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

The College of Swords Bard is a daring and dynamic combatant in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e). Specializing in weapon combat, Swords Bards use their flair and agility to dazzle enemies and protect allies. This subclass is ideal for players who enjoy mixing melee combat with a touch of magic.

Why Play a College of Swords Bard?

Key Benefits

• Weapon Mastery: Proficiency in medium armor, scimitars, and one fighting style.
• Blade Flourish: Unique combat maneuvers that enhance your attacks and mobility.
• Versatile Combatant: Balance between melee prowess and spellcasting support.
• Roleplay Potential: Be a swashbuckling duelist or captivating performer.

If you love the idea of combining swordplay with magic, the College of Swords Bard is perfect for you.

Core Features

Key Mechanics and Abilities

• Bonus Proficiencies: Gain proficiency in medium armor and scimitars.
• Fighting Style: Choose between Dueling or Two-Weapon Fighting to suit your combat preference.
• Blade Flourish: Use Bardic Inspiration to enhance attacks with defensive, mobile, or damage-dealing maneuvers.
• Extra Attack: Attack twice instead of once when taking the Attack action.

Suggested Ability Scores

1. Charisma (Primary): Powers your spellcasting and social interactions.
2. Dexterity (Secondary): Boosts your AC, initiative, and weapon attacks.
3. Constitution: Increases your survivability in melee combat.

Recommended Races

• Half-Elf: Bonuses to Charisma and two other ability scores, plus extra skills.
• Human (Variant): Flexible stats and a free feat.
• Tiefling: Bonus to Charisma and innate spellcasting abilities.
• Tabaxi: High Dexterity and unique movement abilities make a nimble Swords Bard.

Playing as a Swords Bard

Role in a Party

Swords Bards excel in melee combat while offering magical support. You’ll likely fill these roles:

• Melee Striker: Use Blade Flourish and Extra Attack to deal consistent damage.
• Buffer/Debuffer: Use spells and Bardic Inspiration to enhance your allies or hinder enemies.
• Mobile Combatant: Reposition easily on the battlefield to control engagements.

Tips for New Players

• Use Blade Flourish strategically to protect yourself or maximize damage.
• Choose spells like Healing Word and Faerie Fire to complement your melee focus.
• Don’t neglect your role as a Bard—use your Charisma for social interactions and roleplay opportunities.

Roleplay Suggestions

• The Dashing Duelist: A charismatic swordsman who thrives on flair and showmanship.
• The Wandering Bladesinger: A poetic warrior with a tale for every duel.
• The Knight-Errant: A noble adventurer who fights for honor and glory.

Gear and Dice Recommendations

Suggested Equipment

• Weapons: Scimitars, rapiers, or other finesse weapons.
• Armor: Medium armor for a balance of mobility and protection.
• Adventuring Gear: Carry performance tools like juggling props or a rapier adorned with flair.

Dice Recommendations from Runic Dice

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

• Dueling Elegance: Embody the grace of a master swordsman with the Shield and Sword Gold Hollow Metal DND Dice Set. This set features intricate designs of shields and swords in a hollow gold metal structure, reflecting the refined artistry of dueling.
• Flourishing Performer: Capture the flair of Blade Flourish with the Red and Gold Glitter Liquid Core Resin DND Dice Set. Displaying shimmering red and gold tones with a dynamic liquid core, these dice symbolize the vibrant and dynamic performances of a Swords Bard.
• Combat Precision: Reflect a precise and calculated fighter with the Black Inked Lightning Cracked Glass DND Dice Set. Featuring a striking cracked glass design with black inked numerals, this set evokes the sharpness and clarity of a well-executed strike.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Optimization Strategies

• Feats: Take Mobile for increased speed or War Caster for better spell concentration.
• Spell Combos: Use Faerie Fire to give yourself advantage in combat.
• Multiclassing: Dip into Fighter for more combat abilities or Rogue for Sneak Attack synergy.

Advanced Builds

• Duelist Bard: Focus on single-target damage with the Dueling fighting style.
• Flurry Bard: Use Two-Weapon Fighting and Blade Flourish for a flurry of attacks.
• Hybrid Bard: Combine spells and melee combat for balanced versatility.

The College of Swords Bard in D&D 5e offers a thrilling mix of combat prowess and theatrical flair. With careful planning and roleplay, you’ll dazzle allies and enemies alike with your skills.