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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="smbakeresq" data-source="post: 7479074" data-attributes="member: 28301"><p>I have only played a few Bards but for me its Valor Bard all the way except in the case where you can be a total caster all the time from a hard front line. Valor bard to me is just more flexible, you clearly are not a front line character but sometimes the front line moves to you or starts behind you. </p><p></p><p>The armor and shield benefits are passive and always on, so that's a good thing. In play medium armor users get good magic armors, most players either are heavy armor users or Dex types in light armor, you get the rest. Likewise with shields, most martial classes use 2 handed weapons, leaving you and the cleric to fight over the magic shields. </p><p></p><p>Treantmonk is correct, the 2nd attack of valor bards isn't a thing, however its there and can be used for cleanup (just like the inspiration die example) or to stretch out spells slots some. I play in a game where its 4-6 encounters per short rest as a standard, so work days are longer. I also back this up though, usually starting out as Sorcerer to get CON saves and an attack cantrip or getting one with a spell secret. Spell secrets doesn't give you extra slots, so using a spell secret on a cantrip is an unlimited slot. An attack cantrip will be used more then most other spells you would pick for spell secrets at level 6.</p><p></p><p>A bard can use a polearm also, so you can use Booming Blade and then force them come after you. In addition, every DM will forget a Bard that has reach and will move out of your reach often to give you an opportunity attack. Using a shield is generally better for you though, especially in your case. </p><p> </p><p>Being proficient in CON saves makes all those concentration spells better, then getting Warcaster means you can keep those spells up in most cases. Warcaster solves the hands free problem for spells, then lets you cast spells as opportunity attacks, which I mentioned before. Dissonant Whispers + Booming blade = good times. Your Warpriest can Command them to flee then you can pound them as they run.</p><p></p><p>I think in your group that frontline will be on you faster then you think and the AC will help you and the backup attack options will also. You will have to play carefully, but you will have to rotate into the frontline and take a few hits every now and then.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="smbakeresq, post: 7479074, member: 28301"] I have only played a few Bards but for me its Valor Bard all the way except in the case where you can be a total caster all the time from a hard front line. Valor bard to me is just more flexible, you clearly are not a front line character but sometimes the front line moves to you or starts behind you. The armor and shield benefits are passive and always on, so that's a good thing. In play medium armor users get good magic armors, most players either are heavy armor users or Dex types in light armor, you get the rest. Likewise with shields, most martial classes use 2 handed weapons, leaving you and the cleric to fight over the magic shields. Treantmonk is correct, the 2nd attack of valor bards isn't a thing, however its there and can be used for cleanup (just like the inspiration die example) or to stretch out spells slots some. I play in a game where its 4-6 encounters per short rest as a standard, so work days are longer. I also back this up though, usually starting out as Sorcerer to get CON saves and an attack cantrip or getting one with a spell secret. Spell secrets doesn't give you extra slots, so using a spell secret on a cantrip is an unlimited slot. An attack cantrip will be used more then most other spells you would pick for spell secrets at level 6. A bard can use a polearm also, so you can use Booming Blade and then force them come after you. In addition, every DM will forget a Bard that has reach and will move out of your reach often to give you an opportunity attack. Using a shield is generally better for you though, especially in your case. Being proficient in CON saves makes all those concentration spells better, then getting Warcaster means you can keep those spells up in most cases. Warcaster solves the hands free problem for spells, then lets you cast spells as opportunity attacks, which I mentioned before. Dissonant Whispers + Booming blade = good times. Your Warpriest can Command them to flee then you can pound them as they run. I think in your group that frontline will be on you faster then you think and the AC will help you and the backup attack options will also. You will have to play carefully, but you will have to rotate into the frontline and take a few hits every now and then. [/QUOTE]
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