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Returning 35 results for 'bards before defense compared roles'.
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Bard
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
experience earns renown among other bards. Indeed, after telling so many stories about heroes accomplishing mighty deeds, many bards take these themes to heart and assume heroic roles themselves
of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation
Backgrounds
Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide
assume roles of greater responsibility and prominence. You might be one of Candlekeep’s own, dedicated to the curatorship of what is likely the most complete body of lore and history in all the
. . . everyone . . . is . . . compared . . . to me.
7
I am horribly, horribly awkward in social situations.
8
I’m convinced that people are always trying to steal my secrets
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
experience earns renown among other bards. Indeed, after telling so many stories about heroes accomplishing mighty deeds, many bards take these themes to heart and assume heroic roles themselves.
Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
experience earns renown among other bards. Indeed, after telling so many stories about heroes accomplishing mighty deeds, many bards take these themes to heart and assume heroic roles themselves.
Learning from Experience True bards are not common in the world. Not every minstrel singing in a tavern or jester cavorting in a royal court is a bard. Discovering the magic hidden in music requires
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
. The Boromars recruit ex-soldiers as muscle, trained sages for research, sailors to crew smuggling vessels, and charlatans and urchins for their unique talents. Consider some or all of these roles for
give them a broad range of knowledge to support their schemes. Bards, rogues, and wizards are often drawn to this role. Safecracker. The “breaking” part of “breaking and entering” is the Safecracker’s
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
Bard Subclasses A Bard subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Bard levels, as specified in the subclass. Bards form loose associations, which they call colleges, to preserve
Harmony with the Cosmos Bards of the College of Dance know that the Words of Creation can’t be contained within speech or song; the words are uttered by the movements of celestial bodies and flow
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
all of these roles: Prince Oargev ir’Wynarn Civil Servant. The vast majority of work performed on behalf of a head of state has very little to do with deadly adventure: it’s about prosecuting and
Charisma to work in the service of the state. These characters often come from a noble background and bring proficiency in skills such as Intimidation and Persuasion to their work. Bards are natural fits in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
backgrounds such as criminal, sage, soldier, or urchin, regardless of the role they play in a group. Consider some or all of these roles for characters in your party: Client. When a routine investigation goes
in both Persuasion and Intimidation prove helpful in this role. Bards, paladins, and sorcerers have both the requisite talents and the ability to supplement their interrogations with magic
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything
elementals Wondrous item No Bracers of defense Wondrous item Yes Brazier of commanding fire elementals Wondrous item No Cape of the mountebank Wondrous item No Censer of controlling air elementals Wondrous
teleportation Wondrous item Yes Horn of blasting Wondrous item No Horn of Valhalla (silver or brass) Wondrous item No Instrument of the bards (Canaith mandolin) Wondrous item Yes (bard) Instrument of
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
faith, making them proficient with the quarterstaff and nothing else. You could give them a benefit to make up for the loss of proficiencies—something like the monk’s Unarmored Defense class feature, but
firmly in the world by associating the class with a particular race or culture. For example, you might decide that bards, sorcerers, warlocks, and wizards represent the magical traditions of four
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Bladesinging When faced with the endless onslaught of magical possibilities, many wizards suffer identity crises. Some overcome, some break, and some become sword-bards.
Tasha
Bladesingers master
, a bladesinger uses a series of intricate, elegant maneuvers that fend off harm and allow the bladesinger to channel magic into devastating attacks and a cunning defense. Many who have observed a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
between characters who are scholars and those who are more traditional adventurers. Consider some or all of these roles for characters in your party: Field Researcher. The academic in your group might also
skills. Bards and rogues make natural academic Financiers, as do those with the charlatan and noble backgrounds. Research Assistant. Whether their seeking to graduate, get published, or make their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
is no marriage, and ancestry is traced matrilineally. Despite the very different roles played by men and women, Setessans are flexible when it comes to any individual’s place in that structure. Some
fluidly between roles, and a few choose a special role that Setessans view as standing outside the dichotomy of gender, living in Ophis Tower. The warriors of Ophis Tower are martially trained as women are
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants
Giant Patrons Many of the adventure hooks throughout this book involve giants asking characters for help or hiring them to carry out a task. This section outlines long-term patron roles giants might
fill. If you want to use a giant as a patron for a group of adventurers, you can use the perks, contacts, and roles described in the “Group Patrons” chapter of Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything alongside
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
patron’s behalf. Consider some or all of these roles for the characters in your party: Chameleon. A master of disguise, sleight of hand, and deception, the Chameleon can perform the work of the
cloak or disguise one’s appearance), and proficiency with skills such as Deception, Performance, and Sleight of Hand all greatly benefit the Chameleon. Bards and rogues, as well as characters with
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos
bards find a home in Silverquill, putting the power of their voices to use with Silverquill magic. Wizards (especially those who study the Schools of Illusion and Enchantment) are common in
way to succeed. 4 I’ve mastered the art of using humor as a defense, and I always have a charming joke ready. 5 I always wait before speaking, analyzing the situation for whichever angle is most
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
envisioned. Absent the presence of an anathema, yuan-ti abominations are the leaders in most yuan-ti cities. Yuan-ti Malisons The various kinds of malisons are imperfect compared to abominations but
. Because they get to wield power and influence while playing such roles, some purebloods surround themselves with luxury in their human guises and then become resentful when they have to return home
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War
. Regardless of your origins, consider the following roles for the characters in your party: The Voice of
THRANE
Silver Flame’s Crisis of Faith!
The Templars of the Silver Flame are supposed to represent
Persuasion (or sometimes Intimidation) and Religion can be useful for this character. Many clerics fill this role, but devout bards can also be effective Teachers. Some Teachers bring skills from the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Leonin of Oreskos Close-knit prides of several dozen to a few hundred leonin make their homes throughout Oreskos. These communities treat every member as family, with all taking equal roles in
Swiftclaws, and many bards and wizards come from these prides as well. Speaker Brimaz looks beyond Oreskos and wonders
if there is a future for his people in the outside world
(PETER MOHRBACHER)
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
difficulty grasping the passage of time and the state of the world compared to its original era. 6 Fallen Muse. Your contact is a fallen celestial. Whether they regret their transgressions or hunger for
operates entirely within the law and how public its interests are also influences which of your skills it deems most valuable. The Guild Representative Roles table suggests positions you might fill in a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
largely by how they perceive outsiders and how much of a threat those outsiders might pose. Hill Dwarves. Most of the dwarves on Oerth are hill dwarves. Compared to the mountain dwarves, they have a
great empire known as Kal-Thax. They have long been split into several clans based on traditional roles that were established in Kal-Thax and its successor settlements. Yet, as with much on Krynn, the
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer: Adventures in Space->Light of Xaryxis
words, Gargenhale tells any belligerent or opportunistic characters that his crew has already died once—and they won’t hesitate to do so again in defense of their ship. In conversation, Gargenhale is
sensitive to holy praise. While aboard the ship, bards and other musicians are allowed to play only secular tunes.
Article 3: Coward’s Consequence. Those who abandon their post or shirk their duty
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Heroes of the Borderlands
riders strong. I hope to become one.” (True)
Social Interaction. Player characters can meet many different people throughout the keep. As DM, you assume the roles of these nonplayer characters, whom you
enter the keep.
Gatehouse Features The gatehouse has the following features:
Drawbridge. The keep’s first line of defense is a steep ditch, 10 feet wide and 10 feet deep, in front of the fortress
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
has several specialized roles required for success in travel and trade: a barterer, an omener, a courser, and preferably a koletra. A barterer negotiates deals between the guros and other traders
. Koletras are said to bring good luck to a band, but are also usually fated to die in defense of their family. Not every guros has a koletra of its own, and guri share their best warriors among each other
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
. Two magic items are displayed here as well. Anstruth Harp. An exquisitely crafted harp sized for a human rests on a shelf. This instrument of the bards was acquired from a human bard who counseled
in the pool (see below). They also come to the aid of the guards in area 29. They otherwise attack only in self-defense or if Sansuri commands them to. Looking out over the battlements are three
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
are justly concerned, and some have important roles to play in events yet to unfold. The Harpers The Harpers are spellcasters and spies who covertly oppose the abuse of power, magical or otherwise
, and aiding in the defense of settlements. The Zhentarim The Zhentarim, also known as the Black Network, is an unscrupulous shadow network that seeks to expand its influence and power base throughout
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dragon Heist
. Although some of the dancing is wanton and performed for show, large-scale ring dances in the street for all ages are also popular. All the dancing ends at dusk, after which bards and minstrels perform at
, on his statue in the City of the Dead, and atop the altars of the House of Wonder. Bards perform songs in honor of the wizard all over the city. The Open Lord visits taverns and inns throughout
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Guildmasters' Guide to Ravnica
acts as the police force for all of Ravnica. The Azorius NPCs table summarizes key roles within this force. Statistics for these NPCs are found in the Monster Manual unless the table states otherwise
the elite Sunhome Guard protects the legion’s headquarters. The Boros NPCs table summarizes key roles within these forces. Statistics for these NPCs are found in the Monster Manual unless the table
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Tyranny of Dragons
exploitation. When Rezmir promised that Voaraghamanthar would reward the tribe’s labors for the cult, the lizardfolk were ready to listen. Where the bullywugs fill the role of a static defense force, the
potential return and the establishment of a vast dragon empire seem like remote possibilities compared to the real danger of tangling with another dragon, any of whom would gladly murder Voaraghamanthar and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Hoard of the Dragon Queen
that Voaraghamanthar would reward the tribe’s labors for the cult, the lizardfolk were ready to listen. Where the bullywugs fill the role of a static defense force, the lizardfolk perform five functions
establishment of a vast dragon empire seem like remote possibilities compared to the real danger of tangling with another dragon, any of whom would gladly murder Voaraghamanthar and Waervaerendor for
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Princes of the Apocalypse
fickle and insubstantial compared to the power of elemental earth. Black Earth Guard Black Earth guards are the warriors of the earth cult. They are brutal, heavily armored thugs devoted to Ogrémoch
tremorsense 10 ft., passive Perception 14
Languages Common
Challenge 1/2 (100 XP)
Unarmored Defense. While the monk is wearing no armor and wielding no shield, its AC includes its Wisdom modifier
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
healed. The hands cultivate the sickness of these nurtured ones, turning them into instruments of defense and weapons of war. When orcs go to battle, a band of nurtured ones might charge in first — to
weaklings, all of them unfit for true roles in tribal life. These outsiders live in the most remote, deepest parts of the tribe’s domain. The elite among Shargaas’s followers are the assassins and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Volo's Guide to Monsters
, or the severed heads of enemy leaders — a particularly holy gift. Hobgoblins operating on their own will remain in their forts, content to deal with internal politics of rank and matters of defense
the new culture, taking up most leadership roles and acting as the strong center in any military action. Hobgoblins that are called to lead a host become fired with purpose, overtaken by a fanaticism
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Storm King's Thunder
dwell in the High Moor and demand tribute several times a year. Secomber has no defense against the Urshani. Its residents give the hobgoblins food, homemade ale, and ore to retain their freedom. The
are even more formidable than the knights and have served the city well for years. Silverymoon is also a haven for Harpers — not surprising, given that many Harpers are wizards and bards. Grand and
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Monster Manual (2014)
treasure. With its innate toughness and tolerance for severe environmental effects, a dragon selects or builds a lair not for shelter but for defense, favoring multiple entrances and exits, and
an avalanche as it attacks. Overlords and Minions. Blue dragons covet valuable and talented creatures whose service reinforces their sense of superiority. Bards, sages, artists, wizards, and assassins






