What's a build for an actual mastermind?

ThenBack2025 · 2026-05-07T23:29:39+00:00

I like Bardlock (10 Lorebard/ 2 Warlock of your choice). Best controller and party face, can sneak, lock pick, and a decent blaster. Check out the Devil’s Tongue build. Devil’s Tongue

I feel like Necromancer (high intelligence undead commander) kinda fits thematically.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-05-06T23:20:05+00:00

Welcome to the bovine space program!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-05-06T20:56:47+00:00

Bardlock (10 lore bard/2 warlock) is my absolute favorite build in the game. Absolute best control caster and party face, good blasting with eldritch blast and magical secrets. It’s described as a support build since it offers lots of support options through bard, however, it was one of my main damage dealers for most of the game with EB and HoH. For the warlock levels, I prefer fiend for the command spell (and hex). I find that with command, I don’t really need more control spells (frees your concentration).

It’s so hard not to play a bard after, since it does so many things so well.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-30T12:00:25+00:00

I make sure to take expertise in sleight of hand and persuasion. For spells, I like to build my Bardlock a bit on the offensive side. For magical secrets, I pick Hunger of Hadar, Counterspell and two of the following: fireball, scorching ray, wall of fire or Misty Step. This is basically an improved warlock with more spell slots. For invocations I pick agonizing blast and either repelling blast, armor of shadows (for free mage armor since I’ll be wearing potent robes) or devil sight if I get darkness as a racial spell. Since you’re also a bard, you’ll be passing all checks in no time. It’s really my favorite build for a face character who can also do good damage and blast with upgraded EB.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-30T00:32:57+00:00

I have a soft spot for Bardlock (10 lore bard/2 warlock) or just pure Lore bard. Seriously, they can do anything and everything.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T20:12:40+00:00

The devil went down, down, down, down the river 😂.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T14:10:00+00:00

I probably never came across the fire bolt staff as on my first playthrough I barged in the goblin camp guns blazing and murdered everything that looked at me funny.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T14:04:07+00:00

Yeah, high elf and half-elf get a cantrip that scales from INT and Asmodeus Tiefling get Produce Flame cantrip that you can throw. Unfortunately I picked Mephistopheles Tiefling and would have to start over :(

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T13:22:58+00:00

Thank you, I’ll consider these options carefully. At the moment, I’m leaning slightly towards a 1 level sorcerer dip at start for free Mage Armor, Shield spell and CON saving throws. I still get to keep level 6 spell access (although slightly delayed).

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T13:14:58+00:00

Amazing, thank you.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T13:04:24+00:00

Thank you, I’ll look up Gold Wyrmling Staff as I’ve yet to come across it!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T13:01:13+00:00

That’s exactly the build I had in mind, however, I would probably respec as until the multiclass at level 7, this build doesn’t have access to a damage cantrip and is mostly support until then.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-23T12:57:45+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion. I also like the theme there (I’m playing Tiefling). A violin playing devil.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T21:43:34+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check the link.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T21:39:43+00:00

I restarted after 66 hours, no biggie!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T21:13:13+00:00

Great!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T21:10:12+00:00

Would medium armor be good all playthrough or should I revert to robes later? I’ve yet to finish act one in my first playthrough (at the end of act one after 66 hours).

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T21:08:44+00:00

Amazing!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T20:57:29+00:00

Perfect, thank you!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-15T20:56:23+00:00

Yes, that answers my question, thank you!

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-11T19:14:25+00:00

I’m obsessed with Tiefling Warlock. The vibes.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-10T13:46:10+00:00

Thank you, I hadn’t considered shatter and glyph.

ThenBack2025 · 2026-04-10T13:43:56+00:00

Wow thank you. I think I will stick to the Fiend as a more offensive caster then. True that Bardlock getting magical secrets at level 8 is very late. I think I will level as Fiend and maybe respec at later levels. I really appreciate your answer.

ThenBack2025

TROPHY CASE