BG3 Sword Bard: The Ultimate Guide for D&D Adventurers

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Why Play a Sword Bard?
• Creating a Sword Bard
  • Race
  • Background
  • Feats
• Subclass Options
  • College of Lore
  • College of Valor
• Sword Bard in Combat
  • Spellcasting
  • Melee Combat
• Roleplaying a Sword Bard
• Equipment and Items
• Multiclassing
• Conclusion

Introduction

The sword bard is a versatile class in Baldur's Gate 3, combining musical prowess with deadly swordsmanship. With their ability to cast spells, inspire allies, and engage in close combat, sword bards excel in various battlefield roles. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the class, helping you create and optimize a formidable sword bard for your D&D adventures.

Why Play a Sword Bard?

Sword bards offer a number of advantages over other D&D classes:

• Versatile Combat Style: They can seamlessly switch between spellcasting and melee combat, adapting to different battlefield situations.
• Support and Inspiration: Their Bardic Inspiration feature empowers allies, granting them bonuses to attacks, saving throws, and ability checks.
• Charisma-Based Spellcasting: Sword bards rely on Charisma for spellcasting, which is a common stat for skills like Persuasion and Intimidation, making them skilled diplomats and negotiators.

Creating a Sword Bard

Race

Several races offer benefits for sword bards:

• Half-Elf: +2 to Charisma, +1 to Dexterity or Wisdom, Elven Accuracy (advantage on Dexterity-based ability checks).
• Human: +1 to all ability scores, a free feat at level 1.
• Variant Human: Same as Human, but can choose two feats at level 1.

Background

Consider backgrounds that lean towards musical or combat proficiency:

• Entertainer: Proficiency in Performance and a musical instrument.
• Soldier: Proficiency in Athletics and any martial weapon.
• Noble: Proficiency in Persuasion and History.

Feats

Feats can further enhance a sword bard's capabilities:

• Resilient (Constitution): Increase Constitution by +1, gain proficiency in Constitution saving throws.
• War Caster: Advantage on Constitution saving throws to maintain concentration on spells.
• Inspiring Leader: Grant temporary hit points to nearby allies when using Bardic Inspiration.

Subclass Options

Sword bards can choose between two subclasses:

College of Lore

• Bonus Proficiency: Choose two additional proficiencies from the list of skills or languages.
• Cutting Words: Reduce an enemy's attack roll or saving throw by using your Bardic Inspiration.
• Additional Magical Secrets: Learn two spells from any class list at levels 6 and 14.

College of Valor

• Martial Proficiency: Proficiency in medium armor and martial weapons.
• Combat Inspiration: Grant an ally a bonus to damage rolls when using Bardic Inspiration.
• Extra Attack: Gain an additional attack at levels 6 and 14.

Sword Bard in Combat

Spellcasting

Sword bards have access to a wide range of spells, including:

• Buffs and Debuffs: Bless, Bane, Faerie Fire
• Control and Utility: Dissonant Whispers, Thunderwave, Dimension Door
• Healing and Support: Cure Wounds, Healing Word, Mass Healing Word

Melee Combat

Weapon Proficiency: Sword bards are proficient with martial weapons, such as longswords, shortswords, and rapiers.

Cantrips: Sword bards can use cantrips like Firebolt and Sword Burst for ranged damage.

Extra Attack: College of Valor bards gain an extra attack at levels 6 and 14.

Roleplaying a Sword Bard

Sword bards embody the intersection of artistry and martial prowess. They may be:

• Traveling Performers: Entertaining audiences with their music and inspiring them with their tales.
• Wandering Diplomats: Using their charm and charisma to negotiate conflicts and foster alliances.
• Battle-Tested Warriors: Leading their comrades into battle, boosting morale with their music and striking down their enemies with their blade.

Equipment and Items

Essential equipment for sword bards:

• Weapon: Longsword, shortsword, or rapier
• Armor: Light or medium armor (College of Valor only)
• Instrument: Any musical instrument (flute, lute, violin)
• Magic Items: Scroll of Cure Wounds, Potion of Greater Healing

Multiclassing

Sword bards can multiclass into other classes to enhance their capabilities:

• Fighter: Gain heavy armor proficiency and additional martial attacks.
• Rogue: Enhance stealth and damage with Sneak Attack and Cunning Action.
• Sorcerer: Access to a different set of spells and Metamagic abilities.

Conclusion

The sword bard is a formidable class that combines musical artistry with deadly swordsmanship. Their versatility in combat, support capabilities, and roleplaying potential make them an invaluable asset to any D&D party. Whether you seek to inspire your allies, strike down your enemies, or simply captivate an audience with your music, the sword bard is the perfect choice for your next D&D adventure.

FAQs

1. What is the best race for a sword bard? Half-Elf, Human, and Variant Human are the most popular choices.
2. Which subclass is better, College of Lore or College of Valor? College of Lore offers more versatility, while College of Valor excels in combat.
3. What feats should I take for a sword bard? Resilient (Constitution), War Caster, and Inspiring Leader are popular options.
4. How to roleplay a sword bard effectively? Embrace the duality of the class, blending artistic flair with martial prowess.
5. Can sword bards multiclass effectively? Yes, Fighter, Rogue, and Sorcerer are popular multiclass options.
6. What are the strongest spells for sword bards? Bless, Bane, and Faerie Fire are essential spells.
7. What is the best weapon for a sword bard? Longswords, shortswords, and rapiers are all viable options.
8. How do I use Bardic Inspiration effectively? Use it on allies before important rolls to maximize their chances of success.

Tables

Table 1: Sword Bard Spells by Level

Table 2: Subclass Features

Table 3: Feats for Sword Bards

Table 4: Multiclassing Options for Sword Bards