I want to build a better melee monster

[NumberKruncher]

I don't mean the monster enemy type, I mean a dominant PC melee focused warrior who is just a DPS machine.

My games usually end around level 11. We use point buy and Adventurers League rules (though it is a home brewed game). What do you guys suggest?

I was original thinking just Fighter 11, as the "capstone" would be a third attack. But now I'm thinking a Fighter 3/ Paladin 6/ Barbarian might be better. I'm not sure. Any help you guys have would be appreciated. Thanks!

[awaken_D_M_golem]

 

Stats via Rolling or Standard Array or Point Buy ?

... and Race ?

[SorO_Lost]

You really can't beat Extra Attack(3) & Action Boost through Rogue's double dice damage for Surprise will try. So if you're considering dipping, you're wanting defense.

Both the Paladin and Barbarian are pretty defensive classes, between them I'd go with the Barb is good for bursts with it's Rage defense but Paladin is a little more constant. Even when it runs out of spell's it's base traits are higher than an un-raged Barbarian. So it's kind of a choice of play style, or as you're looking at try to balance all three.

[NumberKruncher]

Stats via Rolling or Standard Array or Point Buy ?

... and Race ?

Point Buy. I prefer Dwarf, but I'm open to anything for race. I understand Half Orc and Variant Human are very good choices.

[NumberKruncher]

You really can't beat Extra Attack(3) & Action Boost through Rogue's double dice damage for Surprise will try. So if you're considering dipping, you're wanting defense.

Both the Paladin and Barbarian are pretty defensive classes, between them I'd go with the Barb is good for bursts with it's Rage defense but Paladin is a little more constant. Even when it runs out of spell's it's base traits are higher than an un-raged Barbarian. So it's kind of a choice of play style, or as you're looking at try to balance all three.

hmmmm, so even if I don't dip, your advice is a level 11 Fighter (because of the 3rd attack). Interesting.

[sambojin]

Fighter (BM) 5, Rogue (Assassin) 5, Cleric (War) 1?

With feint, riposte and precision for the superiority options to keep damage pumping for a few turns. Feint also gives SA (3d6). War gives you bless for hitting and guidance (for pre-fight initiative). Expertise on Athletics in case grappling occurs.

Not exactly well rounded, MAD as hell, but it is pretty damagey and quite fluid in combat (bonus dashes, choose different superiority options if wanted, etc). Reaction attacks aren't horrible with riposte either.

Pretty nova'y, but you've still got SA to fall back on, even when all your other resources are gone. Pair it with Variant Human for a combat feat and it might be nice. Not the highest DPS, but heaps of options of how to do the damage, and a couple of other things to do than just meathead your way through stuff.

[sambojin]

Hmmm, another.....

Variant Human
Magical Initiate (Warlock), Hex, Create Bonfire, Eldritch Blast.
Fighter (Eldritch Knight) 11.
Grease,  Mage Hand, whatever cantrip and evo/abj spells you wish. Sub out Grease for Expeditious Retreat if you feel like you'd rather move than stop your enemies moving, but it's concentration. Grease isn't.

Three attacks, all affected by Hex. Or three Eldritch Blasts and an attack. Longbow for range, big melee sword or maul for in close, bonded so they're always on call.

Lock them down with grease or keep them away with bonfire and mage handed oil/caltrops/ball bearings (ten pounds is a big container of any of these things. Dropping/pouring isn't an attack, so mage hand does it fine from 15' in the air. Multiple loads in one bag/bottle, or one big load? Ask your DM).

Assuming all attacks hit and no resistance. Not including stat or other bonuses (or proficiency/combat style/feat stuff):
3x(2d6+d6) normal melee with Hex.
3x(1d10+d6)+1d8+d6 with Eldritch Blast and a Longbow shot, Hexxed ranged attacking.
So, basic 31.5 average melee, 35 average ranged. Normal "reasonable" DPS at this level, so go from there. Remember, no stat or feat bonuses included, so you're base "good'ish" to begin with. With some other stuff to do as well.

Action Surges, spells, etc for more burst whenever needed. Bounce hex until combat ends, then bounce it with disadvantaged "whatever" on the first person you meet afterwards. Probably Dex so your BFC works up until that point, but Char/Wis (talky/perception) isn't bad to have disadvantaged if you're just using Hex for damage boost.

Mage hand caltrops and ball bearings whenever possible, or flammable oil for some slotless BFC. And plus to hit attack against prone targets. Grease if you've got to.

Nice continuous DPS as standard, melee or ranged. And plenty of defense or burst through spell slots.

Grab a combat feat or two along the way and you're set (-5 to hit, +10 damage, I'm looking at you). Or commit a great evil, possibly elemental, and pair it with a birdman instead of a human. And have not rocks fall from the ceiling, but from the very sky itself. Because no-one likes a smart alec.

[awaken_D_M_golem]

I could see Grease + druid's Thorn Whip cantrip, also working.
Though now that needs either Warlock 1 or Druid 1.


The spell lists that Leugren back at wotc, made for EK
doesn't break down into Caster Stat vs. No Caster Stat.
He has the EK basic list, and a No Stat and a Partial Stat
lists for Wizard (which is almost close enough).

Anyway, trying to get a decent Int score xOR not,
changes the stat distribution by quite a bit.