D&D 5E Bardic Ranger- Fun around the campfire

[NotQuiteANoble]

Hello all. I'm building a character for an upcoming campaign I'm in. A changeling Ranger, and the child of a Druid(hence the shapechanging). However, I think that its interesting that a lot of traditions and tales are orally passed on, such as more ancient Druidic tales, hence a possible Bard multiclass. The plan was to grab Shillelagh through the Druidic warrior fighting style, and build for wisdom and charisma mainly. 5 levels in Ranger firstly, to get Extra Attack which with shillelagh's d8, hunters mark and dreadful strikes(Fey wanderer) should be pretty good damage. On top of that, I'd also be able to add that high wisdom to any charisma check as a Fey Wanderer.

Now throw some Bard levels in(campaigns intended to go on for as long as we can, so I'm hoping). Due to Druids being a different religious system than the widespread one, anyone with druidic magic is naturally more stealthy or charismatic enough to divert attention. So perhaps Whispers Bard for some burst damage(even if it isn't great), Eloquence to aid with the setting, Glamour is naturally very Fey, and adds a but of combat utility. Lore however also really fits the idea of passing down oral traditions, Creation also suits the natural side of the character/

Theres also a lot of skills involved. 3 for ranger/2 background/1 for bard/2 changeling/1 Fey Wanderer/possibly 3 Lore

Any thoughts/suggestions for the build? I think its fairly customisable, I just thought I'd include my choices for my own game

 

[Tales and Chronicles]

I'd go for a Spirit Bard, since they are all about telling Tales.

Or, if you dont want to slow your progression too much by multiclassing, there's always the possibility of staying pure Fey Wanderer Ranger and making a Background of Tales Master, gaining proficiency with History and Performance and a feature like this:
''Tales of the Ages
When you enter a ruin or dungeon, you can correctly ascertain its original purpose and determine its builders, whether those were dwarves, elves, humans, yuan-ti, or some other known race. In addition, you can determine the origin and monetary value of art objects more than a century old.''

 

[ECMO3]

Hello all. I'm building a character for an upcoming campaign I'm in. A changeling Ranger, and the child of a Druid(hence the shapechanging). However, I think that its interesting that a lot of traditions and tales are orally passed on, such as more ancient Druidic tales, hence a possible Bard multiclass. The plan was to grab Shillelagh through the Druidic warrior fighting style, and build for wisdom and charisma mainly. 5 levels in Ranger firstly, to get Extra Attack which with shillelagh's d8, hunters mark and dreadful strikes(Fey wanderer) should be pretty good damage. On top of that, I'd also be able to add that high wisdom to any charisma check as a Fey Wanderer.

Now throw some Bard levels in(campaigns intended to go on for as long as we can, so I'm hoping). Due to Druids being a different religious system than the widespread one, anyone with druidic magic is naturally more stealthy or charismatic enough to divert attention. So perhaps Whispers Bard for some burst damage(even if it isn't great), Eloquence to aid with the setting, Glamour is naturally very Fey, and adds a but of combat utility. Lore however also really fits the idea of passing down oral traditions, Creation also suits the natural side of the character/

Theres also a lot of skills involved. 3 for ranger/2 background/1 for bard/2 changeling/1 Fey Wanderer/possibly 3 Lore

Any thoughts/suggestions for the build? I think its fairly customisable, I just thought I'd include my choices for my own game

That will be a very good out of combat build WRT social situations. IME this is the best face build in the game. The only things comparable are a Rogue or Bard with expertise. Try to get a background that gives deception, Persuasion or Intimidation, so you have proficienncy in 2 of these three after you get your subclass, then pick up the 3rd with your Bard skill.

I am playing a Fey Wanderer with a 14 Charisma and currently an 18 Wisdom at 14th level. With guidance and proficiency in Perception, Deception and Intimidation she is flat awesome at Charisma checks. You are going to be even better if you take a lower dexterity (16) than I did.

Here are a couple recommendations:
1. In combat I would forgo Hunters Mark. The problem you will run into is the bonus action economy, this is going to be moreso the case because you need to use Shilleleagh. If you think it through most fights only last 4 turns and most enemies only last about 2. Favored foe is going to do more damage in the long run due to the action economy.

2. I would go to 7th level in Ranger to pick up Beguiling Twist. This is the core combat ability for Fey Wanderer and is one of the best combat abilities in the game. Many people overlook the control and movement restrictions associated with the "frightened" condition. Also if an enemy is only in position to attack you, then you can twist it into a charm and he flat just can't attack you. The thing is you can still attack him and that does not break the charm. When he finally saves you twist it on to someone else.

3. Pick up shadow touched Feat with cause fear as the 1st level spell. Cause Fear is awesome as a Fey Wanderer, especially if you upcast it on more than one person. Another option which I have not tried is the New Fizban's Dragonborn with the Dragonfear feat. With Fizbans, this would only use one attack, does not require concentration and would effect everyone within 30'. Both Shadow Touched and Dragon Fear are half feats allowing +1 to Wisdom (ST) or Charisma (both). When you combine this with beguiling twist it is awesome.

4. Any Bard will work. I think Whispers and Glamor are the most thematic.

5. Telepathic feat and free casting of detect thoughts works really well in tandem with your social skills and again is a half feat that can boost W or Ch.