First optimization/build challenge for 5e -Build Battle

[PoeticDwarf]

Build Battle

Inspired by the challenges on the 3.5 forum, I'm making a challenge for 5e. Since there are less options here it is somewhat less about the power. Below what's needed to participate and the information about judges and theme.

Theme
For the first challenge, the theme is Underdark Hunter. Since Out of the Abyss is probably the most played campaign in 5e at the moment. For this challenge, you have to make a build that's made for fighting and being in the Underdark (yes, it is that simple). You don't need a prestige (sub) class like iron chef or two things as in yunkyard wars. It is just a build around a theme to keep options open, and with underdark hunter you can be pretty much every class.

What you need and what is allowed
Multiclassing and feats are allowed. Use 27 pointbuy for making the character. Anything published by WOTC is allowed, but put a link with it if it isn't in a published book.
Your build may use up to 3 uncommon, 2 rare and one very rare magic item. You don't need to have them, though. You won't get any penalty for using either all these magic items or using unearted arcana.

The build needs one specific thing or you get a huge penalty. The builds need the ability to cast the darkness spell, it doesn't matter how the spell is gained. You just need to have the ability to cast it.
The build has to be level 20

Judging and participating
If you want to participate, then send a personal message to me before my birthday, the 19th of March, on 12:00 (east coast, afternoon) with the build, background, fluff, and every note you want to add. I will then post the builds within a day of this wonderful moment and everyone who wants can Judge the builds till the 10th of April on 12:00 (east coast, afternoon). Everyone who participates and of course me may not judge.

In total 20 points can be given by the judges, at least 1 per part and up to 5 per part: 5 for Power, 5 for Theme, 5 for Orginality and 5 for Elegance
Power: This is about what the build can. It is not important that you have an extremly powerful build but it is important that you are useful. You need at least some tricks or combinations. You don't really need a high DPR but you do need a way to be useful in combat.
Theme Are you an Underdark Hunter, is this seen in your backstory and fluff (yes, you need those). Are the features and tactics good for in the Underdark?
Originality Is the build unique? For example: a level 20 Underdark Ranger won't get many points.
Elegance If you have a build with one level sorcerer for a feature you want, three ranger, 2 warlock, 3 fighter, 1 cleric and so on. You won't get many points here. How do you put your build together? Is it playable the whole time? Do the classes fit (for example, the tactic of your Underdark character is shooting with a bow for a reason, but it is just a wizard who refluffs its spells as if he shoots them, then you won't get many points. This wizard could with a good backstory still get some points, though).
So it is not just about making a strong build, it is more a build challenge than an optimization challenge. Backstory is important for Theme (and Elegance). PUT IT IN

There will be a first, second and third place and there will possibly be an honourable mention. A build that's so special you can't deny it. Send a PM to say who you think should get the mention. You are allowed to put pictures and stuff in the build, and some judges may give extra points for this.
At last, please make clear in what order you took the levels, what spells you took etc.


Note: please don't put your name in the build, since people and judges are not allowed to know who you are, and don't talk below to others about who had made which build

Read carefully and enjoy :D, have fun making the build

[ImSAMazing]

It's challenge, not challange, no offence, I just want to let you know how you spell it, since you made the mistake multiple times. Not trying to insult you or anything. Just trying to help.

But looks fun, I might participate.

Also, the Underdark is big. What place in the Underdark 'should your tactics be useful'? A big cave? A small tunnel? A lake? A lake full of crazy people, perhaps?

[PoeticDwarf]

It's challenge, not challange

But looks fun, I might participate.

Changed it. Sorry for my English again:smallbiggrin:

Glad you like it. Looking forward to your build then

[Oramac]

Just for clarity, we're to make a 20th level character? Also, I assume we're using the standard 27 point-buy (not a 33 point buy or 25 point or anything unusual).

[PoeticDwarf]

Just for clarity, we're to make a 20th level character? Also, I assume we're using the standard 27 point-buy (not a 33 point buy or 25 point or anything unusual).

Yes, level 20 and 27 pointbuy. Changed it in the post.

Also changed some English. Thanks to ImSAMazing for the PMs

[ImSAMazing]

I call dibs on Drizzt :smallcool: :smallbiggrin: :smallsigh:

[PoeticDwarf]

I call dibs on Drizzt :smallcool: :smallbiggrin: :smallsigh:

5 for everything and 4 originality . ImSAMazing just won:smallwink:

[Inevitability]

I have a concept in mind. Now to see if I can make it work...

[PoeticDwarf]

Also, the Underdark is big. What place in the Underdark 'should your tactics be useful'? A big cave? A small tunnel? A lake? A lake full of crazy people, perhaps?

The Underdark in general (dark place full of ceetain monsters etc.) and I think it's up to the judge to say what won't work. Not a specific place

[PoeticDwarf]

I have a concept in mind. Now to see if I can make it work...

Mays the odds be ever in your favor!:smallbiggrin:
(I think that's the only English quote I know that sounds better in Dutch)

[ImSAMazing]

The Underdark in general (dark place full of ceetain monsters etc.) and I think it's up to the judge to say what won't work. Not a specific place

The Underdark exists out of many connected caves. Saying the Underdark in general is like saying your destination is somewhere on earth.

[PoeticDwarf]

The Underdark exists out of many connected caves. Saying the Underdark in general is like saying your destination is somewhere on earth.
Well, that's at least something...
Tunnels and caves. They look different. But saying woods and grasslands is also specific enough. Woods are different from each other!

[woodlandkammao]

So you lose originality points for going a straight class and elegance points if you multiclass? This is an optimization problem in itself.

[PoeticDwarf]

So you lose originality points for going a straight class and elegance points if you multiclass? This is an optimization problem in itself.

No. You lose elegenace if you multiclass into like 10 classes. 10/10 or 5/8/7 is perfect.
Furtherly, you only lose points if you go in a typicaly class without variation. Full death cleric for example CAN be many points

There is dipping to get a specific feature and multiclassing.

There is going for the stereotype and going full class

[ImSAMazing]

No. You lose elegenace if you multiclass into like 10 classes. 10/10 or 5/8/7 is perfect.
Furtherly, you only lose points if you go in a typicaly class without variation. Full death cleric for example CAN be many points

There isn't much variaton in 5th edition.

[PoeticDwarf]

There isn't much variaton in 5th edition.
What is much? There is enough

[TheTeaMustFlow]

...Huh, darkness is actually quite a bit rarer than I thought. As far as I can see, it's only on the Warlock and Wizard list. Though of course there's always being a Drow.

Incidentally, can the build be specialised towards surviving in a particular area of the Underdark - say, Menzobarrazan?

[PoeticDwarf]

...Huh, darkness is actually quite a bit rarer than I thought. As far as I can see, it's only on the Warlock and Wizard list. Though of course there's always being a Drow.

Incidentally, can the build be specialised towards surviving in a particular area of the Underdark - say, Menzobarrazan?

You may make a build that's related to Menzobarranzan and that works best there. Or in any specific place in the underdark

Note: it is also on the sorcerer spell list

[lordshadowisle]

...Huh, darkness is actually quite a bit rarer than I thought. As far as I can see, it's only on the Warlock and Wizard list. Though of course there's always being a Drow.


Well, to be pedantic, actually most classes have access to darkness!

Classes with full access to darkness:
Sorcerer
Warlock
Wizard
Bard (magical secrets)

Classes with partial access (some subclasses) to darkness:
Druid (Swamp Circle)
Fighter (Eldritch Knight)
Monk (Way of Shadow)
Paladin (Oathbreaker)
Rogue (Arcane Trickster)

For the classes with no access to darkness (Barbarian, Cleric, Ranger), they can always multiclass or be a drow or tiefling or half-drow (SCAG).

It'll be quite interesting, though, to use all of the above classes with darkness!

[Belac93]

Hmm. Never done this before, but I'll think up something.

[TheTeaMustFlow]

Well, to be pedantic, actually most classes have access to darkness!

Classes with full access to darkness:
Sorcerer
Warlock
Wizard
Bard (magical secrets)

Classes with partial access (some subclasses) to darkness:
Druid (Swamp Circle)
Fighter (Eldritch Knight)
Monk (Way of Shadow)
Paladin (Oathbreaker)
Rogue (Arcane Trickster)

For the classes with no access to darkness (Barbarian, Cleric, Ranger), they can always multiclass or be a drow or tiefling or half-drow (SCAG).

It'll be quite interesting, though, to use all of the above classes with darkness!

...Well, that shows what I know. Face, meet palm.

[PoeticDwarf]

Oh, a progression table could help. Think I forgot that

[PoeticDwarf]

Although there are already several people who are going to attend or even sent a build to me already. I think nobody has a reason to react so many people are not going to read it if I don't bump this up a bit. Otherwise there are going to be enough builds but 4-5 is not many if you can get 8.

[ravenkith]

Not that I have time to be involved in anything specific......but if you aren't picking up devil's sight, you are doing this challenge wrong.

Most of my knowledge about the underdark comes from the Drizzt books - and it seemed like the major problems in those books (especially when Drizzt was off alone) were dealing with the ever present darkness, then finding food and water (as most sources of both were usually highly likely to lead to extremely dangerous encounters), followed quickly by SAFE shelter. Oh then of course, there's dealing with/avoiding the super dangerous random mobs that you will inevitably have pop up. Long term, loneliness also becomes a massive issue: must have someone you can have a conversation with, for sanity's sake.

So at a bare minimum, you need: Darkvision, Light, Food, Water, Shelter, Entertainment and companionship.

Given that we are starting at 20th, none of these things is particularly problematic, in and of themselves, but putting them all on one character becomes the issue.

As stated before, Warlock 2 is practically a must.

In order to satisfy all of these needs, you are probably looking at one of four builds:

Warlock 2/Cleric 18
Warlock 2/Druid 18
Warlock 2/Wizard 18
Warlock 2/Bard 18

The one probably most likely to survive is druid, as it has access to pass without trace, which could be a massive difference maker in the stealth-friendly underdark.

Just saying.

[Giant2005]

I would enter this if not for the fact that you are allowing Unearthed Arcana material. Some of that stuff is the most OP homebrew out there and really ruins the challenge.

[PoeticDwarf]

Not that I have time to be involved in anything specific......but if you aren't picking up devil's sight, you are doing this challenge wrong.

Most of my knowledge about the underdark comes from the Drizzt books - and it seemed like the major problems in those books (especially when Drizzt was off alone) were dealing with the ever present darkness, then finding food and water (as most sources of both were usually highly likely to lead to extremely dangerous encounters), followed quickly by SAFE shelter. Oh then of course, there's dealing with/avoiding the super dangerous random mobs that you will inevitably have pop up. Long term, loneliness also becomes a massive issue: must have someone you can have a conversation with, for sanity's sake.

So at a bare minimum, you need: Darkvision, Light, Food, Water, Shelter, Entertainment and companionship.

Given that we are starting at 20th, none of these things is particularly problematic, in and of themselves, but putting them all on one character becomes the issue.

As stated before, Warlock 2 is practically a must.

In order to satisfy all of these needs, you are probably looking at one of four builds:

Warlock 2/Cleric 18
Warlock 2/Druid 18
Warlock 2/Wizard 18
Warlock 2/Bard 18

The one probably most likely to survive is druid, as it has access to pass without trace, which could be a massive difference maker in the stealth-friendly underdark.

Just saying.
It is pretty strong indeed. But you won't get all originality points and it just gives power. It does help your character a lot but isn't the only way

The ones you say are very good options, but of course not the only ones

[TheTeaMustFlow]

Not that I have time to be involved in anything specific......but if you aren't picking up devil's sight, you are doing this challenge wrong.

Most of my knowledge about the underdark comes from the Drizzt books - and it seemed like the major problems in those books (especially when Drizzt was off alone) were dealing with the ever present darkness, then finding food and water (as most sources of both were usually highly likely to lead to extremely dangerous encounters), followed quickly by SAFE shelter. Oh then of course, there's dealing with/avoiding the super dangerous random mobs that you will inevitably have pop up. Long term, loneliness also becomes a massive issue: must have someone you can have a conversation with, for sanity's sake.

So at a bare minimum, you need: Darkvision, Light, Food, Water, Shelter, Entertainment and companionship.

Given that we are starting at 20th, none of these things is particularly problematic, in and of themselves, but putting them all on one character becomes the issue.

As stated before, Warlock 2 is practically a must.

In order to satisfy all of these needs, you are probably looking at one of four builds:

Warlock 2/Cleric 18
Warlock 2/Druid 18
Warlock 2/Wizard 18
Warlock 2/Bard 18

The one probably most likely to survive is druid, as it has access to pass without trace, which could be a massive difference maker in the stealth-friendly underdark.

Just saying.

Yeah, the first build I thought of was a Warlock build (Undying Light, specifically). Problem is, warlock spell list is so freaking short, it's really hard to make it distinctive.

[ravenkith]

It is pretty strong indeed. But you won't get all originality points and it just gives power. It does help your character a lot but isn't the only way

The ones you say are very good options, but of course not the only ones

No, you can build whatever you like.

However, in terms of being able to survive the underdark with relative ease and still stay sane, the four stubs I mentioned are where it's at. They cover the need to have darkvision 24/7 (with 120 ft range, double that of most races), while also providing access to sources of food and water, secure shelter, and sanity-protecting summons (nothing says you have to use your summons for combat: as long as you have a shared language and a persuasion check, there is very little you can't get them to do). There are very few situations these builds can get into that they can't get themselves out of, with the proper spell selection.

A straight fighter - or pretty much any class without full spellcasting - is going to be at a terrible disadvantage when it comes to surviving in the underdark. Just too many ways for things to go wrong. Hell, even drow patrols into the wilds of the underdark had mandatory participation of wizards and clerics, and they're pretty high on the food chain down there.

The originality of the builds would have to come in terms of race selection, feat selection, background and spell selections.

For instance: I would be inclined to try to fit Mask of many faces, perhaps combined with actor, somewhere into the build - possibly combined with the Charlatan background's 'false identity' feature - to set up access to at least one of the underground cities (two if you are clever about actual race selection).

Perhaps your character hunts the underdark for rare minerals, spell components and poisons and trades them at whichever city values such things most highly....

[Inevitability]

I would enter this if not for the fact that you are allowing Unearthed Arcana material. Some of that stuff is the most OP homebrew out there and really ruins the challenge.

Are you talking about the same UA? It's not homebrew, it's WotC material, just not official.

[Giant2005]

Are you talking about the same UA? It's not homebrew, it's WotC material, just not official.

WotC's homebrew is still homebrew.
My objection to WotC's homebrew is that although player-made homebrew can often just be an attempt at sneaking something ludicrously powerful past their DM, some players still do actively strive to balance their stuff. WotC however have the design philosophy of: build something flavorsome and powerful, and tone it down later. They intentionally make it OP because they prefer to tone things down rather than beef them up. That is why everything that has gone from UA to official, and even the things that have gone through a second revision (the mystic), have all been seriously toned down in their later versions. WotC's homebrew is OP by design, and that is why it shouldn't be included in any competition (and also why it isn't included in AL).

[PoeticDwarf]

WotC's homebrew is still homebrew.
My objection to WotC's homebrew is that although player-made homebrew can often just be an attempt at sneaking something ludicrously powerful past their DM, some players still do actively strive to balance their stuff. WotC however have the design philosophy of: build something flavorsome and powerful, and tone it down later. They intentionally make it OP because they prefer to tone things down rather than beef them up. That is why everything that has gone from UA to official, and even the things that have gone through a second revision (the mystic), have all been seriously toned down in their later versions. WotC's homebrew is OP by design, and that is why it shouldn't be included in any competition (and also why it isn't included in AL).
Of course you should know yourself if you compete. But most people aren't even going to use UA and even then it's not only about power. You can become a mystic, but why a mystic in the underdark, and if you don't optimise the mystic it is just decent. You have more to do if you use some of the UA material in fact

[PoeticDwarf]

No, you can build whatever you like.

However, in terms of being able to survive the underdark with relative ease and still stay sane, the four stubs I mentioned are where it's at. They cover the need to have darkvision 24/7 (with 120 ft range, double that of most races), while also providing access to sources of food and water, secure shelter, and sanity-protecting summons (nothing says you have to use your summons for combat: as long as you have a shared language and a persuasion check, there is very little you can't get them to do). There are very few situations these builds can get into that they can't get themselves out of, with the proper spell selection.

A straight fighter - or pretty much any class without full spellcasting - is going to be at a terrible disadvantage when it comes to surviving in the underdark. Just too many ways for things to go wrong. Hell, even drow patrols into the wilds of the underdark had mandatory participation of wizards and clerics, and they're pretty high on the food chain down there.

The originality of the builds would have to come in terms of race selection, feat selection, background and spell selections.

For instance: I would be inclined to try to fit Mask of many faces, perhaps combined with actor, somewhere into the build - possibly combined with the Charlatan background's 'false identity' feature - to set up access to at least one of the underground cities (two if you are clever about actual race selection).

Perhaps your character hunts the underdark for rare minerals, spell components and poisons and trades them at whichever city values such things most highly....
Well, then make one of those, see what the judges think. It are some nice ideas

[PoeticDwarf]

Two weeks left. Are there questions or suggestions? There are still builds needed !

[GoldenDwarf]

Sounds interesting.

[PoeticDwarf]

Thank you

One weak left

[PoeticDwarf]

I got two builds pretty early and after that nothing. Sadly, there was way less interest than I'd though there would be but it can happen of course and I'll just post this build (also for judging). Maybe it wasn't time yet, I just thought more people would want to compete but well. Maybe is this something for in about a year:smallbiggrin:

So I will post the two builds when I'm not on my mobile phone. It's unfortunate there were just two people but I think it could he a bit early indeed

[PoeticDwarf]

I got two builds pretty early and after that nothing. Sadly, there was way less interest than I'd though there would be but it can happen of course and I'll just post this build (also for judging). Maybe it wasn't time yet, I just thought more people would want to compete but well. Maybe is this something for in about a year:smallbiggrin:

So I will post the two builds when I'm not on my mobile phone. It's unfortunate there were just two people but I think it could he a bit early indeed

It's also a bit strange because I got several PMs with questions but as I said, it happens and it something for later to do it again

[PoeticDwarf]

Here's the first one! No name included.

Classes: Sorcerer 20.
Race: Drow.
Background Criminal
Ability scores
STR 8
CON 12
DEX 18
INT 10
WIS 14
CHA 20

Feats Warcaster, Resilient (Wisdom)


Sorcerous Origin (Shadow)
Spellcasting
Font of Magic (20 sorcery points, flexible casting)
Metamagic (Extended spell, Subtle spell, Distant spell, Quickened spell.)
Sorcerous Restoration After a short rest, if you have no sorcery points remaining, you regain 4 sorcery points



Shadow origin
Eyes of the Dark You have darkvision with a range of 60 feet. You can cast darkness by spending 1 sorcery point. You can see through any darkness spell you cast using this ability.

Strength of the Grave Whenever damage reduces you to 0 hit points, you can make a Constitution saving throw (DC 5 + the damage taken). On a success, you instead drop to 1 hit point. You cannot use this feature if you are reduced to 0 hit points by radiant damage or by a critical hit.

Hound of Ill Omen As a bonus action, you can spend 3 sorcery points to summon a hound of ill omen to target one creature you can see. The hound uses a dire wolf’s statistics with the following changes:
• The hound is size Medium.
• It can move through other creatures and objects
as if they were difficult terrain. The hound takes 5 force damage if it ends its turn inside an object.
At the start of its turn, the hound automatically knows its target’s location. If the target was hidden, it is no longer hidden from the hound.
The hound appears in an unoccupied space of your choice within 30 feet of the target. Roll initiative for the hound. On its turn, it can move only toward its target by the most direct route, and it can use its action only to attack its target. The hound makes opportunity attacks, but only against its target. Additionally, the target has disadvantage on all saving throws against your spells while the hound is within 5 feet of it. The hound disappears if it is reduced to 0 hit points, if its target is reduced to 0 hit points, or after 5 minutes.

Shadow Walk When you are in dim light or darkness, as a bonus action, you can teleport up to 120 feet to an unoccupied space you can see that is also in dim light or darkness.

Shadow Form You can spend 3 sorcery points to transform yourself into a shadow form as a bonus action. In this form, you have resistance to all damage except force damage, and you can move through other creatures and objects as if they were difficult terrain. You take 5 force damage if you end your turn inside an object. You remain in this form for 1 minute.



Darkvision 120 feet
Sunlight Sensitivity
Drow Magic
Drow Weapon Training



AC 14 (mage armor 17, shield +5)
Trained Saving Throws: Constitution +7, Charisma +11, Wisdom +8
Skills
Deception +11
Stealth +10
Intimidation +11
Arcana +6




Spell save DC: 19 Spell attack bonus: +11
Cantrips
Ray of Frost
Minor Illusion
Chill Touch
Prestidigitation
Mage Hand
Message
Level 1 Spells 4 slots
Disguise Self
Mage Armor
Shield
Level 2 Spells 3 slots
Darkness
Mirror Image
Level 3 Spells 3 slots
Slow
Fear
Level 4 Spells 3 slots
Greater Invisibility
Confusion
Level 5 Spells 3 slots
Hold Monster
Wall of Stone
Level 6 Spells 2 slots
Disintegrate
Level 7 Spells 2 slots
Finger of Death
Level 8 Spells 1 slot
Dominate Monster
Level 9 Spells 1 slot
Time Stop
Once per day spells
Darkness
Faerie Fire



The duergar before you takes another drink of his ale, his fevered eyes darting back and forth between shadows.

"I always thought he was just a myth, y'know? Not real. Just a story, to scare us when we were children." He says, "But we were wrong," he laughs, slightly manically. "We were so wrong. Have you heard the story? I'll tell it to you.

Ye see, there once was a very young drow child. We duergar kept him as a slave. Like we would any other elf. But that boy wasn't right. He was touched. Like, by the power of darkness itself. He could create it, deeper than most drow, and stronger. Eventually he managed to escape.

But here's the strange part. We couldn't catch him. We would go for him, and be driven back. Sometimes it was dogs, made of shadow. Other times he simply wasn't there. He couldn't be caught, couldn't be stopped, and couldn't even be found.

He ran off eventually, but our mother used to tell us he would be waiting outside our rooms if we went out at night.

We went out, me an me buddies. We was jus' gonna have some fun, minin' out some ore, having a few drinks. But then he struck.

It was like a nightmare. Shadows, shadows, and more shadows. Some of them got inside my friends head, made him turn on us. And throughout the whole thing, we didn't see, hear, or feel him. It was if he wasn't even there.

When all me buddies were dead, and I was held helpless be the shadows, he appears. A skinny, tall drow. An he says to me 'warn your folk that I am coming. As revenge for all those years ago.' An then he disappears again, behind more bloody' shadows. An we is doomed, I tell ya. He wont stop."

You contemplate for a moment, and then drop your disguise. The duergar scream, crawling into a corner.

"Yes, me." You say. "And I will not stop. Not until you and your whole race are wiped out. Die now."

As you leave, you hear the satisfying crunching noises from the tavern.

It is good to be back. You think, as you fade into the shadows. Back to the hunt.


It was a bit more clear, but everything that was in bold is gone:smalleek: ???

[PoeticDwarf]

Race: Svirfneblin
Class: Fighter (Eldritch Knight) 20
Background: Urchin
Abilities: Str 8, Dex 20, Con 14, Int 20, Wis 10, Cha 10
Skills: Acrobatics +11, Perception +7, Sleight of Hand +11, Stealth +11
Feats: Crossbow Expert (4), Sharpshooter (6), Resilient Wis (14)

Racial Abilities:
Superior Darkvision. Your darkvision has a radius of 120 feet.
Gnome Cunning. You have advantage on all Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against magic.
Stone Camouflage. You have advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks to hide in rocky terrain.
Languages. You can speak, read, and write Common, Gnomish, and Undercommon.

Spells: expeditious retreat, mage armor, protection from good and evil, shield; darkness, mirror image, continual flame, shatter; fireball, haste, lightning bolt; fireshield, greater invisibility

Attacks (5): +11 to hit; 1d6+18 piercing
Armor Class: 20 (Mage Armor 13, +5 Dex, +2 Bracers of Defense)
Saves: Str +5, Dex +5, Con +8, Int +5, Wis +6, Cha +0 (Adv. on Int, Wis, Cha saves vs. magic)

Magic Items: Boots of Elvenkind, Broom of Flying, Efficient Quiver, Bracers of Defense*, Cube of Force*, Hand Crossbow +3

* Requires Attunement

Background:
Mazzle was orphaned during the drow assault on Blingdenstone, but rather than retreating with the masses of refugees to Mithral Hall and Silverymoon, Mazzle remained behind, haunting the fallen city like a ghost in the ruins.

Using a hand crossbow recovered from the corpse of a drow warrior, Mazzle survived by hunting vermin in the dark places. He also scavenged the ruins for items of utility and value, among which were minor tomes of magic that had either escaped the notice of the pillaging drow or been dismissed as worthless. They were not worthless to Mazzle. He began to study them during the endless hours of solitude to which he had been consigned. He wasn’t able to learn enough to become a true wizard, but in time, he discovered that the few spells he learned complimented his increasingly deadly skill with the crossbow.

As he grew into adulthood, Mazzle began to hunt a different kind of vermin, striking quickly and silently at drow patrols and outposts before vanishing once more into the trackless warrens of the Underdark.

Mazzle lacks social skills due to his long isolation, but he isn’t antisocial. He’s slow to trust simply because he hasn’t found many friends during his solitary crusade against the drow, but he’s awkwardly outgoing, empathetic and loyal to those he does befriend.

Concept and Tactics:
Mazzle has an excellent mix of offensive and defensive capabilities. He combines top-tier ranged DPR with 120-ft. darkvision. His stone camouflage and boots of elvenkind provide Advantage on Dexterity (Stealth) checks in rocky terrain and when moving silently, which should combine for near-permanent stealth advantage in the Underdark. He ignores all but total cover, ignores range penalties, and can use his crossbow in melee. He has Int 20 and spells such as shatter, fireball, and lightning bolt to give him some credible AOE capability, which is typically a weakness for fighters.

Defensively, Mazzle has AC 20 combined with defensive spells such as mirror image and shield. He has strong saves across the board, with the exception of Charisma, and he has Advantage on Int, Wis and Cha saves vs. magic. The cube of force is a potent defensive item. Mazzle can block out melee attackers (without reach) and shoot his enemies with impunity. Or he can block out spells and fire away with his crossbow. Or he can block out physical ranged attacks, while attacking his enemies with spells. Mazzle can also boost his already formidable offense and defense with haste and greater invisibility. His primary role in a party is obviously combat, and DPR specifically, but his stealth capability and extended darkvision also make him a competent Underdark scout and infiltrator.

Again, all the bold text is no longer bold, which is a bit strange.