you want one handed weapons instead of 2?
Because it's better to stabby stabby rather than STAB?
Idk. Some do and some don't.
Love the vids ! A question, isn't the Find Familliar for the first ranger level also a good choice ? I'm asking because during the first levels he has yet to take significant damage, and the little beast can decoy, distract, or provide a little utility ? Or are there drawbacks like pet always follow you triggering an unwanted additionnal stealth check ?
Plz make an honor mode team guide.. maybe keep it basic and thus can include two teams worth
How does this compare to a 10/1/1 sword bard? Is this really the best version for honour mode given the pact interaction in honor mode?
Question: If I am not using Wyll, do you suggest the Guild Artisan Background?
Sure! Guild artisan is the best background for a party face - both relevant skills, doesn't conflict with Actor if you end up taking that, and gives you lots of pretty easy inspirations, mostly for things you wanted to do anyways.
@@Cephalopocalypse Thanks!
Question for honor mode:
If you can get the weapon from Wyll's questline to give you basically the effect of a Pact Weapon, what is the point in taking Warlock higher than lvl 2 and getting 10 levels in Bard for Bannishing Smite? I'm not sure what is the actual synergy in honor mode between Bard and Warlock since the extra attacks don't stack.
Could you please enlighten me? I would very much appreciate it.
For non-honour at level 12, instead of 7th level of Bard, there are 3 better 1-level options: Sorcerer, Wizard or War Priest
I have a question, i want to play 4 levels of darkness warlock, which class is the best to multiclass it for honor mode gameplay? I wanted to do it as a bard so i could have many skills to lead the party
Just fyi, I got the mirror of loss to give me +3 charisma, so instead of a second ability improvement, I'm taking Savage Atacker. Please let me know if this was not the right choice lol
“We all know the right choice” for instrument and then picks the wrong choice
Where do you get medium armor proficiency from thid build im so confused.
Bard college of swords
@@donkeysunited okay thanks
Can’t use a shield with dueling feature on this build as it says I’m not proficient with shields, which eliminates any ability to cast spells, etc.
Yeah, if you aren't a race (like human or any half-elf) that gets shield proficiency, this build doesn't get it naturally - you can use a two handed weapon instead in that case, or the duellist's prerogative which requires an empty offhand
if i use the dexterity gloves with this build and dump dex, what stats should i use my points on?
On a non-main character, starting Warlock might be better as you'll get Wisdom saving throws.
wasnt the stacking of extra attack and warlock deepened pact pached recently?
It works on tactician or below, but not on honour mode
While not optimal, I'm kind of wanting to run a band playthrough (everyone has a level or 2 of bard). I took a break from BG3, but I've had so much fun watching through the videos I missed! Had to resub!
Hello, I like this build but please guys help me ! I got the "multiclass spells slots" bug, I can't choose using my warlock spell slots first if I still got regular spell slots, this is very annoying. Is it a bug for all still ? I read on forums that should have been fixed 😮😢
I cant see half-drow or druegar. Is that for the premium only? :P
half drow is under the half elf section, duergar is under the dwarf section
looks like awesome build! but u forgot to show gameplay!! “how” u play this build😮
I'd like to see the gameplay of this build
Tell me that u spam eldritch blast without saying you are spamming eldritch blast
OR pure swords bard with infernal rapier or Jaheira’s Scimitar
But we are getting into powerplay build territory, and this is lore build, so I say cool Wyll build)
I was going to make a similar suggestion. The Sylvan scimitar with the infernal rapier achieves the same as a pact weapon but without the pact needed. You can go two of warlock and 10 bard for magical secrets. Though you won't get your third attack on tactician and lower difficulty.
Why take blade pact if you’re going to be an eldritch blaster?
You aren't - you're going to be a melee fighter, with a powerful eldritch blast as a ranged option.
I started this off to give it a shot and it says I’m not proficient with medium armor. I think I’m missing something?
You don't get the proficiency in it as a human until you get Swords Bard
This is a huge request, but would you ever do a spell ranking video on the spells from the 5e spells mod? It would be awesome to see your thoughts on them
Surprised you didn't go 2 levels Paladin for heavy armour prof and smites instead of 7 levels Bard. You only really lose out on 4th lvl spell slot, but you gain so much more through Pally
Sure! I wanted to keep the guide simple (mostly because I already did a paladin-warlock build for Wyll, but maybe that was the wrong impulse), but there's a lot of great two level dips I should have mentioned as options: paladin, fighter, even spore druid or cleric 1/sorc 1 are all excellent options.
Can you do another video covering these options?@@Cephalopocalypse
Wyll, specifically, is a Drum 'n' Bass Bard and everyone knows that.
No, we don’t all know which instrument to pick. I assume you mean violin since that’s what you left selected.
It's a joke, it has no mechanical effect ;)
This was basically my main character for my first playthrough. Great party face, a little slow to come online but really fun once it does.
If you can free up a feat slot with ethel's hair, I actually really like dual wielder for this build. It benefits more than most from being able to have 2 good weapon passives, and the offhand attacks are quite deadly with two weapon fighting from swords bard.
From what I see level 12 choices aren't that amazing for the build. I often find myself going 1 level dip in fighter to get CON prof. which really helps for gish builds.
Im doing this with an orc, because why not? 😂
I had a question regarding the mirror of loss and how to get the +3 charisma. Do I need to make certain choices or reach a certain point in the game to unlock the option or dialogue to get the initial +1? I know if you give up a memory you get +2 but there is an option to get an additional boost.
Is there a tl:dw version?
Yes! It's not learning the information ;)
🔥🔥🔥
This doesn't work in tactician difficulty - you don't get the third attack
how TF does this build literally miss every attack?
you probably forgot to bind your pact weapon
@Cephalopocalypse Sorry for coming off so frustrated. I actually was referring to the ranged warlock cantrip. I am only character level 3 so I haven't gotten to the pact weapon part. Thanks for the reply though!
I just set this up on a level 8 honor mode character and it just seems fairly meh. I don't pretend to be an expert, but, the damage only seems meh. I wonder if it is not meant to be played until you have all the pieces, or are higher level? I even have the hat and ring of arcane synergy, and it just seems like my eldritch blasts dont do much. Do you have a link to a vod where you play this build?
WHERES THE GAMEPLAY
Honestly the "gameplay showcases" after "BEST BUILD" guides are nonsensical. All of them are showcasing level 12 character fully geared/ready for endgame setup "critical hitting" nonstop low level 8 NPCs instead of showcasing boss fights of 2-3 rounds at least to show a "cycle". The low-level showcase from most I've seen were actually level 5-6 into level 4 mobs (like gnolls or Ethel). This is a very unpopulare opinion because it seems only I have this opinion. So far not a single guide impressed me what the builds' showcase and how it TRULY feel like. So when I see guides like this, I appreciate it better done in this format rather than those who try to "BEST BUILD" and nobody is paying attention to what they are hitting/doing. Focusing on numbers is after all the juicy dopamin people look for.