better bards dedicate class roles

Bard

Classes Player’s Handbook

;Daggers, Musical Instrument of your choice, Entertainer's Pack, and 19 GP; or (B) 90 GP Invoking magic through music, dance, and verse, Bards are expert at inspiring others, soothing hurts

, disheartening foes, and creating illusions. Bards believe the multiverse was spoken into existence and that remnants of its Words of Creation still resound and glimmer on every plane of existence. Bardic

Wand of Orcus

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide

some fell goal. The wand is topped with a skull that once belonged to a human hero slain by Orcus. The wand can magically change in size to better conform to the grip of its user. All Holy Water

Armor Class while holding the wand. Spells. The wand has 7 charges and regains 1d4 + 3 expended charges daily at dawn. While holding the wand, you can cast one of the spells on the following table

Bard Legacy

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

Hashalaq Quori

Monsters Eberron: Rising from the Last War

. It otherwise uses the possessed target's statistics, but doesn't gain access to the target's knowledge, class features, or proficiencies. The possession lasts until the body drops to 0 hit points

are the loremasters of Dal Quor. Even those hashalaqs who don't make use of Inspired vessels dedicate themselves to studying Eberron and the planes, and they are among the few quori castes whose

Minotaur Legacy

Species Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

, are much better known and respected. Boros minotaurs choose the precision of the legion over the fury of the pack. Minotaurs tend to vent their outrage through violence, but they aren’t

minotaur heroes are full of other names as well: those of the retainers, allies, lovers, servants, enemies, and others who played roles, however small, in the lives of the heroes. Almost every minotaur

Category 1 Krasis

Monsters Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

(1d12);{"diceNotation":"1d12","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Acidic Skin","damageType":"acid"} acid damage (category 3). 2 Armored Hide. The krasis has better natural armor afforded by a shell or

thick scales, increasing its Armor Class by 4. 3 Bioluminescent Markings. The krasis has glowing patterns on its skin that take the shape of defensive runes, granting it advantage on saving

Category 2 Krasis

Monsters Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Acidic Skin","damageType":"acid"} acid damage (category 3). 2 Armored Hide. The krasis has better natural armor afforded by a shell or thick scales, increasing

its Armor Class by 4. 3 Bioluminescent Markings. The krasis has glowing patterns on its skin that take the shape of defensive runes, granting it advantage on saving throws against spells and other

Category 3 Krasis

Monsters Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

(1d12);{"diceNotation":"1d12","rollType":"damage","rollAction":"Acidic Skin","damageType":"acid"} acid damage (category 3). 2 Armored Hide. The krasis has better natural armor afforded by a shell

or thick scales, increasing its Armor Class by 4. 3 Bioluminescent Markings. The krasis has glowing patterns on its skin that take the shape of defensive runes, granting it advantage on saving

Half-Elf Legacy

Species Basic Rules (2014)

Flint squinted into the setting sun. He thought he saw the figure of a man striding up the path. Standing, Flint drew back into the shadow of a tall pine to see better. The man’s walk was

contrast, throw themselves into the thick of society, putting their charisma and social skills to great use in diplomatic roles or as swindlers. Half-Elf Names Half-elves use either human or elven

Learning from Experience

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

Wand of Orcus Legacy

Magic Items Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

. Made from bones as hard as iron, the wand is topped with a magically enlarged skull that once belonged to a human hero slain by Orcus. The wand can magically change in size to better conform to the

while the wand is attuned to Orcus himself. Protection. You gain a +3 bonus to Armor Class while holding the wand. Spells. The wand has 7 charges. While holding it, you can use an action and expend 1

Learning from Experience

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

Quentillius Antiphiun Melentor III

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos

presence on stage—especially in romantic roles—critics have called his performances histrionic. To better perform his future roles in ancient plays, Quentillius has joined the Dead Languages Society. He

lines or who miss cues. Backstage crew members fare better, as Quentillius regards them as crucial and often brings them and the director flowers or notes of thanks. While Quentillius is a powerful

Rakdos Cultist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

the crime. Most people are too daunted by you to report your wrongdoing to the Azorius. Rakdos Guild Spells Prerequisite: Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature For you, the spells on the Rakdos

Guild Spells table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting class. (If you are a multiclass character with multiple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.) Rakdos Guild Spells

Kobold Legacy

Species Volo's Guide to Monsters

provoke retaliatory attacks from the creatures they steal from. It’s better to be cautious and overlooked than to be considered dangerous and a threat. In a couple of situations, kobolds might

roles that protect and sustain the tribe. The strongest kobolds are trained to be hunters and warriors, the most clever are crafters and strategists, the toughest are miners and beast-wranglers, and so

Adult Crystal Dragon

Monsters Fizban's Treasury of Dragons

bards and philosophers to partake in “the Great Dialogue” in the dragon’s mountaintop lair. But only the dragon knows that the Great Dialogue has no end, and no one can leave the lair

university, but the students must travel to the dragon’s mountain lair for class. Crystal Dragon Lairs Crystal dragons seek out frigid, picturesque locations with clear views of the sky

Bards

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

Bards Bards hold a special place of responsibility and respect in the Forgotten Realms. They are bearers of news, gossip, and messages in their travels from place to place, in addition to being

living storehouses of history and folklore. Bards know a great deal, and they tend to be willing to share what they know, or at least barter for it. The arrival of a renowned bard is a special occasion

Familiar Faces

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

Familiar Faces This campaign provides many NPCs for you to do with as you please. They all have roles to play in the encounters and events of the adventure, but what happens to them after that is up

to you. Every NPC could be a potential ally, enemy, or foil later in the campaign. If the players take a shine to one, bring that character back — or better yet, make the NPC an integral part of the

Modifying a Class

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Dungeon Master’s Guide (2014)

modify existing classes to better serve your game’s needs. Changing Proficiencies Changing a class’s proficiencies is a safe and simple way to modify a class to better reflect your world. Swapping

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

Golgari Agent

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

light of the surface world, so your journey isn’t guaranteed to be safe. Golgari Guild Spells Prerequisite: Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature For you, the spells on the Golgari Guild

Spells table are added to the spell list of your spellcasting class. (If you are a multiclass character with multiple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.) Golgari Guild Spells

Azorius Functionary

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

even be stripped of your position. Azorius Guild Spells Prerequisite: Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature For you, the spells on the Azorius Guild Spells table are added to the spell list of

your spellcasting class. (If you are a multiclass character with multiple spell lists, these spells are added to all of them.) Azorius Guild Spells Spell Level Spells Cantrip

Build Your Group

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

Bardic Colleges

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

in the Bard College class feature in the Player’s Handbook. The College of Fochlucan is naturally allied with the Harpers, although its master bards are careful to stress that its mission is separate

memorization and the study of ancient songs, sagas, and history. Most bards of New Olamn belong to the College of Lore, as described in the Bard College class feature in the Player’s Handbook. The Cliffride

Wildspace Battle

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Spelljammer Academy

front of the ship also acts as a devastating ram. Provide the players with that handout for easy reference. Hammerhead Ship Summary Armor Class 15 (wood) Cargo: 30 tons Hit Points: 400 Crew: 15

appendix B. The ship is equipped with two ballista and a mangonel, each on a rotating mount. The tentacles at the ship’s bow also act as a piercing ram. Squid Ship Summary Armor Class 15 (wood) Cargo

Entertainer - Baldur's Gate

Backgrounds Baldur’s Gate: Descent into Avernus

occupation or social class that frequents the establishment. This contact is delighted to talk with you, and to listen. Variant Entertainer: Gladiator A gladiator is as much an

less than perfection. 8 I change my mood or my mind as quickly as I change key in a song. d6 Ideal 1 Beauty. When I perform, I make the world better than it was. (Good

College of Lore

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Player's Handbook (2014)

College of Lore Bards of the College of Lore know something about most things, collecting bits of knowledge from sources as diverse as scholarly tomes and peasant tales. Whether singing folk ballads

in taverns or elaborate compositions in royal courts, these bards use their gifts to hold audiences spellbound. When the applause dies down, the audience members might find themselves questioning

College of Lore

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Basic Rules (2014)

College of Lore Bards of the College of Lore know something about most things, collecting bits of knowledge from sources as diverse as scholarly tomes and peasant tales. Whether singing folk ballads

in taverns or elaborate compositions in royal courts, these bards use their gifts to hold audiences spellbound. When the applause dies down, the audience members might find themselves questioning

Simic Scientist

Backgrounds Guildmasters’ Guide to Ravnica

against the schemes and ambitions of the other guilds, so much the better. Skill Proficiencies: Arcana, Medicine Languages: Two of your choice Equipment: A Simic insignia, a set of

’t be found. Unearthing the deepest secrets of the multiverse can require an adventure or even a whole campaign. Simic Guild Spells Prerequisite: Spellcasting or Pact Magic class feature For you

Build Your Group

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

Zil Characters

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Eberron: Rising from the Last War

appropriate, reflecting their love of intrigue. Classes that specialize in melee combat are rare among the Zil. The soldiers of Zilargo include rogues, bards, wizards, and artificers. The Trust. In

agent or acquire a particular object from their base. While the spy background is a logical choice for a Trust agent, the agency recruits characters of every class and background. Your class abilities reflect specialized training and granted abilities—the magical equivalent of spy gadgets!

Sun Elves

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

with other art forms, which produces the complex dance of the bladesingers as well as the enchanting music of their bards and the meticulous craftwork of their artisans. Sun elf adventurers often bring

a feeling of noblesse oblige to their profession: they venture out into the world to challenge its dangers because someone must, and who could be better suited?

College of Glamour

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Xanathar's Guide to Everything

College of Glamour The College of Glamour is the home of bards who mastered their craft in the vibrant realm of the Feywild or under the tutelage of someone who dwelled there. Tutored by satyrs

, eladrin, and other fey, these bards learn to use their magic to delight and captivate others. The bards of this college are regarded with a mixture of awe and fear. Their performances are the stuff of

Build Your Group

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

Build Your Group

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

Bard

Compendium - Sources->Dungeons & Dragons->Acquisitions Incorporated

completely reasonable and plausible explanation. Singing songs and strumming lutes might be fine for most bards. Who doesn’t like a rousing shanty now and then? But standing in a crowded tavern playing for

copper pieces tossed by commoners isn’t for everyone — and it certainly isn’t for bards in the Acq Inc world. The power and magic tied up in the voice of a franchise bard is meant for greater things

D&D Beyond

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