Human College of Valor Bard Build Guide
Combining the versatile human spirit with the martial bravado of the College of Valor creates a legendary warrior-skald who dominates any battlefield.
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Why College of Valor?
The College of Valor transforms the supportive Bard into a formidable front-line Striker—a role focused on dealing direct damage to enemies. With Martial Training at level 3, you gain proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons, allowing you to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with dedicated martial classes. A high Charisma (15) keeps your spellcasting potent, while a solid Dexterity (14) ensures your weapon attacks hit home and your armor keeps you safe.
Being a Human elevates this hybrid playstyle perfectly. The Human's Skillful trait grants you an extra skill proficiency, pushing your out-of-combat utility even higher alongside your natural Bardic versatility. Meanwhile, the Versatile trait lets you select a free Origin feat at level 1, which you can use to bolster your combat survivability or spellcasting concentration before you even select your subclass.
On the battlefield, you blend martial might with supportive magic. Your Combat Inspiration allows allies to add your inspiration die to their damage rolls or defense, turning the tide of combat. Combined with the Human's Resourceful trait, which provides free Heroic Inspiration for crucial rerolls, you will rarely fail when the spotlight is on you.
College of Valor Features
Combat Inspiration
Level 3You can use your wit to inspire others in battle. A creature that has a Bardic Inspiration die can use a Bonus Action on its turn to roll the die and gain a Temporary Hit Point for each point rolled on the die.
Martial Training
Level 3You gain proficiency with martial weapons and medium armor. In addition, when you attack with a weapon, you can use your Charisma modifier instead of Strength or Dexterity for the attack and damage rolls.
Extra Attack
Level 6You can attack twice instead of once when you take the Attack action on your turn.
Battle Magic
Level 14After you cast a spell, the casting time of which is an action, you can use a Bonus Action to attack with a weapon or make an Unarmed Strike.
Recommended Ability Scores
Human Traits That Benefit College of Valor Bard
Skillful
An extra skill proficiency expands the Bard's out-of-combat versatility.
Versatile
A free Origin feat provides a meaningful boost to any Bard build right from level 1.
Resourceful
Free Heroic Inspiration each long rest gives a reliable reroll for critical moments.
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 |
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ College of Valor grants Combat Inspiration at level 3
- ♦ Strong species-class synergy enhances core abilities
- ♦ Versatile spellcasting options
- ♦ Jack of all trades with inspiration and spellcasting
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Wisdom — vulnerable to common saving throws
- ♦ No Darkvision — may need light sources in dungeons
Pro Tips
Use your human Versatile feat to grab a defense-boosting feat, helping you survive on the front lines as a Striker.
Remember that Combat Inspiration can boost an ally's damage or AC, so distribute it to front-line defenders who are actively taking hits.
Once you unlock Extra Attack at level 6, use your high Dexterity to strike twice with a rapier or a ranged weapon.
Save your human Resourceful reroll for concentration saving throws to keep your critical control spells active while fighting in melee.
Other Bard Subclasses for Human
Other Races for College of Valor Bard
Frequently Asked Questions
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