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Multi-Class Character Builds in Dungeons & Dragons 5e The Paladin

Hello fellow Nerdarchists, Art here. I’m back with the next installment of my series Multi-Class Character Builds in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. If you missed my previous article on the Monk just click HERE.

Today we are upholding our vows with…the Paladin!

AS always I’d like to talk a little about the class and its’ uses in multi classing. First I think the paladin can be the most effective “Tank” in the game due to the new content in the Sword Coast Adventure’s Guide with the Oath of the Crow Paladin class path. Being able to force opponents to attack only you can be quite a strong ability. When multi-classing you can combine the Paladin’s ability to smite with other class features to create some insane damage combos as I’ll give you a few here. Also the Paladin can be a great healer with their “Lay On Hands” abilities to keep other characters up in a fight even if its only healing for a few points at a time just to get them up and out of danger. It also lets the Paladin be very hard to kill due to their ability to cast Cure Wounds as well, combined with their Lay on Hands. Now on with the builds…

The first build I’d like to highlight is one that has been done sense the release of D&D 5e and that is the Paladin & Warlock “Smite-Adin” multi-class combo. The reason for this is the fact the Warlock class gains the ability to regain spell slots with just a short rest allowing a Paladin/Warlock to smite thing pretty much all day it seems. The multi-class combo can be used in any configuration of Paladin Oaths or Warlock Pacts. So it’s variety is a key feature in character concept ideas. Of course the Oath of the Ancients and Pact of the Archfey are a good solid mix combined with perhaps an Eladrin for a thematic feel. To make this multi class combination work gaining as many spell slots per a short rest as possible you want to take 12 levels of Paladin and 8 levels of Warlock. The minimum attributes for this build will be 13 Strength, 13 Wisdom and a 13 Charisma using the Point Buy system in the Player’s Guide.

Next up is an  unexpected mix of warrior classes that can make a devastating combination but certainly a hard character to pull off right. This would be Paladin Oath of Vengeance plus Ranger Hunter Archetype. The main objective of this build is to deal as much damage as possible while still having high health and armor class. The extra damage you receive  from the Ranger Hunter Colossus Slayer is the bread and butter of the build with added damage coming from the spell Hunter’s Mark as well as an occasional  Divine Smite on the paladin side. So when using for example a long sword which is 1d8, plus 1d8 for Colossus Slayer, plus 1d6 for Hunter’s Mark, plus 1d8 For a level one Divine Smite and of course attribute bonus, then the character deals an insane amount of damage. The drawback to the build is you have to have patience because it will not all come together until around level seven. The other drawback is you will have to spread yourself thin on attributes with this spread… 13, 15, 14, 8, 13, 13 plus racial modifiers to qualify for the build. I personally took the human variant for the additional feat. On the upside you also get two Fighting Styles which give you access to Defensive style for at least one to gain a plus one to armor class. I took on my character Two-Weapon Fighting and the feat Dual Wielder for an additional  plus one to my armor class and went Dexterity based with Medium Armor Master also. You’ll want to take 4 levels of Paladin (any Oath), and 3 levels of Ranger – Hunter Archetype to get this build in full swing. Yes it does take some time till seventh level to get the full benefit but it should be worth it.

The last build I’m going to address here is the Paladin plus Rogue combo as a “Shadow Hunter type” character. The paladin’s Divine Smite at higher spell slots is one thing but to add on top of that the Rogue’s Back Stab ability is just insane. Doing this however I feel there are a couple of things to consider. One, is to take into account what kind of Rogue Archetype you want to play. Me personally I like the new Swashbuckler from Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide combined with the Oath of the Ancients. Whatever the case this will be a build with Dexterity in mind. You can play this build at low levels also making it good for starting games. The final build should be about 12 levels of Paladin and 8 levels of Rogue gaining some decent abilities from both and spells to boot. The Paladin’s spell Wrathful Smite along with their regular Divine Smite and the Rogue’s Back Stab ability can almost one-shot most hard CR rating monsters.

I apologize for my absence last week as I was tied down by holiday and pre-moving things so thanx to all of you at Nerdarchy and people who read my crazy builds.

Well that’s all I have for you this time. Tune in next time “Same Bat Time! Same Bat Channel!’ when we will be taking a look at multiclass builds in the shadows of your coin purse with…the Rogue!

So until next time… Stay Nerdy!

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