Bard

Core Bard Traits

Trait	Details
Primary Ability	Charisma
Hit Point Die	D8 per Bard level
Saving Throw Proficiencies	Dexterity and Charisma
Skill Proficiencies	Choose any 3 skills (see “Playing the Game”)
Weapon Proficiencies	Simple weapons
Tool Proficiencies	Choose 3 Musical Instruments (see “Equipment”)
Armor Training	Light armor

Becoming a Bard …

As a Level 1 Character

• Gain all the traits in the Core Bard Traits table.

Bard Features

• Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed in the Bard Features table.

As a Multiclass Character

• Gain the following traits from the Core Bard Traits table: Hit Point Die, proficiency in one skill of your choice, proficiency with one Musical Instrument of your choice, and training with Light armor.

• Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed in the Bard Features table. See the multiclassing rules in “Character Creation” to determine your available spell slots.

Bard Class Features

As a Bard, you gain the following class features when you reach the specified Bard levels. These features are listed in the Bard Features table.

Level 1: Bardic Inspiration

You 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. That creature gains

Bard Features

Level	Bonus	Class Features	Die	Cantrips	Spells	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9
1	+2	Bardic Inspiration, Spellcasting	D6	2	4	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
2	+2	Expertise, Jack of All Trades	D6	2	5	3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
3	+2	Bard Subclass	D6	2	6	4	2	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
4	+2	Ability Score Improvement	D6	3	7	4	3	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
5	+3	Font of Inspiration	D8	3	9	4	3	2	—	—	—	—	—	—
6	+3	Subclass feature	D8	3	10	4	3	3	—	—	—	—	—	—
7	+3	Countercharm	D8	3	11	4	3	3	1	—	—	—	—	—
8	+3	Ability Score Improvement	D8	3	12	4	3	3	2	—	—	—	—	—
9	+4	Expertise	D8	3	14	4	3	3	3	1	—	—	—	—
10	+4	Magical Secrets	D10	4	15	4	3	3	3	2	—	—	—	—
11	+4	—	D10	4	16	4	3	3	3	2	1	—	—	—
12	+4	Ability Score Improvement	D10	4	16	4	3	3	3	2	1	—	—	—
13	+5	—	D10	4	17	4	3	3	3	2	1	1	—	—
14	+5	Subclass feature	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 Improvement	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 Inspiration	D12	4	20	4	3	3	3	3	1	1	1	1
19	+6	Epic Boon	D12	4	21	4	3	3	3	3	2	1	1	1
20	+6	Words of Creation	D12	4	22	4	3	3	3	3	2	2	1	1

one of your Bardic Inspiration dice. A creature can have only one Bardic Inspiration die at a time. Once within the next hour when the creature fails a D20 Test, the creature can roll the Bardic Inspiration die and add the number rolled to the d20, potentially turning the failure into a success. A Bardic Inspiration die is expended when it’s rolled. Number of Uses. You can confer a Bardic Inspiration die a number of times equal to your Charisma modifier (minimum of once), and you regain all expended uses when you finish a Long Rest. At Higher Levels. Your Bardic Inspiration die changes when you reach certain Bard levels, as shown in the Bardic Die column of the Bard Features table. The die becomes a d8 at level 5, a d10 at level 10, and a d12 at level 15.

Level 1: Spellcasting

You 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. You know two cantrips of your choice from the Bard spell list. Dancing Lights and Vicious Mockery are recommended. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one of your cantrips with another cantrip of your choice from the Bard spell list. When you reach Bard levels 4 and 10, you learn another cantrip of your choice from the Bard spell list, as shown in the Cantrips column of the Bard Features table. Spell Slots. The Bard Features table shows how many spell slots you have to cast your level 1+ spells. You regain all expended slots when you finish a Long Rest. Prepared Spells of Level 1+. You prepare the list of level 1+ spells that are available for you to cast with this feature. To start, choose four level 1 spells from the Bard spell list. Charm Person, Color Spray, Dissonant Whispers, and Healing Word are recommended. The number of spells on your list increases as you gain Bard levels, as shown in the Prepared Spells column of the Bard Features table. Whenever that number increases, choose additional spells from the Bard spell list until the number of spells on your list matches the number on the table. The chosen spells must be of a level for which you have spell slots. For example, if you’re a level 3 Bard, your list of prepared spells can include six spells of levels 1 and 2 in any combination. If another Bard feature gives you spells that you always have prepared, those spells don’t count against the number of spells you can prepare with this feature, but those spells otherwise count as Bard spells for you. Changing Your Prepared Spells. Whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one spell on your list with another Bard spell for which you have spell slots. Spellcasting Ability. Charisma is your spellcasting ability for your Bard spells. Spellcasting Focus. You can use a Musical Instrument as a Spellcasting Focus for your Bard spells.

Level 2: Expertise

You 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.

Level 2: Jack of All Trades

You 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. For example, if you make a Strength (Athletics) check and lack Athletics proficiency, you can add half your Proficiency Bonus to the check.

Level 3: Bard Subclass

You 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. For the rest of your career, you gain each of your subclass’s features that are of your Bard level or lower.

Level 4: Ability Score Improvement

You 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.

Level 5: Font of Inspiration

You 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.

Level 7: Countercharm

You can use musical notes or words of power to disrupt mind-influencing effects. If you or a creature within 30 feet of you fails a saving throw against an effect that applies the Charmed or Frightened condition, you can take a Reaction to cause the save to be rerolled, and the new roll has Advantage.

Level 10: Magical Secrets

You’ve learned secrets from various magical traditions. Whenever you reach a Bard level (including this level) and the Prepared Spells number in the Bard Features table increases, you can choose any of your new prepared spells from the Bard, Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spell lists, and the chosen spells count as Bard spells for you (see a class’s section for its spell list). In addition, whenever you replace a spell prepared for this class, you can replace it with a spell from those lists.

Level 18: Superior Inspiration

When you roll Initiative, you regain expended uses of Bardic Inspiration until you have two if you have fewer than that.

Level 19: Epic Boon

You gain an Epic Boon feat (see “Feats”) or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Spell Recall is recommended.

Level 20: Words of Creation

You 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. When you cast either spell, you can target a second creature with it if that creature is within 10 feet of the first target.

Bard Spell List

This section presents the Bard spell list. The spells are organized by spell level and then alphabetized, and each spell’s school of magic is listed. In the Special column, C means the spell requires Concentration, R means it’s a Ritual, and M means it requires a specific Material component.

Spell List

Level	Spell	School	Special
Cantrips (Level 0 Bard Spells)	Prestidigitation	Transmutation	—
Cantrips (Level 0 Bard Spells)	Starry Wisp	Evocation	—
Cantrips (Level 0 Bard Spells)	True Strike	Divination	—
Cantrips (Level 0 Bard Spells)	Vicious Mockery	Enchantment	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Animal Friendship	Enchantment	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Bane	Enchantment	C
Level 1 Bard Spells	Charm Person	Enchantment	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Color Spray	Illusion	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Command	Enchantment	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Comprehend Languages	Divination	R
Level 1 Bard Spells	Cure Wounds	Abjuration	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Detect Magic	Divination	C, R
Level 1 Bard Spells	Disguise Self	Illusion	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Dissonant Whispers	Enchantment	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Faerie Fire	Evocation	C
Level 1 Bard Spells	Feather Fall	Transmutation	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Healing Word	Abjuration	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Heroism	Enchantment	C
Level 1 Bard Spells	Hideous Laughter	Enchantment	C
Level 1 Bard Spells	Identify	Divination	R, M
Level 1 Bard Spells	Illusory Script	Illusion	R, M
Level 1 Bard Spells	Longstrider	Transmutation	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Silent Image	Illusion	C
Level 1 Bard Spells	Sleep	Enchantment	C
Level 1 Bard Spells	Speak with Animals	Divination	R
Level 1 Bard Spells	Thunderwave	Evocation	—
Level 1 Bard Spells	Unseen Servant	Conjuration	R
Level 2 Bard Spells	Aid	Abjuration	—
Level 2 Bard Spells	Animal Messenger	Enchantment	R
Level 2 Bard Spells	Blindness/Deafness	Transmutation	—
Level 2 Bard Spells	Calm Emotions	Enchantment	C
Level 2 Bard Spells	Dancing Lights	Illusion	C Detect Thoughts Divination C
Level 2 Bard Spells	Light	Evocation	— Enhance Ability Transmutation C
Level 2 Bard Spells	Mage Hand	Conjuration	— Enlarge/Reduce Transmutation C
Level 2 Bard Spells	Mending	Transmutation	— Enthrall Enchantment C
Level 2 Bard Spells	Message	Transmutation	— Heat Metal Transmutation C
Level 2 Bard Spells	Minor	Illusion	Illusion — Hold Person Enchantment C
	Invisibility	Illusion	C
	Knock	Transmutation	—
	Lesser Restoration	Abjuration	—
	Locate Animals or Plants	Divination	R
	Locate Object	Divination	C
	Magic Mouth	Illusion	R, M
	Mirror Image	Illusion	—
	See Invisibility	Divination	—
	Shatter	Evocation	—
	Silence	Illusion	C, R
	Suggestion	Enchantment	C
	Zone of Truth	Enchantment	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Bestow Curse	Necromancy	C
Level 3 Bard Spells	Clairvoyance	Divination	C, M
Level 3 Bard Spells	Dispel Magic	Abjuration	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Fear	Illusion	C
Level 3 Bard Spells	Glyph of Warding	Abjuration	M
Level 3 Bard Spells	Hypnotic Pattern	Illusion	C
Level 3 Bard Spells	Major Image	Illusion	C
Level 3 Bard Spells	Mass Healing Word	Abjuration	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Nondetection	Abjuration	M
Level 3 Bard Spells	Plant Growth	Transmutation	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Sending	Divination	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Slow	Transmutation	C
Level 3 Bard Spells	Speak with Dead	Necromancy	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Speak with Plants	Transmutation	—
Level 3 Bard Spells	Stinking Cloud	Conjuration	C
Level 3 Bard Spells	Tiny Hut	Evocation	R
Level 3 Bard Spells	Tongues	Divination	—
Level 4 Bard Spells	Charm Monster	Enchantment	—
Level 4 Bard Spells	Compulsion	Enchantment	C
Level 4 Bard Spells	Confusion	Enchantment	C
Level 4 Bard Spells	Dimension Door	Conjuration	—
Level 4 Bard Spells	Freedom of Movement	Abjuration	—
Level 4 Bard Spells	Greater Invisibility	Illusion	C
Level 4 Bard Spells	Hallucinatory Terrain	Illusion	—
Level 4 Bard Spells	Locate Creature	Divination	C
Level 4 Bard Spells	Phantasmal Killer	Illusion	C
Level 4 Bard Spells	Polymorph	Transmutation	C
Level 5 Bard Spells	Animate Objects	Transmutation	C
Level 5 Bard Spells	Awaken	Transmutation	M
Level 5 Bard Spells	Dominate Person	Enchantment	C
Level 5 Bard Spells	Dream	Illusion	—
Level 5 Bard Spells	Geas	Enchantment	—
Level 5 Bard Spells	Greater Restoration	Abjuration	M
Level 5 Bard Spells	Hold Monster	Enchantment	C
Level 5 Bard Spells	Legend Lore	Divination	M
Level 5 Bard Spells	Mass Cure Wounds	Abjuration	—
Level 5 Bard Spells	Mislead	Illusion	C
Level 5 Bard Spells	Modify Memory	Enchantment	C
Level 5 Bard Spells	Planar Binding	Abjuration	M
Level 5 Bard Spells	Raise Dead	Necromancy	M
Level 5 Bard Spells	Scrying	Divination	C, M
Level 5 Bard Spells	Seeming	Illusion	—
Level 5 Bard Spells	Telepathic Bond	Divination	R
Level 5 Bard Spells	Teleportation Circle	Conjuration	M
Level 6 Bard Spells	Eyebite	Necromancy	C
Level 6 Bard Spells	Find the Path	Divination	C, M
Level 6 Bard Spells	Guards and Wards	Abjuration	M
Level 6 Bard Spells	Heroes’ Feast	Conjuration	M
Level 6 Bard Spells	Irresistible Dance	Enchantment	C
Level 6 Bard Spells	Mass Suggestion	Enchantment	—
Level 6 Bard Spells	Programmed	Illusion	Illusion M
Level 6 Bard Spells	True Seeing	Divination	M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Arcane Sword	Evocation	C, M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Etherealness	Conjuration	—
Level 7 Bard Spells	Forcecage	Evocation	C, M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Magnificent Mansion	Conjuration	M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Mirage Arcane	Illusion	—
Level 7 Bard Spells	Prismatic Spray	Evocation	—
Level 7 Bard Spells	Project Image	Illusion	C, M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Regenerate	Transmutation	—
Level 7 Bard Spells	Resurrection	Necromancy	M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Symbol	Abjuration	M
Level 7 Bard Spells	Teleport	Conjuration	—
Level 8 Bard Spells	Antipathy/Sympathy	Enchantment	—
Level 8 Bard Spells	Befuddlement	Enchantment	—
Level 8 Bard Spells	Dominate Monster	Enchantment	C
Level 8 Bard Spells	Glibness	Enchantment	—
Level 8 Bard Spells	Mind Blank	Abjuration	—
Level 8 Bard Spells	Power Word Stun	Enchantment	—
Level 9 Bard Spells	Foresight	Divination	—
Level 9 Bard Spells	Power Word Heal	Enchantment	—
Level 9 Bard Spells	Power Word Kill	Enchantment	—
Level 9 Bard Spells	Prismatic Wall	Abjuration	—
Level 9 Bard Spells	True Polymorph	Transmutation	C

Bard Subclass: College of Lore

Plumb the Depths of Magical Knowledge

Bards of the College of Lore collect spells and secrets from diverse sources, such as scholarly tomes, mystical rites, and peasant tales. The college’s members gather in libraries and universities to share their lore with one another. They also meet at festivals or affairs of state, where they can expose corruption, unravel lies, and poke fun at self-important figures of authority.

Level 3: Bonus Proficiencies

You gain proficiency with three skills of your choice.

Level 3: Cutting Words

You learn to use your wit to supernaturally distract, confuse, and otherwise sap the confidence and competence of others. When a creature that you can see within 60 feet of yourself makes a damage roll or succeeds on an ability check or attack roll, you can take a Reaction to expend one use of your Bardic Inspiration; roll your Bardic Inspiration die, and subtract the number rolled from the creature’s roll, reducing the damage or potentially turning the success into a failure.

Level 6: Magical Discoveries

You 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). A spell you choose must be a cantrip or a spell for which you have spell slots, as shown in the Bard Features table. You always have the chosen spells prepared, and whenever you gain a Bard level, you can replace one of the spells with another spell that meets these requirements.

Level 14: Peerless Skill

When 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.