Ultimate Bard Class Guide | Baldur's Gate 3

Welcome back, Travelers! The Bard video is finally finished after 100 years of illness and holiday distractions! Let me know what you guys think!
I'm still counting this as a video in 2023, too!
Perception Check (Official Music Video)
- Tom Cardy:
• Perception Check (Offi...
Thanks for your support!
www.patreon.com/panicrolling
Special thanks to the Baldur's Gate 3 Wiki:
www.bg3.wiki
0:00 - Welcome Back, Travelers!
1:32 - What is a Bard?
2:28 - Creating Your Bard
7:05 - Leveling Your Bard
28:38 - College of Lore
31:39 - College of Valour
34:53 - College of Swords
39:58 - Other Notable Bards
#baldursgate3 #bg3 #baldursgate3classes #build #baldursgate3combat #baldursgate3gameplay #baldursgate3guide #classguide #magic #spells #bard #rpg #crpgaming #fantasy

[@MrDarloft]

Make no mistake weary travelers, the bard does indeed fuck.

[@PanicRolling]

🤣

[@MARUSHI-YT]

lore bards: talk sht about your enemies valor bards: magical cheerleaders swords bards: sings songs of your death, also causes your death

[@barcster2003]

I will say this bardic inspiriation stacks with guidance or bless. So you can be good at a skill you really need to pass, an attack you need to hit or a save you need to make.

[@PanicRolling]

Oh yeh, I love stacking buffs and rolling in the 30's lol

[@Linda-ro3yp]

Hmmmmm... Bard/cleric build anyone?

[@alaster555]

​@Linda-ro3yp Two levels of cleric and ten levels of bard is actually quite good. Go life if you want better healing, knoledge could be useful for skill monkeys and war might pair well with swords bard. You will give up learning the 6th level spells but you can still upcast to sixth level.

[@dory3096]

its so refreshing to find someone that doesnt just care about numbers and min-max and remembers the most important aspect of a game, which is fun. thank you so much and i hope youll keep doing fun videos :D you got my sub

[@PanicRolling]

I'll gladly accept it, thank you! I'm just a kid who refuses to grow up. Fun is always on the menu.

[@dory3096]

@@PanicRolling same here. And it's the best feeling as it is easy to make us happy haha

[@PanicRolling]

My favorite hobby is playing games, and lemme tell you...even with all the negativity out there right now, gaming is a good hobby to have these days. The past few years have given us some amazing games. Fun is easy to find when there's a gazillion games out there to play.

[@dory3096]

@@PanicRolling exactly. It's one of the *very* few things that actually help me with depression and got me through tough times in the past. So much so that I graduated as a game designer

[@PanicRolling]

hell yeh! If you can't beat em, join em!

[@AmySorrellMusic]

They gave the bard so much love. As a real life bard (just the musician part), I am having so much fun with it. I have found a lore bard to be the coolest so far but I am still experimenting and keep restatrting before I get to Act3 lol. Appreciate the guide.

[@PanicRolling]

Acts 2 and 3 are a myth for most players lol. The entire game is 26 hours of character creation and "down down down by the rivereerrrrrr" and then half of Act 1 before you do it all over again.

[@AmySorrellMusic]

@@PanicRolling Lol for real. I can't help too, singing "in a van down by the riiiiverrrr"

[@anthonygoad4214]

Dude same. I may never reach act 3 but I’m enjoying myself immensely. Hope you have a blast :)

[@Thomasnmi]

I got 1,200 hours and I just started Act 3. I think I have 9 main toons.

[@lindvi0r]

this guide made me play a bard, love these sort of guides, in depth but not confusing for non bg players like me

[@PanicRolling]

I'm glad you got some value out of it! I learned a ton of information myself, while I was researching for the video.

[@iJxlly]

I thought for sure that Captain Jack Sparrow was going to be the bard in disguise! He's a swords bard specifically. Great video as always.

[@PanicRolling]

Haha I didn't even think about him, but he's definitely a Bard. Thank you very much!

[@equilibrium9135]

Great humor and humility. Educating and refreshingly sweet. You're a blessing to youtube sir. Looking forward to seeing more of your guides.

[@PanicRolling]

I appreciate it! Working on the next one as we speak.

[@Gamesplayed15]

I look forward to your videos. Something about how you present it all makes it easier for me to understand. Thanks and happy new year m8 🎉

[@PanicRolling]

I'm glad to hear it! Happy New Year to you, too.

[@DepthsOfOcanthus]

Hell yeah! This is just in time for me to roll my 30th character that I might finish the game with lol

[@PanicRolling]

The end of the game is just your character waking up on the beach next to the nautiloid crash...and it was all a dream.

[@Rain1]

lol I just keep respeccing my characters to try out different builds.

[@Thomasnmi]

​@@Rain1I have the same problem. All tne classes are my favorite

[@AntonyMBenedict]

Bards are the only full caster that can also have extra attack on their weapons. With magical secrets they can have busted spells as well. A level 10 swords bard with 2 level paladin can dish out ridiculous damage.

[@PanicRolling]

Lemme just sing this song real quick. I call it "Get Smote, Suckah"

[@laucorn123]

Let be real Bards are one of the best classes to play the "Main Character" archetype. 😏

[@PanicRolling]

Just ask any of them, they'll tell you they're the main character.

[@norag.5690]

Terrific presentation! Ty.

[@PanicRolling]

Tyvm, I'm glad you liked it!

[@ethandelekta5547]

I love these videos. Thank you so much!

[@prisonhorse2494]

I love your videos so much! I love baldurs gate and I’ve been craving videos that aren’t so min maxing focused, and more focused on what’s fun and cool, and you totally delivered!!

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh you're gunna have to find someone much smarter than me to min-max a build. Everything I come up with ends up being trash lol.

[@robinthestate6548]

I never thought of peter as a bard. But it makes soooo much sense!!

[@carloscastellanos3785]

Great content man, I’ve been looking for some deep dive videos into classes and your vids are awesome they’re informative and you’re entertaining as hell

[@PanicRolling]

I'm glad you're enjoying the videos, and thanks for the compliment! It totally won't go straight to my head and make me arrogant.

[@felixgrubshtain4365]

Great guide thanks bro 👊

[@TheGrizzlyKnight]

AMAZING content! Thank you for your comprehensive look at Bard and your delivery and humor is awesome

[@PanicRolling]

Tyvm! I appreciate the very kind words.

[@barcster2003]

Looked at your average numbers for a dice increase and yes the expected number is half the dice +.5 to represent that you cant roll less than a 1. So yes your 3.5 and 4.5 are correct. Song of rest got a nuts buff for Baldurs gate 3. In D and D song of rest just gives back a little more HP. Getting a 3rd short rest is incredible

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh the amount of throughput you get from 1 extra Short Rest is nuts. With the right party, it's disgusting.

[@barcster2003]

@PanicRolling yep it is insane in baldurs gate. Short rests can get back some really great abilites.

[@lronjack]

I think that's just an adjustment to not have to bother with hit die. Don't recall that you are limited to two short rests in 5e, it's just not gonna heal you anymore after a certain point Song of Rest absolutely rocks tho

[@heyokah]

If you do not have a bard, then know that you need 2. There are dirges written about dual xbow halfling bard bands roaming the wilderness and compelling the local riff raff to reevaluate their life choices. Edit - Shadowheart war cleric 1 bard 6 thief 4 and add whatever for spice.

[@PanicRolling]

Traveling pan flute bands

[@matthewfullerton1416]

One of my favourite builds so far is my "dice don't matter" build I originally made for a home D&D game. A Halfling with 2 levels of Divination Wizard and the rest in Lore Bard. Take the Lucky feat at level 4 and the Enhance Ability spell, Guidance cantrip if you can swing it too. You will never fail a roll again AND you can pretty much manipulate any dice roll happening in combat as well. It's super fun

[@PanicRolling]

I love that idea! I'm definitely gunna have to try that out, haha.

[@aidananderson8962]

Love these videos. Happy new year my guy. I send all your guides to my friends who play bg3

[@PanicRolling]

Happy New Year! I appreciate you sharing the videos.

[@Rygar777_]

Dude... excellent work! I'm happy to subscribe. ❤

[@PanicRolling]

I'm happy you did, too!

[@Erige12345]

Awesome video. I look forward to your next release!

[@PanicRolling]

Hey, thanks! The next one will be out very soon.

[@tassan82]

Amazing videos. You break down the info in a far less 'crunchy' way than many other creators. Very much looking forward to the Druid video 🐰

[@PanicRolling]

Thanks! I do try to keep the videos more on the chewy side 😀

[@thechuck141]

Dude finally someone that explains this in language I understand thank u!!!!

[@joelveach1849]

I just started playing the other day but I'm loving my drow bard so far.

[@PanicRolling]

It's an easy class to love. 😎

[@heiveldboy]

My favourite build remains the skill monkey build: 11 levels in Lore bard, 1 level in Cleric Knowledge. Having 8 expertises and like 12 proficiencies is no joke. Rocky Gnome as a race also adds a History Expertise to the build.

[@PanicRolling]

That's the expert they call in on Pawn Stars, but he's the only one they need.

[@tonycampanile5422]

Love this video. Definitely had me cracking up! And I always roll bard. It would be awesome to run a campaign with you!

[@babayaga4320]

Great video, I started with Warlock and now multiclassed into Bardlock, it's so good in this game, I've changed my Warlock build several times, but I think I'm staying with that combo, Bard level 6, Warlock 6 is a lot of fun.

[@PanicRolling]

I've also had a great time with the Bardlock idea. The amount of different situations you get answers for is amazing. Plus Eldritch Blast amirite.

[@tomdrayden7776]

happy new year !!!!! love ur vids

[@PanicRolling]

Happy New Year to you as well! Thanks for watching them.

[@The_Wallflower]

Let’s go!! I’ve been waiting for this one!!!

[@PanicRolling]

It took a while, but we finally made it lol

[@bonesssh]

Absolutely amazing video, subbed and liked, keep it up

[@PanicRolling]

Much appreciated!

[@niklassus]

Hey man, I really enjoy your videos, calm and collected! 2 questions: 1. Do you livestream? 2. Do you plan on making something like an honor mode video, either a guide or tips, or recommendations, or a vid on what units get legendary actions or something? Anyways, keep doing what you are doing!

[@PanicRolling]

I do not livestream at the moment, but I would love to in the future. Yes I will definitely be making an Honour Mode video or series. I'm currently making my way through for my Golden Dice 😀 Edit: Also, thank you!

[@CleoKujo]

Great vid! You earned a sub!! I’m still learning D&D and about to start a new run of BG3 and highly considering a bard

[@PanicRolling]

Every time I make a character, I highly consider a Bard lol

[@denniswade4998]

This was good! I just got BG3 and am taking time to familiar myself with all of the mechanic and possible builds, and have come to the realization that I want to play a bard! Your video was a great help in understanding just what such a build can do. I have to agree totally with your choices for famous movie bards, and I also think a strong case could be made for Gandalf being a bard. This may be controversial, simply because he called himself a wizard. But when you examine how he operates you can see a lot of similarities. In battle he depended more upon wielding a sword and a staff than in casting spells, and when he did cast spells it was either good buffs for allies or depuffs to enemies. He was great at inspiring others and in helping them to do better in whatever they did. But he was also no slouch in causing enemies to feel weaker and in hindering their abilities. . . . . and he was a great entertainer with his fireworks! Maybe he took a level or two in wizardry!

[@PanicRolling]

I'm glad I could help! I totally agree about Gandalf also. The whole magic system in LoTR is more subtle than most fantasy worlds. But Gandalf is definitely the storyteller, and he's absolutely got a few charges of Bardic Inspiration hidden up the sleeves of his Wiza-...his Bard robe.

[@andrerodon3921]

Hilarious and well done!

[@dylanpike2075]

Entertaining to watch very informative thanks for the the video Got my subscription

[@PanicRolling]

Thanks! Welcome to the circus lol

[@icodr3172]

thanks for all the indepth guides, def gonna go for a blades bard for my next playthrough where I plan to actually beat the game 😎

[@PanicRolling]

It might actually be the strongest subclass in the game, overall. I'd go as far as to say that Bards in general are just broken, but Swords Bards are absurd.

[@ShaggyShagz13]

The BG3 Wiki is great, I've spent hours just in the class section.

[@PanicRolling]

That makes 2 of us!

[@Linda-ro3yp]

Bards are so cool. I always get a little nervous whenever you put bard in your video's. You've a habit to crush their hopes and dreams... And bodies.. Favourite dinosaur is definitely the stegosaurus. They're just awesome. Happy new year Colo🎉

[@PanicRolling]

Nooo I blame The Absolute. She made me do it. Stegosaurus is a solid choice. I always imagined them spinning like saw blades and slicing stuff up...because I'm very clever and original. Lol Happy New Year to you, as well. I'm excited to see where this one takes us.

[@Linda-ro3yp]

Like, sonic the stegosaurus😆 So yeah...I just paid 1000 to the oath breaker Knight (because I'm the worst paladin ever) just so I could respec into a Bard... Swords ofcourse. I'm really hoping for crossplay this year!

[@PanicRolling]

I actually don't like the fact that you can't respec as an Oathbreaker, because of Multiclassing. I had to do the same thing earlier, but I wanted to remain an Oathbreaker...I was just trying to mess with my Sorc levels, but I had to pay up...and now I'm back to having an unbroken Oath...just sitting there unbroken. Just waiting to be broken. I'm breaking that Oath.

[@Linda-ro3yp]

@@PanicRolling same. Took me by surprise when Withers told me, nope! No respeccing for you! Just kill the first innocent you come across and you should be an oath breaker again in no time😅

[@PanicRolling]

lol it really is that simple...I'm just mad that it cost me 1000 extra gold. Friggin Walletbreaker Knight.

[@mrECMAScript]

Oh my, are you a bard in real life?) Because your charisma is high :D Nice video, thanks!

[@PanicRolling]

Lol thank you! I'm more of...a town idiot than a Bard. I can play Hot Cross Buns on a recorder, though...so that's pretty legit.

[@ivanfranebijelic7009]

Hey Colo, so I know you already did the Fighter, but here's a cool little interaction that I can recommend trying out. So, Champion Fighter's Remarkable Athlete also applies to Initiative, which is a massive boost considering BG3 uses a d4 for initiative rolls. Secondly, Champion's crit boost applies to all attack rolls, not just weapon attacks, which means that if you can properly use spell scrolls, a Champion can be a better spellcaster than an Eldritch Knight. Add to that the extra feat a Fighter gets (spell sniper will stack with your Champion crit, as well as any items or elixirs), and you can get a pretty monstrous character, especially if you decide to multiclass it with Warlock for the agonizing eldritch blast or scorching ray. Here's an example scenario for you. We have 4 levels of Champion and 3 levels of Fiend Warlock. We are in Act 2. We have Spell Sniper, Elixir of Viciousness and Champion's boost, giving us a crit on a 17 or higher. We get Advantage through the many ways we can get it, and we get a 36% chance to crit. Then we Hex (it's upcasted now due to the way Warlock spell slots work) a target and cast Scorching Ray, then we Action Surge and Scorching Ray again. Any one of those crits will double the Hex dice as well as the Scorching Ray dice. Additionally, if you want to be more melee focused, Pact of the Blade's level 5 extra attack stacks with regular extra attack, meaning that we can still get our 3 attacks per turn with Champion 7 Warlock 5, while getting great spells as well as fearing all enemies around us every time we land our many crits with the Great Old One patron. P.S. with gear focused specifically on crits, you can crit on a 14, and that's with any attack including spells

[@PanicRolling]

This sounds amazing. I haven't actually had a character that was focused on getting to huge crit percentages like this, either. I'll definitely be using this as a cheat sheet in the future hehe. Thanks for sharing the build with us! I love getting to see cool ideas like these.

[@coreytravisbean]

Thank you so much for going over the proficiency bonus. EVERY SINGLE GUIDE I've seen just glazes over this and i had no idea what it actually did until i saw you explain it.

[@coreytravisbean]

It earned a subscribe from me =)

[@PanicRolling]

Thanks! Yeh I was very confused about Proficiency when I first started. I'm glad I was able to clear it up for you!

[@upside9485]

I subbed to you about 10 minutes in. Well earned.

[@PanicRolling]

I appreciate it!

[@Miikr0]

Thanks! Great video 🧞‍♂️edit: im at the dice section and my mind is being blown

[@PanicRolling]

Tyvm!

[@DJMavis]

I have totally underused my bardic inspirations on my runs so far. Also what is Shart wearing at 22.49? that's a hell of an outfit.

[@PanicRolling]

I'm pretty sure that is Viconia's robe with a different dye on it. It does look pretty good, doesn't it?

[@DJMavis]

@@PanicRolling Ah yes, looks like it is, thanks

[@nicolasgenette5774]

I worked out a build for a bard with an intiate feat which in all other cases I'd consider the initiate feats pretty underwhelming, but here I think it really works. So first I did a college of lore bard, took half-drow as my race, benefits are 1st, you get proficiency with shields, 2nd the drow spells scale off charisma so it synergises well with the class. When I get to lvl 8 I take the feat initiate sorcerer (which of course scale of charisma), so on one hand this enables me to have more offensive cantrips which the bard lacks and especially ray of frost which in combination with the snowburst ring becomes pretty nice, note that in magical secrets apart from the "unavoidable" counterspell", I took all the ice spells I could to really reinforce the potential of the ring. But it doesn't end there, the lvl 1 spell I took from the sorcerer spell list is magic missile, also the melee weapon you want to get on this bard is phalar aluve (finesse weapon, +1 to performance) which has the ability shriek coupled with magic missile dishes out pretty good damage. So you get magic missile, a pretty solid lvl 1 spell without having to take it as magical secret. I haven't got to lvl 12 yet but I'm wondering if it's worth it to take elemental adept "ice" as my last feat to really lean the ice theme. And if you want to really cheese this build a little bit, you can create this bard with only 10 dexterity, the beginning of the game will feel painful though until you can reach the monastery to get the gloves of dexterity, enabling you to have bard which has either high INT or WIS. Oh yeah and at lvl 4 taking the actor feat will boost performance and deception to expertise without you having to take them as proficiency, if you go dark urge you get intimidation so you only have to spend your proficiency in persuasion. This bard becomes really quickly a dialogue check monster on all fronts and as a lore bard you get to spend your proficiency points elsewhere making the character really good at many things.

[@PanicRolling]

I love how there's a ton of items that set a specific stat to a certain number, also. They feel like they were made for a Jack-of-all-trades character, collecting magical items in order to be good at everything. So even if your Bard has super low Dex, there's an item for that. Need more Int? Gotcha covered.

[@OCARADOSCARROS]

18:45 I knew it was coming, but it was still hilarious!

[@PanicRolling]

Really needed that breather lol

[@nicolasaguilera1906]

muy buen video y gracias por la recomendación de vox machina esta muy muy buena.

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh, no worries. It's a great show!

[@jomaramomas7682]

Finally, one for bard. I am on my honor run atm.

[@PanicRolling]

Same. Almost lost mine the other day... complete luck is the only thing that saved it.

[@MagiofAsura]

My head cannon is that edgan is a rogue that knows how to play a lute in the dnd movie.

[@PanicRolling]

It certainly fits. He met Alfira and learned how to play that thing.

[@fallen_legacy1954]

Starlord is definitely a Bard with maybe Rouge as a sub class.

[@PanicRolling]

100%

[@jasonpowerz360]

Star Lord is my favorite marvel character, why would you tell me this and make me want to try it out so bad lol

[@andyhayward1261]

Great video! Suprised you don’t have more subscribers! +1 sub here! Did not know you could rob withers!

[@PanicRolling]

That means alot to me, thank you!

[@andyhayward1261]

@@PanicRollingyour welcome, playing bg3 right now lol but i will definitely be watching your warlock video later!

[@yahoomcrazy]

The craziest tip that I’ve ever gotten is how to properly utilize hirelings. U can hire and respec up to 3 hirelings at a time. And all of their buffs, outside of concentration spells, work when they’re outside of your party. So u can hire 3 ppl, respec them into cleric/bard and buff the heck out of your party FOR FREE (Rob withers). And if ur REALLY brave you can keep one or more of your hirelings in your party but leave them in camp to concentrate on a spell like bless, and just roll with a smaller party if ur brave enough. It’s such a broken mechanic. Sidenote: KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK BROTHER!!! Love your videos! I’m currently doing my first bard run and this is gonna be a huge help!

[@PanicRolling]

The companions really are busted as hell if you use them to their fullest potential. They're like risk-free damage sponges.

[@mikecampagnari8173]

Thx for the guide i always think about spells there i'm missing i only just play barbarian now i have my awnser by the way your face is good 😂

[@PanicRolling]

Thanks!

[@steveg7000]

The difference between 1d6 and 1d8 is that an average of 3.5 goes to 4.5. That's a better way to look at it than a 30% increase.

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh I tried to make this point lol

[@CandyAmble]

I DIDN'T KNOW WE COULD SING INSTEAD OMG THANK YOU DUDE

[@PanicRolling]

The Perform feature is one of my favorite parts of the entire game. I can't wait for Photo Mode so I can get some sick concert photos for you guys!

[@centurion7398]

Bard is strong but they’re still dumb. If I’m killing monsters and somebody is in the background strumming a lute then claiming he “inspired” me he’s not getting any loot. And might end up with that lute stuffed somewhere private.

[@PanicRolling]

Careful where you stuff that lute. The Bard's probably going to enjoy it...

[@centurion7398]

@@PanicRolling ugh that’s probably true.

[@GerritTV187]

Cicero from Skyrim (dark brotherhood) is a good / bad bard example as well.

[@PanicRolling]

I friggin loved Cicero. He's crazy as hell lol

[@tylerdarling3062]

Out of the three subclasses which did you have the most fun with? I’m currently running a blades bard but am curious about your opinion on the others! Thanks!

[@PanicRolling]

I have a weak spot for the Lore Bard. The versatility you have available is crazy, and you can pick up spells from other classes that fill gaps in your party's effectiveness. Plus Cutting Words is hilarious and awesome.

[@tylerdarling3062]

@@PanicRolling awesome thanks! I’ve been debating on possibly doing a respec or not to try lore out for a bit but I also love the option to fight or sling spells!

[@colmortimer1066]

Calling them Blades is a new one. I always just call them Sword Bards. Just like I call them Lore Bards and Valor Bards. 5e, which I will never say a whole lot of nice things about, really made bards really cool. Before 5e came out the best Bard I played was a Flame Dancer in Pathfinder King maker, and most of that was more the lore of the class than the actual mechanics, as they were supposed to be able to use bonus fires spells and control the Flames...though in reality, you just got a bard song that give those around you 30 points of fire resistance if they heard your song and a few fire spells, like burning hands and fireball. 5e just really made them rather useful, as most other bards, end up being weak casters, weak fighters and weak thieves, with no real upside. Like in a 4 person party, you might as well choose a fighter, mage, thief, then chose a cleric, ranger or paladin, over getting a bard, even in a 6 person party I never got a bard, even though I kind of liked the idea of having many options, they were just always weak. My Favorite Bard in 5e is the Lore Bard, I mostly making them a Sorcerer with little combat ability and inspire everyone or de-buff enemies with cutting words....and all them skills are great for a PC. I am not sure why, but I always like the Brontosaurus, that was 3rd Grade me's got to Dinosaur.

[@PanicRolling]

I'm glad they did, honestly. I love the Bard way more than I thought I would. Lore is definitely my favorite, also. Ol' Littlefoot, huh? Pretty solid choice. I always liked the Ankylosaurus. Beefy armadillo boys.

[@user-ot1il7pr4o]

26:55 Subscription achieved ahahah

[@PanicRolling]

Hehe well thank you!

[@TheLegendaryAryeh]

About to do a Half Drow swords Bard, wish me luck.

[@PanicRolling]

You won't need luck

[@Dukemon94]

I cant find the exact page talking in depth of honour mode changes/tweacks. The haste one in particoular, can you link it please?

[@PanicRolling]

It was in one of the patch notes for bg3 I believe. I don't think it'll let me link down here anymore, but I think it was Patch 5. There is also a page on the bg3 wiki that lays out a list of changes for Honour Mode specifically. Some of it is big, and you definitely need to be aware of the differences.

[@Dukemon94]

@@PanicRolling i still havent understood what changed lol

[@AntonioGuillen316]

LOVE YOUR CHANNEL - are you on threads?

[@PanicRolling]

Tyvm! I'm gunna be totally honest with you...I had never even heard of Threads until I read your question.

[@AntonioGuillen316]

No one HAS to be on social media but Threads is a good newer option and a good place to promote so maybe consider it. Keep up the great work @@PanicRolling

[@nickanderson55]

Love star, lord

[@mansamusa5507]

Made my bard after Brook from One Piece. Just started but really enjoying the class so far

[@PanicRolling]

The Soul King! Yohohohoho!!!

[@Kevfactor]

do bards take a stat hit like in other games- like knowns all the tricks but master of none? In everquest they did everything including wear plate armor but at like half power lol. They just got by from having a their buffs be stackable with other classes

[@PanicRolling]

No, Bards in BG3 pretty much are just incredible at everything. They definitely got tuned up from 5e a bit, from what I've been hearing in the comments.

[@fredmonroe6042]

Qwil definitely blade bard.

[@Neonmirrorblack]

I really can't stand the Bard class. Why? Because they're too damn good. 😂 Seriously, any time I try to plan a new party composition, it always feels lacking if I don't have a Bard. The 2/10 (Fighter/Sword), 2/10 (Paladin/Sword) and 1/1/10 (Wizard/Fighter/Sword) Bards are contenders for the single best builds in the game that can pretty much do everything, and do it extremely well. All three of them end up being Martial classes that have the best crowd control capabilities in the entire game. Plus, they can also be your Face and Slight of Hand character. Plus, because their level 1 offensive and crowd control spells are actually kind of lacking (other than Fearie Fire, which is amazing in the early levels), it lets you pick up really great utility spells like Longstrider (free when cast outside of combat), Feather Fall and Speak to Animals. To make matters worse, add in Halfling, which doubles your default crit chance and is the best for not failing skill checks and you have a combination that's ridiculously hard to replace, especially on Honor Mode. The single downside with playing one of the above Bard builds is that you never use your inspirations on anyone else because you're the Face and skill monkey, so you end up using your inspirations on Flourishes. edit: Since you're talking about cheesing Withers with respecs, you can also use this as a way to reset vendors. Any time you respec, vendors refresh their stock. This helps immensely with getting those +1 hand-crossbows to show up from Dammon early on as well as a way to stockpile Elixirs of Giant Strength for builds where you are dumping STR to min/max. On top of simply respeccing causing this, every time you force a level up it resets vendors too. So basically, if you are level 5, respec (one vendor reset), then you can reset them four more times after that, then go back to Withers, steal your money back and do it again.

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh it is going to be difficult for me to run a group without some variation of Bard involved. I have been horrible about making use of portions and elixirs so far. I need to start putting them to work, because of interactions like that. I didn't know about the vendors restocking on each respec and level, though... that's ridiculous. Brb gotta go respec hehe.

[@vincentcavanagh1784]

For the gigs, I built an all-bard team to clear Honour Mode. Tav 2 OoV Paladin (Specific Oath hardly matters) 10 CoS Bard Astarion 9 CoS Bard 3 Champion Fighter Wyll 9 GOO Warlock 3 CoL Bard Gale 12 CoL Bard Getting SIX SHORT RESTS per long rest? Trivialized difficulty 😆

[@vincentcavanagh1784]

Bardic inspiration on every check and then some? Check. Tav cleaving with an extra d10 of damage 35 times per day? Check. Astarion shooting 35 doubled arrows with Giantstring Bow daily? Check. Playing an entire band minus lute everywhere we go? Check. More Clouds of Daggers, Plant Growths, Hold Persons, and Heat Metal Casts than you can shake a stick at? Check.

[@vincentcavanagh1784]

Also, being able to Black Hole/Hunger of Hadar every single encounter didn't hurt at all.

[@malaimaren10]

I buff my companion with bardic inspiration but they never seem to use it, the toggleable icon is active but never disappears (unused?) In combat or out

[@PanicRolling]

I don't usually hard cast it on party member's. I mainly use it in dialogue or the upgraded versions in combat. The regular buff may be bugged if it isn't working, I'm not sure about that.

[@BarugoSama]

I think i missed something, Bardic Inspiration is only refilling by long rests for me?

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh that's normal until you reach Bard level 5, and get Font of Inspiration. It's a passive bonus that refills your charges on Short Rests and Long Rests.

[@loudradialem5233]

My comp is Bard (player) + Bard + Warlock + Fighter My problem: I love to buff the party with Enhance Leap before fights, but this comp doesn't have it and I want it. Should the Bard companion buy Magical Initiate Sorcerer? Any other idea?

[@PanicRolling]

You've got a few options for that. You could take Ritual Caster and get a few Ritual Spells, or turn the Lock into a Sorlock. Or even just dip 1 level into Wizard so you get the ability to learn spells from scrolls. This'll unlock an almost limitless number of tools for you to swap between outside of combat.

[@loudradialem5233]

@@PanicRolling about Sorlock, how do the spell slots work? Would I lose 6th level slots for the Sorcerer?

[@TheGrizzlyKnight]

We need a Guardians of the Galaxy in BG3 video ASAP! Plz help me add to this Starlord Race: Human Class: 2 Sorc / 10 Swords Bard (duel xbows) Gamora Race: Githyanki Class: Gloomstalker Assasin Drax the Destroyer Race: Half Orc Class: Barbarian / Fighter

[@PanicRolling]

Rocket and Groot would be tough lol! Maybe fill the team out with Mantis, as a Monk/Cleric multi? I'd probably make her either Gith or Half Wood Elf, and then dial in her skin tone. I'm glad they let us use any colors for the characters. You can make soooo many different looks.

[@potfrr]

"d size comparison" xDDD

[@PanicRolling]

I lol'd when I was making that part. I crack myself up.

[@badfather1724]

try dwarf with enlarge spell 50\50 monk barbarian

[@keyoke69]

College of Blades was a subclass in the original BG games

[@PanicRolling]

I still need to go back and play the first 2 games. The old classics.

[@keyoke69]

@@PanicRolling Im 54 so I grew up on 2e. BG was groundbreaking when it came out. I think it had like 9 or 12 discs or something to play it.

[@keyoke69]

@@PanicRolling and yes, get the enhanced editions and try it.

[@badfather1724]

i call it the johny bravo build

[@PanicRolling]

"Hey, pretty mama..." HYA HYUH HYAAHHH

[@giorno4859]

I've had to return to minute 20:35 3 times to prove to my wife that it was the video that was farting and not me

[@PanicRolling]

I think it was you. Better rewatch the whole video to make sure 😱

[@Thomasnmi]

Shout out for feat magic initate warlock for one of the best damage caltrops

[@PanicRolling]

Lmfao I just imagined someone sprinkling Eldritch Blasts onto the ground for enemies to step on.

[@Thomasnmi]

@@PanicRolling oops, that was a funny typo of mine. :)

[@ziggystardust457]

Would you multi class or just go full Bard? If yes multi class, how would you build?

[@PanicRolling]

Yes. I would go full Bard OR multiclass. I realize that's frustrating, but that's my relationship with Bards... I want to play a pure Lore Bard, but also I want Warlock levels, but also Paladin or Sorc... I routinely mix up my Bard's build, and I have added that to my roleplay for him...he can't decide what he wants to be good at, so he tries different builds every few days.

[@ItzShdw]

star-lord is def a bard at least in the mcu (i haven't read his comic)

[@PanicRolling]

100%. He convinced Yondu that he was Mary Poppins. If that isn't Bardic Inspiration, then I don't have a clue what is.

[@philliphouse7539]

Quill is 100 percent a bard

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh no doubt at all

[@unrealraven]

Jack of all trades master of none, Is still better than a master of one. Why is the second line always forgotten?

[@PanicRolling]

Yeh I've never heard that version

[@santeeblack3580]

With my brother , I want to run a bill and ted duo on hard..

[@PanicRolling]

Bill and Ted's Illithid Adventure?

[@alexanderbastow7641]

The Hex Girls from scooby doo would be bards imo cx

[@DannyRayqu]

Does Withers actually really not care? I feel bad for him 😂

[@PanicRolling]

Everyone asks "who is Withers?" No one bothers to ask "HOW is Withers?" Tragic.

[@billypaxton9295]

I have my main character a bard/cleric and will is a bard/warlock

[@PanicRolling]

Sounds like a group with room for 2 more Bards.

[@gregsteele806]

Yeah, Will as a bard kind of tracks.

[@Thomasnmi]

One of my favorite classes I like being the second best at everything in the game

[@PanicRolling]

Second best at everything except stealing our hearts.

[@jonathanhibberd9983]

I disagree about the D&D movie. Great movie, great character, but Edgin is a bad example of a bard. He doesn't do anything. We never see him cast a spell, never see him use any bardic ability. Hell, the only time we see him perform, it's just an illusory version of him. And Chris Pine is a great singer! Bards are supposed to have the most versatility, but he barely does anything. At most, I suppose you could argue that he used inspiration a few times, but it was really subtle. He might as well be a standard NPC, rather than a "player character". Hell, Starlord was a better bard than Edgin. He defeated the villain with dancing. I was so disappointed by how poorly they portrayed the bard class in a movie about D&D (though at least they didn't make him a "horny bard", so points for that). I hope we get a sequel, and I hope this time they give him some bardic things to do.

[@PanicRolling]

I had that same thought initially, but consider this: The movie is essentially about a Bard who has lost his own Inspiration. You see him Inspire his allies a few times, but he's struggling because he's lost everything. He reminds me of Green Lantern without his ring. Still a capable leader and great ally, but without the willpower to bring the magic.

[@fleshplushie]

You have such nice teeth you got veneers implants or some sort of enhance?

[@PanicRolling]

It's all camera trickery. I actually look like the scenes in SpongeBob, Chowder, and Flapjack...where they zoom in too close and you see the characters' horrible mutant faces. It's truly terrifying. Babies cry at the mere sight of me.

[@fleshplushie]

@PanicRolling no im not trying to make fun of you bro you legit have nice teeth be so fr brudda

[@PanicRolling]

Thanks. I had to have braces when I was a young lad, but they're my real teeth.

[@longboy5639]

Pls do rogue, or may be You alredy did but I can find it

[@PanicRolling]

I definitely plan to cover the Rogue, and I'm excited for that one.

[@Linda-ro3yp]

Hey Colo? After watching this video again just for shits and giggles, I'm a bit disappointed that you never once mentioned fireballs and lighting bolts..I mean... Come on.. How can you leave those out??

[@PanicRolling]

Deleting and reuploading a 10 hour montage of Fireballs and Lightning Bolts. With Haste sprinkled in every 2 hours or so.

[@Linda-ro3yp]

@@PanicRolling yes please😆

[@PanicRolling]

I cannot contain my shame.

[@ghatanothoae6642]

Rogue next??

[@PanicRolling]

I'm finishing up the Sorcerer video right now, and then I'm going to let you guys decide with a poll. We don't have many left to finish out the series!

[@ghatanothoae6642]

@@PanicRolling I'm voting rogue lol

[@dustinmoody5895]

Bard is ez mode

[@PanicRolling]

It really feels like cheating sometimes. But there's no honor in Honour Mode.

[@bottomtooth227]

KVOTHE

[@PanicRolling]

Heheheheh you said someone would say it

[@jamespratt2986]

I'm a speech teacher. When you emphasize a word with stress and increased volume it adds clarity. When you stress every 3rd or 4th word, you're not increasing listener comprehension, you're decreasing it. You have a good clear low voice that could serve you better if you didn't punch every adjective, noun, and verb in every sentence. Don't believe me? Listen to your own video, and count how many words in a few sentences that you both elongate with stress and use increased volume. My quick viewing of about a minute of speech came close to twice as often as is necessary to make your point easier for others to follow. (ex. "You get FOUR MORE BARDIC inspiration charges" ... Why emphasize three successive adjectives? "Four" and "more" are essentially making the same point, and there are no other types of inspiration being discussed, so why add vocal emphasis to the fact that they are BARDIC? It leaves the listener having to decipher what the primary point you're trying to make is, when they should be focusing on the next thing you say. This is a counter-productive use of sentence stress patterns, a valuable tool in increasing listening comprehension in speech.) You have skill at oral presentation and you have an excellent smooth low voice for it, but after a few minutes, it feels like hearing someone pound a song out on a piano rather than play in a way that leads the listener on the journey the piano player intended for it. All I'm saying is over-stressing is counter-productive and if listeners are distracted by HOW you're saying something, they aren't able to appreciate WHAT you are saying. This is only meant as constructive criticism. The best way to have an impact when publicly speaking is to VARY your speaking style. Anytime you fall into a metronome way of speaking (not just tempo, but two set levels of volume, fewer intonation shifts, two speeds, etc.) you're decreasing listener attention level. You're a good speaker, better than most in informational KZbin video format, and someone who I think could excel at speaking. You organize your information well and speak clearly and effectively in your descriptiveness and word choices. However, by two minutes in, it seemed you'd fallen into a rut in your speech patterns. Only hitting two levels of volume repeatedly (3, 5, 3, 3, 5 with no variation) and rhythm and tempo of your speech only minutely changed (no use of pauses, only minor tempo and rhythm variance over the course of minutes of speech). Adding more variance would increase audience focus, particularly in long-form presentations. Just my two cents. I never comment on people who are absolute garbage, only when I hear someone I think could excel if they gave a proper consideration for how they are choosing to utilize the most powerful tool they have at their disposal, their voice.

[@Quandry1]

You know... Maybe if you weren't so busy analyzing how he says every word... You wouldn't be puzzling through what he's trying to say. I don't have that problem with the way he speaks, or the emphasis he chooses for various things that he is talking about.

[@PanicRolling]

I actually agree with you on most of this, with some of it being beyond my understanding. I've never had any kind of formal speech training, I'm just an overly dramatic human being lol. My current audio and recording situations are not ideal, and I end up needing to cut out some of the pauses and volume variations in my normal speech because of background noise. I have my sights set on a better microphone as soon as possible, and I'm hoping that will clear up some of these issues. But truly, thanks for the feedback. I firmly believe people don't try to fix things they hate, like you said...so I appreciate you taking the time to help me get better at this.

[@jamespratt2986]

@@Quandry1 Your mileage may vary. I help people communicate more effectively as a profession, and when I see someone with potential but also counterproductive habits, I mean, you're right, I don't HAVE to say something, but if I appreciate their work and think they could reach a new level with some advice, I speak out. It is rare for people to consider HOW they are communicating, so if I see someone who is fundamentally very good, and just needs someone to help them step back and consider things that most don't realize they're doing. I say something. He's welcome to dismiss it if he wants, but the ability to take something useful from criticism, particularly well-intentioned criticism, is like a cheat sheet to self-improvement.

[@Quandry1]

@@jamespratt2986 then perhaps consider representing things in terms with more leeway if it is your profession to help communication. Make room for those that might have different levels of ability to understand instead of forcing everybody into singular standards in a matter of fact way. Some do well keeping relatively even tones when it comes to listening and are considered fairly soothing to listen to afterall.

[@jamespratt2986]

@@Quandry1 That is, in no way what I did. I complemented him on his good points, pointed out areas that were counterproductive and offered advice for his consideration. And I’m not “forcing” anything, having mentioned to feel free to ignore my input if he so desires. You’re only seeing what you want to see. smh