Abjuration Specialist Wizard with Bows/Crossbows?

[Citadel97501]

Hello all, I was just wondering if anyone has worked with a build that uses the Abjuration Specialist and some other ranged weapon such as a bow or crossbow? I know that a lot of people (including me) keep thinking sword and board for that sub-class through a multi-class, but I am kind of wondering if going the other route would be more efficient as you still don't have the real hit points of a fighter? (Yes I am considering RHP different than THP).

It also seems like it would save some spell slots and action economy by not having to deal with the more routine attacks from melee range.

[djreynolds]

Sure, sometimes stuff resists firebolt. If you have a high dex, it's good to have a bow.

Especially if you buffing team mates, and are lingering in the back.

Make sure to grab some spells that attack wisdom, hypnotic wave is great

[LudicSavant]

Hello all, I was just wondering if anyone has worked with a build that uses the Abjuration Specialist and some other ranged weapon such as a bow or crossbow? I know that a lot of people (including me) keep thinking sword and board for that sub-class through a multi-class, but I am kind of wondering if going the other route would be more efficient as you still don't have the real hit points of a fighter? (Yes I am considering RHP different than THP).

It also seems like it would save some spell slots and action economy by not having to deal with the more routine attacks from melee range.

1) You actually do have the hit points of a Fighter. Better, actually. The Abjurer's ward more than makes up the difference between the Fighter's HD and the Wizard's. And it has to deplete before THP does.

2) A ranged weapon is pretty good in the early levels, but tends to get outscaled by cantrips in the later levels. The reason sword and board doesn't suffer a similar fate is because of melee cantrips. To really bring the heat as an archer you need to be getting extra attacks and such.

3) If you're looking for a trick to boost your bow or crossbow and keep it relevant longer, consider putting your high Int score to work to milk creatures (or your familiar) for poisons, per the DMG rules.

[Vogie]

If I were doing this, I'd mix in 2 levels of Rogue for some additional damage and greater maneuverability.

[PeteNutButter]

The other reason people take a melee position with an Abjurer, is it's essentially free HP. Free HP doesn't do anything unless its taken away. It's a lot like a barbarian's rage. You are helping the team if you take the damage as the barbarian, because that's less actual HP that needs to be healed. The Ward can be refreshed fairly easily and if not, you are usually still primarily a wizard, so can then step back.

If you were to go a ranged route, you'd end up with a full arcane ward more often than not, making it pretty unnecessary. At that point, you'd probably be better off choosing a different subclass.

[solidork]

The other reason people take a melee position with an Abjurer, is it's essentially free HP. Free HP doesn't do anything unless its taken away. It's a lot like a barbarian's rage. You are helping the team if you take the damage as the barbarian, because that's less actual HP that needs to be healed. The Ward can be refreshed fairly easily and if not, you are usually still primarily a wizard, so can then step back.

If you were to go a ranged route, you'd end up with a full arcane ward more often than not, making it pretty unnecessary. At that point, you'd probably be better off choosing a different subclass.

Eventually they'll be able to use it to prevent damage that their allies take. That is how our Abjurer usually uses it.

Cantrips are just going to be more effective than a bow/crossbow after level 5.

[PeteNutButter]

Eventually they'll be able to use it to prevent damage that their allies take. That is how our Abjurer usually uses it.

Cantrips are just going to be more effective than a bow/crossbow after level 5.

True, but it is only once per round via eating your reaction, thus making you unable to toss out those amazing proficiency bonus counterspells. At this point you are just talking about a typical pure wizard build.

You're right. No reason to use weapons after level 5.

[solidork]

True, but it is only once per round via eating your reaction, thus making you unable to toss out those amazing proficiency bonus counterspells. At this point you are just talking about a typical pure wizard build.

True, you've got lots of competition for your reaction as an Abjurer. Our last session highlighted this when our Abjurer used Shield on himself and then couldn't absorb the legendary action tail slap that took our tank to 0. There was an ice troll poised to go for the execute, so it was a tense moment! Luckily our Sorcerer was able to dash in and quicken a firewall around him, killing the troll, and then I was able to use Healing Light to get him up.

[Talionis]

XgtE has Flame Arrow spell at level 3 spell. That combined with Crossbow Expert can help to get more than one attack and extra damage.

While Abjuration Ward is different than Temporary Hit Points, it can be a lot of extra Hit Points. Stacking Temporary Hit Points with the Ward can work well, but if you want to play a Wizard that attacks with a bow or crossbow, that will still be a very solid character that should be fun to play much of what Wizards do is not damage.... Have fun.

[Dark Schneider]

It is always a good option to carry a missile weapon with the wizard, it doesn't hurt. Be sure you get at least an attack cantrip, as they increase damage with level, and will be you main free attack option. If the creature has resistance/immunity to its damage, then you can use your weapon.

The main problem of crossbow is the weight, 5 pounds + ammunition. If you have base STR 8 be careful with encumbrance. And even worse, two-handed, so if you use it for attack in a rounds, you will not be able to cast on bonus action or reaction spells with S or M components, as they require a free hand, unless you have Warcaster feat.

If no Warcaster, sling seems a better option for ranged weapon when you can't use your cantrip.

And, False Life can be a good spell, granting extra temporal HP for yourself added to the Abjuration Ward protection. Always cast it with your higher slot level possible (think on your tactic to determine 1 slot you will not use) before a hard combat.

[Citadel97501]

And, False Life can be a good spell, granting extra temporal HP for yourself added to the Abjuration Ward protection. Always cast it with your higher slot level possible (think on your tactic to determine 1 slot you will not use) before a hard combat.

Well I had been under the impression that the Arcane Ward was THP and wouldn't stack but I just found some sage advice saying otherwise...Damn that is an improvement...

http://dnd.wizards.com/articles/features/sageadvice_july2015