The Ultimate Guide to the Best Race for a College of Lore Bard
When it comes to crafting the perfect College of Lore Bard in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition, the choice of race is a crucial one. While the Bard class is known for its versatility and adaptability, certain racial traits synergize exceptionally well with the Lore subclass’s focus on spellcasting, skills, and support. So, the definitive answer to the question, “What is the best race for a Bard in College of Lore?” is: Aasimar, specifically the Protector Aasimar, is often considered the top choice. This is largely due to their inherent Charisma bonus and complementary racial abilities.
Why Aasimar Are the Top Choice
Natural Charisma
The foundation of any Bard build lies in Charisma, and Aasimar start with a +2 bonus, instantly making them more effective at spellcasting, social interactions, and inspiring their allies. This bonus is the most significant aspect for this class. In addition, Bards rely heavily on Charisma for their spell save DC (difficulty class).
Celestial Resistance
Aasimar possess Celestial Resistance, granting them resistance to necrotic and radiant damage. This inherent survivability makes them exceptionally resilient on the battlefield. This is an added benefit that other races may not possess.
Healing Hands
The Protector Aasimar’s Healing Hands feature allows them to restore a target’s hit points. This adds a valuable healing component that complements the Bard’s support capabilities. This extra bit of healing comes in handy in a tight situation.
Radiant Soul
Once per long rest, Protector Aasimar can unleash their Radiant Soul ability. This transformation grants them temporary flight, extra radiant damage, and allows the ability to do a little bit of damage, further enhancing their utility in combat situations. This ability provides a boost that many races do not have.
Lore Bard Synergies
The College of Lore emphasizes skill proficiency and spellcasting versatility, and Aasimar effortlessly complement these strengths. They don’t rely on physical prowess, rather they take advantage of the Bards spellcasting and support strengths. Their Charisma bonus enhances their spellcasting power, and their racial abilities contribute to their utility and survivability, creating a well-rounded and effective character. This creates a strong character right out of the gate.
Other Viable Race Options
While Aasimar are often considered the best, there are other viable options that could suit a player’s specific needs. These are races that are almost as good as Aasimar and might fit a playstyle a little better.
Half-Elf
Half-Elves are a strong runner-up. They get a +2 bonus to Charisma, like Aasimar, as well as the flexibility of +1 to two other attributes. This allows for customization and flexibility, making them excellent at multiple things. Furthermore, they get Fey Ancestry, making them immune to the magic that puts them to sleep. They are also resistant to being charmed.
Satyr
Satyrs boast Magic Resistance, making them more resistant to spells, an excellent defense against spells. They can also ignore effects such as Hold Person or Charm Person due to being non-humanoid. They also have a plus 1 Charisma and a plus 2 Dexterity.
Changeling
Changelings also get a vital +2 to Charisma, which is the most important stat for a Bard. They also get a +1 to a stat of their choice. They also have a natural ability to change their appearance. This can allow them to disguise themselves or to adopt new personas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Charisma so important for a Lore Bard?
Charisma is the Bard’s primary spellcasting ability, influencing their spell attack bonus, saving throw DCs, and overall effectiveness with spells. Charisma is also essential for social interactions, making it a key attribute for the Lore Bard’s role as the party’s face.
2. Can other Aasimar subraces work well for Lore Bards?
While Protector Aasimar is considered the top option due to their healing and temporary flight, the other Aasimar subraces are viable. The Scourge Aasimar’s area-of-effect radiant damage can be useful, and the Fallen Aasimar’s necrotic transformation might be a better fit for a roleplaying concept.
3. Are Tieflings suitable for Lore Bards?
While Tieflings get a +2 bonus to Charisma, their second bonus is to intelligence which might make them more suitable for a wizard. They do get a resistance to fire damage and dark vision, which can be useful.
4. How does Half-Elf’s versatility benefit a Lore Bard?
Half-Elves can increase two other attributes by +1, allowing players to enhance their Dexterity for better AC or Constitution for more hit points. They also get proficiency in two skills of their choice, giving them flexibility in skill specializations.
5. Are there races that are not recommended for Lore Bards?
Races that don’t get any bonuses to Charisma or have abilities that don’t synergize with spellcasting or skills are not as good a choice. It is still playable but might not be the best choice.
6. Should I prioritize racial abilities over attribute bonuses?
Generally, attribute bonuses are the most important part of a class. Racial abilities can add to the class but they are secondary to having your ability scores correct.
7. How does the Satyr’s Magic Resistance help a Lore Bard?
Magic Resistance allows a Satyr Bard to shrug off many magical effects, enhancing their survivability and effectiveness on the battlefield. Being a non-humanoid makes them immune to certain spells.
8. Can a Changeling’s shapeshifting be beneficial to a Lore Bard?
A Changeling’s ability to change appearance can be incredibly helpful in social interactions, allowing them to infiltrate different groups, assume disguises, and excel in deception and stealth situations.
9. Are Humans a viable option for a College of Lore Bard?
Humans, especially variant humans, are an okay pick. The extra feat from the variant option could get you some added skills, spells or features that can benefit the class.
10. How do racial spells affect spellcasting as a Bard?
Racial spells are spells that are cast as part of the race and do not come from the bard class. These spells can add more diversity and flexibility to your spell selection.
11. What other racial features are beneficial to Bards?
Darkvision, resistance to different damage types, and extra proficiencies can all add value to your bard depending on your goals and playstyle.
12. Does racial lore matter when selecting the best race for College of Lore Bards?
Racial lore is more of a roleplaying choice. The in-game mechanics of the race are more important than the race lore, but the lore should fit the character if possible.
13. How does the Aasimar’s Radiant Soul affect spellcasting?
Radiant Soul doesn’t directly affect spellcasting, but its temporary flight and added radiant damage provide extra utility and damage options that complement the Bard’s abilities.
14. Can a Dwarf be a good Lore Bard?
Dwarves are viable due to their constitution bonus. However, they do not receive the Charisma boost that is ideal for the Bard class, which will hamper your spellcasting.
15. How do I make the best choice for my character build?
The best choice for your character is something that you feel you can have the most fun with. There are many great options. Don’t feel you have to follow this guide exactly, have fun and experiment with what feels right.