Pacifier amongst Pacifists

MULTI-OPTION BUILD

The Pacifier amongst Pacifists concentrates on supporting and healing the rest of the party. This is a great role for Shadowheart if you don’t mind a little respec, otherwise a Duergar or Wood-Elf would be a great option for a custom character as well. I just went for Shadowheart because I think she’s HAWT!
This build is still a viable option for Honour Mode, just don’t expect this build to solo Honour Mode.
Please, bear with me for the longer introduction than usual. It’s for your own good.
The build comes down to: 4 Life Cleric / 6 Lore Bard / 2 Stars Druid.

This character can be built in two ways. One version of the build that is predicated more on offense and the second version centers a bit more around defense.
A little disclaimer before we start for the more inexperienced builders among us.
When multiclassing, the latest first level of a class you take will determine which ability will govern the skill in a used scroll, item and Illithid Power!

Since Druid will be the last class we take our first level in, it means the Druid’s Wisdom-Ability will determine how strong your use of scrolls, items and Illithid Powers will be!
And here lies the crux and paradox of this build..
Following the Build Planner you will notice we will instead focus on Charisma because we will be using a lot of the Bard’s natural class spells which will involve mainly Charisma throws.
Our defensive build will focus on healing and supporting most of the time anyway, so you won’t be relying a lot on the Druid’s offensive spells anyway. Gotcha confused good, didn’t I..?

Ofcourse I will still post both offensive and defensive versions to make sure you get it right.
If for some godsforsaken reason you want to tread off of the beaten path and want to go for a more offensive minded version of this build and be more charismatic because you want to use this as a main character; let Bard be the last of the three classes you take your first level in.

Following level progression in the Build Planner will show you the defensive support build. This includes the spells taken.
For background just pick whatever suits your abilities more. Same goes for the Skill Proficiencies.
The written guide will focus on the differences for the slightly offensive version, inlcuding spells and cantrips.
A little sidenote: you could look into changing the last two levels of Cleric for something else should it fancy you, just to add some of your own flavor into it… If you’re feeling kinky that is.
As long as you keep the governing abilities of any specific class in mind.

Optimal Race: Duergar, Wood Elf, Githyanki or use Shadowheart or Jaheira!

Why?: Wood Elfs and Githyanki have more mobility. Duergar can cast Invisibility out of battle at will, meaning you can lurk around the map before battle and position yourself optimally. Crazy, if you ask me..

Abilities for the main Defensive Build:

08 Strength
16 Dexterity (15+1)
14 Constitution
08 Intelligence
12 Wisdom
16 Charisma (14+2)

Abilities for the Alternative Offensive Build:

08 Strength
16 Dexterity (15+1)
14 Constitution
08 Intelligence
16 Wisdom (14+2)
12 Charisma

Level Progression

Cleric – Subclass: Life Domain. Skill Proficiencies: No real priority.
Cantrips: Toll the Dead, Resistance, Thaumaturgy.
Bard – Cantrips: Minor Illusion / Friends or Vicious Mockery.
Spells: Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Dissonant Whispers, Heroism.
Druid – Cantrips: Produce Flame. Second cantrip has no priority in either build.
Prepare Spells: Longstrider + Enhance Leap.
Druid – Subclass: Circle of the Stars.
Skill of note: Starry Form Chalice! (free healing after using a heal spell)
Prepare Spells: Either Charm Persion, Faerie Fire or Fog Cloud.
Bard – Skill of note: Song of Rest. Spell: Tasha’s Hideous Laughter or Sleep.
Bard – Subclass: College of Lore.
Spell: Invisibility. Pick any other spell if you’re a Duergar.
Skill Proficiencies: Can go either way depending on flavour.
Skill Expertise: Persuasion + Intimidation.
Replace Spell:
Defense – Swap out Heroism for Lesser Restoration or Enhance Ability.
Offense – Swap out Heroism for Shatter, Lesser Restoration or Calm Emotions.
Bard – Cantrip: Mage Hand or whatever floats your boat.
Spell: Hold Person, Lesser Restoration, Blindness or Calm Emotions.
Feat: Alert.
Bard – Choose Spell:
Defense: Glyph of Warding, Plant Growth or Hypnotic Pattern.
Offense: Glyph of Warding.
Bard – Spells:
Defense/Utility: Knock or Hypnotic Pattern.
Offense: Glyph of Warding if you hadn’t yet. No great alternatives at this point.
Magical Secrets:
Defense – Counterspell, Mass Healing Word, Warden of Vitality.
Offense – Hunger of Hadar, Spirit Guardians.
Cleric – Skill of note: Preserve Life.
Prepared Spells: Sanctuary, Protection from Evil and Good, Create or Destroy Water, Inflict Wounds, Command, Bane.
Cleric – Skill of note: Aid.
Prepare Spell:
Defense – Warding Bond.
Offense – Spiritual Weapon.
Cleric – Cantrip: Light for utility but anything else is fine too.
Prepare Spell: Add anything you like, best options have already been added.
Feat: Ability Improvement in Charisma +2. (Not mandatory for this build!) Other good examples are Tough, War Caster or Mobile.

Alternative Gear & Weapons:

The Build Planner shows the most optimal equipment. The alternatives down below are good replacements and/or can be found way earlier in the game.
If your selected character’s race is not proficient with Longbows, don’t use them, stick to crossbows instead.

* The Helmet of Grit can come in handy paired with the Illithid Power called Transfuse Health.
** The Ironvine Shield is an interesting option in combination with the druid cantrip Shillelagh!
*** The Periapt should be equipped by a teammate for maximum healing!
**** The party needs to be level 10 to cast Arm Thy Servant and get the Devotee’s Mace.