Gnome College of Lore Bard Build Guide

4/10 Synergy Controller Role Hard Difficulty

Why College of Lore?

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

Key features include Bonus Proficiencies, Cutting Words, Magical Discoveries. With CHA as the primary ability at 15, this build maximizes the Bard's core strengths.

College of Lore Features

Bonus Proficiencies

Level 3

You gain proficiency with three skills of your choice.

Cutting Words

Level 3

You learn to use your wit to distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence of others. When a creature you can see within 60 feet of you makes an attack roll, ability check, or damage roll, you can use your Reaction to spend one of your Bardic Inspiration dice and subtract the number rolled from the creature's roll. You can choose to use this feature after the creature rolls but before the DM says whether the roll succeeds or fails. A creature can't be affected by this feature if the creature can't hear you.

Magical Discoveries

Level 6

You learn two spells of your choice. These spells can be from any class's spell list. Each spell counts as a Bard spell for you but doesn't count against the number of Bard spells you know.

Peerless Skill

Level 14

When you make an ability check or attack roll and fail, you can spend one of your Bardic Inspiration dice, roll it, and add the number rolled to the ability check or attack roll, potentially turning failure into success.

Recommended Ability Scores

Strength

8(-1)

Dexterity

14(+2)

Constitution

12(+1)

Intelligence

13(+1)

Wisdom

10(+0)

Charisma★

15(+2)

HP (Lv1)

Initiative

Passive Per.

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Gnome Traits That Benefit College of Lore 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 Lore grants Bonus Proficiencies 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

Gnome College of Dance Bard Striker Gnome College of Glamour Bard Support Gnome College of Valor Bard Striker

Other Races for College of Lore Bard

Human College of Lore Bard 6/10 Aasimar College of Lore Bard 5/10 Dragonborn College of Lore Bard 5/10 Halfling College of Lore Bard 5/10 Dwarf College of Lore Bard 4/10 Orc College of Lore Bard 4/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is College of Lore a good subclass for Gnome Bard?

The College of Lore is a Controller archetype that grants Bonus Proficiencies at level 3. Combined with Gnome traits, this build rated 4/10 for the base class.

What makes College of Lore different from other Bard subclasses?

The College of Lore focuses on the Controller role. Charisma (15) remains the priority. Other Bard subclasses like College of Dance fill the Striker role instead.

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