Dive into Oceanic Excellence! Explore the best classes for Sea Elves, famed for their affinity with the sea.
These classes enhance a Sea Elf’s traits, providing varied playstyles from agile rangers to mystical wizards. Embark on aquatic adventures with these top selections!
Best Classes for Sea Elves
5. Barbarian
Primary Ability Score – Strength
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity to a lesser extent
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Barbarian?
Sea Elf Barbarians should put +2 in Strength and +1 in Constitution or Charisma (if you want to use Intimidation and Friend of the Sea).
Most of the Sea Elf’s features, such as Darkvision, Fey Ancestry, and Keen Senses, work well for the Barbarian.
Cold Resistance and breathing underwater from Child of the Sea aren’t widely applicable, but they are useful when needed.
Unfortunately, Friend of the Sea isn’t that impactful because of a Barbarian’s poor Charisma.
Recommended Barbarian Primal Paths
- Ancestral Guardian
- Beast
- Totem Warrior
4. Sorcerer
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – None
Weapons Proficiencies – Daggers, Quarterstaffs, Light Crossbows, Darts, Slings
Why the Sorcerer?
Sea Elf Sorcerers should put +2 in Charisma and +1 in Dexterity.
Sorcerers score by getting Darkvision and water breathing without unlocking spells, saving resources for more valuable spells.
Cold Resistance and Fey Ancestry aren’t insufficient but are rarely applicable. Friend of the Sea works well with a Sorcerer’s high Charisma, but aquatic creatures aren’t too familiar unless you like talking to fish and frogs.
Recommended Sorcerer Origins
- Aberrant Mind
- Divine Soul
3. Cleric
Primary Ability Score – Wisdom
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Wisdom
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple
Why the Cleric?
Sea Elf Clerics should put +2 in Wisdom and +1 in Constitution or Charisma.
Clerics don’t get the Water Breathing spell, so Child of the Sea is beneficial in campaigns where you must breathe underwater.
Fey Ancestry and Cold Resistance are good for durability and shrugging off pesky charms, especially as a Cleric that wades through melee.
Keen Senses are a welcome feature, as Perception is one of the best skills for a Cleric because of their high Wisdom.
Recommended Cleric Divine Domains
- Arcana
- Grave
- Light
- Peace
2. Bard
Primary Ability Score – Charisma
Secondary Ability Scores – Constitution, Dexterity
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Shortswords, Rapiers, Longswords, Hand Crossbow
Why the Bard?
Sea Elf Bards should add +2 to Charisma and +1 to Constitution (Extra HP) or Dexterity (AC increase for Light and Medium armor).
Much like Clerics, Bards can’t cast Water Breathing, making Child of the Sea a welcome addition but not widely applicable.
Darkvision and Perception from Keen Senses add to a Bard’s existing capabilities, while Friend of the Sea gives you more uses for your high Charisma, even though it’s pretty situational.
Recommended Bard Colleges
- Eloquence
- Lore
1. Paladin
Primary Ability Scores – Charisma and Strength
Secondary Ability Score – Constitution
Spellcasting Ability – Charisma
Armor Proficiencies – Light, Medium, Heavy, Shields
Weapons Proficiencies – Simple, Martial
Why the Paladin?
Sea Elf Paladins should put +2 in Charisma and +1 in Constitution.
Much like the Bard, Friend of the Sea fits well with your high Charisma, and Fey Ancestry allows you to scoff at charm effects, keeping you in the fight for longer.
Darkvision and Cold Resistance are welcome additions, adding durability and utility to the Paladin’s arsenal and even allowing them to occasionally serve as the party’s Face.
Recommended Paladin Sacred Oaths
- Conquest
- Redemption
- Vengeance
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer the mystical abilities of a Sorcerer, the divine prowess of a Paladin, or the healing powers of a Cleric, each class offers unique strengths that complement the Sea Elf’s aquatic nature.