Roleplaying backstory for a Bard->Warlock : You're a musician that beat the devil at a fiddle contest, and now you have his magic gold fiddle as a reward. The fiddle sounds terrible, is incredibly heavy, and whispers evil things to you at night, but also it can transform into any weapon and shoot lasers, so it's a fair trade.
@Andrew To be fair, my comment references a classic American folk song that in turn references 500 years worth of Faustian legend. This is the same legend that actually inspired the flavor of the Warlock class in Dungeons and Dragons, so in a way, it was the game designers' intent for Warlocks to be played this way. By the way, Monty Python is rich with historical references and satire, and was always intended for adults, not children.
I played this exact build including warcaster/Fay touched feats. I went 2 levels of warlock, so you get 2 pact spells (shield). Just an amazing character. Additionally, as a backstory I had my character “sell his soul for rock and roll” to his patron. One of the all time best characters I have ever played and I started playing in the 70s.
You could flavor spirit guardians as you blade flourishing so hard that persistent images of you fill the area you were blade dancing in. Maybe that's why your AC hit 30.
You forgot to mention that at 15th level with this build, your blade flurries can now use a D6 instead of the Bardic Inspiration, meaning so long as you land an attack on your turn, you get a permanent +1-6 AC, while being able to hand out your bardic inspiration to whoever whenever you want. Honestly I wish Bards got this earlier then 14th level, but it's worth it once they have it.
Yes, it's probably the best level 14 Bard ability because it gives the ability to keep using its subclass feature without cutting into your Bardic Inspiration.
@@freman007 i mean, Peerless Skill can be used on Initiative, Counterspell, and Dispel Magic so in a high magic Campaign Lore Bard is pretty insane with their ability to consistently counterspell 9th level spells with 3rd level slots. But otherwise it is pretty strong
I played a Hexblade/Swords Bard for a Waterdeep Dragonheist game, and to date it has been the most fun character I've had the pleasure of playing. The versatility and ability to be not only competant but actually good in most aspects of the game felt like I was spoilt for choice both in terms of combat and roleplay opportunities. I urge everyone to give this character a try at least once.
Okay can i ask you a thing? If I'll start a campaign at level 4 (and the master permits me of having my longsword based on charisma) will you still dip 1 level of warlock?
@@edoardopoggio4036 If your GM lets your use Charisma without Hexblade then the level 1 dip probably isn't worth it. I ultimately went 3 levels in Warlock for the Pact of the Blade and Invocations for added flavour, but a straight Swords Bard build would benefit from better spell progression.
Sword bard for me has always been a top tier gish sub class. I think I’ve always just treated them as damage sponges utilizing a combination of defensive blade flourish and mirror image. So I’m glad that Monty and Kelly are starting to see the value in the sub class. It is crazy to see what 1 level of hexblade can do to dramatically improve the damage out put though.
2 Things to note with Flourish. First, you get the bonus 10' movement EVERYTIME you take the attack action on your turn so you would gain 10 taking your normal attack option, another 10' if you use Action Surge and another 10' from the attack option granted from Haste. Second, when you crit and use your Inspiration die on that attack as defensive Flourish, you get the same amount added to your AC that you added to your damage. Yes, double dice. AC 35+ with Shield spell...yes please.
One of my favorite Magic Secrets for Bards is Find Greater Steed from the Paladin List. Having a Griffin that you can spell share with can be a great companion.
Currently building a tiefling hex blade/swords bard! He is inspired by Romeo, if he learned the fate he and Juliet would suffer and chose to flee in order to protect her life. Also he has a sword that is ancient family heirloom and is, of course, cursed lol. He casts his magic by speaking poetic words and evocative descriptions of what he desires to happen in battle. The sword answers these desires and speaks its own through his dreams/nightmares. It’s sole purpose since it’s creation has been to slaughter the rival house, which this character is actively avoiding😂
I am playing a Dhampir hex blade warlock/Swords Bard, with the noble background. I am having so much fun with her! I picked the mobile feat. So 45 feet och movement + permanent spider climb and no opportunity attacks if I have attacked + extra 10 feet of movement from the swords bard is just amazing. My favorite trick is hitting someone with booming blade and then moving away, so they have to move to attack me. And if I somehow still can't reach the target, we do have that eldritch blast. One of my favorite builds ever, honestly.
OMG I played this build to level 9 a year ago and I loved it. Idle Eric the Pretty Good Minstrel. Spirit guardians is a great idea for magical secrets. The character was capable of doing everything in the game reasonably well. You made a good list but failed to mention subterfuge and battlefield control in addition to tank blaster frontlines ranged and face. Such a fun build to play.
For me personally, once I hit 7th level bard and pick up greater invisibility, I'd hit up 3 or 4 swashbuckler rogue levels myself. Higher initiative, the better half of the mobile feat, some sneaky damage (and the ability to deliver it frequently), plus a couple of rogue goodies. I think that'd be a blast.
@@logancuster8035 True but, most games don't go past 7-12 anyways so the expertise, bonus initiative, cunning action, extra damage, possibly uncanny dodge if you go 5 levels in rogue but the 3 level dip is fairly good even though you give up spell levels.
@@logancuster8035 very true! I like the duelist side of this build a bit more than the spellcasting side personally, hence my decision. But you really can't go wrong either way with this build!
TCoE adds mirror image to the bard spell list. Take the sentinel feat combined with rakish audacity and you've got a somewhat reliable way to sneak attack twice per round (assuming someone tries to hit you).
I love the way these characters have been imagined and it's great to see the excitement on your faces when you're talking about the ways these characters can progress and attack or aid others. Have you guys ever considered doing a write-up of these characters to give players the opportunity to more easily recreate these character concepts?
I honestly was skeptical when I saw the title but I did some playing on DnD Beyond and...it's a really workable and pretty versatile character without feeling like you're min/maxing since you have so much variety with your bard spells. It's one of the few classes (and multi-classes) that really can be pretty jack of all trades without sacrificing mechanical efficiency.
Hells, yeah! Been playing this multi class combo for years. So much fun! Truly embodies jack of all trades - bit of spells, bit of melee, bit of support. For RP, I play a stage-fighter/storyteller with Int as a dump stat - so most of his stories are implausible or never happened.
Can i ask you something?i am starting a campaign at level 4, and my master permits me having my longsword based on charisma and not strength. Will you still use Hexblade dip or go straight swords Bard?
Warcaster opportunity spell bait: Raulothim's Psychic Lance. Super thematic and useful: Steel Wind Strike. It's force damage plus movement. It really should have been on a special spell list for Bards but it's a Magical Secrets bait. It's on the Bard list.
I’ve played around with an idea about the Hex Bard with two weapon fighting: Make sure your Hex Weapon is a short sword, scimitar, Dagger, or hand axe. Then pick Pact of the Tome and get the Shillelagh cantrip (use a club). Now you can Dual Wield using your Charisma.
@@lukasosterloher9105 nope. Pact of the Blade just forms a stronger bond with a weapon. Unless you’re a Hexblade you still use your Strength or Dexterity
@@TBoring I mean if you are a Hexblade. Can't you use your normal Pact weapon and summon a second weapon with pact of the blade? Or would that make your initial pact weapon disappear?
Sweet - this would also make a respectable Mage Slayer if you pick up the Silence spell, & use magical secrets for spells like, counterspell, darkness. Add feats like MAge Slayer & Metamagic adept with subtle & quickened spell. Speaking of which - what about a series of Mage Slayer build video's from you guys - there's so many great options, Ranger Monster Slayer, Shadow Monk as well as more traditional builds like Paladins or Barbarians - this could be really interestesting & there's so many different posibilities for it.
That's why I like my wizard's to take metamagic adept and have one of the metas be _Subtle spell_ (and the other quickened), to prevent being shut down by a silence spell. It also opens up options for casting in social situations.
A Sword Bard Tiefling was my first character. I was so shocked when I discovered how much I got from a single level dip into Warlock, they really have so much to offer to any team. It was amazing learning little tricks on my own (Heat Metal is so powerful), but I never considered Shield, BB, or Warcaster!
@@silverjaiden2450 But Eldritch blast is just as good as extra attack, Blade flourishes are alright but compared to what a lore bard can bring to the table is better.. fighting style is meh depending on what you are focusing on
@@wickeddrac7489 but he’s playing melee. So he won’t be using eldritch blast. Or at least that’s what I assumed. Spirit guardians isn’t that useful from the range of eldritch blast. So extra attack, and a fighting style helps a lot more in melee. Especially armor of agathys. Unless he is playing ranged lore bard is inferior by a lot. But if he is playing ranged then the comparison is irrelevant
@@silverjaiden2450 It depends on your play style. Taking Grasp of Hadar makes you a hit-and-run caster which is kind of interesting: move up to 25ft of the enemies, pull them into Spirit Guardians using GoH+EB triggering the extra damage then backing away and goading them into chasing you and taking more Spirit Guardian damage.
@@agilemind6241 but again. This isn't relevant bc it's not a melee style character. Swords vs Lore isn't the point. It's what's the best Melee build for bard.
Im currently playing a this build as a dragonborn in Tomb of Annihilaton. It is super strong in every situation. Exploration, social encounter, dungeon delving, combat, you name it. I took Dragonborn to mix blade flourish and the new breath. You can use a breath on your first attack (like the prone or incapaciting breath) and get massive bonus for your next blade flourish.
If you’re going to go with Fey touched I would strongly recommend (if EGWM content is allowed in your game) that you take gift of alacrity, as the increase to your own initiative or a party members initiative Will allow you to make your spellcasting more effective as it will go off earlier in combat.
I played this build in a campaign a couple years ago. One of my favorite characters I've ever played. She was the group's only full spellcaster (Rest of the group was a Paladin, Blademaster, Arcane Archer and Rogue) so she was tasked with being the primary controller, primary healer, and primary utility caster in the group. She could do it all with room to spare. I didn't take Hex or Spirit Guardians, but did consider them. I did take Wind Walk, which wasn't mentioned in the video, but is a great multi-purpose spell. One of the feats I took which wasn't mentioned in the video was Resilient (CON). While I was able to pump my AC in exactly the way described in the video, things like AOEs that require saving throws still made Concentration a bit dicey, plus my CON was an odd number, so it gave me 1 HP per level. Another (situational) benefit of this build is that it qualifies you for some magic items which are Sorcerer/Warlock/Wizard only, such as the Staff of Power, which, in addition to being able to cast a ton of amazing spells with charges, is also a +2 Quarterstaff, which is versatile and thus can be wielded one-handed with the Duelist fighting style.
I think an incredible contender for race for this character is the new Shadar-Kai from Monsters of the Multiverse. Getting a number of misty steps per day equal to your proficiency modifier, as well as getting resistance to ALL DAMAGE after using it for your next turn, which goes extremely well with the armor of agathys trick, is so incredibly strong. The fact that you count as an elf for the prerequisites of feats, so you can pick up elven accuracy, is just the icing on the cake. Not even mentioning how good being able to trance is, advantage on saving throws against charms to counteract a warlock's bad wisdom save (they have proficiency in wisdom saves, but wisdom is usually a warlock dump stat), and two free tool proficiencies you can swap out on long rest means you can fill even more utility holes.
I really like the idea of a hex blade and a whisper bard, while maybe not as good, the rp opportunity really makes this a fun idea that focuses more on damage compared to defensive set up
Am in love with this build/dip. I took two levels in hexblade for agonizing blast for a very specific reason. The one window this build will fall behind in DPS performance a bit is the 5-7 gap where the other martial classes start using multi attack. Eldritch blast "solves" that by splitting to 2 bolts at level 5. D10 +5 is comparable to most melee attacks. Kinda boring to spend 3 levels pew pewing from behind a shield, but it gets you through that window effectively. Huge fan of loading up as many (b) and (r) spells as possible for this build, so snagging hex, shield, and hellish rebuke as my warlock level 1 spells fits like a glove. I have a 2 level fighter dip valor bard at level 15, but I think I like the way this Hexblade swords bard is turning out a bit more. Have also contemplated a life domain cleric or paladin dip. Both would be amazing, but the hexblade version is the only one that "solves" the ranged cantrip and level 5-7 DPS drop off issues.
As for 2nd level spell, if you have a decently lenient DM they might let you use heat metal as essentially a smite I was allowed to do this because of a very specifically designed weapon, and it was awesome!
This got some gears turning in my head. I'd take an aspect of this to a new level and make a somewhat insane character in a kind of specific way. I'd instead make a Custom Lineage character, gaining Darkvision as a benefit, take the Entertainer Background, and the Actor Feat. This would make your Charisma only one Ability Score Buff away from Maxing Out, and give you a sweet combo with the following. I'd also instead take 2 Levels of Warlock to gain another Spell Slot, but more importantly, gain some Eldritch Invocations, particularly Mask of Many Faces. Combine this all with your Bard Expertise in Performance and Deception, and you'll have a character that's pretty good at fighting, with all that the Hexblade gives you, but you may not even need to, what with the free unlimited Disguise Self, and the advantage on passing yourself off as a person you're copying with the Actor Feat with Expertise on whatever you roll. Minimum of +10 at only Level 5 with your Charisma at 18. With all of this, you can potentially end a combat encounter before it starts, or freely walk through an area without needing to try to be stealthy. Then when everything goes bad, you still have your combat skills to rely on as a backup.
I played a version of this build in a short campaign and it was quite effective. Definitely recommend inspiring leader for added tankiness as well as the highly underrated defensive duelist feat.
This is so timely, its unbelievable! I've actually started this exact character like 1 month ago. We're still level 3 (lv 2 bard/lv 1 hexblade)... I went custom lineage and got fey touched to start with 18 char. Then I took bless as the fey touched lv 1 spell, but I might talk to my DM about changing it for hex (I took armor of agathys and shield as warlock): there is something about using hex and vicious mockery in a first round of combat that really makes sense RP-wise: you humiliate your target so bad in a prep round that he looses stength (disadvantage hex), looses concentration (disadvantage attacks from VM), takes psychic damage (VM) and becomes more prone to injury from your attacks (hex). They dont stack, but this is great flavouring... I've actually started bard because of the backstory I came up with. And I plan to be really strong in social interactions and manipulation, so I'm taking some spells like charm person and plan on taking metamagical adept for subtle spell at some point (also quicken spell is handy for combat). And because of the great mobility, I'm considering taking ashardalon stride as one of my MS, just running the battle ground when there are several enemies and dishing out strikes + fire damage.
You sold your soup for the Blues. Classic Warlock/Bard backstory. I love Changeling for the race. Any charisma fuelled character can cause utter chaos if they can change their face for free.
Playing a tabaxi hexbard in the dungeon of the mad mage. We just dropped down into level 2. Having a good time with him. Took mobile. Add in having a climb speed. I'm dancing around in combat having a great time.
Ive aaaalways, aaaaaaalways wanted to play a hexbard. My backstory idea was that of a failed musician that just doesn't have enough talent to make it finds a "cursed flute" someday. A real big chonker of a flute. He plays it and summons a demon to make a pact with, his soul or whatever for musical talent. The flute itself is the sheath for a blade, his pactblade basically. So lvl 1 lock 19lvls swordsbard.
33:15 I feel if your taking Tenser's Transformation then you should also get find greater steed so that when you cast the transformation on yourself your mount is also affected and becomes a greatsword wielding powerhouse of its own right, and I mean, a bard with a sword and board flying around on a sword swinging griffins back. This way you also have transportation and flight covered for no cost
My personal version of this is adding in 2 levels of paladin for the high level spell slot smite and another +1 AC and going for haste (more damage and another +2 AC) via magical secrets or the Strixhaven background. You could also get spiritual weapon to weaponise your bonus action after the setup round (edit: wrote this before you said it yourself). The AC gets ridiculous at higher levels.
This is a super cool idea, my only difference is I would personally go with Bard first, more instruments, another skill, and dex saving throws. While wisdom might be rough, int is also rough to fail too, so no need to worry there. And I'd say just hope you roll well, if so inclined.
I have a half-drow Swords College / Hexblade that worships Eilistraee but is forced to do Lolth's bidding against her will. She is my favorite character and had *almost* this exact build for years already. This video really helped me polish it up a bit! The Spiritual Guardians bit is inspired and I love it! Thanks for the video guys! =)
(before even waiching the video) This video couldn't be more timely. I have been interested in creating a Hexblade Swords Bard for a long time but was having trouble how it would work out in roleplay. Looking forward to seeing what you guys have to say about this combo. :)
@@PumaPants248 nah. Besides, i see my bards not as musicians but as a performer. My lore bard is one that tells legnedary stories of yore, my valor bard is combat cheerleader, and my swords bard is a dancers who dances with swords.
This came out at a perfect time. Just about the start a campaign as a Hexblade Warlock, who is from a circus troupe. Already got the Entertainer background so going to have a real think on making this pivot. Great vid.
Just played an 11th level Sword Bard/Hex Dip. Picked Find Greater Steed and Steel Wind Strike (which I combined with Greater Invisibility). And picked the new hobgoblin for the race. Since I was using the bardic inspiration dice for sword flourishes, I used the hobgoblin Fey Gift for my bonus action (usually did the temp HP choice). Worked out great.
College of Swords is the solution to the problem of keeping a squishy low-level Wizard alive long enough to be a powerful high-level Wizard. Two levels of Bladesinger, three in Swords Bard, back to Wizard the rest of the way. Add INT to AC at Level-2, can defend himself at low-level with the additional weapon & (light) armor proficiencies, multi-classing two full-casters doesn’t cost you spell slots, 17 levels of Wizard still gets you your 9th-level spell, and Bards don’t have to prepare spells, so you end up with more spells at-the-ready to cast than by going straight Wizard. They’re not even really “disparate abilities.” He’s singing for his supper the whole way through.
This was my first D&D character. I did it with 1 level as Bard, then 1 level as Hexblade, then the rest as Bard. Although not strictly on topic, the Azorius Functionary background is great for Clerics because it gives them Counterspell.
I started using a Swords Bard a couple of months ago, and I’m loving it. The do it all. Lots of fun to play this subclass, even without the hex dip on mine.
I’m very excited you made this guide, I basically made this exact character as a Tabaxi! If you’ve played FF14 this character is basically a red mage and works really well in game. I only got to level 8 total before the game ended but I was able to help in every situation and survivability was key in Curse of Strahd! Awesome work with the videos guys, glad other people have realised this build’s potential
As per rules as written the damage of booming blade only triggers, if the target is moving WILLINGLY. Dissonant whispers FORCES the target to use it's reaction to move so you only get the additional damage of the initial hit.
@@TaliasLight actually it does, but the enemy uses its reaction to move, instead of other stuff where for example they get pushed. A telekinetic shove would not trigger an op attack.
I tried to make that build before and I found that there was too much overlap with the charisma, yes damage and imitative will go up with charisma as a swashbuckler, but they'd go up just as fast with dex, when doing this multiclass you're trading your dex skills for the charisma skills and gaining a few extra low level spells. the only swashbuckler feature that benefits would be panache, but you're a rogue. you can get experience in persuasion and be more persuasive than a pure charisma character. just look Veo and Sebastian in drakkenheim. the arcane trickster has experience so she has a better persuasion modifier than the sorcerer
I also started making that build, but I ultimately found little benefit to it. On the other hand, Swashbuckler with a Paladin is really good, especially Vengeance. It takes two turns, but you can apply Sneak Attack, Vow of Enmity, Divine Smite, a smite spell, and Booming/GF Blade all to a single attack. Using Thunderous Smite or Fancy Footwork will also pretty much guarantee Booming Blade damage taking effect if the target has no range.
@@007narufan There are some other benefits. Booming blade is awesome for a swashbuckler as you can essentially move out of combat for free after striking, forcing your opponent to move and take the boom damage. Plus you get the sneak attack critical hits super often thanks to hexblades curse, especially if you have a reliable source of advantage.
The most Christmas dependent bill would be a level of hexblade warlock and then 3 levels of swashbuckling rogue and then 6 levels of whatever palate you want then you're using your charisma for your attacks your initiative and all your saving throws
one of the best combos i found is to turn a heavy crossbow into your hex weapon and use magical secrets to get swift quiver, if you get the sharpshooter feat you can deal 1d10+5+10+5 (damage die from the crossbow, cha mod, sharpshooter and profiency bonus) per attack, with both your action and bonus action thats 4d10+80, get two levels of fighter for action surge and then its 6d10+100 of damage.
Just to note because the video talks about a 1 level dip, you'd need at least 3 levels in warlock to get access to a heavy crossbow as your Hex weapon. In addition, you'll need CBE or a helpful artificer to ignore the loading property of the heavy crossbow
this sounds quite a bit like the valor bard i had planned, bit better planned perhaps, though instead of spiritual weapon i took find greater steed as a magical secret and also he's using a greatsword
I've got a Valor Bard 6/Fiend Lock 3 who is a whole bunch of fun. She went Pact of the chain, so she gets to do cool stuff with an Imp, fight, buff team mates and throw inspirations onto everyone. Also, she's secretly evil and nobody has worked it out yet. Lots of fun
I really like the interaction with Hexblade Warlock and Lore Bard. Specifically Wrathful Smite + BoomingBlade/GreenFlameBlade and Cutting Words. CHA for attack rolls and better Spell DC. Frightened condition from Wrathful Smite, requires their Action to attempt to break, which is a WIS Check and because it is a Check it's affected by the Cutting Words reaction. And finally using the Cantrips BoomingBlade/GreenFlameBlade to make up for the lack of Extra Attack. And still getting all the Lore Bard's goodies, ie. 6th lvl Magical Secrets and bonus skill proficiencies. Also Pact Slot for the Shield Spell, better if short rests are possible at your table.
Love the build. I still want one more level of warlock (at level 12) right after you get secrets. Then I can rock agonizing blast and grasp of hadar on fools trying to run (at half speed) out of my spirit guardians. “just when I thought I was out… they pull me right back in!”
I like to imagine because the hex blade uses charisma attack they don’t actually wield their sword, that it magically moves on its own. So I picture a mysterious person in a mask walks into town. They are cornered by thugs, but instead of reaching for their sword and shield they lift a flute to their lips. As they play the shield lifts to a defensive position and the sword slowly slides from the sheath. The battle is on and the thugs have made a terrible decision.
I’m currently playing my first multi-class character and this build just called to me! I’m a Yuan-Ti and following this build closely. We just leveled up to 4 so now the character is really going to open up! Great video!
One of my favorite characters I built for a friend is a Rogue 9 (Swashbuckler) Hexblade 1, College of Swords bard 10. She played in a 1 shot and said that she loved it.
For the people asking about paladin. Ive been playing one from 1-20. Ive done some weird level ups as it was like my 2nd character built, it works really well even before i got extra attack.
It really is amazing what a few levels in Hexblade can do. I'm currently playing a fairy swashbuckler rogue with a 2 level dip in Hexblade and there's a lot of overlap with what you guys have mentioned. With Armor of Shadows & shield proficiency my AC is 18, plus I picked up the shield spell. Add uncanny doge & evasion to that and I'm practically unhittable. Also casting booming blade for my action, then disengaging for my bonus action and flying 30 ft away, and if whatever I hit moves it takes extra damage. Now I'm considering taking Warcaster so I can cast booming blade as an opportunity attack. What a great idea!
Hmm...seeing how much this Hexblade dip helps the Swords Bard, I'm curious how this would look with a Swashbuckler Rogue. The playstyle for both seems to be quite similar, just without the magic. It also gives your rogue some heavier armor.
I play a Swashbuckler Rogue/ Collage of Swords build and it is a god dame dream, the spells are really good, Both classes abilities complement each other and the damage really good.
@@islandofideals6571 well you want at least six levels of swords bard and three levels of swashbuckler, after that i went 8 rogue/6 bard so another level of either would do something for you, either 4th level spells or another swashbuckler ability
@Ma'haut Ail Nazem , The Golden Lion thats honestly a good combination you'd definitely throw your all into being a duelist and you eliminate need for feats like mobile. I guess my only critique would be it takes 3 levels vs the 1 of hexblade but cunning action is just busted
@@lightning2034 so I went with a half elf for the build allowing me to give out 4 stat bonuses( +2 CHA, +1 to 2 other stats) then just because of the campaign, i got the Badge of the Watch, Which is a really good item for Duel Wilder builds, then a also took the duel Wielder feat for more AC, So I've got like a 20 AC as a Rogue/Bard
What I like about this build is that it can almost be exactly copied but for use with the Whispers Bard, with the added bonus that you can combine Psychic Blades and Booming Blade. You lose out on a little bit of damage and AC, but you do get more social stuff in terms of abilities and features. Overall, there's a decent amount of this build that could just be shamelessly lifted and placed onto a whispers bard/hexblade multiclass.
I multiclassed a swords bard with swashbuckler. It ended up VERY feat hungry and party composition wasnt balanced, so I dropped around lvl 7. My focus was maxing reaction atks for 2 sneaks per round. I'd love to see this build reviewed to improve on the concept
In One D&D, a new feat let's you take the Pact of the Blade as an invocation, meaning you can now start as a Bard from the get-go, take the Arcane Spell list, and not be delayed at all in your leveling and spell progression. Really excited to try this with an Aasimar.
A scary combo, *Hexblade Warlock* (main, _at least_ 3 levels for Pact of the Blade) + 6 levels of *College of Whispers Bard.* Take _Disguise self_ as a eldritch invocation and you are the ultimate threat within, as you use it to get close enough to ambush a lone enemy for a _Mantle of Whispers_ kill (6th level Bard), and then you have the lore to impersonate your victim to their colleagues. From there you can Mystique your way through a enemy camp/group/faction whatever. And _Word of Terror_ can set up Patsy's and sow division. The synergy is using Disguise self before and after Mantle of Whispers, so you aren't trapped into only being able to impersonate one individual - useful for escaping and extraction. And Pact of the Blade enables you to bring your main weapon, as it can be summoned when needed so you're not walking around with a friggin sword or whatever ruining your disguise (so no "this greatsword, yeh… just felt like a change"). Plus a Hexblade can one shot easily by using smites for the Mantle of Whispers. Even in a straight combat crawl it's not too bad as the Hexblade is nasty, but if you can pick off a lone enemy minion then you can really mess with opponents by "shifting". And even in a pitched battle that can be accomplished by the good old Darkness and Devils Sight combo (just hide the body before Darkness drops, or use a illusion to disguise it as _your_ body). Note having some way for your party to know it's you is vital, a Soul Knife Rogue is useful as group coordinator, unfortunately awakened mind is not an option as that's a Patron (Great Old Ones) ability and you're already pledged to a weapon instead. Just go on with Warlock levels, prehaps mix in some Paladin if you feel like it. And just accept that everyone's going to be nervous around you, and even more nervous when they can't see exactly where you are.
I haven't tried this build but a 2 lvl warlock dip for my eloquence bard for mask of many faces and eldritch mind has been my favorite character so far
I'm just seeing a cursed circus bard roaming the country side with the party to find the ones that killed their traveling group. Kind of like Moley from CR season 2
I have been playing this combo in a spelljammer campaign. So much fun. The eldritch knight and I take big advantage of the dissonant whispers booming blade combo
Very nice guys, after you talked so bad about the swords bard in your bard Tier List I tried this combination of an Hexbard in my last campaign a year ago and it was an absolute blast to play. I went with 3 level Hexblade for the pact (since it added so much RP flavour on top) and the Character was a blast to play, having shield spell + the flourish + fighting in medium armor and a shield made me end up often as the tank in some situations while in others I protected the backline and used my eldritch blasts, healing words and bardic inspiration on the party. I felt really like a jack of all trades. Looking really forward to continuing this character in another campaign.
1. Get Glyph of Warding, Demiplane, and Plane Shift as Magical Secrets. Optionally, take Branding Smite as well. 2. Store a transmuted(to avoid similar spell effects) Smite inside a GoW in your Demiplane once a day and a Plane Shift spell. 3. Have the Wizard Clone you and store it in the Demiplane. 4. Die at the hands of the BBEG and come back a moment later to Smite them with all the colours of the rainbow(except indigo).
I used animate objects on my swords bard. I gave him the backstory of being a preformer in the witchlight carnival. He juggles knives and when they're all in the air he animates them
A couple thoughts: 1. Since this character is often going to be on the front lines, Thunderwave is a solid pick for a 1st level Bard spell. 2. While the Dissonant Whispers/War Caster trick definitely works RAW, its interaction with Booming Blade may not fly at some tables. Some DMs argue that the rewrite of Booming Blade (specifically the range of Self with 5-foot radius) makes it no longer fulfill the "must target only that creature" requirement of War Caster. RAI, Jeremy Crawford said that you can use Booming Blade with War Caster, but if the movement that triggers the attack of opportunity is from Dissonant Whispers, the secondary damage of Booming Blade does NOT immediately trigger, since Booming Blade stipulates that the damage happens when the target willingly moves, while Dissonant Whispers forces the target to use their movement. Long story short, as with any unorthodox mechanics interactions with this game, you'll want to consult with your DM to make sure they'll allow it before you plan on using it as a tactic.
Hey guys, I actually just started playing D&D for the first time this summer & this is the exact character I'm playing, Hexblade 1, Swords bard X, Half Elf w Fey Touched Feat so far! The only big downside is being behind everyone else not multi classing for a beginner campaign but it's a fun character. Was worried when I was starting out and saw your "D" Swords Bard review from before so now I'm glad I went this direction. Thx for all the insights for a new player!
The D rating is meaningless as it's just a general opinion. Whatever character you play is just as good as an SS rating because DMs base the adventure around the party. Have fun!
Great for Aasimar as well. Angels (often) have three things they are equipped with Armor, weapon and a musical instrument. Ada minor version you can flavor your cutting words as “divine incite” (even if it is just a cold reading) and then the swords and Angelic minions as you come to give justice - really good. Loved the show.
Really glad you covered this multi! I've played it a few times so it has some nostalgia for me. One thing missed however, Dissonant Whispers DOES trigger opportunity attacks as its not 'forced movement' but it DOES NOT trigger Booming Blade as the target did not 'willingly' move as states in the spell Booming Blade. Although not every DM rules it this way, just have a conversation first. That tends to avoid most issues at the table anyway.
I absolutely hate that Booming Blade is a sentient spell that can read minds. Its the stupidest shit. When I DM, using your own movement is all that is required. If it's triggered by the creatures willing intent to move it should deal Psychic damage.
@@KingFate20 Dissonant Whispers & Booming Blade is far too abusable otherwise. Just think about it, a first level slot is now effectively doing 3d6+3d8+weapon from a 5th level character. Assuming a rapier/longsword that's an average of 32 damage with a Cha of 18. To top it off, a melee enemy cannot retaliate since it just ran away and you can simply move backwards so it cannot reach you.
@@larstollefsen1236 If you hit. You are also using your reaction, reactions aren't free. That means that for 1/3rd of that fight you don't have access to Shield. They have to fail the save then you need to hit them. Even as raw on their turn if they don't have any ranged options they have to spend their whole turn moving towards you and still take the damage. Otherwise they completely lose their turn anyway. Not like it would change anything, you are almost certainly not going to be the only one making an attack of oppunity if you are in a party and that means it is likely someone is going to go after the monster, and thus you stepping back just means YOU won't be the target, but the monster will still get to attack. The only time it makes a major difference is when you hit a spellcaster who would have only 9 HP after the normal damage of Booming Blade.
@@KingFate20 TL;DR RAW makes the combo OP instead of possibly broken. Anything that doesn't cost a resource is free, like your reaction! The hardest hitting 1st level is Guiding Bolt at 14, again you used a 1st level to deal 32 damage which is over double. All of your nearly-valid points is just a party cooperating, which you'd hope would always be the case. The point of the phrasing is that it makes it likely it is going to take that damage, your house rule makes it guaranteed.
@@larstollefsen1236 "The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit." It would avoid Spike Growth. Like I said in my original comment I think the fact it can read a creatures intent is stupid based on the flavor. The fantasy is that they are wreathed in sonic energy that moving around will cause then to touch it. The effect saying "Oh sorry mate you didn't mean to do that, I'll just move along with yah." Is stupid. I would have much preferred if it was Psychic, then the spell attacks their mind if they think about moving, but a spell that compels them interfering with the effect would make sense. The spell arbitrarily being Intelligent and telepathic is the part that I find absolutely stupid. It's a pretty picky and pedantic fucker for a Cantrip. Also I don't know where you got forced movement. It is compelled. Forced movement would imply that opportunity attacks wouldn't work. Also having to combine a feat and a 1st level spell slot to do alright damage being considered OP is really weird to me.
Kelly, I'm digging the Sock Monkey sweater! Interesting build as well. Great way to use a fun, yet tricky subclass. I'd consider taking a second level in hexblade for another spell known, another pact magic slot (double the hex or shield spells/short rest) and two invocations (so many fun options, double the benefits of eldritch adept). I think its worth delaying the bard stuff 1 more level and losing the last Magical secrets, but I admit it is a trade-off. Adding swashbuckler rogue levels after your first magical secrets may be a solid idea if you want to lean into the charismatic gish further at the expense of spellcasting, but that might be too many multiclasses for some tables/players. Finally, I might suggest Lucky or Resilient to patch up those saving throws, which is definitely the Achilles heel of this character. If the bad guys can't hit you with attacks, spells will be the first thing they try.
two weapon fighting works well with 3 levels of hexblade. it interferes rarely with bonus action spells but it's worth it for on hit spells like hex, hexblade's curse, and spirit shroud. Also, Steel Wind Strike works well bc it adds mobility to the not insignificant damage it does, especially with a concentration spell like slow that lowers enemy AC. Shadow of Moil is great for attack and defense, and very flavorful for the warlock bard combo. Besides, martial bards are called Blades, btw
I made this exact build back in 2019 when I first started playing D&D again. If I were to do it again I would take fey touched instead of elven accuracy. Other than that it was my favorite multi class build. Simple and functional.
I like the idea that thematically, this character could engage two foes in combat, use the _Dissonant Whispers/Booming Blade_ combo as a sort of "You are not my opponent, begone with you!" move, and then fully engage in a duel with the remaining enemy.
31:32 for summoning spells I recommend 4th level Find Greater Steed and 3rd level Phantom steed, and now you can have a no concentration army of nasty steeds with a lot of movement
Aw man, I've been waiting for this since you did the Bard video! Can't believe you actually did it! Also- I was thinking "Tabaxi, TABAXI!" when you did the race choices, glad you gave it the honourable mention! Spells wise, I like Hellish Rebuke over Hex as a dualist. The ability to either defend yourself OR deal damage to an enemy is great in a duel.
This was quite interesting! I've been putting off playing a Bard for some time, but this video just reminded me of why I love D&D; be who you want to be! Thanks for the inspiration. On a completely different note; I feel that if WotC doesn't release new things for you to review and come up with the best 'Gish', you'll run out of content. But hear me out!! You both could maybe take a look at some of the more famous homebrew classes/sub-classes out there and give them a rating of 'Would we use it?' to 'Never again!'. A good one I personally like is LaserLlama and his Alternate work on the base classes; Monk, Artificer, and Fighter to name a few. Just a suggestion from a fan. :)
Honestly, the way Swords Bard is, it can technically get a Buff with an Errata for it's Extra Attack. Make the same as Bladesingers. Mainly because well... one, Bards are a Jack of All Trades, their Magical Secrete in theory can help RP the knowledge of knowing this "Elven Art" into their Fighting and just even in that same RP Context, mock them so hard xD It might push the Swords Bard over, along if it had some extra Flourish Options (or added more Bardic Inspiration Dice as a Buff). But that's just my opinion on a potential Fix for Extra Attack/Ideas to buff in general.
1 level of hexblade with clockwork soul Sorc works well too. They don't have as many HP, but can usually cast Extended Aid at a fairly high level at the end of the night by selling their remaining spell slots to buy a higher one, Their main move is to run into battle, either blasting with Agonizing Blast or hitting with booming Blade and using Quicken spell to cast Armor of Agathys as a bonus action mid combat whenever it gets dropped, and using Hellish Rebuke to brutally punish anyone who tries to hit you. A few points of Bastion of law can help keep your Armor of Agathys up, giving you an extra 5-35 points of damage from a spell slots depending on the level.
I’m currently playing a variation of this build. We started the campaign shortly before the 1D&D UA stuff came out, and we decided to use it, which has really affected my character. The character origins changes made me switch from half elf to (effectively) Wood Elf. Also I decided to start with Bard because I wanted to role play the experience of my character deciding to swear a pact for the help he needed. (It was a fun moment, and I kept laughing as my character was going through an awful moment.) I also decided to go with duel wielding (which is way better in 1D&D), and I took 3 levels of warlock so I could get invocations and pact of the blade. I made one weapon my pact weapon and the other my hex weapon, because then I can use charisma for both. And I took improved pact weapon so I can cast spells while holding weapons, and I get plus 1 with my main weapon attacks. That’s where we are now, and my main tactics are to use hex and armor of agathys for my spells. I’m planning to go full bard after this. I’ll take two weapon fighting for my fighting style, and dual Wielder for my first feat. After that I’ll probably work to get my charisma up. I totally agree that Spiritual weapon and spirit guardians is the way to go for magical secrets. I’ve been flavoring all my spells as shadow and sword based. I’m picturing a cloud of tiny shadow swords surrounding me as I rip everything apart with my swords.
Made a variation of this, but used swiftstride shifter, and added Pheonix Sorc. Get a good chunk of temp HP, helps with being extremely mobile around the battlefield, while being surrounded by fire. Causing damage to any that attack/touch you, while increasing fire damage spells. Used quickened metamagic to be able to use the bonus action for green-flame blade, fireball, or other fire based spell. Using haste, while shifted, gives you 80ft of movement per turn. With another +10 from blade flourish. You'll also have access to Zepher Strike. I went 14 swords bard/1 hex/5 phoenix for a level 20 build. But isn't necessary to go that far into phoenix sorc.
The first D&D character that I played for a year was a halfling Lore Bard that eventually dipped 1 level of Celestial Warlock for flavor. When I thought of bringing the character back for another campaign, I realized they should have been a Hex Bard from the beginning. Retconning them as one could have worked lore-wise, but the changes in ability scores, spells and proficiencies needed to make the new build viable would have rendered the character unrecognizible in battle so I gave up on the idea. I still think a Hex Bard, of Swords or Valor, would be a very fun build, and it definitely fits the gish archetype I mistakenly believed all bards fell into before I played one.
Wait wait wait. Back when you rated the Bards colleges and but the Swords Bard way low I commented exactly on how putting a few Warlock levels, like I did, made for an awesome Bard! And I know you didn't take in account multiclassing, buuut, you replied by saying that even like that the Swords Bard came up short. Well, I was the only one coming back alive from Barovia and the one who went head to head with Strahd himself. Oh, that sweet sweet Booming Blade and the Crowd Control with the Blasts and the extra AC... Anyway, rant aside, I'm so glad you came around. I know it shouldn't matter but in the D&D world is good to know someone who can kinda feel or at least validate somewhat your takes on some of this stuff. I'm just glad you see the light now :3 Edit: I haven't seen the video at the moment of my comment, so I don't know if I'm just jumping ahead on what I said. I'm just happy that you made this video. Just by the tittle alone you made my day 😁
We’ve really come around on the swords bard. It may not be the best bard, but it’s an awesome subclass and it gains an insane amount from warlock …. Sometimes even we learn new things.
With such high AC, I don't mind losing 2 points from the physical shield, and using two-weapon fighting style instead. Having that prof bonus on your second attack is really tempting, and the roleplaying of describing how the bard slashes the enemy in a tornado dance is soooooo nice. That's the bard I wrote to myself for the next campaign.
Re: the combo you guys talk about with Dissonant Whispers + Warcaster, I was literally talking about this to my friends a few days ago as something I want to try building a character with specifically in combination with Booming Blade. Edit: I paused to make this comment 2 seconds before Kelly brought up Booming blade as the follow-up hit.
Roleplaying backstory for a Bard->Warlock : You're a musician that beat the devil at a fiddle contest, and now you have his magic gold fiddle as a reward. The fiddle sounds terrible, is incredibly heavy, and whispers evil things to you at night, but also it can transform into any weapon and shoot lasers, so it's a fair trade.
Top tier comment right here haha
Fix your potato-hand typing and then we can talk.
@Andrew To be fair, my comment references a classic American folk song that in turn references 500 years worth of Faustian legend. This is the same legend that actually inspired the flavor of the Warlock class in Dungeons and Dragons, so in a way, it was the game designers' intent for Warlocks to be played this way. By the way, Monty Python is rich with historical references and satire, and was always intended for adults, not children.
@Andrew How many 12 year olds have even heard of Monty Python.... The comedy for adults.
@Andrew why r u cringe
You could say they are a Bladesinger
Yeah I'm not sold on the hexbard
Like... Pure Hex blade is S
Blade singer is S
Hexbard ... B+?
@@antonlowe5370 nah I was just making a joke. Cause hexblade (blade) and bard (a singer) so a blade singer
@@JagIzMoo I love the Joke xD They could truly, make a Mockery of the ones who Learned and Practiced Elven Bladesinging lol
Take paladin spells with your secrets. Play a fake paladin. Lol
Ha. Punny
I played this exact build including warcaster/Fay touched feats. I went 2 levels of warlock, so you get 2 pact spells (shield). Just an amazing character. Additionally, as a backstory I had my character “sell his soul for rock and roll” to his patron. One of the all time best characters I have ever played and I started playing in the 70s.
You could flavor spirit guardians as you blade flourishing so hard that persistent images of you fill the area you were blade dancing in. Maybe that's why your AC hit 30.
a bard so egotistical that the spirits they summon are just themselves again. amazing
I like the idea of just being spirits that look like blades. So it's a upgraded version of sword burst. Or a larger area cloud of daggers.
So basically Vergil's Spiral Swords?
what is this naruto hokage shadow clone jutsu bullshit
@@ericpeterson8732 I was thinking of a cloud of razor sharp musical notes.
You forgot to mention that at 15th level with this build, your blade flurries can now use a D6 instead of the Bardic Inspiration, meaning so long as you land an attack on your turn, you get a permanent +1-6 AC, while being able to hand out your bardic inspiration to whoever whenever you want. Honestly I wish Bards got this earlier then 14th level, but it's worth it once they have it.
Balance is as balance does.
Yes, it's probably the best level 14 Bard ability because it gives the ability to keep using its subclass feature without cutting into your Bardic Inspiration.
@@freman007 i mean, Peerless Skill can be used on Initiative, Counterspell, and Dispel Magic so in a high magic Campaign Lore Bard is pretty insane with their ability to consistently counterspell 9th level spells with 3rd level slots.
But otherwise it is pretty strong
I played a Hexblade/Swords Bard for a Waterdeep Dragonheist game, and to date it has been the most fun character I've had the pleasure of playing. The versatility and ability to be not only competant but actually good in most aspects of the game felt like I was spoilt for choice both in terms of combat and roleplay opportunities. I urge everyone to give this character a try at least once.
Okay can i ask you a thing? If I'll start a campaign at level 4 (and the master permits me of having my longsword based on charisma) will you still dip 1 level of warlock?
@@edoardopoggio4036 If your GM lets your use Charisma without Hexblade then the level 1 dip probably isn't worth it. I ultimately went 3 levels in Warlock for the Pact of the Blade and Invocations for added flavour, but a straight Swords Bard build would benefit from better spell progression.
Sword bard for me has always been a top tier gish sub class. I think I’ve always just treated them as damage sponges utilizing a combination of defensive blade flourish and mirror image. So I’m glad that Monty and Kelly are starting to see the value in the sub class. It is crazy to see what 1 level of hexblade can do to dramatically improve the damage out put though.
2 Things to note with Flourish.
First, you get the bonus 10' movement EVERYTIME you take the attack action on your turn so you would gain 10 taking your normal attack option, another 10' if you use Action Surge and another 10' from the attack option granted from Haste.
Second, when you crit and use your Inspiration die on that attack as defensive Flourish, you get the same amount added to your AC that you added to your damage. Yes, double dice. AC 35+ with Shield spell...yes please.
One of my favorite Magic Secrets for Bards is Find Greater Steed from the Paladin List. Having a Griffin that you can spell share with can be a great companion.
I played this, combo this with greater invisibility and you are unstoppable.
A Bard using Spirit guardians is very clearly just "Shake shake shake, Senora! Shake your body line! Work work work Senora, work it all the time!"
Currently building a tiefling hex blade/swords bard! He is inspired by Romeo, if he learned the fate he and Juliet would suffer and chose to flee in order to protect her life. Also he has a sword that is ancient family heirloom and is, of course, cursed lol. He casts his magic by speaking poetic words and evocative descriptions of what he desires to happen in battle. The sword answers these desires and speaks its own through his dreams/nightmares. It’s sole purpose since it’s creation has been to slaughter the rival house, which this character is actively avoiding😂
I am playing a Dhampir hex blade warlock/Swords Bard, with the noble background. I am having so much fun with her! I picked the mobile feat. So 45 feet och movement + permanent spider climb and no opportunity attacks if I have attacked + extra 10 feet of movement from the swords bard is just amazing. My favorite trick is hitting someone with booming blade and then moving away, so they have to move to attack me.
And if I somehow still can't reach the target, we do have that eldritch blast. One of my favorite builds ever, honestly.
Did your DM let you use your teeth as a spellcasting focus?
@@StriderZessei I never asked actually... I always had my sword :/
I suggested this build for one of my players and she loves it. Thanks so much!
OMG I played this build to level 9 a year ago and I loved it. Idle Eric the Pretty Good Minstrel. Spirit guardians is a great idea for magical secrets. The character was capable of doing everything in the game reasonably well. You made a good list but failed to mention subterfuge and battlefield control in addition to tank blaster frontlines ranged and face. Such a fun build to play.
Idle Eric. Eric Idle. I see you.
For me personally, once I hit 7th level bard and pick up greater invisibility, I'd hit up 3 or 4 swashbuckler rogue levels myself. Higher initiative, the better half of the mobile feat, some sneaky damage (and the ability to deliver it frequently), plus a couple of rogue goodies. I think that'd be a blast.
Giving up those high level Bard spells would hurt
@@logancuster8035 True but, most games don't go past 7-12 anyways so the expertise, bonus initiative, cunning action, extra damage, possibly uncanny dodge if you go 5 levels in rogue but the 3 level dip is fairly good even though you give up spell levels.
@@logancuster8035 very true! I like the duelist side of this build a bit more than the spellcasting side personally, hence my decision. But you really can't go wrong either way with this build!
In which case being elf/half elf and getting elven accuracy seems really strong.
TCoE adds mirror image to the bard spell list. Take the sentinel feat combined with rakish audacity and you've got a somewhat reliable way to sneak attack twice per round (assuming someone tries to hit you).
I love the way these characters have been imagined and it's great to see the excitement on your faces when you're talking about the ways these characters can progress and attack or aid others. Have you guys ever considered doing a write-up of these characters to give players the opportunity to more easily recreate these character concepts?
I honestly was skeptical when I saw the title but I did some playing on DnD Beyond and...it's a really workable and pretty versatile character without feeling like you're min/maxing since you have so much variety with your bard spells. It's one of the few classes (and multi-classes) that really can be pretty jack of all trades without sacrificing mechanical efficiency.
Hells, yeah! Been playing this multi class combo for years. So much fun! Truly embodies jack of all trades - bit of spells, bit of melee, bit of support. For RP, I play a stage-fighter/storyteller with Int as a dump stat - so most of his stories are implausible or never happened.
Can i ask you something?i am starting a campaign at level 4, and my master permits me having my longsword based on charisma and not strength. Will you still use Hexblade dip or go straight swords Bard?
Warcaster opportunity spell bait: Raulothim's Psychic Lance.
Super thematic and useful: Steel Wind Strike. It's force damage plus movement. It really should have been on a special spell list for Bards but it's a Magical Secrets bait.
It's on the Bard list.
Literally just looking at this!
Steel wind strike looks amazing, but I don't know if it's more useful than counterspell
I’ve played around with an idea about the Hex Bard with two weapon fighting: Make sure your Hex Weapon is a short sword, scimitar, Dagger, or hand axe. Then pick Pact of the Tome and get the Shillelagh cantrip (use a club). Now you can Dual Wield using your Charisma.
Holy smokes, I totally forgot club is a light weapon
Wait, can't you dual wield using your charsima anyway if you go pact of the blade and summon a weapon with that?
@@lukasosterloher9105 nope. Pact of the Blade just forms a stronger bond with a weapon. Unless you’re a Hexblade you still use your Strength or Dexterity
@@TBoring unless you go hexblade you can’t have the first charisma weapon…
@@TBoring I mean if you are a Hexblade. Can't you use your normal Pact weapon and summon a second weapon with pact of the blade? Or would that make your initial pact weapon disappear?
Sweet - this would also make a respectable Mage Slayer if you pick up the Silence spell, & use magical secrets for spells like, counterspell, darkness. Add feats like MAge Slayer & Metamagic adept with subtle & quickened spell. Speaking of which - what about a series of Mage Slayer build video's from you guys - there's so many great options, Ranger Monster Slayer, Shadow Monk as well as more traditional builds like Paladins or Barbarians - this could be really interestesting & there's so many different posibilities for it.
That's why I like my wizard's to take metamagic adept and have one of the metas be _Subtle spell_ (and the other quickened), to prevent being shut down by a silence spell.
It also opens up options for casting in social situations.
A Sword Bard Tiefling was my first character. I was so shocked when I discovered how much I got from a single level dip into Warlock, they really have so much to offer to any team. It was amazing learning little tricks on my own (Heat Metal is so powerful), but I never considered Shield, BB, or Warcaster!
I am playing a Hex blade lore bard right now and loving it. The nice thing about this build is you pick up spirit guardians 4 levels sooner.
but you don't get extra attack or blade flourishes or fighting style...
@@silverjaiden2450 But Eldritch blast is just as good as extra attack, Blade flourishes are alright but compared to what a lore bard can bring to the table is better.. fighting style is meh depending on what you are focusing on
@@wickeddrac7489 but he’s playing melee. So he won’t be using eldritch blast. Or at least that’s what I assumed. Spirit guardians isn’t that useful from the range of eldritch blast. So extra attack, and a fighting style helps a lot more in melee. Especially armor of agathys. Unless he is playing ranged lore bard is inferior by a lot. But if he is playing ranged then the comparison is irrelevant
@@silverjaiden2450 It depends on your play style. Taking Grasp of Hadar makes you a hit-and-run caster which is kind of interesting:
move up to 25ft of the enemies, pull them into Spirit Guardians using GoH+EB triggering the extra damage then backing away and goading them into chasing you and taking more Spirit Guardian damage.
@@agilemind6241 but again. This isn't relevant bc it's not a melee style character. Swords vs Lore isn't the point. It's what's the best Melee build for bard.
Im currently playing a this build as a dragonborn in Tomb of Annihilaton. It is super strong in every situation. Exploration, social encounter, dungeon delving, combat, you name it. I took Dragonborn to mix blade flourish and the new breath. You can use a breath on your first attack (like the prone or incapaciting breath) and get massive bonus for your next blade flourish.
If you’re going to go with Fey touched I would strongly recommend (if EGWM content is allowed in your game) that you take gift of alacrity, as the increase to your own initiative or a party members initiative Will allow you to make your spellcasting more effective as it will go off earlier in combat.
I played this build in a campaign a couple years ago. One of my favorite characters I've ever played. She was the group's only full spellcaster (Rest of the group was a Paladin, Blademaster, Arcane Archer and Rogue) so she was tasked with being the primary controller, primary healer, and primary utility caster in the group. She could do it all with room to spare.
I didn't take Hex or Spirit Guardians, but did consider them. I did take Wind Walk, which wasn't mentioned in the video, but is a great multi-purpose spell. One of the feats I took which wasn't mentioned in the video was Resilient (CON). While I was able to pump my AC in exactly the way described in the video, things like AOEs that require saving throws still made Concentration a bit dicey, plus my CON was an odd number, so it gave me 1 HP per level.
Another (situational) benefit of this build is that it qualifies you for some magic items which are Sorcerer/Warlock/Wizard only, such as the Staff of Power, which, in addition to being able to cast a ton of amazing spells with charges, is also a +2 Quarterstaff, which is versatile and thus can be wielded one-handed with the Duelist fighting style.
I think an incredible contender for race for this character is the new Shadar-Kai from Monsters of the Multiverse. Getting a number of misty steps per day equal to your proficiency modifier, as well as getting resistance to ALL DAMAGE after using it for your next turn, which goes extremely well with the armor of agathys trick, is so incredibly strong. The fact that you count as an elf for the prerequisites of feats, so you can pick up elven accuracy, is just the icing on the cake. Not even mentioning how good being able to trance is, advantage on saving throws against charms to counteract a warlock's bad wisdom save (they have proficiency in wisdom saves, but wisdom is usually a warlock dump stat), and two free tool proficiencies you can swap out on long rest means you can fill even more utility holes.
Even better, shadar Kai teleport isn't a spell. Teleport in and then fireball
I really like the idea of a hex blade and a whisper bard, while maybe not as good, the rp opportunity really makes this a fun idea that focuses more on damage compared to defensive set up
Am in love with this build/dip. I took two levels in hexblade for agonizing blast for a very specific reason. The one window this build will fall behind in DPS performance a bit is the 5-7 gap where the other martial classes start using multi attack. Eldritch blast "solves" that by splitting to 2 bolts at level 5. D10 +5 is comparable to most melee attacks. Kinda boring to spend 3 levels pew pewing from behind a shield, but it gets you through that window effectively.
Huge fan of loading up as many (b) and (r) spells as possible for this build, so snagging hex, shield, and hellish rebuke as my warlock level 1 spells fits like a glove.
I have a 2 level fighter dip valor bard at level 15, but I think I like the way this Hexblade swords bard is turning out a bit more. Have also contemplated a life domain cleric or paladin dip. Both would be amazing, but the hexblade version is the only one that "solves" the ranged cantrip and level 5-7 DPS drop off issues.
As for 2nd level spell, if you have a decently lenient DM they might let you use heat metal as essentially a smite
I was allowed to do this because of a very specifically designed weapon, and it was awesome!
This got some gears turning in my head. I'd take an aspect of this to a new level and make a somewhat insane character in a kind of specific way.
I'd instead make a Custom Lineage character, gaining Darkvision as a benefit, take the Entertainer Background, and the Actor Feat. This would make your Charisma only one Ability Score Buff away from Maxing Out, and give you a sweet combo with the following. I'd also instead take 2 Levels of Warlock to gain another Spell Slot, but more importantly, gain some Eldritch Invocations, particularly Mask of Many Faces. Combine this all with your Bard Expertise in Performance and Deception, and you'll have a character that's pretty good at fighting, with all that the Hexblade gives you, but you may not even need to, what with the free unlimited Disguise Self, and the advantage on passing yourself off as a person you're copying with the Actor Feat with Expertise on whatever you roll. Minimum of +10 at only Level 5 with your Charisma at 18.
With all of this, you can potentially end a combat encounter before it starts, or freely walk through an area without needing to try to be stealthy. Then when everything goes bad, you still have your combat skills to rely on as a backup.
This is honestly the best D&D channel on YT. I have gotten so many character ideas from the videos you two make.
I played a version of this build in a short campaign and it was quite effective. Definitely recommend inspiring leader for added tankiness as well as the highly underrated defensive duelist feat.
This is so timely, its unbelievable! I've actually started this exact character like 1 month ago. We're still level 3 (lv 2 bard/lv 1 hexblade)... I went custom lineage and got fey touched to start with 18 char. Then I took bless as the fey touched lv 1 spell, but I might talk to my DM about changing it for hex (I took armor of agathys and shield as warlock): there is something about using hex and vicious mockery in a first round of combat that really makes sense RP-wise: you humiliate your target so bad in a prep round that he looses stength (disadvantage hex), looses concentration (disadvantage attacks from VM), takes psychic damage (VM) and becomes more prone to injury from your attacks (hex). They dont stack, but this is great flavouring... I've actually started bard because of the backstory I came up with. And I plan to be really strong in social interactions and manipulation, so I'm taking some spells like charm person and plan on taking metamagical adept for subtle spell at some point (also quicken spell is handy for combat). And because of the great mobility, I'm considering taking ashardalon stride as one of my MS, just running the battle ground when there are several enemies and dishing out strikes + fire damage.
You sold your soup for the Blues. Classic Warlock/Bard backstory. I love Changeling for the race. Any charisma fuelled character can cause utter chaos if they can change their face for free.
Playing a tabaxi hexbard in the dungeon of the mad mage. We just dropped down into level 2. Having a good time with him. Took mobile. Add in having a climb speed. I'm dancing around in combat having a great time.
Ive aaaalways, aaaaaaalways wanted to play a hexbard. My backstory idea was that of a failed musician that just doesn't have enough talent to make it finds a "cursed flute" someday. A real big chonker of a flute. He plays it and summons a demon to make a pact with, his soul or whatever for musical talent. The flute itself is the sheath for a blade, his pactblade basically. So lvl 1 lock 19lvls swordsbard.
33:15 I feel if your taking Tenser's Transformation then you should also get find greater steed so that when you cast the transformation on yourself your mount is also affected and becomes a greatsword wielding powerhouse of its own right, and I mean, a bard with a sword and board flying around on a sword swinging griffins back. This way you also have transportation and flight covered for no cost
......That's awesome
My personal version of this is adding in 2 levels of paladin for the high level spell slot smite and another +1 AC and going for haste (more damage and another +2 AC) via magical secrets or the Strixhaven background. You could also get spiritual weapon to weaponise your bonus action after the setup round (edit: wrote this before you said it yourself). The AC gets ridiculous at higher levels.
This is a super cool idea, my only difference is I would personally go with Bard first, more instruments, another skill, and dex saving throws. While wisdom might be rough, int is also rough to fail too, so no need to worry there. And I'd say just hope you roll well, if so inclined.
I have a half-drow Swords College / Hexblade that worships Eilistraee but is forced to do Lolth's bidding against her will. She is my favorite character and had *almost* this exact build for years already. This video really helped me polish it up a bit! The Spiritual Guardians bit is inspired and I love it! Thanks for the video guys! =)
(before even waiching the video) This video couldn't be more timely. I have been interested in creating a Hexblade Swords Bard for a long time but was having trouble how it would work out in roleplay. Looking forward to seeing what you guys have to say about this combo. :)
My favorite reason for a bard and warlock multi class is the ol’ “sold my soul for Rock n Roll”
@@PumaPants248 nah. Besides, i see my bards not as musicians but as a performer. My lore bard is one that tells legnedary stories of yore, my valor bard is combat cheerleader, and my swords bard is a dancers who dances with swords.
@@OpenWorldAddict0 everybody plays dnd differently, their playstyle is just as valid as yours
You can up your tanking ability pretty significantly by grabbing Inspiring Leader. Temp HP for you, your friends, and a Greater Steed!
This came out at a perfect time. Just about the start a campaign as a Hexblade Warlock, who is from a circus troupe. Already got the Entertainer background so going to have a real think on making this pivot. Great vid.
Just played an 11th level Sword Bard/Hex Dip. Picked Find Greater Steed and Steel Wind Strike (which I combined with Greater Invisibility). And picked the new hobgoblin for the race. Since I was using the bardic inspiration dice for sword flourishes, I used the hobgoblin Fey Gift for my bonus action (usually did the temp HP choice). Worked out great.
College of Swords is the solution to the problem of keeping a squishy low-level Wizard alive long enough to be a powerful high-level Wizard. Two levels of Bladesinger, three in Swords Bard, back to Wizard the rest of the way. Add INT to AC at Level-2, can defend himself at low-level with the additional weapon & (light) armor proficiencies, multi-classing two full-casters doesn’t cost you spell slots, 17 levels of Wizard still gets you your 9th-level spell, and Bards don’t have to prepare spells, so you end up with more spells at-the-ready to cast than by going straight Wizard. They’re not even really “disparate abilities.” He’s singing for his supper the whole way through.
Blade singers are practically immortal already
Nice that you guys got the jump on Treantmonk on this one! He added a tweak or two to his version, but this is great. Love the sense of community.
This was my first D&D character.
I did it with 1 level as Bard, then 1 level as Hexblade, then the rest as Bard.
Although not strictly on topic, the Azorius Functionary background is great for Clerics because it gives them Counterspell.
I started using a Swords Bard a couple of months ago, and I’m loving it. The do it all. Lots of fun to play this subclass, even without the hex dip on mine.
I played a Hex Bard in a campaign last year. It was super fun, and basically built the way y'all recommend (though I did make him a satyr).
I’m very excited you made this guide, I basically made this exact character as a Tabaxi!
If you’ve played FF14 this character is basically a red mage and works really well in game.
I only got to level 8 total before the game ended but I was able to help in every situation and survivability was key in Curse of Strahd!
Awesome work with the videos guys, glad other people have realised this build’s potential
Puss In Boots
Using dissonant whispers as an action and booming blade as a reaction is actually such a hype combo
As per rules as written the damage of booming blade only triggers, if the target is moving WILLINGLY. Dissonant whispers FORCES the target to use it's reaction to move so you only get the additional damage of the initial hit.
@@TaliasLight actually it does, but the enemy uses its reaction to move, instead of other stuff where for example they get pushed. A telekinetic shove would not trigger an op attack.
the timing of this video is simply PERFECT couse i was building one testerday for my homegame
Thanks for this. I'd love to see an optimized Rogue/Swashbuckler Warlock/Hexblade (Pact of the Blade) build.
I tried to make that build before and I found that there was too much overlap with the charisma, yes damage and imitative will go up with charisma as a swashbuckler, but they'd go up just as fast with dex, when doing this multiclass you're trading your dex skills for the charisma skills and gaining a few extra low level spells. the only swashbuckler feature that benefits would be panache, but you're a rogue. you can get experience in persuasion and be more persuasive than a pure charisma character. just look Veo and Sebastian in drakkenheim. the arcane trickster has experience so she has a better persuasion modifier than the sorcerer
You would probably be better off going with Hexblade/College of Whispers bard
I also started making that build, but I ultimately found little benefit to it. On the other hand, Swashbuckler with a Paladin is really good, especially Vengeance. It takes two turns, but you can apply Sneak Attack, Vow of Enmity, Divine Smite, a smite spell, and Booming/GF Blade all to a single attack. Using Thunderous Smite or Fancy Footwork will also pretty much guarantee Booming Blade damage taking effect if the target has no range.
@@007narufan There are some other benefits. Booming blade is awesome for a swashbuckler as you can essentially move out of combat for free after striking, forcing your opponent to move and take the boom damage. Plus you get the sneak attack critical hits super often thanks to hexblades curse, especially if you have a reliable source of advantage.
The most Christmas dependent bill would be a level of hexblade warlock and then 3 levels of swashbuckling rogue and then 6 levels of whatever palate you want then you're using your charisma for your attacks your initiative and all your saving throws
one of the best combos i found is to turn a heavy crossbow into your hex weapon and use magical secrets to get swift quiver, if you get the sharpshooter feat you can deal 1d10+5+10+5 (damage die from the crossbow, cha mod, sharpshooter and profiency bonus) per attack, with both your action and bonus action thats 4d10+80, get two levels of fighter for action surge and then its 6d10+100 of damage.
Just to note because the video talks about a 1 level dip, you'd need at least 3 levels in warlock to get access to a heavy crossbow as your Hex weapon. In addition, you'll need CBE or a helpful artificer to ignore the loading property of the heavy crossbow
@@arugula1637 take the feat of crossbow expert and use a one handed crossbow, both problems solved.
@@afasdfasafd314 At that point you're investing a whole lot into just dealing more damage with a ranged weapon. Might was well play fighter.
You cant attack with your bonus action, if you are wielding a heavy crossbow.
@@DasWarVorbestimmt You can if You have the spell of Swift quiver.
this sounds quite a bit like the valor bard i had planned, bit better planned perhaps, though instead of spiritual weapon i took find greater steed as a magical secret
and also he's using a greatsword
I've got a Valor Bard 6/Fiend Lock 3 who is a whole bunch of fun. She went Pact of the chain, so she gets to do cool stuff with an Imp, fight, buff team mates and throw inspirations onto everyone. Also, she's secretly evil and nobody has worked it out yet. Lots of fun
I am actually playing that combo right now in Rime of the Frostmaiden. It's...a terrifyingly good build
I really like the interaction with Hexblade Warlock and Lore Bard.
Specifically Wrathful Smite + BoomingBlade/GreenFlameBlade
and Cutting Words.
CHA for attack rolls and better Spell DC.
Frightened condition from Wrathful Smite, requires their Action to attempt to break, which is a WIS Check and because it is a Check it's affected by the Cutting Words reaction.
And finally using the Cantrips
BoomingBlade/GreenFlameBlade to make up for the lack of Extra Attack.
And still getting all the Lore Bard's goodies, ie. 6th lvl Magical Secrets and bonus skill proficiencies.
Also Pact Slot for the Shield Spell, better if short rests are possible at your table.
I love the sock monkey sweater!
Lol! It’s from Roots, a Canadian store. These guys should get a sponsorship from them with the number of Roots sweaters I’ve seen on here
Love the build. I still want one more level of warlock (at level 12) right after you get secrets. Then I can rock agonizing blast and grasp of hadar on fools trying to run (at half speed) out of my spirit guardians.
“just when I thought I was out… they pull me right back in!”
I like to imagine because the hex blade uses charisma attack they don’t actually wield their sword, that it magically moves on its own. So I picture a mysterious person in a mask walks into town. They are cornered by thugs, but instead of reaching for their sword and shield they lift a flute to their lips. As they play the shield lifts to a defensive position and the sword slowly slides from the sheath. The battle is on and the thugs have made a terrible decision.
Bad Guy: ...why do I hear boss music?
Wait, that's Scaramouche from Samurai Jack
That’s bloody Yondu
I’m currently playing my first multi-class character and this build just called to me! I’m a Yuan-Ti and following this build closely. We just leveled up to 4 so now the character is really going to open up! Great video!
One of my favorite characters I built for a friend is a Rogue 9 (Swashbuckler) Hexblade 1, College of Swords bard 10. She played in a 1 shot and said that she loved it.
For the people asking about paladin. Ive been playing one from 1-20. Ive done some weird level ups as it was like my 2nd character built, it works really well even before i got extra attack.
It really is amazing what a few levels in Hexblade can do. I'm currently playing a fairy swashbuckler rogue with a 2 level dip in Hexblade and there's a lot of overlap with what you guys have mentioned. With Armor of Shadows & shield proficiency my AC is 18, plus I picked up the shield spell. Add uncanny doge & evasion to that and I'm practically unhittable. Also casting booming blade for my action, then disengaging for my bonus action and flying 30 ft away, and if whatever I hit moves it takes extra damage. Now I'm considering taking Warcaster so I can cast booming blade as an opportunity attack. What a great idea!
Hmm...seeing how much this Hexblade dip helps the Swords Bard, I'm curious how this would look with a Swashbuckler Rogue. The playstyle for both seems to be quite similar, just without the magic. It also gives your rogue some heavier armor.
I play a Swashbuckler Rogue/ Collage of Swords build and it is a god dame dream, the spells are really good, Both classes abilities complement each other and the damage really good.
@@SirSolomonAriel what's your level split? I have a one-shot coming up and 15 levels to work with.
@@islandofideals6571 well you want at least six levels of swords bard and three levels of swashbuckler, after that i went 8 rogue/6 bard so another level of either would do something for you, either 4th level spells or another swashbuckler ability
@Ma'haut Ail Nazem , The Golden Lion thats honestly a good combination you'd definitely throw your all into being a duelist and you eliminate need for feats like mobile. I guess my only critique would be it takes 3 levels vs the 1 of hexblade but cunning action is just busted
@@lightning2034 so I went with a half elf for the build allowing me to give out 4 stat bonuses( +2 CHA, +1 to 2 other stats) then just because of the campaign, i got the Badge of the Watch, Which is a really good item for Duel Wilder builds, then a also took the duel Wielder feat for more AC, So I've got like a 20 AC as a Rogue/Bard
What I like about this build is that it can almost be exactly copied but for use with the Whispers Bard, with the added bonus that you can combine Psychic Blades and Booming Blade. You lose out on a little bit of damage and AC, but you do get more social stuff in terms of abilities and features. Overall, there's a decent amount of this build that could just be shamelessly lifted and placed onto a whispers bard/hexblade multiclass.
I multiclassed a swords bard with swashbuckler. It ended up VERY feat hungry and party composition wasnt balanced, so I dropped around lvl 7. My focus was maxing reaction atks for 2 sneaks per round. I'd love to see this build reviewed to improve on the concept
I've been using this build forever and it's my favorite. I only like to go 18 lvls of bard though. I usually put 1 lvl in cleric as well
In One D&D, a new feat let's you take the Pact of the Blade as an invocation, meaning you can now start as a Bard from the get-go, take the Arcane Spell list, and not be delayed at all in your leveling and spell progression.
Really excited to try this with an Aasimar.
A scary combo, *Hexblade Warlock* (main, _at least_ 3 levels for Pact of the Blade) + 6 levels of *College of Whispers Bard.*
Take _Disguise self_ as a eldritch invocation and you are the ultimate threat within, as you use it to get close enough to ambush a lone enemy for a _Mantle of Whispers_ kill (6th level Bard), and then you have the lore to impersonate your victim to their colleagues.
From there you can Mystique your way through a enemy camp/group/faction whatever.
And _Word of Terror_ can set up Patsy's and sow division.
The synergy is using Disguise self before and after Mantle of Whispers, so you aren't trapped into only being able to impersonate one individual - useful for escaping and extraction.
And Pact of the Blade enables you to bring your main weapon, as it can be summoned when needed so you're not walking around with a friggin sword or whatever ruining your disguise (so no "this greatsword, yeh… just felt like a change").
Plus a Hexblade can one shot easily by using smites for the Mantle of Whispers.
Even in a straight combat crawl it's not too bad as the Hexblade is nasty, but if you can pick off a lone enemy minion then you can really mess with opponents by "shifting".
And even in a pitched battle that can be accomplished by the good old Darkness and Devils Sight combo (just hide the body before Darkness drops, or use a illusion to disguise it as _your_ body).
Note having some way for your party to know it's you is vital, a Soul Knife Rogue is useful as group coordinator, unfortunately awakened mind is not an option as that's a Patron (Great Old Ones) ability and you're already pledged to a weapon instead.
Just go on with Warlock levels, prehaps mix in some Paladin if you feel like it.
And just accept that everyone's going to be nervous around you, and even more nervous when they can't see exactly where you are.
I haven't tried this build but a 2 lvl warlock dip for my eloquence bard for mask of many faces and eldritch mind has been my favorite character so far
Nice, I wanted my first time using Hex Warrior to not be a Witch Knight or Darkness crit fishing build. Will definitely ponder on this some more.
I'm just seeing a cursed circus bard roaming the country side with the party to find the ones that killed their traveling group. Kind of like Moley from CR season 2
I have been playing this combo in a spelljammer campaign. So much fun. The eldritch knight and I take big advantage of the dissonant whispers booming blade combo
Very nice guys, after you talked so bad about the swords bard in your bard Tier List I tried this combination of an Hexbard in my last campaign a year ago and it was an absolute blast to play.
I went with 3 level Hexblade for the pact (since it added so much RP flavour on top) and the Character was a blast to play, having shield spell + the flourish + fighting in medium armor and a shield made me end up often as the tank in some situations while in others I protected the backline and used my eldritch blasts, healing words and bardic inspiration on the party. I felt really like a jack of all trades. Looking really forward to continuing this character in another campaign.
1. Get Glyph of Warding, Demiplane, and Plane Shift as Magical Secrets. Optionally, take Branding Smite as well.
2. Store a transmuted(to avoid similar spell effects) Smite inside a GoW in your Demiplane once a day and a Plane Shift spell.
3. Have the Wizard Clone you and store it in the Demiplane.
4. Die at the hands of the BBEG and come back a moment later to Smite them with all the colours of the rainbow(except indigo).
I used animate objects on my swords bard. I gave him the backstory of being a preformer in the witchlight carnival. He juggles knives and when they're all in the air he animates them
A couple thoughts:
1. Since this character is often going to be on the front lines, Thunderwave is a solid pick for a 1st level Bard spell.
2. While the Dissonant Whispers/War Caster trick definitely works RAW, its interaction with Booming Blade may not fly at some tables. Some DMs argue that the rewrite of Booming Blade (specifically the range of Self with 5-foot radius) makes it no longer fulfill the "must target only that creature" requirement of War Caster. RAI, Jeremy Crawford said that you can use Booming Blade with War Caster, but if the movement that triggers the attack of opportunity is from Dissonant Whispers, the secondary damage of Booming Blade does NOT immediately trigger, since Booming Blade stipulates that the damage happens when the target willingly moves, while Dissonant Whispers forces the target to use their movement. Long story short, as with any unorthodox mechanics interactions with this game, you'll want to consult with your DM to make sure they'll allow it before you plan on using it as a tactic.
Gonna be real here, this is the most dapper I’ve seen the Dude’s, and I LOVE IT
Hey guys, I actually just started playing D&D for the first time this summer & this is the exact character I'm playing, Hexblade 1, Swords bard X, Half Elf w Fey Touched Feat so far! The only big downside is being behind everyone else not multi classing for a beginner campaign but it's a fun character. Was worried when I was starting out and saw your "D" Swords Bard review from before so now I'm glad I went this direction. Thx for all the insights for a new player!
The D rating is meaningless as it's just a general opinion. Whatever character you play is just as good as an SS rating because DMs base the adventure around the party.
Have fun!
@@Anon-qp3kt and a D tier bard is still an A tier character by virtue of being a bard
some of the best magical secrets out there are: banishiment smite, find greater steed, spirit guardians and spiritual weapon.
Also Steel Wind Strike
@@MadnessOpus or, as i call it, the otaku strike.
Great for Aasimar as well. Angels (often) have three things they are equipped with Armor, weapon and a musical instrument. Ada minor version you can flavor your cutting words as “divine incite” (even if it is just a cold reading) and then the swords and Angelic minions as you come to give justice - really good.
Loved the show.
Now do this with the whispers bard and the Poisoner feat and understand why people didn't agree with its rank.
Really glad you covered this multi! I've played it a few times so it has some nostalgia for me.
One thing missed however, Dissonant Whispers DOES trigger opportunity attacks as its not 'forced movement' but it DOES NOT trigger Booming Blade as the target did not 'willingly' move as states in the spell Booming Blade.
Although not every DM rules it this way, just have a conversation first. That tends to avoid most issues at the table anyway.
I absolutely hate that Booming Blade is a sentient spell that can read minds. Its the stupidest shit. When I DM, using your own movement is all that is required.
If it's triggered by the creatures willing intent to move it should deal Psychic damage.
@@KingFate20 Dissonant Whispers & Booming Blade is far too abusable otherwise. Just think about it, a first level slot is now effectively doing 3d6+3d8+weapon from a 5th level character. Assuming a rapier/longsword that's an average of 32 damage with a Cha of 18. To top it off, a melee enemy cannot retaliate since it just ran away and you can simply move backwards so it cannot reach you.
@@larstollefsen1236 If you hit. You are also using your reaction, reactions aren't free. That means that for 1/3rd of that fight you don't have access to Shield.
They have to fail the save then you need to hit them. Even as raw on their turn if they don't have any ranged options they have to spend their whole turn moving towards you and still take the damage. Otherwise they completely lose their turn anyway. Not like it would change anything, you are almost certainly not going to be the only one making an attack of oppunity if you are in a party and that means it is likely someone is going to go after the monster, and thus you stepping back just means YOU won't be the target, but the monster will still get to attack.
The only time it makes a major difference is when you hit a spellcaster who would have only 9 HP after the normal damage of Booming Blade.
@@KingFate20 TL;DR RAW makes the combo OP instead of possibly broken.
Anything that doesn't cost a resource is free, like your reaction! The hardest hitting 1st level is Guiding Bolt at 14, again you used a 1st level to deal 32 damage which is over double.
All of your nearly-valid points is just a party cooperating, which you'd hope would always be the case.
The point of the phrasing is that it makes it likely it is going to take that damage, your house rule makes it guaranteed.
@@larstollefsen1236 "The creature doesn’t move into obviously dangerous ground, such as a fire or a pit." It would avoid Spike Growth.
Like I said in my original comment I think the fact it can read a creatures intent is stupid based on the flavor. The fantasy is that they are wreathed in sonic energy that moving around will cause then to touch it. The effect saying "Oh sorry mate you didn't mean to do that, I'll just move along with yah." Is stupid. I would have much preferred if it was Psychic, then the spell attacks their mind if they think about moving, but a spell that compels them interfering with the effect would make sense.
The spell arbitrarily being Intelligent and telepathic is the part that I find absolutely stupid. It's a pretty picky and pedantic fucker for a Cantrip.
Also I don't know where you got forced movement. It is compelled. Forced movement would imply that opportunity attacks wouldn't work.
Also having to combine a feat and a 1st level spell slot to do alright damage being considered OP is really weird to me.
Kelly, I'm digging the Sock Monkey sweater! Interesting build as well. Great way to use a fun, yet tricky subclass. I'd consider taking a second level in hexblade for another spell known, another pact magic slot (double the hex or shield spells/short rest) and two invocations (so many fun options, double the benefits of eldritch adept). I think its worth delaying the bard stuff 1 more level and losing the last Magical secrets, but I admit it is a trade-off. Adding swashbuckler rogue levels after your first magical secrets may be a solid idea if you want to lean into the charismatic gish further at the expense of spellcasting, but that might be too many multiclasses for some tables/players. Finally, I might suggest Lucky or Resilient to patch up those saving throws, which is definitely the Achilles heel of this character. If the bad guys can't hit you with attacks, spells will be the first thing they try.
two weapon fighting works well with 3 levels of hexblade. it interferes rarely with bonus action spells but it's worth it for on hit spells like hex, hexblade's curse, and spirit shroud. Also, Steel Wind Strike works well bc it adds mobility to the not insignificant damage it does, especially with a concentration spell like slow that lowers enemy AC. Shadow of Moil is great for attack and defense, and very flavorful for the warlock bard combo. Besides, martial bards are called Blades, btw
I made this exact build back in 2019 when I first started playing D&D again. If I were to do it again I would take fey touched instead of elven accuracy. Other than that it was my favorite multi class build. Simple and functional.
I like the idea that thematically, this character could engage two foes in combat, use the _Dissonant Whispers/Booming Blade_ combo as a sort of "You are not my opponent, begone with you!" move, and then fully engage in a duel with the remaining enemy.
Totally inspired to give this one a go in a new campaign. Never played a Bard or a Warlock, so excited to see how it plays out.
31:32 for summoning spells I recommend 4th level Find Greater Steed and 3rd level Phantom steed, and now you can have a no concentration army of nasty steeds with a lot of movement
Aw man, I've been waiting for this since you did the Bard video! Can't believe you actually did it!
Also- I was thinking "Tabaxi, TABAXI!" when you did the race choices, glad you gave it the honourable mention!
Spells wise, I like Hellish Rebuke over Hex as a dualist. The ability to either defend yourself OR deal damage to an enemy is great in a duel.
I'm glad I'm not the only one who was thinking Tabaxi in my head the whole time they were talking about races!
This was quite interesting! I've been putting off playing a Bard for some time, but this video just reminded me of why I love D&D; be who you want to be! Thanks for the inspiration.
On a completely different note; I feel that if WotC doesn't release new things for you to review and come up with the best 'Gish', you'll run out of content. But hear me out!! You both could maybe take a look at some of the more famous homebrew classes/sub-classes out there and give them a rating of 'Would we use it?' to 'Never again!'.
A good one I personally like is LaserLlama and his Alternate work on the base classes; Monk, Artificer, and Fighter to name a few. Just a suggestion from a fan. :)
Honestly, the way Swords Bard is, it can technically get a Buff with an Errata for it's Extra Attack. Make the same as Bladesingers. Mainly because well... one, Bards are a Jack of All Trades, their Magical Secrete in theory can help RP the knowledge of knowing this "Elven Art" into their Fighting and just even in that same RP Context, mock them so hard xD It might push the Swords Bard over, along if it had some extra Flourish Options (or added more Bardic Inspiration Dice as a Buff).
But that's just my opinion on a potential Fix for Extra Attack/Ideas to buff in general.
1 level of hexblade with clockwork soul Sorc works well too. They don't have as many HP, but can usually cast Extended Aid at a fairly high level at the end of the night by selling their remaining spell slots to buy a higher one, Their main move is to run into battle, either blasting with Agonizing Blast or hitting with booming Blade and using Quicken spell to cast Armor of Agathys as a bonus action mid combat whenever it gets dropped, and using Hellish Rebuke to brutally punish anyone who tries to hit you. A few points of Bastion of law can help keep your Armor of Agathys up, giving you an extra 5-35 points of damage from a spell slots depending on the level.
I’m currently playing a variation of this build. We started the campaign shortly before the 1D&D UA stuff came out, and we decided to use it, which has really affected my character.
The character origins changes made me switch from half elf to (effectively) Wood Elf.
Also I decided to start with Bard because I wanted to role play the experience of my character deciding to swear a pact for the help he needed. (It was a fun moment, and I kept laughing as my character was going through an awful moment.)
I also decided to go with duel wielding (which is way better in 1D&D), and I took 3 levels of warlock so I could get invocations and pact of the blade. I made one weapon my pact weapon and the other my hex weapon, because then I can use charisma for both. And I took improved pact weapon so I can cast spells while holding weapons, and I get plus 1 with my main weapon attacks.
That’s where we are now, and my main tactics are to use hex and armor of agathys for my spells.
I’m planning to go full bard after this. I’ll take two weapon fighting for my fighting style, and dual Wielder for my first feat. After that I’ll probably work to get my charisma up.
I totally agree that Spiritual weapon and spirit guardians is the way to go for magical secrets. I’ve been flavoring all my spells as shadow and sword based. I’m picturing a cloud of tiny shadow swords surrounding me as I rip everything apart with my swords.
Made a variation of this, but used swiftstride shifter, and added Pheonix Sorc. Get a good chunk of temp HP, helps with being extremely mobile around the battlefield, while being surrounded by fire. Causing damage to any that attack/touch you, while increasing fire damage spells. Used quickened metamagic to be able to use the bonus action for green-flame blade, fireball, or other fire based spell. Using haste, while shifted, gives you 80ft of movement per turn. With another +10 from blade flourish. You'll also have access to Zepher Strike. I went 14 swords bard/1 hex/5 phoenix for a level 20 build. But isn't necessary to go that far into phoenix sorc.
The first D&D character that I played for a year was a halfling Lore Bard that eventually dipped 1 level of Celestial Warlock for flavor. When I thought of bringing the character back for another campaign, I realized they should have been a Hex Bard from the beginning. Retconning them as one could have worked lore-wise, but the changes in ability scores, spells and proficiencies needed to make the new build viable would have rendered the character unrecognizible in battle so I gave up on the idea. I still think a Hex Bard, of Swords or Valor, would be a very fun build, and it definitely fits the gish archetype I mistakenly believed all bards fell into before I played one.
Wait wait wait. Back when you rated the Bards colleges and but the Swords Bard way low I commented exactly on how putting a few Warlock levels, like I did, made for an awesome Bard! And I know you didn't take in account multiclassing, buuut, you replied by saying that even like that the Swords Bard came up short. Well, I was the only one coming back alive from Barovia and the one who went head to head with Strahd himself. Oh, that sweet sweet Booming Blade and the Crowd Control with the Blasts and the extra AC... Anyway, rant aside, I'm so glad you came around. I know it shouldn't matter but in the D&D world is good to know someone who can kinda feel or at least validate somewhat your takes on some of this stuff. I'm just glad you see the light now :3
Edit: I haven't seen the video at the moment of my comment, so I don't know if I'm just jumping ahead on what I said. I'm just happy that you made this video. Just by the tittle alone you made my day 😁
We’ve really come around on the swords bard. It may not be the best bard, but it’s an awesome subclass and it gains an insane amount from warlock …. Sometimes even we learn new things.
With such high AC, I don't mind losing 2 points from the physical shield, and using two-weapon fighting style instead. Having that prof bonus on your second attack is really tempting, and the roleplaying of describing how the bard slashes the enemy in a tornado dance is soooooo nice. That's the bard I wrote to myself for the next campaign.
You forget that the Hex Warrior feature only works on 1-handed weapons. At most, you're trading in +2 AC for up to +2 more damage with versatile.
Amazing I found this, because I’m fairly sure this is probably going to be the concept behind my next character actually!
Re: the combo you guys talk about with Dissonant Whispers + Warcaster, I was literally talking about this to my friends a few days ago as something I want to try building a character with specifically in combination with Booming Blade. Edit: I paused to make this comment 2 seconds before Kelly brought up Booming blade as the follow-up hit.