College of Lore 5e

The ultimate skill monkey bards who gain extra proficiencies, Cutting Words to debuff enemies, and early access to Magical Secrets at 6th level.

Part of the Bard class

At a Glance

Parent Class

Bard

Subclass Level

3rd level

Source

Player's Handbook

Focus

Ultimate skill monkey with Cutting Words and early Magical Secrets at 6th level

Feature	Level	Description
Bonus Proficiencies	3rd	Gain proficiency in any three skills of your choice.
Cutting Words	3rd	Use reaction and Bardic Inspiration die to subtract from enemy's attack roll, ability check, or damage roll.
Additional Magical Secrets	6th	Learn two spells from any class, 4 levels earlier than other bards get Magical Secrets.
Peerless Skill	14th	Add Bardic Inspiration die to your own ability checks.

Common Mistake

Hoarding Bardic Inspiration instead of using Cutting Words frequently

Common Mistake

Not taking powerful spells from other classes with early Magical Secrets

Common Mistake

Forgetting Cutting Words can reduce damage, not just attack rolls

DM Tip

Lore Bards are incredibly versatile - expect them to have answers for many situations

DM Tip

Early Magical Secrets means they might have Counterspell or Fireball by 6th level

DM Tip

With 6 extra skills, they'll have high bonuses in nearly everything