D&D 5E Mystic Step as a Magical Secret

[Darkwing Duck]

I'm playing a Bard of Lore and I've read every Bard guide I could find on the Internet. I chose as one of my Magical Secrets Mystic Step. However, none of the guides I've read recommend it as a Magical Secret. This makes me wonder if there's something I missed when calculating it's utility.
Basically, my thinking was that my armor and hit points both suck. So, I really don't want to spend any more time getting shot at or hit than I have to. Therefore, anything which improves my armor or hit points is kinda wasted. On the other hand, anything which keeps me from getting shot at or in melee is pure gold. Mystic Step gets me out of bad situations in a hurry. Combine it with feats like Alertness and expertise in Perception and it only gets better.
That's my thinking process on selecting Mystic Step as a Magical Secret. But, seeing that no guide recommends Mystic Step, I worry that my thinking is in error.
What do you think?

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

I think you should choose what feels right for you. That's the only 'right' choice.

If you like the idea of Misty Step for your character, awesome.

As a Bard you could envision it as a note being played or sung that acts as kind of 'throwing your voice', just magically bringing your body with it. Kinda neat.

 

[Darkwing Duck]

I treat it like a Batman teleport. Like when Batman is right there and then he isn't because he's just that good at stealth and acrobatics.

 

[AaronOfBarbaria]

I think the part of your thinking that places more value to a guide-writer's opinion than on your own opinion is the part of your thinking which is in error.

 

[mellored]

As the write of the bard guide I give you full permission to play your bard the way you want.

Not that you needed it. It's your character, not mine.


But if you want my opinion on the spell. Mysty step certainly has it's uses. I just don't think the situation comes up often enough to warrant the slot. Overall i would rate it purple.

Of course, i don't know your DM, your party, or your character. If your DM likes ambushes, and your party can't defend you, and your character is paranoid and hates the sight of her own blood, then yes it's a very good spell to have. Or maybe you like to go in and out of lovers windows at night. Or plenty of other reasons.

 

[jgsugden]

The game works best when you elect options that are fun and efficient without a concern as to whether they are optimal. The only thing worth optimizing is the level of fun. Seriously: The game works best when the PCs are efficient, but not optimized. These PCs can handle the recommended challenges appropriately and the DM doesn't have to adjust for their out of whack levels of too strong offense vs. relatively underpowered defense.

 

[Darkwing Duck]

I'm not seeking permission for selecting mystic step. I just want to know if there is a vulnerability which I am overlooking which is why mystic step isn't included in any bard guide I've found so far. If I can identify that vulnerability, then I can prevent a potential exploit which would kill my bard. Of course, I would patch that vulnerability in a characteristic (for my bard) manner.

 

[RulesJD]

It's not so much a vulnerability, it's that there are better options for the Magical Secret's spells. Misty step is a great spell, no doubt, just that there are generally better (from a min/max perspective) options.

The biggest vulnerability, in terms of negatives, is that it uses your bonus action for that round and bards tend to be busy with their bonus actions already. Plus it prevents you from casting anything other than a cantrip as your main action. Bard cantrips tend to be on the low end, especially because they don't get the SCAG cantrips by default.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Since I'm going to be in the same position soon, my view is that there are so many spells competing for the two Magical Secrets positions that it's always a tough choice. Misty Step is a very viable option. It's usefulness is however, as mellored states, situational. Is the 'get out of danger' spell going to be useful enough for it to be chosen over some other spell? Only you can decide that.

Personally, for my 6th level Magical Secrets, I'm looking at one spell for support and one spell for defense. I'd love to also have one spell for attack, but I only get to choose two....

My defense spell options include Misty Step, Shield, and Mirror Image. Blur doesn't make the list because I don't want any more competition for my concentration. Each of the three have their advantages:

Misty Step: Gets me out of danger immediately (assuming there is somewhere safe to step to).
Shield: Works off reaction so I can hopefully stop from being hit if someone ends up next to me unexpectedly while I work out how to get out of there on my own turn.
Mirror Image: Not as effective as Shield, but it lasts a number of rounds in case whoever wants to hit me keeps chasing.

Personally, I'm leaning towards Shield and then using a disengage action to get out. Or even just wear the attacks of opportunity (I can't use Cutting words to protect me from one hit because Shield and Cutting Words both use my reaction) and move far enough away that they can't get to me again.

There are so many great spells to choose from for Magical Secrets that I suggest you work out the type of spell you want (healing, support, attack, defense, etc) and then work out what spell options you want. As mellored said, defensive spells are situational because you're supposed to be trying to avoid needing them in the first place. However, with some DMs it's worthwhile being paranoid and having something ready...just in case.

Everything is a tradeoff when it comes to Magical Secrets. That's why, while powerful, it's not overpowered. It's just not possible to get every spell you really want.

 

[The Grassy Gnoll]

I'm not a min/maxer but Misty Step+Vicious Mockery sounds like a really fun combo.

*bamf*
"You hit like a girl"

*bamf*
"You couldn't hit the floor with your shadow"

*bamf*
"Ner ner"

...and he dies. Of shame. Whilst suffering Disadvantage.

Awe.Some.