In the small village of Alton, nestled deep in the English countryside, stands a grand manor house known to locals as Alton Manor. For centuries, the manor has been shrouded in mystery and tales of the supernatural. The most eerie of these stories revolve around the black magic that is said to have taken place within its walls. Legend has it that the manor was once home to a powerful sorcerer who practiced dark arts and communed with malevolent spirits. It is said that his mastery over black magic was so potent that he could summon demons and control them to do his bidding. The manor itself adds to the air of mysticism that surrounds it.
The manor itself adds to the air of mysticism that surrounds it. The sprawling estate is surrounded by an impenetrable forest, which seems to whisper secrets to those brave enough to explore it. The architecture of the house is a mix of Gothic and Tudor, with imposing turrets and gargoyles that seem to come alive in the moonlight.
The best D&D multiclass builds in Baldur's Gate 3
Why stick with just one class when you could have, like, four?
(Image credit: Larian)- How to multiclass
- Sorcerer Paladin (Sorcadin)
- Blackguard Warlock Smiter
- Hand Crossbow Gunslinger Bard
- Paladin Batman
- Olympic Shotputter Barbarian
Now that I've played Baldur's Gate 3 for nearly 200 hours and beaten it on Tactician, I feel comfortable saying that the most fun and optimal character builds are going to involve using D&D's multiclass rules to combine different Baldur's Gate 3 classes together into a hybrid that's more powerful, or maybe just more fun, than either individually.
In the first part of this guide, I'll go over the basic rules and best practices of multiclassing, but you can skip to the second section for a collection of multiclass builds inspired by my own experience, as well as the most diabolical setups I've seen on YouTube.
How to multiclass
Each time you level up in Baldur's Gate 3, you can choose any of its 12 classes to progress in. Baldur's Gate 3 has actually removed tabletop attribute restrictions from multiclasses, so your only restriction is whether the choice is worthwhile or not. There's even an achievement, "Jack of All Trades," awarded by taking one level of each class on the same character without respeccing.
Baldur's Gate 3 has a relatively low level cap of 12, and multiclassing can delay or lock you out of endgame abilities. How much of a loss this is depends on the class—I've yet to run into a spellcasting-focused multiclass that I find more compelling than just sticking to the same caster for all twelve levels.
A lot of key bonuses are also tied to the level of your individual classes as opposed to your overall level. For example, you get an "ASI" or feat/attribute bonus every four levels of a class—a level 8 fighter would have two ASIs, while a 5 Fighter/3 Rogue would have just one.
Other level milestones to keep in mind:
- Extra Attack: Fighters, Barbarians, Rangers, Monks, and Paladins get a second full attack per turn at level 5. Blade/Valour Bards get this at level 6. Pact of the Blade Warlocks get a special Blade Pact Extra Attack at level 5 that does stack with the normal Extra Attack (usually it's just one and done). Extra Attack is a priority ability you don't want to delay more than one or two levels.
- Subclass: Most classes let you choose a subclass at level 3 (your Bard college, for example). This is often, but not always, the minimum number of levels you want to hit in a second or third class. Most spellcasters, and also Paladins, choose their subclass at level 1.
- Spell levels: Full casters gain new spell levels and spell slots every odd class level. Additionally, spellcaster/spellcaster multiclasses have a shared pool of spell slots, removing a major disadvantage of this kind of character in older versions of D&D. A Wizard 4/Cleric 3 can only cast level 2 spells from each class, but will have a large number of spell slots to devote to each, with their Cleric spells able to go in Wizard slots and vice versa.
- Proficiencies: Classes gain fewer weapon, skill, and saving throw proficiencies when chosen later on than at level 1. It can sometimes be beneficial to choose a class like Fighter or Rogue at level 1 for their excellent martial/skill proficiencies, even if they aren't going to be your main class focus.
- Attributes: The highest you can raise an Attribute at character creation is 17 for a +3 bonus to its applications. You get another +1 every even level, to a max of +5 at 20 in a stat. On most companions, it makes sense to start with one score at 17, another at 15, and raising both with an ASI at level 4. On your main character, it's worthwhile to use Auntie Ethel's Hair (by either siding with her or intimidating her) to raise your main attribute from 17 to 18, and then an ASI at level 4 or 8 to take that stat from 18 to the cap of 20. Some items that grant an attribute bonus can raise that score above 20.
Sorcerer Paladin (Sorcadin)
(Image credit: Larian)Many locals claim to have witnessed inexplicable events in and around the manor. Whispered voices, strange apparitions, and an overwhelming sense of dread are just a few of the paranormal experiences reported by visitors. Some even suggest that the spirits of the sorcerer and his creations still roam the halls, seeking vengeance or aiding those who dare to dabble in the dark arts. Over the years, various paranormal investigators and enthusiasts have flocked to Alton Manor in an attempt to uncover the truth behind the legends. Some have claimed to witness poltergeist activity, while others have captured eerie EVPs (electronic voice phenomena) that seem to confirm the presence of spirits. Despite the numerous reports, skeptics argue that Alton Manor is simply an old house with a rich history, and that the tales of black magic are nothing more than exaggerations and superstitions. However, those who have experienced the unexplained firsthand remain convinced that there is something otherworldly at play. Whether one believes in black magic or dismisses it as mere fairy tales, there is no denying the allure of Alton Manor. Its dark secrets and mysterious aura continue to captivate the imaginations of locals and visitors alike. So, if you find yourself in the village of Alton, do not be surprised if the whispers of the manor beckon you to explore its enigmatic depths..
Reviews for "The Strange Occurrences at Alton Manor: A Black Magic Conspiracy"
1. Lisa - 2/5 stars - I found "The black magic of alton manor" to be quite disappointing. The writing felt rushed and the plot was predictable. There were minimal character development and their actions seemed unrealistic. Overall, the story lacked depth and failed to captivate my interest.
2. John - 2/5 stars - As a fan of mystery novels, I was excited to read "The black magic of alton manor." However, I found the book to be a letdown. The pacing was uneven, with slow and dull moments followed by rushed and confusing sequences. The supposed twists were easily predictable, making the plot formulaic and unoriginal. I was expecting more complexity and depth from the story, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations.
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars - "The black magic of alton manor" was a complete waste of my time. The characters were one-dimensional, and their motivations were poorly explained. The dialogue felt forced, and I had difficulty connecting with any of the characters. Moreover, the supposed "black magic" element was poorly incorporated into the story, making it feel like an afterthought. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging mystery.