I am a couple sessions into a bard/paladin multiclass build; we've just leveled up and I am trying to decide where to put the next level. My character right now is level 3 (2 paladin/1 bard); eventually I plan to go Oath of Glory and College of Swords.
For my 4th level, does it make sense to stick with Paladin until level 5 for the extra attack, then go all in on Bard? Or should I just go with Bard from here on out for the better spell slots? I'd initially thought of going Bard the rest of the way, but am concerned with not having an extra attack until level 8.
It really depends on what you are trying to get out of the multiclass. I would probably rush Paladin 6 because Aura is very good. If you want Aura it might be worthwhile to consider a different bard school aside from Swords or Valor.
However, College of Swords Extra Attack has Antisynergy with Paladin as you'll be getting it from there more than likely so if you aren't getting aura and just want smites, I would rush Bard 6.
Yeah, it really depends on what you want from this MC.
Extra Attack doesn't stack, so if you're going Pally 5 purely for Extra Attack, you'll get EA two levels sooner (Pally +3 rather than Bard +5), but once you're Bard 6, you'll have effectively wasted those levels.
Pally's L6 feature (Aura of Protection, +Cha to Saving Throws) is an awesome ability well suited to the Bard's support nature. However, do you want to dedicate another four Pally levels for it?
It really depends on what you want out of this build. Be careful as well, both the Paladin and the Bard are big on their Actions - this build runs in danger of providing competing rather than complementary options.
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If you want to be the one outputting damage, don't bother with any more levels of Paladin. All you need it for is to unlock Smites. If you just go full Bard from this point forward College of Swords will give you Extra Attack, and you'll have far, far more spell slots for smiting than Paladin would ever give you.
However, if you want to focus more on defending your allies, focus on Paladin to get Extra attack, and honestly I think you're better off going for a different Bard subclass, so you don't end up with the redundant Extra Attack. Lore is actually a pretty solid subclass for Cutting Words, which gives you an extra feature for protecting your allies.
If you want to be the one outputting damage, don't bother with any more levels of Paladin. All you need it for is to unlock Smites. If you just go full Bard from this point forward College of Swords will give you Extra Attack, and you'll have far, far more spell slots for smiting than Paladin would ever give you.
However, if you want to focus more on defending your allies, focus on Paladin to get Extra attack, and honestly I think you're better off going for a different Bard subclass, so you don't end up with the redundant Extra Attack. Lore is actually a pretty solid subclass for Cutting Words, which gives you an extra feature for protecting your allies.
Ooh right, Whispers is another great option! Honestly, the Whispers Bard's Psychic Blades feature works a lot better for a Paladin Multiclass than it does as a single-class Bard.
This is all super helpful, thanks! I think I'll stick with 2 levels of Paladin and continue with Bard for a while. We have a smaller group of players, so I am looking for a combo of good damage output (smite) with some added utility a Paladin might not have on their own. It will be rough not getting extra attack until level 8 (6 bard/2 paladin), but hopefully, the smites, and maybe polearm master or something similar will compensate for it.
Personally I think Lore bard with cutting words, more skills, and magical secrets is the best route. I don't see much advantage to swords. After 2 Paladin, I'd go Bard to 6th or so and then back to Paladin until 6th for your aura and then all Bard. I play both a Paladin/Bard and a Paladin/Sorcerer. Both are powerful and fun but very different. Take expertise in social skills and you've got a great face for role playing. Lore bard extra skills allows proficiency in all social skills with our hampering your combat focused skills like athletics etc
Hi —
I am a couple sessions into a bard/paladin multiclass build; we've just leveled up and I am trying to decide where to put the next level. My character right now is level 3 (2 paladin/1 bard); eventually I plan to go Oath of Glory and College of Swords.
For my 4th level, does it make sense to stick with Paladin until level 5 for the extra attack, then go all in on Bard? Or should I just go with Bard from here on out for the better spell slots? I'd initially thought of going Bard the rest of the way, but am concerned with not having an extra attack until level 8.
Thanks for the advice!
It really depends on what you are trying to get out of the multiclass. I would probably rush Paladin 6 because Aura is very good. If you want Aura it might be worthwhile to consider a different bard school aside from Swords or Valor.
However, College of Swords Extra Attack has Antisynergy with Paladin as you'll be getting it from there more than likely so if you aren't getting aura and just want smites, I would rush Bard 6.
Yeah, it really depends on what you want from this MC.
Extra Attack doesn't stack, so if you're going Pally 5 purely for Extra Attack, you'll get EA two levels sooner (Pally +3 rather than Bard +5), but once you're Bard 6, you'll have effectively wasted those levels.
Pally's L6 feature (Aura of Protection, +Cha to Saving Throws) is an awesome ability well suited to the Bard's support nature. However, do you want to dedicate another four Pally levels for it?
It really depends on what you want out of this build. Be careful as well, both the Paladin and the Bard are big on their Actions - this build runs in danger of providing competing rather than complementary options.
If you're not willing or able to to discuss in good faith, then don't be surprised if I don't respond, there are better things in life for me to do than humour you. This signature is that response.
If you want to be the one outputting damage, don't bother with any more levels of Paladin. All you need it for is to unlock Smites. If you just go full Bard from this point forward College of Swords will give you Extra Attack, and you'll have far, far more spell slots for smiting than Paladin would ever give you.
However, if you want to focus more on defending your allies, focus on Paladin to get Extra attack, and honestly I think you're better off going for a different Bard subclass, so you don't end up with the redundant Extra Attack. Lore is actually a pretty solid subclass for Cutting Words, which gives you an extra feature for protecting your allies.
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Ooh right, Whispers is another great option! Honestly, the Whispers Bard's Psychic Blades feature works a lot better for a Paladin Multiclass than it does as a single-class Bard.
Watch Crits for Breakfast, an adults-only RP-Heavy Roll20 Livestream at twitch.tv/afterdisbooty
And now you too can play with the amazing art and assets we use in Roll20 for our campaign at Hazel's Emporium
This is all super helpful, thanks! I think I'll stick with 2 levels of Paladin and continue with Bard for a while. We have a smaller group of players, so I am looking for a combo of good damage output (smite) with some added utility a Paladin might not have on their own. It will be rough not getting extra attack until level 8 (6 bard/2 paladin), but hopefully, the smites, and maybe polearm master or something similar will compensate for it.
Personally I think Lore bard with cutting words, more skills, and magical secrets is the best route. I don't see much advantage to swords. After 2 Paladin, I'd go Bard to 6th or so and then back to Paladin until 6th for your aura and then all Bard. I play both a Paladin/Bard and a Paladin/Sorcerer. Both are powerful and fun but very different. Take expertise in social skills and you've got a great face for role playing. Lore bard extra skills allows proficiency in all social skills with our hampering your combat focused skills like athletics etc
Hi, thanks for sharing I find it very useful too.
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