The Bardadin: The Maestro of Divine Smite
(10 College of Swords Bard / 2 Paladin)
The "Bardadin" (also known as the Smite Swords Bard) is one of the most terrifying melee builds in the game. Unlike a pure Paladin who quickly runs out of steam due to a lack of Spell Slots, a level 10 Bard provides a massive magical reserve. You can use a Slashing Flourish to hit two enemies at once, and trigger a Divine Smite of 4th Level Spell on each target simultaneously.
1. Character Creation & Stats
To maximise the effectiveness of your melee weapons and spells, we build around Dexterity and Charisma, using "Finesse" weapons.
- Optimal Race: Half-Orc (the Savage Attacks passive adds an extra damage die on every critical hit, perfect for Smites) or Zariel Tiefling (free Smites).
- Background: Charlatan or Entertainer.
27-Point Allocation:
- Strength: 8 (Unnecessary, we use Finesse weapons)
- Dexterity: 16 (Primary attack stat, Armour Class, Initiative)
- Constitution: 14 (Hit Points)
- Intelligence: 8 (Dump stat)
- Wisdom: 10 (To avoid penalties)
- Charisma: 17 (Primary spellcasting stat. +1 from the Hag = 18)
2. Leveling (Level 1 to 12)
The early game plays like a standard Bard. The real carnage begins at level 8.
3. Best in Slot (BiS) Equipment
This build uses the same accessory synergy as the Control Bard, but adapted for melee.
The Divine Duelist Kit
Info- HEAD (Act 2): Helmet of Arcane Acuity. Hitting in melee increases the DC of your spells by +2 per hit.
- RING 1 (Act 3): Ring of the Mystic Scoundrel. Cast illusion/enchantment spells as a Bonus Action after an attack.
Weapons (The Damage Core):
- Act 1: Phalar Aluve (Underdark). A longsword with the Finesse property.
- Act 3 (Option 1): Duellist's Prerogative (Reward for saving Vanra). Grants an extra attack as a Bonus Action and lowers the critical threshold.
- Act 3 (Option 2): Crimson Mischief paired with Bloodthirst (Orin's loot) for a deadly dual-wielding build.
Objet manqué
Duellist's Prerogative (If Vanra dies or Auntie Ethel escapes)
Plan B — Alternative
Astral Plane Silver Sword (If you are Githyanki) or the Shadowthief's Blade.
4. The Death Loop (Combat Rotation)
The Bardadin is capable of annihilating any boss and paralysing their minions in the same turn.
- The Opener: Use your Main Action to perform a Slashing Flourish (Melee). If two enemies are side by side, you hit them both.
- The Divine Discharge: On the Reaction screen, apply a 4th Level Spell Divine Smite to the first target, and another to the second. (Yes, this is legal).
- The Buff: Your melee attacks have charged your Helmet of Arcane Acuity. Your spells now have a 100% success rate.
- Control or Execution (Bonus Action): - Option A: Use the Ring of the Mystic Scoundrel to cast Hold Monster on the surviving boss.
- Option B: If you are using Duellist's Prerogative, make an extra melee attack to finish them off with another Divine Smite.