Are you ready to dive into the enchanting world of bard 5e? This article will help you uncover the secrets of playing a bard in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition. From understanding basic features to mastering spellcasting, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know.
You’ll explore hit points, proficiencies, spellcasting abilities, bardic inspiration, and the unique bard 5e colleges. Whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner, this comprehensive guide will enhance your gameplay and ensure you make the most out of your bard 5e character. Let’s get started on this magical journey!
| Level | Proficiency Bonus | Features | Cantrips Known | Spells Known | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | +2 | Spellcasting, Bardic Inspiration (d6) | 2 | 4 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 2nd | +2 | Jack of All Trades, Song of Rest (d6), Magical Inspiration (Optional) | 2 | 5 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 3rd | +2 | Bard College, Expertise | 2 | 6 | 4 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 4th | +2 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility (Optional) | 3 | 7 | 4 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 5th | +3 | Bardic Inspiration (d8), Font of Inspiration | 3 | 8 | 4 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 6th | +3 | Countercharm, Bard College feature | 3 | 9 | 4 | 3 | 3 | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| 7th | +3 | – | 3 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – | – | – |
| 8th | +3 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility (Optional) | 3 | 11 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – | |
| 9th | +4 | Song of Rest (d8) | 3 | 12 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | – | – | – | – |
| 10th | +4 | Bardic Inspiration (d10), Expertise, Magical Secrets | 4 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | – | – | – |
| 11th | +4 | – | 4 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 12th | +4 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility (Optional) | 4 | 15 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | – | – | – |
| 13th | +5 | Song of Rest (d10) | 4 | 16 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | – |
| 14th | +5 | Magical Secrets, Bard College feature | 4 | 18 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | – | – |
| 15th | +5 | Bardic Inspiration (d12) | 4 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – |
| 16th | +5 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility (Optional) | 4 | 19 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | – |
| 17th | +6 | Song of Rest (d12) | 4 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 18th | +6 | Magical Secrets | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 19th | +6 | Ability Score Improvement, Bardic Versatility (Optional) | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20th | +6 | Superior Inspiration | 4 | 22 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Understanding the Basic Features of Bard 5e
If you’re looking to explore the captivating world of Bard 5e, you’ve come to the right place. This guide will walk you through the essential elements that make the Bard 5e class so unique and versatile. From hit points to proficiencies and equipment, let’s dive in and discover what makes Bards stand out.
Hit Points
Understanding hit points is crucial for any Bard 5e character. Here’s a breakdown:
- Hit Dice: 1d8 per Bard 5e level
- Hit Points at 1st Level: 8 + Constitution modifier
- Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d8 (or 5) + Constitution modifier per Bard 5e level after 1st
Proficiencies
Bards are known for their versatility, and their proficiencies reflect this. Here’s what you need to know:
- Armor: Light armor
- Weapons: Simple weapons, hand crossbows, longswords, rapiers, shortswords
- Tools: Three musical instruments of your choice
- Saving Throws: Dexterity, Charisma
- Skills: Choose any three
Equipment
Equipping your Bard 5e character properly is key to their success. Here’s a list of starting equipment:
- A rapier, longsword, or any simple weapon
- A diplomat’s pack or an entertainer’s pack
- A lute or any other musical instrument
- Leather armor and a dagger
By understanding these basic features, you’ll be well on your way to creating a top-notch Bard 5e character. Each aspect is designed to enhance your gameplay experience, ensuring your Bard is ready for any adventure.
Also Read: Scrying 5e: Master the Art of Remote Viewing in D&D
Spellcasting
When exploring the Bard 5e class, one of the most captivating aspects is its spellcasting abilities. Bards are versatile spellcasters who bring a unique flair to their magical repertoire.
Let’s delve into the key elements that make Bard 5e spellcasting so intriguing.
Cantrips
Bards begin their magical journey with a selection of cantrips. These are simple spells that can be performed effortlessly and don’t require spell slots.
Cantrips are always at the bard’s disposal, allowing them to cast these spells as many times as needed. They provide a solid foundation for any bard 5e, offering useful effects both in and out of combat.
Ritual Casting
Ritual casting is another fascinating feature of the bard’s spellcasting. This allows bards to cast certain spells as rituals, which means they don’t expend a spell slot when performing these spells.
Ritual casting is particularly useful for spells that aren’t needed urgently but offer significant utility, like “”Detect Magic”” or “”Comprehend Languages.””
Spells Known of 1st Level and Higher
As bards progress in their journey, they gain access to higher-level spells. They start with a few spells known at 1st level and gradually learn more spells as they level up.
Bards have the flexibility to choose spells from any class, making them incredibly versatile. This feature allows a bard to adapt to many situations, whether it’s healing allies, controlling the battlefield, or dealing damage.
Spellcasting Focus
A bard’s spellcasting focus is typically a musical instrument. This focus isn’t just for show; it’s a crucial part of their spellcasting process. Using an instrument as a focus, bards can channel their magical energy more effectively.
This adds a unique flavor to their spellcasting, making every spell feel like a performance. Whether strumming a lute or blowing a horn, the bard’s magic is always accompanied by a touch of artistry.
Bardic Inspiration
When diving into the world of bard 5e, one of the most captivating features is Bardic Inspiration. This ability not only enhances your character’s performance in various situations but also supports your fellow adventurers. Let’s explore three compelling aspects of Bardic Inspiration that make it an essential tool for any bard.
Magical Secrets
Magical Secrets is a remarkable feature that allows bards to expand their spellcasting repertoire. At certain levels, you can choose spells from any class, breaking free from the traditional bard spell list.
This flexibility makes you a versatile spellcaster, capable of adapting to any challenge. Imagine the possibilities when you can select the most powerful spells from other classes to complement your bardic abilities!
Song of Rest
Song of Rest is a soothing ability that enables you to heal your allies during short rests. By playing a gentle melody or reciting a calming poem, you can help your party regain additional hit points.
This feature is particularly useful in prolonged adventures where resources are scarce. Your allies will appreciate the extra healing, allowing them to face the next challenge with renewed vigor.
Superior Inspiration
Superior Inspiration is an advanced feature that ensures you always have a Bardic Inspiration die ready when you need it most. When you roll for initiative and have no uses of Bardic Inspiration left, you regain one use.
This feature is a testament to the bard’s resilience and readiness, ensuring you can always provide support to your team, even in the most dire situations. Never find yourself unprepared again with this reliable ability.
By mastering these aspects of Bardic Inspiration, you can unlock the full potential of your bard 5e character. From casting powerful spells to healing your party and always being ready for action, Bardic Inspiration is a cornerstone of what makes the bard class truly unique and indispensable in any adventuring party.
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Bard Colleges
| Bard College | Sourcebook |
|---|---|
| Lore | Player’s Handbook |
| Valor | Player’s Handbook |
| Glamour | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything |
| Swords | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything |
| Whispers | Xanathar’s Guide to Everything |
| Creation | Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything |
| Eloquence | Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything |
| Spirits | Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft |
Ability Score Improvement
When you embark on your journey in Bard Colleges, one of the first perks you’ll encounter is the Ability Score Improvement. This feature allows you to enhance your character’s abilities, making them more versatile and effective in various scenarios.
You can either boost one ability score by 2 points or two different ability scores by 1 point each. This improvement comes at specific levels, giving you the flexibility to tailor your bard to suit your preferred playstyle.
Expertise
Another remarkable feature of Bard Colleges is Expertise. This ability significantly enhances your bard’s proficiency in skills. At certain levels, you can choose two of your skill proficiencies and double the proficiency bonus for any ability check you make that uses either of the chosen proficiencies.
This makes your bard exceptionally skilled in particular areas, whether it’s persuasion, performance, or another vital skill. This expertise enables your bard to shine in both social interactions and more technical challenges, making you an invaluable asset to your party.
Also Read: Mastering Grappling in DnD 5E – A Comprehensive Guide
Conclusion
Understanding the Bard 5e class can greatly enhance your Dungeons & Dragons gameplay. From spellcasting to bardic inspiration, the Bard offers a wide range of abilities that make it a versatile and powerful choice. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced player, mastering the Bard can be a rewarding experience.
If you enjoyed this deep dive into the Bard 5e, be sure to explore more of our blogs for additional tips and insights. Happy adventuring!
