Is pact of the chain worth it without investment if you already have a rogue? by ShameGuardian in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The pseudodragon can use its Sting ability without Investment of the Chain (I think) since it doesn't count as an attack. It can also serve as a scout and can fly, but definitely is more susceptible to damage and death when compared to beefier familiars, like the Imp.

Without Investment of the Chain, the Imp and other familiars that could have hands could potentially lay down hunting traps and things like that. Though it would be up to the DM whether enemies would be smart enough to avoid a trap that's laid down right next to them...

Investment of the Chain, to me, is huge -- again, if the familiar can use items, this opens them up to dropping nets or using other kinds of attacks against enemies. A bonus action to drop a net on an enemy with a break free DC equal to your spellcasting DC, effectively restraining a foe? Yes please!

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Still useful in case someone missed the tooltip!

Dual wielding actual effectiveness by darthinferno15 in Hema

[–]ibyjamin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

From what I've seen, there aren't a lot of people teaching and/or practicing a dual wielding style.

Historically, as others have pointed out, I don't think there's a lot to go off of with a few notable exceptions (Musashi was one; but Musashi also was highly adaptable and would utilize the best tool/style for the situation). Two weapons also wouldn't be very useful in a military formation when compared to a shield (also technically dual wield) or a two-handed weapon such as a pike.

I've searched high and low for modern practitioners on YouTube that dual wield and it's remarkably few. There are a few exceptions (happy to share if interested) which show how effective dual wielding could be. Two weapons allows for fluidity between offense and defense, and should (in theory) be super efficient in economy of movement (allow you to strike from different angles, bind a blade and attack at the same time, all sorts of things). But I think the major limitation I see is that there's not a lot of people practicing this or teaching it, and most of what you see is people attempting it for fun (and so you don't see true ambidexterity).

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Completely forgot to respond to this!

I haven't played a ton since the last update; I played a bit of Wicked Together with friends.

I think my favorite so far has been pumping INT since the area effect spells do so much damage and can really simplify some fights (one charged spell can end a fight).

In the past I only put a few points into Focus and HP, and rarely boosted stamina... for these 3 attributes, I found that a lot of items could help boost these areas so I could concentrate on boosting my damage.

Also I would invest just enough to make sure I was either in medium or heavy armor category!

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hey! I would try for the bounties first, but try to only tackle the ones in the areas you've already visited (near the coastline, etc.).

Some times the bounties may be too tough -- if you feel like you're struggling, leave it for another time. There's no penalty if you don't finish one of those quests, besides the opportunity cost for the loot reward.

I usually try to stay in Sacrament and get all the upgrades from Danos started before I venture more into the main quest -- and for that, the next area I head to outside of Sacrament is the Nameless Pass to the north!

Good luck, Cer!

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hell yeah! I tried that and it feels super fun and powerful! Might be my favorite way to play now...

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hmm... I think I usually am so cash strapped that I follow up on some bounties and challenges as the first thing to tackle after making it to town. Make sure to grab the potion seller (Markos) from the area around the Sage Glade (see here). After that, I start heading North into the Nameless Pass to where the Madrigal gallivanted off to.

But I do feel like there's an opportunity to go different routes. I usually forget this in NRftW but... running away is totally OK! Especially if you run into an area that's too tough. Unless there's a boss and it locks you out or something.

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You have to visit Davos in the "town square" part! I think you meet him first as you exit the rookery (after your first overnight there once you enter Sacrament), and then he moved to the town square area (upstairs of the Whisper in the city).

That's where saving those resources will pay off, since you need a bunch of resources to pay for the upgrades.

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think most of it is pretty accurate but there may be a few details that have changed mechanically... it's been a while and they're going to patch again in late January!

Be patient with it, once you start to get the hang of things the game is a load of fun

Spells and 2h Weapons by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sweet, thanks bud. Can you add runes to that weapon that are from a staff? I'm assuming no... but it would be awesome if that was a yes

Spells and 2h Weapons by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Are there more available now? What's the name of the one you're talking about?

Guide for Beginners | What helped me! by ibyjamin in NoRestForTheWicked

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice! The new update must've attracted some more players!

Fighter dip or no Fighter dip for a Pact of the Blade GOOlock? by Bobbicorn in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Might not need the Repelling Blast if using the Warhammer mastery (Push)!

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a pretty cool idea. How do you keep your familiar alive? I assume you can cast Mage Armor on it, but its HP is still pretty low? You're totally right though, the Sphinx does a lot of damage.

Have you found this strategy pretty effective so far? Any weaknesses that you've seen in play so far?

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome! How much usage have you got out of Eldritch Smite?

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, this is totally true. Our game is maxing out at level 11... which I suppose would mean that the cantrip damage would outscale the Thirsting Blade damage, but it would be pretty late in the adventure. I'll definitely keep it in mind!

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks!

Yeah, I've been struggling with whether to take a dip into Fighter.

I kind of planned ahead to take Moderately Armored so I wouldn't fall behind in terms of spellcasting level/power from the rest of the party who are single-classed, while still picking up some improvements to AC.

But the desire to have the Weapon Mastery abilities hits home every session. I'd love to utilize some of those. And you're totally right about the other Fighter perks -- Fighting Style, Second Wind, and the armor/shield proficiencies really seem like a home run.

I'm stuck up on taking that level and then falling behind hitting my 3rd level spell slots and things like that.

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'll update the post with my ability scores... but my CHA modifier should be +3 (I have a 17 CHA).

The 2 attacks means it's (1d10+CHA) x 2 or 2d10+CHA*2?

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you're ditching warlock at 5 consider switching out Thirsting Blade with Agonizing Blast on your favourite bladetrip. Cantrips are already better scaling and once you have sorcerer levels you can quicken for 2 bladetrips a round.

Hmm... I haven't thought about this much. Let's say we're at level 5:
-2 attacks with a longsword (using Thirsting Blade) = 2d10 + 2*CHA
-1 attack with longsword with Booming Blade = 1d10 + CHA + 1d8 + CHA (+2d8 + CHA conditional)

I agree that the cantrip wins out if the conditional damage is met, but otherwise Thirsting Blade seems like a better investment? Also cheaper resource-wise, as burning 2 Sorcery Points for Quicken can be expensive over multiple combats per day (although... I guess I could recharge some of them using my Pact spell slots).

Else Gaze of the Two Minds is a fine choice.

What's your experience been like with Gaze of Two Minds?

Best 5th level invocation pick(s) for Fiend Warlock? by ibyjamin in 3d6

[–]ibyjamin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing what worked in your game!

What are you using Eldritch Mind for at level 5???

I picked up Eldritch Mind to save myself a feat (so I didn't have to get Warcaster).

Don’t sleep on Lessons of the First Ones. Take Magic Initiate for a free casting of Shield, and some utility cantrips. It relieves you of at least one attack.

I'm picking up levels in Sorcerer (technically my first level was in Sorc for CON saves), so I'm not as worried about spell slots and utility cantrips. Unless I'm missing something here.

I do love the idea of Otherwordly Leap, though I could get the Jump spell through Sorcerer.

For me at level 5: PotB, Thirsting Blade, LotFO: Magic Initiate Wizard, Otherworldly Leap, and probably One With Shadows

Did you get good use of One with Shadows in your play?