Is Edgin REALLY a bard? // D&D: Honor Among Thieves

Today in "questions that have already been clearly confirmed by the movie studio but D&D players are still questioning" lol
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[@aeloswindrunner]

I'd say he's less the casual player and more the one who's more into the role play. He's the face of the party, like a lot of bards end up being

[@TheOriginalDogLP]

casual in the sense of gameplay. Its also hard to talk about roleplaying, because its not really visible if you only see the role and the fiction.

[@theprideling]

Oh totally! It’s that one player who much prefers the role play to the combat and before they know it they realize they haven’t packed a single damaging spell and are very happy to just be the support. (Also the Druid doesn’t cast spells either, just wild shapes)

[@kyuven]

I'd say he's the older player, familiar with how to role play but isn't really overly concerned with how the rules work specifically. And Holga is his drinking buddy who has played the exact same character for 5 different editions

[@romxxii]

aka the Sam Riegel

[@LactoseIntollerance]

So real bro, the amount of romances I have with other characters, the different interactions with each character. I’m usually the one who Talks in the group but that’s also because I’m the most charming And persuasive when my Party are more Quiet and shy (their character I mean)

[@EvilDMMk3]

Avoiding death by getting sent into the arena, despite the fact that is the stupidest thing the villains could do at that moment is clearly him using Suggestion. Also, the moment you reference with Holga really felt to me like he was using calm emotions on her with her consent. He even pauses and waits for the nod.

[@nathans9764]

I think Sofina agreed to the arena because she thought they would make good thralls. Gelatinous cube aside they shouldn't have been able to escape, and she had already thwarted them uh.. 4 times?

[@VinceValentine]

@@nathans9764 Yup. They didn't know she was gonna zombify everyone, but she probably thought undead minions with class levels are pretty useful.

[@barbarrojaeltemido1904]

Don't remember him using the word suggestion, although the game takes a few licenses with the mechanics (like doing 7 wild shapes in a row), so maybe?

[@natanoj16]

​@@barbarrojaeltemido1904my favorite way to think of the Druid escape scene is that the GM could just allow an 'escape form' I myself have several times as a GM allowed a player to chain forms for flavour. And just saying 'escape form' is something I could see myself allowing

[@barbarrojaeltemido1904]

@@natanoj16 I guess unless its used in combat, multiple wild shapes shouldn't break the mechanics, although I'm not sure about how to role that so that it makes sense and doesn't break the immersion. Maybe the "escape wild shape" it's an imperfect transformation that uses less magic and therefore allows for more uses but wouldn't be able to withstand the strain of a battle? I'm no dm but I can see that working as a homebrew

[@apawhite]

I think it was actually pretty important that they played down the magic angle of his bardic abilities. Bards already risk crossing the line to "Dude, that's existentially nightmarish" by mind controlling people, so by just having him be convincing rather than emit a purple glow that makes people suddenly agree with him, it comes off as charismatic rather than Creeplord.

[@thaumaTurtles]

When my friend and I watched it yesterday, we leaned over and said "bardic inspiration" when he started singing. Glad someone else interpreted it that way!

[@StrawberryCrush2000]

my friend and i did the same except when he's shouting encouragement at holga while he tries to escape his rope cuffs and she kicks their executioners' asses singlehandedly

[@Pyre]

​@@StrawberryCrush2000 THANK YOU. Also congrats you were watching the film objectively the correct way.

[@ultimate_pawnch]

I think the way they differentiated the characters makes a lot of sense for an average movie-goer's experience. If a majority of the party is using easily identifiable magic, it suddenly makes for less distinct properties of each character's role. And while we may classify those Bard spells as magic, their portrayal of it absolutely worked for me.

[@rayesafan9628]

Oh yea. Exactly this. Movie goers would be so confused if everyone did magic. Even Druids have cool spells, but if the Druid in the movie did healing spells, it’d make the casuals feel like the wizard has no place there

[@jlinkous05]

The Druid exchanged spell slots for enhanced Wild Shape. The Bard "uses" spells but they're prepared in line where he doesn't even know he's doing them.

[@savingpyro]

"OH YEAH WE GOT 'EM NOW!" If that isn't inspiring Holga to crush some skulls, I don't know what is.

[@peterstamerra445]

Mastermind rogue - gives the Help action from 30 feet away.

[@commandercaptain4664]

Just like when Ahnuld says 'C'MON DO IT NAU DO IT C'MON!" Total Austrian bard move.

[@mikeym9146]

What’s even more great is that he says that when she was losing or at least taking some damage. So he totally gave her inspiration to finish out the rest of the fight well

[@TheCaberDragon]

oh look a chi- I CAST VICIOUS MOCKERY

[@Dan-qy6zv]

As Griffin McElroy once said, "There's magic in a bard's song. It's called inspiration. It tells the listener what they need to hear, when they need to hear it."

[@oivatank]

“You’re going to have to fight. And… you’re gonna win!”

[@user-ng4xe5rf8n]

As everyone knows, bard is like the 5th wheel: the steering wheel.

[@Bllue]

I've never heard this before in my 30+ years as a native English speaker and I LOVE IT 😂

[@user-ng4xe5rf8n]

@Bllue Well tbh I made it up myself lmao I'm glad you liked it

[@CocoWantsACracker]

In a technical sense, "fifth wheel" is actually the term for the part of a semi-truck to which a trailer is connected to keep it mechanically attached. I reckon that's also a pretty good analogy for the role of a bard.

[@bruh717]

This is interesting, like he might've used suggestion, friends etc just subtlety in the movie, but they're not big flashy spells and that's why we don't "see them"

[@allenr316]

I hadn't really thought about it in that fashion when I watched the movie. As far as you can see, he didn't cast spells in the traditional sense (incantations or hand gestures like a mage), but he seemingly used his Charisma a lot to try change situations to inspire or talk his way out of things. But if you think about it, bardic magic could be cast very, very differently from arcane magic, even though the results are the same. I can accept the assignment of spells they claim Edgin used.

[@davidioanhedges]

He inspires, he makes friends, charms, distracts, mocks viciously, but not with sparkles and complex hand moments ...

[@MarkCsigs]

My favorite use of Bardic Inspiration was a character I played whose art was close-up magic. He was named "The Great Fibonacci", and when he'd give out inspiration he'd say "pick a card, any card" and I had premade a deck of index cards that all had some kind of encouraging (or sometimes just funny) statement on them.

[@peppa4412]

This is cool

[@big_oil]

This is cool

[@davidrosenberg9615]

This is cool

[@peridotshewolf148]

My party has an NPC bard who instead of music tells stories and hes giving inspiration he tells them something to the effect of "give me another tale to tell for the ages" "may this deed go down in history" "you are the silk and I am the weaver, now give me those lovely threads" and they love it. He's a huge morale boost and they have loved him since I introduced him.

[@alecelliott7506]

Gotta love how Fig from fantasy high did inspiration. She just winked at the person who she was granting inspiration and they would look around confused.

[@milamberarial]

Canonically, a bard's "spells" were never meant to be actual "spellcasting" but rather more subtle things that had magical effects. Thats why their spell lists have always had a lot of social and utility spells rather than direct damage. Also the inspiration for bards was a few characters in Celtic stories, and the magic in those tended to be subtle. A bard in combat used a sword. Out of combat they did things like sway people's hearts and such.

[@rock21611]

Not actual spellcasting? You realize bards can cast things like skywrite and polymorph, right? Hell, even at first level they can set off shockwaves and cause small earthquakes. Bards are _full casters,_ the idea that they’re not supposed to be actual spells is bull crap.

[@IWLGaming]

The reason he doesn't cast spells is the same reason the druid doesn't cast spells. And the same reason they asked the wild magic sorc to heal. They kept it really simple with the "classes" the druid was animals the bard was talking/music, the sorcerer was magic.

[@Spiceodog]

My mom character gives out words of inspiration like “ your doing great sweety “ and “ don’t worry, we all make mistakes sometimes, you’ll get him on the next swing “

[@meander112]

Engagement for the engagement god!

[@MrGoofyPup]

I'm engaging with your engagement

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

All hail Algorythmo, god of engagement and recommendations, bestower of monetization, recognition, and, maybe even fame. Subscribe and notify 🔔

[@larurentius]

Likes for the like throne!

[@kwest9747]

To paraphrase Kharne the Betrayer: “Comment. Like. Subscribe!”

[@ryanoutram7059]

Bardic inspiration at my table looks like me reminding the other player about bardic inspiration every turn

[@apieceofpie7702]

In my campaign it's simply The Bard screaming you're doing great sweetie at the top of her lungs while doing double thumbs

[@pablonieto5058]

I think they wanted to give each character the most characteristic trait of their class focusing on their essence. Martial combat for the Barbarian, Magic for the sorcerer, Wild shaping for the druid, Paladins being op in combat and anoyingly lawful good in roleplay and social skills and leadership for the bard. In this way, its Easier for the casual audience to tell the diference between their habilities and not just seeing everyone casting spells and fighting with weapons.

[@Dice-Eater]

Edgin definitely follows my characters where they trick people and make elaborate plans since I consider myself in real life to be more of a thinker

[@CrimsonTemplar2]

A friend had a half-orc bard & her inspirations were given out as knock-knock jokes.

[@Boone_Faustus]

Yeah I'd say that he's an Eloquence Bard with the Inspiring Leader feat.

[@lanefunai4714]

I'm currently playing a lore bard. When I inspire, it's pointing out how to do things better based on observations and knowing how to do things.

[@terracraftpovofgamemakingk1552]

My bardic inspiration comes in the form of fancy tricks with my sword. Oh and the occasional song on my fiddle.

[@natanoj16]

I had a player who inspired with promises of a great meal afterwards ^_^

[@djredjammer]

Our bardic inspiration is when some other members of the party are in an arena, and our bard JUMPS 200 FEET KNOWING FULL WELL HOW HIGH UP HE IS and then another party member stabs him to get him unconscious AGAIN after the healer stabilizes him

[@xySuperManxy]

I really enjoyed Scanlan’s bardic inspirations in Critical Role, so on the rare occasions I’m playing a bard I do little filks to boost other characters (or debuff foes).

[@franciscojosecardenetedela2008]

D&D ttrpg is... a game, has rules and dices. Honor among thieves is a movie, hence the effects of Edgin's skills, powers and spells come out in a cinematic way. He is definetly a leader, a support and a funny character. Bard looks like a perfect class to represent him.

[@MoistCrumpet]

When the rest of the party were about to give up, Edgin was the one who inspired them all to keep going. That to me came across as bardic inspiration. He also came across as quite a charming and overall likeable person throughout the movie. I at least felt that he did come across as a bard who focused mainly on his social bard skills.

[@yngvildrthevoracious]

I had a bardlock who was a fish monger married to his patron (a siren devoted to an unnamed sea goddess) and they had an orphanage together so his bardic inspiration was literally me figuring out what to say that would earn a "world's best dad" mug or card xD

[@unevennoble9363]

Last time i checked werent Dnd sirens more like ocean and coast dwelling harpies? (Who also tended to become pirates)

[@ivarkrabol]

Our bard/sorcerer flavors both bardic inspiration and guidance as her giving the recipient visions of themselves succeeding at whatever they're about attempt, or bringing up memories from the past when they've done something cool.

[@LamirLakantry]

My bard character told her the ocean fearing comrade that if he died, she'd give him a burial at sea. That got him to fight harder for his life.

[@daggergaming3943]

My bard that I'm playing as currently does bardic inspiration by pulling a Broadway main character and breaks into song every time. He'll even cast Minor Illusion to play an accompaniment track while he sings

[@hattaandromeda]

For my Kenku Calliope, inspiration was patting her friends in the head or telling them she loves them. For Hershele, it was cracking jokes and making quips. Looks different for every bard :)

[@weirdguy7451]

In one campaign I’m playing, the cast is all gods and I play as a love/beauty god who brings inspiration unintentionally through their innate kindness and beauty

[@SynthApprentice]

Have you ever heard of the game Godbound? It's pretty much literally this. You play as a group of demigods.

[@kurtwhite1498]

for my players, it’s something like bard: “ I cast bardic inspiration” everyone at once: “that’s not a spell!”

[@GrandiaKnight]

I would say he's more a rogue with a high charisma. Pretty much every other spell we see in the film has some form of verbal,somatic or material component involved so it doesn't make sense if he was the only one who could cast spells like that

[@alexmegami]

Theoretically I suppose as a human he could have the Metamagic Adept feat for Subtle Spell, but truly he feels like a Rogue specced for Charisma who took Deception and Persuasion as his double proficiencies

[@GrandiaKnight]

@@alexmegami Exactly

[@jonh6585]

Bardic inspiration does not have S or M componants

[@alexmegami]

@@jonh6585 While this is true, bards have access to spells above and beyond Bardic Inspiration, which is not a spell.

[@Spaceboy34]

I don't remember Doric ever casting any spells but no one questions her being a druid.

[@lauraw2526]

She's got a druid build that's only wildshape...

[@GinnyDi]

honestly, I've seen a lot of people annoyed about that, too 😂

[@lauraw2526]

@@GinnyDi Rule of cool! Their DM was flexible on a few rules 😅

[@Spaceboy34]

@@GinnyDi I don't doubt your experience, but this is the first I've heard of anyone complaining about it. It's been all Edgin 🤪

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

Basically she traded out spell casting for more iconic wildshape options.

[@pharaohalhotep9559]

In the words of one great bard… “Trapped in a cell with all my bros, we gotta get out, let’s go go goes”

[@al8188]

EDGING?

[@D35TR0YM4N]

I still firmly believe Ed is a PaliBard for the Harpers. He even took an oath.

[@LordGingivitus66]

He's more like a Mastermind Rogue than a Bard. What looks like Bardic Inspiration could be Master of Tactics.

[@waterierStone]

I mean if he ever said the line "I suggest..." then he probably cast suggestion

[@darktiger0]

Though that clears up a lot, I still argue that he is a rogue / bard multi class

[@ethanemerson4862]

Probably has a higher rogue level then bard.

[@GinnyDi]

I mean, you can certainly have a headcanon! The fact is that the movie calls him a bard - in all the marketing, in interviews with the writers/directors/cast, etc. I'm less interested in categorizing him and more interested in thinking about how bards can be represented in unexpected and diverse ways, both in and out of game.

[@TBoring]

Oh yeah definitely. The party is at least Level 9 given Simon’s Arcane Hand spell (I’d argue they’re even higher level). Given his stat sheet has 2nd level spells I’d say Edgin has 3 levels in Valor Bard (given his Harper Uniform looks like Medium Armor) and he went the rest Mastermind Rogue.

[@briankelly1240]

​@@TBoring I mean hey, level 20 druid right ;) ? Haha

[@karlthorkildson4650]

​@@TBoring The Paladin is certainly epic level or near that, just around long enough for them to be able to survive the Underdark.

[@TheTidobanditto]

He's an NPC with high Charisma 😅

[@pj_spirit]

Rogue with lute was literally what I thought looking at him. But I did notice his charisma and the way he was able to use his words in various situations which did make me confused because that felt very much in line with bard stuff. The lack of outwardly obvious spells and not much magic knowledge is what made me decide he was a rogue

[@erichall090909]

I guess it really comes down to the interpretation.

[@Ryuunien]

I mean, they took away the druid's spells and just gave her unlimited wildshapes instead. I think they were just having magic be focused on the Sorcerer instead

[@SailorMoos3]

my bardic inspiration so far has been patting someone on the back and saying "you can do it", "go with god friend", and most recently "yeah you can do it or whatever i just don't wanna see"

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

Wait, is my War Priest Cleric actually a Bard?! Whenever another player character announces an action that seems like a little too much risk vs reward, I say, _Fortune favors the bold_ or _vayo con dios._ 🤣

[@davidgreco8489]

I felt like he was giving out bardic inspiration the whole time. Glad you viewed it the same way. The spells they listed for him are interesting...makes a ton of sense. I like that approach.

[@akhasshativeritsol1950]

I had an NPC "bard" (homebrew class I called orator, ditching most of the more overt magic for a couple of fighter skills) who exclusively used conversation. He was a lawyer by training, and his bardic inspiration was all well-articulated heart felt compliments to the party

[@josephrichardson69]

He may have cast suggestion, while he was giving his backstory. And that’s why they pardoned him or maybe towards the end, he cast friends when he thought that Jornathan wasn’t gonna show. I agree, he is the face of the party, and all of those spells have to do with verbal interaction. I’m sure once people have had enough times to go through and rewatch several times someone will be able to point out when they think he may have succeeded versus when the NPC‘s made their saves. I don’t know it’s just a thought.

[@Blender.bunker]

Bardic inspiration is the yelling of the immigrant song when the doom music kicks in ,the subtle 80’s song quote bardic inspiration is when you know it’s gonna get gnarly

[@intrepidfool]

No actual bard would ever try to use their instrument as a weapon. So, he is clearly *not* a bard and just a rogue pretending.

[@TStalker013]

correction: as a *physical* weapon. Bard's use their noise makers as a weapon all the time.

[@intrepidfool]

@@TStalker013 Hahah. Their "noise makers". Love it.

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

That's assuming they didn't just summon the -weapon- instrument in the first place.

[@silverlebelge3679]

Entertainer background Vhuman with the Inspiring Leader feat, Mastermind Rogue, using the Help action at a distance, high CHA and Expertise is Persuasion and Deception, and his DM was cool enough to let him use a lute for his sneak attack. Also Holga is a Battlemaster with Tavern Brawler. I still loved the movie.

[@cooper_the_boss]

I'm convinced that Edgin is actually a Mastermind Rogue pretending to be a Bard as part of his mission for the Harpers. I mean, what does he do the whole movie? Stealths into places, comes up with plans, bonus action help, talks his way out of stuff, and then OHKO's some goons with the lute (sneak attack). He doesn't even particularly manipulate people in a magical way, just Persuades or Deceives them into going along with him. It's actually a pretty cool character idea: a rogue with a good Charisma stat who pretends to be a bard in order to eavesdrop and infiltrate undercover.

[@santagonewrong]

The movie adapted the classes to a different medium - in a tactical TTRPG like D&D, people can handle a bunch of abilities because they're sitting with their one character for a long time, with character sheet in front of them, and they need them so they have options to choose from. In a movie, people will only easily grok one or two cool abilities each character in the party has. So they distilled each class to it's most distinctive and iconic thing. Edgin uses social skills and bardic inspiration instead of throwing around a bunch of obvious spells for the same reason that Doric uses wild shape more than she would mechanically be allowed to instead of throwing around a bunch of obvious spells - it defines their classes more clearly.

[@ImSubbedToMyself]

He’s a Chaotic Good Rogue, who focuses on Charisma, with the Faction Agent background, where his DM allowed him to replace one of his languages with proficiency in a musical instrument since he’s a Harper, and he’s taken the inspiring leader feat

[@EskimoFettXXI]

Do Holga’s Barbarian Rage Next please!

[@Auriel_Direnni]

I like the idea that bard spells don't look like they're doing anything.

[@autisticautomaton]

Every bard (as well as skalds in pathfinder 1e) I've played/made as an npc (with a few exceptions) is based on a musician/performer I like and bardic inspiration basically just looks like an encouraging speech or rousing song. I made a Halfling folk punk bard and he'd just sing altered versions of songs by mischief brew or Pat the Bunny (so keep on loving, keep on fighting, and hold on to your life.)

[@Maninawig]

That's an interesting question... I have a mute eloquence bard whose method of casting spells is how one interprets his ocarina's music; one might feel the sting of a Vicious Mockery as he plays the Ballad of the Hero, or find themselves compelled to act as if charmed by suggestion... For him, Bardic Inspiration would be a tune to match the mood: a melancholic melody that reminds people of their reasons to be there, a joyful jingle that flatters a player filling them with determination. Meanwhile my Spirits Bard would draw his bardic inspiration from the ghosts around him, allowing himself to be a channel for your grandfather to "remind you what's important." Thirdly, my Whispers Bard is more motivated by gathering great tales to write ballads about, so would treat Bardic Inspiration more like a pep talk, or combine it with Inspiring Leader to achieve something akin of Antrius (1 For All) escaping prison.

[@Battleguild]

Edgin came off as a Mastermind Rogue for me, throwing those bonus Help actions.

[@davidstratton696]

But is definitely a bard as well if we’re gonna say he’s a rogue. He basically casted calm emotions on Holga when she was down about her ex lover. Suggestion was also used to let them be in the arena. Just because we don’t see him specifically cast these spells doesn’t mean they aren’t being used. It’s more subtle and honestly makes more sense for a bard.

[@notdaredevil8809]

Bardic inspiration is almost always a player rolling and then roleplaying their character being injured and then singing "I need a hero" then the party all act super pumped so its like the huddle ups in GOTG game

[@cameroncormac7583]

My bard's Bardic Inspiration comes in the form of heavy bass upbeat rock music (cause who doesn't get ampped when listening to upbeat rock music)

[@ThePa1riot]

Bards are one of those classes where it's easy to flavor what they do depending on the subclass. If Edgin (or his player) was a spy for the Harpers, it would make sense he wouldn't want to draw attention to himself.

[@user-tz3qy9gw7u]

It reminds me of a first edition Bard (you start off leveling up as a Fighter, then as a Thief, and then you become a bard. This means that they're essentially a Fighter/Thief with a ton of charisma)

[@beepboop.woobaloop]

“So uhh yeah I will use bardic inspiration.” “Ok cool cool”

[@smlowe5637]

I agree with what you’re saying. For two short games I played a bard based on Geoffrey Chaucer played by Paul Bettany in “A Knight’s Tale”. While Edgin played the lute, I would argue that it’s a secondary instrument and his primary instrument is Oratory Skill. It lies in his vocals, and it’s the one instrument that can’t be really taken away from him. I also agree with the interprets that Edgin really relies on providing Bardic Insparation to his companions. For plot reasons Edgin didn’t have spellcasting because, why wouldn’t he have Care Wounds prepared,as there isn’t a Cleric in the party? But if we did have Cure Wounds prepared, we wouldn’t have had the situation with Holga at the end of the movie, requiring him to make a sacrifice, completing his redemption arc.

[@bobsmith7066]

Ok, but countertheory: Edgin is a rogue with the inspiring leader feat.

[@wootalicious5939]

throughout that movie, I could imagine players sitting around a table describing the scenes and what the characters are doing, and a very busy DM scrambling to keep up when they do weird things. Lots of fun (but too many wildshapes in one day!!!)

[@timm.8327]

My favorite form my Bard's inspiration would take was a smile, and I had a collection of feelings they'd inspire, my fav being "like smelling the best childhood meal their parents used to make"

[@dreyfus37_65]

My buddy is the bard in our campaign. His bardic inspiration is usually playing his lute at us. Sometimes he’ll give us words of encouragement

[@Carnagepwnz]

I think they did a good job of representing the feel of each class. If not faithfully capturing what the can do or how often. It felt like watching a parties highlight reel come to life.

[@themangledwither]

My bardic inspiration is either me pulling my bagpipes out to boost moral in combat or a one on one sit down with my bard talking about and listening to other's problems and comforting them

[@TheGreatUndergroundEmpire]

The fighter played the hell out of her role in that movie too. It was hilarious how perfectly and subtly she pulled off high STR/CON low WIS/INT.

[@24kRobot]

I like that Al Gore’s Rhythm blessed me with your shorts. You have such a great attitude to the things you are passionate about.

[@backpack_hermit25]

My character had a moment where he and the party were trapped in prison by bhaal cultists, he learnt his ancestors were Bhaalspawn and is obviously, breaking down over how he’s related to people, wicked people, who go against his morality, but he pulls through and sings a song that I ended up writing prior for this moment, and it inspires the team to work together where they all try to brute force their way out of prison, to lure a cultist where they pulled him head first into the bars and knocked him cold to steal his key

[@Loukas_Paquette]

I would very highly recommend seing the video "Bardic Inspiration" by Deerstalker pictures, it represents in an awesome song three adventurers fighting their way out of a prison and with the bard singing along/over it and inspiring them. It's worth it!

[@baval5]

I interpreted it as him doing the time honored tradition: playing one class and calling it another one because the rules suit your concept better. He's a rogue with ranks in perform, who doesn't care that his lute is an improvised weapon because he does most of his damage with sneak attack anyway.

[@aaronharding2960]

Really cool to see solid portrayals of DnD in pop culture. First this movie and now BG3. Its a good year to be a fan of DnD

[@quinncykaluzniak5429]

It can look a few ways, maybe it's a speech who's words are coated with magic, maybe a battle cry that sends a burst of energy to the party. The thing about bards are they're showmen, and showmen know how to use props

[@AndromedaCripps]

You bring up sone really good points, and it’s something I considered! Sone people prefer playing cards like this, where instead of “casting spells” their magic is a bit more “natural”, they just play their instrument, say sone words, and that is imbued with magic, no showy flashy lights and glowing music notes. Which is also cool! My favorite bardic inspiration flavor is one I discussed with a player of mine. He wanted to retire his character, so he’s coming back into the party as her son, who is (for reasons) half aboleth. So a lot of his class features and race features are flavored to be his psionic and tentacle-y aboleth powers. One of the coolest and weirdest things about aboleths are that they are born with all of the memories of their parents, who have all the memories of their parents, and so on. So his bardic inspiration is him, this little 6-year-old boy (or so he appears) just saying some unrelated niche historical or trivia fact from the centuries and centuries of his ancestors’ memories, which, somehow, twists and alters the minds of his allies to help them. Like, “King Arthur died in the year 604 AD at the hands of Sir Mordred, on the battlefields of Camlann, by the fortress of Camboglanna on Hadrian’s Wall.” And then the character succeeds their strength saving throw, somehow. 😂 it’s just so bizarre and obscure, and kinda creepy, this (apparent) little boy just stating things it would be impossible for him to know, and they warp the minds of those around him 😨😨

[@thatguy-js7ri]

I KNEW IT! I was in the theatre and after watching I told my friends "it seems like each character represents a type of player" and they all thought I was crazy!

[@Sparrow0330]

As the bard of my current campaign, my DM and I agreed that I give inspiration by playing music, and when I give somebody inspiration, I literally pull up Spotify on my phone and start playing background music, like it’s the soundtrack of a movie. For example, our Barbarian had to beat a demon king in one on one combat, a test of pure strength. So, I started playing The Unseen Ones from the Hades soundtrack, and gave him bardic inspiration. I literally put on boss music for his ultimate fight Update: my Bard can now only take Warlock levels because I accidentally made a blood pact with another one of the demon kings

[@GeekMasterGames]

As someone who is playing a bard, I loved the representation. Not every spell is flashy or easy to spot. And my inspiration? It is usually in the form of stories and tales, soft music, and inspirational rallies, insults, or funny quips. Nothing overtly magical.

[@lord-of-the-unfinished-project]

I feel inspiration is more magical. Edgin is a very good talker he knows when to lift his friends spirits with his words.

[@joeyjojojrshabadoo7462]

What does bardic inspiration look like you're game? Bard: want a inspiration die? Player: Sure.

[@thebowtie5605]

When I play a bard, Bardic inspiration works a little like when you’re running and you start going with the rythm of the song. I inspire them by playing something that makes their headspace more fit for the task at hand. Or I compliment them

[@trashlag]

I read this as "is edging really bad?" and I was like "ain't no way"

[@brianjohnson5272]

I have a gnome bard in a swamp turn himself invisible and through magic mouth on trees begin to bardic inspiration singing "any way you want it" by Journey through the magic mouth spell. As a special touch, i have prestidigitation for the trees swaying to the song and dancing lights on the highest tree branch as they sway.

[@BiggestGal]

I like to think that because all of Edgin's contributions to the party involve talking, that makes him College of Eloquence.

[@gabbythegreat4962]

Yeah I actually loved those subtle ways he improved peoples' moods/gave them courage. Even when they're about to get their heads chopped off, he's yelling encouraging words and that very much felt like bardic inspiration!

[@jonathanfesmiresteampunkau6983]

Yes, he's a bard. In my head canon, his magic is his influence, almost like a perpetual heroism and the like that his presence casts on his companions. Plus, his Charisma, and Persuasion are clearly formidable. And... his character stat block calls him a bard.

[@jennymckenzie5304]

"Bard is a theatre kid who forgets they have magic." That's the archetype

[@TheTwitchyBrownGuy]

My theory, he isn't a Bard, or rogue or anything. He is just a commoner that's gotten himself mixed up with adventurers

[@niauropsaka]

That's a bard

[@AnnoyingNewsletters]

​@@niauropsaka exactly 😂

[@MultiClassGeek]

Last time I played a bard, his backstory was that he'd been the trainer/manager/hype man for the Barbarian's street fighting career, so his Inspiration usually took the form of tactical advice and/or something along the lines of "You got this, champ"

[@andersonic]

Thank you for elucidating so well why I absolutely loved the movie. It felt so much like the lived experience of an actual game's characters.

[@legionarybooks13]

I just started playing a kobold bard (a combination I find amusing) named Beavis. He uses Cutting Words way more than Bardic Inspiration. And Vicious Mockery has become his default attack, partly because the dice gods have cursed me with terrible attack roles. Plus, kobolds are a bit squishy when it comes to melee combat.

[@johnp1806]

I still say a face Rogue (a mix of Inquisitive and Swashbuckler, maybe) with the inspiring leader feat if we're looking at it in terms of 5e.

[@briankelly1240]

Agreed.

[@Cyan_PoiSin]

That's like that ranger I played once where his spells were not spells, but trincket or gadgets. For example, Ensnaring Strike, Hail of Thorns and Fog Cloud were just special arrows, and Hunter's Mark was a state of mind were he was concentrating on the target. Remember guys, the class doesn't dictate how you roleplay, it only dictates how your stats works. ;D