I’m making a gnome bard. Subclass and subrace don’t matter whatever helps really. I just need a high DPR and I don’t know how to do that starting at level 5. Is there any tips too be stronger?
Bard is a little tricky to pull off high DPR... it's a largely support-focused class, and their spell list contains a lot less damage-focused magic than the other classes. Just to give you an idea of how non-damage focused they are... they only have two damaging cantrips in their spell list. Thunderclap, which deals average damage and hits an AOE around yourself, and Vicious Mockery, which deals low damage and has a minor debuff... which is the exact same as Frostbite, which almost any other full caster can learn instead that deals 1d6 damage instead of 1d4.
The most damage-focused subclass of Bard is probably Swords bard. They get access to better weapons, extra attack, and they get the option to use their Bardic Inspiration Die on themselves to increase damage and use some battlefield control options. College of Whispers also gets a feature where they can spend Bardic Die to boost their weapon attacks, but they don't get access to better weapons or extra attack, but they have a lot of other neat class features that I think makes them more fun to play than a Swords Bard.
Don't be a bard. The class isn't design to allow for a good scaling DPR.
The best thing you can probably do is take the College of Swords and go with duel fighting style. Invest heavy in DEX to maximize your ability modifiers. I think you will now gain proficiency in scimitars at this point as well. Then use your bardic inspirations for your blade flourish feature. Assuming you a +3 DEX there is the potential to do 1d6+3 plus a d8 and 1d6+3 per round. And next level you get a second attack; but the Blade Flourish will cap out at your Charisma modifier. So most of the time it will be just the d6+3 per attack.
For spells, look into spells you can use to buff yourself or to debuff opponents. Most of these will be concentration spells. Take warcaster feat so you can cast spells while holding a weapon in each hand, and your weapons (if you proficient in them) count as your focus.
Other than talk to your DM about magical weapons, not sure what else you can do.
I’m making a gnome bard. Subclass and subrace don’t matter whatever helps really. I just need a high DPR and I don’t know how to do that starting at level 5. Is there any tips to be stronger?
As others have pointed out, if you are wanting to do high amounts of damage per round, the bard is not what you are looking for. I will say though, that they can be very satisfying in damage depending on the spells you choose. Bards are my favorite class and my longest campaign with one, I was the absolute most impactful PC on the field, but I was not the highest damage dealer. I was focused on battlefield control, support, and a bit of damage. Much of the debuff spells bards have access to also have damage and some of it can be very decent, but at level 5, the options are limited and most bard spells are concentration. Dissonant Whispers and Faerie Fire are great options. Mirror Image will protect you very very well. Suggestion or (if your DM allows) Fast Friends should be included for situations outside of combat. If you don’t have a caster that has it, take Slow as well. I would add Silvery Barbs but be aware you will chew through your spell slots quickly if you aren’t careful.
I’m making a gnome bard. Subclass and subrace don’t matter whatever helps really. I just need a high DPR and I don’t know how to do that starting at level 5. Is there any tips too be stronger?
Maybe take one level of hexblade, then swords bard.
Bard is a little tricky to pull off high DPR... it's a largely support-focused class, and their spell list contains a lot less damage-focused magic than the other classes. Just to give you an idea of how non-damage focused they are... they only have two damaging cantrips in their spell list. Thunderclap, which deals average damage and hits an AOE around yourself, and Vicious Mockery, which deals low damage and has a minor debuff... which is the exact same as Frostbite, which almost any other full caster can learn instead that deals 1d6 damage instead of 1d4.
The most damage-focused subclass of Bard is probably Swords bard. They get access to better weapons, extra attack, and they get the option to use their Bardic Inspiration Die on themselves to increase damage and use some battlefield control options. College of Whispers also gets a feature where they can spend Bardic Die to boost their weapon attacks, but they don't get access to better weapons or extra attack, but they have a lot of other neat class features that I think makes them more fun to play than a Swords Bard.
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Don't be a bard. The class isn't design to allow for a good scaling DPR.
The best thing you can probably do is take the College of Swords and go with duel fighting style. Invest heavy in DEX to maximize your ability modifiers. I think you will now gain proficiency in scimitars at this point as well. Then use your bardic inspirations for your blade flourish feature. Assuming you a +3 DEX there is the potential to do 1d6+3 plus a d8 and 1d6+3 per round. And next level you get a second attack; but the Blade Flourish will cap out at your Charisma modifier. So most of the time it will be just the d6+3 per attack.
For spells, look into spells you can use to buff yourself or to debuff opponents. Most of these will be concentration spells. Take warcaster feat so you can cast spells while holding a weapon in each hand, and your weapons (if you proficient in them) count as your focus.
Other than talk to your DM about magical weapons, not sure what else you can do.
As others have pointed out, if you are wanting to do high amounts of damage per round, the bard is not what you are looking for. I will say though, that they can be very satisfying in damage depending on the spells you choose. Bards are my favorite class and my longest campaign with one, I was the absolute most impactful PC on the field, but I was not the highest damage dealer. I was focused on battlefield control, support, and a bit of damage. Much of the debuff spells bards have access to also have damage and some of it can be very decent, but at level 5, the options are limited and most bard spells are concentration. Dissonant Whispers and Faerie Fire are great options. Mirror Image will protect you very very well. Suggestion or (if your DM allows) Fast Friends should be included for situations outside of combat. If you don’t have a caster that has it, take Slow as well. I would add Silvery Barbs but be aware you will chew through your spell slots quickly if you aren’t careful.
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