One Page 2024 College of Lore Tier 1 (Levels 1-4)

College of Lore Bard Guide (D&D 2024 Rules)

Playstyle Summary

Charismatic maestro meets magical multitool. The College of Lore Bard is a versatile support who weaves spells, inspires allies, and manipulates the battlefield with cunning. You’re the party’s glue, boosting teammates, debuffing foes, and filling gaps with your vast skillset. Stay sharp as your resources are limited, so prioritize wisely.

Tier 1 Identity

• Role: Support, controller, and skill expert
• Core Mechanics: Bardic Inspiration (Level 1), Spellcasting (Level 1), Cutting Words (Level 3, College of Lore)

General Strategy

• You’re not the star, but you make everyone else shine. Use Bardic Inspiration and spells like Heroism or Bane to tip the scales.
• Know when to drop the hammer (or flute). While the bard excels at support, there are effective damage spells like Cloud of Daggers and Shatter in the arsenal. Don't be afraid to go on offense.
• Positioning is key. Stay 30–60 feet from danger to maximize spell and Inspiration range while avoiding melee.
• Skills are your superpower. With three skill proficiencies (plus three more from College of Lore at Level 3) and Jack of All Trades (Level 2), you’re the go-to for ability checks outside combat.
• Conserve resources. Bardic Inspiration and spell slots are limited early—save them for critical moments.
• Pair with a frontline tank (e.g., Fighter or Barbarian) to keep enemies off you while you control the fight.

Action Economy

• Action: Cast a controlling spell (e.g., Hold Person, Sleep, Color Spray) or use a cantrip like Vicious Mockery to debuff. Rarely, attack with a weapon if spells aren’t needed.
• Bonus Action: Grant Bardic Inspiration to an ally like a Rogue to assure a big sneak attack or a caster with a big must hit spell on tap. Don't forget you also have Healing Word in your arsenal to pick up an ally without sacrifing your action.
• Reaction: Use Cutting Words (Level 3) to reduce an enemy’s attack or damage roll by expending a Bardic Inspiration die.
• Movement: Stay mid-to-backline, ideally with cover. Use your speed to maintain distance from threats.

Sample Turn

1. Assess the Situation: Is an ally struggling, or is an enemy a major threat?
2. Bonus Action: Grant Bardic Inspiration to an ally about to make a critical roll, or Healing Word if an ally needs to be topped off.
3. Action: Cast a spell:
   • Bane or Color Spray on an early turn to debuff multiple enemies’ attacks and saves.
   • Vicious Mockery to deal psychic damage and impose disadvantage on an enemy’s next attack.
4. Reaction (if triggered): Use Cutting Words to foil an enemy’s attack or ability check.

Pro Tip: Track your Bardic Inspiration uses (equal to Charisma modifier, regained on Long Rest). Save at least one for Cutting Words to clutch-save an ally. Also, swap spells or cantrips when leveling up to adapt to your campaign’s needs. Lore Bards excel at flexibility.