College of Eloquence Bard Guide for Beginners: Mastering the College of Eloquence in D&D 5e

The College of Eloquence Bard is a master of words and persuasion in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). These Bards excel at inspiring allies, debuffing foes, and shining in social encounters. This subclass is perfect for players who enjoy roleplay-heavy campaigns and influencing the narrative.

Why Play a College of Eloquence Bard?

Key Benefits

• Unrivaled Persuasion: Dominate social interactions with abilities that ensure success.
• Consistent Support: Boost allies with nearly unmissable Bardic Inspiration rolls.
• Debuff Specialist: Weaken foes with words alone.
• Roleplay Focus: Shine in roleplay scenarios where your words are your weapon.

If you love the idea of using words to control the battlefield and the story, the College of Eloquence is for you.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

• Silver Tongue: Treat any roll below 10 on Persuasion or Deception checks as a 10.
• Unsettling Words: Use Bardic Inspiration to subtract from an enemy’s saving throw.
• Unfailing Inspiration: Ensure Bardic Inspiration dice are never wasted.
• Universal Speech: Make creatures understand you, overcoming language barriers.

Suggested Ability Scores

1. Charisma (Primary): Powers your spellcasting and social interactions.
2. Dexterity (Secondary): Boosts AC and initiative.
3. Constitution: Ensures survivability during prolonged encounters.

Recommended Races

• Half-Elf: Bonuses to Charisma and two other stats, plus extra skills.
• Human (Variant): Flexible stats and a free feat.
• Tiefling: Charisma bonus and thematic flair for a persuasive character.
• Kenku: A mimic with deceptive talents for unique roleplay.

Playing as an Eloquence Bard

Role in a Party

Eloquence Bards dominate in social situations and provide consistent support in combat. Roles include:

• Face of the Party: Navigate social encounters effortlessly with Silver Tongue.
• Debuffer: Use Unsettling Words to weaken enemies before key moments.
• Support Specialist: Ensure allies succeed with Unfailing Inspiration.

Tips for New Players

• Use Unsettling Words to tip the odds in your party’s favor during crucial saves.
• Maximize Persuasion and Deception rolls with Silver Tongue to steer the story.
• Focus on spells like Suggestion and Calm Emotions to control encounters.

Roleplay Suggestions

• The Silver-Tongued Orator: A master of rhetoric who inspires crowds with their speeches.
• The Charming Diplomat: A smooth talker who excels in negotiation.
• The Cunning Manipulator: A schemer who pulls strings from behind the scenes.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

• Weapons: Finesse weapons like rapiers or ranged options like shortbows.
• Armor: Light armor for mobility.
• Adventuring Gear: Carry tools for thematic flair, like scrolls, books, or an elegant staff.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

Enhance your Eloquence Bard's theme with these dice sets:

• Persuasive Charm: Capture your refined charisma with the Gemstone Opalite (Gold Font) DND Dice Set. Handcrafted from opalite with gold numbering, these dice exude a luminous quality, symbolizing your captivating presence.
• Subtle Manipulation: Embody your cunning with the Blue Glitter Liquid Core Sharp Edge Resin DND Dice Set. Featuring vibrant blue hues with a dynamic liquid core, this set reflects the depth and subtlety of your persuasive tactics.
• Rhetorical Flourish: Reflect your mastery of words with the Purple Gemstone Amethyst DND Dice Set. Crafted from genuine amethyst, these dice possess a rich, regal hue, mirroring the elegance and precision of your eloquence.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

• Feats: Take Actor for deception-based roleplay or Lucky for clutch rolls.
• Spell Combos: Use Unsettling Words with Hold Person for devastating combos.
• Multiclassing: Dip into Sorcerer for Metamagic options like Subtle Spell.

Advanced Builds

• Supportive Orator: Focus on buffing allies and debuffing enemies with spells and Unfailing Inspiration.
• Manipulator Bard: Maximize social interactions with Silver Tongue and thematic spells.
• Combat Strategist: Use Unsettling Words to control key moments in battle.

The College of Eloquence Bard in D&D 5e is the ultimate wordsmith. Whether you’re inspiring allies or manipulating foes, this subclass ensures your words always leave a lasting impression.