Creature Reference Back to Creatures

Bard

Medium · Humanoid · CR 5 · Chaotic Evil

Source. Black Flag SRD
Armor Class
15 (studded leather)
Hit Points and Hit Dice
114
Challenge Rating CR
5

Ability Scores

Core attributes and their modifiers.

STR
10
+0
DEX
22
+6
CON
12
+1
INT
14
+2
WIS
12
+1
CHA
24
+7

Overview

Category Monsters
Size Medium
Type Humanoid
Alignment Chaotic Evil
XP 1800
Initiative Bonus +6

Movement

Walk 30 ft (9.1 m)
Swim 15 ft (4.6 m)
Climb 15 ft (4.6 m)
Crawl 15 ft (4.6 m)

Senses

Passive Perception 11

Saving Throws

Strength +0 Dexterity +6 Constitution +1 Intelligence +2 Wisdom +1 Charisma +7

Languages

Common plus any two languages

Resistances & Immunities

Damage Resistances
Artistic Expression

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

Recharge 4–6

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

When using Bard in your D&D 5e campaign, consider these tactical approaches:

  • 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

When your party encounters this creature, keep these strategies in mind:

  • 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

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

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.

Related D&D 5e Content

Related Creatures