Ability Scores
Core attributes and their modifiers.
Overview
Movement
Senses
Saving Throws
Languages
Common plus any two languages
Resistances & Immunities
Traits
Artistic Expression
The bard has one primary form of artistic expression, such as song, poetry, dance, fashion, paint, or similar. It is resistant to one type of damage associated with that artistic expression. For example, a bard expressing art through song or oration is resistant to thunder damage, a bard expressing art through paint is resistant to acid or poison damage (the bard's choice), and a bard expressing art through witty discourse or clever quips is resistant to psychic damage. This trait can't make the bard resistant to force, necrotic, or radiant damage.
Expressive Weapons
When the bard hits with any weapon, the weapon deals an extra 3d8 damage of the type determined by Artistic Expression.
Actions
Dissonant Outburst
Each creature within 30 feet of the bard and that can see or hear it must make a DC 15 WIS save. On a failure, a creature takes 14 (4d6) thunder damage and 7 (2d6) psychic damage and has disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks until the end of its next turn. On a success, a creature takes half the damage and doesn't have disadvantage on attack rolls and ability checks.
Hand Crossbow
+6 to hit, range 30/120 ft (9.1/36.6 m). Hit: 1d6+3 plus 3d8 piercing damage.
Ranged Weapon Attack:+6 to hit, range 30/120 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6+3) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) damage of the type determined by Artistic Expression.
Multiattack
The bard makes two Rapier or Hand Crossbow attacks. It can replace one attack with a use of Spellcasting.
Rapier
+6 to hit. Hit: 1d8+3 plus 3d8 piercing damage.
Melee Weapon Attack: +6 to hit, reach 5. ft., one target. Hit: 7 (1d8+3) piercing damage plus 13 (3d8) damage of the type determined by Artistic Expression.
Spellcasting
The bard casts one of the following spells, using CHA as the spellcasting ability (spell save DC 15).
- At Will: dancing lights, mage hand, message
- 3/Day Each: faerie fire, hold, suggestion
- 1/Day Each: confusion, greater invisibility
About Bard
Bard is a medium humanoid with a Challenge Rating of 5. It has a chaotic evil alignment.
In combat, this creature maintains an Armor Class of 15 and possesses 114 hit points (derived from None).
Bard has communication capabilities including Common plus any two languages. This allows it to interact verbally with various creatures and characters.
GM Tips: Using Bard
1 tips available
GM Tips: Using Bard
When using Bard in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:
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Fire Damage Mitigation: This creature deals fire damage. Advise players to have fire resistance ready or use water-based tactics. Consider environmental fire hazards that could backfire on the creature.
Player Guide: Facing Bard
1 strategies available
Player Guide: Facing Bard
When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:
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Fire Damage Protection: This creature deals fire damage! Get fire resistance from spells like 'Resistance' or potions. Avoid fighting near flammable objects. Water spells can counter fire attacks.
Encounter Building Calculator
Encounter Building Calculator
Standard Party Encounter (4-5 characters):
This creature is a medium encounter for a party of 4 characters of level 5.
Solo Encounter:
A single character of level 7 (up to level 20) can face this creature in a medium to hard encounter.
Experience Point Thresholds:
- Medium: 3,000 XP
- Hard: 4,500 XP
- Deadly: 6,000 XP
Based on D&D 5e Dungeon Master's Guide encounter building guidelines. CR roughly equals party level for medium encounters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the challenge rating of Bard?
- Bard has a Challenge Rating of 5, making it appropriate for parties of level 5.0.
- What type of creature is Bard?
- Bard is a Medium Humanoid, which affects how certain spells and abilities interact with it.
- What languages does Bard speak?
- Bard can communicate in Common plus any two languages.
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