Hello everyone, I'm looking for advice about the first level spell of the bard.
For my next build I'm going to make a 1 level dip in bard for some reason.
That's why I'm looking for 2 first level spell that can be usefull for this kind of build.
So :
- no spell which depend on the CL
- no damage spell
- If possible no saving throw (i'm going to have a ~ 11 CHA)
- every situationnal spell can be used with scroll.
At first, I was thinking of CLW, but I'm probably going to buy a wand for this ...
Identification seems usefull (i'm going to have a hight spellcraft score) but I can deal with scroll ...
Free/immediate action spell seems to be the best choice because I can't use a scroll/wand as free action. For this kind of spell, feather fall seems great.
Any suggestions ? (my character will mostly fight in melee, but i'm also looking at nice utility/social spell. Also, i'm not going to use any instrument, but sometimes perform : dance)
PS : If i'm right, I can use a wand with any spell of the bard list even if I don't have the level (without UMD check) ? That seems weird ... (it wasn't like this in DD 3.5, isn't it ?)
Knowing where, why, and for what purpose you are doing the dip may help narrow down any recommendations. Generally the more information you provide, the better.
Having said that, I have always been a fan of Feather Fall and Expeditious Retreat.
PS : If i'm right, I can use a wand with any spell of the bard list even if I don't have the level (without UMD check) ? That seems weird ... (it wasn't like this in DD 3.5, isn't it ?)
Indeed, you can use any wand of a spell that is on the Bard class spells list without having to make a UMD check.
What other class levels will you take? That could help us give you more specific advice.
Using wands worked the same way in D&D 3.5 and 3.0, yes.
Heightened awareness and saving finale would be my picks. The first will last 10 minutes even as a 1st level bard, the second can be cast as an immediate action to make your 1st level inspire courage useful.
Comprehend languages, feather fall, saving finale, (if you have a decent spellcraft) identify, (if the campaign calls for it) undetectable alignment.
Personally I would go feather fall and saving finale. Both are completely unreliant on DC or duration and can easily save the lives of your party members.
If you will be using your bardic performance then saving finale is a no-brainer. Amazing for a first-level spell. I'd choose feather fall for your second spell.
I don't know what you other class levels are in. I have a Bloodrager that dipped one level in Skald. Skald uses the same spell mechanics and spell list as Bard. I ended up choosing Feather Fall and Remove Fear.
I approached it as what spells would I want to cast without having to get a wand out. Saving Finale would also be a great choice. I would use wands or scrolls for Identify.
The cantrips were just as important as the spells. Since Bloodragers don't get cantrips, I took Read Magic and Detect Magic as Skald spells.
One thing to keep in mind, if you are wearing medium or heavy armor, you are subject to the chance of arcane spell failure.
That in mind, the following spells are very useful and have no somatic components: Feather Fall, Solid Note, Timely Inspiration.
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Windy escape is pretty nice.
If you're a sylph. Nobody else gets it.
I'm shocked nobody's mentioned Liberating Command yet. Sure, the bonus is caster level dependent, so that won't increase, but just the ability to give someone a free extra attempt to break out a grapple as an immediate action seems worthwhile anyway.
Comprehend Languages -> always useful, be it ancient texts, coded messages or listening in on that monster that only speak an old forgotten language.
Saving Finale -> immediate action to re-roll a saving throw, will depend if you actually will use your performance with that 1 bard level you are taking.
Silent Image -> This spell saved me and my friend too many times to count, perfect to make a wall between you and the enemy or hiding a door.
Vanish -> Once again depend on what you are building with the rest of your non-bard level but this spell is great to move around in combat undetected, get in flanking position or simply escape.
Feather Step -> This really depend on your GM and party, but I love this spell especially if you ever have to fight in snow or in a swamp!
My list of good 1st level bard spells that are "independent"
Feather Step
Saving Finale (as mentioned before)
Undetectable Alignment
Detect Secret Doors
Swallow your fear
Remove Fear
Read Weather
Obscure Object
Liberating Command
Invigorate
Grease
Feather Fall
Expeditious Retreat
As several people have mentioned it will depend on what your build is like. But here are some suggestions.
Comprehend Languages to translate both spoken and written words.
Magic Aura allows you to hide or fake magic items for a day.
Magic Mouth allows you to leave messages that are difficult to intercept.
Obscure Object to hide an object from divination for 8 hours
Undetectable Alignment lasts a full day so you can always mask your alignment.
Saving Finale as long as you are performing someone gets a free reroll. Works really well with Lingering Performance so you don't lose your bonuses.