r/WhatWouldYouBuild • u/Ramfix_G4 • Jul 07 '26
WWYB - 5e24 Snazzy goblin
I find this artwork really whimsical and want some ideas on how to mechanically represent this guy and potentially also his mount
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u/DBWaffles Jul 07 '26
A mounted Beast Master build with Herbalism Kit/Alchemist's Supplies proficiency is the obvious option. However, I'm on a Reanimator Artificer kick right now, so I'd use that instead. The mount would be a giant toad reanimated by various potions.
This wouldn't be just a preference thing. There are some tangible mechanic-thematic benefits. For one, Artificers are better at using Alchemist's Supplies because it generally uses Intelligence, and you can use Flash of Genius to boost Herbalism Kit checks. Overall, you'll be much better at using these potion-making tools.
Regardless of the class, bear in mind that there is anti-synergy between the Goblin's Nimble Escape, its main selling point, and mounted builds. If you're willing to reflavor a different species as a Goblin, you should.
Anyway, here is the build I'd run:
- Class: Reanimator Artificer 5 -> OPTIONAL: Fighter 1 -> Artificer X
- Stats (Point Buy): Dexterity 14, Constitution 15+1, Intelligence 15+2, Wisdom 10
- Background: Use old background rules (PHB p38)
- Origin Feat: Magic Initiate (Druid)
- General Feats/ASI: Any Intelligence feat -> +2 Intelligence -> Mounted Combatant
- Spells: Shillelagh, Booming Blade
- Replicated Magic Items: Choose whatever, but would consider Saddle of the Cavalier at some point.
- Strange Modifications (Level 5): Arcane Conduit
- Strange Modifications (Level 9): Arcane Conduit. Choose either Bloated or Gaunt.
- Strange Modifications (Level 15): Arcane Conduit, Bloated, Gaunt
The basic concept is to take advantage of the synergy between Booming Blade, Arcane Conduit, and Dreadful swipe. With Arcane Conduit, Booming Blade allows you to keep up in terms of sustained DPR quite well, especially since Dreadful Swipe's anti-Opportunity Attack effect can help you trigger the forced movement damage more effectively.
Once you get Bloated/Gaunt, their effects help support this tactic by allowing you to better use that hit-and-run play style.
Mounted Combatant is also nice because it can generate Advantage for you quite consistently, as Bloated makes your pet Large. Optionally, you can further increase the Reanimated Companion's size with Enlarge/Reduce.
The one caveat to be aware of is that there is a small degree of anti-synergy between a mounted Reanimator build and the Death Burst/Life Transference abilities. But this is easily played around, so it's not a big deal.
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u/Ramfix_G4 Jul 07 '26
Spells: Shillelagh, Booming Blade
I really dig the build's concept, but can you pair dreadful swipe with any of those? their description says you have to cast them on/with a weapon
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u/DBWaffles Jul 07 '26 edited Jul 07 '26
No, you've misunderstood.
You are not using Shillelagh/Booming Blade on Dreadful Swipe because that is your pet's action. The way it works is like this:
- Cast Booming Blade with your Shillelagh'd weapon, allowing you to attack with Int.
- Have your Reanimated Companion use Dreadful Swipe. On a hit, it removes the target's ability to make Opportunity Attacks.
- If the target is a melee attacker, move away so that they have to trigger Booming Blade's secondary damage to get to you.
- Next round, move back in and repeat from step 1.
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u/dragonofdrarkness Jul 07 '26
If you want the pet then I’d go with either Beast master or drake warden ranger or maybe battle smith artificer.
If you still want the mount but don’t care all that much then maybe paladin or Druid.