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Gnome College of Dance Bard Build Guide

Gnome College of Dance Bard Build Guide

4/10 Synergy Striker Role Hard Difficulty

Why College of Dance?

The Gnome College of Dance Bard combines Gnome's racial traits with the College of Dance's specialized features. As a Striker, this build leverages spellcasting with a unique twist from the College of Dance archetype.

Key features include Dazzling Footwork, Inspiring Movement, Tandem Footwork. With CHA as the primary ability at 15, this build maximizes the Bard's core strengths.

College of Dance Features

Dazzling Footwork

Level 3

While you aren't wearing armor or using a shield, you gain the following benefits: Acrobatic Movement: Your Walking Speed increases by 10 feet. Nimble Defense: While you are conscious, when you roll for initiative and don't have any Bardic Inspiration die remaining, you regain one.

Inspiring Movement

Level 6

When a hostile creature you can see ends its turn within 5 feet of you, you can use your Reaction to spend one of your Bardic Inspiration dice and move up to your Walking Speed without provoking opportunity attacks. You move toward that creature, and when you end this movement, you can grant that creature's target a bonus to its next attack roll against that creature by rolling your Bardic Inspiration die and adding the result.

Tandem Footwork

Level 6

When you roll initiative, you can spend one of your Bardic Inspiration dice and add the number rolled to your initiative roll. When another creature you can see rolls for initiative, you can use your Reaction to roll one of your Bardic Inspiration dice and add the number to that creature's initiative roll.

Leading Evasion

Level 14

When you are subjected to an effect that allows you to make a saving throw to take only half damage, you can use your Reaction to spend one of your Bardic Inspiration dice, add the number rolled to your saving throw, and take no damage if you succeed.

Recommended Ability Scores

Strength
8(-1)
Dexterity
14(+2)
Constitution
12(+1)
Intelligence
13(+1)
Wisdom
10(+0)
Charisma
15(+2)
HP (Lv1)
9
AC
12
Initiative
+2
Passive Per.
10
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Gnome Traits That Benefit College of Dance Bard

Gnomish Cunning

Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.

Darkvision

Gnome Darkvision helps Bards scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.

Combat Effectiveness

Level HP Melee DPR Spell DPR
Level 5 33 3.9 7.8
Level 11 69 3.58 10.18
Level 17 105 3.58 13.2

Strengths & Weaknesses

Strengths

  • College of Dance grants Dazzling Footwork at level 3
  • Darkvision for dungeon exploration
  • Versatile spellcasting options
  • Jack of all trades with inspiration and spellcasting

Weaknesses

  • Low Wisdom — vulnerable to common saving throws
  • May require careful feat selection to optimize

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Other Bard Subclasses for Gnome

Other Races for College of Dance Bard

Frequently Asked Questions

Is College of Dance a good subclass for Gnome Bard?
The College of Dance is a Striker archetype that grants Dazzling Footwork at level 3. Combined with Gnome traits, this build rated 4/10 for the base class.
What makes College of Dance different from other Bard subclasses?
The College of Dance focuses on the Striker role. Charisma (15) remains the priority. Other Bard subclasses like College of Glamour fill the Support role instead.

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