The Shadow Blade Bladesinger: A Multiclass Marvel

In the world of Dungeons & Dragons, multiclassing is a powerful way to combine the strengths of multiple classes into one formidable character. The Shadow Blade Bladesinger is a prime example of this, combining the martial prowess of a Rogue with the magical abilities of a Wizard and the musical talents of a Bladesinger. In this article, we'll delve into the level-by-level progression of this build, exploring its unique features and strengths.

The first three levels are spent in Artificer (AT) mode, allowing us to access 1st level spells from the AT's selection. We choose utility 1st level spells, such as Elven Accuracy, which will grant our character advantage even more consistently than a normal Rogue. Additionally, Blade cantrip damage increases by 1d8, making up for some of the lost Sneak Attack damage.

As we reach Wizard level 4, we gain access to 2nd level spells, including Shadow Blade, which is crucial for this build. Most people will tell you to only dip 2 levels of BS on an AT, but this build takes it a step further, allowing us to access more 1st level spells and ritual casting.

Level 5 marks the beginning of our Wizard journey, where we gain Bladesong, a large part of the point of this build. We also pick up Blade cantrips, Shield, Find Familiar, and other utility spells. It's essential to keep WIS at +0 to avoid actively hurting important saves.

The next few levels are spent in Rogue mode, granting us proficiencies and Expertise. We also gain Cunning Action, allowing us to move around the battlefield with ease.

Our Wizard journey continues, where we access 3rd level spells and gain access to 3rd level spell slots. This is where the build really takes off, as we can now cast more powerful spells like Misty Step and Blindness/Deafness.

At the end of Tier 1, this build is 1d6 behind on Sneak Attack and behind one ASI in exchange for ritual casting and access to a lot more 1st level spells than an AT 4 would be. However, the benefits outweigh the costs, making it an attractive option for players who want a Rogue chassis with utility casting.

The optimal spread for this build is STR: 8 DEX: 17 CON: 15/14 INT: 16 WIS 8/10 CHA: 8. High Elf or Eladrin are necessary for this build due to perfect ASIs and access to the usually race-locked Bladesinger and Elven Accuracy.

In conclusion, the Shadow Blade Bladesinger is a unique multiclass build that combines the strengths of multiple classes into one formidable character. With its ability to cast powerful spells like Shadow Blade and access 3rd level spell slots, it's an attractive option for players who want a Rogue chassis with utility casting. Whether you're playing in an Underdark campaign or just looking for a new challenge, this build is definitely worth considering.

Shadow blade bladesinger