The Bardian Angel: D&D Build

[@DnDDeepDive]

Check out World Anvil here! worldanvil.com/?c=D4 Use the promo code d4 at checkout to save 51%! Errata: I don't have the Dex or Str to take that Fighter dip right at the end. Oops! Not a huge deal, and it comes super late, but our AC will be 1 less for that final damage report. Just go back to Artificer and grab the Repulsion Shield Infusion and you get the same +1 to Defense (duh... of course, that's assuming you don't already have a magic shield ;) ) - ALSO! No idea why I blanked and thought Heavy Armor Master could give a +1 to Con (though it really should as an option. Come on). This means we start with only a 16 Con, letting us start with a 16 Int as well though (take three +1's in Cha, Con, and Int) and, let's be honest, this is what we should be doing anyways :P - it *does* mean that our hit point total is slightly lower at damage reports 9, 13, and 17. The impact to the numbers is relatively minor (Tier Score ends up being 42.3 now) - I've updated the spreadsheet accordingly!

[@razorice0007]

At level 6 you unlock Repulsion Shield infusion, so that'll get you your +1 AC, yea?

[@DnDDeepDive]

@@razorice0007 truth! I forget sometimes we can put enhanced d on armor and that on our shield. /high five. Should’ve done that in the first place 😂

[@Roger-uw1pj]

I'd usually say it needs more bard levels. But this time... it needs one more bard level. Also, I like this build. Can you also make a folk hero bardster that summons spiritual guardians and murders his enemies with haunting tunes? Yeah?

[@nickm9102]

Before watching the video I have to say you are just doubling down on making Iron Man bard just means that it is RDJ's Iron Man.

[@Dmaster2k]

Before level 9 you can not imbue the Thunder Gauntlets with any infusion. You have to have the level 9 'Armor Modifications' feature before you can do that.

[@BajaBlastoise22]

Colby!!! I have a challenge for you! I challenge you to make an optimized build for EACH of the four Genasi sub races, and each build has to lean into the mechanics provided by each! You don't have to stick to the elements them, but the build should somehow be relevant to the spells or abilities the genasi each get!!! :)

[@Aokitadamitsu]

Nice Challenge

[@floofzykitty5072]

Earth Genasi can make decent tanks, but sadly it is basically outclassed by Shadar kai since they get a teleport AND resistance to all damage. It also triggers the bonus action spell rule because cantrips are still spells.

[@daltondean7093]

I think he’s used Earth Genasi on one of his tank builds before, or he at least talked about it as an option

[@Abalabexabandraba]

If you did an Earth Genasi tank that used the Artificer for the soft taunt maybe you could have interesting secondary utility synergy between the infiltrator armor and the Earth Genasi Pass Without Trace spell

[@adamkaris]

@@floofzykitty5072If you're bonus action casting blade ward as a tank, your action probably won't be casting a spell. It'll be grappling or smacking the heck out of someone

[@jonathonosgood4405]

I love how Colby sometimes gets embarrassed right after he says, “At level one, we are starting…”. Because at this point we are all expecting fighter. I love the story with the artificer!!

[@ThePCeristas]

I appreciate a bard build for nr 169. Nice.

[@robbiea14]

I was your 69th like on this comment. Nice.

[@BitigoBlack]

It must forever remain 69. All comments must get to that magic number.

[@SamanthaVimes177]

Basically he made daft punk. The thunder gauntlets are just a way of dropping the bass.

[@BLynn]

The Bardian Angel: D&D Build #169 Level 01: (see above) [artificer 1, race & feat] Level 02: (see above) [artificer 2] Level 03: (@13:57) [artificer 3 & subclass] Level 04: (@16:05) [bard 1] Level 05: (@18:02) [bard 2] Level 06: (@19:08) [bard 3, expertise & subclass] Level 07: (see above) [bard 4 & ASI] Level 08: (@26:48) [bard 5] Level 09: (@29:29) [sorcerer 1 & subclass] Level 10: (see above) [artificer 4 & ASI] Level 11: (@35:02) [artificer 5] Level 12: (@35:47) [bard 6] Level 13: (@37:41) [bard 7] Level 14: (see above) [bard 8 & ASI] Level 15: (@39:51) [bard 9] Level 16: (@40:08) [bard 10, expertise & magical secrets] Level 17: (@42:01) [fighter 1 & fighting-style]

[@beastslayer8729]

Did Colby get a glow up? I swear his jawline is even more chiseled than before.

[@steve-ru9sy]

I think it's the collar. Popped collar has been scientifically proven to increase sexiness 400%

[@jasegreen681]

Plus the stubble and new hairdo! 😊

[@DnDDeepDive]

lol oh boy... in before my man bun in the video next week! ;)

[@beastslayer8729]

Personally I would love to see a man bun

[@antoniomromo]

Definitely the stubble. It is like a highlighter for some people's jawline. Also lord a man bun will definitely be a fun one.

[@joshuaclendenon]

Came for the build, stayed for the top knot. This was a fun one, Colby! Also, I'm digging the scruffy look!

[@hypotheticalhippo2327]

Randall's art for this character just brought me so much joy. 10/10 pose I love it!

[@ChozoFS]

Your table of contents has been incredibly helpful! Multiple times I've searched via keyword for a class I want to use in a build and I find several of your builds, and that's saved me a ton of time with building characters

[@mattdahm4289]

Thanks Colby- I’ve recently taken on the habit of theory crafting when I take my dog for his last walk of the day. I pick a new strategy each week and, after almost a year, I’ve concluded that you’re really good at this! Thanks for the inspiration ❤

[@gaidencastro9706]

I don't think you've described Armorer Artificer so vividly before.

[@Answerisequal42]

i still wait for a Glamour Bard and Glory Paladin Multiclass. Probably the best skald character ever. Glamour and Glory!

[@pandas7973]

This video inspired me so much that I’ve talked to my DM to allow me to adjust my current glamour bard to play this build in our campaign. Really thankful for your videos.

[@ImpeccableKarma]

The art for this one is CRAZY 😂

[@Legionne]

Thank you for all the fantastic wonderfulness and positive energy and attitude that you always have. I think I'm up to about 110 or so episodes watched. Been watching your entire back catalog 🙂👍

[@silver_etch]

My very first d&d character from 30 years ago was a bard. I played him all the way to level 30 (3rd edition, epic level campaign rules) and he became a god in our world. His domains are Loyalty and Lore. This build is SO PERFECT for some of his followers! I'm totally gonna have to make one and play it. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@4rtifex]

Headband of intellect. When common magic items are, well common. Its a good excuse to semi-dump int on an armorer

[@ryanscanlon2151]

I have a build like that I made for a build challenge, I dumped int are and con and did 16s in dex wis and cha. I made head band, belt of hill giant strength and an amulet of health, I had no weakness' lol. Never got to play it but I also dipped rune knight to make the iron giant basically

[@d_andrews]

You need to be a 10th level Artificer to replicate the Headband though, which is pretty late on even a single-class build

[@matedervarics9827]

Magical secrets: Armor of Agathys? I know, it's a bit redundant, but still a lot of temp. hp and have a nice retaliation feature

[@0_Body]

Imagine the transformation sequence as you don your magical armor WITH STYLE!

[@teijotso8672]

HE USED MY NAME SUGGESTION‼️‼️‼️ I was pretty proud of this one, so I’m glad it was put to use, lol Thank u Colby for making all these awesome videos of us (:

[@mattdodson1272]

Love these off the wall combos! So great!

[@chrispambo1539]

48:23 Come on : The Freddy Mercury flavor is right there ! So long as you flavor the armor as being orange & bear-themed...

[@rodrigoperez3618]

Hey bro, I must say… your channel is… …just so nice!! 👏🏻🙌🏻

[@hazard19]

I'm appreciating very much the combo of a glamour bard with Colby looking even more dashing and dreamy than usual ☺️

[@GentleBreeze-72]

Appreciate the Escaflowne intro. Underrated anime from the 90's People should look more into the older stuff, they miss so much.

[@boredatworkandstuff]

I absolutely love the Glamor bard. The ability to let your allies repossession is sooo good. Thanks for another fun video!

[@Cirdan345]

Reposition

[@Bjerre005]

Dude, I love this build idea! Usually I just enjoy your builds for their crazy OP'ness, but the narrative of this character just spoke to me immediately as something I wanna play in a long-term campaign. Though, I'd probably wanna stop at three levels of Artificer to get so much more Bardic goodnes.

[@SahlinAxel]

Loved this concept! When you explained the character it made me think immediately of a drag queen. With the armor being their drag persona, kinda cool being a flamboyant fantasy hero mech queen. I might have to play this, with some personal adjustments ofcourse! Great job as always!

[@steel5315]

Ive been so busy I am just now catching up with Colbys videos. The last one he had a man bun and looked like a capoera instructer. Now in this one he looks like a rugged salior. I missed so much plot development!!

[@animefan3794]

Personal opinion, if you were to do those last 3 levels to go to 20, Conquest Paladin would be a great choice. - Would get you Armor of Agathys to add a butt ton of temp HP alongside Aid, plus dealing damage back to the enemies melee attacking you. A dead enemy takes longer to kill you than a live one and can’t target your allies at all. - alongside that single level of fighter you’d have a second fighting style so you can get both defense and interception. - *SMITE!* because, again, a dead enemy is less of a threat to your allies than a live one. - something that’s more useful against hordes of weak enemies that aren’t immune to fear: your channel divinity being able to target every enemy in 30 feet and make it so those who fail their saves both can’t get closer and have disadvantage on attacks as long as they can see you. As long as your allies are on the opposite side of you from the enemies who failed, that makes it so melees who failed straight up can’t target your allies and ranged ones are still having a hard time. The biggest thing preventing it is that you don’t meet multiclassing minimums due to the strength requirement. But, as you yourself said, this version of the build focused much more on Constitution than you would if you actually played it, so there are ways to make it happen while still having the concepts behind the original build work.

[@Favilludo235]

This is so much fun to see, I've been playing this exact combo: armorer and glamour bard with a larger focus on artificer, using 3 levels of bard for fun utility stuff and this as an alternative, or to show how much tanking I could be doing is incredibly fun... if anyone is wondering about theming: A Fashion designer that uses flair and clothing designs as their "artistic expression" for bard spells is a lot of fun...

[@Favilludo235]

The really cool thing there is the combo of flash of genius, guidance and inspiration... that is int+1d4+1d6, which can be so clutch... very fun... less tanky of course, but also I just really enjoy artificers a lot

[@JustinFike]

I would LOVE to see an updated Glamour bard build with the new 5.5 subclass. It seems CRAZY strong as a controller now, and getting to use Command as an at-will bonus action opens up your action for attacks or other spells.

[@benjeffries2610]

A slight twist on the build would be to invest a few more levels in Sorcerer and pick up Twinned Spell. You can then combine that with Mantel of Majesty and double the amount of commands you’re throwing out each turn as a bonus action. Plus you can still pick up Warding Bond with the Divine Soul bloodline. 👍🏼 Still, I appreciate you going deep into the bard levels. Rock on!🤘

[@JoeMeng]

I've been a proponent of glamour bard for almost as long as it's been out THP and out of turn movement is absolutely insane in many battle scenarios. I'm excited to hear your take on it.

[@thecorhamm1]

Colby Yesss trust me Glamour is so slept on. Glamour bard with the Aid spell (added to spell list in Tasha’s) at level 3 you have mantle of inspiration 5 temp hp + aid 5 hp max * number of party members. In one round I could basically heal 35 hp across the party in one round. I did the math and it was basically like adding another party member in terms of HP.

[@justinrobey6055]

Love the image of the shy artificer donning Armour and a mask and sudden quipping all over the battlefield. Very Peter Parker

[@flamefyr]

One thing I love on these tank builds is that no tank can do it all. Some of the builds to struggle on the boss but succeed well on the fireball. This tank struggles into the fireball because of middling Dave's on their dex, which is fine. The fact it can just walk into a horde of enemies and live forever is powerful enough for most tables

[@Johnmorova]

This is perfect as Im planning to do a Glamour Bard real soon.

[@jchagasla]

In a table I was playing once, we ended up allowing magical inspiration to affect magic missile, since we only rolled once for all projectiles, it made sense to us. I was the bard and that felt like a great use of an inspiration and first level spell, especially because the sorcerer rolled a 4 on the d4 and a 6 on the d6, 33 force damage at level 2. That table was on roll20 and it was the first (and only) time I saw a 48 damage fireball, the same sorcerer got to roll all greens, it was so cool, the dragon flew away spooked.

[@pheralanpathfinder4897]

Great timing for a tank build. I just introduced two NPC tanks for my party. One is a bard / pladin designd to figth in front. The other is a sorcer paladin to keep the people in back safe. I disabled some of their abilities and took a limited spell list to avoid outshining the heroes. Maybe this time they beat the dungeon instead of being forced to retreat.

[@drumlineking07]

27:47 idk if I missed it, but you probably should explain that slow is from the TCE optional spell list. I was so confused at first lol

[@maxilleris4130]

Isn't Heavy Armor Master a +1 to str not con?

[@dustinmyers8632]

Came here to say this.

[@samtheham1812]

I love tank builds so much! Time to track some DTPR 🐉⚔️🔥❗️

[@User-he6zd]

Hell yeah Glamour Bard People really seem to overlook it, which is wild given how unique and HP effective Mantle of Inspiration is Ofc less useful if your group has a Twilight Cleric.... but a great support Character for any party

[@SeanBoyce-gp]

I think it'll get more love after PHB24 comes out. It got a decent glow up to Tasha's level of efficacy, as did the other Xanathar's classes that made their way in (a moment of silence for the Xanathar's classes functionally removed by the PHB24 rules, Hexblade and Cicle of the Shepherd)

[@BitigoBlack]

I'm making my first bard. Sponging up ideas from your builds!

[@BlackKing_9]

heavy armor master doesn't grant an increase to CON, not a hater, just someone whos watching and recreating

[@DnDDeepDive]

Truth! Updated the pinned comment :)

[@tristanwellisch2637]

I love the flavor for this build and I think Randal out did himself with the art for this one. The sparkly pink armor with the anime pose is beautiful!

[@emulationemperor8924]

I would love to see a Ranger Artificer combination. Half elf crossbow expert elven accuracy sharpshooter combo sure. It's the base for a lot of strong builds. It's mostly a ranger but dips 2 levels into artificer for Enhanced Weapon and Repeating shot. That way you could enchant both crossbows with a +1 to hit. Along with the archery fighting style and elven accuracy, you're not missing out too much by not bumping Dexterity for most of the character's career. I also just like the idea of a ranger that uses some of their magic to enhance their weapons. A crossbow feels so much more mechanical than a short bow or long bow. So it would be fun to have a ranger that really leans into crafting a lot of their own gear.

[@alexpratt8533]

Just FYI, Heavy armor master can only increase strength, not constitution. Though honestly, this makes the triple-16 start even more tempting, which will in turn make the early game much easier for you.

[@DnDDeepDive]

Truth! Updated my pinned comment :)

[@linkatronic]

Great build! Love a solid tank build.

[@relaxedfantasyreview]

Can't wait to update the summary document 😎

[@geoffshetler9553]

OMG! Yet another AWESOME build. Thank you.

[@SortKaffe]

Artificer 6 unlocks new infusions like Repulsion Shield as a third infused item, increasing your AC by 1. I would take that before dipping Fighter for the Defense fighting style.

[@CuriousLumenwood]

My favourite Artificer subclass? ✅ My favourite Bard subclass? ✅ Oh yeah. It’s all coming together.

[@DSTkunn]

You had me at Escaflowne! 😆😆

[@couver73]

Also remember that Magical Inspiration lets a creature with the die add it to a spell's damage roll. Again, not great, but it's nice to have on a Valor Bard, especially if you have an 18th level Wild Magic Sorcerer. Great build, BTW!

[@Sonareklipse]

I'm very excited to try this one out! Great video!

[@pinkyyyd23]

Is there a cassette deck in the mech to blast 80s glam rock and metal?

[@DnDDeepDive]

100%

[@ReallyRobEgan]

Such a great build and I want to play it right now!

[@gusinwv]

My favorite class (bard) and my favorite subclass (glamour) 💕

[@catchingphoenixrtr]

I'm only a few minutes into the video, but I think the idea of quantifying things in DND is really interesting. This makes me want to develop a system to empirically analyze a way to measure how much you are "supporting" your party. Add how much average damage you save your party by debuffing enemies to how much temp hp you give and how much damage you add to your party members.

[@curzee3077]

Thanks Colby!

[@Hypocrite471]

Love the new look! Oh, and the build as well =)

[@robertbromley5230]

Ran a warforged armor artificer/war mage in a high level game that did much the same thing. It was fun to play for the reasons you suggest.

[@Poduma_]

We actually made good consistent use of Counter Charm in my last campaign. We had a Long Death Monk that maxed out Wisdom first and spammed Hour of Reaping. The Bard using Counter Charm (or Heroism when they had slots) kept the party un-frieghtened while all the enemies were constantly debuffed 👌

[@jakewarman7277]

I'm currently playing stop an artificer 3 wizard one, planning on going abjuration. The math on the late game for it is pretty awesome, between the arcane Ward and the armor giving temp HP.

[@kincaiddoogan2765]

Colby, I know unofficial stuff isn’t generally in your wheelhouse but I think you’d make a pretty rad build out of one of the Tal’dorei subclasses.

[@taylorsmith9197]

Love the idea that the PC hides their face behind their armor because of how hideous they are. And then when you finally see their face, they are just a normal looking dude/lady. Also, ( I know you probably have dozens of ideas to still do) but would still love to see a build combining the level 1 genie warlock's Bottled Respite combined with a build that makes the most use out of Glyph of Warding, as RAW, you should be able to set up all the Glyphs you want inside your bottle and in a single turn, BA teleport into the bottle, say your activation word, trigger all the Glyphs, and with an action hop back out. Except now, you are juiced with a bunch of stackable concentration spells. Anyway, love your vids Colby! take care

[@mitchhaelann9215]

Useful magic item for this build would be the Illusionist Bracers from the Guildmaster's Guide to Ravnica. Fun item, if you use an action to cast a cantrip, you can spend your bonus action that round to cast the same cantrip. Stacks REALLY well with Eldritch Blast, but being able to insult someone to death with Vicious Mockery twice as fast is funny.

[@Solstin]

I don't often stick around for the bloopers at the end, but I felt that string of throat clearings and "ok"s. Glad I'm not the only one, haha Also, great build!

[@StephaniePlaysGames]

Oh man, it's so hard for me to not play some sort of Barbarian combo because I just love the flavor text - but I think this build is *very* tempting! Very fun!

[@PsychoMonkie]

at lvl 1 you suggest skipping the weapon for cantrips but then recommend Booming Blade for a cantrip which REQUIRES a weapon as the target of the spell. not an issue for thorn whip of course.

[@bodimoran1040]

David Bowie - Heroes! 👏

[@seankelley6207]

Shorts are really great! Would be fine to cut down on longer videos and have them gain some more traction that way, or give us shorts from videos in progress to build some anticipation for advice to come! Love the TTRPG DND content, my favorite.

[@423RedWolf]

It has been a while since I have had to beat this drum, but I will maintain that the Interception fighting style is just as good if not better for tanking compared to the soft taunt of the armorer/ancestral guardian/cavalier. I have had three different campaigns where the paladin took Interception, and that fighting style does so much work. Combined with aura of protection makes the paladin an excellent protector of teammates, no soft taunt necessary.

[@ErickHagstrom]

Oh. My. God. You have created a Drag Queen Tank!

[@nathanw8936]

Synaptic Static as a 5th level spell would be huge for tanking purposes. I played a Valor Bard from 1-20 in a high-power campaign. The Bard's natural AC was 21, but between Synaptic Static, Shield (acquired via Strixhaven Initiate), and Bane (my concentration of choice, though Slow is also a favorite), that was effectively a +12 AC for myself and a +7 AC boost for my party. Throw in Foresight as a buff in endgame, and you're nearly untouchable.

[@panbubibej6537]

ROCKAND STONE TO THE BOBE

[@dpjgiii]

Using Escaflowne clips, helllll yes!

[@goblin12]

Great vid still loving all the builds you put out glad to be able to support ya best wishes

[@DecimatedRanger]

Have you considered the idea of building around certain Magical Items? The MIzzium Apparatus for example? Tabletop Builds has a list of Build-Changing / defining items and it seems right up your alley.

[@WereDictionary]

This is a good character to give the artificer some flavor. Let the proficiency be with sewing needles and fabric instead of a hammer and anvil. Let the character wrap themselves in fantasy kevlar or something. Enchanted cloth can have a high armor class, right? If the main theme of the character is that they are shy and want to hide behind a mask, we can make that a literal thing. We could even justify some sort of cosplay with this if we had to.

[@TrepegroupieNo1]

Oh man flashback to the Rifts RPG Glitterboys! Awesome build

[@andrewhowlin]

Awesome never play bards but this had inspired me! Thanks Colby!

[@merlannin2108]

The return of tank builds!

[@theresnoracelikegnome]

Circle of Power would be a great Secrets pick for those fireballs.

[@zaecus]

The Table of Contents entry for this build doesn't include the 1 level of sorcerer. In case no one else has mention it (I can't read *all* the comments :D ).

[@DnDDeepDive]

Will fix that

[@davidkelvon7936]

Colby:”Today we are making a bard tank.” Me: “So we are starting fighter.” Colby: “We are starting with artificer.” Me: “Wait, what?”

[@darklxi7954]

A new handsome outfit i see! In line with the wonderful build.

[@barbellboa8421]

FINALLY A GLAMOUR BARD!!! I'VE NEVER BEEN MORE HYPED ABOUT A VIDEO!!! Colby finna make me roll up my 3rd glamour bard in 2 years 😂

[@vinspad3]

Amazing Artificer description!

[@vinspad3]

How did you get 37 minutes in and still have cards left?! Who are you and what have you done with Colby!

[@vinspad3]

Also! You should totally go back and redo the tank numbers for spell casters with access to Slow. Nomnom spreadsheets

[@Xani13]

I'm going to strongly recommend you look at Chris's "The Most Powerful Bard is a Disney Princess" video. It has opened my own eyes to how a Bard can be played and to this day the Creation Bard is my all-time favorite. However, this would be an excellent runner-up. :D

[@DnDDeepDive]

Thanks :) - yeah, that vid was a good one!

[@frodo9275]

Colby! Love your videos and I have a powerful mechanic you haven't tried building around to my knowledge. The artillerist protector cannon. Please show me what you can do with this impressive source of temporary hit points 😊

[@DSTkunn]

Honestly this combo feels like the perfect back drop for a Sentai themed character

[@ryanscanlon2151]

It's funny you mentioned warding bond, not sure if you saw treantmonks video about it but aside from its obvious use as a tank spell he pointed out you can technically cast it on yourself for added survivability, giving yourself the extra stats and with taking resisted damage twice it basically rounds down the total damage all the odd number damage you take by 1 and makes concentration checks way easier to make

[@DnDDeepDive]

I didn't! Also: lol

[@JD_16939]

As someone who has an armorer in their party, i can confirm they are a pain in the ass to try and take down. I was going to play a moon druid when they run our next campaign but now I'm getting other ideas lol

[@razorice0007]

43:03 How do we dip fighter? Didn't we dump strength and dex? 😬 I'm not sure we have enough points left to get up to 13 if we went 14/15/15, and certainly not if we went 15/15/15

[@DnDDeepDive]

Ha ha good catch! Will add an errata to the pinned comment - thanks!

[@jonathanhaynes9914]

Thanks Colby

[@benjaminkowal7310]

Positive vibes for the algorithm.