College of Heraldry

Those in the College of Heraldry are specifically trained to address the courts of the land. They are learned in protocols, customs, languages, and noble family histories of various lands, as well as heraldry - the art of studying, devising, and blazoning coats of arms. Ambassadors, emissaries, heralds, genealogists, bannermen, civil servants, advisers - these bards can hold many functions in relation to the court.

Although, however useful schooling to become a representative of a court may be, training for a specific profession may not be in the mind of a student of this college. Many bards simply wish to travel the wide world and experience other cultures, and the College of Heraldry can provide the necessary education for such sojourns, allowing a wanderer to enter foreign territories and be welcomed with ease amongst its peoples.

 

Homebrewed subclass from GM Binder, by deannedeeclasses.

Court Etiquette and Local Customs

3rd-level College of Heraldry feature

You are well studied in the various regions of the world. You learn three languages of your choice and have advantage when making Intelligence (History) checks related to remembering the court etiquette or local customs of a region.

A member of the College of Heraldry is oft welcome in courts to see high ranking officials such as generals, mages, and royalty. If you and your college are in good standing with the officials, you will be granted an audience and be given priority to do so.

You are also very good at sussing out the local knowledge and gossip. By spending at least an hour chatting and carousing with the locals you learn any pertinent information or salacious rumors of the area.

Banner

3rd-level College of Heraldry feature

You have developed heraldic banner that represents your party. As an action, you may create an illusion of your party's banner that forms above you and travels with you for 1 minute, until you use the feature again, or until you end it (no action required). Roll one of your Bardic Inspiration die, expending it, and choose attack rolls, saving throws, or ability checks. Allies within 10 feet of you while the banner is active gain a bonus to the chosen rolls equal to the number rolled.

Social Research

6th-level College of Heraldry feature

If you spend at least 1 minute observing or interacting with another creature outside combat, you can learn certain information about its capabilities compared to your own. The DM tells you if the creature is your equal, superior, or inferior in regard to two of the following characteristics of your choice:

• Wisdom score
• Charisma score
• Armor Class
• Class levels (if any)

At the DM’s option, you might learn where the creature was raised or spent a lot of time in, any organizations it belongs to, or its titles, ranks, or social status.

Improved Banner

14th-level College of Heraldry feature

The inspiring power of your banner increases. The radius of your banner increases to 30 feet and the duration increases to 10 minutes. Additionally, if a creature is within the radius of your banner, it counts as being in range for your spells with a range of touch or greater.