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Classes
Player’s Handbook
, proficiency with one Musical Instrument of your choice, and training with Light armor.
Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed in the Bard Features table. See the multiclassing rules to
Core Bard Traits
Primary Ability
Charisma
Hit Point Die
D8 per Bard level
Saving Throw Proficiencies
Dexterity and Charisma
Skill Proficiencies
Choose any 3 skills
Bard
Legacy
This doesn't reflect the latest rules and lore.
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Classes
Basic Rules (2014)
, ensuring that her companions’ words will be well received. Whether scholar, skald, or scoundrel, a bard weaves magic through words and music to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds
, create illusions, and even heal wounds. Music and Magic In the worlds of D&D, words and music are not just vibrations of air, but vocalizations with power all their own. The bard is a master
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
contingency. If the rules tried to do so, the game would become unplayable. An alternative would be for the rules to severely limit what characters can do, which would be counter to the open-endedness of
The Role of Rules Why even have a column like Sage Advice when a DM can just make a ruling? Rules are a big part of what makes D&D a game, rather than simply improvised storytelling. The game’s rules
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice & Errata
players to bring them to life and a DM to guide their use. The DM is key. Many unexpected things can happen in a D&D campaign, and no set of rules could reasonably account for every contingency. If
The Role of Rules Why even have Sage Advice when a DM can just make a ruling? Rules are a big part of what makes D&D a game, rather than simply improvised storytelling. The game’s rules are meant to
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
situations. See chapter 10 for the general rules of spellcasting and chapter 11 for the bard spell list. Cantrips You know two cantrips of your choice from the bard spell list. You learn additional
bard cantrips of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the Cantrips Known column of the Bard table. Spell Slots The Bard table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your bard spells of 1st
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
situations. See chapter 10 for the general rules of spellcasting and chapter 11 for the bard spell list. Cantrips You know two cantrips of your choice from the bard spell list. You learn additional
bard cantrips of your choice at higher levels, as shown in the Cantrips Known column of the Bard table. Spell Slots The Bard table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your bard spells of 1st
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Unearthed Arcana
playtest document presents updated rules on seven classes: Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Paladin, Ranger, and Rogue. This document also presents multiple subclasses for those classes, new Spells, revisions to
existing Spells and Spell Lists, and several revised Feats. You will also find an updated rules glossary that supercedes the glossary of any previous playtest document.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
, proficiency with one Musical Instrument of your choice, and training with Light armor. Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed in the Bard Features table. See the multiclassing rules in chapter 2 to determine your available spell slots.
Bard EVYN FONG An Inspiring Performer of Music, Dance, and Magic Core Bard Traits Primary Ability Charisma Hit Point Die D8 per Bard level Saving Throw Proficiencies Dexterity and Charisma Skill
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
, and training with Light armor. Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed in the Bard Features table. See the multiclassing rules in “Creating a Character” to determine your available spell slots.
Bard Core Bard Traits Primary Ability Charisma Hit Point Die D8 per Bard level Saving Throw Proficiencies Dexterity and Charisma Skill Proficiencies Choose any 3 skills (see “Playing the Game
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Music and Magic In the worlds of D&D, words and music are not just vibrations of air, but vocalizations with power all their own. The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain
sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if necessary, using their magic to bolster their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
have learned to cast spells through your bardic arts. See chapter 7 for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules with Bard spells, which appear in the Bard
spellcasting ability for your Bard spells. Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Musical Instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for your Bard spells. Level 2: Expertise You gain Expertise (see the rules glossary
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Unearthed Arcana
Forgotten Realms Subclasses January 28, 2025
In this new Unearthed Arcana document, we explore material designed for upcoming books, using rules from the 2024 Player’s Handbook. This playtest
presents revised subclasses for the Cleric (Knowledge Domain), Fighter (Purple Dragon Knight), and Wizard (Bladesinger), along with new subclasses for the Bard (College of the Moon), Paladin (Oath of the Noble Genies), Ranger (Winter Walker), Rogue (Scion of the Three), and Sorcerer (Spellfire Sorcery).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
have learned to cast spells through your bardic arts. See “Spells” for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules with Bard spells, which appear in the Bard spell
spellcasting ability for your Bard spells. Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Musical Instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for your Bard spells. Level 2: Expertise You gain Expertise (see the rules glossary) in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Unearthed Arcana
Horror Subclasses May 6, 2025
Scream! … for joy with this new Unearthed Arcana document in which we explore horror themed subclasses using the rules from the 2024 Player’s Handbook. This playtest
document presents revised subclasses for the Bard (College of Spirits), Cleric (Grave Domain), Rogue (Phantom), Sorcerer (Shadow Sorcery), and Warlock (Hexblade Patron and Undead Patron) as well as new subclasses for the Artificer (Reanimator) and Ranger (Hollow Warden).
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Music and Magic In the worlds of D&D, words and music are not just vibrations of air, but vocalizations with power all their own. The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain
sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if necessary, using their magic to bolster their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Icewind Dale: Rime of the Frostmaiden
fishing rules ("Fishing for Knucklehead Trout"), only replace the knucklehead trout with an octopus. Befriending Its Comrades. Angajuk lives alongside other sea creatures, including narwhals and
Angajuk. Fending Off Hunters. If the characters are having trouble finding another way to earn Angajuk’s trust, use the “Whale Hunt” encounter below. Defending the whale against these hunters earns its trust.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Waterdeep: Dungeon of the Mad Mage
carved with frescoes depicting dwarves defending their mountain homes against ankhegs, purple worms, umber hulks, and other burrowing monsters. (Hidden behind a fresco of a dwarf battling a bulette is a
(see “Gates”). Its rules are as follows: If a creature flies or levitates within 5 feet of the arch, the gate opens for 1 minute. Characters must be 10th level or higher to pass through this gate (see
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragon of Icespire Peak
play an all-dwarf party or a troupe of adventuring entertainers. Character Options Races Classes Backgrounds Dwarf Bard Acolyte Elf Cleric Criminal Halfling Fighter Entertainer Human Rogue Sage
— Wizard Soldier While your players follow the steps of character creation as outlined in the Basic Rules, pay attention to the choices they make. The backgrounds they choose define who their
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide
hit. Using the zombies’ average damage (4 Bludgeoning damage), the Fighter takes 8 Bludgeoning damage. After seeing the Fighter mauled by zombies, the Bard casts Shatter, centering the spell on the
Fighter. (The Bard trusts that the Fighter will succeed on the Constitution saving throw and survive the resulting damage.) The spell affects a 10-foot-radius Sphere, and the Targets in Area of Effect
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
Gaining a Level When you gain a level, follow these steps: Choose a Class. Most characters advance in the same class. However, you might decide to gain a level in another class using the rules in the
Points per Level Barbarian 7 + Con. modifier Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger 6 + Con. modifier Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue, or Warlock 5 + Con. modifier Sorcerer or Wizard 4 + Con. modifier Record
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Gaining a Level When you gain a level, follow these steps: Choose a Class. Most characters advance in the same class. However, you might decide to gain a level in another class using the rules in the
Points per Level Barbarian 7 + Con. modifier Fighter, Paladin, or Ranger 6 + Con. modifier Bard, Cleric, Druid, Monk, Rogue, or Warlock 5 + Con. modifier Sorcerer or Wizard 4 + Con. modifier Record
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Journeys through the Radiant Citadel
The characters might use their mounts to fight foes in the air, using the mounted combat rules in the Player’s Handbook. As intelligent creatures, the characters’ mounts can act independently, but they
talked out of apprehending them. During combat, the knights attempt to shove characters off the platform whenever possible. Fighting the Silent Roar If the characters are defending the Pedestal of Judgment
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dragonlance: Shadow of the Dragon Queen
Knight of Solamnia Prerequisite: Dragonlance Campaign You have trained to be a valorous warrior known as a Knight of Solamnia. Strict rules guide your every action, and you work to uphold them as you
of Solamnia character, consider playing a bard of the College of Valor (or the College of Swords from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything) or a barbarian devoted to the ideals of the nature god Habbakuk
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
Schools of Magic The rules of the game refer to the schools of magic (abjuration, illusion, necromancy, and so on), but it’s up to you to determine what those schools signify in your world. Similarly
for organizations presented earlier in this chapter. A player character necromancer might cultivate renown within the Cabal of Thar-Zad, while a bard seeks increasing renown within the College of Mac-Fuirmidh.
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)
Spellcasting feature from more than one class, use the rules below. If you multiclass but have the Spellcasting feature from only one class, you follow the rules as described in that class. Spells Known and
associated with that focus. Spell Slots. You determine your available spell slots by adding together all your levels in the bard, cleric, druid, sorcerer, and wizard classes, and half your levels
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player’s Handbook
Class Features When you gain a new level in a class, you get its features for that level. A few features have additional rules when you’re multiclassing. Check the information about multiclassing
included in each of your classes’ descriptions. Special rules apply to Extra Attack, Spellcasting, and features (such as Unarmored Defense) that give you alternative ways to calculate your Armor Class
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Ghosts of Saltmarsh
chapter 8 of the Player’s Handbook for more information on some of the topics discussed below. A number of activities are restricted to certain officers, unless the DM rules otherwise. For example, a
DM might allow a bard to engage in the Raise Morale activity by playing bawdy songs on deck to lift the crew’s spirits. The party’s pace has no effect on the activities they can engage in while
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Planescape: Adventures in the Multiverse->Turn of Fortune’s Wheel
is called Spireball. The modron happily explains the game’s rules, its stakes, and the two teams, all of which are detailed below. Good versus Evil Two teams—the Noxious Stampede and the Righteous
opponents, no matter how low the Noxious Stampede stoops. Spireball Rules Nikki Dawes Shariel, Star Player of the Righteous Hands Spireball takes place on a flat, triangular diamond surrounded by a ringed
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->D&D Beyond Basic Rules
Class Features When you gain a new level in a class, you get its features for that level. A few features have additional rules when you’re multiclassing. Check the information about multiclassing
included in each of your classes’ descriptions. Special rules apply to Extra Attack, Spellcasting, and features (such as Unarmored Defense) that give you alternative ways to calculate your Armor Class
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)
themselves. Towns and cities are the seats of the nobles who govern the surrounding area, and who carry the responsibility for defending the villages from attack. Occasionally, a local lord or lady
lives in a keep or fortress with no nearby town or city. Village Population: Up to about 1,000 Government: A noble (usually not a resident) rules the village, with an appointed agent (a reeve) in
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mordenkainen's Tome of Foes
Belial, but his contingency plans rescue him from possible disaster. Other devils might gain a brief advantage over the two lords because of their infighting, but whenever any true threat to their rule
arises, the seeming enemies cooperate to dispatch pretenders to their shared throne. Fiery Realm of Dark Delights The pair rules over Phlegethos, an expanse filled with immense volcanoes that expel
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Ephara’s Champions Alignment: Usually lawful, often neutral Suggested Classes: Bard, cleric, monk, paladin, wizard Suggested Cleric Domains: Knowledge, Light Suggested Backgrounds: Acolyte, athlete
internal. (Any)
Earning and Losing Piety You increase your piety score to Ephara when you expand the god’s influence in the world in a concrete way through acts such as these: Defending a city from a
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Mythic Odysseys of Theros
Phenax’s Champions Alignment: Usually chaotic, often neutral Suggested Classes: Bard, cleric, monk, rogue, warlock Suggested Cleric Domains: Trickery Suggested Backgrounds: Charlatan, criminal
he hadn’t.
Devotion to Phenax Following Phenax means devoting yourself to a life of trickery and guile. To a champion of Phenax, a life without risk is no life at all. Some rules are meant to be
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sage Advice Compendium
the rules specifically say so. The next few questions touch on this point again. Can you get a critical hit on an ability check? For example, on a grapple attempt, does a critical win, or the highest
can benefit a bard’s initiative, assuming the bard isn’t already adding his or her proficiency bonus to it. When you make a Strength (Athletics) check to grapple or shove someone, are you making an
Compendium
- Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)
Spellcasting feature from more than one class, use the rules below. If you multiclass but have the Spellcasting feature from only one class, you follow the rules as described in that class. Spells Known and
your available spell slots by adding together all your levels in the bard, cleric, druid, sorcerer, and wizard classes, half your levels (rounded down) in the paladin and ranger classes, and a third of