Human Bard Guide [D&D 5e]

When it comes to the world of Dungeons & Dragons, bards are truly unique characters. They often take on the role of the face of the party, charming their way through encounters, and are equally known for their mischievous seductive nature. This duality is made possible by their naturally high charisma scores, a trait they share with other classes such as paladins, sorcerers, warlocks, and rogues to some extent. However, what truly sets them apart? In this guide, we will delve deep into the world of human bards in D&D 5e, exploring their characteristics, creating your character, playing the class, and role-playing as a bard.

Understanding the Bard’s Versatility

Bards are a fascinating class in D&D because they are known as the jacks-of-all-trades. While they might not deal the most damage in combat, their versatility makes them a compelling choice for players. They can fill various roles, adapting to the needs of the party and contributing in unique ways. Let’s explore how you can make the most of this versatile class when playing a human bard.

Crafting Your Human Bard

Race Selection

When selecting a race for your human bard, it’s essential to consider the variant human option. This choice allows you to trade some of your stat bonuses for a free feat, which can significantly impact your character’s abilities and playstyle. Here are a few recommended feats for human bards:

1. Actor: This feat is perfect for those who want to embrace their bard’s eccentric and charismatic nature. It not only enhances your role-playing opportunities but also grants advantages in deception and performance.
2. Inspiring Leader: As the bard, you often take on the role of party leader and motivator. This feat allows you to provide temporary hit points to your party members after a short rest, making you a valuable support character.
3. Magic Initiate (Sorcerer or Warlock): If you wish to contribute more to damage dealing, consider this feat. You can choose spells like Firebolt or Eldritch Blast, but be prepared to weave them into your character’s backstory.

Key Attributes

Charisma should be the primary stat for a bard, as it powers your spells and class features. Dexterity comes next, enhancing your armor class, initiative, and finesse weapon proficiency. Depending on your subclass, like the College of Valor or the College of Swords, you might want to prioritize these for access to medium armor and better weapons.

Beyond charisma and dexterity, consider the following attributes in order of importance:

1. Constitution: Boosting your constitution grants you more hit points, increasing your durability in battle.
2. Wisdom: Wisdom is vital for common saving throws and helps you maintain your composure in various situations.
3. Strength and Intelligence: The priority of these two attributes can be flexible, depending on your character concept. Strength can be valuable for carrying capacity or melee combat, while intelligence can enhance your knowledge and problem-solving skills.

Mastering the Human Bard

Playing a Human Bard

Bards may not be known for their durability, but with a 1d8 hit die, they can endure more hits than squishier spellcasters like wizards or sorcerers. Your true strength as a bard lies in your ability to manipulate the battlefield. Here are some key tips for playing a human bard effectively:

• Position yourself strategically on the battlefield to provide support to your allies while being mindful of your safety.
• Utilize your medium armor and high dexterity to withstand the front lines when necessary.
• Be creative by taking advantage of your surroundings; ask your Dungeon Master about opportunities for improvisation.
• Use your bardic inspiration thoughtfully, as it recharges only after a long rest. It can be a game-changer in dire situations.

Embracing the Roleplay

Bards are not just skilled performers; they are also entertainers, artists, and storytellers. As a human bard, you should explore the rich narrative possibilities that your character brings to the table. Here are some role-playing tips:

• Consider your character’s background and how it influenced their path as a bard.
• Think about your character’s hobbies and passions. Do they play an instrument, paint, or practice calligraphy? These pursuits can be integral to your character’s identity.
• Explore your character’s aspirations. Do they dream of fame, seek to join a faction, or use their art for a greater purpose? These goals can drive your character’s actions and decisions.

In a world of fantasy, bards represent the minstrels and storytellers who add a touch of magic to their performances. So, don’t hold back – let your creativity flow as you immerse yourself in the world of a human bard in D&D 5e.

Mastering the Art of the Human Bard

Spellcasting and Bardic Features

One of the defining features of the bard class is their spellcasting ability. Bards are known for their unique spell list, which includes both arcane and divine spells. As a human bard, you’ll need to choose your spells wisely to complement your party’s strengths and weaknesses.

1. Cantrips: Bards have access to a variety of cantrips, which can be used infinitely. These cantrips can include spells like Vicious Mockery, Minor Illusion, or Mage Hand. Choose cantrips that align with your character’s personality and playstyle.
2. Spell Selection: Your spell choices should reflect your bard’s role in the party. Bards are adept at both healing and crowd control, making spells like Cure Wounds and Sleep valuable additions to your repertoire. Additionally, utility spells like Invisibility or Detect Magic can be game-changers in specific situations.
3. Magical Secrets: At 10th level, bards gain access to the “Magical Secrets” feature, which allows you to learn spells from any class’s spell list. This feature offers incredible versatility, enabling you to choose spells that can fill gaps in your party’s capabilities.
4. Bardic Inspiration: Your bardic inspiration ability is a core feature that sets bards apart. Use it to empower your allies’ attacks, ability checks, and saving throws. You can even encourage your fellow adventurers through music, storytelling, or other creative means, enhancing the role-playing aspect of your character.

Choosing a Bardic College

In D&D 5e, bards can choose from a variety of colleges, each offering a unique playstyle and additional features. Two popular choices for human bards are the College of Valor and the College of Swords:

• College of Valor: If you want to take a more martial approach, the College of Valor enhances your combat capabilities. You gain proficiency in medium armor and martial weapons, making you a versatile combatant. Additionally, at 3rd level, you gain the ability to inspire your allies to make extra attacks, increasing the overall damage output of your party.
• College of Swords: This college is perfect for the swashbuckling bard. It focuses on blade work and can be a fantastic choice if you want your character to be a master duelist. You gain proficiency with medium armor and martial weapons, and at 3rd level, you can perform acrobatic feats, like two-weapon fighting and defensive flourishes, to boost your damage and defensive capabilities.

Advancing Your Bardic Abilities

As your character progresses, your bard will become even more powerful. Here are some noteworthy abilities you’ll acquire at higher levels:

• Countercharm (6th Level): This feature enhances your ability to protect your allies from being frightened or charmed. It makes you a reliable support character during encounters with creatures that use fear or charm effects.
• Tongue of the Sun and Moon (13th Level): At 13th level, your bard gains the ability to understand all spoken languages. This makes you an excellent diplomat and provides ample role-playing opportunities.
• Magical Secrets (10th and 14th Level): These features allow you to cherry-pick spells from any class, further expanding your spellcasting capabilities and giving you the flexibility to adapt to different challenges.

Crafting Your Bard’s Story

When role-playing a human bard, it’s crucial to delve into your character’s backstory and motivations. Here are some additional tips to help you bring your bard to life:

• Backstory: Create a detailed backstory that explains how your character discovered their bardic abilities. Consider their upbringing, mentors, and the events that shaped their life.
• Alignment: Determine your character’s alignment, as this will guide their moral compass and decision-making. Bards can have a wide range of alignments, from chaotic good performers to more enigmatic neutral characters.
• Personality: Explore your character’s personality traits, ideals, bonds, and flaws. These elements will add depth to your role-playing and make your bard a well-rounded character.
• Character Development: Allow your character to evolve over the course of your campaign. Embrace the challenges and experiences that shape your bard’s growth and development.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human bards offer a unique and versatile role-playing experience in Dungeons & Dragons 5e. By carefully selecting your character’s feats, attributes, and playing style, you can craft a compelling and engaging character that enhances your overall gaming experience. So, embrace the charm, creativity, and charisma of the human bard, and embark on unforgettable adventures in the realms of D&D.