This concept began with a bard who is smitten with Lady Luck...travelling the world, seeking thrills and adventure and deliberately putting themselves into dangerous situations because they believe luck is on their side.
They worship Avandra, The Changebringer...goddess of travel, luck & chaotic good.
To that effect, they take a level in "Sorcerer"...specifically, "Divine Soul" to gain "Favor of Gods" (which lets them use 2d4 on an attack roll or saving throw per short rest). This represents their ability to bend luck.
Plus, they get the "Sanctuary" spell...a non-concentration, bonus action spell that makes them difficult to hit by an enemy if they fail the saving throw...not too bad for a bard who is mainly support. Add access to the "Shield" spell...well, you get the idea. A particularly resilient, "lucky" bard.
"Vicious Mockery" to impose disadvantage + "Sanctuary" + "Shield" = watch enemies fume over their inability to kill this annoying bard.
I may even add a level to "Hexblade Warlock" at some point to bolster defenses, and gain "Hex" to symbolize their ability to impose "bad" luck...plus, the bard has a nifty "Haunted One" backstory where they are the constant sole-survivor of various adventuring parties (due to their luck), and they sometimes have cheerful conversations with the spirits of their fallen allies.
My problem is settling on a bard subclass that fits with the luck-motiff.
"Lore Bard" seemed the best pick...choose some early spells, "Cutting Words" to further mess with enemies, and "Peerless Skill" to enhance Bigby's Hand later on (because I cannot NOT take that spell).
...but I keep lamenting not choosing "College of Swords" for this image of a dashing hero, who is a dagger-flinger who always seems to hit their mark due to luck, weaving magic with a blade like a music conductor, since Sword Bards can use weapons as magical focuses.
Plus...the opportunity for a "Tavern Brawler" who can attack & grapple with random objects and STILL cast magic, paints an amusing picture of a lucky adventurer who survives slapstick situations.
So I turn to you, audience: should a Luck-based bard choose "College of Lore" or "College of Swords"?
As always, share any ideas I may not have thought of.
This isn’t part of your post but I feel like the two most obvious choices for this would be a halfling for their lucky ability with the lucky feat on top of that.
I agree with lore bard simply for cutting words. If your DM allows it, there is a dunamancy spell called fortunes favor that would fit the mold, or maybe they’ll let you take it with magical secrets.
This isn’t part of your post but I feel like the two most obvious choices for this would be a halfling for their lucky ability with the lucky feat on top of that.
I agree with lore bard simply for cutting words. If your DM allows it, there is a dunamancy spell called fortunes favor that would fit the mold, or maybe they’ll let you take it with magical secrets.
Currently undecided on a race...halfling did come to mind for their ability to reroll 1's; they also have that easy-going nature that fits the character.
Plus, I hear they play a mean fiddle.
But...I did just recently play a halfling cleric, so I'm thinking of mixing it up...was even considering that new Orc of Eberron (Aggression seems like a fun feature). Ultimately, though, it seems like a half-drow or eladrin seems most likely.
The "Lucky" feat will show up at some point, absolutely...Fortune's Favor sounds great; I've yet to explore any of the new Wildemount spells.
If you want to add to that, six levels of Paladin will give you a pretty sweet boost to your savings throws... :D
The paladin class is taunting me with those saving throws...I'm not one for heavy-multiclassing, sadly: I tend to keep it only 1-3 levels dips, and even "3" stretches my tolerance.
I enjoy the appeal of a bard's "Expertise" in skills, and the full-casting progression...and their "Magical Secrets" allows me to snag some paladin spells, should I choose (Circle of Power may very well become a bard's "lucky aura").
...but it's looking like a Paladin may provide a closer match to this character concept, too...especially since two of the subclasses give the "Sanctuary" spell, as well.
If you want to add to that, six levels of Paladin will give you a pretty sweet boost to your savings throws... :D
The paladin class is taunting me with those saving throws...I'm not one for heavy-multiclassing, sadly: I tend to keep it only 1-3 levels dips, and even "3" stretches my tolerance.
I enjoy the appeal of a bard's "Expertise" in skills, and the full-casting progression...and their "Magical Secrets" allows me to snag some paladin spells, should I choose (Circle of Power may very well become a bard's "lucky aura").
...but it's looking like a Paladin may provide a closer match to this character concept, too...especially since two of the subclasses give the "Sanctuary" spell, as well.
Well, if you follow the Paragon of Luck build above I would recommend goin with Wild Mage just for the Bend the Luck and Tides of Chaos features. Also, if you really want to get a divine touch, I suggest taking the Guidance cantrip for your magicalk secrets. I don't think a pure Paladin gives that much except the aforementioned saving throws though. But it's an interesting concept. Let us know how it goes. :)
Well, after reviewing the sub races for Halfling, I discovered the new "Mark of Hospitality" halfling.
And I love it! It's exactly the attitude my Luck Bard would have...and it goes well with the fact they plan on opening a tavern when they retire adventuring (gotta have grand stories to tell over a mug of beer, after all).
My previous halfling had been a Ghostwise Cleric for the Wisdom bonus and creepy telepathy...but I'm digging the support aspect of this Hospitality Halfling.
I suppose those I'll get those halfling luck bonuses after all.
This concept began with a bard who is smitten with Lady Luck...travelling the world, seeking thrills and adventure and deliberately putting themselves into dangerous situations because they believe luck is on their side.
They worship Avandra, The Changebringer...goddess of travel, luck & chaotic good.
To that effect, they take a level in "Sorcerer"...specifically, "Divine Soul" to gain "Favor of Gods" (which lets them use 2d4 on an attack roll or saving throw per short rest). This represents their ability to bend luck.
Plus, they get the "Sanctuary" spell...a non-concentration, bonus action spell that makes them difficult to hit by an enemy if they fail the saving throw...not too bad for a bard who is mainly support. Add access to the "Shield" spell...well, you get the idea. A particularly resilient, "lucky" bard.
"Vicious Mockery" to impose disadvantage + "Sanctuary" + "Shield" = watch enemies fume over their inability to kill this annoying bard.
I may even add a level to "Hexblade Warlock" at some point to bolster defenses, and gain "Hex" to symbolize their ability to impose "bad" luck...plus, the bard has a nifty "Haunted One" backstory where they are the constant sole-survivor of various adventuring parties (due to their luck), and they sometimes have cheerful conversations with the spirits of their fallen allies.
My problem is settling on a bard subclass that fits with the luck-motiff.
"Lore Bard" seemed the best pick...choose some early spells, "Cutting Words" to further mess with enemies, and "Peerless Skill" to enhance Bigby's Hand later on (because I cannot NOT take that spell).
...but I keep lamenting not choosing "College of Swords" for this image of a dashing hero, who is a dagger-flinger who always seems to hit their mark due to luck, weaving magic with a blade like a music conductor, since Sword Bards can use weapons as magical focuses.
Plus...the opportunity for a "Tavern Brawler" who can attack & grapple with random objects and STILL cast magic, paints an amusing picture of a lucky adventurer who survives slapstick situations.
So I turn to you, audience: should a Luck-based bard choose "College of Lore" or "College of Swords"?
As always, share any ideas I may not have thought of.
This isn’t part of your post but I feel like the two most obvious choices for this would be a halfling for their lucky ability with the lucky feat on top of that.
I agree with lore bard simply for cutting words. If your DM allows it, there is a dunamancy spell called fortunes favor that would fit the mold, or maybe they’ll let you take it with magical secrets.
Currently undecided on a race...halfling did come to mind for their ability to reroll 1's; they also have that easy-going nature that fits the character.
Plus, I hear they play a mean fiddle.
But...I did just recently play a halfling cleric, so I'm thinking of mixing it up...was even considering that new Orc of Eberron (Aggression seems like a fun feature). Ultimately, though, it seems like a half-drow or eladrin seems most likely.
The "Lucky" feat will show up at some point, absolutely...Fortune's Favor sounds great; I've yet to explore any of the new Wildemount spells.
Maybe try this ? Paragon of Luck
If you want to add to that, six levels of Paladin will give you a pretty sweet boost to your savings throws... :D
The paladin class is taunting me with those saving throws...I'm not one for heavy-multiclassing, sadly: I tend to keep it only 1-3 levels dips, and even "3" stretches my tolerance.
I enjoy the appeal of a bard's "Expertise" in skills, and the full-casting progression...and their "Magical Secrets" allows me to snag some paladin spells, should I choose (Circle of Power may very well become a bard's "lucky aura").
...but it's looking like a Paladin may provide a closer match to this character concept, too...especially since two of the subclasses give the "Sanctuary" spell, as well.
Well, if you follow the Paragon of Luck build above I would recommend goin with Wild Mage just for the Bend the Luck and Tides of Chaos features. Also, if you really want to get a divine touch, I suggest taking the Guidance cantrip for your magicalk secrets. I don't think a pure Paladin gives that much except the aforementioned saving throws though. But it's an interesting concept. Let us know how it goes. :)
Update for CozmotheGrey:
Well, after reviewing the sub races for Halfling, I discovered the new "Mark of Hospitality" halfling.
And I love it! It's exactly the attitude my Luck Bard would have...and it goes well with the fact they plan on opening a tavern when they retire adventuring (gotta have grand stories to tell over a mug of beer, after all).
My previous halfling had been a Ghostwise Cleric for the Wisdom bonus and creepy telepathy...but I'm digging the support aspect of this Hospitality Halfling.
I suppose those I'll get those halfling luck bonuses after all.
Sold!