I have recognized a pattern to these videos: 1. Introduce a totally bonkers character concept. 2. Explain the mechanical challenges. 3. Defeat every challenge through liberal use of multi-classing. 4. Final thoughts: it's Colby's "new favorite character even though it's not the most powerful...I wanna play this some day." I too have many favorite characters just waiting to be played. * sigh *
For several levels (starting at character 6) the only slots available to cast that Invisibility are the Warlock slots that are level three, meaning you can target a second person when casting. Doesn't affect your own actions too much but probably worth mentioning. Especially nice considering that Invisibility lasts an hour, so you can very easily pre-cast on yourself and, say, the rogue, so that they can more easily scout ahead and/or get into position before a fight starts.
Everytime I hear "Welcome Home. This is where you belong." it feels like my soul gets a hug. Also, new fan here just wanting to say - Thank-you for your Oath of Vengeance Paladin video! It really helped me finalize my choice for a character I'll be playing in an upcoming campaign this month! Long story short - think Urban (Legend) Bounty Hunter or a "Witcher" type swearing his oath to seek vengeance against the many monsters that prey on all townspeople alike.
This is such a fun and creative build, but the most surprising thing about it is how insanely viable it feels. So many concept builds feel like they are making concessions for the sake of sticking to the idea, but this is just a solid build. Also, no cheese or hoop jumping. And anything that feels excessive is in service of helping the team so any DM that gives you a hard time is the ultimate jerk. I love this.
A high level creation bard once made a cannon the size of a small house made of adamantine, that launched an adamantine cannon ball via an actual metric ton of black powder. The cannon had to be held in place by 3 one inch slots that are designer for walls force to attach to be inserted into and an instrument from tashas lyre of building, had go be used to prevent the cannon ball from being destroyed. We blew a hole in a mountain
For the "can you take the help action twice to give advantage to two attacks from the same ally" question: Maybe it's okay to try (1) help as bonus action, (2) hold action, declaring the action as help, and declaring the trigger as "when my ally makes their second attack on their turn"? This does consume a reaction in order to activate the held action of course...
This is NO CONTEST my favorite build you've ever done. Definitely inspirational (pun intended) in showing that you can do so much in D&D that isn't swinging a weapon or casting a spell. I can imagine your table would love you for playing this. This would go wonderfully with a more martially focused party but really would be welcome on any. Bravo!
Probably a bladesinger18/paladin2 or bladesinger6/rogue14, as bladesinger extra attack can replace one attack with a cantrip. Sadly True Strike triggers on the next turn and requires concentration, so as long as you never drop concentration you have a single attack with advantage every turn. The levels in paladin and rogue are to take advantage of having constant advantage (pun not intended) for either smites or sneak attack. You could use two weapon fighting at the cost of your bonus action to still get two attacks, since you don't get concentration for something like Shadow Blade. Probably good to grab constitution proficiency and War Caster feat to keep True Strike going while in melee.
Clearly a hexblade elf who powers up. Round 1 true strike, hexblades curse. Round 2 attack with greatsword. 27% chance to crit and dump Eldritch smite on crit.
@@lancejensen1063 would taking a level of Fighter for Archery and using a longbow be worth it to you? You'd pick up Constitution saving throw proficiency as well for better concentration on True Strike. At that point, it ought to be nigh impossible to miss.
Whenever you say “Welcome home” it always makes me momentarily forget about the stresses of life. Thanks for all you do! I love this build idea! Definitely a unique, but effective play style. I’m actually really surprised you didn’t opt for a wisdom version of this build just to include the Twilight Cleric for their OP divinity aura. But nonetheless, the Bardlockadin Invisiservant is super fun! Will definitely try this in a one shot soon. Edit: Before the mob comes after me for suggesting the way too powerful Twilight Cleric, I know he mentioned it in the final thoughts! I’m just throwing out ideas. This version is definitely more fun.
According to Jeremy Crawford, Mirror Image and Invisibility don't stack, since one would have to see the Illusions to try to hit them (So yes, they would go invisible).
Good to know. Ty! One way they could both work for us is if some monsters on the battlefield see us while others cannot. So we wouldn't be vulnerable when the jig is up. Unless they've got Truesight to see through all the lies. I think it's good to have some enemies that will effectively target us. This is a pretty tanky character, and if we're never being attacked then our potential is somewhat squandered. Intentionally trying to provoke OAs on enemies can see us might be a good idea sometimes. Helps our allies kite or fall back. It might be wise to not start every fight Invisible straight away either. Take some attacks, and then slip into obscurity once we've softened the blow for the party.
Makes me wonder about the duplicate from the trickster cleric, invoke duplicity. Would that go invisible? Moreover if you have a duplicate, or mirror image, and then alter your appearance, with disguise self, would that change the duplicates appearance too? Can see a situation where being chased, run around corner, invoke duplicity, disguise self, have duplicate keep running, while you pretend to be a stranger getting knocked down. Etc.
I guess it makes sense. Your mirror images should reflect your current appearance at all times to be convincing. If you take damage, your images would change to appear damaged too. If you turn invisible, that is your appearance.
I actually just built a character like this recently… sort of… and I learned about that so I was trying to find this comment. The only advantage to it is that if you lost your invisibility then the mirror images would pop up and you would still have the extra buff. Still good to have technically.
Creation bard shenanigan : my friend found a way to place an invisible platform above the enemy. The bard created a piano on its surface. Watching it drop was hilarious.
Oath of Redemption or Devotion would get Sanctuary, making enemies make a save to even attack you. Redemption is probably more thematic, as their channel Rebuke the Violent does damage without attacking and their aura lets you take damage for allies. Seeing as you will be hit so little with Invis and Sanctuary, you can use your HP pool as temp HP for your party.
So you’re just one of my favorite creators on this platform. Your energy, the clear love you have for what you do and all the effort you put into these videos warms my heart every time ♥️
I've really started looking forward to these videos every week, and I love when they end up being a creative build like this! Obviously I love the super crunchy high damage builds too, but these are always such a nice refresher. Thanks for all your hard work and the great content!
Wonderful idea! This made me also think that maube you could also stack up magic items that do not cause you to cast a spell or make an attack. Pipes of haunting or some uses of staff of thunder and lightning come to mind.
Would have liked Redemption Paladin with Pact of Chain with Gift of the Everlasting to allow you to take hits yourself and then heal up after for half the cost.
Awesome build! I think I would prefer to go Custom Lineage Shadow Touched to have an 18 Cha and the ability to cast Invisibility for free at level 1. Extra hit points from False Life would be nice too
I love your content, and I just wanted to say that your videos and your voice are so calming and make me feel warm and safe :) that and I am exactly the sort of person who loves to build characters as much as play them, and your builds are so polished and well thought out and delivered in such a wonderful way. keep doing what you do you absolutely wonderful human being!
When I read the title I pictured a Mercy Monk, but then remembered their invisibility isn't until level 18. After watching the video, I'm happy to see the route you took; very interesting indeed. Also really looking forward to the day you come up with a dedicated Creation Bard build.
Upon watching both your channel and the Dungeon Dudes Channel and inspired by the Building an Absurd Character (One Level in Every Class) In D&D 5e video by Dungeon Dudes, I think it would be fun to see builds where you have to multiclass into every full caster, every martial class, and/or every half caster class. I feel all 3 builds would be quite MAD (pun intended). Thank you for all the videos you make every week. I always look forward to them.
Also happy every time you bring up the healer feat! Its criminally underrated. Ive started taking it on almost every caster i play. It of course works when invisible. It scales really well. Healers kits are ridiculously cheap as you said in comparison to the amount you heal. Great on a thief or hadozee. And most importantly, it saves you a lot of spell slots per day! Sooo many spell slots. It quickly way out paces the casting of a second level cure wounds or prayer of healing (effectively get it back after a short rest anyway if you even healed every ally so who needs prayer of healing). It might not save you the highest end spell slots but will save a lot of first second and possibly even third throughout a campaign.
I love this idea so much, I like the idea of doing this but in darkness instead. Maybe just go dark elf then take some levels for gloomstalker so if people see through the darkness, they still can’t see me and probably take levels in rogue mastermind and order cleric for extra help
As a guardian angel i would memorize warding bond as pally 5. That said creation bard multiclass with genie warlock give a amazing thousand nights performance can't wait to see your take on creation bard build!
My DM accidentally gave my Bladesinger a Dancing Sword. In the swords description. It states you command the sword the sword makes the attacks. So you can't use smites or sneek attack through it. Unless you are physically holding it. So My bladesinger will. Rd.1 Action = cast invisibility Move = your choice strategically Bonus Action = toss sword, move it, and attack Every round I can use the sword to attack as a bonus action, get my full movement and still use my action to stealth or whatever else I want to try.
Another reason for rogue: bonus action hide; invisible isn't the same as hidden, but it does allow you to use hide anywhere anytime. and with bonus action hide you can help and hide every round
I DM'd for a creation bard who once used the Animating Performance ability to animate a candle chandelier on the ceiling of a guild hall. He had it rip itself off the ceiling (As it was screwed up there) and begin to crawl around and set fire to his enemie's clothes. Cool character, weird combat session.
I like this character. Safe and helpful. My current favorite support build is my TactiCool character: Artillerist Artificer / Order Cleric / Clockwork Soul Sorcerer Lots of supporty options.
The best part about counter spell is: since it's only component is somatic your counter spell can't be counter spelled if you use it to break your invisibility. A worthy sacrifice
The Invisible Man is a 2020 science fiction horror film written and directed by Leigh Whannell. Inspired by H. G. Wells' novel of the same name, it stars Elisabeth Moss as a woman who believes she is being stalked and gaslit by her seemingly deceased ex-boyfriend (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) after he acquires the ability to become invisible. Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, and Michael Dorman appear in supporting roles.
Ok, first thing first, I'm so happy you found a way to use the creation bard! And then, since you asked,the coolest thing I did using Performance of creation was creating a large ivory statue of a dragon and then animating it as a flying pet (its got a hover speed BTW! :D)
Y'know, I wasn't entirely sold on this. I get that you're contributing to the party, but in a very unseen way (pun intended!) but... the idea that the party doesn't know that you're helping, "where'd Jim go again??", that's just pure gold.
I would've thought of an invisible helper as mainly an artificer. You're not getting invisibility until level 5, though you could take the shadow touched feat to get it sooner. The artillerist could pulse temporary hp as a bonus action and not be making an attack or casting a spell. Add in the healer feat and you're healing as an action, then granting temporary health as a bonus action. Or doing any number of other actions that could help.
"As a reminder, when you're invisible you... cant... be seen." Ahh yes. Water is wet. 😂😂😂 We love you Colby! Dont ever change! Also, thanks to your build videos Ive gotten ideas to use some of them in town guards and national armies for a homebrew world Im building for a campaign Im running for my friends. Keep doing what you do!
Good build as always 👌 I've done a similar tactic with the Twilight Cleric and the shadow touch feat early. Really shines once greater invisibility comes online.
I think I would opt for Eldritch Sight over cloak of flies. Since it would be super handy outside of combat but that aside I love the theme of this build!
Great build! I'm probably gonna play this at some point, since I already had an idea for a character who's a surbordinate to another member of the party, and they swore to defend them. I was thinking more of a Samwise type character, which could be fun, but that souds a lot better to me, because it's got so much versatility. Thanks Colby!
About choosing the ally to revive the help what works RAW and how we run for familiars is that you can prepare the help action and say “when X start attacking” or if you want to help twice “after X attack once”
Another fantastic build as always. I love this channel so dang much! Even the mistakes make for great content. 14 minutes in: "... means that you would be dumping Dexterity, Charisma, AND Wisdom, but Charisma's our most important stat... so yeah, that's what I'm doin'." lol
I see plenty of actions (a dash or disengage from your mount, a help from a familiar and one of your choice) and bonus actions, but i can add a suggestion to assist your allies on a reaction for purposes of action economy: Gift of the Metallic Dragon. to add your proficiency to an allies AC as a reaction.
Colby: Have you already optimized a character that utilizes teleportation for battlefield positioning and other purposes? If not, that might be a fun build. 😊
Great job as always. You really seem to have a way of adding good clarity to builds I'm working on. I've been working on a variation of the same build. I went 3 levels of Pact of the Chain Warlock and the rest straight Spirits Bard. Kind of a Romany themed character. I still need to find a ruling on if the pet can use all the options for Tails from Beyond (it can take inspiration), cuz if so I'd just have to take the pseudodragon just to see him strafe a 30 ft cone of fire damage just once. Would be so awesome. Instead of the invisibility reliance, I went with Shadow of Moil from Spirit Session.
Another wonderful video as usual. And yes the Star Druid and Twilight Cleric combo is probably stronger overall but for much different reasons. That should not downplay what this build can do by comparison. Looking forward to next week already.
I feel the only spell you failed to mention that would be amazing on this build is Warding Bond, you get access to it via expanded paladin spell list and makes so much sence with the max hp you get from healing yourself because of pact boon. Also not a concentration spell, sure it will mean you need to take con saves all the time, but you have advantage and huge +
I feel cloak of flies feels a little like a trap, if you are invisible, you could be anywhere, but... now they can see where you are, you are in a cloud of flies, so they can cast fireball there.
This is a really cool concept! I love playing support characters, and I love the idea of being an invisible helper. I think I'm going to try crafting one inspired by this who uses Dex rather than Str, has a few rogue levels, and takes a few features to play up being an agent of a trickster deity. Thanks for the inspiration!
I love the concept of this character. And I thought of a different path. Turtle for AC and the cowardly flavour of the "shell defense" Divine Soul Sorcerer -> that you play more or less like a cleric until you get invisibility Get the healer feat at lvl 4 Rogue to lvl 3 and take mastermind for the bonus action help Hex Blade Warlock for (shield proficiency if you like) 5 and get Invocation One with the shadow Now if you are in dim light or darkness during combat. R1 : Quicken spell Spirit guardian / spiritual weapon / Move near an ennemy that is in dim light or darkness, Use your action to become invisible. As the invocation is written you might be allowed to use bonus actions and stay invisible. But even if your DM does not allow it, you can do. Bonus action HELP/Healing Word/Spiritual Weapon attack ... Move if you like Use your action to become invisible again If you are not in dim light or darkness you can still use invisibility or greater invisibility to remain invisible. Enjoy :)
Cool build as always. Have you ever thought about making a trapper character that uses different tools? Imagine having a full group of trappers running around stealing stuff like team rocket :D
If your DM says that helping with your bonus action overlaps with helping using your action, I think you could hold your action with the trigger "when [the ally you have helped with your bonus action] hits or misses with an attack, I will help them to attack that enemy again". So you could use your reaction to help in the middle of your ally's attack pattern, therefore giving them a second attack with advantage.
one thing you can do is help as a bonus action then delay your action with the trigger that "after my ally makes their first attack I'll help them again"
Played in a team of 3 pvp tournament, and for each round won we each got a random magic item. My creation bard/ redemption Paladin got dust of dissapearance.. .So from the second round onwards i stacked concentration-less invisibility with concentration-less flight on my animated chariot and flew around the map conventrating on circle of power (we got to buy scrolls before each round, i could cast it because i had 5th lvl slots and it was on my spell list), using my actions to help, lay on hands, and give bardic inspiration. It was sooo much fun. We also won that tournament, though it was mostly from our crit fisher barb/ pally/ champion half orc and twilight cleric/stars druid arracockra, who were using warding bond together. Our damage reduction was completely toxic....but we had 0 defence against wall of force. Luckily the teams with wizards got eliminated by other teams before the final lol. Other finalist team were 3 moon druids who still demolished teams with wizards despite being drunk every round.
I once played an Enchanter Wizard to 4th level that would use Fog Cloud/Pyrotechnics or Invisibility + Hypnotic Gaze to lock down enemies. It worked well because Hypnotic Gaze isn't an attack nor a spell, and they only have to see *or* hear you, not both. I would also often use my bat Familiar and a Tiny Servant to still subtly nudge the battlefield while my Action was getting eaten up by Hypnotic Gaze. My Cleric often cast Sanctuary on me, which made me almost impossible to hit when paired with being obfuscated (and the Alert feat) or invisible. That character only dealt 1 point of damage in the few sessions I played her, but my party was never even close to being threatened thanks to the lockdown I was providing every fight. But that was pre Eberron. If I were to play her again, I'd do Artificer1/Wizard X to get armor proficiencies, more cantrips, and most importantly, the ability to cast my own Sanctuary. I would consider a 2nd level of Artificer for a Homunculus servant for a weaponized Bonus Action, Mind Sharpener, magical armor, etc.
My imaginary friend as a name also could lead to some funny convos. "I'll be alright, I've got my imaginary friend with me." "You better be nice to me or I'm gunna have my imaginary friend poop in your boots while you sleep..." :-p
So Im not a super frequent guest on this channel and Im mostly a lurker but I just want to say that the "welcome home, this is where you belong" gets to me every single time.
I know it makes people mad, but I think I'd forgo the final climb on bard to 6 just to pick up Peace Cleric 1. First, super thematic, since the character is nonviolent by nature, but concentration free pseudo-bless for all your allies without breaking invisibility is really mechanically powerful and it scales based off proficiency, not cleric level, one a dip is all you need to get your whole party going by the end of your career.
RE: taking the help action twice I personally see no problem with this, because the rules actually allow it, technically. You could use your bonus action to help them (actively distract them on a flank, as an example) and then you can spend your action to ready another help action, with the trigger being the 2nd attack your ally makes. You could even make the trigger ANY ally making an attack after the first.
Personal note: for a party with a paladin in it already, id swap the levels for 3 in psi warrior and 3 in thief giving the option to go for either double reaction protection with both interception and the psi die shield or pick up something like the Bait and Switch or the Rally maneuver along with bonus action healer kits, ball bearings and caltrops. Also as noted in short, SING UP A SIEGE ENGINE. While it is up to DM approval as siege weapons dont have listed costs, if irl is used the cost of a tower fixed bolt thrower and naval traction trebuchets was around 200-230 crowns (which would be closer to electrum rather than gold).
Kind of late, but I just rewatched your Death Knight video from forever ago. Resparked the idea of an Assassin Rogue/Grave Cleric who uses their Channel Divinity AND surprise crit to absolutely obliterate a target. Maybe 2 levels of Fighter if you want to go really RAW, but I would imagine most DM's would allow you to use both CD and attack with surprise. Hope to see this sometime!
Ok, so this will be a little weird but if you aren't going for a damage build with your warlock familiar this might be great for fixing up those movement issues. If you upcast Bestow curse through the Sign of ill omen Invocation, and cast it on your familiar, it doesn't require concentration, and that would mean you can use your familiar+ relentless hex Invocation to get limitless 30-foot bonus action teleports all day long, all while still invisible. You could certainly get all over the battlefield easily with that.
I know you like to build characters to be very good at something specific (as you often say stretch the character concept as far as it can go) and I really enjoy it. However, if you are looking for ideas for other builds, you could consider making the most “well-rounded character” possible. You’d be taking the character concept as far as it can go (which would be in all directions!)
This strikes me very much as a character that can lay out some serious damage if need be. The rest of the party is down and you're the only one left...the enemy thinks they've slain everyone...only to notice that all their foes are still breathing....and a ghostly radiance is drawing closer with a god like cadence...
700th like, lets freaking GOOOOO Thanks for the content man, I've been watching on/off for the last couple months. Its a small goal to be completely caught up on this series. Sorry anime... Top shelf first.
Definitely a missed chance to call the build "the friendly ghost"
It's tragic!
Casper! Or as others have mentioned... the Unseen Servant. So obvious!
Definately!
@@DnDDeepDive Sentient unseen servant? 🤔 I think I have a character I want to make.
Kas'par the friendly ghost.
I have recognized a pattern to these videos:
1. Introduce a totally bonkers character concept.
2. Explain the mechanical challenges.
3. Defeat every challenge through liberal use of multi-classing.
4. Final thoughts: it's Colby's "new favorite character even though it's not the most powerful...I wanna play this some day."
I too have many favorite characters just waiting to be played. * sigh *
For several levels (starting at character 6) the only slots available to cast that Invisibility are the Warlock slots that are level three, meaning you can target a second person when casting. Doesn't affect your own actions too much but probably worth mentioning. Especially nice considering that Invisibility lasts an hour, so you can very easily pre-cast on yourself and, say, the rogue, so that they can more easily scout ahead and/or get into position before a fight starts.
Everytime I hear "Welcome Home. This is where you belong." it feels like my soul gets a hug.
Also, new fan here just wanting to say - Thank-you for your Oath of Vengeance Paladin video! It really helped me finalize my choice for a character I'll be playing in an upcoming campaign this month!
Long story short - think Urban (Legend) Bounty Hunter or a "Witcher" type swearing his oath to seek vengeance against the many monsters that prey on all townspeople alike.
Aw, thanks!
This is such a fun and creative build, but the most surprising thing about it is how insanely viable it feels. So many concept builds feel like they are making concessions for the sake of sticking to the idea, but this is just a solid build. Also, no cheese or hoop jumping. And anything that feels excessive is in service of helping the team so any DM that gives you a hard time is the ultimate jerk. I love this.
A high level creation bard once made a cannon the size of a small house made of adamantine, that launched an adamantine cannon ball via an actual metric ton of black powder. The cannon had to be held in place by 3 one inch slots that are designer for walls force to attach to be inserted into and an instrument from tashas lyre of building, had go be used to prevent the cannon ball from being destroyed.
We blew a hole in a mountain
cap
*Unseen servant quakes in its unseen boots*
I can't see it quaking, but I can hear it! XD
For the "can you take the help action twice to give advantage to two attacks from the same ally" question:
Maybe it's okay to try (1) help as bonus action, (2) hold action, declaring the action as help, and declaring the trigger as "when my ally makes their second attack on their turn"? This does consume a reaction in order to activate the held action of course...
I was making a comment on this - and then I saw yours - way better comment than mine haha
Unfortunately holding an action requires concentration
@@Jiggyman18 holding a spell does, holding an action does not.
@@Jiggyman18 only if you are holding the cast a spell action
This is NO CONTEST my favorite build you've ever done. Definitely inspirational (pun intended) in showing that you can do so much in D&D that isn't swinging a weapon or casting a spell. I can imagine your table would love you for playing this. This would go wonderfully with a more martially focused party but really would be welcome on any. Bravo!
HARDMODE
Do a build with TRUE STRIKE as your primary focus, making a character that makes the most useless spell in the game a viable option.
Probably a bladesinger18/paladin2 or bladesinger6/rogue14, as bladesinger extra attack can replace one attack with a cantrip. Sadly True Strike triggers on the next turn and requires concentration, so as long as you never drop concentration you have a single attack with advantage every turn. The levels in paladin and rogue are to take advantage of having constant advantage (pun not intended) for either smites or sneak attack. You could use two weapon fighting at the cost of your bonus action to still get two attacks, since you don't get concentration for something like Shadow Blade. Probably good to grab constitution proficiency and War Caster feat to keep True Strike going while in melee.
Earth Genasi makes this a lot less ridiculous, I’m also pretty sure he already did a character who used this quite heavily iirc
As a side note, I think the best way to fix True Strike is to make it a bonus action and not require concentration.
Clearly a hexblade elf who powers up. Round 1 true strike, hexblades curse. Round 2 attack with greatsword. 27% chance to crit and dump Eldritch smite on crit.
@@lancejensen1063 would taking a level of Fighter for Archery and using a longbow be worth it to you? You'd pick up Constitution saving throw proficiency as well for better concentration on True Strike. At that point, it ought to be nigh impossible to miss.
HELL YEAH, A NEW D4!
right? been waiting... patiently.
Whenever you say “Welcome home” it always makes me momentarily forget about the stresses of life. Thanks for all you do!
I love this build idea! Definitely a unique, but effective play style. I’m actually really surprised you didn’t opt for a wisdom version of this build just to include the Twilight Cleric for their OP divinity aura. But nonetheless, the Bardlockadin Invisiservant is super fun! Will definitely try this in a one shot soon.
Edit: Before the mob comes after me for suggesting the way too powerful Twilight Cleric, I know he mentioned it in the final thoughts! I’m just throwing out ideas. This version is definitely more fun.
The Invisible Helper: d4 #106
Level 1:(see above) [paladin 1 & race]
Level 2:(see above) [warlock 1 & patron]
Level 3:(@19:37) [warlock 2 & eldritch invocations]
Level 4:(@20:16) [warlock 3 & sub-class]
Level 5:(@24:16) [warlock 4 & ASI]
Level 6:(@26:04) [warlock 5 & eldritch invocation]
Level 7:(see above) [paladin 2]
Level 8:(@33:57) [paladin 3 & sub-class]
Level 9:(@38:00) [paladin 4 & ASI]
Level 10:(see above) [paladin 5]
Level 11:(@40:42) [paladin 6]
Level 12:(@41:38) [bard 1]
Level 13:(@43:28) [bard 2]
Level 14:(see above) [bard 3 & sub-class]
Level 15:(@48:36) [bard 4 & ASI]
Level 16:(@48:52) [bard 5]
Level 17:(@49:40) [bard 6]
According to Jeremy Crawford, Mirror Image and Invisibility don't stack, since one would have to see the Illusions to try to hit them (So yes, they would go invisible).
Good to know. Ty! One way they could both work for us is if some monsters on the battlefield see us while others cannot. So we wouldn't be vulnerable when the jig is up. Unless they've got Truesight to see through all the lies.
I think it's good to have some enemies that will effectively target us. This is a pretty tanky character, and if we're never being attacked then our potential is somewhat squandered. Intentionally trying to provoke OAs on enemies can see us might be a good idea sometimes. Helps our allies kite or fall back. It might be wise to not start every fight Invisible straight away either. Take some attacks, and then slip into obscurity once we've softened the blow for the party.
@@Guyoverthere07 good point on the true sight
Makes me wonder about the duplicate from the trickster cleric, invoke duplicity.
Would that go invisible? Moreover if you have a duplicate, or mirror image, and then alter your appearance, with disguise self, would that change the duplicates appearance too?
Can see a situation where being chased, run around corner, invoke duplicity, disguise self, have duplicate keep running, while you pretend to be a stranger getting knocked down. Etc.
I guess it makes sense. Your mirror images should reflect your current appearance at all times to be convincing. If you take damage, your images would change to appear damaged too. If you turn invisible, that is your appearance.
I actually just built a character like this recently… sort of… and I learned about that so I was trying to find this comment. The only advantage to it is that if you lost your invisibility then the mirror images would pop up and you would still have the extra buff. Still good to have technically.
Support characters tend to be my favorite archetype so I’m always like to see more!
Creation bard shenanigan : my friend found a way to place an invisible platform above the enemy. The bard created a piano on its surface. Watching it drop was hilarious.
I want to play this character as somebody's "fairy godmother" who swore to protect that PC, but is also mischievous and maybe a bit cowardly.
Oath of Redemption or Devotion would get Sanctuary, making enemies make a save to even attack you. Redemption is probably more thematic, as their channel Rebuke the Violent does damage without attacking and their aura lets you take damage for allies. Seeing as you will be hit so little with Invis and Sanctuary, you can use your HP pool as temp HP for your party.
So you’re just one of my favorite creators on this platform. Your energy, the clear love you have for what you do and all the effort you put into these videos warms my heart every time ♥️
Aw... thanks!
I've really started looking forward to these videos every week, and I love when they end up being a creative build like this! Obviously I love the super crunchy high damage builds too, but these are always such a nice refresher. Thanks for all your hard work and the great content!
Wonderful idea!
This made me also think that maube you could also stack up magic items that do not cause you to cast a spell or make an attack. Pipes of haunting or some uses of staff of thunder and lightning come to mind.
Hyped, can't wait to see what you've got for us Colby!
-Edit: Pun not intended
Never regret a good pun. 😁
Would have liked Redemption Paladin with Pact of Chain with Gift of the Everlasting to allow you to take hits yourself and then heal up after for half the cost.
And go with a Hill Dwarf for the bonus HP and Dwarven Fortitude feat mid combat
Awesome build! I think I would prefer to go Custom Lineage Shadow Touched to have an 18 Cha and the ability to cast Invisibility for free at level 1. Extra hit points from False Life would be nice too
I love your content, and I just wanted to say that your videos and your voice are so calming and make me feel warm and safe :) that and I am exactly the sort of person who loves to build characters as much as play them, and your builds are so polished and well thought out and delivered in such a wonderful way. keep doing what you do you absolutely wonderful human being!
Gosh - thanks! 😊
When I read the title I pictured a Mercy Monk, but then remembered their invisibility isn't until level 18. After watching the video, I'm happy to see the route you took; very interesting indeed.
Also really looking forward to the day you come up with a dedicated Creation Bard build.
Upon watching both your channel and the Dungeon Dudes Channel and inspired by the Building an Absurd Character (One Level in Every Class) In D&D 5e video by Dungeon Dudes, I think it would be fun to see builds where you have to multiclass into every full caster, every martial class, and/or every half caster class. I feel all 3 builds would be quite MAD (pun intended). Thank you for all the videos you make every week. I always look forward to them.
Also happy every time you bring up the healer feat! Its criminally underrated. Ive started taking it on almost every caster i play.
It of course works when invisible.
It scales really well.
Healers kits are ridiculously cheap as you said in comparison to the amount you heal.
Great on a thief or hadozee.
And most importantly, it saves you a lot of spell slots per day! Sooo many spell slots. It quickly way out paces the casting of a second level cure wounds or prayer of healing (effectively get it back after a short rest anyway if you even healed every ally so who needs prayer of healing).
It might not save you the highest end spell slots but will save a lot of first second and possibly even third throughout a campaign.
I love this idea so much, I like the idea of doing this but in darkness instead. Maybe just go dark elf then take some levels for gloomstalker so if people see through the darkness, they still can’t see me and probably take levels in rogue mastermind and order cleric for extra help
Remember how I guessed this was Mastermind Rogue 3/Lore Bard X?
I underestimated you. Like, HARD. You're a damn GENIUS for doing that build.
ha ha - thanks!
Why the lore bard in particular?
I totally adore the concept and the flavour of this build and also incredibly original! Great job and thanks for sharing with us this 😍
Been psyched since the short. Thanks for the content!
As a guardian angel i would memorize warding bond as pally 5.
That said creation bard multiclass with genie warlock give a amazing thousand nights performance can't wait to see your take on creation bard build!
This is cool... I've seen alot of concepts but haven't seen the double help used. Excellent job as always! You're the best.
My DM accidentally gave my Bladesinger a Dancing Sword. In the swords description. It states you command the sword the sword makes the attacks. So you can't use smites or sneek attack through it. Unless you are physically holding it. So My bladesinger will.
Rd.1 Action = cast invisibility
Move = your choice strategically
Bonus Action = toss sword, move it, and attack
Every round I can use the sword to attack as a bonus action, get my full movement and still use my action to stealth or whatever else I want to try.
That's super fun, but not OP, really. You still give up your Bladesong attacks and spells while invisibility is up.
No not op at all. Just something fun and I thought it would be a neat twist to this build.
This build is amazing. Going to test it with new kobold. The cry gives players advantage on attacks. It uses a bonus action to do it.
"Found steed" in reference to the creature you get from casting Find Steed gives me so much joy
"I found you!" :)
Another reason for rogue: bonus action hide; invisible isn't the same as hidden, but it does allow you to use hide anywhere anytime. and with bonus action hide you can help and hide every round
I DM'd for a creation bard who once used the Animating Performance ability to animate a candle chandelier on the ceiling of a guild hall. He had it rip itself off the ceiling (As it was screwed up there) and begin to crawl around and set fire to his enemie's clothes. Cool character, weird combat session.
SteelySam sent me. I really like you channel. You've got another chronic watcher in me.
Thanks!
I like this character. Safe and helpful.
My current favorite support build is my TactiCool character: Artillerist Artificer / Order Cleric / Clockwork Soul Sorcerer
Lots of supporty options.
Bard of creation description gave me chills so good 👍
The best part about counter spell is: since it's only component is somatic your counter spell can't be counter spelled if you use it to break your invisibility. A worthy sacrifice
The Invisible Man is a 2020 science fiction horror film written and directed by Leigh Whannell. Inspired by H. G. Wells' novel of the same name, it stars Elisabeth Moss as a woman who believes she is being stalked and gaslit by her seemingly deceased ex-boyfriend (Oliver Jackson-Cohen) after he acquires the ability to become invisible. Aldis Hodge, Storm Reid, Harriet Dyer, and Michael Dorman appear in supporting roles.
Ok, first thing first, I'm so happy you found a way to use the creation bard!
And then, since you asked,the coolest thing I did using Performance of creation was creating a large ivory statue of a dragon and then animating it as a flying pet (its got a hover speed BTW! :D)
Very cool idea and I love the flavor that they seem to disappear when there’s danger, yet the party fights better.
Y'know, I wasn't entirely sold on this. I get that you're contributing to the party, but in a very unseen way (pun intended!)
but... the idea that the party doesn't know that you're helping, "where'd Jim go again??", that's just pure gold.
Your best build yet. So funny.
I would've thought of an invisible helper as mainly an artificer. You're not getting invisibility until level 5, though you could take the shadow touched feat to get it sooner. The artillerist could pulse temporary hp as a bonus action and not be making an attack or casting a spell. Add in the healer feat and you're healing as an action, then granting temporary health as a bonus action. Or doing any number of other actions that could help.
"As a reminder, when you're invisible you... cant... be seen."
Ahh yes. Water is wet. 😂😂😂
We love you Colby! Dont ever change! Also, thanks to your build videos Ive gotten ideas to use some of them in town guards and national armies for a homebrew world Im building for a campaign Im running for my friends. Keep doing what you do!
Ha ha thanks! :)
Good build as always 👌 I've done a similar tactic with the Twilight Cleric and the shadow touch feat early. Really shines once greater invisibility comes online.
I think I would opt for Eldritch Sight over cloak of flies. Since it would be super handy outside of combat but that aside I love the theme of this build!
Great build! I'm probably gonna play this at some point, since I already had an idea for a character who's a surbordinate to another member of the party, and they swore to defend them. I was thinking more of a Samwise type character, which could be fun, but that souds a lot better to me, because it's got so much versatility. Thanks Colby!
About choosing the ally to revive the help what works RAW and how we run for familiars is that you can prepare the help action and say “when X start attacking” or if you want to help twice “after X attack once”
Colby makes the best content for casual listening while I work on ideas for DND.
Another fantastic build as always. I love this channel so dang much! Even the mistakes make for great content. 14 minutes in: "... means that you would be dumping Dexterity, Charisma, AND Wisdom, but Charisma's our most important stat... so yeah, that's what I'm doin'." lol
I see plenty of actions (a dash or disengage from your mount, a help from a familiar and one of your choice) and bonus actions, but i can add a suggestion to assist your allies on a reaction for purposes of action economy:
Gift of the Metallic Dragon. to add your proficiency to an allies AC as a reaction.
Colby: Have you already optimized a character that utilizes teleportation for battlefield positioning and other purposes? If not, that might be a fun build. 😊
Great job as always. You really seem to have a way of adding good clarity to builds I'm working on.
I've been working on a variation of the same build. I went 3 levels of Pact of the Chain Warlock and the rest straight Spirits Bard. Kind of a Romany themed character.
I still need to find a ruling on if the pet can use all the options for Tails from Beyond (it can take inspiration), cuz if so I'd just have to take the pseudodragon just to see him strafe a 30 ft cone of fire damage just once. Would be so awesome.
Instead of the invisibility reliance, I went with Shadow of Moil from Spirit Session.
recently got covid and this is curing my quarantine blues. thanks, d4!
Another wonderful video as usual. And yes the Star Druid and Twilight Cleric combo is probably stronger overall but for much different reasons. That should not downplay what this build can do by comparison. Looking forward to next week already.
I feel the only spell you failed to mention that would be amazing on this build is Warding Bond, you get access to it via expanded paladin spell list and makes so much sence with the max hp you get from healing yourself because of pact boon. Also not a concentration spell, sure it will mean you need to take con saves all the time, but you have advantage and huge +
BRO! I tried to do something with the whole being invisible and I went with Firbolg. NOW THIS! This takes the cake! I really like this character!
Excellent build video to fall asleep to.
Love this concept. Reminds me of when I tried to make a character around the sanctuary spell... Similar concept - you can't touch this!
Bonus action: help, action "ready the help action for his second attack", would also burn your reaction but pulls it off
I feel cloak of flies feels a little like a trap, if you are invisible, you could be anywhere, but... now they can see where you are, you are in a cloud of flies, so they can cast fireball there.
This is a really cool concept! I love playing support characters, and I love the idea of being an invisible helper. I think I'm going to try crafting one inspired by this who uses Dex rather than Str, has a few rogue levels, and takes a few features to play up being an agent of a trickster deity. Thanks for the inspiration!
Go thief rogue and trickery cleric!
I love the concept of this character. And I thought of a different path.
Turtle for AC and the cowardly flavour of the "shell defense"
Divine Soul Sorcerer -> that you play more or less like a cleric until you get invisibility
Get the healer feat at lvl 4
Rogue to lvl 3 and take mastermind for the bonus action help
Hex Blade Warlock for (shield proficiency if you like) 5 and get Invocation One with the shadow
Now if you are in dim light or darkness during combat.
R1 : Quicken spell Spirit guardian / spiritual weapon /
Move near an ennemy that is in dim light or darkness,
Use your action to become invisible.
As the invocation is written you might be allowed to use bonus actions and stay invisible. But even if your DM does not allow it, you can do.
Bonus action HELP/Healing Word/Spiritual Weapon attack ...
Move if you like
Use your action to become invisible again
If you are not in dim light or darkness you can still use invisibility or greater invisibility to remain invisible.
Enjoy :)
The logistics: on my turn I use my bonus action to help on the next Bob's attack, and ready a help action for the second.
Cool build as always. Have you ever thought about making a trapper character that uses different tools? Imagine having a full group of trappers running around stealing stuff like team rocket :D
I like the "Tactics Report" for charcters so far outside the box they literal cannot be charted or precisely classified.
If your DM says that helping with your bonus action overlaps with helping using your action, I think you could hold your action with the trigger "when [the ally you have helped with your bonus action] hits or misses with an attack, I will help them to attack that enemy again". So you could use your reaction to help in the middle of your ally's attack pattern, therefore giving them a second attack with advantage.
Thanks for the build Colby!
one thing you can do is help as a bonus action then delay your action with the trigger that "after my ally makes their first attack I'll help them again"
Played in a team of 3 pvp tournament, and for each round won we each got a random magic item. My creation bard/ redemption Paladin got dust of dissapearance..
.So from the second round onwards i stacked concentration-less invisibility with concentration-less flight on my animated chariot and flew around the map conventrating on circle of power (we got to buy scrolls before each round, i could cast it because i had 5th lvl slots and it was on my spell list), using my actions to help, lay on hands, and give bardic inspiration.
It was sooo much fun. We also won that tournament, though it was mostly from our crit fisher barb/ pally/ champion half orc and twilight cleric/stars druid arracockra, who were using warding bond together. Our damage reduction was completely toxic....but we had 0 defence against wall of force. Luckily the teams with wizards got eliminated by other teams before the final lol. Other finalist team were 3 moon druids who still demolished teams with wizards despite being drunk every round.
The BBEG in my campaign now has 4 of these that serve him as Bodyguards!
I'm proud of people for adding poetry to their table top games.
For a more germane comment, I think this build is exceptional in its concept and its versatility. Well done Colby!
I once played an Enchanter Wizard to 4th level that would use Fog Cloud/Pyrotechnics or Invisibility + Hypnotic Gaze to lock down enemies. It worked well because Hypnotic Gaze isn't an attack nor a spell, and they only have to see *or* hear you, not both. I would also often use my bat Familiar and a Tiny Servant to still subtly nudge the battlefield while my Action was getting eaten up by Hypnotic Gaze. My Cleric often cast Sanctuary on me, which made me almost impossible to hit when paired with being obfuscated (and the Alert feat) or invisible. That character only dealt 1 point of damage in the few sessions I played her, but my party was never even close to being threatened thanks to the lockdown I was providing every fight.
But that was pre Eberron. If I were to play her again, I'd do Artificer1/Wizard X to get armor proficiencies, more cantrips, and most importantly, the ability to cast my own Sanctuary. I would consider a 2nd level of Artificer for a Homunculus servant for a weaponized Bonus Action, Mind Sharpener, magical armor, etc.
Casper, The Friendly Ghost Build, lol...
😂🤣😂🤣😂
My imaginary friend as a name also could lead to some funny convos. "I'll be alright, I've got my imaginary friend with me." "You better be nice to me or I'm gunna have my imaginary friend poop in your boots while you sleep..." :-p
So Im not a super frequent guest on this channel and Im mostly a lurker but I just want to say that the "welcome home, this is where you belong" gets to me every single time.
Mission accomplished! :)
I feel like you could bonus action to help, and then take the ready action to help Joe when he makes his second attack.
I know it makes people mad, but I think I'd forgo the final climb on bard to 6 just to pick up Peace Cleric 1. First, super thematic, since the character is nonviolent by nature, but concentration free pseudo-bless for all your allies without breaking invisibility is really mechanically powerful and it scales based off proficiency, not cleric level, one a dip is all you need to get your whole party going by the end of your career.
I'm very excited to see what you have in store for us today!
RE: taking the help action twice
I personally see no problem with this, because the rules actually allow it, technically. You could use your bonus action to help them (actively distract them on a flank, as an example) and then you can spend your action to ready another help action, with the trigger being the 2nd attack your ally makes. You could even make the trigger ANY ally making an attack after the first.
Super fun idea, I think I am going to play this the next time I have the chance
I very seriously want to play this character in my next game. Love you too!
Personal note: for a party with a paladin in it already, id swap the levels for 3 in psi warrior and 3 in thief giving the option to go for either double reaction protection with both interception and the psi die shield or pick up something like the Bait and Switch or the Rally maneuver along with bonus action healer kits, ball bearings and caltrops.
Also as noted in short, SING UP A SIEGE ENGINE. While it is up to DM approval as siege weapons dont have listed costs, if irl is used the cost of a tower fixed bolt thrower and naval traction trebuchets was around 200-230 crowns (which would be closer to electrum rather than gold).
Kind of late, but I just rewatched your Death Knight video from forever ago. Resparked the idea of an Assassin Rogue/Grave Cleric who uses their Channel Divinity AND surprise crit to absolutely obliterate a target. Maybe 2 levels of Fighter if you want to go really RAW, but I would imagine most DM's would allow you to use both CD and attack with surprise. Hope to see this sometime!
Ok, so this will be a little weird but if you aren't going for a damage build with your warlock familiar this might be great for fixing up those movement issues.
If you upcast Bestow curse through the Sign of ill omen Invocation, and cast it on your familiar, it doesn't require concentration, and that would mean you can use your familiar+ relentless hex Invocation to get limitless 30-foot bonus action teleports all day long, all while still invisible. You could certainly get all over the battlefield easily with that.
Nice 👍
My personal nickname for this one is going to be the guardian angel haha
@14:25 resist charm is part of the hobgoblin's Fey Ancestry
I know you like to build characters to be very good at something specific (as you often say stretch the character concept as far as it can go) and I really enjoy it. However, if you are looking for ideas for other builds, you could consider making the most “well-rounded character” possible. You’d be taking the character concept as far as it can go (which would be in all directions!)
Colby, when you go bard you considered taking Friends? That spell is a great way to make enemies!
Such a fun build, love the story of it
This strikes me very much as a character that can lay out some serious damage if need be. The rest of the party is down and you're the only one left...the enemy thinks they've slain everyone...only to notice that all their foes are still breathing....and a ghostly radiance is drawing closer with a god like cadence...
Was really hoping Randall’s art was just going to be completely blank lol
700th like, lets freaking GOOOOO
Thanks for the content man, I've been watching on/off for the last couple months. Its a small goal to be completely caught up on this series. Sorry anime... Top shelf first.
One of my fav homebrews is an Oath of Silence. Im absolutely using this to update it.