I call this build "The Youth Pastor." Basically someone who hypes up big tent revival. Doing sword tricks to show that through faith and dedication, YOU TOO could be a soldier in God's army (like those guys that rip phone books lol)
Another Bardadin possiblity is the Whispers Bard, which allows you to smite with both classes at once (Psychic Blades is basically a Smite powered by Bardic Inspiration instead of spell slots). Lots of great nova potential with that I feel like.
We are getting ready to play Rime of the Frostmaiden, and as such will go to level 12. Assuming I survive that long - what level(s) would you take the Paladin dip?
I'm thinking 7-8 or 9-10? But both of those come with their own delays to spell progression.
We are getting ready to play Rime of the Frostmaiden, and as such will go to level 12. Assuming I survive that long - what level(s) would you take the Paladin dip?
I'm thinking 7-8 or 9-10? But both of those come with their own delays to spell progression.
Aye...it's one of those things where you'd probably dip once you gain your Extra Attack...so probably around 7-8.
We are getting ready to play Rime of the Frostmaiden, and as such will go to level 12. Assuming I survive that long - what level(s) would you take the Paladin dip?
I'm thinking 7-8 or 9-10? But both of those come with their own delays to spell progression.
1-2.
Paladins come with Heavy Armor proficiency that you don't get if you go Bard first. Since you need to devote 13 strength minimum to multi-class a Paladin having heavy armour means you don't need to expend resources pumping up Dexterity for your light/medium armour.
It gives you your smites and defensive fighting style at level 2, and then go Bard. I'd say College of Swords for the dueling fighting style plus the flourishes. You're waiting until level 8 for your extra attack, which is annoying, but you do have smite + flourish to tide you over until then.
so i kind of did the opposite to you and took mostly paladin levels with a few in bard. mine was a tiefling oathbreaker paladin/college of swords bard. her background was a gladiator, as i found it was a good way to maintain her fighting capacity since she broke her oath, while also explaining why she relied on her dex over strength as it fit her better against bigger foes- it was an interesting build tbh (and one you'd have to ask you dm if you could play, because oath breakers are usually evil, and mine wasn't, and they're also found in the dmg and not the player's handbook). light armor + a shield + high dex gives you a very high ac, and you can choose two fighting styles (i took the +1 to ac and dueling) and the oathbreaker's spells overlap with tiefling ability spells which was actually kind of fun. PLUS bard gives you healing word which allows you to heal from afar, and if you're the main healer of your party it's great to have a distance spell.
Currently playing a custom lineage (Half-elf) Swords Bard/Devotion paladin. Her dad was a traveling Elf who one-night-standed her mom. She ran away from home to join a circus where her Charisma quickly propelled her to ringleader. Then she found Milil (read, found Jesus) and fights in his name. Claims to have banged the god. Decided on that 3rd level to get access to channel divinity. Sacred Weapon makes her rapier 1d8 +dex+cha+2 for dueling style, which for her is +9 total. Icing on cake, she has expertise in Intimidation and the Telepathic feat from Tasha's, so she's been secretly threatening the shit out of NPCs in their minds (+12 to Intimidation checks).
Sacred Weapon makes her rapier 1d8 +dex+cha+2 for dueling style, which for her is +9 total.
Not quite sure I follow this. From memory Dueling is +2 to damage, Sacred Weapon is +CHA to hit. So doesn't that make it PROF + DEX + CHA / 1d8 + DEX + 2 ?
It certainly appears to be a standard action from the description on this site...
As an action, you can touch a creature and draw power from the pool to restore a number of hit points to that creature, up to the maximum amount remaining in your pool.
I basically just made a Disney prince, song and dance, performing. Following the story of a damsel in distress. Simple Fun but complex stuff as his story developed
I know I'm SUUUUUPER late to the party, but I've always loved the idea of a Bard Paladin who's the captain of an order of knights. Inspiring their allies mid-combat with displays of heroism, practical advice, and words of encouragement or reassurance. This build is actually the one I'm holding onto as a backup in the unlikely event my slippery as **** Harengon Gloomstalker/Rogue bites it.
My bard paladin was in paladin training for 2 levels. He was very weak, not very smart, not very wise, and was at the bottom of his class but had a natural charisma that made his mentors tolerate him.
The night before taking his oath, he realized he didn't want to commit to an oath since his real dream was to pursue music. He abandoned his path before swearing an oath (what most consider to be becoming a true paladin) and decided to perform for fame and riches rather than law and order. While escaping the barracks, he stole a pair of Gauntlets of Ogre Strength and never looked back. He is chaotic neutral, loves playing bad cop (our group has a true lawful good paladin), and is a true opportunist. He is never valorant, will step into certain victory to claim fame, and would rather admire himself in a mirror than help those in distress (unless they pay well or will boost his fame.) He is a joy to play and I love the dynamic I have with the other paladin. Point Buy 8 str (19 with gauntlets of ogre strength), 16 dex (15 base +1 elf racial), 14 con (13 base +1 half elf racial), 8 wis, 8 int, 18 cha (16 base + 2 elf racial). College of Swords.
Pros: fun roleplay, Mostly pure caster with incredible melee burst damage, lots of powerful smites, flourishes (aoe, def, and mobility) use any armor (less dex dependant) or weapon, swiss army utility, free booze food and lodging, never miss seduction. Bardcore playlist to add flavor to battles
Cons: very vulnerable to wis and int saves, build depends on gauntlets to thrive. I am terrified of rust monsters anf heat metal, heavy roleplay may be annoying to minmax groups, jack of all trades master of none (except rock n roll baby). Mocked by true paladins. Internal conflict at knowing I am really just a drop out. No extra attack until level 8 (bard lvl 6). Must start with two levels of paladin to fit story so unimpressive at lower levels.
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I call this build "The Youth Pastor." Basically someone who hypes up big tent revival. Doing sword tricks to show that through faith and dedication, YOU TOO could be a soldier in God's army (like those guys that rip phone books lol)
Another Bardadin possiblity is the Whispers Bard, which allows you to smite with both classes at once (Psychic Blades is basically a Smite powered by Bardic Inspiration instead of spell slots). Lots of great nova potential with that I feel like.
Sorry if I'm necro-ing:
We are getting ready to play Rime of the Frostmaiden, and as such will go to level 12. Assuming I survive that long - what level(s) would you take the Paladin dip?
I'm thinking 7-8 or 9-10? But both of those come with their own delays to spell progression.
Aye...it's one of those things where you'd probably dip once you gain your Extra Attack...so probably around 7-8.
1-2.
Paladins come with Heavy Armor proficiency that you don't get if you go Bard first. Since you need to devote 13 strength minimum to multi-class a Paladin having heavy armour means you don't need to expend resources pumping up Dexterity for your light/medium armour.
It gives you your smites and defensive fighting style at level 2, and then go Bard. I'd say College of Swords for the dueling fighting style plus the flourishes. You're waiting until level 8 for your extra attack, which is annoying, but you do have smite + flourish to tide you over until then.
so i kind of did the opposite to you and took mostly paladin levels with a few in bard. mine was a tiefling oathbreaker paladin/college of swords bard. her background was a gladiator, as i found it was a good way to maintain her fighting capacity since she broke her oath, while also explaining why she relied on her dex over strength as it fit her better against bigger foes- it was an interesting build tbh (and one you'd have to ask you dm if you could play, because oath breakers are usually evil, and mine wasn't, and they're also found in the dmg and not the player's handbook). light armor + a shield + high dex gives you a very high ac, and you can choose two fighting styles (i took the +1 to ac and dueling) and the oathbreaker's spells overlap with tiefling ability spells which was actually kind of fun. PLUS bard gives you healing word which allows you to heal from afar, and if you're the main healer of your party it's great to have a distance spell.
Currently playing a custom lineage (Half-elf) Swords Bard/Devotion paladin. Her dad was a traveling Elf who one-night-standed her mom. She ran away from home to join a circus where her Charisma quickly propelled her to ringleader. Then she found Milil (read, found Jesus) and fights in his name. Claims to have banged the god. Decided on that 3rd level to get access to channel divinity. Sacred Weapon makes her rapier 1d8 +dex+cha+2 for dueling style, which for her is +9 total. Icing on cake, she has expertise in Intimidation and the Telepathic feat from Tasha's, so she's been secretly threatening the shit out of NPCs in their minds (+12 to Intimidation checks).
Not quite sure I follow this. From memory Dueling is +2 to damage, Sacred Weapon is +CHA to hit. So doesn't that make it PROF + DEX + CHA / 1d8 + DEX + 2 ?
Life's hard - get a helmet!
Lay on hands is a bonus action, no?
It certainly appears to be a standard action from the description on this site...
You're right, I always mix that up when the character sheet's not in front of me. Good catch.
I basically just made a Disney prince, song and dance, performing. Following the story of a damsel in distress. Simple Fun but complex stuff as his story developed
I know I'm SUUUUUPER late to the party, but I've always loved the idea of a Bard Paladin who's the captain of an order of knights. Inspiring their allies mid-combat with displays of heroism, practical advice, and words of encouragement or reassurance. This build is actually the one I'm holding onto as a backup in the unlikely event my slippery as **** Harengon Gloomstalker/Rogue bites it.
A true Bard splashes Paladin not for the smites, but for the immunity to disease.
Think about it...
My bard paladin was in paladin training for 2 levels. He was very weak, not very smart, not very wise, and was at the bottom of his class but had a natural charisma that made his mentors tolerate him.
The night before taking his oath, he realized he didn't want to commit to an oath since his real dream was to pursue music. He abandoned his path before swearing an oath (what most consider to be becoming a true paladin) and decided to perform for fame and riches rather than law and order. While escaping the barracks, he stole a pair of Gauntlets of Ogre Strength and never looked back. He is chaotic neutral, loves playing bad cop (our group has a true lawful good paladin), and is a true opportunist. He is never valorant, will step into certain victory to claim fame, and would rather admire himself in a mirror than help those in distress (unless they pay well or will boost his fame.) He is a joy to play and I love the dynamic I have with the other paladin. Point Buy 8 str (19 with gauntlets of ogre strength), 16 dex (15 base +1 elf racial), 14 con (13 base +1 half elf racial), 8 wis, 8 int, 18 cha (16 base + 2 elf racial). College of Swords.
Pros: fun roleplay, Mostly pure caster with incredible melee burst damage, lots of powerful smites, flourishes (aoe, def, and mobility) use any armor (less dex dependant) or weapon, swiss army utility, free booze food and lodging, never miss seduction. Bardcore playlist to add flavor to battles
Cons: very vulnerable to wis and int saves, build depends on gauntlets to thrive. I am terrified of rust monsters anf heat metal, heavy roleplay may be annoying to minmax groups, jack of all trades master of none (except rock n roll baby). Mocked by true paladins. Internal conflict at knowing I am really just a drop out. No extra attack until level 8 (bard lvl 6). Must start with two levels of paladin to fit story so unimpressive at lower levels.