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General Tabletop Discussion
Character Builds & Optimization
Lore Bard Debuffer: Spell Selection and Choice of Dip
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<blockquote data-quote="Treantmonklvl20" data-source="post: 7478325" data-attributes="member: 55582"><p>Aywhere between 0 and 6 depending on the opponent, whether they target casters, and how many attacks per round they get</p><p></p><p>? </p><p>Lore bards wear light armor, use no shield, focus on Cha, have no other defenses, have no spells that improve AC, they will be hit a LOT. However, as a player, you don't get to know how much they hit you by when considering using cutting words or a shield. In many cases, it won't help you admittedly.</p><p></p><p></p><p>That is not my experience. In fact, that's the experience that has largely had me re-evaluate Lore Bards in general, that maybe turning away one attack in a round just doesn't cut it for a weak-defense character with mid-range HP.</p><p></p><p></p><p>By 15th level, if you haven't found another way to bolster your defense, neither are working most of the time. Many creatures will be attacking with bonuses as big as your AC. Also, I will always take a flat bonus over a random bonus, regardless of whether the "average" is. Doubly so when you are talking about defense. You cannot count on a random bonus.</p><p></p><p></p><p>If you take shield, it does not replace cutting words. If you take shield, you get shield and cutting words. In those rare times where you are attacked only once, you can use cutting words, if you are attacked 6 times, then shield is the better option.</p><p></p><p></p><p>What monsters are you fighting that spread out their attacks like that?</p><p></p><p>DM: The Hill giant attacks twice, once on the Bard, and hits. OK, turned it to a miss with cutting words. Second attack, oh, let's say he throws a rock at the full plate fighter.</p><p></p><p>Honestly, your experience is not the standard.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>1st level spell/Inspiration. These are similar in power and benefit. Giving up one to save the other doesn't make you a better "primary caster".</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="https://lostdelights.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/zoe_moundofdeadbards_color_02_by_prodigyduck-dbffluw.png?w=640" target="_blank">There's a reason it's a meme</a></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Treantmonklvl20, post: 7478325, member: 55582"] Aywhere between 0 and 6 depending on the opponent, whether they target casters, and how many attacks per round they get ? Lore bards wear light armor, use no shield, focus on Cha, have no other defenses, have no spells that improve AC, they will be hit a LOT. However, as a player, you don't get to know how much they hit you by when considering using cutting words or a shield. In many cases, it won't help you admittedly. That is not my experience. In fact, that's the experience that has largely had me re-evaluate Lore Bards in general, that maybe turning away one attack in a round just doesn't cut it for a weak-defense character with mid-range HP. By 15th level, if you haven't found another way to bolster your defense, neither are working most of the time. Many creatures will be attacking with bonuses as big as your AC. Also, I will always take a flat bonus over a random bonus, regardless of whether the "average" is. Doubly so when you are talking about defense. You cannot count on a random bonus. If you take shield, it does not replace cutting words. If you take shield, you get shield and cutting words. In those rare times where you are attacked only once, you can use cutting words, if you are attacked 6 times, then shield is the better option. What monsters are you fighting that spread out their attacks like that? DM: The Hill giant attacks twice, once on the Bard, and hits. OK, turned it to a miss with cutting words. Second attack, oh, let's say he throws a rock at the full plate fighter. Honestly, your experience is not the standard. 1st level spell/Inspiration. These are similar in power and benefit. Giving up one to save the other doesn't make you a better "primary caster". [URL="https://lostdelights.files.wordpress.com/2017/09/zoe_moundofdeadbards_color_02_by_prodigyduck-dbffluw.png?w=640"]There's a reason it's a meme[/URL] [/QUOTE]
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