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This build is perfect for the little old lady I want to make, lol. A grandmother from a small village who only has 1 level of cleric because as the oldest person in the town, she sorta just performs all the marriages. She heals people by licking her finger and wiping their wounds off and kissing them on the forehead. She's a bard though because she tells thrilling stories to inspire people and has amazing charisma checks. Persuasion especially. It's hard to say "no" to granny. ^_^ But she can also scold enemies for debuffs and psychological damage, and can be very intimidating when she's berating you.

I'm surprised you didn't mention Counterspell. Not only cancelling a spell from an enemy can save a lot of damage, the Lore Bard is the best at doing it since it can add its Jack of All Trade bonus when a spell casting ability check is required to counter spells of higher levels.

No one ever mentions the best level 10 magical secrets pick up, Find Greater Steed from the Paladin. Every bard needs a Griffon!!

Level 1:(see above) [bard 1 & race] Level 2:(@21:57) [cleric 1 & sub-class] Level 3:(@27:01) [bard 2] Level 4:(@29:17) [bard 3 & sub-class] Level 5:(@32:08) [bard 4 & ASI] Level 6:(@32:31) [bard 5] Level 7:(see above) [bard 6] Level 8:(@42:42) [bard 7] Level 9:(@45:22) [bard 8 & ASI] Level 10:(see above) [bard 9] Level 11:(@49:11) [bard 10] Level 12:(@56:05) [bard 11] Level 13:(@58:42) [bard 12 & ASI] Level 14:(see above) [bard 13] Level 15:(@1:02:57) [bard 14] Level 16:(@1:04:28) [bard 15] Level 17:(@1:06:14) [bard 16 & ASI] ... Level 18+:(@1:07:50) [bard 17+] ...

Leomunds Tint Hut is a must when you get 3rd level spells. can be (and probably will be) cast as a ritual so you can provide shelter for your party every night that you are away from a town.

This is a very different build than your others and I love to see it. Talking about damage is an important and easy thing but optimizing for other styles of play is fun as well. I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

Holy cow this is EXACTLY the class I'm trying to build, a support healing Bard! I always play Cleric because I LOVE being the tie that keep my party members from death, but I have always wanted a Bard, so I was looking for a way to marry the role to the Bard of Lore. I can't wait to watch through and see what you came up with!

“You can never really outheal the damage that a character in your party will take in a round.” Twilight Cleric: “Hold my beer.”

1. I like the music. I didn't know I was missing it till it was there. 2. Magical secrets I would take over some of the heals (you only need so many healing spells): A) Counter spell - preventing damage is the best heal after all B) Simulacrum - now you have 2 healers! C) I'm not sure how I don't take Wish with magical secrets...it's every spell of 8th level or lower in the game once per day. SO MUCH UTILITY.

I spend a minimum of 8 hours a week playing dnd. With an upper regular playtime of 12-16 hours in a week. I feel blessed.

Another Tuesday, you best believe I’ve been checking my subscriptions for this.

Barding intensifies - BARDS FOR LIFE! 😁

Great video, really inspiring (+1d12 )! I was always hesitant of playing a healer/support as it felt too weak compared to damage dealers, but this video gave me some great ideas. Really excited to try them out, thanks! Keep making more videos please!

Love these support/tank builds, keep 'em coming!

Just found you through the algorithm - solid content. I know I'm late to the party. Got a new player in my campaign and they are rolling up one of these tonight. This is exactly the video I need. Thanks, rock on.

Found you through dungeon dudes and you are great. Getting rdy to start a new campaign and was looking for a good bard support guide. Thanks so much!!!

I actually played a lore bard healer in a campaign that ended a little over a year ago and it was awesome to see how similar we built it. I went with a lot more control with things like hypnotic pattern which allowed us to really spread out the damage by taking on a lot few enemies at at time. Counterspell was another one that got A LOT of use. Great video, I have enjoyed many that you have put out and can't wait to try out the Armorer in my next campaign. Cheers!

just getting back into D&D after a 20+ year break playing other rpg's and mmo's. I have learned so much from your videos. Thank you!

Bards Cutting Words is an amazing "heal" especially when you do your math&feel right. Cumulated with Bane with high DC. Just Wow. I loved playing Grave Cleric for Bless and crit-cancel and Max-heal-on-unconscious. Both are outstanding. I have yet to try many more =]

Cutting Words can debuff ability checks. Initiative is an ability check. Winning initiative keeps your front liners from taking damage and using resources. In TCE bards get Aid now. At 3rd level with an 18 charisma and inspiring leader and Aid is super helpful

glad he kept the music!

I'm starting my first campaign in over a decade tomorrow. This looks like such a great and fun build! I'm going to be heavily influenced by this guide.

I enjoy your format! Excellent guide! Also, it's good that you make time for two of your 15 children every now and then.

Great video! One suggestion, it would be great to see an example character sheet in D&D beyond of the build, or have a list of the spells chosen in the description. Thanks and well done!

I like the music! Just found your channel on reddit. Love hopping on a new channel as early as I can!

Background music paired with a bard video was a welcome touch! Also, bards don’t pump out big damage numbers, but damn are they fun to have around and role play with. My first character was a bard, and we had a blast rolling dice and being ridiculous.

This was super helpful to me! I’m fine tuning my bard who wants to tell the stories of heroes but doesn’t consider herself powerful enough to be one. Instead she helps from the sidelines without realizing just how much she is contributing. Thanks for the tips!!

Happy KZfaq put you on my page, exactly the conversation I didn't know I needed lol. Excellent work on the video and the music is nice. 👏👏 You got a new subscriber 😁

Probably won't use the build word for word, but you've definitely given me an excellent framework for my next character. Much appreciated. 😁

Shape change as my second 9th level magical secret. Remember that unicorn you saved. now their healing is ours lol

Ah, I used a divine soul sorcerer dip instead of cleric for my bard. Mainly for bless and better damage cantrips that scale off charisma (and shocking grasp), the 2d4 to saves for extra durability and medium armor from dwarf was good enough for AC, for me personally, but great build! Appreciate the breakdown of spells from level to level

I think an interesting change to this build would be to base it on the Mark of Hospitality Halfling. In exchange for giving up the Custom Lineage feat, you get several things: - You get Goodberry right from level 1, instead of level 7. And the free 1/day Unseen Servant can deliver goodberries as a bonus action. - You get an extra ability +1. Since Resilient Con is in the build, the best option might be Wis 14, which gives you an extra Cleric prepared slot. - Taking Goodberry early frees up a magical secret. The support Bard might want to look at Revivify or Counterspell. In fact, although it wouldn't juice our TCH numbers, Revivity+Counterspell at Bard level 6 is tempting. - Halflings' Luck trait is nice, and Bountiful Luck is a very support-y feat option. - A d4 bonus to Persuasion checks.

You didn’t mention Hypnotic Pattern among the third level Bard spells. It offers some fantastic control for just a 3rd level slot and is well worth considering if you want to reduce damage by controlling the battlefield. Also, Forcecage is very strong and is a Bard spell. Kind of expensive since it’s a 7th level spell, but the control is stupid good. No save, doesn’t require concentration, have to make a Charisma saving throw to be able to teleport or planar travel out, crazy stuff.

I played this build only until about Level 5 (had a newbie DM run some sessions while I had to step out of the DM chair), but it went amazingly! Due to good tactics and all the right spells in place, no player rolled a death saving throw the entire campaign. I did switch the Inspiring Leader feat for the Chef feat (as I mentioned in a previous comment), but it still worked super super well! Thanks again, Colby, for the insight! The next big campaign is coming up in a few weeks, and, since you haven't steered me wrong, I'm going to try the updated Hexblade Warlock (the Yin). We'll see how it goes!

7:36 thank you for this part. I cannot tell you enough how much I heard this exact sentiment when looking into a cleric build, yet no one would explain WHY; how exactly is it more effective to let someone drop and then get them back up. But with you explaining it, it makes so much sense. And waiting to revive depending on initiative order could be tactful to make it appear as if your back line is open when your tank goes down, thus possibly tricking the enemy to move in, to a position that once the tank is back up, will have them surrounded. It also gets the enemy to spread dps among the rest of the party who probably still have most of their health, so you can get the most out of the healing you gave to your tank when they get back up (since they were down, most likely, no one was attacking the tank).

Musics a good touch. Run with it, but find non copyrighted music and always point back to the artist :) if you don’t, the grief fairy will find you

If you go Half Elf is a great chose for Lore Bard you can start with a 16 16 14 12 10 8 stat array and still pick up Half Drow Variant to get a free casting of fairy fire or High for a free wizard cantrip.

I adore the show, the length is never a problem, and the preamble/final thoughts are great. I wasn’t a fan of music being added but cest la vie. Watching your show has inspired me to write a Muscle Mage. Path of the Beast barbarian with dips into Clockwork soul sorcerer and paladin.

Came for the bard. Stayed for the amazing audio. How are you achieving this level of clarity and balance?

You have such a relaxing voice! 🤗 Thank you for these videos!

I always prefer proactive play over reactive. There is more value in giving temporary hit points, increasing hp (Aide), and giving a Bless/Bane/Farie Fire all to increase the team's overall lethality or damage/effect mitigation, rather than waiting to be in a pinch and spending the whole time doing some form of just trying to get back in a neutral state, before finally turning the tide in the team's favor. A good video game example is Darkest Dungeon; things go down hill fast, and terribly, if just a few things or one big thing goes wrong for the party.

i never considered "good berries" and "aura of life" for magical secrets but this video has opened my eyes, thank you very much

With mass suggestion I would suggest: “Stay where you are, close your eyes, and cover your mouth with both hands.” Then you have the ability to deal with them one at a time. And because they can’t see they would be attacked with advantage at least on the first round and without being able to speak or use their hands for somatic components of a spell or the verbal ones.

Playing Kingmaker as a Satyr Bard. Had to create the race myself. Now im here for more inspiration. Love your vids

This is the youth pastor, that just wants to play his guitar.

If you spend 3 hours a week playing, and 10 hours thinking about d&d Er... i kinda spend longer... 😂

I have never played DnD before but use this to help me plan for my BG3 Tav character. TYSM for this ASMR video

If I'm playing a Bard, my Magical Secrets at level 10 will always include Steel Wind Strike or Conjure Volley. Too cool and too good not to take at least one of them.

I've been running this for our party. Went dexterity role. I love how the character feels as I always have a answer for almost situations. Currently at 8/1 as of last night.

If you splash life cleric, healing spirit is better than aura of vitality for the following reasons: yes it's only five times healing (with 18 cha, six with 20 cha) but is a second level spell, has meaningful upcast, triggers for free freeing your bonus action the turn after you cast it and can trigger multiple times per turn if your companions move in the sphere. Also, literally frees up your aura of life if the spirit is sharing the space of the party member going down. Thus, 5d6+20 effective healing for a second level spell slot and only a single bonus action assuming you place it correctly, 10d6+25 if upcast to level 3.

What a great multi class! I really like the flexibility of the Lore Bard, and this is a great example of that

Your voice is literally so calming, you should narrate audiobooks! Also great video, will love to do this

This charakter sounds like so much fun, everyone would love you man this is great :)

Outstanding content. Thank you from a new subscriber! The background music, btw, is super money, love it.

Love the build, and love the background music.

I really enjoy having a music background. I would like it turned up a little - it's at that strange point where I keep thinking I hear something and looking for it, forgetting it's on the video

A sorcerer that has goodberry as a class spell (most likely through multiclassing druid or bard) would be able to heal (out of combat) 5 hp per spell point plus 10 hp per 1st and 2nd level slot. And unused spell slots from the previous day can be converted into berries that last 24 hours, so you could heal twice that amount every other day.

Counterspell and some way to address the lack of darkvision are the only gaps i can see in this being the ultimate support character. Great theorycraft!

I wanted to say, thanks for the video. I am currently playing my first bard in CoS. I did take lore bard, I am a support but I opted for the warlock approach. I found that using Blindness/Deafness is so powerful. More often than not I find myself casting it almost every combat. Another person suggested counterspell. I agree with them 100% the best way to heal a party is to stop the damage from ever happening.

I like how this idea came on the bard build xD

I used a 2 level Hexblade dip for my support Bard. Hexblade 2/ Lore Bard 18. I took Agonizing Blast and Devil's Sight. Along with the Armor & Shield proficiency, the Shield Spell as well as the Hex feature and the spell. This character was effective at all levels. Great support caster with the Dependable souped up Eldritch Blast for offense when needed. (I use the Life Cleric Dip in conjunction with a Divine Soul Sorcerer for my Battle Mage / reluctant Healer)

Loving the background music!

I’m studying for my first dnd game tomorrow, this is the set im leaning towards im excited to see what you came up with (love the background music)

at level 4 you can also take chef from tasha's, which is a REALLY strong supporting feat

One spell I recommend is Silvery barb. Being able to stuff an attack (AFTER the attack roll. Make your DM re roll that crit!), and then giving an ally advantage is HUGE.

Great video, thanks! I am making a character for my first DnD campaign ever, and basically will be using this build. One change I am making is to go ahead and drop some utility to take Inflict Wounds. By level 3, and as really your only way to deal significant damage to something in melee range, a +3 to hit and rolling a 3d10 (1st lvl) or a 4d10 (2nd lvl) for damage seems really nice. Damage can be a most useful utility, after all. BTW, my DM asked what a bard/cleric looks like. I didn't have an immediate answer, but upon reflection, an answer became obvious; I am a devotee of Dionysius! Now to sell him on the idea I carry a wineskin around everywhere because that is my holy symbol.

Could be useful to calculate how much damage mitigation can be done if they use their cutting words to cause attacks to miss and add that to the healing. Set it against player ac of 12, 15, 18 and against an enemy with a +5 and a +7?

I already play a Bard/Life Cleric and it was amazing. My character was an Priest that like singing during is ceremony (like Gospel in american church). With my DM, I got the idea that I will create sacramental bread instead of Good Berry with the spells. So my character always have a bag full of sacramental bread to help the poor or help is ally. I really like the mix between Cleric and Bard as a religious character that speak a lot and sing instead of playing an instrument. He was really fun to Roleplay, have a lot of potential and really strong as a character.

Heroes’ Feast is a great candidate for a late level magical secrets pick. It is one of the best support spells in the game if you have a party of at least 4 or more IMO. 2D10 max hit points (not temporary; real hit points), advantage on WIS saves (amongst the most common to face) and immunity to poison for everybody in your party (upto 12, so you can give it to some NPCs too). The only drawback is 1,000GP material component which limits value for very small parties, otherwise it is a great use of a level 6 spell slot.

Sidenote: best race would be mark of healing BUT that assumes you're allowed to use Eberron.

The one level of cleric would be good as a peace cleric as well, for a support character. The faster stuff dies, the less healing you do.

Absolutely loving the channel, very well done. Question for you: If I'm going to do the pseudo rogue thing how do I get around the problem of rocking scale mail and having to do stealth checks. Is there some kind of workaround without too much opportunity cost? Also, is there any issue you've come across with shield/weapon/instrument conflicts? Thanks

re 1st level spell choices (20:30): I'm a big fan of Dissonant Whispers, Faerie Fire, Healing Word, and Silvery Barbs. Dissonant Whispers with 3d6 psychic (scalable) damage and triggering attacks of opportunity is awesome imo...especially in a pally and melee rogue party. Faerie Fire in a party that rolls to hit a lot (I'm in a near all caster party with my druid, so don't use this one there). Silvery Barbs is bonkers imo and makes use of the bards reaction. For Bard 2 I normally go with Sleep; no concentration (only Faerie Fire is) and no save. As Sleep can be overcast and takes into account the enemy's remaining HPs, it is often a combat ender in the right hands...

It is worth pointing out that Irresistible Dance does not allow for a saving throw when the spell is cast. You get a saving throw only if you take an action to do so.

Circle of Magic is the perfect pick. Giving EVERYONE evasion against spells.

Peace cleric + Glamor bard ..... killer to-hit Bonus for your allied & insane saving throws (emboldening bond + bless + bardic inspiration) + constant repositioning (Mantel of Inspiration) during the fights.... and you run arround unhitable ( Sanctuary + Mirror image, both no concentration thus combinable with bless) ...

Love the content! Could you optimize a melee spell caster that buffs itself with magic, if that’s arcane trickster, melee cleric, blade singer, ek, etc. ?

Music helps a bunch! Good video.

Hi. I’m very late to the table, I know. But, I’ve recently made a character that is inspired by this build. I’d like to point out a few observances that work for me. 1) Life Domain Clerics automatically get Bless and Cure Wounds as domain spells. This allows you more spell choices for known and prepared spells. 2) At a point, you recommended Cure Wounds and Healing Word as bard spells only because of the greater ability mod added to healing. I argue that this (at most) will be 4 points, assuming a 20 Cha vs 13 Wis. But, you get Cure Wounds free with Life Domain, and taking Healing Word as a cleric frees up your precious spells known for Bard for something more versatile. I opted to learn Healing Word as a cleric. (This let me pick up Faerie Fire and Feather Fall as a bard. Moreover, I can drop either/both those spells and repurpose them for higher level spells in the future if I choose. I also had a 14 Wisdom, granted, which gives me an extra prepared spell, so I could still grab Detect Magic, Healing Word and alternate between Purify Food & Drink and Sanctuary.) 3) Speaking of cleric, consider Sanctuary. Sure, the DC is based on your cleric spell save DC, but Sanctuary lasts a minute with no concentration providing you’re not attacking or affecting enemies with your spells. This can run the whole combat while you’re healing and buffing others. If/when enemies target you, they still need to pass a saving throw, which will increase in higher levels due to your proficiency mod increasing. 4) As for feat choices, I am lucky. Our DM started everyone off with a free feat at L1, and I took the half-elf race and Inspiring Leader here. My L4(L5) choice is most likely going to be Fey Touched, which will round out my odd-numbered CHA score and give me wonderful mobility options with Misty Step. I expect, at L8(L9), I’ll be picking Resilient-Constitution (over War Caster. Though both are attractive, I can keep a hand free for somatic components [my shield becomes a drum in combat, which I slap rhythmically and I use as a spell focus, thanks to a liberal DM who liked the idea. My reaction can be devoted to Cutting Words over the opportunity-cast of a spell I might get from the WC feat.] At L12(L13), I’m looking at Alert, and I will deal with other options later. But, an increase in Wisdom is tempting (skill use, saving throws, cleric spell DC for Sanctuary, an extra prepared spell, and +1 healing for Cure Wounds & Healing Word.. seem collectively worth the boost in Wisdom!) (Btw, I was introduced to your channel after your collaboration with Treantmonk and the Dungeon Dudes. I enjoyed your rp and playstyle.)

One way to measure the healing effect might be, assume a party of 4counting the hard. Count the number of positive effects the bard can do in between long rests and shorts rests respectively.

My current character, the support healer and de-buffer: Lore Bard 4/Divine Soul Sorcerer 1. I picked up Bane instead of Bless (Paladin in group has it covered). Combat Medic to say the least.

Really cool video, liked it alot. Did you consider the classic counter spell for the ole magical secrets? Also as a AD&D player I also relate to the power word x spells having a special place in your heart. I tried making a weirdish character that was like a skill monkey/ support until covid hit I was playing him. I did rouge 1/ lore cleric 1/ bard the rest of the way. I had proficincies with expertise for days. I think I will try this build at some point soon. Thanks for the conntent :)

Dude. You deserve so many more subscribers and love then you are currently getting. You and your videos are truly amazing and i hope you keep making vids cause you are a great channel and i cant wait to watch this channel explode in the future.

Thanks a great episode, interesting thoughts

For the Swiss army knife type of build as support: lv1 rogue 4 skills+2backstory+2half elf, lv2 bard+1lore bard lv4+3, with the dip in life cleric for heavy armor and ability bonus to heals. Yes you'll only be an lv18 bard at best of times but hey that's still very useful and you get a ton of skills to boot. This build of only recommend if you're sub 4 players as you need to fulfill more roles...like in most of my games lol.

Great build and the background music really fits the theme. Personally I liked the version without music better, but I don't hate it. I would suggest turning the volume down a notch or two though.

a multiclass option at high level that could be interesting would be to multiclass 11rogue, and 9 lore bard for a counterspell monster. as the rogue ability, the jack of all trades stack, to interact with the counterspell mechanic to allow you to just say no to spells upto 8th level without even having to roll. but I am sure that it could be improved on.

I think simulacrum is an amazing option for the high level magical secrets spell and wish is always awesome,even if you save it for the clone/resurrection & I was wandering about 2 levels in grave domain cleric for better heals on downed allies & the path to the grave giving an Allie a massive boost in damage when you need it.

My rogue/fighter just died in last night's campaign (sacrificed to save the wizard, only at lvl 5 so not terribly sad at the loss.) I went Halfling on your build here because I seem to roll a lot of 1s. Excited to test your build out!

1:04:30 Level 15 (Bard 15)

Hey Colby, I've watched this video recently. I was really curious on your take of a build with the idea of optimizing the manipulation of dice rolls for yourself, allies, and enemies throughout combat. The easiest race option is Halfling for the lucky race feature, and the easiest feats possible are the Lucky and/or Bountiful Luck feat for Halfling. With classes like battlemaster fighter, mastermind rogue, divination wizard, and lore bard and spells like bless, bane, hex, vicious mockery, and mind sliver, it's been tough making a build to optimize this.

I’ve played a whole bunch of bards in a few different editions. There’s a special place in heaven for people that willingly play support ❤️ the 5e bard is a boss tho. 5e has gotta be the strongest iteration of the bard to date

Me: For magical secrets, I really should take a powerful CC spell or a buff spell to help my party whenever they need Also me: ELDRITCH BLAST!!!

I'm experimenting with Lore Bard & Divine soul Sorcerer. I've only now started the campaign so I'm bot sure yet, how the function will be, but I'm very curious to see, might even throw 1 level life cleric in, cause I did not think of that, but basically, I'm going to spam healing word with meta magic twinned spell & cure wounds with quickened or twinned as well & I'm playing a protector Aasimar so the healing & support is my whole thing, we're playing a magic campaign so I'm built to heal & cancel out enemy magic, will the others focus more on crowd control & dps

I wonder about inspiring leader feat. I see how it is extremely powerful at very low levels. But does its usefullness scale all the way to higher levels? Is there a point where the 10-20 extra HP becomes less useful than other feats we might have taken?

I've been working on a Sorcerer 1 / Bard 19 support build recently - less about raw healing, so no Life Domain Cleric dip, and more about debilitating enemies. The go-to strategy is to cast Bane and then swap between Vicious Mockery and Mind Sliver as needed for a 1d4 to 2d4 penalty on attack rolls and saving throws, available as early as level 1 or level 2! This is arguably as effective as healing, but it's less reliable because of the saving throw the enemy gets to make, BUT you also deal damage via the cantrips every action, so maybe that's okay. Start with Fey Touched to get an extra use of Bane and an extra spell known out of the gate, and an 18 in Cha. Note starting as a Divine Soul gets you Con proficiency (important for maintaining Bane!) and Favor of the Gods, which is always excellent. You might consider taking the Chef feat for some extra short rest healing, getting 1d6 from song of rest, plus 1d8 from Chef, plus 1 per hit die spent from Chef's Utensils proficiency, not to forget the treats for some THP. Dinner and entertainment! That's usually at least an extra 10 hit points recovered each rest. Not sure if that will overshadow Inspiring Leader (probably not) but I really like the aesthetic of a sweet old grandma baking cookies for the party between fights or something and singing little hymns while they eat, and then shouting every profanity under the sun at those hooligans who dare touch her little angels. The Fey Touched feat can play into her bipolar-esque temperament since the Fey are known to go through wild mood swings at times over seemingly nothing.

Mass suggestion idea: "you are all REALLY tired, you all should go to sleep for a few hours." Enough time to either get away, bound all the enemies, or have everyone attack each enemy one at a time.

Heya, great video! Would you change anything about this build with the new cleric domains in TCoE? I think there’s a lot to be said for 2 levels of Twilight cleric, as that channel divinity can put out crazy temp HP. Plus advantage on initiative rolls is pretty powerful considering the control spells we can pick up

Instead of life domain cleric, order domain and grave domain are also great dips. Grave will give you a ranged spare the dying and better healing when they are unconscious. Order will give you an extra skill and Voice of Command which means that when you target an ally with a leveled spell they can make an attack as a reaction.