Bard Class Guide for Dungeons and Dragons 5e

[@DungeonDudes]

What musicians do you think would be great inspiration for a bard character?

[@floriannarratio8062]

Elton John as Glamour Bard inspiration for me. I have already sung "Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting" during my game in order to inspire three allies.

[@roumonada]

Maynard James Keenan. Soldier, singer, whiner, winer.

[@EnterMyNameHere]

Hahahaha. Awesome, Joshua. I do see the potential in that as an amazing singer he is, and I algo see it as the sorta drama queen he sometimes tends to be. Great choice by knowing the character itself, not just the artist.

[@davisiimdavisiim1295]

any of the revolutionary musicians standing up to society/government/religious/corporate problems. Bob Dylan Bob Marley Elvis Presley Marilyn Manson or. Just a rabble inciting sound like Punk or Irish fight songs etc or. disarming funny musicians like Tenacious D. or. performers who entrance like Sade.

[@EnterMyNameHere]

Since I've never play, and I'm currently making a campaign as a GM. Yes, my first game ever is gonna be as a GM. It's gonna be terrible. Continuing: my mindset is on making npc's and making cool things with those character. I'm thinking of making one that presents itself as a Bard, it has an instrument and it's froficient in it, but he's actually another class. I love the idea of making someone like Iroh from Avatar in personality and skills. Looks like a bard (in my version) but it's a monk class. Or someone like The Rock. A Barbarian who is real good at singing. I know I'm kinda cheating because non of those ar bards, as in the class, but I think something like this can add tons of flavor to a campaign and really take by surprise my newbie players. Great work guys. Keep it up :)

[@noodlesawesomeface1802]

Intro - 0:00 Why play a bard? - 0:58 Inspiration - 5:41 Building your bard - 10:03 Spellcasting - 11:36 Ability scores - 12:48 Races - 14:32 Bardic inspiration - 16:09 Expertise & jack of all trades - 18:37 Bardic colleges - 19:49 College of lore - 20:45 College of valor - 22:22 College of swords - 23:53 College of whispers - 24:24 College of glamor - 24:42 Spells (starting with cantrips) - 25:43 Damage spells - 26:32 Battlefield control spells - 27:23 Support spells - 28:29 Utility spells - 29:00 Healing spells - 30:14 Magical secrets - 31:00 Roleplaying your bard - 33:22 Conclusion - 37:14

[@marcossharkey4452]

thank you!

[@wickoi9153]

THANK YOUUUU

[@c_rob978]

You're the goat

[@AC-hj9tv]

Hero

[@ghost_hotline]

Absolute Legend.

[@jamilortiz1]

Once you said a Bard that’s a painter I just can’t get the idea of Bob Ross being a Bard, where his paintbrush doubles as his wand and the color palette doubling as his shield

[@beargrills3508]

I know what my next character will be.

[@TheAdarkerglow]

He's got to focus on prismatic spells, or at least color specific spells.

[@ItsJustJerFromJersey]

Jamil Ortiz would need to be a spell called burnt ocre.

[@jammo7370]

It’s like drawn to life, he can draw a small or tiny creature and animate it, it acts like a cr 1/2 homunculus

[@kylebeguhl8516]

Sounds like a College of Swords Bard to me…

[@helix9445]

mary poppins is definitely a lore bard she's charismatic, she sings, she's knowledgeable, and she's practically perfect in every way

[@yuvalsela4482]

also definitly a spellcaster, deffo had magical secrets earlier than anyone else

[@samaraisnt]

She can also hypnotize children and seemingly control animals haha.

[@wyattmason3902]

Pippin is a bard that rolls a lot of natural 1's

[@asherandai1000]

I imagine Pippin has 20 sided dice with 19 1's and a 20 on it.

[@samvancampenhout9778]

Luckily, being a halfling, he can reroll those all the time :D.

[@rapmabida9813]

Uhhm i think he rolled a nat20 when he got treebeard to fight

[@AnimeSunglasses]

And when he does roll well... GM: "You're in front of the others running. You see the small cliff into the hollow lane. Roll Coordination. Everyone else, you said you were looking at Farmer Maggot, roll Perception." Pippin: "I got 16!" Everyone Else: "Uhhh... 2...", "I got 3...", "1..." GM: "Pippin, you stop successfully, but the other 3 all run into you. Everybody roll either a Con save or a Dex save to find out what breaks on the way down." Pippin: "...10... uh, plus Lucky bonus..." GM: "You missed the rock." Pippin: "That was close." Merry: "I think I've broken something. ...oh, wait, no, I've got a bonus..." Pippin: "I rolled Perception as well, can I use that now? I got a 20..." GM: "You smell a delicious, earthy scent, and look up to see..." Pippin: "THE MUSHROOMS!"

[@mstampertenor]

My dumbass thought you were talking about the musical

[@rickthompson3843]

I'm glad you mentioned a drummer bard. My friend played a bard with the soldier background, with his instruments being the drum and the bugle. Instead of going light-hearted he played him as a very disciplined martial professional and his bardic inspiration wasn't funny quips but the kind of rousing battle speeches you get in movies like Patton, Braveheart or Return of the King. It reminded me of those cinematic moments with drums calling people to war or the bugle cavalry charge.

[@skydude7682]

The narrarator from 300 will always be my favorite valour bard

[@dashyburd]

In the final boss of our first season, we made it canon that a band of goblins was playing all the background music and has been following the party ever since. They've been such a highlight of our campaign that the band leader is going to be my next character. _Can't wait to play as Yak Samot, the power metal goblin bard_

[@SpiritStoneWarrior94-yx3gs]

😂 someone needs to rp DragonForce as an all bard party

[@stephenstonge7968]

My you headbang so epicly you sprout wings.

[@BittyVids]

I like the idea of playing a philosopher bard. Someone who uses musings, wise words, and good advice to bolster allies.

[@agilemind6241]

I've been toying with a teacher-bard. Historically lots of communities didn't have schools or libraries, it was the travelling bards that would bring knowledge to the community from outside.

[@AndrewChumKaser]

You might even homebrew the class a little so that instead of charisma being the casting stat it's wisdom instead. Granted that might totally break combat, but it's just an idea

[@cosmonautrob8614]

Uncle Iroh from Avatar is a Philosopher Bard.

[@derekhandson351]

Vicious Mockery is just a sling of questions that make the opponent go through an existential crisis.

[@slinelol]

@@derekhandson351 we are building a campaign around rallying up townfolks and farmers and we have lore bard reciting Lenin and Luxemburg for his persuasion throws

[@hikikomicklori9290]

I once played a Japanese themed bard where when ever I gave out inspiration I would write out a haiku for that player on a 3x5 card and hand it to them so they would remember they had it to spend. i.e. Our tank is Sasha / A paladin of Ares / Please don't let me die.

[@fardareismai4495]

That's amazing! Such a cool creative idea😃

[@NobleKorhedron]

@@fardareismai4495 SECONDED!

[@larrythelobster4588]

You inspired me

[@alexanderdeleary8172]

Honestly this is just a great idea, having a small set of like. Laminated index cards, or you have stickers you can give out.

[@mandykarevicius9746]

That's very cool.

[@ddesouz6]

Kubo:and the tale of two strings is a great movie with a bard protagonist. I totally recommend it for inspiration.

[@mckinleyarmstrong4304]

Can confirm. Played a bard based on him for a 3shot, was a blast.

[@jammo7370]

Time to make an all bard party based off Moana

[@davidmahone]

Good to know. Its on my list to wat ch.

[@AnimeSunglasses]

@@jammo7370 with a Bard villain in there as well! I'm sooo SHINY...!

[@AVspectre]

I came to the comments to add this one. Such a great film! The adventuring/questing component paired with his captivating performances in front of the villagers. So so good! :) I never really thought about playing a bard but that might be a way for me to envision a bardic character. Thanks guys for the video. It’s helped flesh out my understanding of this class.

[@johnreese5739]

"Why play a bard?" Because I've played guitar for 6 years and finally found something I can use it for.

[@insomniac1184]

Me: *proceeds to bring my guitar into the game and randomly rickroll enemies*

[@mikeseymour1792]

Lol feel ya bro

[@noxid86]

How did you not mention the greatest Bardic Duo of all time, Tenacious D?

[@sanuelkessler8435]

There were some scientists trying to figure out the sasquach riddle!

[@skavies2351]

I counter that with Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel, or Penn and Teller, or the two skanky hookers on the corner...

[@tolvajp]

Currently playing Belzeboss. Tiefling bard (with 2 lvl of warlock)

[@noxid86]

@@tolvajpWe know your weakness! Our rocket sa-a-auce!

[@spookymulder945]

Jack Black has a metal ass song called "The Warlock". It's awesome. Lol

[@tessikthegrand]

"After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music." - Aldous Huxley Excellent video, and channel. Thank you.

[@DungeonDudes]

Thank you!

[@seanlamson2851]

Aldous Huxley is one of my favorite authors!

[@zach8596]

The best cinematic Bard was the hype man character from the movie A knights Tale.

[@kinghomer999]

zach exactly what I thought!

[@craigmcmorland1301]

He was playing as Geoffrey Chaucer, in reality one of the greatest writers in British history

[@austinsinger7565]

love that movie! and yesss!

[@AVspectre]

Great suggestion!

[@earlgrey3519]

You mean Chaucer?!?😂 Absolutely

[@fudgethemonkey3980]

You guys have such a great dynamic, you bounce off of each other so well, to the extent that it seems as if you’re having a casual conversation, and including us, but it is SO well structured and you include all of the information. God I love this channel.

[@wildside316]

"Hey, dragon! Your father was a gecko selling cart insurance. And my barbarian friend here is wearing your mother!"😂

[@joelacasse001]

When playing "hoard of the dragon queen" I told a dragon "your mother was a kobald!"

[@KatanaDen]

Now that's just mean! Their father is a kind person making and honest living with a great sense of humor!

[@Ishmu_the_Crazy]

You mentioned a painter as a bard, and my only thought was that someone needs to make Bob Ross's Bardic Adventures

[@wyattmason3902]

I thought of rai from Naruto shipuden

[@jasonstephens6109]

Storyteller and writer. I imagine them telling stories while at camp, ritual casting through inspiring stories, inspiring comrades by reminding them of stories in battle (like reminding them of a d&d version of the 300, when the battle is going badly). Writing the days adventures in his book. Mayne selling his stories to nobles. Teaching children to read and write in his down time. Always carrying the newest book of stories and reading.

[@duckqueen4120]

In a campaign that I’m in I’m playing a bard that’s a graffiti artist. He paints all his spells.

[@DungeonDudes]

Very cool

[@-barleykid12-49]

Duck Queen sounds like Rohan has taught some one worthy of him

[@AVspectre]

This would be a really cool interpretation for a modern/futuristic setting!

[@ryanwilliams4274]

Chaucer from a knights tale is also a great example of a bard

[@hertzeid]

He was the first that popped into my head as a bard as well 😁

[@PlatinumHaro]

"All the world lies within the artist scope. Well maybe not you" I love every scene he is in.

[@justsomeguy0873]

Chaucer in A Knight's Tale is the bard I wish I could play every time I have played a bard.

[@gooseman2851]

Freddie Mercury = Glamour Bard

[@DarkVeghetta]

I mean... you're not wrong.

[@yourebelscumm]

Gonna be Freddie Mercury in our next campaign but using Eloquence

[@jjkthebest]

I don't care what kind of bard I'm playing, when my bard casts thunderwave, he's singing Thunderstruck

[@brifox]

New party idea: Lore Bard, Valor Bard, Divination Wizard, Redemption Paladin. Nobody ever takes damage or fails a save.

[@epitaph4606]

Make em a halfling and give them the lucky feat

[@noditschi]

🤣🤣🤣

[@garethstaunton5459]

The bonus to initiative I never knew!!

[@CuiBap2]

Gareth Staunton it doesn't. that was a mistake on them. it's not a skill or ability check so jack of all trades doesn't work with it

[@msmaggie357]

Nope. Not error. Initiative is a reflex/dexterity check. How quickly you can spring into action.

[@AZDfox]

@@CuiBap2 Jeremy Crawford confirmed that it applies

[@thenovicedm7966]

@@AZDfox We've home ruled against this in my group of DM/players for the last 3 years. We treat initiative as sacrosanct in terms of modifying it beyond DEX. Works for both PC and NPC/Monsters.

[@QuiescentPilot]

@@thenovicedm7966 Why though? Just to nerf Bards? It doesn't matter in any other case, unless you're a Divination Wizard who wants to use Portent on your initiative (idk why you would tho), or have Foresight cast on you, and that's a 9th level spell. Every Barbarian gets Adv. on initiative, which is a better bonus even with the maximum prof. bonus for the bard (bard gets d20+3, and E(1d20+3)=13.5, whereas Barb gets 2d20D1, and E(2d20D1)=13.8, so the Barbarian's bonus at 7th level is better than the Bard's at 20th). Also, what about the Alert feat? Is that banned at your table for modifying initiative? Is this really worth making a house rule for? Isn't the whole point of house rules to make PCs cooler, not to nerf them? Oh, and since I mentioned the Barbarian ability, what about that? Do they just lose the whole ability? PLEASE respond, I'm asking these questions in the hope that you answer them, and not just to make a point. I'd especially love to know your answers to the questions about other abilities, like the Barbarian's and the Alert feat.

[@springbreezeFIM]

I use shakespearean insults for my vicious mockeries it's hilarious

[@WoollyLuke]

A bard doesn’t have to be an artist first. Celtic bards were a lot like wise druids. Stephen R Lawhead writes great stories of bards in his Pendragon series with Taliesen & Merlin, & Tegid in Song of Albion. They typically play the harp but that is completely secondary to their role as a wise counselor & diplomat for their king as they use words, magic, & sometimes stories & songs, to direct the course of kingdoms & uphold armies in battle.

[@kennethdickinson2591]

Luke Friesen Indeed, according to some sources bardic training was part of the lengthy training for Druids.

[@isaacs1052]

I don't hear that author referenced too often so excuse me if I mention here that he writes the weakest endings of any I've read.

[@WoollyLuke]

When I created my bard, Magpie, I asked all my fellow party members to find an instrumental song that they’d like as a theme song for their character. I play the song on KZbin with a Bluetooth speaker every time they use a bardic inspiration die. This was my Pavlovian strategy to encourage my players to remember to use the die after I give it to them. We love it! Here’s the playlist if you want examples: kzbin.info/aero/PL24gs9yCHr_yXtJ6hLX1arb8o0uZT-Vk- I also asked my party what all their skills were & then I chose every skill that our party didn’t already have, starting with social ones. This was a great decision as I let my party do their thing & we work as a team both in combat & social encounter. I also started with the vicious mockery cantrip which became my main attack & I use a lot of Shakespeare insults. “Villain, I have done thy mother!” Magpie was an adolescent courtier who got captured in a raid & then sold to a pirate captain named Captain Maverick, so he sings songs by Abney Park, the Steampunk themed band. I rewrite lyrics in their piratey songs to fit my character & the story. I also rewrote Weird Al’s CNR as a way of introducing the party. Can’t wait to use that one! Here’s my Ballad of Captain Maverick if you want to bear my singing: kzbin.info/www/bejne/moepn2ppnKueg9U

[@SquareViking]

Kvothe from The Name of the Wind is my greatest bardic inspiration PLUS he's a little magical.

[@piedpiper1185]

I have straight up made bards in both D&D and other games because of Name of the Wind

[@Brandonbadn]

Im literally making a valor bard beacuse i reread name of the wind. Mine is musical flavored but poet (shakespeary) inspired.

[@CASH10K]

This whole time I was only thinking of him

[@Sirfredgar]

I know I’m late to the party, but if you want an awesome book about a bard, The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss is amazing. The main character is essentially a D&D bard starting from level 0, he even learns “spells”

[@Pajamacat20]

"we'll get back to feats later" never talks about feats again. Which was kinda the main thing I was looking for ^^'

[@jw__11]

There are probably a lot, depending on how you want to play your Bard, but front-runners are probably Actor, Inspiring Leader, Lucky, Resilient, Skill Expert, Skilled, War Caster or some more niche like Defensive Duelist, Fey & Shadow Touched or racial Feats like Elven Accuracy or Prodigy

[@123darkdeal]

I love the idea of Half-Orc bards. I just picture the LotR movies with the orc hordes marching and you can hear the massive drums beating along to the march as well as the large deep bass horn. I can totally see the dude with the horn signalling the charge with a deep horn blow pumping up the troops to attack. You also see the elves use horns in battle for the same purpose.

[@MichaelDBruce]

I like to think a out aragorn as a bard. Sometimes he sings. But his words are what powers his relationships throughout the series and holds the fellowship together. Sometimes he is a ranger, sometimes he is a healer, sometimes he is a warrior (but not as tough as boromir) and later he is seen inspiring armies on the battlefield. The voice is a musical instrument, not as obvious as a guitar but still...

[@jw__11]

@@alexanderthompson7164 or a few levels in Bard to get that inspiration and Expertise

[@poopybutt12345]

He's tougher than Boromir imo but I feel you

[@loafofbread9400]

Dont have to be a bard to inspire others with words

[@tonyhunt7967]

I look forward to your videos every week, gents. Great perspective on my absolute favorite class. Everyone speaks of the wizard's prodigious spell list, but to me the bard is the be all end all if you want diversity in your choices in D&D. As suggestions for bards, i think immediately of Tenacious D, particularly the music video for "Tribute. " In film, Paul Bettany playing Chaucer in "A Knight's Tale" immediately came to mind. One of my favorite things to do was run an villainous lawful evil bard who reluctantly worked with the party. His inspiration, cutting words, all of it was tirades laced with dark intent. The idea being he was this ultra charasmatic public speaker, like revolutionary who was destined to enthrall the commoners to overthrow the capital and instill him as leader. I fell in love with the concept of bardic dictator.

[@borislavbacic2699]

"Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss features the most incredible bard personality Kvothe as a main character.

[@mightymad2000]

I mean... he has so many monikers... Kvothe the Arcane, Kvothe the Bloodless, Kvothe Kingkiller... Only a bard would accept (and encourage) these

[@jacobmiller8004]

Literally the best inspiration for a bard, no contest

[@analyticalhealth]

hate that guy lol

[@jotougas2211]

On top of that, a lot of the themes in the kingkiller chronicles are about the power that stories and words- and by extension names- have over reality. Those books are the ultimate inspiration for bards!

[@leehart3366]

My bard is a different take on the class from what people would expect. He blew my parties minds when I introduced him. Captain Danse, pirate and leader of the crew of the howling dagger, his music and charm helped him wprk his way up to captain. He is with the college of swords and he's a Tabaxi (Yes he doesn't like water either which makes for fantastic roleplay). Upon taking magical secrets he learns Danse Macabre (from the wizard spell list in xanathars guide and a whole bunch of other necromancy spells) which he uses to create the dead which act as his crew. He's a master of throwing daggers dual wielding combat as Well. He blew my parties minds and he's my favourite character I've made. Even tho he's not what you'd expect I'm surprised by how well he actually works. Love your videos guys! Your awesome!!!!!

[@timothye.2902]

I love this idea, but Danse only lasts an hour. Animate Dead would be better for maintaining a skeleton crew

[@leehart3366]

@@timothye.2902 I completely agree and animate dead was my original pick, however my DM was concerned about handling so many for undead on the table alongside the original good and bad creatures so we made a compromise as it was his 1st time being a dm 😂

[@asherandai1000]

@@timothye.2902 Why not both?

[@justinjacobs1501]

Pirate Bards are fun. Tossed three levels of Swashbuckler in there for a surprisingly tanky combat Bard. The level three passives for CoS and Swash functionally give you a free disengage whenever you take an attack action. Defensive Duelist and Defensive Flourish also combine to give you a huge boost to AC. Throw in a Shield and Bane to essentially make melee enemies a joke. (And make sure you mock them constantly for the joke they are.) Healing Words as a Bonus action means that the character is almost unkillable in normal combat.

[@stuartchundrlek3005]

One of the spells that I chose from Magical Secrets was the Paladin spell Aura of Vitality. I joined the campaign after the core group got to 7th level and a couple of the PCs died in a fight against something that they shouldn't have tried to fight. So when my Bard appeared just in time to help the party get out from an ambush (neutralizing one whole side with an upcasted Sleep) followed by casting Aura of Vitality to get the surviving party members to full health, the other players were begging me to continue to be in the campaign. Bards rock!

[@travisdonaldstanley6420]

Great Utility player. Second to the Wizard

[@davidstratton696]

Meh I think Aura of Vitality is pretty weak. Only 2d6 for a 3rd lv spell and takes your concentration. Since your a bard u get healing word which is just better (except for the fact that Aura last for a minute but theirs better concentration spells). Just upcast healing word to lv 3 and it not only has double the range, doesn’t take up your concentration, but also at lv 3 it heals 3d4+cha mod. And Aura can’t be upcast to be better. Honestly with it only being 2d6, taking up concentration, and using up your bonus action it should affect all allies within 30ft (including yourself). That’s a fair thing honestly. Edit: Yea I know this is 3 years old but eh.

[@kozmo7]

Really love your videos guys. You both seem like such thoughtful and kind people! For Bards, I’ve always thought Tom Bombadil was the definition of a fantasy bard to me. In the same ways Conan is to barbarian (arguably anyway). The imagery and actions of Tom just screams bard. (Belts bard? Hah) Thank you for such great content.

[@TheBlackLibraryOriginal]

This has been the best guide to roleplaying a character class I have ever seen. I am subbed. Excelsior!

[@unknownvalor9755]

I'm test playing a Drow Bard (plays the harmonica)for the nobles/wealthy, mostly entertainment for the kids. "Hey kids, this dark elf is going to play music and perform magic tricks!" Dance lights plays so well for music and entertainment. Add a few levels of warlock with whispers college and you got the perfect combo for spying/assassination. 1. Mantle of Whispers to get close to the target. 2. Words of terror to scare people to do your bidding. Works best with Mantle of Whispers 3. When close to your target drop darkness then summon pact weapon to clean house. For laughs place the murder weapon on some poor bastard then drop darkness. Follow up yelling while pointing at the poor bastard "He killed the Duke!" Make your escape with Mantle of Whispers still in place in the chaos

[@unknownvalor9755]

so true! did I forget to mention that?

[@lukeporter5028]

Great video! My favorite bard I played was a claymore wielding, bagpipe playing, hard drinking valor bard. Keep up the good work guys.

[@jonathanstern5537]

A weird bard I'd count is Giles from Buffy the Vampire slayer. He knows some magic, is well trained with various weapons, has skills in thievery and knowledge, and he can sing and play guitar beautifully.

[@diamondflaw]

Once More With Feeling FTW. Ripper is a gnarly bard to be sure.

[@AmosIrontree]

He was amazing in Repo Man.

[@danielwelker5362]

The first campaign I played to completion I played a half-elf lore bard that was basically a fantasy ethnomusicologist, actually getting out in the world rather than poring over dusty tomes in towers in order to gain knowledge. His goal was to eventually create a tome chronicling the music of the continent and the cultural role of each song. In the post-campaign epilogue narration he wound up becoming the founder of a new method of research (for the setting).

[@NarutoGeek411]

I never knew that about initiative. Holy shit, that's amazing. One of those small little details that gets overlooked. I didn't believe it at first, but it's right there on page 177 of the PHB "At the beginning of every combat, you roll initiative by making a Desterity check."

[@fudgethemonkey3980]

I think a bard would make a really good investigative journalist/reporter.

[@MadSwedishGamer]

There's also the Investigator Rogue subclass, but yes, a Bard would work well too.

[@AllThingsFascinate]

@@MadSwedishGamer that investigator rogue and the infiltrator are so cool

[@ryadinstormblessed8308]

Favorite bards from literature: Hoid from The Stormlight Archive! And Thom Merillin from The Wheel of Time! These 2, particularly Hoid, were the main inspirations for my current Creation College Bard character.

[@marxrubronegro9677]

I'm a DM from 3.5 helping a player at my table to run 5E game. I'm having a great time building the characters for the table and your tips for each classes, rules and feats are of GREAT help. Thank you SO MUCH! ♥️

[@johnsmbg]

Thom Merrelin from wheel of time.

[@Satellite_Of_Love]

Thank you for explaining this class in such an accessible way. The majority of videos have people who bog down their videos with labored attempts at humor and they lose me pretty quickly. I appreciate you guys!

[@lightlypeppered7239]

I've recently been playing a college of swords bard with a performance focus on storytelling. I'm dueling while very dramatically narrating what's going on around me. Almost like Geoffrey chaucer from a knights tale. Just with a rapier

[@crownlexicon5225]

I'm probably about to play a bard. I was thinking of basing my character off of him too

[@bperkins4023]

Have played a Valor Bard for well over a year in a great campaign and have thoroughly enjoyed it; but you guys just supercharged it. Really well done in terms of research and thinking/application. Thanks.

[@sadsackkvisling9694]

Cossack Valor Bard: that mounted combat helps.

[@DracoSilverscar]

Holy crap! First time I've ever heard someone else mention Rock and Rule EVER. :D Also that was an amazing idea!

[@T3h_Marganus]

"Check out my mix tape, orcs. It's straight fire!" *Casts fireball*

[@rafgulas6032]

Excellent video, worth watching more than once. I think you could craft an entire video covering just Magical Secrets: spells to avoid, spells to take, and how each college favors different secrets. Counterspell and Wish look like the two "must-haves".

[@KennyHoStylist]

Thanks you guys! As a newish player, Bard is one of the two of my go-to classes (the other being Druid) - your tips and thoughts on both classes are not only helpful, they also make me look forward to leveling them up too!! I admire both of your enthusiasm for all the classes. I am learning a lot and you guys really help with broaden our horizons on possibilities on character developments too. THANK YOU :-D

[@skynyrdjesus]

Rolling to dispel magic and Counterspell is also an ability check, so it receives you jack of all trades bonus, and benefit from the spell Glibness. If magic is abundant in your higher level campaign, a Bard with Glibness is the most overpowered combination possible.

[@7578061111]

I've been waiting for Warlock since you guys have started this series on classes.. looks like I'm waiting some more lol. keep up the good work.

[@DungeonDudes]

We shot the Warlock guide already, we're just finishing up editing it! Expect it in the next 2 weeks :) Thanks for your patience!

[@diamondflaw]

You have to love that Vicious Mockery gives Bards a direct counter to "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me."

[@amholmes3]

I just want to say that I love your videos. I'm not new to D&D, just new to 5.0. You guys break down all the classes so well, making it easy to understand, and the examples from books and movies is an amazing bonus!

[@EnterMyNameHere]

I'm new to D&D, but no one knows how to play, so I'm gonna be the GM in my first game. Yeap, that's gonna end well... Anyway. I love the Bard class. I wish a could play one, so I'm gonna make a recurrent npc Bard that the players keep bumping. I just wanna make it this relaxed, kinda carefree character. Vash the Stampede like and in some ways to help them to understand some of the mechanics of the game. A really lovable character... Who may or may no turn into the main villain. We'll see :3

[@bibbobella]

ehh be careful about that. Talking from experience here you should REALLY think about making NPCs that you truely like or that might end up using as a plausible allie for your PCs. It is so easy to accidently get attached to the NPC like you would a normal character you play and might either end up playing through him with the party (Can work but for the love of god let the PCs be the stars!!!) or be seriously disapointed when the PCs completly ignore him and rather learn about the random guard that just happen to tell them where the Inn was at.

[@EnterMyNameHere]

Oh, no. He's not gonna be a party member. He's gonna be, for example, on the side of the road, then he invites the party to a meal and sing some songs and share some stories. Maybe he can warn them about local creatures so they know what to fight and what to just leave alone. Maybe he can teach the wizard about spell coping, and so on. At the end he goes on he's own way and me as GM can then the players: "Guys, you just completed a short rest. This means that..." and stuff like that. I know the players are the player, I don't wanna take away from them. And I'm not afraid of killing a character I like. I know myself, I'm into this because of the story telling. If it makes an awesome experience I'm all for it. I do fret about that part where they rather spend there time with that random guard though XD. But that kind of stuff is always gonna happen for what I've seen in tons and tons of videos. Thanks for the reply, man. Any advice is very very welcome.

[@bibbobella]

Ahh you think players wont try to fight them just because they are strong?.. trust me that will just give them blood on their teeth! XD

[@EnterMyNameHere]

Hahaha. Well, I'm not afraid of killing them if stupidity is the reason XD. I know o gotta spect the unexpected, and of that's what they wanna to so be it. But they'll learn XD. I have two groups. One is with my two sisters and a cousin. They are new to any kind of games, I don't know that to expect from them. The other is with my gamer bros. Those guys are just gonna kill EVERYTHING. I know, we've played MMORPGs together. I think that's the approach they're gonna take. I'm gonna run the same campaign precisely because I wanna see how different both groups go through it. This should be a nice experiment :D

[@dave1411]

Have you watched Running the Game by Matt Colville? I'm a rookie DM and that series has been a great help

[@nicolaskoukis4264]

Hey guys, Awesome vid. I love this class, and I dare say that is it my absolute favorite. For the campaign I am currently GMing, one of my players is playing a Half-Elf Lore Bard, and they recently won a rock-off against a Goblin Death Metal player. This of course caused him to win a magical Electric Guitar that adds Thunderwave and Witch Bolt to his spell list. Either way, as the party was making their way back from a long days question, they encountered a pack of mutated carnivorous bunnies (don't judge me, it was Easter Weekend.). Of course, the area was a flooded ruin, which doubled Thunderwave's damage. So my character had a bright idea. He climbed on top of a building and took out his guitar. He ran and jumped off the building, power-sliding in the process. And as he hit the floor, he let out a power chord so strong, that it instantly killed all the bunnies. At that point, I realized that the Bard is great...

[@AlastairScarlett]

Great to hear that other Bards use 'You smell!" for Vicious Mockery!

[@alsitte]

Playing a half elf bard for the first time I’m planning on choosing spiritual weapon ( I’m calling it musical weapon) and great to see others thought this was a solid choice. I think the other players are enjoying my over the top performances I do when introducing the group and negotiating with people

[@Goldenbelmont]

Building the correct bard: Take Guild Artisan - Woodcarvers!!!! Build a dozen Marionette Dolls!!!!! Take Mending Cantrip!!!!!! Level up to 9 and take Animate Object!!!!! Send in an army of CHUCKY DOLLS to murder your enemies!!!! Use Mending to fix any "broken" dolls after combat!!!!! Marionette Dolls count as an item no more than 5g, so you can use some downtime to craft. For flavor, you can take Magic Mouth and cast it on your dolls and have them repeat a terrifying chant as they run to meet their destiny For a more Healing build: Variant Human - Magic Initiate - Druid. Take Goodberries. Each goodberry heals for 3hp each. 1+ Clerics Disciple of Life(2+spell level) Thats 10 berries at 3hp each per day of free healing Start with Cleric 1(Life) - Bless Cure Wounds Then go Bard(Lore), Take healing word For your Magical Secrets(6) take Aura of Vitality from Paladins. 3rd level spell. 1 Minute duration: bonus action 1 creature per turn regains 2D6(plus Clerics Disciple) so it becomes 2D6+5 per round for 1 minute. For Magical Secrets(10) you can get Aura of Life. Useful for traveling through poison as you cant die. Swift Quiver is also amazing to take. If you plan on being a ranged bard.

[@thexjackal8064]

Man I so want to run a puppet master bard on our next one shot!

[@Goldenbelmont]

@@thexjackal8064 Oh its fun. Just make sure that one of the other players has a fear of dolls, ie Chucky. I ran a one shot last month that involved a sentient doll. oh boy was he creeped out.

[@hims300]

I'm kinda stoked you guys spoke highly of Illusion spells with the Bard. I just rolled up a magician Bard who will take every Illusion spell possible. Thanks for the great videos. You guys do more then you know for the community

[@TimelordTemp]

I am going to play a David Bowie inspired Bard/Warlock.

[@Technotoadnotafrog]

Ah yes, Barlock

[@pevendesu7750]

Hello guys! Your videos are always a font of inspiration for my D&D sesions, as a player and as a DM. After watching this video I wan't to inmediatly make a Bard that is an entertainer for all the people, trying to lift up the spirits and bring joy everywhere. Now that I started studying to become a voice actor can find great motives to roleplay a character like that. I also wanted to thank you very much because every video I watch I get new ideas and they stimulate my imagination a lot. Keep making this amazing content please.

[@theonlymatthew.l]

If you are an archery focused Bard taking Swift Quiver from the Ranger spell list is a virtual necessity. I'm surprised you guys didn't mention the Tabaxi. They get pluses to charisma and dex, an insane speed boost and a natural climb speed. Not to mention proficiency in perception and dark vision

[@ljmiller96]

Plus if you have ever had the pleasure of listening to cats sing you know their music is inspiring indeed

[@jw__11]

@@ljmiller96 could have the Cats Musical as your inspiration for your PC

[@stonerocks0]

Another cool video! I’d never given much thought to Bards, but, as with many of your guides, you’ve now got me considering it...

[@Talespinner35]

I love the idea for drums! A drummer bard could have something like a bodhran -- a handheld Celtic frame drum played with a single beater...usually used for jigs and reels. It can have a boomy sound or a more muted thud, and I could see either one being pretty wicked in combat depending on the need. Thanks for inspiring me to add that to my campaign!

[@Drummer9731]

I am making a Dragonborn drumming Bard. Haven’t decided between African Djembe or Japanese Taiko. Thunderclap cantrip from the drum will be one of his attacks.

[@Talespinner35]

@@Drummer9731 Having owned and played quite a few djembes, I can easily vote for that instead of a Taiko drum. I think it would be much more portable (with a strap) and easier to play at a moment's notice without having to grab sticks.

[@Drummer9731]

@@Talespinner35 Agreed. I have a nice djembe that I use on gigs sometimes! They are super portable.

[@StarShotz-y1s]

Love Jem and the Holograms when I was growing up. Even had all the dolls... awe youth, pretty colors with a catchy tune is all I needed. I would love to play each character in different game.

[@scottbell1414]

Thom Merrilin from Wheel of Time is a Bard!

[@TheBoyerdk]

He is the first I think of in terms of fantasy bards

[@dmperri]

Thank thank thank you for all the Bard Love .. My main is a Tabaxi Lore Bard/Moon Druid and he is soooooo much fun to play!

[@brunop.8745]

This video made me wonder how would Eminem fare as a bard in DnD Just straight up literally roasting people with words

[@Ivyleaf2]

Vicious mockery in action

[@brunop.8745]

@@alexanderthompson7164 vicios mockery is a saving throw-based spell, rolling a 20 is _bad_ with it

[@jw__11]

@@alexanderthompson7164 Take the Magic Initate or Ritual Caster Feat, or multiclass for 3 Levels of Warlock and take Pact of the Chain; there are more ways but I can't think of more right now...

[@vtimari]

Good cantrips that add to a bards one-man band show: mage hand drumming the beat, minor illusion sounding just about any backtrack needed, prestidigitation for pyrotechnics and a bit of extra drama. A touring solo bard might choose any of these even over vicious mockery, if really playing in character with focus on providing entertainment. And the first choice for magical secrets would definitely be Tenser's floating disc, just to help haul all the gear onto the stage in style.

[@playwithjoe7618]

I really enjoy the idea of using Magical Secrets to gain access to class specific spells for example a Paladin like Circle of Power. It wouldn't be available until level 17 for them but you can get at level 10!

[@nicholasfotou2980]

I loved my assassin rogue/ bard multiclass. the tune of his bagpipes still makes me smile.

[@Dazyhead]

I give you the yuan-ti bard. +2 cha, +1 int making them the ultimate emotionless sociopaths, darkvision, innate snake charming with animal friendship, poison spray cantrip to ruin castors, free once a long rest suggestion, advantage with spell saving throws and spell like effects (that is unbelievably powerful), common, draconic and abyssal languages AND complete immunity to all poison. you can walk into a pub in a dwarf city and say that you can drink any and all dwarves under the table and not even break a sweat and do it because the alcohol doesn't effect them. you can just straight up poison drinks to kill someone and drink the poison drink and toss in presdidigitation to alter the taste so they think it's safe. that charisma with the cold intellect makes for a scary bard in social situations. and that's not even with subclasses. the mantle of whispers becomes absolutely frightening. And with the way yuan-ti biology works, you could have a rattlesnake tail to use as a maraca.

[@SugerJean13]

Daisyhead amazing! Literally such an amazing idea!!!!!

[@Astro-terf]

My next character that I'm going to use in Dragon Heist when it comes out is a Yuan-ti pureblood glamor bard. Charms for days. I hope they let me play her though because Yuan-ti purebloods are pretty darn OP as a PC race.

[@tonyguar]

This is great. I have a Pureblood Lore Bard 8. I sort of play as you described. Also like casting Stinking Cloud on yourself in close combat and your immune. Also with poison immunity you can reenact the Princess Bride Scene; The Sicilian vs. Wesley with the Iocaine powder. Use disguise kit or Helm of Disguise (self) to counter the one major Yuan-ti pitfall which is everyone hates them and no one trusts them. The RP you describe with Whispers is appropriate and thematic. Whisper Bard in GOT is Littlefinger. However, IMHO its sort of hard to turn away from the spell casting power of Lore Bard so Power Gaming as opposed to RP focus; someone may go with that. Thanks, great post!

[@boyfromoz7]

LOL. I'm playing a Yuan-ti bard, College of Whispers last 6 months or so. All about deception and intimidation. She's a filthy mouth bitch with dirty limericks for her party inspiration and streams of abusive with Vicious Mockery, Words of Terror, Dissident Whispers etc. Been a lot of fun.

[@dadadajasper]

Yuan-ti is THE most powerful race you can pick. Therefor, it's the obvious choice to make when taking almost any CHA class. Making it really dull to hear, and lip-sync compatible, that "I'm going to play a bard/pally/sorc/warlock and it's a Yuan-Ti!"

[@wuffles101]

Thank you so so much for this. It really helps even if I'm playing a French version H&D and the rules aren't identical. At least I know what to look for.

[@SugerJean13]

I’ve waited months. I’m so exited!!! Now I’m gonna have to wait for Warlock!!!

[@SashaCrutaire]

I found this amusing when you mention face melting solos. During this time COVID19 quarantine time, we moved our group to online, and I thought it would be a perfect opportunity to try something with a bard, and I am actually using my guitar and amp and playing riffs for each spell/inspiration/etc and using 80s hair metal licks and riffs. Everyone seems to be enjoying it so far, and it is being fun and challenging trying to match a great signature riff/lick that is recognizable AND matches the spell, and also keeping it to around 6 seconds. The DM and players are rolling with it, and sometimes using lyrics from the song I played in the RP conversation. :D

[@quietshift]

Looks like it’s time to rollplay a shadar-kai college of whispers bard who takes raise dead to summon his heavy metal band

[@floriannarratio8062]

I play a copper-dragonborn glamour bard and love it. The supernatural level of charisma and beauty is a blast to roleplay and it is brilliant to be able to charm people with your performance, without any risk of anyone noticing it, even if they resist the effect.

[@patrickshaw411]

“Every bard know the pen is mightier than the sword” college of swords would like to talk

[@hectorcarrion5917]

I only just started DnD and I wanted to make a bard character. Your video has given me so much inspiration to how I want to develop my character.

[@karljordan7114]

"Hoggle, what is that plastic THING on your wrist" -Jared, the Goblin King "I wish we could become better strangers" - Shakespeare "Never forget, though it be not written down, that I am an ass". - Shakespeare

[@AC-hj9tv]

Love the mentions of David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, and the 80s cartoons!

[@katarinadreams6955]

if I were RPing as a bard, my go to insult would probably be "your mother was a hamster and your father smelled of elderberries." p.s. I have that same Star Wars hat

[@NannyOggins]

This was quite the eye opener for me, I don’t think I would be a particularly dramatic Bard but may try out the idea. Many thanks guys.

[@phaedryx]

bard as a: stand-up comedian, juggler, clown, acrobat, orator, ventriloquist, puppeteer...

[@mytzlplk]

Correction at 16:42 , Monty says that Bardic Inspiration die can be given to yourself (the Bard). As the screen text says, the die can only be given to others. (I'm about to play my first Bard 😮😀 wish me and my party luck). Great channel, guys! This is my default resource since 3 years ago. Subscribed!

[@B.J.Camire]

I love watching your videos, but every time you say "mealy" instead of "mêlée", it makes my skin crawl.

[@mikeclites8407]

Same here.

[@DJRugger]

These folks are Canadian and thus we are taught phonetic pronunciation of english words, your hearing the affectation of the Canadian Accent when they say Me Lee instead of MaiLai.

[@robvilensky9166]

@@DJRugger Except Melee is a French word so Canadians should be better at it than Septic Tanks

[@SplitLetters]

@@DJRugger I mean, I'm Canadian and pronounce it maylay

[@DarkVeghetta]

@@robvilensky9166 Yes/no. The term was originally French, yes, but it has been brought into the English lexicon for a few hundred years now and thus it counts as a English word when spoken as such, meaning it's subject to whatever made-up nonsense pronunciations British/Americans/Canadians enjoy using with it. :P But I do agree with you in terms of preference.

[@TADGH]

I'm a big fan of consistency guys. And you are consistent. Thanks x

[@trevorkaczmarek7724]

Definitely another great race for bard is Changling which gets a +2 charisma and a +1 to either Dexterity or Intelligence

[@Shadowgaming908770]

Great job again guys! I cant wait for the warlock video, its my current character and my favorite. Looking forward to it!

[@PaiOeShi]

I really wanna see a frontline, str based charismatic Valor or sword college bard. I imagine a Half Orc using hold person for crits and rolling extra die and smashing something; but I'm not smart enough to fully flush out the idea.

[@agilemind6241]

It's really hard to do unless you roll exceptionally good stats. Bards have pretty low AC & HP compared to most melee classes and don't get a lot of defensive abilities - Rogues can disengage, hide or dodge to avoid too much melee damage but not Bards. Half-Orc might to do able because of their relentless endurance, but I'd recommend building a Paladin and multi-classing into Bard to get some control spells and extra slots. I have a fun character that is Paladin-2 + Valor Bard-6 that is a Paladin who lost faith in their god when they couldn't resurrect one of their friends. Having the heavy armor proficiency and a little bit more HP at low levels was really helpful, and the spell slots to smite every turn made up for the late access to Extra Attack.

[@ep3214]

Thom Merrilin from the Wheel of Time book series is my favorite bard.

[@kevinbarnard355]

"Santa Thor's guide to everything..." I love closed captioning for d&d videos

[@mortisCZ]

Since now there will be another character present during our Hogswatch. :-D

[@glensloth]

The detail and info in this in-depth video is amazing!

[@Sparkle5fanboy]

Would you guys ever consider doing a video on how to do cheap shots to enimies. Like using "Dream" on a Beholder so that gives birth to another beholder so that they fight each other or Using "Mirage Arcane" On anything with Truesight

[@barefootbaymax9687]

I always come back to these videos for inspiration when I'm building a new character. Whenever I think of playing a bard I always want to make some sort of dry humoured bartender that's generally inspirational and poetic only occasionally bringing an instrument out.