What is the most damage one can do with a cantrip in one turn?Eldritch Blast with multiple beams and Agonizing Blast on a single target: Cha Mod just once?Are Blastlocks not Special?How to compare hit % and damage between 1 attack vs 4 attacks with disadvantage?Does Repelling Blast work once per spell or once per beam?Do Mystic Talents level with Mystic level or total level?Do you roll an extra damage die for Hex if you crit with one beam of Eldritch Blast?Can I target multiple creatures with a readied spell that can target multiple creatures?What is the most damage that can be done in a single ranged attack?
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What is the most damage one can do with a cantrip in one turn?
Eldritch Blast with multiple beams and Agonizing Blast on a single target: Cha Mod just once?Are Blastlocks not Special?How to compare hit % and damage between 1 attack vs 4 attacks with disadvantage?Does Repelling Blast work once per spell or once per beam?Do Mystic Talents level with Mystic level or total level?Do you roll an extra damage die for Hex if you crit with one beam of Eldritch Blast?Can I target multiple creatures with a readied spell that can target multiple creatures?What is the most damage that can be done in a single ranged attack?
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I'm curious as to what the maximum damage you could potentially do with a single cantrip is.
So far the most I can think of is a Warlock of at least two levels with the Eldritch Blast cantrip and the agonizing blast invocation and a 20 in CHA with a total character level of 17 or higher for 4 beams against a target afflicted by Hex and Hexblade's Curse. Which is a total of 1d10+1d6+8 per beam for a grand total of 96 maximum damage (4d10+4d6+32). Beyond that however, I can't think of anything.
Stipulations:
- Preferably contain all setup and the casting of the cantrip in the same turn but if necessary you may have one turn to prepare.
- The damage MUST be done by the cantrip but spells like Hex that don't directly deal damage are ok.
- Don't factor in resistance or vulnerability.
- Since we're talking theoretical maximum damage you can assume any damage dice rolled to have their highest value and that all attacks hit but do not crit.
- You can assume advantage on your attack rolls for the purposes of pricing abilities like the rogue's Sneak Attack.
- The damage must all be from the same source so for example you can't use Grasp of Hadar and Repelling Blast to move the target back and forth through a Wall of Fire or to push the target off of a cliff.
- This is single target damage only.
- This is for a single character by himself with no magic items for him or the target now nor in the past
dnd-5e optimization damage cantrips
$endgroup$
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
I'm curious as to what the maximum damage you could potentially do with a single cantrip is.
So far the most I can think of is a Warlock of at least two levels with the Eldritch Blast cantrip and the agonizing blast invocation and a 20 in CHA with a total character level of 17 or higher for 4 beams against a target afflicted by Hex and Hexblade's Curse. Which is a total of 1d10+1d6+8 per beam for a grand total of 96 maximum damage (4d10+4d6+32). Beyond that however, I can't think of anything.
Stipulations:
- Preferably contain all setup and the casting of the cantrip in the same turn but if necessary you may have one turn to prepare.
- The damage MUST be done by the cantrip but spells like Hex that don't directly deal damage are ok.
- Don't factor in resistance or vulnerability.
- Since we're talking theoretical maximum damage you can assume any damage dice rolled to have their highest value and that all attacks hit but do not crit.
- You can assume advantage on your attack rolls for the purposes of pricing abilities like the rogue's Sneak Attack.
- The damage must all be from the same source so for example you can't use Grasp of Hadar and Repelling Blast to move the target back and forth through a Wall of Fire or to push the target off of a cliff.
- This is single target damage only.
- This is for a single character by himself with no magic items for him or the target now nor in the past
dnd-5e optimization damage cantrips
$endgroup$
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@Medix2 If you can guarantee a crit following the other stipulations go for it
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
8 hours ago
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@Medix2 Sure, you can assume advantage for the purposes of proc'ing skills like sneak attack. Assume whatever you like for the wild magic surges. You can shapechange to get higher than 20 if you're able. Also I'm thinking single target damage.
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Does damage from forced movement (say, repelling blast into a wall of fire or whatnot) count as damage done by a cantrip? My current answer is Wiz 17/Sorc1/War2, and it relies on Grasp of Hadar/Repelling Blasting a target back and forth through an allowed-to-do-damage-multiple-times-per-turn lethal zone.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
When you say no magic items, do you mean on you person at the time of the casting? Should we assume no magic items existed in the world in the past as well?
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Himitsu_no_Yami: Eldritch Smite is a warlock invocation, not a spell (and Divine Smite is a paladin class feature) - but there are 7 smite spells. They do indeed do extra damage on the same attack, plus an additional effect.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
I'm curious as to what the maximum damage you could potentially do with a single cantrip is.
So far the most I can think of is a Warlock of at least two levels with the Eldritch Blast cantrip and the agonizing blast invocation and a 20 in CHA with a total character level of 17 or higher for 4 beams against a target afflicted by Hex and Hexblade's Curse. Which is a total of 1d10+1d6+8 per beam for a grand total of 96 maximum damage (4d10+4d6+32). Beyond that however, I can't think of anything.
Stipulations:
- Preferably contain all setup and the casting of the cantrip in the same turn but if necessary you may have one turn to prepare.
- The damage MUST be done by the cantrip but spells like Hex that don't directly deal damage are ok.
- Don't factor in resistance or vulnerability.
- Since we're talking theoretical maximum damage you can assume any damage dice rolled to have their highest value and that all attacks hit but do not crit.
- You can assume advantage on your attack rolls for the purposes of pricing abilities like the rogue's Sneak Attack.
- The damage must all be from the same source so for example you can't use Grasp of Hadar and Repelling Blast to move the target back and forth through a Wall of Fire or to push the target off of a cliff.
- This is single target damage only.
- This is for a single character by himself with no magic items for him or the target now nor in the past
dnd-5e optimization damage cantrips
$endgroup$
I'm curious as to what the maximum damage you could potentially do with a single cantrip is.
So far the most I can think of is a Warlock of at least two levels with the Eldritch Blast cantrip and the agonizing blast invocation and a 20 in CHA with a total character level of 17 or higher for 4 beams against a target afflicted by Hex and Hexblade's Curse. Which is a total of 1d10+1d6+8 per beam for a grand total of 96 maximum damage (4d10+4d6+32). Beyond that however, I can't think of anything.
Stipulations:
- Preferably contain all setup and the casting of the cantrip in the same turn but if necessary you may have one turn to prepare.
- The damage MUST be done by the cantrip but spells like Hex that don't directly deal damage are ok.
- Don't factor in resistance or vulnerability.
- Since we're talking theoretical maximum damage you can assume any damage dice rolled to have their highest value and that all attacks hit but do not crit.
- You can assume advantage on your attack rolls for the purposes of pricing abilities like the rogue's Sneak Attack.
- The damage must all be from the same source so for example you can't use Grasp of Hadar and Repelling Blast to move the target back and forth through a Wall of Fire or to push the target off of a cliff.
- This is single target damage only.
- This is for a single character by himself with no magic items for him or the target now nor in the past
dnd-5e optimization damage cantrips
dnd-5e optimization damage cantrips
edited 6 hours ago
Himitsu_no_Yami
asked 8 hours ago
Himitsu_no_YamiHimitsu_no_Yami
1,3911 silver badge23 bronze badges
1,3911 silver badge23 bronze badges
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@Medix2 If you can guarantee a crit following the other stipulations go for it
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 Sure, you can assume advantage for the purposes of proc'ing skills like sneak attack. Assume whatever you like for the wild magic surges. You can shapechange to get higher than 20 if you're able. Also I'm thinking single target damage.
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Does damage from forced movement (say, repelling blast into a wall of fire or whatnot) count as damage done by a cantrip? My current answer is Wiz 17/Sorc1/War2, and it relies on Grasp of Hadar/Repelling Blasting a target back and forth through an allowed-to-do-damage-multiple-times-per-turn lethal zone.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
When you say no magic items, do you mean on you person at the time of the casting? Should we assume no magic items existed in the world in the past as well?
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Himitsu_no_Yami: Eldritch Smite is a warlock invocation, not a spell (and Divine Smite is a paladin class feature) - but there are 7 smite spells. They do indeed do extra damage on the same attack, plus an additional effect.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
@Medix2 If you can guarantee a crit following the other stipulations go for it
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 Sure, you can assume advantage for the purposes of proc'ing skills like sneak attack. Assume whatever you like for the wild magic surges. You can shapechange to get higher than 20 if you're able. Also I'm thinking single target damage.
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Does damage from forced movement (say, repelling blast into a wall of fire or whatnot) count as damage done by a cantrip? My current answer is Wiz 17/Sorc1/War2, and it relies on Grasp of Hadar/Repelling Blasting a target back and forth through an allowed-to-do-damage-multiple-times-per-turn lethal zone.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
When you say no magic items, do you mean on you person at the time of the casting? Should we assume no magic items existed in the world in the past as well?
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Himitsu_no_Yami: Eldritch Smite is a warlock invocation, not a spell (and Divine Smite is a paladin class feature) - but there are 7 smite spells. They do indeed do extra damage on the same attack, plus an additional effect.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 If you can guarantee a crit following the other stipulations go for it
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 If you can guarantee a crit following the other stipulations go for it
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 Sure, you can assume advantage for the purposes of proc'ing skills like sneak attack. Assume whatever you like for the wild magic surges. You can shapechange to get higher than 20 if you're able. Also I'm thinking single target damage.
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 Sure, you can assume advantage for the purposes of proc'ing skills like sneak attack. Assume whatever you like for the wild magic surges. You can shapechange to get higher than 20 if you're able. Also I'm thinking single target damage.
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Does damage from forced movement (say, repelling blast into a wall of fire or whatnot) count as damage done by a cantrip? My current answer is Wiz 17/Sorc1/War2, and it relies on Grasp of Hadar/Repelling Blasting a target back and forth through an allowed-to-do-damage-multiple-times-per-turn lethal zone.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Does damage from forced movement (say, repelling blast into a wall of fire or whatnot) count as damage done by a cantrip? My current answer is Wiz 17/Sorc1/War2, and it relies on Grasp of Hadar/Repelling Blasting a target back and forth through an allowed-to-do-damage-multiple-times-per-turn lethal zone.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
When you say no magic items, do you mean on you person at the time of the casting? Should we assume no magic items existed in the world in the past as well?
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
When you say no magic items, do you mean on you person at the time of the casting? Should we assume no magic items existed in the world in the past as well?
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
@Himitsu_no_Yami: Eldritch Smite is a warlock invocation, not a spell (and Divine Smite is a paladin class feature) - but there are 7 smite spells. They do indeed do extra damage on the same attack, plus an additional effect.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Himitsu_no_Yami: Eldritch Smite is a warlock invocation, not a spell (and Divine Smite is a paladin class feature) - but there are 7 smite spells. They do indeed do extra damage on the same attack, plus an additional effect.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
$begingroup$
Without in-combat setup you can deal at least 383 damage
The requirements:
We will need a Half-Orc Sorcerer (2) / Hexblade Warlock (9) / Paladin (2) / Assassin Rogue (7).
These get us Savage Attacks, Flexible Casting, branding smite, Hexblade's curse, the Eldritch Smite Invocation, Divine Smite, Sneak Attack, and Assassinate. On top of this we need the Martial Adept feat and the Orcish Fury feat, and we will select the Dueling Fighting Style from Paladin. We will be using the booming blade cantrip.
Before combat:
Before combat begins we use the Flexible Casting feature to get ourselves a third fifth level spell slot.
On our turn:
On our turn we cast branding smite as a fifth level spell (5d6) onto our rapier (1d8). We cast booming blade making an attack (3d8), proc-ing Sneak Attack (4d6) as well as Divine Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8) and Eldritch Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8). We also use a maneuver gained through the Martial Adept feat (1d6), the Half-Orc's Savage Attacks (1d8), and the Orcish Fury feat (1d8).
All of these dice rolls are doubled due to the Assassinate feature.
Then we have the static modifiers: Our ability score modifier (5) and the Dueling Fighting Style (2).
Putting these together we have the following damage:
$$5 + 2 + 2times(30+8+24+24+40+40+6+8+8) = 7 + 2times(188) = 383text damage$$
Note that this does not use hex nor Hexblade's Curse as these require bonus actions, and that is being spent on branding smite. Also note that I did not use the Wild Magic Surge of 65-66 which causes "Up to three creatures you choose within 30 feet of you take 4d10 lightning damage" as it did not feel that really counted as damage from the cantrip.
If we allow for an extra setup turn we can deal at least 405 damage
We would use the same classes but would gain access to more options than before, in particular we can use Hexblade's Curse, and bestow curse from the Sign of Ill Omen Invocation.
This allows us to spend the setup turn casting bestow curse (1d8) as a fifth level spell (so it does not require concentration) and placing Hexblade's Curse on the target (6). Then on our actual turn we would cast branding smite and booming blade. Everything else would remain the same.
This would boost our damage by 6 + 2(8) = 22. So our new total would be 405 damage.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
212 damage, or 260 with setup
The character
- Bugbear for Surprise Attack
- 9 Hexblade levels for eldritch blast, hex, Agonizing Blast, Hexblade's Curse, Sign of Ill Omen (grants bestow curse), and 5th level spell slots
- 3 Assassin levels for Assassinate
- 3 Sorcerer levels for Subtle Spell
- 2 Fighter levels for Action Surge
- Notable ability scores: 13 dexterity, 20 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't strict but this is what you do:
- Optional setup "turn":
- Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat, while we are hidden.
- Initiate combat by surprising your target and roll a higher initiative than them so that Assassinate and Surprise Attack apply.
- Damage turn:
- Cast bestow curse on your target choosing the last benefit. As a 5th level spell it does not require concentration.
- Place the Hexblade's Curse on the target
- Use the Action Surge to cast eldritch blast at the target
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
[# of beams] × ([assassinate] × ([eldritch blast] + [bestow curse] + hex) + [agonizing blast] + [hexblade's curse]) + [assassinate] × [surprise attack] = 4 × (2 × (1d10 + 1d8 + 1d6) + 5 + 6) + 2 × 2d6
= 212 + 48 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 138 + 28 damage with average damage rolls.
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1
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Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
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@LouisWasserman noted!
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– Ruse
6 hours ago
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I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
341 damage, or 437 with setup
The character
- Half-Orc for Savage Attacks
- 3 Arcane Trickster levels for Sneak Attack, booming blade, and 1 caster level
- 2 Paladin levels for Divine Smite, Dueling Fighting Style, searing smite, and 1 caster level
- 4 Divination Wizard levels for Portent, 1 ASI (+2 Strength), and 4 caster levels
- 11 Gold Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer levels for Elemental Affinity, 1 ASI (Orcish Fury, Martial Adept), and 11 caster levels
- The total caster level is 17, so the Half-Orc has a 9th level spellslot
- Notable ability scores: 20 strength, 13 intelligence, 14 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't super strict but this is what you do:
Optional setup "turn":
- Light a torch and inflict fire damage upon yourself
- Cast an 8th level absorb elements
Damage turn:
- Cast 9th level searing smite
- Cast booming blade
- Attack with a rapier
- Replace the attack roll with a 20 Portent
- Use Sneak Attack
- Use Divine Smite with a 5th level spellslot
- Use Savage Attacks
- Use Orcish Fury
- Use a maneuver from Martial Adept, such as Pushing Attack
- Use Dueling Fighting Style
- Use Elemental Affinity
- Attack with a rapier
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
portent × (rapier_dice + searing_smite + booming_blade + sneak_attack + divine_smite + savage_attacks + orcish_fury + pushing_attack + absorb_elements) + strength_modifier + dueling + elemental_affinity
= 2 × (1d8 + 9d6 + 3d8 + 3d6 + 5d8 + 1d8 + 1d8 + 1d6 + 8d6) + 5 + 2 + 2
= 341 + 96 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 199 + 56 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
add a comment
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3 Answers
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$begingroup$
Without in-combat setup you can deal at least 383 damage
The requirements:
We will need a Half-Orc Sorcerer (2) / Hexblade Warlock (9) / Paladin (2) / Assassin Rogue (7).
These get us Savage Attacks, Flexible Casting, branding smite, Hexblade's curse, the Eldritch Smite Invocation, Divine Smite, Sneak Attack, and Assassinate. On top of this we need the Martial Adept feat and the Orcish Fury feat, and we will select the Dueling Fighting Style from Paladin. We will be using the booming blade cantrip.
Before combat:
Before combat begins we use the Flexible Casting feature to get ourselves a third fifth level spell slot.
On our turn:
On our turn we cast branding smite as a fifth level spell (5d6) onto our rapier (1d8). We cast booming blade making an attack (3d8), proc-ing Sneak Attack (4d6) as well as Divine Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8) and Eldritch Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8). We also use a maneuver gained through the Martial Adept feat (1d6), the Half-Orc's Savage Attacks (1d8), and the Orcish Fury feat (1d8).
All of these dice rolls are doubled due to the Assassinate feature.
Then we have the static modifiers: Our ability score modifier (5) and the Dueling Fighting Style (2).
Putting these together we have the following damage:
$$5 + 2 + 2times(30+8+24+24+40+40+6+8+8) = 7 + 2times(188) = 383text damage$$
Note that this does not use hex nor Hexblade's Curse as these require bonus actions, and that is being spent on branding smite. Also note that I did not use the Wild Magic Surge of 65-66 which causes "Up to three creatures you choose within 30 feet of you take 4d10 lightning damage" as it did not feel that really counted as damage from the cantrip.
If we allow for an extra setup turn we can deal at least 405 damage
We would use the same classes but would gain access to more options than before, in particular we can use Hexblade's Curse, and bestow curse from the Sign of Ill Omen Invocation.
This allows us to spend the setup turn casting bestow curse (1d8) as a fifth level spell (so it does not require concentration) and placing Hexblade's Curse on the target (6). Then on our actual turn we would cast branding smite and booming blade. Everything else would remain the same.
This would boost our damage by 6 + 2(8) = 22. So our new total would be 405 damage.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
Without in-combat setup you can deal at least 383 damage
The requirements:
We will need a Half-Orc Sorcerer (2) / Hexblade Warlock (9) / Paladin (2) / Assassin Rogue (7).
These get us Savage Attacks, Flexible Casting, branding smite, Hexblade's curse, the Eldritch Smite Invocation, Divine Smite, Sneak Attack, and Assassinate. On top of this we need the Martial Adept feat and the Orcish Fury feat, and we will select the Dueling Fighting Style from Paladin. We will be using the booming blade cantrip.
Before combat:
Before combat begins we use the Flexible Casting feature to get ourselves a third fifth level spell slot.
On our turn:
On our turn we cast branding smite as a fifth level spell (5d6) onto our rapier (1d8). We cast booming blade making an attack (3d8), proc-ing Sneak Attack (4d6) as well as Divine Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8) and Eldritch Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8). We also use a maneuver gained through the Martial Adept feat (1d6), the Half-Orc's Savage Attacks (1d8), and the Orcish Fury feat (1d8).
All of these dice rolls are doubled due to the Assassinate feature.
Then we have the static modifiers: Our ability score modifier (5) and the Dueling Fighting Style (2).
Putting these together we have the following damage:
$$5 + 2 + 2times(30+8+24+24+40+40+6+8+8) = 7 + 2times(188) = 383text damage$$
Note that this does not use hex nor Hexblade's Curse as these require bonus actions, and that is being spent on branding smite. Also note that I did not use the Wild Magic Surge of 65-66 which causes "Up to three creatures you choose within 30 feet of you take 4d10 lightning damage" as it did not feel that really counted as damage from the cantrip.
If we allow for an extra setup turn we can deal at least 405 damage
We would use the same classes but would gain access to more options than before, in particular we can use Hexblade's Curse, and bestow curse from the Sign of Ill Omen Invocation.
This allows us to spend the setup turn casting bestow curse (1d8) as a fifth level spell (so it does not require concentration) and placing Hexblade's Curse on the target (6). Then on our actual turn we would cast branding smite and booming blade. Everything else would remain the same.
This would boost our damage by 6 + 2(8) = 22. So our new total would be 405 damage.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
Without in-combat setup you can deal at least 383 damage
The requirements:
We will need a Half-Orc Sorcerer (2) / Hexblade Warlock (9) / Paladin (2) / Assassin Rogue (7).
These get us Savage Attacks, Flexible Casting, branding smite, Hexblade's curse, the Eldritch Smite Invocation, Divine Smite, Sneak Attack, and Assassinate. On top of this we need the Martial Adept feat and the Orcish Fury feat, and we will select the Dueling Fighting Style from Paladin. We will be using the booming blade cantrip.
Before combat:
Before combat begins we use the Flexible Casting feature to get ourselves a third fifth level spell slot.
On our turn:
On our turn we cast branding smite as a fifth level spell (5d6) onto our rapier (1d8). We cast booming blade making an attack (3d8), proc-ing Sneak Attack (4d6) as well as Divine Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8) and Eldritch Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8). We also use a maneuver gained through the Martial Adept feat (1d6), the Half-Orc's Savage Attacks (1d8), and the Orcish Fury feat (1d8).
All of these dice rolls are doubled due to the Assassinate feature.
Then we have the static modifiers: Our ability score modifier (5) and the Dueling Fighting Style (2).
Putting these together we have the following damage:
$$5 + 2 + 2times(30+8+24+24+40+40+6+8+8) = 7 + 2times(188) = 383text damage$$
Note that this does not use hex nor Hexblade's Curse as these require bonus actions, and that is being spent on branding smite. Also note that I did not use the Wild Magic Surge of 65-66 which causes "Up to three creatures you choose within 30 feet of you take 4d10 lightning damage" as it did not feel that really counted as damage from the cantrip.
If we allow for an extra setup turn we can deal at least 405 damage
We would use the same classes but would gain access to more options than before, in particular we can use Hexblade's Curse, and bestow curse from the Sign of Ill Omen Invocation.
This allows us to spend the setup turn casting bestow curse (1d8) as a fifth level spell (so it does not require concentration) and placing Hexblade's Curse on the target (6). Then on our actual turn we would cast branding smite and booming blade. Everything else would remain the same.
This would boost our damage by 6 + 2(8) = 22. So our new total would be 405 damage.
$endgroup$
Without in-combat setup you can deal at least 383 damage
The requirements:
We will need a Half-Orc Sorcerer (2) / Hexblade Warlock (9) / Paladin (2) / Assassin Rogue (7).
These get us Savage Attacks, Flexible Casting, branding smite, Hexblade's curse, the Eldritch Smite Invocation, Divine Smite, Sneak Attack, and Assassinate. On top of this we need the Martial Adept feat and the Orcish Fury feat, and we will select the Dueling Fighting Style from Paladin. We will be using the booming blade cantrip.
Before combat:
Before combat begins we use the Flexible Casting feature to get ourselves a third fifth level spell slot.
On our turn:
On our turn we cast branding smite as a fifth level spell (5d6) onto our rapier (1d8). We cast booming blade making an attack (3d8), proc-ing Sneak Attack (4d6) as well as Divine Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8) and Eldritch Smite using a fifth level spell slot (5d8). We also use a maneuver gained through the Martial Adept feat (1d6), the Half-Orc's Savage Attacks (1d8), and the Orcish Fury feat (1d8).
All of these dice rolls are doubled due to the Assassinate feature.
Then we have the static modifiers: Our ability score modifier (5) and the Dueling Fighting Style (2).
Putting these together we have the following damage:
$$5 + 2 + 2times(30+8+24+24+40+40+6+8+8) = 7 + 2times(188) = 383text damage$$
Note that this does not use hex nor Hexblade's Curse as these require bonus actions, and that is being spent on branding smite. Also note that I did not use the Wild Magic Surge of 65-66 which causes "Up to three creatures you choose within 30 feet of you take 4d10 lightning damage" as it did not feel that really counted as damage from the cantrip.
If we allow for an extra setup turn we can deal at least 405 damage
We would use the same classes but would gain access to more options than before, in particular we can use Hexblade's Curse, and bestow curse from the Sign of Ill Omen Invocation.
This allows us to spend the setup turn casting bestow curse (1d8) as a fifth level spell (so it does not require concentration) and placing Hexblade's Curse on the target (6). Then on our actual turn we would cast branding smite and booming blade. Everything else would remain the same.
This would boost our damage by 6 + 2(8) = 22. So our new total would be 405 damage.
edited 2 mins ago
Someone_Evil
11.6k1 gold badge43 silver badges77 bronze badges
11.6k1 gold badge43 silver badges77 bronze badges
answered 5 hours ago
Medix2Medix2
14.4k2 gold badges54 silver badges137 bronze badges
14.4k2 gold badges54 silver badges137 bronze badges
1
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
add a comment
|
1
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
That Wild magic surge has to come from a spell of at least 5th level :( The one to go with would be the maximize all damage rolls for a minute, but that is already allowed because weird houserules.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
5 hours ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
212 damage, or 260 with setup
The character
- Bugbear for Surprise Attack
- 9 Hexblade levels for eldritch blast, hex, Agonizing Blast, Hexblade's Curse, Sign of Ill Omen (grants bestow curse), and 5th level spell slots
- 3 Assassin levels for Assassinate
- 3 Sorcerer levels for Subtle Spell
- 2 Fighter levels for Action Surge
- Notable ability scores: 13 dexterity, 20 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't strict but this is what you do:
- Optional setup "turn":
- Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat, while we are hidden.
- Initiate combat by surprising your target and roll a higher initiative than them so that Assassinate and Surprise Attack apply.
- Damage turn:
- Cast bestow curse on your target choosing the last benefit. As a 5th level spell it does not require concentration.
- Place the Hexblade's Curse on the target
- Use the Action Surge to cast eldritch blast at the target
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
[# of beams] × ([assassinate] × ([eldritch blast] + [bestow curse] + hex) + [agonizing blast] + [hexblade's curse]) + [assassinate] × [surprise attack] = 4 × (2 × (1d10 + 1d8 + 1d6) + 5 + 6) + 2 × 2d6
= 212 + 48 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 138 + 28 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LouisWasserman noted!
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
212 damage, or 260 with setup
The character
- Bugbear for Surprise Attack
- 9 Hexblade levels for eldritch blast, hex, Agonizing Blast, Hexblade's Curse, Sign of Ill Omen (grants bestow curse), and 5th level spell slots
- 3 Assassin levels for Assassinate
- 3 Sorcerer levels for Subtle Spell
- 2 Fighter levels for Action Surge
- Notable ability scores: 13 dexterity, 20 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't strict but this is what you do:
- Optional setup "turn":
- Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat, while we are hidden.
- Initiate combat by surprising your target and roll a higher initiative than them so that Assassinate and Surprise Attack apply.
- Damage turn:
- Cast bestow curse on your target choosing the last benefit. As a 5th level spell it does not require concentration.
- Place the Hexblade's Curse on the target
- Use the Action Surge to cast eldritch blast at the target
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
[# of beams] × ([assassinate] × ([eldritch blast] + [bestow curse] + hex) + [agonizing blast] + [hexblade's curse]) + [assassinate] × [surprise attack] = 4 × (2 × (1d10 + 1d8 + 1d6) + 5 + 6) + 2 × 2d6
= 212 + 48 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 138 + 28 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
1
$begingroup$
Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LouisWasserman noted!
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
212 damage, or 260 with setup
The character
- Bugbear for Surprise Attack
- 9 Hexblade levels for eldritch blast, hex, Agonizing Blast, Hexblade's Curse, Sign of Ill Omen (grants bestow curse), and 5th level spell slots
- 3 Assassin levels for Assassinate
- 3 Sorcerer levels for Subtle Spell
- 2 Fighter levels for Action Surge
- Notable ability scores: 13 dexterity, 20 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't strict but this is what you do:
- Optional setup "turn":
- Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat, while we are hidden.
- Initiate combat by surprising your target and roll a higher initiative than them so that Assassinate and Surprise Attack apply.
- Damage turn:
- Cast bestow curse on your target choosing the last benefit. As a 5th level spell it does not require concentration.
- Place the Hexblade's Curse on the target
- Use the Action Surge to cast eldritch blast at the target
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
[# of beams] × ([assassinate] × ([eldritch blast] + [bestow curse] + hex) + [agonizing blast] + [hexblade's curse]) + [assassinate] × [surprise attack] = 4 × (2 × (1d10 + 1d8 + 1d6) + 5 + 6) + 2 × 2d6
= 212 + 48 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 138 + 28 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
212 damage, or 260 with setup
The character
- Bugbear for Surprise Attack
- 9 Hexblade levels for eldritch blast, hex, Agonizing Blast, Hexblade's Curse, Sign of Ill Omen (grants bestow curse), and 5th level spell slots
- 3 Assassin levels for Assassinate
- 3 Sorcerer levels for Subtle Spell
- 2 Fighter levels for Action Surge
- Notable ability scores: 13 dexterity, 20 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't strict but this is what you do:
- Optional setup "turn":
- Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat, while we are hidden.
- Initiate combat by surprising your target and roll a higher initiative than them so that Assassinate and Surprise Attack apply.
- Damage turn:
- Cast bestow curse on your target choosing the last benefit. As a 5th level spell it does not require concentration.
- Place the Hexblade's Curse on the target
- Use the Action Surge to cast eldritch blast at the target
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
[# of beams] × ([assassinate] × ([eldritch blast] + [bestow curse] + hex) + [agonizing blast] + [hexblade's curse]) + [assassinate] × [surprise attack] = 4 × (2 × (1d10 + 1d8 + 1d6) + 5 + 6) + 2 × 2d6
= 212 + 48 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 138 + 28 damage with average damage rolls.
edited 3 hours ago
answered 6 hours ago
RuseRuse
8,8421 gold badge21 silver badges73 bronze badges
8,8421 gold badge21 silver badges73 bronze badges
1
$begingroup$
Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LouisWasserman noted!
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
1
$begingroup$
Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LouisWasserman noted!
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
2
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
1
1
$begingroup$
Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
Note that to get bestow curse as a Warlock, you need the Sign of Ill Omen Eldritch Invocation.
$endgroup$
– Louis Wasserman
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LouisWasserman noted!
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
@LouisWasserman noted!
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
I'm unsure about the sentence "Cast hex on the target using the Subtle Spell Metamagic. This happens outside of combat because there is no perceivable effect." it seems odd at the very least
$endgroup$
– Medix2
6 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
$begingroup$
Hex has a material component, which is not removed by Subtle Spell. (And per XGtE's clarification of the PHB rules on spell components (p. 85): "The form of a material component doesn’t matter for the purposes of perception, whether it’s an object specified in the spell’s description, a component pouch, or a spellcasting focus.") Hex's casting is visually perceptible.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago
2
2
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Ruse: It's perceptible as a component of spellcasting, is the point I'm making. Whether you think that's enough to start combat is up to you; I'm just saying the existing claim that "there's no perceivable effect" is wrong (...well, technically the casting of the spell is distinct from the spell's effect, but yeah).
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
5 hours ago
|
show 5 more comments
$begingroup$
341 damage, or 437 with setup
The character
- Half-Orc for Savage Attacks
- 3 Arcane Trickster levels for Sneak Attack, booming blade, and 1 caster level
- 2 Paladin levels for Divine Smite, Dueling Fighting Style, searing smite, and 1 caster level
- 4 Divination Wizard levels for Portent, 1 ASI (+2 Strength), and 4 caster levels
- 11 Gold Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer levels for Elemental Affinity, 1 ASI (Orcish Fury, Martial Adept), and 11 caster levels
- The total caster level is 17, so the Half-Orc has a 9th level spellslot
- Notable ability scores: 20 strength, 13 intelligence, 14 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't super strict but this is what you do:
Optional setup "turn":
- Light a torch and inflict fire damage upon yourself
- Cast an 8th level absorb elements
Damage turn:
- Cast 9th level searing smite
- Cast booming blade
- Attack with a rapier
- Replace the attack roll with a 20 Portent
- Use Sneak Attack
- Use Divine Smite with a 5th level spellslot
- Use Savage Attacks
- Use Orcish Fury
- Use a maneuver from Martial Adept, such as Pushing Attack
- Use Dueling Fighting Style
- Use Elemental Affinity
- Attack with a rapier
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
portent × (rapier_dice + searing_smite + booming_blade + sneak_attack + divine_smite + savage_attacks + orcish_fury + pushing_attack + absorb_elements) + strength_modifier + dueling + elemental_affinity
= 2 × (1d8 + 9d6 + 3d8 + 3d6 + 5d8 + 1d8 + 1d8 + 1d6 + 8d6) + 5 + 2 + 2
= 341 + 96 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 199 + 56 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
341 damage, or 437 with setup
The character
- Half-Orc for Savage Attacks
- 3 Arcane Trickster levels for Sneak Attack, booming blade, and 1 caster level
- 2 Paladin levels for Divine Smite, Dueling Fighting Style, searing smite, and 1 caster level
- 4 Divination Wizard levels for Portent, 1 ASI (+2 Strength), and 4 caster levels
- 11 Gold Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer levels for Elemental Affinity, 1 ASI (Orcish Fury, Martial Adept), and 11 caster levels
- The total caster level is 17, so the Half-Orc has a 9th level spellslot
- Notable ability scores: 20 strength, 13 intelligence, 14 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't super strict but this is what you do:
Optional setup "turn":
- Light a torch and inflict fire damage upon yourself
- Cast an 8th level absorb elements
Damage turn:
- Cast 9th level searing smite
- Cast booming blade
- Attack with a rapier
- Replace the attack roll with a 20 Portent
- Use Sneak Attack
- Use Divine Smite with a 5th level spellslot
- Use Savage Attacks
- Use Orcish Fury
- Use a maneuver from Martial Adept, such as Pushing Attack
- Use Dueling Fighting Style
- Use Elemental Affinity
- Attack with a rapier
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
portent × (rapier_dice + searing_smite + booming_blade + sneak_attack + divine_smite + savage_attacks + orcish_fury + pushing_attack + absorb_elements) + strength_modifier + dueling + elemental_affinity
= 2 × (1d8 + 9d6 + 3d8 + 3d6 + 5d8 + 1d8 + 1d8 + 1d6 + 8d6) + 5 + 2 + 2
= 341 + 96 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 199 + 56 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
341 damage, or 437 with setup
The character
- Half-Orc for Savage Attacks
- 3 Arcane Trickster levels for Sneak Attack, booming blade, and 1 caster level
- 2 Paladin levels for Divine Smite, Dueling Fighting Style, searing smite, and 1 caster level
- 4 Divination Wizard levels for Portent, 1 ASI (+2 Strength), and 4 caster levels
- 11 Gold Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer levels for Elemental Affinity, 1 ASI (Orcish Fury, Martial Adept), and 11 caster levels
- The total caster level is 17, so the Half-Orc has a 9th level spellslot
- Notable ability scores: 20 strength, 13 intelligence, 14 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't super strict but this is what you do:
Optional setup "turn":
- Light a torch and inflict fire damage upon yourself
- Cast an 8th level absorb elements
Damage turn:
- Cast 9th level searing smite
- Cast booming blade
- Attack with a rapier
- Replace the attack roll with a 20 Portent
- Use Sneak Attack
- Use Divine Smite with a 5th level spellslot
- Use Savage Attacks
- Use Orcish Fury
- Use a maneuver from Martial Adept, such as Pushing Attack
- Use Dueling Fighting Style
- Use Elemental Affinity
- Attack with a rapier
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
portent × (rapier_dice + searing_smite + booming_blade + sneak_attack + divine_smite + savage_attacks + orcish_fury + pushing_attack + absorb_elements) + strength_modifier + dueling + elemental_affinity
= 2 × (1d8 + 9d6 + 3d8 + 3d6 + 5d8 + 1d8 + 1d8 + 1d6 + 8d6) + 5 + 2 + 2
= 341 + 96 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 199 + 56 damage with average damage rolls.
$endgroup$
341 damage, or 437 with setup
The character
- Half-Orc for Savage Attacks
- 3 Arcane Trickster levels for Sneak Attack, booming blade, and 1 caster level
- 2 Paladin levels for Divine Smite, Dueling Fighting Style, searing smite, and 1 caster level
- 4 Divination Wizard levels for Portent, 1 ASI (+2 Strength), and 4 caster levels
- 11 Gold Draconic Bloodline Sorcerer levels for Elemental Affinity, 1 ASI (Orcish Fury, Martial Adept), and 11 caster levels
- The total caster level is 17, so the Half-Orc has a 9th level spellslot
- Notable ability scores: 20 strength, 13 intelligence, 14 charisma
The turns
The order of operation isn't super strict but this is what you do:
Optional setup "turn":
- Light a torch and inflict fire damage upon yourself
- Cast an 8th level absorb elements
Damage turn:
- Cast 9th level searing smite
- Cast booming blade
- Attack with a rapier
- Replace the attack roll with a 20 Portent
- Use Sneak Attack
- Use Divine Smite with a 5th level spellslot
- Use Savage Attacks
- Use Orcish Fury
- Use a maneuver from Martial Adept, such as Pushing Attack
- Use Dueling Fighting Style
- Use Elemental Affinity
- Attack with a rapier
The calculation
Curly brackets enclose damage derived by the optional setup.
portent × (rapier_dice + searing_smite + booming_blade + sneak_attack + divine_smite + savage_attacks + orcish_fury + pushing_attack + absorb_elements) + strength_modifier + dueling + elemental_affinity
= 2 × (1d8 + 9d6 + 3d8 + 3d6 + 5d8 + 1d8 + 1d8 + 1d6 + 8d6) + 5 + 2 + 2
= 341 + 96 damage with maximized damage rolls.
= 199 + 56 damage with average damage rolls.
edited 3 hours ago
answered 4 hours ago
RuseRuse
8,8421 gold badge21 silver badges73 bronze badges
8,8421 gold badge21 silver badges73 bronze badges
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
add a comment
|
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
You could replace rogue with basically anything else (but need an ASI) and use GWM feat and a harder hitting weapon such as 1d12. I think that ends up doing more than sneak attack. Also I think you can cast bestow curse on the first turn, just regularly.
$endgroup$
– Medix2
3 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 I need to take damage for absorb elements during the setup turn, but I can't think of a way to do so without using my action, other than quickened spell, but as you pointed out earlier casting as a bonus action messes with my ability to cast as a reaction on the same turn. You may be right about the d12, I'll look into it.
$endgroup$
– Ruse
6 mins ago
add a comment
|
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$begingroup$
@Medix2 If you can guarantee a crit following the other stipulations go for it
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
8 hours ago
$begingroup$
@Medix2 Sure, you can assume advantage for the purposes of proc'ing skills like sneak attack. Assume whatever you like for the wild magic surges. You can shapechange to get higher than 20 if you're able. Also I'm thinking single target damage.
$endgroup$
– Himitsu_no_Yami
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
Does damage from forced movement (say, repelling blast into a wall of fire or whatnot) count as damage done by a cantrip? My current answer is Wiz 17/Sorc1/War2, and it relies on Grasp of Hadar/Repelling Blasting a target back and forth through an allowed-to-do-damage-multiple-times-per-turn lethal zone.
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
$begingroup$
When you say no magic items, do you mean on you person at the time of the casting? Should we assume no magic items existed in the world in the past as well?
$endgroup$
– the dark wanderer
7 hours ago
1
$begingroup$
@Himitsu_no_Yami: Eldritch Smite is a warlock invocation, not a spell (and Divine Smite is a paladin class feature) - but there are 7 smite spells. They do indeed do extra damage on the same attack, plus an additional effect.
$endgroup$
– V2Blast♦
6 hours ago