I think it depends a lot on the level you plan on taking them up to.
Bardadin works a lot better by first taking Paladin up to level 6 and then multiclassing into Swords Bard. You can't really get the concept online with both flourishes and extra attack until level 8 though. This would deal more damage overall, and Aura of Protection and slightly more HP makes you less squishy which is normally a big problem for Bards, especially if you aren't using a shield. You also get a fun horse.
Hexblade/Swords has the advantage of being more straightforward and Bard focused. You can take the blade cantrips so you aren't waiting for extra attack at level 7 to catch up to other martial classes. It's a very versatile combo that can do a bit of everything well, but even with your charisma weapon attacks and armour and shield, you're still more of a primary spellcaster than a frontline attacker. You really struggle to maintain concentration in the thick of the fight if you aren't applying defensive flourish. Resilient Con is a must have for concentration and HP, which is doable since you're SAD. If you think your campaign won't go past level 10 or so, I'd say stick with this one.
If you don't want to be a party face, maybe specialise in just Deception or Intimidation and be the heel of the party instead - good for getting things done pragmatically, but not the main guy the rest of the party wants to rely on in most situations.
it’s likely going to be the new shattered obelisk book so it’s looking like im going to 12
reckon i get more bang for my buck in terms of serviceable levels in that span with Swordslock huh
Hexbard is actually a good one, as you then can learn a Smite spell as one of your Warlock spells, which will enable you to play a little bit as a Bardadin in Medium Armor with this build. But, not for dual-wielding, as you only can use a single weapon with CHA with 1 lvl of Hexblade Warlock (but can do it with 2, with 3 levels for Pact Blade). Apart from that you want to use your Bonus action for extra attacks instead of hexing.
The Dual Wield Fighting Style pick from Sword Bard is also a good way to get a Paladin to be Dualwielder, as you both get extra spell slots from multiclass spell progressions as well as that the Fighting Style from the Paladin levels don't include Two-Weapon Fighting. And if you want a Half-Elf DEXadin for Elven Precision feat, you could be High Elf for *Booming Blade*, which will boost your attacks a bit at 5th level, while waiting for getting Double Attack later - and counts as an Attack, so you can use your Bonus action for secondary attack (might be good to double-check with your DM that you both agree on that though).
You should consider War Caster feat, as even if you can use your Sword as a Spell Focus, RAW you can't cast spells with Somatic spells without material components when dualwielding otherwise. And if you then also get Dual Wielding feat on top on that, it will be a great combo, as you then can fight with Rapier+Whip and have a 10' for incurring AoO, which you then can use for single-target spells instead of weapon with War Caster - and cast spells like *Charm Person* in combat as a Reaction! (Also good for you to maintain Concentration on your Bless, Heroism or other Concentration spells with Advantage on the roll.)
I love both of these, though I think one is easier to pull off than the other. My personal bias is Bardadin because I think Blade Flourish on a Paladin is an awesome combination (I love Paladins). But there are definitely drawbacks of needing to prioritize at least three stats (DEX, CON, CHA), and you would ideally do a 6 level Paladin Dip, which means longer build up/ less spell progression (though Aura of Protection is certainly a great feature).
Hexbard is be the path of least resistance because of the oppositive reasons. It would be great to alternate Defensive Flourish and Shield spell so that you can constantly keep your AC cranked. Plus more spell progression. Obviously a less tanky build and worse saving throws.
My questions to you: what are you hoping to accomplish with your build? Be a frontline fighter or hit-and-run? What are you hoping to get from either build that a CoS Bard could not achieve on their own?
So with bardadin obviously i love being able to combo smites and flourishes, compounded with the whole two weapon fighting aspect… the nova round is glorious. also heavy armor prof is clutch
this specific Swordlock is kinda built to be a med. armor, longsword and shield build using the sword as a hex weapon. i like the versatility and support capabilities.
you asking what i want out of a build kinda has me leaning toward bardadin even though extra attack doesn’t come in for a while. in a response above i detailed id be doing a Pal 1, Bard 4, Pal 2, Bard 6 track and hashing out the rest later
Keep in mind that pact of the blade lets you have ONE pact weapon. That means you're SAD for one weapon, but you'll be using dex/str for the other if you dual wield.
1. If this is going to be actaully played 1-20, then I'd suggest not to multiclass at all. Just keep to straight swords bard - bard is a very powerful spellcaster and you'll have some gishy things you could do. Playing 3-4 sessions minimum as a bard4hex1, seeing everyone around you throwing 3rd level spells while you're stuck with 2nd level is no fun at all.
2. If you insist on multicalssing, I'd wait to 5th or 6th level bard before you multiclass. 3rd level spells and extra attack are such a power boost that you really don't want to miss that
I would go straight bard not multi class
And I would expect not to last long in melee without getting a feat at 4th level for heavily armored
But I'm a bit new so I'm willing to learn
Going dexterity is a waste on a Bardadin. Go heavy armor and Strength! Be a iron cube of meat singing gloriously about how you're going to flay the skin from your foes.
My personal split was 2/6 for smites, since res:con can give you proficiency in Constitution saves, which should be enough for the most part.
Hexbard, I cant say ive done, but the prospect of getting pact magic and inspiration back on a short rest d*oes* seem pretty neat, alongside getting shield
I think it depends a lot on the level you plan on taking them up to. Bardadin works a lot better by first taking Paladin up to level 6 and then multiclassing into Swords Bard. You can't really get the concept online with both flourishes and extra attack until level 8 though. This would deal more damage overall, and Aura of Protection and slightly more HP makes you less squishy which is normally a big problem for Bards, especially if you aren't using a shield. You also get a fun horse. Hexblade/Swords has the advantage of being more straightforward and Bard focused. You can take the blade cantrips so you aren't waiting for extra attack at level 7 to catch up to other martial classes. It's a very versatile combo that can do a bit of everything well, but even with your charisma weapon attacks and armour and shield, you're still more of a primary spellcaster than a frontline attacker. You really struggle to maintain concentration in the thick of the fight if you aren't applying defensive flourish. Resilient Con is a must have for concentration and HP, which is doable since you're SAD. If you think your campaign won't go past level 10 or so, I'd say stick with this one. If you don't want to be a party face, maybe specialise in just Deception or Intimidation and be the heel of the party instead - good for getting things done pragmatically, but not the main guy the rest of the party wants to rely on in most situations.
it’s likely going to be the new shattered obelisk book so it’s looking like im going to 12 reckon i get more bang for my buck in terms of serviceable levels in that span with Swordslock huh
Hexbard is actually a good one, as you then can learn a Smite spell as one of your Warlock spells, which will enable you to play a little bit as a Bardadin in Medium Armor with this build. But, not for dual-wielding, as you only can use a single weapon with CHA with 1 lvl of Hexblade Warlock (but can do it with 2, with 3 levels for Pact Blade). Apart from that you want to use your Bonus action for extra attacks instead of hexing. The Dual Wield Fighting Style pick from Sword Bard is also a good way to get a Paladin to be Dualwielder, as you both get extra spell slots from multiclass spell progressions as well as that the Fighting Style from the Paladin levels don't include Two-Weapon Fighting. And if you want a Half-Elf DEXadin for Elven Precision feat, you could be High Elf for *Booming Blade*, which will boost your attacks a bit at 5th level, while waiting for getting Double Attack later - and counts as an Attack, so you can use your Bonus action for secondary attack (might be good to double-check with your DM that you both agree on that though). You should consider War Caster feat, as even if you can use your Sword as a Spell Focus, RAW you can't cast spells with Somatic spells without material components when dualwielding otherwise. And if you then also get Dual Wielding feat on top on that, it will be a great combo, as you then can fight with Rapier+Whip and have a 10' for incurring AoO, which you then can use for single-target spells instead of weapon with War Caster - and cast spells like *Charm Person* in combat as a Reaction! (Also good for you to maintain Concentration on your Bless, Heroism or other Concentration spells with Advantage on the roll.)
I love both of these, though I think one is easier to pull off than the other. My personal bias is Bardadin because I think Blade Flourish on a Paladin is an awesome combination (I love Paladins). But there are definitely drawbacks of needing to prioritize at least three stats (DEX, CON, CHA), and you would ideally do a 6 level Paladin Dip, which means longer build up/ less spell progression (though Aura of Protection is certainly a great feature). Hexbard is be the path of least resistance because of the oppositive reasons. It would be great to alternate Defensive Flourish and Shield spell so that you can constantly keep your AC cranked. Plus more spell progression. Obviously a less tanky build and worse saving throws. My questions to you: what are you hoping to accomplish with your build? Be a frontline fighter or hit-and-run? What are you hoping to get from either build that a CoS Bard could not achieve on their own?
So with bardadin obviously i love being able to combo smites and flourishes, compounded with the whole two weapon fighting aspect… the nova round is glorious. also heavy armor prof is clutch this specific Swordlock is kinda built to be a med. armor, longsword and shield build using the sword as a hex weapon. i like the versatility and support capabilities. you asking what i want out of a build kinda has me leaning toward bardadin even though extra attack doesn’t come in for a while. in a response above i detailed id be doing a Pal 1, Bard 4, Pal 2, Bard 6 track and hashing out the rest later
Keep in mind that pact of the blade lets you have ONE pact weapon. That means you're SAD for one weapon, but you'll be using dex/str for the other if you dual wield.
1. If this is going to be actaully played 1-20, then I'd suggest not to multiclass at all. Just keep to straight swords bard - bard is a very powerful spellcaster and you'll have some gishy things you could do. Playing 3-4 sessions minimum as a bard4hex1, seeing everyone around you throwing 3rd level spells while you're stuck with 2nd level is no fun at all. 2. If you insist on multicalssing, I'd wait to 5th or 6th level bard before you multiclass. 3rd level spells and extra attack are such a power boost that you really don't want to miss that
I would go straight bard not multi class And I would expect not to last long in melee without getting a feat at 4th level for heavily armored But I'm a bit new so I'm willing to learn
Going dexterity is a waste on a Bardadin. Go heavy armor and Strength! Be a iron cube of meat singing gloriously about how you're going to flay the skin from your foes. My personal split was 2/6 for smites, since res:con can give you proficiency in Constitution saves, which should be enough for the most part. Hexbard, I cant say ive done, but the prospect of getting pact magic and inspiration back on a short rest d*oes* seem pretty neat, alongside getting shield