Paladin 2 / Valor Bard 10: The Ultimate Guide to a Hybrid Class

Introduction

The Paladin 2 / Valor Bard 10 is a powerful and versatile hybrid class that combines the martial prowess of a Paladin with the magical abilities of a Bard. This build offers a unique blend of combat effectiveness, support capabilities, and utility that make it a valuable asset to any party.

Build Overview

Level Breakdown:

• Paladin: 2 levels
• Valor Bard: 10 levels

Stats:

• Focus on Strength and Charisma as primary stats
• Dexterity for AC and initiative
• Consider Constitution for extra HP

Skills:

• Prof in Athletics, Intimidation, Insight, and Persuasion
• Choose additional skills from Paladin and Bard class lists

Equipment:

• Heavy armor
• Martial weapons
• Shield
• Holy symbol

Class Features

Paladin Features (Level 2):

• Divine Smite: Add 2d8 radiant damage to weapon attacks
• Healing Touch: Cast Cure Wounds once per day
• Lay on Hands: 5 hit dice for healing

Valor Bard Features (Levels 1-10):

• Bardic Inspiration: Grant bonus to ability checks, attacks, or saving throws
• Battle Magic: Cast cantrips while wielding a weapon and a shield
• Extra Attack (Level 5): Attack twice with an action
• Cutting Words (Level 6): Reduce an attack roll or saving throw by 3d6
• Spirit Guardians (Level 10): Create a 15-foot sphere of spectral energy

Combat Effectiveness

The Paladin 2 / Valor Bard 10 is a formidable combatant. With Divine Smite, they can deal significant burst damage, while their heavy armor and shield provide excellent defense.

• Average Damage per Round (Level 10): 2d6 + 2d8 (weapon) + 2d8 (Divine Smite) + 3 (Strength bonus) = 19 damage

Support Capabilities

As a Bard, this build offers a wide range of support abilities:

• Bardic Inspiration: Enhance the abilities of party members
• Healing Touch: Heal injured allies
• Spirit Guardians: Damage nearby enemies while healing and empowering allies

Utility

Beyond combat, the Paladin 2 / Valor Bard 10 has several valuable utility features:

• Expertise: Proficiency bonus doubled in two skills
• Lore Master: Knowledge of various languages and subjects
• Song of Rest (Bard College Feature): Grant additional hit dice for short rests

Advantages

• Versatility in combat and support roles
• Burst damage potential with Divine Smite
• Defensive capabilities with heavy armor and shield
• Wide range of support and utility features

Disadvantages

• Limited spellcasting capabilities compared to pure Bard
• Reliance on Charisma for both combat and support abilities
• Multiclassing requirements can delay access to higher-level abilities

Playstyle

The Paladin 2 / Valor Bard 10 is best played as a mix of melee damage dealer and support caster. In combat, use Divine Smite to maximize damage output, while using Bardic Inspiration and other support abilities to enhance the party's effectiveness. Outside of combat, utilize your utility features to explore, interact with NPCs, and solve puzzles.

Conclusion

The Paladin 2 / Valor Bard 10 is a well-rounded hybrid class that offers a unique combination of combat, support, and utility. Its versatility makes it a valuable asset to any party, providing both offensive firepower and a wide range of support options.