Bard
Hit Points
- Hit Dice
- 1D8 per Bard level
Description
The Bard is a distinctive character class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition.
With a D8 Hit Die, the Bard balances combat effectiveness with survivability.
Key features include: Ability Score Improvement, Bard Spell List, Bard Subclass.
The Bard offers 1 subclass options for customization and specialization.
Class Progression
| Level | Bardic Die | Cantrips | Prepared Spells | Proficiency Bonus | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D6 | 2 | 4 | +2 | 2 | ||||||||
| 2 | D6 | 2 | 5 | +2 | 3 | ||||||||
| 3 | D6 | 2 | 6 | +2 | 4 | 2 | |||||||
| 4 | D6 | 3 | 7 | +2 | 4 | 3 | |||||||
| 5 | D8 | 3 | 9 | +3 | 4 | 3 | 2 | ||||||
| 6 | D8 | 3 | 10 | +3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | ||||||
| 7 | D8 | 3 | 11 | +3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 1 | |||||
| 8 | D8 | 3 | 12 | +3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 2 | |||||
| 9 | D8 | 3 | 14 | +4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | ||||
| 10 | D10 | 4 | 15 | +4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | ||||
| 11 | D10 | 4 | 16 | +4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
| 12 | D10 | 4 | 16 | +4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
| 13 | D10 | 4 | 17 | +5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 14 | D10 | 4 | 17 | +5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | ||
| 15 | D12 | 4 | 18 | +5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 16 | D12 | 4 | 18 | +5 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |
| 17 | D12 | 4 | 19 | +6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 18 | D12 | 4 | 20 | +6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 19 | D12 | 4 | 21 | +6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 20 | D12 | 4 | 22 | +6 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
Subclasses
Class Features
Bardic Inspiration
Level 1
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.
Spellcasting
Level 1
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, as shown in the Cantrips column of the Bard Features table.
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.
The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Bard levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Bard Features table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the 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 level 3 Bard, your list of prepared spells can include six spells of levels 1 and 2 in any combination.
If another Bard feature gives you spells that you always have prepared, those spells don't count against the number of spells you can prepare with this feature, but those spells otherwise count as Bard spells for you.
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.
Expertise
Level 2
You gain Expertise (see "Rules Glossary") 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.
Jack of All Trades
Level 2
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.
Ability Score Improvement
Level 4
Level 8
Level 12
Level 16
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.
Font of Inspiration
Level 5
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.
Countercharm
Level 7
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.
Magical Secrets
Level 10
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 (see a class's section for its spell list). In addition, whenever you replace a spell prepared for this class, you can replace it with a spell from those lists.
Superior Inspiration
Level 18
When you roll Initiative, you regain expended uses of Bardic Inspiration until you have two if you have fewer than that.
Epic Boon
Level 19
You gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Spell Recall is recommended.
Words of Creation
Level 20
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.
Bard Spell List
This section presents the Bard spell list. The spells are organized by spell level and then alphabetized, and each spell's school of magic is listed. In the Special column, C means the spell requires Concentration, R means it's a Ritual, and M means it requires a specific Material component.
Cantrips (Level 0)
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Dancing Lights | Illusion | C |
| Light | Evocation | — |
| Mage Hand | Conjuration | — |
| Mending | Transmutation | — |
| Message | Transmutation | — |
| Minor Illusion | Illusion | — |
| Prestidigitation | Transmutation | — |
| Starry Wisp | Evocation | — |
| True Strike | Divination | — |
| Vicious Mockery | Enchantment | — |
Level 1
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Animal Friendship | Enchantment | — |
| Bane | Enchantment | C |
| Charm Person | Enchantment | — |
| Color Spray | Illusion | — |
| Command | Enchantment | — |
| Comprehend Languages | Divination | R |
| Cure Wounds | Abjuration | — |
| Detect Magic | Divination | C, R |
| Disguise Self | Illusion | — |
| Dissonant Whispers | Enchantment | — |
| Faerie Fire | Evocation | C |
| Feather Fall | Transmutation | — |
| Healing Word | Abjuration | — |
| Heroism | Enchantment | C |
| Hideous Laughter | Enchantment | C |
| Identify | Divination | R, M |
| Illusory Script | Illusion | R, M |
| Longstrider | Transmutation | — |
| Silent Image | Illusion | C |
| Sleep | Enchantment | C |
| Speak with Animals | Divination | R |
| Thunderwave | Evocation | — |
| Unseen Servant | Conjuration | R |
Level 2
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Aid | Abjuration | — |
| Animal Messenger | Enchantment | R |
| Blindness/Deafness | Transmutation | — |
| Calm Emotions | Enchantment | C |
| Detect Thoughts | Divination | C |
| Enhance Ability | Transmutation | C |
| Enlarge/Reduce | Transmutation | C |
| Enthrall | Enchantment | C |
| Heat Metal | Transmutation | C |
| Hold Person | Enchantment | C |
| Invisibility | Illusion | C |
| Knock | Transmutation | — |
| Lesser Restoration | Abjuration | — |
| Locate Animals or Plants | Divination | R |
| Locate Object | Divination | C |
| Magic Mouth | Illusion | R, M |
| Mirror Image | Illusion | — |
| See Invisibility | Divination | — |
| Shatter | Evocation | — |
| Silence | Illusion | C, R |
| Suggestion | Enchantment | C |
| Zone of Truth | Enchantment | — |
Level 3
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Bestow Curse | Necromancy | C |
| Clairvoyance | Divination | C, M |
| Dispel Magic | Abjuration | — |
| Fear | Illusion | C |
| Glyph of Warding | Abjuration | M |
| Hypnotic Pattern | Illusion | C |
| Major Image | Illusion | C |
| Mass Healing Word | Abjuration | — |
| Nondetection | Abjuration | M |
| Plant Growth | Transmutation | — |
| Sending | Divination | — |
| Slow | Transmutation | C |
| Speak with Dead | Necromancy | — |
| Speak with Plants | Transmutation | — |
| Stinking Cloud | Conjuration | C |
| Tiny Hut | Evocation | R |
| Tongues | Divination | — |
Level 4
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Charm Monster | Enchantment | — |
| Compulsion | Enchantment | C |
| Confusion | Enchantment | C |
| Dimension Door | Conjuration | — |
| Freedom of Movement | Abjuration | — |
| Greater Invisibility | Illusion | C |
| Hallucinatory Terrain | Illusion | — |
| Locate Creature | Divination | C |
| Phantasmal Killer | Illusion | C |
| Polymorph | Transmutation | C |
Level 5
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Animate Objects | Transmutation | C |
| Awaken | Transmutation | M |
| Dominate Person | Enchantment | C |
| Dream | Illusion | — |
| Geas | Enchantment | — |
| Greater Restoration | Abjuration | M |
| Hold Monster | Enchantment | C |
| Legend Lore | Divination | M |
| Mass Cure Wounds | Abjuration | — |
| Mislead | Illusion | C |
| Modify Memory | Enchantment | C |
| Planar Binding | Abjuration | M |
| Raise Dead | Necromancy | M |
| Scrying | Divination | C, M |
| Seeming | Illusion | — |
| Telepathic Bond | Divination | R |
| Teleportation Circle | Conjuration | M |
Level 6
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Eyebite | Necromancy | C |
| Find the Path | Divination | C, M |
| Guards and Wards | Abjuration | M |
| Heroes' Feast | Conjuration | M |
| Irresistible Dance | Enchantment | C |
| Mass Suggestion | Enchantment | — |
| Programmed Illusion | Illusion | M |
| True Seeing | Divination | M |
Level 7
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Arcane Sword | Evocation | C, M |
| Etherealness | Conjuration | — |
| Forcecage | Evocation | C, M |
| Magnificent Mansion | Conjuration | M |
| Mirage Arcane | Illusion | — |
| Prismatic Spray | Evocation | — |
| Project Image | Illusion | C, M |
| Regenerate | Transmutation | — |
| Resurrection | Necromancy | M |
| Symbol | Abjuration | M |
| Teleport | Conjuration | — |
Level 8
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Antipathy/Sympathy | Enchantment | — |
| Befuddlement | Enchantment | — |
| Dominate Monster | Enchantment | C |
| Glibness | Enchantment | — |
| Mind Blank | Abjuration | — |
| Power Word Stun | Enchantment | — |
Level 9
| Spell | School | Special |
|---|---|---|
| Foresight | Divination | — |
| Power Word Heal | Enchantment | — |
| Power Word Kill | Enchantment | — |
| Prismatic Wall | Abjuration | — |
| True Polymorph | Transmutation | C |
Bard 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.
Core Bard Traits
| Primary Ability | Charisma |
| Hit Point Die | D8 per Bard level |
| Saving Throw Proficiencies | Dexterity and Charisma |
| Skill Proficiencies | Choose any 3 skills |
| Weapon Proficiencies | Simple weapons |
| Tool Proficiencies | Choose 3 Musical Instruments |
| Armor Training | Light armor |
| Starting Equipment | Choose A or B: (A) Leather Armor, 2 Daggers, Musical Instrument of your choice, Entertainer's Pack, and 19 GP; or (B) 90 GP |
About Bard
The Bard is a D8 hit die class .
Subclasses & Specializations
Explore paths
Subclasses & Specializations
Bard has 1 subclasses for customization.
{Build Tips & Playing Guide
{Role in Party
The Bard excels at leveraging their unique strengths.
Key Saving Throws
You are proficient in these saving throws
{Spellcasting
This is a FULL caster class, gaining spell slots progressively as you level up.
{Subclass Selection
{Choose a subclass at the appropriate level based on your desired playstyle. Each subclass offers unique features and abilities that define your character's specialization.
Quick Build Tips
- Focus on your primary ability score during character creation
- Choose feats that complement your class features
- Consider your subclass features when selecting multiclass options
- Review your class features at each level-up for optimal choices
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