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Core Bard Traits

Primary AbilityCharisma
Hit DieD8 per Bard level
Saving ThrowsDexterity and Charisma
SkillsChoose any 3 skills
WeaponsSimple weapons
ArmorLight armor
ToolsChoose 3 Musical Instruments
Starting EquipmentChoose A or B: (A) Leather Armor, 2 Daggers, Musical Instrument of choice, Entertainer's Pack, 19 GP; or (B) 90 GP
SpellcastingPrepared spellcaster using Charisma (spells from the Bard list, starting at level 1)
Hit Points at Level 18 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points per Level5 (or 1d8) + your Constitution modifier

An inspiring magician whose power echoes the music of creation, weaving spells through words and music and bolstering allies with magical inspiration.

Level Progression

Spell Slots per Spell Level
LevelPBFeaturesBardic DieCantripsPrepared Spells1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th
1+2Bardic Inspiration, Spellcasting1d6242————————
2+2Expertise, Jack of All Trades1d6253————————
3+2Bard Subclass1d62642———————
4+2Ability Score Improvement1d63743———————
5+3Font of Inspiration1d839432——————
6+3Subclass feature1d8310433——————
7+3Countercharm1d83114331—————
8+3Ability Score Improvement1d83124332—————
9+4Expertise1d831443331————
10+4Magical Secrets1d1041543332————
11+4—1d10416433321———
12+4Ability Score Improvement1d10416433321———
13+5—1d104174333211——
14+5Subclass feature1d104174333211——
15+5—1d1241843332111—
16+5Ability Score Improvement1d1241843332111—
17+6—1d12419433321111
18+6Superior Inspiration1d12420433331111
19+6Epic Boon1d12421433332111
20+6Words of Creation1d12422433332211

Class Features

Level 1Bardic 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 the Bardic Inspiration 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 Features table. The die becomes a d8 at level 5, a d10 at level 10, and a d12 at level 15.

Level 1Spellcasting

You have learned to cast spells through your bardic arts. See "Spells" for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules with Bard spells, which appear in the Bard spell list later in the class's description.

Cantrips. You know two cantrips of your choice from the Bard spell list. Dancing Lights and Vicious Mockery are recommended. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one of your cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from the Bard spell list. When you reach Bard levels 4 and 10, you learn another cantrip of your choice from the Bard spell list.

Spell Slots. The Bard Features table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your level 1+ spells. You regain all expended slots when you finish a Long Rest.

Prepared Spells of Level 1+. You prepare the list of level 1+ spells that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose four level 1 spells from the Bard spell list. Charm Person, Color Spray, Dissonant Whispers, and Healing Word are recommended.

Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one spell on your list with another Bard spell for which you have spell slots.

Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your Bard spells.

Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Musical Instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for your Bard spells.

Level 2Expertise

You gain Expertise in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Performance and Persuasion are recommended if you have proficiency in them.

At Bard level 9, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice.

Level 2Jack 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.

Level 3Bard Subclass

You gain a Bard subclass of your choice. The College of Lore subclass is detailed after this class's description. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Bard levels. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass's features that are of your Bard level or lower.

Level 4Ability Score Improvement

You gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Bard levels 8, 12, and 16.

Level 5Font of Inspiration

You now regain all your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration when you finish a Short or Long Rest.

In addition, you can expend a spell slot (no action required) to regain one expended use of Bardic Inspiration.

Level 7Countercharm

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 take a Reaction to cause the save to be rerolled, and the new roll has Advantage.

Level 10Magical Secrets

You've learned secrets from various magical traditions. Whenever you reach a Bard level (including this level) and the Prepared Spells number in the Bard Features table increases, you can choose any of your new prepared spells from the Bard, Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spell lists, and the chosen spells count as Bard spells for you. In addition, whenever you replace a spell prepared for this class, you can replace it with a spell from those lists.

Level 18Superior Inspiration

When you roll Initiative, you regain expended uses of Bardic Inspiration until you have two if you have fewer than that.

Level 19Epic Boon

You gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Spell Recall is recommended.

Level 20Words of Creation

You have mastered two of the Words of Creation: the words of life and death. You therefore always have the Power Word Heal and Power Word Kill spells prepared. When you cast either spell, you can target a second creature with it if that creature is within 10 feet of the first target.