D&D 2024 Class GuideBard Guide: Build, Spells and Ratings

Overview

The bard is a full Charisma caster with the best skill kit in the game. You hand out Bardic InspirationBardic InspirationLevel 1 featureYou can supernaturally inspire others through words, music, or dance. This inspiration is represented by your Bardic Inspiration die, which is a d6. Using Bardic Inspiration. As a Bonus Action, you can inspire another creature within 60 feet of yourself who can see or hear you. dice, heal from range, charm and confuse enemies, and you are usually the one doing the talking. Your damage is modest. What you bring is a party that fails fewer rolls and enemies that spend their turns doing nothing.

At level 2 you gain ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 2 featureYou gain Expertise (see "Rules Glossary") in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Performance and Persuasion are recommended if you have proficiency in them. At Bard level 9, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice. and Jack of All TradesJack of All TradesLevel 2 featureYou can add half your Proficiency Bonus (round down) to any ability check you make that uses a skill proficiency you lack and that doesn't otherwise use your Proficiency Bonus., so you are good at every skill and excellent at two. At level 5 your Inspiration comes back on a Short Rest, and at level 10 Magical SecretsMagical SecretsLevel 10 featureYou've learned secrets from various magical traditions. lets you prepare spells from the Cleric, Druid and Wizard lists.

Ability Scores

Charisma, then Dexterity, then Constitution. Charisma powers your spells, your Bardic Inspiration uses and your social skills. Dexterity sets your AC in light armor. Constitution keeps your concentration up. Strength can be your lowest score.

In the 2024 rules your ability score increases come from your background, not your species. With the standard array and the Acolyte background (+2 Cha, +1 Wis), assign 15 Cha, 14 Dex, 13 Con, 12 Wis, 10 Int and 8 Str, and you start with:

Take the Ability Score Improvement feat at level 4 and put both points into Charisma for 19. Your next one at level 8 takes it to 20, and every point is another Bardic Inspiration use.

Best Species for a Bard

Human

Versatile adds a second Origin feat, Skillful adds a skill to stack with Expertise, and Resourceful gives you Heroic Inspiration every Long Rest. Every part of it gets used.

Legendary

Halfling

Luck rerolls a 1 on any d20 Test, including concentration saves. Naturally Stealthy lets you hide behind the fighter.

Epic

Gnome

Gnomish Cunning gives Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saves, the ones enemy casters target. Forest Gnome adds Minor IllusionMinor IllusionIllusion cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteYou create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. See the descriptions below for the effects of each. The illusion ends if you cast this spell again..

Epic

Tiefling

Fiendish Legacy adds free spells you can cast with Charisma and a damage resistance. Infernal gives you Fire BoltFire BoltEvocation cantripCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d10 FireYou hurl a mote of fire at a creature or an object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. On a hit, the target takes 1d10 Fire damage. A flammable object hit by this spell starts burning if it isn't being worn or carried., which beats the bard's own attack cantrips.

Rare

Elf

Fey Ancestry helps against charms, Keen Senses adds Perception, and a lineage gives free spells. Wood Elf's Pass without TracePass without Trace2nd-level AbjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration1 hourYou radiate a concealing aura in a 30-foot Emanation for the duration. While in the aura, you and each creature you choose have a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks and leave no tracks. is the best of them.

Rare

Dwarf

Dwarven Toughness adds a hit point every level and Poison resistance keeps you on your feet. Nothing for your social game.

Rare

Dragonborn

A breath weapon gives you an area attack that costs no slot, and flight at level 5 is useful. Little else for the class.

Uncommon

Orc

Relentless Endurance keeps your healer standing once per Long Rest. Adrenaline Rush is built for melee.

Uncommon

Goliath

Large Form and Powerful Build do nothing for a caster. Stone's Endurance helps you survive, and that is about it.

Uncommon

Best Backgrounds

A

Acolyte

The only free-rules background that raises Charisma. Magic InitiateMagic InitiateOrigin featChoose a level 1 spell from the same list you selected for this feat's cantrips. You always have that spell prepared. You can cast it once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest. (Cleric) adds GuidanceGuidanceDivination cantripConcentrationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 minuteDamage1d4You touch a willing creature and choose a skill. Until the spell ends, the creature adds 1d4 to any ability check using the chosen skill. and BlessBless1st-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteDamage1d4You bless up to three creatures within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target adds 1d4 to the attack roll or save., two spells the bard list does not have.

Legendary

C

Criminal

Dex and Con increases and the AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll. feat, but no Charisma. Your spells start a point behind.

Uncommon

S

Sage

Magic InitiateMagic InitiateOrigin featChoose a level 1 spell from the same list you selected for this feat's cantrips. You always have that spell prepared. You can cast it once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest. (Wizard) can give you ShieldShield1st-level AbjurationCastingReactionRangeSelfDuration1 roundAn imperceptible barrier of magical force protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from Magic Missile., but Constitution, Intelligence and Wisdom leave Charisma untouched.

Uncommon

S

Soldier

Strength and Savage Attacker do nothing for a caster.

Common

From the 2024 Player's Handbook, Entertainer (with the Musician feat), Charlatan and Wayfarer also raise Charisma and are worth a look if your table uses the full book.

Best Feats

Origin feats (level 1)

A

Alert

Add your Proficiency Bonus to initiative. Acting before the enemy is when SleepSleep1st-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomEach creature of your choice in a 5-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, at which point it must repeat the save. and Hypnotic PatternHypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors in a 30-foot Cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who can see the pattern must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. do the most.

Epic

M

Magic Initiate

Two cantrips and a 1st-level spell from another list. Cleric gives GuidanceGuidanceDivination cantripConcentrationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 minuteDamage1d4You touch a willing creature and choose a skill. Until the spell ends, the creature adds 1d4 to any ability check using the chosen skill. and BlessBless1st-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteDamage1d4You bless up to three creatures within range. Whenever a target makes an attack roll or a saving throw before the spell ends, the target adds 1d4 to the attack roll or save.; Wizard gives ShieldShield1st-level AbjurationCastingReactionRangeSelfDuration1 roundAn imperceptible barrier of magical force protects you. Until the start of your next turn, you have a +5 bonus to AC, including against the triggering attack, and you take no damage from Magic Missile..

Epic

S

Skilled

Three more proficiencies. On a bard they become targets for Expertise later. Good for a skill-heavy campaign.

Rare

General feats (level 4 and up)

W

War Caster

Player's Handbook. Advantage on concentration saves keeps Hypnotic PatternHypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors in a 30-foot Cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who can see the pattern must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. and Hold PersonHold Person2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomChoose a Humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Paralyzed condition for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success. running, plus a Charisma increase.

Epic

R

Resilient (Constitution)

Player's Handbook. Proficiency in Constitution saves, which a bard lacks. Stacks well with War Caster later.

Rare

Epic boons (level 19)

Subclass: College of Lore

The College of Lore is the bard subclass in the free 2024 rules. It doubles down on skills and spells, and turns your Bardic Inspiration into a defensive tool with Cutting WordsCutting WordsLevel 3 featureYou learn to use your wit to supernaturally distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence and competence of others..

Bonus ProficienciesLEVEL 3

Three more skills of your choice. With Expertise and Jack of All Trades, there is no check you are bad at.

Cutting WordsLEVEL 3

When a creature you can see within 60 feet makes a damage roll or succeeds on an attack roll or ability check, spend your Reaction and a Bardic Inspiration die to subtract the roll. Can turn a hit into a miss.

Magical DiscoveriesLEVEL 6

Two spells from the Cleric, Druid or Wizard lists, always prepared. CounterspellCounterspell3rd-level AbjurationCastingReactionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveConstitutionYou attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. The creature makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the spell dissipates with no effect, and the action, Bonus Action, or Reaction used to cast it is wasted. and FireballFireball3rd-level EvocationCastingActionRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage8d6 FireA bright streak flashes from you to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into a fiery explosion. cover the two biggest gaps in the bard list.

Peerless SkillLEVEL 14

When you fail an ability check or attack roll, add a Bardic Inspiration die. If you still fail, you keep the die.

Best Bard Spells

Ratings assume a College of Lore bard in a party of three to five. Hover or tap a spell for its details.

Vicious MockeryEnchantment cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveWisdomDamage1d6 PsychicYou unleash a string of insults laced with subtle enchantments at one creature you can see or hear within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d6 Psychic damage and have Disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn.

Vicious MockeryVicious MockeryEnchantment cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveWisdomDamage1d6 PsychicYou unleash a string of insults laced with subtle enchantments at one creature you can see or hear within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or take 1d6 Psychic damage and have Disadvantage on the next attack roll it makes before the end of its next turn. Damage plus Disadvantage on its next attack

Minor IllusionIllusion cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteYou create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. See the descriptions below for the effects of each. The illusion ends if you cast this spell again.

Minor IllusionMinor IllusionIllusion cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteYou create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. See the descriptions below for the effects of each. The illusion ends if you cast this spell again. Cover, distractions, lures

Starry WispEvocation cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 RadiantYou launch a mote of light at one creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target.

Starry WispStarry WispEvocation cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 RadiantYou launch a mote of light at one creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. Your ranged attack cantrip

PrestidigitationTransmutation cantripCastingActionRange10 feetDuration1 hourYou create a magical effect within range. Choose the effect from the options below. If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have up to three of its non-instantaneous effects active at a time. Sensory Effect.

PrestidigitationPrestidigitationTransmutation cantripCastingActionRange10 feetDuration1 hourYou create a magical effect within range. Choose the effect from the options below. If you cast this spell multiple times, you can have up to three of its non-instantaneous effects active at a time. Sensory Effect. Small tricks for the talking scenes

Healing Word1st-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d4A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.

Healing WordHealing Word1st-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d4A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier. Picks a downed ally up with a Bonus Action

Dissonant Whispers1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveWisdomDamage3d6 PsychicOne creature of your choice that you can see within range hears a discordant melody in its mind. The target makes a Wisdom saving throw.

Dissonant WhispersDissonant Whispers1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveWisdomDamage3d6 PsychicOne creature of your choice that you can see within range hears a discordant melody in its mind. The target makes a Wisdom saving throw. Damage, and the target runs away

Faerie Fire1st-level EvocationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveDexterityObjects in a 20-foot Cube within range are outlined in blue, green, or violet light (your choice). Each creature in the Cube is also outlined if it fails a Dexterity saving throw.

Faerie FireFaerie Fire1st-level EvocationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveDexterityObjects in a 20-foot Cube within range are outlined in blue, green, or violet light (your choice). Each creature in the Cube is also outlined if it fails a Dexterity saving throw. Advantage for the whole party

Sleep1st-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomEach creature of your choice in a 5-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, at which point it must repeat the save.

SleepSleep1st-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomEach creature of your choice in a 5-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, at which point it must repeat the save. Ends early fights

Command1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveWisdomYou speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn. Choose the command from these options: - Drop. The target drops whatever it is holding and then ends its turn. - Flee.

CommandCommand1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveWisdomYou speak a one-word command to a creature you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or follow the command on its next turn. Choose the command from these options: - Drop. The target drops whatever it is holding and then ends its turn. - Flee. One word, one lost turn

Charm Person1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 hourSaveWisdomOne Humanoid you can see within range makes a Wisdom saving throw. It does so with Advantage if you or your allies are fighting it. On a failed save, the target has the Charmed condition until the spell ends or until you or your allies damage it.

Charm PersonCharm Person1st-level EnchantmentCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 hourSaveWisdomOne Humanoid you can see within range makes a Wisdom saving throw. It does so with Advantage if you or your allies are fighting it. On a failed save, the target has the Charmed condition until the spell ends or until you or your allies damage it. Social scenes only

Hold Person2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomChoose a Humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Paralyzed condition for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success.

Hold PersonHold Person2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomChoose a Humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Paralyzed condition for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success. Paralyzed means every hit from within 5 feet is a critical

Suggestion2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange30 feetDuration8 hoursSaveWisdomYou suggest a course of activity, described in no more than 25 words, to one creature you can see within range that can hear and understand you. The suggestion must sound achievable and not involve anything that would obviously deal damage to the target or its allies.

SuggestionSuggestion2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange30 feetDuration8 hoursSaveWisdomYou suggest a course of activity, described in no more than 25 words, to one creature you can see within range that can hear and understand you. The suggestion must sound achievable and not involve anything that would obviously deal damage to the target or its allies. Ends a fight without a fight

Invisibility2nd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 hourA creature you touch has the Invisible condition until the spell ends. The spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell.

InvisibilityInvisibility2nd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 hourA creature you touch has the Invisible condition until the spell ends. The spell ends early immediately after the target makes an attack roll, deals damage, or casts a spell. Scouting and escapes

Heat Metal2nd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveConstitutionDamage2d8 FireChoose a manufactured metal object, such as a metal weapon or a suit of Heavy or Medium metal armor, that you can see within range. You cause the object to glow red-hot. Any creature in physical contact with the object takes 2d8 Fire damage when you cast the spell.

Heat MetalHeat Metal2nd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveConstitutionDamage2d8 FireChoose a manufactured metal object, such as a metal weapon or a suit of Heavy or Medium metal armor, that you can see within range. You cause the object to glow red-hot. Any creature in physical contact with the object takes 2d8 Fire damage when you cast the spell. Ruins an armored knight's day

Silence2nd-level IllusionConcentrationRitualCastingActionRange120 feetDuration10 minutesDamageThunderFor the duration, no sound can be created within or pass through a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point you choose within range.

SilenceSilence2nd-level IllusionConcentrationRitualCastingActionRange120 feetDuration10 minutesDamageThunderFor the duration, no sound can be created within or pass through a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point you choose within range. Shuts down enemy casters

Hypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors in a 30-foot Cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who can see the pattern must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration.

Hypnotic PatternHypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors in a 30-foot Cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who can see the pattern must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. Takes half a fight out at once

Slow3rd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40-foot Cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration.

SlowSlow3rd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou alter time around up to six creatures of your choice in a 40-foot Cube within range. Each target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or be affected by this spell for the duration. Cripples a group of enemies

Mass Healing Word3rd-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d4Up to six creatures of your choice that you can see within range regain Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.

Mass Healing WordMass Healing Word3rd-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d4Up to six creatures of your choice that you can see within range regain Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier. Picks up several allies at once

Dispel Magic3rd-level AbjurationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousChoose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any ongoing spell of level 3 or lower on the target ends. For each ongoing spell of level 4 or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability (DC 10 plus that spell's level).

Dispel MagicDispel Magic3rd-level AbjurationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousChoose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any ongoing spell of level 3 or lower on the target ends. For each ongoing spell of level 4 or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability (DC 10 plus that spell's level). Someone has to carry it

Counterspell3rd-level AbjurationCastingReactionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveConstitutionYou attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. The creature makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the spell dissipates with no effect, and the action, Bonus Action, or Reaction used to cast it is wasted.

CounterspellCounterspell3rd-level AbjurationCastingReactionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveConstitutionYou attempt to interrupt a creature in the process of casting a spell. The creature makes a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the spell dissipates with no effect, and the action, Bonus Action, or Reaction used to cast it is wasted. Stops the enemy caster

Fireball3rd-level EvocationCastingActionRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage8d6 FireA bright streak flashes from you to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into a fiery explosion.

FireballFireball3rd-level EvocationCastingActionRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousSaveDexterityDamage8d6 FireA bright streak flashes from you to a point you choose within range and then blossoms with a low roar into a fiery explosion. The damage the bard list lacks

Spirit Guardians3rd-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration10 minutesSaveWisdomDamage3d8 RadiantProtective spirits flit around you in a 15-foot Emanation for the duration. If you are good or neutral, their spectral form appears angelic or fey (your choice). If you are evil, they appear fiendish. When you cast this spell, you can designate creatures to be unaffected by it.

Spirit GuardiansSpirit Guardians3rd-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration10 minutesSaveWisdomDamage3d8 RadiantProtective spirits flit around you in a 15-foot Emanation for the duration. If you are good or neutral, their spectral form appears angelic or fey (your choice). If you are evil, they appear fiendish. When you cast this spell, you can designate creatures to be unaffected by it. If you stand near the front

Revivify3rd-level NecromancyCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousYou touch a creature that has died within the last minute. That creature revives with 1 Hit Point. This spell can't revive a creature that has died of old age, nor does it restore any missing body parts.

RevivifyRevivify3rd-level NecromancyCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousYou touch a creature that has died within the last minute. That creature revives with 1 Hit Point. This spell can't revive a creature that has died of old age, nor does it restore any missing body parts. If no one else carries it

Bard Builds

Beginner friendlyThe Silver Tongue

Species

Human (Versatile: AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll.)

Background

Acolyte (Magic InitiateMagic InitiateOrigin featChoose a level 1 spell from the same list you selected for this feat's cantrips. You always have that spell prepared. You can cast it once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest.)

Subclass

College of Lore

8STR

14DEX

13CON

10INT

13WIS

17CHA

Expertise in Persuasion and Deception, Healing WordHealing Word1st-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d4A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier. for emergencies and SleepSleep1st-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomEach creature of your choice in a 5-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Incapacitated condition until the end of its next turn, at which point it must repeat the save. for fights. Talks first, acts first, and keeps the party standing.

Build this bard

Free to start. No card needed.

ControlThe Lucky Conductor

Species

Halfling

Background

Acolyte (Magic InitiateMagic InitiateOrigin featChoose a level 1 spell from the same list you selected for this feat's cantrips. You always have that spell prepared. You can cast it once without a spell slot, and you regain the ability to cast it in that way when you finish a Long Rest.)

Subclass

College of Lore

8STR

14DEX

13CON

10INT

13WIS

17CHA

Luck protects your concentration, so Hold PersonHold Person2nd-level EnchantmentConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomChoose a Humanoid that you can see within range. The target must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Paralyzed condition for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, the target repeats the save, ending the spell on itself on a success. and Hypnotic PatternHypnotic Pattern3rd-level IllusionConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 minuteSaveWisdomYou create a twisting pattern of colors in a 30-foot Cube within range. The pattern appears for a moment and vanishes. Each creature in the area who can see the pattern must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or have the Charmed condition for the duration. stay up. Cutting WordsCutting WordsLevel 3 featureYou learn to use your wit to supernaturally distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence and competence of others. turns the enemy's best hit into a miss.

Build this bard

Free to start. No card needed.

Bard Features by Level

Lvl	PB	Features	Bardic Die	Cantrips	Prepared Spells	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1	+2	Bardic InspirationBardic InspirationLevel 1 featureYou can supernaturally inspire others through words, music, or dance. This inspiration is represented by your Bardic Inspiration die, which is a d6. Using Bardic Inspiration. As a Bonus Action, you can inspire another creature within 60 feet of yourself who can see or hear you. SpellcastingSpellcastingLevel 1 featureYou have learned to cast spells through your bardic arts. See "Spells" for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules with Bard spells, which appear in the Bard spell list later in the class's description. Cantrips.	D6	2	4	2	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
2	+2	ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 2 featureYou gain Expertise (see "Rules Glossary") in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Performance and Persuasion are recommended if you have proficiency in them. At Bard level 9, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Jack of All TradesJack of All TradesLevel 2 featureYou can add half your Proficiency Bonus (round down) to any ability check you make that uses a skill proficiency you lack and that doesn't otherwise use your Proficiency Bonus.	D6	2	5	3	–	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
3	+2	Bard SubclassBard SubclassLevel 3 featureYou gain a Bard subclass of your choice. The College of Lore subclass is detailed after this class's description. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Bard levels. Bonus ProficienciesBonus ProficienciesLevel 3 featureYou gain proficiency with three skills of your choice. Cutting WordsCutting WordsLevel 3 featureYou learn to use your wit to supernaturally distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence and competence of others.	D6	2	6	4	2	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
4	+2	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Bard levels 8, 12, and 16.	D6	3	7	4	3	–	–	–	–	–	–	–
5	+3	Font of InspirationFont of InspirationLevel 5 featureYou now regain all your expended uses of Bardic Inspiration when you finish a Short or Long Rest. In addition, you can expend a spell slot (no action required) to regain one expended use of Bardic Inspiration.	D8	3	9	4	3	2	–	–	–	–	–	–
6	+3	Magical DiscoveriesMagical DiscoveriesLevel 6 featureYou learn two spells of your choice. These spells can come from the Cleric, Druid, or Wizard spell list or any combination thereof (see a class's section for its spell list).	D8	3	10	4	3	3	–	–	–	–	–	–
7	+3	CountercharmCountercharmLevel 7 featureYou can use musical notes or words of power to disrupt mind-influencing effects.	D8	3	11	4	3	3	1	–	–	–	–	–
8	+3	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Bard levels 8, 12, and 16.	D8	3	12	4	3	3	2	–	–	–	–	–
9	+4	ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 2 featureYou gain Expertise (see "Rules Glossary") in two of your skill proficiencies of your choice. Performance and Persuasion are recommended if you have proficiency in them. At Bard level 9, you gain Expertise in two more of your skill proficiencies of your choice.	D8	3	14	4	3	3	3	1	–	–	–	–
10	+4	Magical SecretsMagical SecretsLevel 10 featureYou've learned secrets from various magical traditions.	D10	4	15	4	3	3	3	2	–	–	–	–
11	+4		D10	4	16	4	3	3	3	2	1	–	–	–
12	+4	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Bard levels 8, 12, and 16.	D10	4	16	4	3	3	3	2	1	–	–	–
13	+5		D10	4	17	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	–	–
14	+5	Peerless SkillPeerless SkillLevel 14 featureWhen you make an ability check or attack roll and fail, you can expend one use of Bardic Inspiration; roll the Bardic Inspiration die, and add the number rolled to the d20, potentially turning a failure into a success. On a failure, the Bardic Inspiration isn't expended.	D10	4	17	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	–	–
15	+5		D12	4	18	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	1	–
16	+5	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Bard levels 8, 12, and 16.	D12	4	18	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	1	–
17	+6		D12	4	19	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	1	1
18	+6	Superior InspirationSuperior InspirationLevel 18 featureWhen you roll Initiative, you regain expended uses of Bardic Inspiration until you have two if you have fewer than that.	D12	4	20	4	3	3	3	3	1	1	1	1
19	+6	Epic BoonEpic BoonLevel 19 featureYou gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Spell Recall is recommended.	D12	4	21	4	3	3	3	3	2	1	1	1
20	+6	Words of CreationWords of CreationLevel 20 featureYou have mastered two of the Words of Creation: the words of life and death. You therefore always have the Power Word Heal and Power Word Kill spells prepared.	D12	4	22	4	3	3	3	3	2	2	1	1

Leveling Your Bard, 1 to 20

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