I wasn’t horribly effective in our latest Phandelver adventure, leaning in to casting the cantrip Vicious Mockery instead of getting up front with my rapier.
I’m playing a level 2 Bard from the College of Tragedy (from the Tal’Dorei Reborn Campaign Guide). I’m a goblin bard who was discovered by a traveling acting troupe and outgrew the small-time band. I broke out on my own to find an acting troupe worthy of my talents. That’s how I encountered the adventuring group.
Being a bard who specializes in acting, especially tragedy, it seems very appropriate to lean heavily on Vicious Mockery.
We encountered a barracks full of bandits. Our rogue had previously been a member of the bandits, so I said, “Blur dated you. She said you remind her of her brother.”
Burn! Make a Wisdom saving throw.
The DM got an 18 on the die. The targeted bandit was in touch with his masculinity enough to not be shaken by the likes of me.
I tried again. “Blur said she’s never seen anyone cry as much over a goldfish as you.”
Burn! Make a Wisdom saving throw.
The save made it.
By now, any min-maxer would have abandoned the Vicious Mockery attempts.
Not me.
We got to a room full of skeletons. The party took out two of the three. I said, “You don’t have a leg to stand on. In fact, your leg is over there… and over there.”
Because I was wearing the bandits’ signature cloak, the skeleton rolled with Disadvantage.
The DM rolled a 2 and a 1 on the dice.
Mr. Skeleton felt shame.
I think it’s fine to lean on one or two abilities in a session. It’s what the monsters do. They only have one to four rounds to perform and be memorable. Some DMs might choose the action that does the most damage to the most PCs. I like to use the abilities that are most appropriate for the beast. I choose to make it iconic and not necessarily a hit point vacuum.
Could I have used my first level spells instead of my cantrips? I had one slot left, and I knew we were on the path to face the leader, who probably had a couple tricks up his sleeve. I wanted to save my first level spell slot so I could cast Bane on him, reducing the efficiency of some of his tricks.
Be true to your character. Use the tricks that are most in line with her personality, not necessarily the ones that are most showy.
I’m leaving tonight to visit with family before going on to GaryCon. For those of you who will also be in attendance, please keep an eye out for me. I’d love to meet up with you.
