Hi again, it's the Supreme Sneak Boi of 2019, the absolute noob of DnD. So I was sure I was picking the College of Swords, but then I remembered multi-classing, the creativity of DnD. What are some nice multi-classing options that will make me better as a Swords Bard?
I am actually pondering some of the beneficial multiclassing options for a College of Swords character...here's some thoughts:
You've got your first major decision: just how far are you multiclassing?
I'd say you'd want maybe only 1-3 levels of another class...too much delays your spellcasting and Sword Bard features...and you really want those sooner rather than later.
That said, here are some class recommendations:
Fighter (1-3 Levels):
Fighter will make the bard that much better on the front lines, giving you armor and martial weapon proficiencies, another fighting style, ACTION SURGE, and Second Wind. A sturdier and better warrior.
And should you take 3 levels in Fighter...you get to select the Battlemaster subclass, which gives you Maneuvers...and these let you pull off even more "tricks" in combat, just like Sword Bards already do...but they can STACK...meaning you can bash people around the battlefield and dish out more (reasonable) damage. The only thing is...3 levels of Fighter takes a bit to get going.
If you start with Fighter first, you get Constitution proficiency in saves...helpful to keep your "Concentration" spells going.
Warlock (1-2 Levels):
I'm just going to say it...if you multiclass Warlock, you're likely going to take "Hexblade" as your patron. Doing so gives you "shield" proficiency (which Sword Bards don't get normally), some nice Pact Magic spell slots you get back each short rest, and the "Shield" spell, which you'll likely use those spells slots on. Plus, you get "Eldritch Blast" and some other creepy/cool Warlock spells and talents...and Hexblades get to use their Charisma for their weapon damage modifier...for a single weapon each long rest, at least.
And last you checked, Bards are VERY charismatic.
Sorcerer (1-2 Levels):
This is a weaker choice; but it still has merit.
Proficiency is Constitution saving throws means your Concentration spells can last longer on average, and you get some spells and cantrips to keep your arsenal flexible...including the "Shield" spell.
Sword Bards like the "Shield" spell.
...and Sorcerers have interesting powers with only a single level dip...natural armor for Draconic Sorcerers (and Aberrant Mind sorcerers...sweet)...access to some Cleric spells for Divine Soul sorcerers, as well as a skill to boost your roll once per short rest.
The lack of proficiencies are...disappointing, however.
Paladin (1-2 Levels):
Ah, a combination I've been wondering about personally...a paladin multiclass gives you all the martial weapon and armor proficiencies a Fighter would give you, plus an extra Fighting Style, all with a single dip...
...but two levels gives you DIVINE SMITE, and that is the real meat-and-potatoes of why a paladin multiclass rocks with Sword Bards.
Sword Bards are full casters, after all...they get up to 9th level spells.
That means you have all those extra spell slots just sitting there...mocking you.
Don't be a fool...use those spell slots to SMITE things into dust and powder. Then call someone to clean up the mess. Grin when your allies stare at the bard who apparently just wielded the wrath of the gods.
And because all you need is 2 levels...you don't delay your bard leveling all that badly...multiclass when you feel ready to. Keep your best bard features. It's a win...win...win!
You need at least 13 Strength, however...so do some push-ups.
Rogue (Level 1-2):
Rogues get "Expertise" at Level 1, which means the bard gets even better at doing...well, anything they want.
Rogues also get "Cunning Action" at Level 2, which means your bard can use the bonus action to "Dash" around the battlefield..."Disengage" to avoid being hit...OR...!
..."Hide" like a coward.
...
...call it a "surprise attack" or "tactical retreat", if you want.
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Oh, yeah...and "Sneak Attack". More damage. Not really all that much since you're only doing a little bit of Rogue, but...it's something.
I personally like multiclassing into battlemaster. I took one level fighter for more hitpoints and for the proficiencies. I then took the next six levels bard to get extra attack and short rest bardic dice. Then two levels of fighter for archetype and action surge.
Battlemaster is fun because battle maneuvers stack with sword flourish.
Example first attack hits. Use disarming attack and mobile flourish as you can try to knock out the weapon from your opponents hand then push them away and move to them so they can't run back to the weapon without AoO. Second attack hits and you can use distracting strike to give an ally advantage on their next attack. Not only are you forcing the effects but these manuevers and flourish adds damage to the weapon attack. You can also action surge and cast a spell if you want as well. The maneuvers can be used once per attack until you are out of combat dice and flourishes can be used once per turn. There are a lot of combos though.
I'm partial to paladin 2 for CHA full caster gish to really make use of that smite.
Fighter 3 for battle master is also good. Sacrifice a bit of spell power for more sword tricks.
Warlock hexblade 3 is also good imo. Being able to use CHA for weapons, 2 extra level 2 slots on short rest, some invocations and a pact boon (I don't specifically recommend pact of blade, but it is there if you want it, the other pacts are just as good).
So I can use my undeniable sexiness as my weapon? SWEET! And Action Surge is basically Extra Attack? But you can use any action on that additional action? Also SWEET! And you can use the power of J E S U S and smite the unholy?! AHHHHHHHH-
I don't think I really want Expertise. That's probably better off with a Lore Bard, but I'll consider Cunning Action. It also works well with Sneak Attack, since I now have another source of damage that increases by level. But I don't think I'll consider the Sorcerer. I just won't. I have EXACTLY 13 STR, so..... yay me.
Edit: I'm not exactly sure yet how far I want to multiclass, but I want to be a front-liner, probably one of the party's highest source of damage.
Huh, I thought that you only had to dip into one level for Hexblade.
You do, but the level 2 and 3 features are very good. Eldritch invocations, a second pact slot, pact boon, 2nd level slots.
Then again, Eldritch Blast is a very good move, and Agonizing Blast is a very compelling option, but I think I'll stop at 2nd level. The Pacts seem...undesirable.
I normally consider splashing bard into something as opposed to splashing something into bard. Level delays can be very significant so MC as an option is something that takes careful consideration.
Hexblade is interesting dip because its worth taking anywhere between one to five levels depending on what your other class is. Eldritch smite invocation at level 5 can pack on a ton of damage and knock the enemy prone so you get advantage on your next attack and allies can get advantage. If you pack on being an half-elf with elven accuracy then you can get super advantage and your pact weapon can be a heavy weapon for great weapon master.
Huh, I thought that you only had to dip into one level for Hexblade.
You do, but the level 2 and 3 features are very good. Eldritch invocations, a second pact slot, pact boon, 2nd level slots.
Then again, Eldritch Blast is a very good move, and Agonizing Blast is a very compelling option, but I think I'll stop at 2nd level. The Pacts seem...undesirable.
Aside from the pact slot, you also get a level 2 spell (and can swap for another) and your pact slots become level 2 (so that is 2 level 2 slots per short rest).
Pact boons can be very powerful, like an invisible flying familiar for scouting or using the help action every turn, extra cantrips from any class (guidance and thorn whip are 2 of my favorites), or the ability to spend a full turn drawing your weapon (can you tell which boon is my least favorite? But you can effectively never be disarmed).
I don't blame you for stopping at 2 levels for level 18 magical secrets though.
Hm......In Xanathar's Guide to Everything or any of the 5e books, did they add new, special warlock-only familiars? Because I'm considering Pact of the Chain now.
If you take pact of the blade then your pact weapon can be a heavy weapon like greatsword. There is something fun about a half-elf great weapon master using elven accuracy for super advantage.
If you're willing to give up your 18 Magical Secrets going 3 into Rogue/Swashbuckler synergies nicely with Sword Bards. You get to add your Charisma bonus to your Initiative rolls plus you get the disengage-like ability similar to Mobile along with the added 2D6 from sneak damage. Combined with your Flourish movement bonus you have a Psuedo Mobile feat with a sprinkling of Alert-level initiative thrown in. Granted, losing Wish is harsh, but my bard is half-elf so I'll be using my 9th slot for Foresight to take advantage of the synergy with Elven Accuracy.
Hi again, it's the Supreme Sneak Boi of 2019, the absolute noob of DnD. So I was sure I was picking the College of Swords, but then I remembered multi-classing, the creativity of DnD. What are some nice multi-classing options that will make me better as a Swords Bard?
Thanks in advance,
The Sexiest Sneakiest Boi
I am actually pondering some of the beneficial multiclassing options for a College of Swords character...here's some thoughts:
You've got your first major decision: just how far are you multiclassing?
I'd say you'd want maybe only 1-3 levels of another class...too much delays your spellcasting and Sword Bard features...and you really want those sooner rather than later.
That said, here are some class recommendations:
Fighter (1-3 Levels):
Fighter will make the bard that much better on the front lines, giving you armor and martial weapon proficiencies, another fighting style, ACTION SURGE, and Second Wind. A sturdier and better warrior.
And should you take 3 levels in Fighter...you get to select the Battlemaster subclass, which gives you Maneuvers...and these let you pull off even more "tricks" in combat, just like Sword Bards already do...but they can STACK...meaning you can bash people around the battlefield and dish out more (reasonable) damage. The only thing is...3 levels of Fighter takes a bit to get going.
If you start with Fighter first, you get Constitution proficiency in saves...helpful to keep your "Concentration" spells going.
Warlock (1-2 Levels):
I'm just going to say it...if you multiclass Warlock, you're likely going to take "Hexblade" as your patron. Doing so gives you "shield" proficiency (which Sword Bards don't get normally), some nice Pact Magic spell slots you get back each short rest, and the "Shield" spell, which you'll likely use those spells slots on. Plus, you get "Eldritch Blast" and some other creepy/cool Warlock spells and talents...and Hexblades get to use their Charisma for their weapon damage modifier...for a single weapon each long rest, at least.
And last you checked, Bards are VERY charismatic.
Sorcerer (1-2 Levels):
This is a weaker choice; but it still has merit.
Proficiency is Constitution saving throws means your Concentration spells can last longer on average, and you get some spells and cantrips to keep your arsenal flexible...including the "Shield" spell.
Sword Bards like the "Shield" spell.
...and Sorcerers have interesting powers with only a single level dip...natural armor for Draconic Sorcerers (and Aberrant Mind sorcerers...sweet)...access to some Cleric spells for Divine Soul sorcerers, as well as a skill to boost your roll once per short rest.
The lack of proficiencies are...disappointing, however.
Paladin (1-2 Levels):
Ah, a combination I've been wondering about personally...a paladin multiclass gives you all the martial weapon and armor proficiencies a Fighter would give you, plus an extra Fighting Style, all with a single dip...
...but two levels gives you DIVINE SMITE, and that is the real meat-and-potatoes of why a paladin multiclass rocks with Sword Bards.
Sword Bards are full casters, after all...they get up to 9th level spells.
That means you have all those extra spell slots just sitting there...mocking you.
Don't be a fool...use those spell slots to SMITE things into dust and powder. Then call someone to clean up the mess. Grin when your allies stare at the bard who apparently just wielded the wrath of the gods.
And because all you need is 2 levels...you don't delay your bard leveling all that badly...multiclass when you feel ready to. Keep your best bard features. It's a win...win...win!
You need at least 13 Strength, however...so do some push-ups.
Rogue (Level 1-2):
Rogues get "Expertise" at Level 1, which means the bard gets even better at doing...well, anything they want.
Rogues also get "Cunning Action" at Level 2, which means your bard can use the bonus action to "Dash" around the battlefield..."Disengage" to avoid being hit...OR...!
..."Hide" like a coward.
...
...call it a "surprise attack" or "tactical retreat", if you want.
Whatever helps you sleep at night.
Oh, yeah...and "Sneak Attack". More damage. Not really all that much since you're only doing a little bit of Rogue, but...it's something.
I personally like multiclassing into battlemaster. I took one level fighter for more hitpoints and for the proficiencies. I then took the next six levels bard to get extra attack and short rest bardic dice. Then two levels of fighter for archetype and action surge.
Battlemaster is fun because battle maneuvers stack with sword flourish.
Example first attack hits. Use disarming attack and mobile flourish as you can try to knock out the weapon from your opponents hand then push them away and move to them so they can't run back to the weapon without AoO. Second attack hits and you can use distracting strike to give an ally advantage on their next attack. Not only are you forcing the effects but these manuevers and flourish adds damage to the weapon attack. You can also action surge and cast a spell if you want as well. The maneuvers can be used once per attack until you are out of combat dice and flourishes can be used once per turn. There are a lot of combos though.
Your secret is safe with my indifference - Percy
I'm partial to paladin 2 for CHA full caster gish to really make use of that smite.
Fighter 3 for battle master is also good. Sacrifice a bit of spell power for more sword tricks.
Warlock hexblade 3 is also good imo. Being able to use CHA for weapons, 2 extra level 2 slots on short rest, some invocations and a pact boon (I don't specifically recommend pact of blade, but it is there if you want it, the other pacts are just as good).
So I can use my undeniable sexiness as my weapon? SWEET! And Action Surge is basically Extra Attack? But you can use any action on that additional action? Also SWEET! And you can use the power of J E S U S and smite the unholy?! AHHHHHHHH-
I don't think I really want Expertise. That's probably better off with a Lore Bard, but I'll consider Cunning Action. It also works well with Sneak Attack, since I now have another source of damage that increases by level. But I don't think I'll consider the Sorcerer. I just won't. I have EXACTLY 13 STR, so..... yay me.
Edit: I'm not exactly sure yet how far I want to multiclass, but I want to be a front-liner, probably one of the party's highest source of damage.
Oh Jesus that sounds OP of course I'll use it-
Huh, I thought that you only had to dip into one level for Hexblade.
You do, but the level 2 and 3 features are very good. Eldritch invocations, a second pact slot, pact boon, 2nd level slots.
Then again, Eldritch Blast is a very good move, and Agonizing Blast is a very compelling option, but I think I'll stop at 2nd level. The Pacts seem...undesirable.
I normally consider splashing bard into something as opposed to splashing something into bard. Level delays can be very significant so MC as an option is something that takes careful consideration.
Hexblade is interesting dip because its worth taking anywhere between one to five levels depending on what your other class is. Eldritch smite invocation at level 5 can pack on a ton of damage and knock the enemy prone so you get advantage on your next attack and allies can get advantage. If you pack on being an half-elf with elven accuracy then you can get super advantage and your pact weapon can be a heavy weapon for great weapon master.
Your secret is safe with my indifference - Percy
Side note: a bard's levels for 19th & 20th levels are somewhat lackluster...but Level 18 gives you more "Magical Secrets".
Now, I'm not saying you should choose "Wish"...
...but you can get "WISH".
Meaning, if you take more than 2 levels in another class, you lose that phenomenal cosmic power.
If your campaign doesn't get that high, though...no biggie.
Also, I am totally referring to Hexblades damage feature as "weaponized sexiness" from now on.
Aside from the pact slot, you also get a level 2 spell (and can swap for another) and your pact slots become level 2 (so that is 2 level 2 slots per short rest).
Pact boons can be very powerful, like an invisible flying familiar for scouting or using the help action every turn, extra cantrips from any class (guidance and thorn whip are 2 of my favorites), or the ability to spend a full turn drawing your weapon (can you tell which boon is my least favorite? But you can effectively never be disarmed).
I don't blame you for stopping at 2 levels for level 18 magical secrets though.
Hm......In Xanathar's Guide to Everything or any of the 5e books, did they add new, special warlock-only familiars? Because I'm considering Pact of the Chain now.
Pretty sure its just imp, pseudodragon, quasit, or sprite.
Your secret is safe with my indifference - Percy
Aw.....then no for the Pact of the Chain. I guess I could go Pact of the Blade and make my rapier magical.
If you take pact of the blade then your pact weapon can be a heavy weapon like greatsword. There is something fun about a half-elf great weapon master using elven accuracy for super advantage.
Your secret is safe with my indifference - Percy
If you're willing to give up your 18 Magical Secrets going 3 into Rogue/Swashbuckler synergies nicely with Sword Bards. You get to add your Charisma bonus to your Initiative rolls plus you get the disengage-like ability similar to Mobile along with the added 2D6 from sneak damage. Combined with your Flourish movement bonus you have a Psuedo Mobile feat with a sprinkling of Alert-level initiative thrown in. Granted, losing Wish is harsh, but my bard is half-elf so I'll be using my 9th slot for Foresight to take advantage of the synergy with Elven Accuracy.
Oh, I forgot about the abilities of the Swashbuckler, I was only thinking about Expertise. Okay, so I think this spread is good.
Swords Bard 14/Hexblade 2/ Paladin 2/Fighter 2