Bards are fairly spicy within the forthcoming new D&D ruleset. In D&D 5.5E, Bards get to play with all of the spells.
Properly, virtually all of the spells, however that’s not a really thrilling, clickable hook. Being technically correct is for the physique of the article and for individuals who race to the feedback to level out how fallacious you’re. However , Bards do have entry to extra spells than ever earlier than in 5.5E.
After which there’s nonetheless loads of new/revised stuff on prime of that. Bards have, at the very least since fifth Version debuted a decade in the past, been the go to selection for principal character/complete catastrophe PC. And it’s not exhausting to see why, they do some of every part, after which additionally they do a number of every part.
They’re full spellcasters, as a result of Charisma is their principal focus, they’re additionally the right face. They’ve extra hit factors than you may suppose. They usually may even struggle with a melee or ranged weapon in order for you them to. Bards are the overall bundle, with emphasis on complete and bundle, as anybody who’s ever satirically or unironically mentioned, “I roll to seduce” can attest.
WotC themselves appear conscious of this trope as a result of, I imply, simply take a look at the Bard artwork. Yeah, that is the artwork for the School of Dance, however I imply, come on that wink? That’s how you find yourself with Aasimar. Or Tieflings.
Decide your poison. Both manner, right here’s a take a look at the brand new Bard.
The New Bard – Musical, Magical, and Higher Than Ever
Bards are again, although they by no means really went wherever. So, much more, don’t name it a comeback. Bards stay a robust class possibility in 5.5E. However let’s check out among the new and adjusted options they get, beginning with the largest one: Magical Secrets and techniques.
Magical Secrets and techniques, if you happen to’re not conversant in it, was how Bards bought to poach spells from different spellcasters’ lists. Although this was, previously, restricted to 2 spells (or cantrips, however I imply, come on actually) from any class, however solely at ranges 10, 14, and 18, with barely extra for Lore Bards.
Not anymore. The largest change right here is that beginning at degree 10, you’ll be able to decide your ready spells from ANY of the most important spellcasting class lists. Not simply Bard, however Wizard, Cleric, and Druid. Certain, it’s a bit of restricted in which you could’t get the uncommon Paladin or Warlock unique spell, however that simply opens so many doorways.
Abruptly, you’re casting such as you had been no matter you needed or wanted to be. Which, once more, I really like, I’m a fan. It makes being a Wizard seem to be the worst funding ever, you need to PAY for spellbooks AND you solely get Wizard spells? Go to Bard School, pal, and get all of the spells with half the work. You do must put up with theater youngsters, although, so it’s not all upsides.
Bardic Inspiration additionally will get an replace, although it’s a lot much less horny, I’m afraid. It lasts an hour, however, in any other case it’s nonetheless mainly the identical. You inform somebody who rolls barely low, “bear in mind you will have Bardic Inspiration” after which they roll a d6 and nonetheless miss.
Different notable adjustments: Countercharm is now a response as a substitute of one thing you do prophylactically in opposition to harpies. Now you can provide somebody an additional save in opposition to an impact and so they have benefit to interrupt free.
After which all the best way to the twentieth degree, you get Energy Phrase Kill and Heal at all times ready, which is sweet. However what’s going to actually seduce these dragons/gods/eldritch abominations hellbent on devouring the fact as we all know it’s how superb the subclasses look.
5.5E Bard Subclasses – Now You’re Taking part in with Energy
Alright, allow us to return as soon as extra to the School of Dance. This can be a model new subclass for Bards launched within the new version of the foundations. This has been within the works for some time, and mainly, you change into a sleek martial artist, Bard. You get good at punching folks (or kicking or elbowing, any unarmed strike, actually) and sporting as a lot or as little clothes as you see match.
To wit, Dance Bards get an unarmored Armor Class, and at any time when they use Bardic Inspiration as both a Bonus Motion or a Response, they’ll make an Unarmed Strike at no cost. However in contrast to most everybody, your unarmed strikes deal harm equal to your Bardic Inspiration die + your Dex mod. So 1d6 + 3 or 4 to begin, after which climbing as you go. This isn’t a ton, however it is rather good to have it at no cost everytime you use your Bardic Inspiration, particularly since your unarmed strike bonus harm doesn’t really “spend” your Inspiration.
At degree 6, Dance Bards can use Bardic Inspiration to enhance the entire celebration’s initiative roll and likewise acquire a brand new response that probably lets them transfer as much as half their pace, together with an ally. And talking of transferring with allies… Dance Bards at degree 14 can share Evasion with another person.
The School of Glamour—nicely, I imply, simply take a look at them. They’ve improved from their Xanathar’s Information look.
Initially, Beguiling Magic replaces your “Enthralling Efficiency” characteristic and confers plenty of glam rock advantages: you at all times have Attraction Individual and Mirror Picture ready, your enchantment and phantasm spells allow you to additionally attempt to allure or frighten another person. Even the Mantle of Majesty has been upgraded. Now you at all times have Command ready. Enjoyable stuff throughout.
The School of Lore has been up to date a bit of, however is generally the best way it performed within the 2014 Participant’s Handbook. Notable adjustments embrace: Slicing Phrases works on creatures proof against Attraction and spending Bardic Inspiration on Peerless Ability doesn’t spend your Inspiration if you happen to nonetheless fail the examine. However in any other case, they get extra flexibility with their spell lists. Now they’ll swap out their spells on degree up, so you’ll be able to consistently tailor your record.
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Lastly the School of Valor, as a result of WotC hates Swords Bards for some motive. Possibly they had been simply too highly effective in Baldur’s Gate 3. Both manner, the Valor Bard is your basic melee bard.
The largest change right here is that their Further Assault characteristic can grant an additional assault with the assault motion, or you’ll be able to swap out a type of assaults to forged a cantrip. Excellent news for anybody taking part in with stuff like Booming Blade or Greenflame Blade and even the brand new True Strike (assuming it hasn’t modified from how we final noticed it within the Unearthed Arcana).
And that’s all the brand new courses within the Participant’s Handbook. What do you consider the adjustments?
