Skip Navigation

InitialsDiceBearhttps://github.com/dicebear/dicebearhttps://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/„Initials” (https://github.com/dicebear/dicebear) by „DiceBear”, licensed under „CC0 1.0” (https://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/)DB
d20bard @ d20bard @ttrpg.network
Posts
0
Comments
22
Joined
2 yr. ago

[5e] Best utility caster after wizard?

Jump

  • Gotcha. In that case, I'd second Arcana cleric. Outside of that, you're not going to get something that does what a wizard does nearly as well.

    However, since I'm throwing stuff out here, Artificer might pique your interest as a wizard-lite with a compromise of flexibility and non-flex. On the one hand, prepared caster, wizard-like list, but only half the amount of spell levels and slots. On the other hand infusions, which can only be swapped on level up, but can be given to anyone.

    At lvl 11, spell storing also lets you expand spells with a target of "self" to your allies, or can be used to double-up on concentration by getting a non-magical ally to do it for you. That opens doors for simply doing more with with low spell level buffs. It is also used INT mod times per day.

    Battle smith and armorer are technically the "better" classes because they can do frontlining. But for widened support, Alchemist adds healing that the wizard typically can't do and some random smaller buffs.

    • No more than one level in any class; can you make it work?

    Jump

  • I'll give an honest try.

    Your build will rely heavily on magic items and a cooperative DM. That's 1 uncommon at level 1, a rare at level 5, and a very rare at level 11.

    Custom lineage 13/13/8/13/13/14(+2) Feat: Resilient Wisdom (the only feat you'll get so it should be this)

    Magic item: Cloak of Elvenkind (for hiding)

    1. Sorcerer, Aberrant mind - Gets CON/CHA saves. Con is good for when people hand you scrolls to concentrate on and CHA is the only thing you're good at. Has mind sliver (to support your allies' actually useful spells) and dissonant wispers to chase things away. Can telepathically talk. Also take shield, silvery barbs, and chromatic orb. Stay away from the front, hide, and pray.
    2. Rogue - expertise in stealth and perception. At least you can be a scout with your hiding and telepathy.
    3. Cleric, order - heavy armor and you can let your stronger allies attack more with voice of authority. Also grab healing word.
    4. Bard - more caster progression and some d8's to help your friends. Tasha's hideous laughter might do well long term.
    5. Warlock, hexblade - in case you really need to hit something with a rapier, now you can use CHA

    Magic item: Amulet of Health (suddenly you can be a frontline distraction!)

    At this point things aren't too bad. You can scout or shield/rapier with 20 AC, +1d6 sneak, upcast dissonant whispers/chromatic orb, and support your friends a little with silvery barbs/d8s/mind sliver. Sadly, out side of more slots and some hp you start getting nothing from here on out.

    1. Wizard - full caster, get utility spells
    2. Druid - full caster, utility
    3. Artificer - half caster
    4. Ranger - half caster
    5. Paladin - half caster
    6. Barbarian - d12 hp

    Magic item: +3 amulet of of the devout (gives +3 to all spell DC's and spell attacks)

    1. Fighter - d10 hp
    2. Monk - yey

    • [5e] Best utility caster after wizard?

    Jump

  • Also the bard subclasses can add great utility. Lore bard for more spells of any list, glamour bard if you table relies a lot on positioning (and tmp hp is nice), creation bard for items, and eloquence for social.

    If you're a bard you should honestly make your character last because it's less flexible once done (spell known), but can fit any niche in construction.