Bards of the College of Conducting wield not only music, but the very flow of battle. With a flick of the wrist and a precise downbeat, they call allies to action, stall enemies in their tracks, and orchestrate the perfect moment for every strike. Where other bards inspire through song or story, the conductor channels the magic of rhythm, tempo, and harmony to shape the outcome of a fight like a living symphony.

A conductor’s arcane focus is a baton, an elegant instrument of direction and control. In their hands, it becomes a channel for magic as well as performance, each gesture resonating with arcane power. A sharp cut-off can disrupt a spell, a swelling crescendo can fuel an ally’s final push, and a sudden cue can turn hesitation into decisive action.

On the battlefield, a College of Conducting bard moves with confidence, reading the fight like a musical score. They coordinate their companions like instruments in an ensemble, bringing out each one’s strengths and ensuring they play in perfect harmony. In the heat of combat, they can quicken the pace to press the attack, slow the enemy’s advance, or call for a dramatic shift in tactics.

Outside of combat, these bards are natural leaders in any group endeavor. Their ability to command attention, unite disparate voices, and bring order to chaos makes them as effective in a diplomatic court as on the battlefield. Whether standing on a concert hall stage or at the front lines of an adventuring party, the conductor knows when to lead, when to listen, and when to bring the performance to its unforgettable finale.

Level 3: Level 3: Orchestral Command

You gain proficiency with a conductor’s baton, which serves as an arcane focus for your bard spells.
You also learn special conducting techniques to direct your allies through magic and performance.

Level 3: Level 3: Cue the Action

When you roll initiative, roll one of your Bardic Inspiration dice and note the result. Choose a number of creatures equal to your proficiency bonus (other than yourself) that you can see within 60 feet.
Until the end of the first round of combat, the first time each chosen creature makes an attack roll or a saving throw, they add the number you rolled to the total.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Level 3: Tempo Control

You can manipulate the battlefield’s tempo with your gestures:

• Accelerando (Bonus Action): Choose a creature within 30 feet. Their speed increases by 10 ft until the start of your next turn, and they can take the Dash or Disengage action as a bonus action that turn.

• Ritardando (Bonus Action): Choose a creature within 30 feet. They must make a Constitution saving throw against your spell save DC or have their speed halved until the start of your next turn.
  Uses per long rest = your proficiency bonus.

Level 6: Level 6: Crescendo

When you or an ally within 30 feet casts a spell that deals damage or restores hit points, you can use your reaction to amplify the performance.
Roll one of your Bardic Inspiration dice, and add the number rolled to the spell’s damage or healing for one target of your choice affected by the spell.

You can use this feature a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.

Level 14: Level 14: Grand Finale

Once per long rest, you can perform a rousing musical climax as an action. The finale lasts until the end of your next turn.

When you activate this feature, choose one of the following effects:

• Forte: Each ally of your choice within 30 feet deals extra damage equal to your Charisma modifier on their next damage roll before the start of your next turn.

• Pianissimo: Each ally of your choice within 30 feet gains temporary hit points equal to your Bardic Inspiration die + your Charisma modifier.

• Staccato: Each ally of your choice within 30 feet can immediately move up to 15 feet without provoking opportunity attacks.

On your next turn before the finale ends, you can choose a different effect from this list (no action required).

Once you use this feature, you can’t use it again until you finish a long rest.