Understanding the Sorcadin
A Sorcadin is a multiclass character combining Paladin and Sorcerer levels. This blend aims to leverage the Paladin's Divine Smite ability with the Sorcerer's larger pool of spell slots and versatile Metamagic, creating a potent melee combatant with significant burst damage potential and spellcasting utility.
Core Strengths
- Exceptional Burst Damage: Utilizes Sorcerer spell slots to fuel numerous Divine Smites, leading to high nova damage.
- Charisma Synergy: Both classes benefit significantly from a high Charisma score, impacting spellcasting, Paladin auras, and social skills.
- Enhanced Spellcasting: Gains access to a wider array of spells and higher-level spell slots than a pure Paladin, along with Sorcerer Metamagic options like Quicken Spell or Twinned Spell.
- Strong Defenses: Can wear heavy armor (if Paladin is the starting class or proficiency is gained) and benefits from Paladin auras, particularly Aura of Protection at Paladin level 6.
Common Weaknesses
- Delayed Progression: Key features from both classes are acquired later than a single-classed character. For example, higher-level spells or Paladin auras come online slower.
- Multiple Ability Score Dependency (MAD): While Charisma is primary, Strength (or Dexterity for finesse builds) is needed for weapon attacks, and Constitution is important for hit points and concentration. This can stretch ability points thin.
- Fewer Feats/ASIs: Multiclassing typically results in fewer opportunities for Ability Score Increases or feat selections compared to a single class.
Popular Level Splits
- Paladin 2 / Sorcerer 10: This split prioritizes Sorcerer spellcasting progression and Metamagic. The two Paladin levels provide Divine Smite, heavy armor proficiency (if started Paladin), and a Fighting Style. Focus is on using high-level Sorcerer slots for potent Smites.
- Paladin 6 (or 7) / Sorcerer 6 (or 5): This build secures the powerful Aura of Protection (Paladin 6), significantly boosting saving throws for the character and nearby allies. Some Paladin oaths grant an additional aura at level 7, making it an attractive breakpoint. The remaining levels in Sorcerer provide additional spell slots and Metamagic.
Key Subclass Choices
Paladin Oaths
- Oath of Vengeance: Vow of Enmity provides reliable advantage against a single target, excellent for ensuring Smites hit.
- Oath of Devotion: Sacred Weapon allows Charisma to be added to attack rolls, increasing accuracy.
- Oathbreaker: Aura of Hate adds Charisma modifier to damage for the Paladin and nearby undead/fiends. Can be powerful but potentially harms certain party compositions.
Sorcerer Origins
- Draconic Bloodline: Offers bonus hit points and, later, added elemental damage corresponding to draconic ancestry, which can synergize with certain weapon enchantments or spells.
- Storm Sorcery: Provides Tempestuous Magic for bonus action flight after casting a leveled spell, enhancing mobility.
- Wild Magic: Introduces randomness but Tides of Chaos can grant advantage, and Bend Luck can influence rolls.
Stat Priorities & Feats
Primary Stats: Charisma is paramount for spellcasting, Smites (if using spells that trigger them or certain item effects), and Paladin auras. Strength (for most melee weapons) or Dexterity (for finesse weapons) is crucial for attack and damage rolls. Constitution is vital for hit points and maintaining concentration on spells.
Key Feats:
- Great Weapon Master: For two-handed weapon users, offering a significant damage boost at the cost of accuracy, mitigatable by advantage or attack roll bonuses.
- Polearm Master: Provides a bonus action attack with polearms, increasing damage output and Smite opportunities.
- Savage Attacker: Allows rerolling weapon damage dice, increasing average damage, especially beneficial with multiple dice from Smites.
- Alert: A +5 bonus to initiative is invaluable for acting early in combat.
- Ability Score Increases: Boosting Charisma to its maximum is often a top priority.
- War Caster: Advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration and the ability to cast certain spells as opportunity attacks. More valuable if relying on concentration spells.
Gameplay & Role
The Sorcadin typically excels as a frontline or near-frontline damage dealer and secondary support. Their primary combat loop often involves attacking and using Divine Smite on critical hits or against high-priority targets. Sorcerer spells provide versatility for ranged attacks, area control, buffs, or utility. Metamagic, especially Quicken Spell, can allow for potent action economy, such as casting a spell and making a weapon attack in the same turn.
