I've been playing my human sorcerer for a very long time. She just hit level 17, so if I'm going to multi-class it has to happen now. I'm playing a shadow bloodline sorcerer, and thanks to a deck of many things, her charisma is sitting at 24. Her AC on the other hand is a spicy 12. I have a magic item that gives her +3, bringing it to 15, but at this high level most enemies are still going to be hitting that in their sleep.
My question: I'm thinking about dipping 2 levels into bard. I don't want to go 3 because the level 18 shadow sorcerer ability is really good. I'm thinking Valor bard might be worth it to get medium armor proficiency so I'm a bit less fragile. I already have a ton of bonus actions to choose from, but not a lot in the reaction department (aside from counter spell). However, if I do the bard dip I'll be giving up a feat. I could really benefit from a feat that gives advantage on retaining spell concentration to keep my new 9th level spells going as long as possible.
Is it worth it to risk failing that concentration check to get more survivability? With my dual focus feat, those checks can get insane if I'm being bold. If I multi-class, is there a better comp than Valor bard if I'm just trying to get a bit more protection for myself?
If you're ruling our three levels then you won't be choosing a Bard sub-class; Bards choose at 3rd unlike other full casters who choose at 1st or 2nd.
With that in mind your main benefits are access to more cantrips and some Bard 1st-level spells but there isn't a lot of defensive benefit there, so your main improvements are going to be Jack of All Trades (half proficiency on all non-proficient checks, which includes checks such as counterspell and initiative rolls), plus Bardic Inspiration which is a nice ability (and a good use of a bonus action now and then), with your Charisma you'll be getting a nice seven uses, but only refreshing on long rest. This is still a solid pick if you want to add some charismatic support, but it won't help you much with your AC.
If your goal is to get armour proficiency and no more than two levels then a few other options jump out:
Cleric: If your Wisdom is at least 13 you could grab a couple levels in Cleric for access to spells only divine souls can normally get, plus armour proficiency depending on your domain choice, and 2nd level gets you channel divinity options. The downside of this is that your cleric spellcasting is limited by your Wisdom score, but there are a load of spells that that doesn't really matter for.
Fighter: Not a spellcaster, but Action Surge lets you cast two full action spells in a round once per short rest, Second Wind gives you an okay heal as a bonus action once per short rest, and it gives you a good amount of proficiencies.
Warlock: Specifically Hexblade at 1st-level for the proficiencies, also gives Hexblade's Curse (which works on all ranged attacks), Warlock cantrips (e.g- eldritch blast), and with two levels you get two Eldritch Invocations (at will spells, eldritch blast boosts etc.) and a second short rest 1st-level pact slot which is great for casting shield with (which you can take as Hexblade if you don't already have it).
You should choose based on what suits your character best; fighter and warlock are probably the most popular of these three options, but Cleric has a lot of domains to choose from so may fit you better thematically.
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2 levels of Hexblade Warlock gets you the most bang for your buck in my opinion. You get Medium Armor AND Shield proficiencies. The best attacking cantrip in the game in the form of Eldritch Blast (which can be improved further with Agonizing Blast and your juicy 24 CHA). You can also pick up the Eldritch Mind invocation to get advantage on your concentration saving throws if you did not take the Warcaster feat.
Also as Haravikk noted you will not get a Bard subclass with only a 2 level dip so the best you get is Light Armor proficiency which is actually a downgrade from Mage Armor unless you have at least a +1 Studded Leather armor lying around.
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I've been playing my human sorcerer for a very long time. She just hit level 17, so if I'm going to multi-class it has to happen now. I'm playing a shadow bloodline sorcerer, and thanks to a deck of many things, her charisma is sitting at 24. Her AC on the other hand is a spicy 12. I have a magic item that gives her +3, bringing it to 15, but at this high level most enemies are still going to be hitting that in their sleep.
My question: I'm thinking about dipping 2 levels into bard. I don't want to go 3 because the level 18 shadow sorcerer ability is really good. I'm thinking Valor bard might be worth it to get medium armor proficiency so I'm a bit less fragile. I already have a ton of bonus actions to choose from, but not a lot in the reaction department (aside from counter spell). However, if I do the bard dip I'll be giving up a feat. I could really benefit from a feat that gives advantage on retaining spell concentration to keep my new 9th level spells going as long as possible.
Is it worth it to risk failing that concentration check to get more survivability? With my dual focus feat, those checks can get insane if I'm being bold. If I multi-class, is there a better comp than Valor bard if I'm just trying to get a bit more protection for myself?
If you're ruling our three levels then you won't be choosing a Bard sub-class; Bards choose at 3rd unlike other full casters who choose at 1st or 2nd.
With that in mind your main benefits are access to more cantrips and some Bard 1st-level spells but there isn't a lot of defensive benefit there, so your main improvements are going to be Jack of All Trades (half proficiency on all non-proficient checks, which includes checks such as counterspell and initiative rolls), plus Bardic Inspiration which is a nice ability (and a good use of a bonus action now and then), with your Charisma you'll be getting a nice seven uses, but only refreshing on long rest. This is still a solid pick if you want to add some charismatic support, but it won't help you much with your AC.
If your goal is to get armour proficiency and no more than two levels then a few other options jump out:
You should choose based on what suits your character best; fighter and warlock are probably the most popular of these three options, but Cleric has a lot of domains to choose from so may fit you better thematically.
Former D&D Beyond Customer of six years: With the axing of piecemeal purchasing, lack of meaningful development, and toxic moderation the site isn't worth paying for anymore. I remain a free user only until my groups are done migrating from DDB, and if necessary D&D, after which I'm done. There are better systems owned by better companies out there.
I have unsubscribed from all topics and will not reply to messages. My homebrew is now 100% unsupported.
2 levels of Hexblade Warlock gets you the most bang for your buck in my opinion. You get Medium Armor AND Shield proficiencies. The best attacking cantrip in the game in the form of Eldritch Blast (which can be improved further with Agonizing Blast and your juicy 24 CHA). You can also pick up the Eldritch Mind invocation to get advantage on your concentration saving throws if you did not take the Warcaster feat.
Also as Haravikk noted you will not get a Bard subclass with only a 2 level dip so the best you get is Light Armor proficiency which is actually a downgrade from Mage Armor unless you have at least a +1 Studded Leather armor lying around.