Paladin 1 / Bard X best subclass/build

As the title of this implies, this involves having knowledge of bard subclasses and features, but this starts off with a Paladin level and weighing it’s Divine Smite combined with the Great Weapon Master feat and the near maximum possible number of spell slots versus the new Enchantment Adept feat combined with the many enchantment spells available as a bard.

There’s really two paths I feel I can go with this:

1. Strength 15+2, Charisma+1 - GWM

or

2. Charisma 15 +2, Strength + 1 - Enchantment Adept

Part of it depends on the subclass too, but I’ve gotten mixed results in my research. Some things say that you don’t need extra attack to make this build work since you can only cast Divine Smite once per turn anyway, but at the same time they still say the Valor Bard is the best subclass.

I know this is the Paladin forms, so I may get more Paladin based answers like going GWM and extra attack, but I’m hoping for ideas from everyone. Thanks.

Warlock 1 for pact of the blade (5e could be hexblade also at lvl 1)

Paladin 2 for smiting

Bard 17 college of swords for great AC and combat moves

Works really well, maybe better at 5e than 5.5e tho

I forgot to mention it was for 5.5. Sorry. Because of that, I’d hate to miss out on an epic boon feat. Are you sure it’s worth it?

Also, what’s early level play like? I’d worry that being so spread out would be bad, not to mention putting off levels for things like extra attack.

That reminds me, what Bard subclass would you recommend for this build? Valor for extra attack and to not rely on true strike, or something else and rely on true strike?

You definitely want Extra Attack to double your chances of being able to land a hit and cast Divine Smite.

Understood. It just stinks having to out if of to level 7 with the Paladin/Valor Bard build, let alone 8 on a Paladin/Warlock/Valor Bard build. Better late than never I guess? Still, I’ll be utilizing true strike until I get extra attack. With that in mind, should I wait until just before I get extra attack at level 6 or just after at level 8 to take a warlock dip for Pact of the Blade?

Yeah for 5.5e it doesn't roll as well. It was a bit loose at earlier levels but once the player got it rolling it was pretty dominant.

Used their 9th slot for spirit guardians 9d8 area of effect damage

Plate + Shield+2 + shield-spell + 1d6 was 25.5 AC up to 30.5 if he cast shield.

And lots of spell slots to smite, with hexblades curse for extra prof damage sword and board

Spirit Guardians over Conjure Minor Elementals? Interesting… I was going to go dual wielder, but with my shield able to act as a spellcasting focus, I see why doing it this way makes more sense. Thanks!

That being said, I’m not sure I would give up my wish spell slot. Or my Lightning Ring spell slot for that matter. I should have two level 7 spell slots, so I could use one of those for Spirit Guardians.

Anyway, you've given me a lot to think about. I appreciate it!