Bard build suggestions?

[Solomon]

Really torn on subclass tbh... just want to have fun but not be a purely "buff monkey".

[Ironwu]

Try this one:

Timestamp - 38:00

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hdK-75LW6Tc

Good Luck :)

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by Solomon:

Bard build suggestions?
Really torn on subclass tbh... just want to have fun but not be a purely "buff monkey".

See section The Bard
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3124459563

[Matunus]

I play swords bard 10/paladin 2 with infernal rapier to attack with charisma. This way I have smite and I can also get guardian spirits. Combine with armor and gloves that enhance radiant damage.

[Pan Darius Cassandra]

Swords Bard.

[Solomon]

huh.... no lore or valour subclass builds?

[Zsrai]

Originally posted by Solomon:

huh.... no lore or valour subclass builds?

There are some good Lore builds around, but it's pretty much caster support (which you said you didn't want). Valor is, unforunately, 99% useless when compared to Swords. The latter just does everything Valor does, but better (except, maybe, be a tank).

[jonnin]

Originally posted by Solomon:

huh.... no lore or valour subclass builds?

lore is kind of weak: you can build a better casting bard by just taking 1 level of wizard and scribing some scrolls. And it loses that extra attack, all but taking away your melee or archery capability.
valour is similar to swords but slightly weaker. It gets a shield, but you can get that racially. It doesn't get much else, while the swords gets a fighting style AND some 'battlemaster' like moves.
a swords bard with that level of wizard can cast and fight well, at the expense of probably using the 17 int hat or the 18 dex gloves for most of the game.

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by Solomon:

huh.... no lore or valour subclass builds?

Not a worthwhile one. You could exchange in The Bard build Sword for Valour, but you would miss out on the fighting style which gives a strong bonus.

Lore Bard ~ does not match well multiclasswise and the features are kinda lackluster. If you want to play a spellcaster the other classes are better.

And Bardic Inspiration, while it is not bad, it is relatively costly for what little bonus it gives in combat, even as Valour Bard.

[The1Kobra]

College of Lore has skills and a bit more casting, but I find that unless you're doing a warlock dip to give yourself attack cantrips, you're probably better off with valor or swords, depending on whether you need shield proficiency or not.
2/10 Paladin/Bard is a strong build.
So is just plain old 12 Bard human college of swords
Can do 7/5 Bard (College of Swords if human or half-elf, College of Valor otherwise)/Warlock is strong in both casting and melee.
There's also 3/8/1 Rogue/Bard/Fighter which has good dual hand crossbow synnergy. College of swords again.

Hope these builds help!

[Solomon]

Okay, that's too bad... I guess I need to restart then because I'm stuck as an Asmodeus Tiefling and it looks like Zariel is the way to go for a sword bard.

[The1Kobra]

The difference in tiefling subraces shouldn't matter too much? Just keep in mind you probably want shield proficiency so you'll want to dip a level which gives that to you. 2 Paladin is really nice for the smites, but 1 Ranger can also be a good dip if you want some more skills. Or Fighter for the Combat Style.

Could dip cleric too but I don't think it'll be quite as helpful.

[Zsrai]

Yeah Lore isn't a combat build but a skill monkey/support caster build. Definitely a much different niche than Swords or Valor are, if you're into that type of character.

[Solomon]

Thanks! I may just roll a sorcerer instead? I dunno... was hoping for a jack of all trades build. Advice?

[アンジェル]

Originally posted by Solomon:

Thanks! I may just roll a sorcerer instead? I dunno... was hoping for a jack of all trades build. Advice?

Go Wizard.

[Zsrai]

Originally posted by Solomon:

Okay, that's too bad... I guess I need to restart then because I'm stuck as an Asmodeus Tiefling and it looks like Zariel is the way to go for a sword bard.

Race doesn't matter that much, unless you're super min-max and... why? The game, even on Honor mode, doesn't require that much min-maxing. Munchkin your class/build, and just choose what race looks good to you and you'll be fine.