There is only one thing 'off' with making this character a Paladin - the concept of the grizzled army sergeant barking orders... Does not feel much like a Paladin :D
I am assuming alignment restrictions are still a thing for Paladins?
You'd probably want to read at least the PHB before you create a character. ;)
That said, both Paladin and Fighter work wonders for a starting class for a Valor Bard. Though if anything it's the bard part that doesn't really feel like a bard, IMO.
I have been reading it, as time permits.
Then you'd probably want to finish it, as time permits. :)
Support melee martial? There are these dudes that run around in heavy armor that have amazing spellcasting capabilities especially the support kind. I believe they are called Clerics.
But jokes aside a Cleric might be what you are looking for. Nature Domain lets you wear Heavy Armor and gives you access to Shillelagh so you can stop at 15 Str and concentrate on other stats.
I am currently playing a sword bard 10 / fighter 2 / sorcerer 1.
I don't play support as much as I play for myself.
Extra attack and action surge can be a great source of damage. The problem is with melee and how bards do not naturally get anything to help with this. I can only use one flourish per round and to become great I can choose a spell at bard 10 to enhance my melee presence (haste, spirit shroud, spirit guardians)
Lucky for you, you want to play support instead of for yourself. If you walk in with the expectation that you will not do as much melee damage as the fighter, barbarian, paladin or rogue you will be happy.
My sword bard did okay with this but the gap starts to get noticeable around level 10. If you supplement yourself with a nice spell from magical secrets you can keep up.
If you are looking for support and being able to hold your own then valor works great. I would start fighter because con saves are almost a must have. Extra attack at level 7 will hurt to wait for but is manageable as support. I used two weapon fighting so it wasn't as noticeable. Heavy armor with a shield and you will plenty of armor class.
You can take battle master or even the battle master feat or fighting style to supplement your support.
Rally and commanding strike are great support options.
As others have said your magic becomes much better if you play late game. Having level 6 + spells can change an encounter. I notice myself casting a bit more then I did at lower levels but those high level slots are also limited, so I still like being able to cast a high level spell and then run and hit some things instead of casting a cantrip. I also use a lot of high level spells outside of combat so I am still just casting greater invisibility on myself or someone else and then running in.
Fighter 3 / Bard 6 can be a fun build but like a lot of builds you want it to be fun throughout. Playing a bad build for 6 months isn't fun, but I don't think this one is bad.
You can also grab 6 levels of paladin and 5 levels of bard. The paladin aura is one of the best supports you can give to someone. I would probably start as a paladin and get the aura asap and then switch into bard. Spell choice with both of these classes will determine how your character plays. I have seen paladins refer to their spell slots as smite slots. Others rarely smite and use their spells to support their party or help in social situations.
16 str and 16 cha after racials. I hate negative scores so I would try and put a 12 in dex, con and wis. Int can be an 8 or 10.
Feats - Inspiring Leader
My recommendation is for more support play a pal/bard. Maybe take 1 level of bard early so you can pass out inspiration dice because it can be fun. Cast bless early and often and you have healing abilities. Use heroism / aid and inspiring leader to boost hit points as well.
Well clearly you must now call yourself a Baladin.
If you truly like the Idea of Swords bard I would suggest Dex over strength. At level 3 when you choose the college you will get to choose Two weapon fighting adding your plus two or plus 3 dex bonus to attack and damage for both attacks. Your AC will be better with medium armor and the improved dex bonus, your Inititive bonus will be higher, you will be sneakier as well. At 6th level you gain an extra attack so can attack 3 times many rounds. Also a good Dex save is helpful in taking half or no damage against many damage spells.
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Thx for the advice! ;)
Support melee martial? There are these dudes that run around in heavy armor that have amazing spellcasting capabilities especially the support kind. I believe they are called Clerics.
But jokes aside a Cleric might be what you are looking for. Nature Domain lets you wear Heavy Armor and gives you access to Shillelagh so you can stop at 15 Str and concentrate on other stats.
Well clearly you must now call yourself a Baladin.
If you truly like the Idea of Swords bard I would suggest Dex over strength. At level 3 when you choose the college you will get to choose Two weapon fighting adding your plus two or plus 3 dex bonus to attack and damage for both attacks. Your AC will be better with medium armor and the improved dex bonus, your Inititive bonus will be higher, you will be sneakier as well. At 6th level you gain an extra attack so can attack 3 times many rounds. Also a good Dex save is helpful in taking half or no damage against many damage spells.