Hi! Just started with a Level 4 Half Elf (Bard 2/Paladin 2) character for our new campaign. I am going with storytelling and instruments as I don't want to sing lol. My background is far traveler and my idea is that I grew up learning music from my father, combat from my mother (who was the champion of our village?). Our family is full of storytellers. Anyway, in combat and for our party I am trying to fill the role of tank with a lot of cc and decent healing. Abilities are 13, 15, 14, 8, 8, 17 I have a shield and rapier with war caster. Trying to decide which Bard College to head into at the next level. I like the idea of lore as spellcasting and versatility but there is obviously sword or valor for that melee component.
You should already get the fighting style, weapon and proficiencies, and (later) extra attack from paladin, so I dont see much point in going sword or valor (maybe for sword flourishes). Over all lore bard brings a little more to the table with 4 more skills and cutting words for defense.
I like sword bard for the extra fighting style and flourishes. You can pick up dueling and then either defense or protection. Flourishes can really boost your ac when needed.
In terms of support and healing though I think glamour is a great option with all of the temp hp's you can throw around with your bonus action.(free movement as well for party) Like above you don't need the armor and weapon proficiencies since you already have them.
The advantage of a CoSword Bard is that you get to manipulate your opponent's movements somewhat (useful for a tank) and the potential to smite multiple opponents on your turn. With enough levels in Bard, you can smite more often than a pure Paladin. You can also choose the Two Weapon Fighting Style from CoSword, which also increases your opportunities to smite.
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Hi! Just started with a Level 4 Half Elf (Bard 2/Paladin 2) character for our new campaign. I am going with storytelling and instruments as I don't want to sing lol. My background is far traveler and my idea is that I grew up learning music from my father, combat from my mother (who was the champion of our village?). Our family is full of storytellers. Anyway, in combat and for our party I am trying to fill the role of tank with a lot of cc and decent healing. Abilities are 13, 15, 14, 8, 8, 17 I have a shield and rapier with war caster. Trying to decide which Bard College to head into at the next level. I like the idea of lore as spellcasting and versatility but there is obviously sword or valor for that melee component.
Thanks
You should already get the fighting style, weapon and proficiencies, and (later) extra attack from paladin, so I dont see much point in going sword or valor (maybe for sword flourishes). Over all lore bard brings a little more to the table with 4 more skills and cutting words for defense.
Thats my 2cp anyway.
I like sword bard for the extra fighting style and flourishes. You can pick up dueling and then either defense or protection. Flourishes can really boost your ac when needed.
In terms of support and healing though I think glamour is a great option with all of the temp hp's you can throw around with your bonus action.(free movement as well for party) Like above you don't need the armor and weapon proficiencies since you already have them.
The advantage of a CoSword Bard is that you get to manipulate your opponent's movements somewhat (useful for a tank) and the potential to smite multiple opponents on your turn. With enough levels in Bard, you can smite more often than a pure Paladin. You can also choose the Two Weapon Fighting Style from CoSword, which also increases your opportunities to smite.