Dungeons & Dragons 5e Class Features : Bard
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Bard
Primary Ability: Charisma
Invoking magic through music, dance, and verse, Bards are expert at inspiring others, soothing hurts, disheartening foes, and creating illusions.
Bards believe that the creators of the multiverse spoke and signed it into existence and that remnants of those Words of Creation still resound and glimmer on every plane of existence. The magic of Bards is an attempt to harness those words—which transcend any language—and direct them to create new wonders.
Because the Words of Creation resonate throughout the cosmos, different Bards choose different approaches to their magic. Some Bards practice their arts in temples or monasteries, drawing on the power of the Outer Planes to channel divine magic. Others listen to bird song and the music of the wind, associate with Druid circles, and wield primal magic. Still others immerse themselves in the study of magical lore, collecting scraps of mystic knowledge wherever their journeys take them as they master the secrets of arcane magic. Ultimately, though, these various paths converge as the most accomplished Bards learn to access almost the entire breadth of magical potential.
Anything can inspire a new song or tale, so Bards are fascinated by almost everything. They have a wide-ranging knowledge of many subjects and develop an aptitude to do almost anything well. Bards become masters of many things, including performing music, working magic, and making jests. Not every singer or poet in a tavern or jester in a royal court is a Bard. Harnessing the Words of Creation requires hard work and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. A Bard’s life is spent wandering across the land gathering lore, telling stories, and living on the gratitude of audiences, much like any other entertainer. But Bards’ depth of knowledge and mastery of magic sets them apart.
Because the Words of Creation resonate throughout the cosmos, different Bards choose different approaches to their magic. Some Bards practice their arts in temples or monasteries, drawing on the power of the Outer Planes to channel divine magic. Others listen to bird song and the music of the wind, associate with Druid circles, and wield primal magic. Still others immerse themselves in the study of magical lore, collecting scraps of mystic knowledge wherever their journeys take them as they master the secrets of arcane magic. Ultimately, though, these various paths converge as the most accomplished Bards learn to access almost the entire breadth of magical potential.
Anything can inspire a new song or tale, so Bards are fascinated by almost everything. They have a wide-ranging knowledge of many subjects and develop an aptitude to do almost anything well. Bards become masters of many things, including performing music, working magic, and making jests. Not every singer or poet in a tavern or jester in a royal court is a Bard. Harnessing the Words of Creation requires hard work and some measure of natural talent that most troubadours and jongleurs lack. A Bard’s life is spent wandering across the land gathering lore, telling stories, and living on the gratitude of audiences, much like any other entertainer. But Bards’ depth of knowledge and mastery of magic sets them apart.
hit dice:
1d8 per Bard level
hit points at 1st level:
8 + your Constitution modifier
hit points at higher levels:
1d8 (or 5) + your Constitution modifier per Bard level after 1st
armor proficiencies:
Light Armor
weapon proficiencies:
Simple Weapons
tools:
Three musical instruments of your choice
saving throws:
Dexterity, Charisma
skills:
Any three skills of your choice
starting equipment:
As a 1st-level character, you start with the following equipment, or you can forgo it and spend 100 GP on equipment of your choice.
As a 1st-level character, you start with the following equipment, or you can forgo it and spend 100 GP on equipment of your choice.
- Dagger (2)
- Entertainer’s Pack
- Leather Armor
- Musical Instrument (one of your choice)
- 26 GP
spellcasting:
class features:
As a Bard, you gain the following class features when you reach the specified levels in this class. These features are listed on the Bard table.
Using Bardic Inspiration. As a Bonus Action, you can inspire another creature within 60 feet of yourself who can see or hear you. That creature gains one of your Bardic Inspiration dice. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time.
Once within the next hour when the creature fails a d20 Test, the creature can roll that die and add the number rolled to the d20, potentially turning the failure into a success. A Bardic Inspiration die is expended when it’s rolled.
Number of Uses. You can confer a Bardic Inspiration die a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
At Higher Levels. Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain Bard levels, as shown in the Bardic Die column of the Bard table. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.
Chosen Spell List. At this time we're utilizing the Bard spell list from the 2014 rules.
Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from your Bard spell list.
Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one of your cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from your Bard spell list.
When you reach 4th and 10th level in this class, you learn another cantrip of your choice from your Bard spell list, as shown in the Cantrips column of the Bard table.
Spell Slots. The Bard table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a Long Rest.
Prepared Spells of 1st+ Level. You prepare the list of spells of 1st level and higher that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose four 1st-level spells from your Bard spell list.
The number of spells on your list also increases as you gain Bard levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Bard table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from your Bard spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a 3rd-level Bard, your list of prepared spells can include six spells of 1st or 2nd level, in any combination.
If another Bard feature gives spells that you always have prepared, those spells don’t count against the number of spells on the list you prepare with this Spellcasting feature, but those spells otherwise follow the rules in this feature.
Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one spell on your list with another spell for which you have spell slots and that is on your Bard spell list.
Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your Spellcasting Ability for your Bard spells.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use a musical instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for the spells you cast with your Bard features.
Performance and Persuasion are iconic choices for a Bard if you have proficiency in them.
For example, if you make a Strength (Athletics) check and lack Athletics proficiency, you can add half your Proficiency Bonus to the check.
A subclass is a specialization that grants you special abilities at certain Bard levels. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass’s features that are of your Bard level and lower.
In addition, if you have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you can give yourself one use by expending a spell slot (no action required). You can do so only once per turn.
As a Bard, you gain the following class features when you reach the specified levels in this class. These features are listed on the Bard table.
1ST LEVEL: BARDIC INSPIRATION
You can supernaturally inspire others through words, music, or dance. This inspiration is represented by your Bardic Inspiration die, which is a d6.Using Bardic Inspiration. As a Bonus Action, you can inspire another creature within 60 feet of yourself who can see or hear you. That creature gains one of your Bardic Inspiration dice. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time.
Once within the next hour when the creature fails a d20 Test, the creature can roll that die and add the number rolled to the d20, potentially turning the failure into a success. A Bardic Inspiration die is expended when it’s rolled.
Number of Uses. You can confer a Bardic Inspiration die a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest.
At Higher Levels. Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain Bard levels, as shown in the Bardic Die column of the Bard table. The die becomes a d8 at 5th level, a d10 at 10th level, and a d12 at 15th level.
1ST LEVEL: SPELLCASTING
You have learned to cast spells through your bardic arts. See the Player’s Handbook for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules as a Bard.Chosen Spell List. At this time we're utilizing the Bard spell list from the 2014 rules.
Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from your Bard spell list.
Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one of your cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from your Bard spell list.
When you reach 4th and 10th level in this class, you learn another cantrip of your choice from your Bard spell list, as shown in the Cantrips column of the Bard table.
Spell Slots. The Bard table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your spells of 1st level and higher. To cast one of these spells, you must expend a slot of the spell’s level or higher. You regain all expended spell slots when you finish a Long Rest.
Prepared Spells of 1st+ Level. You prepare the list of spells of 1st level and higher that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose four 1st-level spells from your Bard spell list.
The number of spells on your list also increases as you gain Bard levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Bard table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from your Bard spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a 3rd-level Bard, your list of prepared spells can include six spells of 1st or 2nd level, in any combination.
If another Bard feature gives spells that you always have prepared, those spells don’t count against the number of spells on the list you prepare with this Spellcasting feature, but those spells otherwise follow the rules in this feature.
Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one spell on your list with another spell for which you have spell slots and that is on your Bard spell list.
Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your Spellcasting Ability for your Bard spells.
Spellcasting Focus. You can use a musical instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for the spells you cast with your Bard features.
2ND LEVEL: EXPERTISE
You gain Expertise in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice.Performance and Persuasion are iconic choices for a Bard if you have proficiency in them.
2ND LEVEL: JACK OF ALL TRADES
You can add half your Proficiency Bonus (round down) to any ability check you make that uses a skill proficiency you lack and that doesn’t otherwise use your Proficiency Bonus.For example, if you make a Strength (Athletics) check and lack Athletics proficiency, you can add half your Proficiency Bonus to the check.
3RD LEVEL: BARD SUBCLASS
You gain a Bard subclass of your choice: College of Dance, College of Glamour, College of Lore, or College of Valor. Subclasses are detailed after this class’s description.A subclass is a specialization that grants you special abilities at certain Bard levels. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass’s features that are of your Bard level and lower.
4TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.5TH LEVEL: FONT OF INSPIRATION
You now also regain all your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration when you finish a Short Rest.In addition, if you have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you can give yourself one use by expending a spell slot (no action required). You can do so only once per turn.
6TH LEVEL: SUBCLASS FEATURE
You gain a feature from your Bard subclass.7TH LEVEL: COUNTERCHARM
You can use musical notes or words of power to disrupt mind-influencing effects. If you or a creature within 30 feet of you fails a saving throw against an effect that applies the Charmed or Frightened condition, you can use your Reaction to cause the save to be rerolled, and the new roll has Advantage.8TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.9TH LEVEL: EXPERTISE
You gain Expertise in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice.10TH LEVEL: MAGICAL SECRETS
You have collected magical knowledge from a wide spectrum of disciplines. As a result, you may choose spells from outside the Bard spell list.12TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.14TH LEVEL: SUBCLASS FEATURE
You gain a feature from your Bard subclass.16TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.18TH LEVEL: SUPERIOR INSPIRATION
When you roll Initiative and have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you regain two expended uses of it.19TH LEVEL: ABILITY SCORE IMPROVEMENT
You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat or another feat of your choice for which you qualify.20TH LEVEL: WORDS OF CREATION
You have mastered two of the prime Words of Creation: the words of life and death. You therefore always have the Power Word Heal and Power Word Kill spells prepared, and when you cast either spell, you can target a second creature with the spell, provided that creature is within 10 feet of the first target.subclass options:
| Level | Prof. Bonus | Class Features | Bardic Die | Cantrips | Spells | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | Bardic Inspiration, Spellcasting | d6 | 2 | 4 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2nd | +2 | Expertise, Jack of All Trades | d6 | 2 | 5 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3rd | +2 | Bard Subclass | d6 | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement | d6 | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5th | +3 | Font of Inspiration | d8 | 3 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 6th | +3 | Subclass Feature | d8 | 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 7th | +3 | Countercharm | d8 | 3 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement | d8 | 3 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - | - |
| 9th | +4 | Expertise | d8 | 3 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | - | - | - | - |
| 10th | +4 | Magical Secrets | d10 | 4 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | - | - | - | - |
| 11th | +4 | - | d10 | 4 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement | d10 | 4 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | - | - | - |
| 13th | +5 | - | d10 | 4 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| 14th | +5 | Subclass Feature | d10 | 4 | 17 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | - | - |
| 15th | +5 | - | d12 | 4 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement | d12 | 4 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | - |
| 17th | +6 | - | d12 | 4 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 18th | +6 | Superior Inspiration | d12 | 4 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement | d12 | 4 | 21 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20th | +6 | Words of Creation | d12 | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
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