Army of the Dead Necromancer Death Knight Build in Baldur's Gate 3

Overview

• Build focuses on creating a versatile Death Knight character with three paths:
  • Option A: Mix of melee and caster with three feats
  • Option B: More melee focused
  • Option C: Full caster with smites as secondaries
• Recommended starting level: 7 and ready to respec
• Important to utilize the Necromancy of Th for a free summon in Act 3

Initial Considerations

• Reference previous builds: Vengeance Paladin and original death knight
• A Spore Druid Death Knight (Fungal Knight) in development
• Cannot raise undead until unlocking level 3 spells (Caster level 5)

Build Path Recommendations

• Follow the Vengeance Paladin build for the first six levels if focusing on necromancy early
• Race choice: any, but human is recommended

Ability Scores

1. Strength: 16 (could drop to 14 for Dexterity)
2. Dexterity: 12 (sacrificing stat for initiative)
3. Constitution: 13 (for resilience feat)
4. Intelligence: 18 (max to 20 for spell effectiveness)
5. Wisdom: 8
6. Charisma: 10

Levels 1-3: Paladin to Wizard Multiclass

• Level 1: Paladin stats established
• Levels 2-3: Multiclass into Wizard for spells
  • Cantrips: Bone Chill, Poison Spray, Ray of Frost
  • Level 2: Select Necromancy and unlock Grim Harvest (heals on enemy kill with spells)
  • Level 3: Choose thematic spells like Ray of Sickness, Burning Hands, and Ice Knife

Levels 4-5: Further Wizard Levels

• Unlock 4 level 2 spells and a cantrip
• Consider spells like Scorching Ray, M's Acid Arrow, and Misty Step
• Feat: Ability Improvement to raise Intelligence to 19 or 20

Levels 6-7: Continue Wizard Levels

• Unlock 4 level 3 spells
• Thematic spells: Vampiric Touch, Stinking Cloud, Fireball, Fear
• At level 7: Unlock free Animate Dead spell

Levels 8-9: Back to Oathbreaker

• Level 8: Unlock smites and gain level 4 spell slot
  • Use Skeleton Squad or Zombie Battalion from Animate Dead
• Level 9: Back to Wizard for level 7 spells
  • Must-have spell: Blight (8d8 necrotic damage)

Level 10-12: Divergent Paths

Option A: Wizard 8 / Oathbreaker 4

• Gain two level 4 spells and access to Oathbreaker abilities

Option B: Wizard 7 / Oathbreaker 5

• Similar to Option A but with extra attack

Option C: Full Wizard (level 10)

• Focus on magic and summoning with smiting as secondary

Spell Recommendations

• Thematic spells include:
  • Level 1: Ray of Sickness, Burning Hands
  • Level 2: Scorching Ray, M's Acid Arrow
  • Level 3: Vampiric Touch, Fireball
  • Level 4: Conjure Elemental, Blight
  • Level 5: Plane Binding, Cloud Kill

Gear Recommendations

• Consider using a staff or shield for better AC
• Recommended gear:
  • Morning Frost: Chills enemies upon dealing cold damage
  • Keth Rck Shield: +2 bonus to spell save DC
  • Fist Breaker Helm: +1 to initiative and spell save DC
  • Hood of the Weave: Increases spell save DC
  • Crypt Lord Ring: Grants Create Undead

Conclusion

• Build offers a variety of playstyles and focuses on powerful spells and undead minions
• Encourage community feedback and suggestions for improvement
• Thank viewers and invite them to join future streams.