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General Tabletop Discussion
Character Builds & Optimization
Bard concept help + Polymorph
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<blockquote data-quote="sithramir" data-source="post: 6671935" data-attributes="member: 12183"><p>I am starting a new campaign and would love some opinions/help on what i've got for a Bard. The concept as I got to creating him is that he does not use weapons. He "wields" his lute using his instruments as a focus during battle. Kind of like wading through using his spells to harm his foes, help his friends, etc. This is Level 8 Lore Bard and thus will use Cutting Words to minimize attacks/damage. He is coming off as a Spy/Hired killer. Backstory is he worked with a group and the benefactor and him no longer see eye to eye on his future. Thus he's out adventuring but has spy contacts and might take a job in his downtime to help some agency with whatever "spy stuff" might become needed.</p><p></p><p>The thoughts I wanted were this:</p><p></p><p>In terms of bard spells, the following have been most useful: </p><p>Cantrips: Mage Hand, Message, Vicious Mockery</p><p>Level 1: Disguise Self, Healing Word, Thunderwave</p><p>Level 2: Suggestion, Hold Person, Invisibility, Shatter</p><p>Level 3: Hypnotic Pattern, Major Image</p><p>Level 4: <strong>Polymorph</strong>, Greater Invisibility</p><p>Magical Secrets: <strong>Fireball</strong>, Counterspell</p><p></p><p>1) Polymorph: I wanted this spell as a way to be able to fly, change shape, hide when invisiblity or something might not work, etc. No plans on melee usage. But I learned this only works to turn yourself into beasts and basically that's animals and dinosaurs. Is it worth it? I feel it's not good but still has some versatility and nothing great to replace it.</p><p></p><p>2) Fireball: We did a session going through what we did at "lower level without any fights" to determine plots, some background, and loot. I now have a Wand of Fireballs. SO i'm not sure I need to have fireball as a spell for magical secrets. But not sure what else is best. I feel i've got offense covered (and would probably use hypnotic patter for area effect for 3rd level anyways). Thoughts?</p><p></p><p>I was thinking maybe Fly (and not use polymorph?) or Spiritual Weapon for extra non-concentration damage. I don't want Aura of Vitality (HD + song of rest is plenty of healing to me) or Haste (concentration and I have too many of those plus won't be using weapons).</p><p></p><p>3) Magic Initiate: This will be my 1st level feat. I was going to do Eldritch Blast, Minor Illusion, Hex. I thought this would give me a good nonweapon attack (+ range) and Hex could boost damage for when i'm not using spell slots. Hex works decent if I can get a few battles in a dungeon with that slot. However, i'm not convinced I need Hex at this level. I'll be able to cast in several fights starting at higher level and maybe it's not worth it. I was debating maybe Shield or Absorb Elements (from Elementel Evil) instead and using Firebolt as the damage cantrip instead. </p><p></p><p>I likely am boosting Cha at level 8 and probably taking the Eberron Dragon Tattooe feat for some spells ( Misty step, Expeditious Retreat). </p><p></p><p>Any thoughts would be helpful as I try to debate if I NEED to change anything, etc. Thanks all!</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="sithramir, post: 6671935, member: 12183"] I am starting a new campaign and would love some opinions/help on what i've got for a Bard. The concept as I got to creating him is that he does not use weapons. He "wields" his lute using his instruments as a focus during battle. Kind of like wading through using his spells to harm his foes, help his friends, etc. This is Level 8 Lore Bard and thus will use Cutting Words to minimize attacks/damage. He is coming off as a Spy/Hired killer. Backstory is he worked with a group and the benefactor and him no longer see eye to eye on his future. Thus he's out adventuring but has spy contacts and might take a job in his downtime to help some agency with whatever "spy stuff" might become needed. The thoughts I wanted were this: In terms of bard spells, the following have been most useful: Cantrips: Mage Hand, Message, Vicious Mockery Level 1: Disguise Self, Healing Word, Thunderwave Level 2: Suggestion, Hold Person, Invisibility, Shatter Level 3: Hypnotic Pattern, Major Image Level 4: [B]Polymorph[/B], Greater Invisibility Magical Secrets: [B]Fireball[/B], Counterspell 1) Polymorph: I wanted this spell as a way to be able to fly, change shape, hide when invisiblity or something might not work, etc. No plans on melee usage. But I learned this only works to turn yourself into beasts and basically that's animals and dinosaurs. Is it worth it? I feel it's not good but still has some versatility and nothing great to replace it. 2) Fireball: We did a session going through what we did at "lower level without any fights" to determine plots, some background, and loot. I now have a Wand of Fireballs. SO i'm not sure I need to have fireball as a spell for magical secrets. But not sure what else is best. I feel i've got offense covered (and would probably use hypnotic patter for area effect for 3rd level anyways). Thoughts? I was thinking maybe Fly (and not use polymorph?) or Spiritual Weapon for extra non-concentration damage. I don't want Aura of Vitality (HD + song of rest is plenty of healing to me) or Haste (concentration and I have too many of those plus won't be using weapons). 3) Magic Initiate: This will be my 1st level feat. I was going to do Eldritch Blast, Minor Illusion, Hex. I thought this would give me a good nonweapon attack (+ range) and Hex could boost damage for when i'm not using spell slots. Hex works decent if I can get a few battles in a dungeon with that slot. However, i'm not convinced I need Hex at this level. I'll be able to cast in several fights starting at higher level and maybe it's not worth it. I was debating maybe Shield or Absorb Elements (from Elementel Evil) instead and using Firebolt as the damage cantrip instead. I likely am boosting Cha at level 8 and probably taking the Eberron Dragon Tattooe feat for some spells ( Misty step, Expeditious Retreat). Any thoughts would be helpful as I try to debate if I NEED to change anything, etc. Thanks all! [/QUOTE]
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