Bards are the undisputed masters of art in the world of Dungeons & Dragons 5E. They represent free thinking, creativity, and the power of music and words. In this blog article, we’ll take a closer look at the role of bards, and how you as a player can unleash the unparalleled magic of this class.
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The Bard in D&D: A Versatile Hero
Bards are masters of many talents and can shine in many different roles. With their versatility, they can find their place in any adventuring party. Their skills are wide-ranging, from wizard to warrior to scholar and diplomat – there is hardly a situation in which a bard would not be useful. Don’t let yourself be pushed too much into a role that fits the stereotypes but doesn’t suit you. Especially with bards, you shouldn’t set any limits to your creativity!
Bardic Magic: Music and Words
Bards in D&D use music and words to channel their magic. They are able to cast their spells through songs, poems, jokes, and stories, which sets them apart from other magical classes. Their access to a wide range of spells allows them to be extremely effective in both combat and social situations.
The Bard College: Choice of Specialization
In D&D 5E, bards have access to various “Bard Colleges,” which are types of specializations for their class. These range from the College of Valor, which transforms the bard into a brave front-line fighter, to the College of Whispers, transforming bards into master manipulators and schemers.
| Bard Colleges | Book |
|---|---|
| College of Eloquence | Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything 🛒 |
| College of Whispers | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything 🛒 |
| College of Fochlucan | Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide 🛒. |
| College of Spirits | Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft 🛒 |
| College of the Herald | Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide 🛒 |
| College of New Olamn | Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide 🛒 |
| College of Creation | Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything 🛒 |
| College of Swords | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything 🛒 |
| College of Daring | Player’s Handbook 🛒 |
| College of Knowledge | Player’s Handbook 🛒 |
| College of the Spellbinders | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything 🛒 |
Bards and their Abilities: Inspiring Adventurers
Bards are not only known for their magical abilities but also for their ability to empower their allies through their Bardic Inspiration. This ability allows them to distribute bonus dice to their allies to increase their chances of success – a truly inspiring sight! Depending on which Bard College you choose, you can use your inspiration dice for a wide variety of things. Here are a few examples:
- College of Eloquence: With the “Unforgettable Words” ability, a Bard of Eloquence can use his Bardic Inspiration to discourage an opponent. The bard can use his Bardic Inspiration die to reduce the result of a target’s ability roll, attack roll, or saving throw.
- College of Swords: A bard of the College of Swords can use his Bardic Inspiration as “Combat Flourish” to improve his combat abilities. Examples include the “Defensive Flourish” (which increases the bard’s AC), the “Slashing Flourish” (which deals additional damage to surrounding enemies), and the “Mobile Flourish” (which allows the bard to push an enemy away or move himself).
- College of Creation: A bard of the College of Creation can use their Bardic Inspiration to utilize the “Performance of Creation” ability. This allows him to create temporary, non-magical items. The size, type, and quantity of items created depend on the size of the Bardic Inspiration die used.
Conclusion on Bards in D&D
Whether you have a song on your lips, a witty remark ready, or a spell at the ready, bards are the living soul of any adventuring party in D&D 5E. They are charismatic leaders, sly tricksters, skilled fighters, and inspiring friends. With a bard by your side, adventure is never far away!
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