College of Valor 5e

Combat-oriented bards who gain medium armor, shields, martial weapons, and Extra Attack. Their Combat Inspiration lets allies boost AC or damage.

Part of the Bard class

At a Glance

Parent Class

Bard

Subclass Level

3rd level

Source

Player's Handbook

Focus

Combat-oriented with medium armor, shields, Extra Attack, and combat inspiration

Feature	Level	Description
Bonus Proficiencies	3rd	Gain proficiency with medium armor, shields, and martial weapons.
Combat Inspiration	3rd	Bardic Inspiration recipients can add die to weapon damage roll OR to AC against one attack.
Extra Attack	6th	Attack twice when taking the Attack action.
Battle Magic	14th	When you cast a bard spell as action, make one weapon attack as bonus action.

Common Mistake

Trying to be a frontline fighter instead of a combat support caster

Common Mistake

Forgetting Combat Inspiration can boost AC, not just damage

Common Mistake

Not using Battle Magic to combine spellcasting with weapon attacks

DM Tip

Valor Bards are durable support casters, not pure martials

DM Tip

Extra Attack at 6th keeps them competitive in melee

DM Tip

Battle Magic at 14th makes them very efficient action economy-wise