u/Kwiz777

Hello everyone, got two questions here regarding martials with cast capabilities and how they should build out their stats/attributes
For paladins, I always hear you should do +3 STR(or DEX) and +3 CHA, because aura good and spells might require good casting stat. For me, I build out characters using the standard array and the only way I know to do that is by having the stats both be 16’s, which mean no feat besides ASI at level 4 if you want 18 in either of those stats. GWM and Dual Wielder both are quite good, so why would you want to focus on some (imo) mediocre casting instead of just using smites or divine favor? The question to answer is the following; If you are using standard array and you wish to have +3 in STR and CHA for your aura’s and spells, will that be better than fully specializing into a martial play style using GWM or DW.

For the flip side, on EK is it worth trying to make Shillelagh on a quarterstaff work (generally means no shield because spellcasting rules), or should you just ignore it and have high STR/DEX for your attack stat?

Hello everyone! I have a Trickery Cleric in my 5.5e run of Rime of the Frostmaiden who follows Leira currently, although before she lost her memories to an overzealous ritual followed Cyric in Amn. I have basically decided to give her the choice between following Cyric for enchantment based rewards, and Leira for rewards based on Illusions. As per my last post, if she sacrifices a reward the party just gained to Cyric she’ll get a (extremely powerful) cantrip that replaces sacred flame. But now I want to see what she might gain if she sacrifices the reward to Leira. I don’t believe she’d get anything too good, because I don’t see Leira as a traitorous god like Cyric is. She’s far more a goddess that embodies lies and deception for a protective purpose, “cloud your true heart so it may never be hurt again” and “weave a world more fantastical that the truth” are defining ideas for Leira.

I was thinking either an INT save booming blade like spell, 60ft 1d8 on hit 1d8 if the move more than 15ft (20?, allow them to leave AOE’s) on their turn. That or at will Illusion Spells like silent image or disguise self (like the warlock invocations). Last idea was Improved Illusions (only minor illusion portion) from Illusionist Wizard (bonus action minor illusion, sound+image per casting). The new cantrip is the exact opposite of what she’d get if she sacrificed to Cyric, which is where I got the idea from.

Level 3 party of Trickery Cleric, Hell Knight (UA) Fighter, and Battle Smith Artificer (ranged weapon)

Hello everyone! I have a Trickery Cleric in my 5.5e run of Rime of the Frostmaiden who follows Leira currently, although before she lost her memories to an overzealous ritual followed Cyric in Amn. I have basically decided to give her the choice between following Cyric for enchantment based rewards, and Leira for rewards based on Illusions. As per my last post, if she sacrifices a reward the party just gained to Cyric she’ll get a (extremely powerful) cantrip that replaces sacred flame. But now I want to see what she might gain if she sacrifices the reward to Leira. I don’t believe she’d get anything too good, because I don’t see Leira as a traitorous god like Cyric is. She’s far more a goddess that embodies lies and deception for a protective purpose, “cloud your true heart so it may never be hurt again” and “weave a world more fantastical that the truth” are defining ideas for Leira.

I was thinking either an INT save booming blade like spell, 60ft 1d8 on hit 1d8 if the move more than 15ft (20?, allow them to leave AOE’s) on their turn. That or at will Illusion Spells like silent image or disguise self (like the warlock invocations). Last idea was Improved Illusions (only minor illusion portion) from Illusionist Wizard (bonus action minor illusion, sound+image per casting). The new cantrip is the exact opposite of what she’d get if she sacrificed to Cyric, which is where I got the idea from.

The player is quite new, so I want to reward her for doing a good job mechanics wise while not overloading her on options. She’s new to spellcasters and quite fearful of taking 45 minute turns. I’ve tried to reassure her but I think she’ll only feel at true peace when she feels like she’s played well and got rewarded for it. Let me be clear, I’ve talked a lot with her about us being good friends and how I’ve really enjoyed her character RP and gameplay so far.

Edit : Level 3 party of Trickery Cleric, Hell Knight (UA) Fighter, and Battle Smith Artificer (ranged weapon)