When it comes to , multiclassing can bring player characters to a whole new level. Blendingclasses gives players the opportunity to experience a wider range of skills, and there is none more skilled than the epic Bardbarian. This cross between Bard and Barbarian guarantees the grandiose deeds they carry out will be marked down in the annals of history -- because they'll be the one putting it there.
Their actions not only inspire the rest of the party, but this epic crossover gives the combat-reliant Barbarian a role outside of battle because they have access to a wider range of skills. After all, what's more terrifying thansomeone with a giant axe? How about someone who tellsenemiesexactly how they plan to use that axe on them in a way so believable?
Related:
The Bardbarian's Most Important Stats
The majority of levels takenwill go into theBarbarian class, which means it's necessary to make sure Strength isthe core focus right out of the gate. A high STR score guarantees powerful attacks and Athletic skills. Constitution is almost as important for Barbarians because it guarantees a solid pool of hit points as they go raging into battle.
After STR and CON comes Charisma, which is the Bard's core stat. CHA determines their spellcasting ability and attack modifiers, as well as the modifier for important skills like Intimidation, Persuasion, Performance and Deception. While Deception and Performance add a nice bit of flare to the mix, Intimidation and Persuasion are excellent skills, especially for a raging Barbarian.
Best Racial Options for Bardbarians
When it comes to choosing a race, the Triton gets +1 to all of the essential stats: STR, CON and CHA. They can also control air and water, and when one takes into consideration the number of sailor's tales about mysterious sea sirens luring ships to their death with song, the Triton almost seems like it was made for this role.
Related:
Other decent options include Goliaths, Orcs and Minotaurs, all of which get +2 STR, +1 CON. There's also the Leonin and its+2 CON, +1 STR. Any race that provides a boost to STR is a good place to start, so analyze all available options and choose the right one for the character's backstory.
Choosing the Right Expertise Proficiencies
One of the most logical reasons to build this multiclass -- aside from the coolness factor -- is the Bard's Expertise feature. Expertise allows the character to choose two of their skill proficiencies and double the proficiency bonus for ability checks made using the two skills. First and foremost, focus on Athletics, which will be the main skill check for a good portion of the character's major actions from rollinga stone up a hillsideto smashing through a barricadeto grappling an enemy.
A good choice for the second skill proficiencyis Intimidation, which allows the Bardbarian to combine mind and muscle. With just the right amount of Intimidation, a skilled Bardbarian could potentially talk their way into a forbidden place without forcing an unwanted combat situation.
Related:
Breaking Down the Class Levels
While it doesn't matter all that much which class the player starts with, taking the first level in Bard is a good idea. Bards can choose any three skills for their proficiencies at level one, and they get Inspiration, four first level spells and access to two cantrips from the start. This means they won't be starting out with nothing.
When it's time to level up, take the character's second level inBarbarian. After that, alternate between Bard and Barbarian until there are three total levels in Bard. All future levelsshould be taken in Barbarian.
Best Subclasses for the Bardbarian
When it comes to Barbarian subclasses, that's solely up to the player and what kind ofrager they want to become. The Path of the Totem Warrior is great for the Bardbarian who wants to focus their efforts on grappling enemies and dragging them away from the battle.
Related:
The best Bard College for this build is the College of Lore, which grants access to the Cutting Words feature at level three. Cutting Words allows the player to confuse or distract their opponent by rolling an inspiration die and subtracting the total from ability checks, attack rolls and damage rolls. This is a great tool to have on hand for grapplers because it makes it even hard for them to make that ability check to escape the grapple.
Best Feats for Bardbarians
Until the Bardbarian gets their STR to 20, taking a feat is a massive gamble. On the other hand, there are a couple of feats that this multiclass will definitely want to take on as soon as they are able. The Grappler feat is a major advantage for the Bardbarian, who was more or less born to grapple enemies. Not only do they get advantage on attack rolls when attempting to grapple enemies, but they can also try to pin a target they've already grappled with this feat to restrain them.
Tavern Brawler offers a +1 boost to either STR or CON, and the Bardbarian gains proficiency with improvised weapons. That means they can grab whatever happens to be within reach and hammer on their enemies with it. They can also perform unarmed strikes and use 1d4 for their damage rolls. When hitting a creature with an unarmed strike or improvised weapon, they can then use their bonus action to attempt to grapple the enemy, and since this multiclass is all about grappling, that extra opportunity is perfect.
KEEP READING:
