How Do You Make a Powerful Bard?
Bards are a unique and exciting class in Dungeons and Dragons, known for their charm, charisma, and versatility. But what makes a powerful bard? To answer this question, let’s dive into the most effective ways to build a strong and formidable bard.
Highest Stat: Charisma
The first step to creating a powerful bard is to prioritize Charisma as your highest stat. With a Charisma score of 20 or higher, your bard will be nearly unstoppable in terms of combat, crowd control, and spellcasting. Boosting your Charisma will amplify your bard’s effectiveness and make them a force to be reckoned with.
Ability Score Breakdown
Here’s a general guideline for how to distribute your ability scores for a powerful bard:
| Stat | Score |
|---|---|
| Charisma | 20+ |
| Dexterity | 16+ |
| Constitution | 14+ |
| Intelligence | 10-14 |
| Wisdom | 10-14 |
Feats and Features
Next, focus on choosing feats and features that enhance your bard’s capabilities. Here are some popular options:
- Intimidating Performance: Increase your bard’s intimidation rolls and gain advantage on the roll when you use an intimidating performance.
- Bardic Inspiration: Give your allies a temporary boost to their ability scores, AC, and initiative.
- Jack-of-All-Trades: Allow your bard to reroll failed skill checks with advantage.
- Healing Word: Grant yourself a short period of healing based on your Charisma modifier.
Multiclass Options
Consider multiclassing with other classes to augment your bard’s abilities. Some popular options include:
- Sorcerer: Gain access to sorcerer spells and abilities.
- Warlock: Obtain a patron and unlock warlock spells and invocations.
- Rogue: Add stealth, sleight of hand, and cunning to your repertoire.
Shield and Deflection
While bards are often seen as soft targets, they can benefit from shield and deflection mechanics to increase their durability. Choose a shield that complements your bard’s abilities, such as the Shield of Faith or Shield of Whispers.
Bardic Colleges and Colleges
The College of Lore is a popular choice for bards, granting them expertise in History and Arcana. Choose a college that aligns with your bard’s focus and interests.
Performance and Entertainment
Finally, remember that bards are meant to be performers. Make sure to add flair to your performances, such as using props, singing, or playing an instrument. This will add to the overall atmosphere of the game and make your bard a memorable character.
In Conclusion
Making a powerful bard requires attention to their ability scores, feats, features, multiclassing, shield use, college selection, and performance. By following these guidelines, you’ll create a formidable bard that’s both deadly and entertaining.
Here’s a summary of key takeaways:
- Highest stat: Charisma (20+)
- Ability score breakdown: Charisma, Dexterity, Constitution, Intelligence, Wisdom
- Feats and features: Intimidating Performance, Bardic Inspiration, Jack-of-All-Trades, Healing Word
- Multiclass options: Sorcerer, Warlock, Rogue
- Shield and deflection: Choose a shield that complements your bard’s abilities
- Bardic colleges: College of Lore, etc.
- Performance and entertainment: Add flair to your performances
By following these tips, you’ll create a powerful bard that’s sure to make a lasting impression on your fellow adventurers and game masters. Happy questing!