This is the kind of question that doesn't get responses after four days because people would have to do too much of the work that you should do for yourself. This is made even more difficult because there is a heavy emphasis on "pick whatever you want that fits your character" yet we have no idea who your character is besides being a valor bard. It is made more difficult again due to the base Bard class being able to fill pretty much every role, a class which more-so than others has so many varied and viable uses, and we don't know what role you wish to play other than that you have slightly more combat/buff abilities by going Valor. You'll get more help if you be a little more specific on what you need help with.
Hmm....okay. I never really got that emphasis, plus some people have been saying "Pick what ever's fun, it doesn't really matter at the start.", while others say to basically only pick the best spells for the best gameplay. It's all been so confusing, I need all of this cleared up!
The problem is that there are too many options. People would need to know what type of play you want to engage in. Do you want to use your spells to go along with your weapon attacks that the Valor college gives you? Like, buff your sword and then attack with it? Or do you want to use your spells to complement what you're doing in other ways (e.g., debuff the enemy and then stab him)? Or something else entirely?
We need more to go on before advising.
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BioWizard
I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
The PHB has a suggested list of spells to start with at first level. James also gave a list of suggestions a few weeks ago in his article on Valor Bards.
Alright, I guess the second option, debuff enemies to help my allies gain the upper hand. In comparison to other games, I've never really been a good offensive threat, so I usually support from the backlines or take the role of the tank, shrugging off enemies with barely any sweat and occasionally either buffing allies or debuting enemies.
Based on the extra info you gave, I think that Valor Bard 101 article fits what you want for spells. Another cool thing about this is you can easily switch between a support and offensive role to get more practice and learn new styles of play.
I have a level 5 Whispers bard. In my mind he likes the comfortable life and likes to make sure his stage performances have that little bit extra. He’s a star of the stage who has earned his name playing all the best villains. I loaded up on a Prestidigitation so he doesn’t have to do laundry, Mage Hand so he doesn’t have to get up to get a cup of tea, Dancing Lights for dramatic entrances, Unseen Servant for a Personal Valet, Disguise Self for costume changes, and the very first 3rd level Spell he grabbed was Tiny Hut because he hates how wet and drafty tents can be. Not 1 single combat spell. In other words, I picked what fits the character.
Is it rough sometimes? Absolutely!!! Is it fun? Absolutely!!!
I really like spells with clever uses like detect thoughts, silence, silent image, and suggestion.
Invisibility, disguise self, cure wounds, sand calm emotions are great picks as well.
Think about how you want to play. Bards have great spells for social aspects and to manipulate people in and out of combat. Illusions can be powerful but it takes a clever person to get the best use out of said spells.
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Your secret is safe with my indifference - Percy
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What spells should I first learn for a bard who plans to take the College of Valor at 3rd level?
This is the kind of question that doesn't get responses after four days because people would have to do too much of the work that you should do for yourself. This is made even more difficult because there is a heavy emphasis on "pick whatever you want that fits your character" yet we have no idea who your character is besides being a valor bard. It is made more difficult again due to the base Bard class being able to fill pretty much every role, a class which more-so than others has so many varied and viable uses, and we don't know what role you wish to play other than that you have slightly more combat/buff abilities by going Valor. You'll get more help if you be a little more specific on what you need help with.
tl;dr
Pick whatever you want that fits your character.
Hmm....okay. I never really got that emphasis, plus some people have been saying "Pick what ever's fun, it doesn't really matter at the start.", while others say to basically only pick the best spells for the best gameplay. It's all been so confusing, I need all of this cleared up!
The problem is that there are too many options. People would need to know what type of play you want to engage in. Do you want to use your spells to go along with your weapon attacks that the Valor college gives you? Like, buff your sword and then attack with it? Or do you want to use your spells to complement what you're doing in other ways (e.g., debuff the enemy and then stab him)? Or something else entirely?
We need more to go on before advising.
BioWizard
I no longer post to the forums -- PM me if you need help or anything.
The PHB has a suggested list of spells to start with at first level. James also gave a list of suggestions a few weeks ago in his article on Valor Bards.
https://www.dndbeyond.com/posts/609-bard-101-college-of-valor
Do those meet your needs, or is there something more you're looking for?
Alright, I guess the second option, debuff enemies to help my allies gain the upper hand. In comparison to other games, I've never really been a good offensive threat, so I usually support from the backlines or take the role of the tank, shrugging off enemies with barely any sweat and occasionally either buffing allies or debuting enemies.
Oh! Thank you so much! I'm surprised I haven't even seen this before!
Based on the extra info you gave, I think that Valor Bard 101 article fits what you want for spells. Another cool thing about this is you can easily switch between a support and offensive role to get more practice and learn new styles of play.
I have a level 5 Whispers bard. In my mind he likes the comfortable life and likes to make sure his stage performances have that little bit extra. He’s a star of the stage who has earned his name playing all the best villains. I loaded up on a Prestidigitation so he doesn’t have to do laundry, Mage Hand so he doesn’t have to get up to get a cup of tea, Dancing Lights for dramatic entrances, Unseen Servant for a Personal Valet, Disguise Self for costume changes, and the very first 3rd level Spell he grabbed was Tiny Hut because he hates how wet and drafty tents can be. Not 1 single combat spell. In other words, I picked what fits the character.
Is it rough sometimes? Absolutely!!! Is it fun? Absolutely!!!
Pick what suites your character.
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Dissonant whispers and shatter for damage spells.
I really like spells with clever uses like detect thoughts, silence, silent image, and suggestion.
Invisibility, disguise self, cure wounds, sand calm emotions are great picks as well.
Think about how you want to play. Bards have great spells for social aspects and to manipulate people in and out of combat. Illusions can be powerful but it takes a clever person to get the best use out of said spells.
Your secret is safe with my indifference - Percy