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Class:Bard

From DDO Compendium

Official Game Entry

Using spells, skills, and powerful magical songs, Bards are the ultimate support characters, simultaneously strengthening friends and weakening foes.

Solo Ability: Challenging.

Important stats:

Charisma is the most important stat for bards. High charisma makes a bard's songs and spells more powerful and more difficult for enemies to resist and also gives him or her more spell points.

Notable abilities: Fascinate, Inspire Courage.

Playing songs is the bard's most impressive ability. With songs bards can give a boost to their allies abilities or subdue foes. The Fascinate song can mesmerize and immobilize enemies better than any other class's spells or abilities.

Bards also have mastery of many different kinds of spells. They can heal allies or attack and manipulate foes and have more spell points than any of the other melee or specialist classes.

With this special blend of abilities, bards can make any party more effective, regardless of composition.

Hit Die:D6
Base Skill Points Each Level:6
Caster Type:Arcane
Spell Casting:Charisma determines how powerful a spell a Bard can cast, how many spells they can cast, and how hard those spells are to resist.
Path(s):Spellsinger, Virtuoso of the Sword, Warchanter
1 +0 0 2 2
2 +1 0 3 3
3 +2 1 3 3
4 +3 1 4 4
5 +3 1 4 4
6 +4 2 5 5
7 +5 2 5 5
8 +6 / +1 2 6 6
9 +6 / +1 3 6 6
10 +7 / +2 3 7 7
11 +8 / +3 3 7 7
12 +9 / +4 4 8 8
13 +9 / +4 4 8 8
14 +10 / +5 4 9 9
15 +11 / +6 / +1 5 9 9
16 +12 / +7 / +2 5 10 10
17 +12 / +7 / +2 5 10 10
18 +13 / +8 / +3 6 11 11
19 +14 / +9 / +4 6 11 11
20 +15 / +10 / +5 6 12 12

Balance Allows you to recover your balance when knocked down.
Bluff Allows you to bluff certain NPCs or make monsters vulnerable to a sneak attack.
Concentration Allows you a chance to continue casting a spell when you would normally be interrupted. For characters with ki, concentration allows you to retain more base ki and slows the rate at which your ki dissipates.
Diplomacy Allows you to negotiate more effectively with certain NPCs and to encourage monsters to find targets other than yourself.
Haggle Allows you to negotiate better prices with vendors.
Hide Allows you to sneak past monsters, avoiding their sight.
Jump Allows you to jump higher.
Listen Allows you to hear enemies that are trying to move silently as well as subtle noises which others may not hear.
Move Silently Allows you to sneak past monsters, avoiding their hearing.
Perform Allows you to use and improve your musical ability to inspire and fascinate others. Bard songs require you to have a certain number of ranks in this skill.
Swim Allows you to swim faster and hold your breath for a longer period of time when underwater.
Tumble Allows you to tumble and roll away from attacking enemies.
Use Magic Device Allows you the ability to use magic devices and wear magic items which you normally wouldn't be able to use.

1 1 / 1-- / ---- / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
2 2 / 1-- / ---- / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
3 3 / 1-- / ---- / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
4 3 / 22 / ---- / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
5 4 / 33 / 1-- / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
6 4 / 33 / 2-- / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
7 4 / 34 / 22 / ---- / ---- / ---- / --
8 4 / 34 / 33 / 1-- / ---- / ---- / --
9 4 / 34 / 33 / 2-- / ---- / ---- / --
10 4 / 34 / 34 / 22 / ---- / ---- / --
11 4 / 34 / 34 / 33 / 1-- / ---- / --
12 4 / 34 / 34 / 33 / 2-- / ---- / --
13 4 / 34 / 34 / 34 / 22 / ---- / --
14 4 / 34 / 34 / 34 / 33 / 1-- / --
15 4 / 44 / 34 / 34 / 33 / 2-- / --
16 5 / 44 / 44 / 34 / 34 / 22 / --
17 5 / 45 / 44 / 44 / 34 / 33 / 1
18 5 / 45 / 45 / 44 / 44 / 33 / 2
19 5 / 45 / 45 / 45 / 44 / 44 / 3
20 5 / 45 / 45 / 45 / 45 / 44 / 4

1Cause FearAn enemy becomes frightened. A successful Will save causes the target to become shaken instead. Creatures with 6 or more HD are immune to this effect.
1Charm PersonCharms an enemy humanoid, which will fight as a trusted friend and ally. Charmed humanoids get an additional save every 3d6+12 seconds. A successful Will save negates this effect. Humanoids include kobolds, goblinoids, player races except for warforged, troglodytes, and more.
1Cure Light WoundsPositive energy is channeled to heal light wounds of your target or damage undead for 1d8 hit points +1 per caster level (max +5). Undead who make a successful Will save reduce the damage by half.
1Detect Secret DoorsReveals secret and hidden doors.
1Expeditious RetreatIncreases base run speed by 20%.
1Feather FallCauses an ally to fall slowly, although faster than feathers typically do.
1Focusing ChantYou gain a +1 circumstance bonus to attack rolls and skill checks.
1GreaseCovers the ground with a layer of slippery grease, forcing targets to make a Reflex save or fall.
1HypnotismGestures and droning incantation fascinate nearby enemies, causing them to stop and stare blankly until damaged. A successful Will save negates this effect.
1Master's TouchGrants the caster proficiency with simple and martial weapons for one minute per caster level.
1Merfolk's BlessingGives an ally per caster level a +10 enhancement bonus on Swim checks, plus one for every 2 caster levels.
1Otto's Resistible DanceAt your touch, enemies feel an undeniable urge to dance and begin doing so, complete with foot shuffling and tapping. The spell makes it impossible for the enemy to do anything other than caper and prance in place. A successful Will save negates this effect.
1Remove FearInstills courage in an ally, granting a +4 morale bonus against Fear effects for 10 minutes. Counters and dispels Cause Fear.
1SleepInduces a magical slumber to come upon 4 Hit Dice of enemies, rendering them helpless until attacked. Ineffective on undead or constructs. A successful Will save negates this effect.
1Summon Monster ISummons a celestial dog to fight for you. You can only have one summoned creature serving you at a time. Summoning another creature will return this one to its home plane.
2BlindnessThe power of unlife renders an enemy permanently blinded. A successful Fortitude save negates this effect.
2BlurAn ally's outline becomes slightly blurred, granting a 20% miss chance.
2Cat's GraceAn ally becomes more graceful, agile, and coordinated, giving a +4 enhancement bonus to Dexterity.
2Cure Moderate WoundsPositive energy is channeled to heal moderate wounds of your target or damage undead for 2d8 hit points +1 per caster level (max +10). Undead who make a successful Will save reduce the damage by half.
2Daze MonsterClouds the mind of an enemy so that it takes no actions for 6 seconds. Creatures of 7 or more Hit Dice are not affected. A successful Will save negates this effect.
2Eagle's SplendorAn ally becomes more poised, articulate and personally forceful, giving a +4 enhancement bonus to Charisma.
2Fox's CunningThe ally gains wit, giving a +4 enhancement bonus to Intelligence.
2GlitterdustA cloud of golden particles covers everything in an area, causing targets to become blinded and outlining invisible creatures. Any creature covered by the dust takes a -40 penalty on Hide checks. A successful Will save negates the blindness portion of the spell.
2HeroismImbues a single ally with great bravery and morale in battle, gaining a +2 morale bonus on attacks, saves, and skill checks.
2Hold PersonThe target enemy humanoid becomes paralyzed and freezes in place. It is aware, but can take no actions for a maximum of 6 seconds per caster level. The enemy may attempt to make a new Will save every 3 seconds. Humanoids include kobolds, goblinoids, player races except for warforged, troglodytes, and more.
2Hypnotic PatternA twisting pattern of subtle, shifting colors weaves through the air, fascinating targets within it. A successful Will save negates this effect.
2InvisibilityAn ally becomes invisible, vanishing from sight, even from darkvision. If he or she attacks a target, the effect is removed.
2RageCauses the target to fly into a screaming blood frenzy, gaining phenomenal strength and durability but becoming reckless. Grants a +2 morale bonus to Strength, Constitution, and a +1 morale bonus to Will saves, but causes the target to take a -2 penalty to armor.
2ScareCasts Cause Fear on multiple targets. Affected enemies become frightened. A successful Will save causes the target to become shaken instead. Creatures with 6 or more HD are immune to this effect.
2SoundburstBlasts an area with a tremendous cacophony, doing 1d8 of sonic damage and stunning enemies for 6 seconds. A successful Fortitude or Spell Resistance save negates the stun.
2SuggestionInfluences the actions of an enemy, allowing you to suggest it to fight as your ally for 6 seconds per caster level. A successful Will save negates this effect.
2Summon Monster IISummons a fiendish scorpion to fight for you. You can only have one summoned creature serving you at a time. Summoning another creature will return this one to its home plane.
3Charm MonsterAn enemy monster is charmed and will fight as a trusted friend and ally. Charmed monsters get additional saves every 3d6+12 seconds. A successful Will save negates this effect.
3Crushing DespairCauses great sadness in enemies, giving -2 penalties to attack, saves, skill checks, and weapon damage. A successful Will save negates this effect.
3Cure Serious WoundsPositive energy is channeled to heal serious wounds of your target or damage undead for 3d8 hit points +1 per caster level (max +15). Undead who make a successful Will save reduce the damage by half.
3Deep SlumberInduces a magical slumber to come upon 10 Hit Dice worth of enemies, rendering them helpless until attacked or for a duration of 1 minute per caster level. Ineffective on undead or constructs. A successful Will save negates this effect.
3Dispel MagicRemoves ongoing spells that have been cast on a target. You must make a caster level check of 1d20 + your caster level (maximum +10) versus 11 + the spell's caster level to remove an effect.
3DisplacementAn ally's outline becomes blurred, granting a 50% miss chance.
3FearAn invisible cone of terror causes each living enemy in an area to become panicked. Cornered enemies cower. A successful Will save causes enemies to become shaken.
3Good HopeInstills powerful hope, giving a +2 morale bonus to attack, saves, abilities, skills, and weapon damage.
3HasteQuickens allies, causing them to attack 15% faster than normal. In addition the recipient gains a +1 enhancement bonus to attack rolls and a +1 dodge bonus to AC and Reflex saves.
3Remove CurseRemoves all curses on an ally. Counters and dispels Bestow Curse.
3See InvisibilityYou can see invisible creatures and objects.
3SlowCauses an enemy to move at 50% speed and attack at a 30% slowed rate and have a -1 penalty on attck rolls, AC, and Reflex saves. A successful Will save negates this effect.
3Summon Monster IIISummons a hellhound to fight for you. You can only have one summoned creature serving you at a time. Summoning another creature will return this one to its home plane.
4Break EnchantmentAffected allies in an area are freed from harmful enchantments, transmutations, and curses. You must make a caster level check of 1d20 + your caster level (maximum +15) versus 11 + the spell's caster level to remove an effect.
4Cure Critical WoundsPositive energy is channeled to heal critical wounds of your target or damage undead for 4d8 +1 per caster level (max +20). Undead who make a successful Will save reduce the damage by half.
4Dimension DoorCreates a magical portal that can transport you and your companions back to the entrance of your dungeon.
4Dominate PersonTelepathically controls the actions of a humanoid enemy, causing it to change sides. Dominate acts like Charm, with additional Will saves every 3d6+12 seconds, but the creature will follow you throughout the dungeon.
4Freedom of MovementThis spell enables an ally to move and attack normally for the duration of the spell, even under the influence of magic that normally impedes movement, such as paralysis, entanglement, or solid fog.
4Hold MonsterAn enemy becomes paralyzed and freezes in place. It is aware, but can take no actions for a maximum of 6 seconds per caster level. The enemy may attempt to make a new Will save every 3 seconds.
4Neutralize PoisonDetoxifies any sort of venom in an ally, causing him to suffer no additional effects from the poison. Additionally, it immunizes the ally from any poison he is exposed to during the duration of the spell.
4Otto's Sphere of DancingA magical sphere that compels all enemies who enter it to dance. A successful Will save negates this effect.
4ShoutEmits an ear-splitting yell that does 5d6 damage to targets in its path. A successful Fortitude save halves the damage.
4Summon Monster IVSummons a fiendish spider to fight for you. You can only have one summoned creature serving you at a time. Summoning another creature will return this one to its home plane.
5Cure Light Wounds, MassCasts Cure Light Wounds on multiple targets. Positive energy is channeled to heal light wounds of allies or damage undead for 1d8 hit points +1 per caster level (max +25). Undead who make a successful Will save reduce the damage by half.
5Greater Dispel MagicRemoves ongoing spells that have been cast on a target. You must make a caster level check of 1d20 + your caster level (maximum +20) versus 11 + the spell's caster level to remove an effect.
5Greater HeroismImbues a single ally with great bravery and morale in battle, granting a +4 morale bonus on attacks, saves, and skill checks. The target also receives temporary hit points equal to the caster level and immunity to fear.
5Mass SuggestionCasts Suggestion on multiple enemies. The actions of affected enemies are influenced by you, allowing you to suggest that they fight as your allies for 6 seconds per caster level. A successful Will save negates this effect.
5Mind FogProduces a bank of thin mist that weakens the mental resistance of those caught in it, giving a -10 penalty to Will saves. A successful Will save negates this effect.
5Shadow WalkTransports you to the edge of the Material Plane where it borders the Plane of Shadow. While this spell is active, you move much faster than normal and your outline appears faint and you are harder to hit. Attacking another creature or otherwise interacting with objects shunts you back to the Material Plane.
5Summon Monster VSummons an earth elemental to fight for you. You can only have one summoned creature serving you at a time. Summoning another creature will return this one to its home plane.
6Cat's Grace, MassCasts Cat's Grace on multiple targets, giving a +4 enhancement bonus to Dexterity to each.
6Cure Moderate Wounds, MassCasts Cure Moderate Wounds on multiple targets. Positive energy is channeled to heal moderate wounds of allies or damage undead for 2d8 hit points +1 per caster level (max +30). Undead who make a successful Will save reduce the damage by half.
6Eagle's Splendor, MassCasts Eagle's Splendor on multiple targets.
6Fox's Cunning, MassCasts Fox's Cunning on multiple targets.
6Greater ShoutEmits an ear-splitting yell that deafens and deals 10d6 sonic damage and stuns targets in its path. A successful Fortitude save halves the damage and negates the stun.
6Heroes FeastBrings forth a great feast for all nearby allies. While this spell is active on someone, the next time they use a rest shrine they consume the feast. The nectarlike beverage which is part of the feast cures them of all diseases, sickness, and nausea, makes them immune to poison for 1 minute per caster level, and grants 1d8 temporary hit points +1 per two caster levels (maximum 10). The ambrosial food that is consumed grants each creature that partakes a +1 morale bonus on attack rolls and Will saves and immunity to fear for 1 minute per caster level.
6Mass Charm MonsterA group of enemy monsters are charmed and will fight as trusted friends and ally. Charmed monsters get additional saves every 3d6+12 seconds. A successful Will save negates this effect.
6Otto's Irresistible DanceAt your touch, enemies feel an irresistible urge to dance and begin doing so, complete with foot shuffling and tapping. The spell makes it impossible for the enemy to do anything other than caper and prance in place.
6Summon Monster VISummons a fiendish troll to fight for you. You can only have one summoned creature serving you at a time. Summoning another creature will return this one to its home plane.

1 Attack Your basic attack. When activated, you will continue attacking until your target is defeated.
1 Dismiss Charm Activate this short-ranged ability while targeting a charmed, commanded, controlled, or dominated enemy that is under your control to dispel the controlling effect.
1 Fascinate Activate this bard ability to make your foes stop what they're doing and listen to your soothing notes. Requires 3 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill to use. Has a save DC of your perform skill plus a d20.
1 Heroic Durability Increases your maximum hit points by 20.
1 Inspire Courage Activate this bard ability to rally your companions, giving them a +1 morale bonus to saves against fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls before enhancements. At 8th level, and every six bard levels thereafter, this bonus increases by 1. Requires 3 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill to use.
1 Light Armor Proficiency You are proficient with light armor, and do not suffer armor penalties to your attack rolls when wearing light armor.
1 Martial Weapon Proficiency You do not suffer an attack penalty for martial weapons.

Type(s): Proficiency: Short Sword, Proficiency: Longsword, Proficiency: Shortbow, Proficiency: Rapier
1 Shield Proficiency (General) You are proficient with bucklers, small, and large shields.
1 Simple Weapon Proficiency You do not suffer an attack penalty for simple weapons.
1 Sneak Uses your Move Silently and Hide in Shadows skills to stealth through dungeons.
2 Defensive Fighting While using Defensive Fighting mode, you trade attack bonus for a small AC bonus. Casting a spell ends this mode.
2 Sunder Using this attack, you may reduce the target's Armor Class by 4 for a short time. Some creatures may be immune to the sunder effect. A successful Fortitude save negates this effect. (DC 10 + Str mod)
2 Trip Using this attack, you may trip the target, rendering it prone. Some creatures may be immune to this effect. A successful Balance check negates this effect. (DC 10 + Str mod)
3 Inspire Competence Activate this bard ability to grant an ally a +2 competence bonus to his or her skill checks. Requires 6 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill to use.
6 Suggestion Activate this bard ability to charm a fascinated foe for a short time. Requires 9 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill to use.
8 Improved Inspire Courage (+1) Your inspire courage now gives an additional +1 bonus to attack, damage, and fear saves.
9 Inspire Greatness Activate this bard ability to grant an ally extra fighting capability, providing a +2 bonus on attack rolls, a +1 bonus to Fortitude saves, and bonus temporary hit points. Requires 12 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill.
12 Song of Freedom Activate this bard ability to create an effect equivalent to the break enchantment spell on one of your allies. Requires 15 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill.
14 Improved Inspire Courage (+2) Your inspire courage now gives an additional +2 bonus to attack, damage, and fear saves.
15 Inspire Heroics Activate this bard ability to grant an ally a +4 morale bonus to his or her saves, and a +4 dodge bonus to armor class. Requires 18 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill to use.
18 Mass Suggestion Activate this bard ability to charm multiple fascinated foes for a short time. Requires 21 trained ranks (not total mod) of the Perform skill to use.
20 Improved Inspire Courage (+3) Your inspire courage now gives an additional +3 bonus to attack, damage, and fear saves.

1 Bard Balance I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Balance skill.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Bluff I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Bluff skill.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Concentration I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Concentration skill.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Diplomacy I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Diplomacy skill.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Energy of Music I
Grants a 20 point increase to spell points.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Extra Song I
You gain the ability to perform 1 additional bard song per rest.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Haggle I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Haggle skill.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Inspired Bravery I
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +1 bonus to saves against fear.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Perform I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Perform skill.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Song Magic I
Grants a 10% increase to the effectiveness of your healing and sonic spells.
Cost: 1 action point
1 Bard Tumble I
Grants a +1 bonus to your Tumble skill.
Cost: 1 action point
2 Bard Charisma I
Grants a +1 increase to your Charisma score.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 2 action points
2 Bard Inspired Damage I
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +1 damage bonus.
Cost: 1 action point
Spent: 3 action points
2 Bard Lingering Song I
Your beneficial songs last 20% longer than normal.
Cost: 1 action point
Spent: 3 action points
2 Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I
Grants a 30% increase to the effectiveness of your wands, scrolls, and other items that cast spells.
Cost: 1 action point
Spent: 3 action points
3 Bard Inspired Attack I
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +1 attack bonus.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 6 action points
3 Bard Lyric of Song I
Grants a 3% chance for your healing and sonic spells to generate a critical result for 1.5 times the normal healing or damage amount. (Base spell critical chance is 0% and base critical damage multiplier is 1.5.)
Cost: 1 action point
Spent: 7 action points
3 Bard Wand Heightening I
You add +1 to the DC of your offensive wands.
Cost: 1 action point
Spent: 7 action points
4 Bard Balance II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Balance skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Balance I
4 Bard Bluff II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Bluff skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Bluff I
4 Bard Concentration II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Concentration skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Concentration I
4 Bard Diplomacy II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Diplomacy skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Diplomacy I
4 Bard Extra Song II
You gain the ability to perform 1 additional bard song per rest, bringing your total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Extra Song I
4 Bard Haggle II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Haggle skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Haggle I
4 Bard Perform II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Perform skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Perform I
4 Bard Song Magic II
Grants an additional 10% increase to the effectiveness of your healing and sonic spells, bringing the total increase to 20%.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Song Magic I
4 Bard Tumble II
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Tumble skill, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 10 action points
Requires All of: Bard Tumble I
5 Bard Energy of Music II
Grants an additional 20 spell points, bringing your total increase to 40 points.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 14 action points
Requires All of: Bard Energy of Music I
5 Bard Improved Spell Penetration I
You add +1 to your level when attempting to overcome an enemy's spell resistance.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 14 action points
5 Bard Inspired Bravery II
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +2 bonus to saves against fear.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 14 action points
Requires All of: Bard Inspired Bravery I
5 Bard Lyric of Incredible Song I
Your healing and sonic spell critical multipliers are increased by an additional 0.25, bringing your base critical multiplier for these spells to 1.75.
Cost: 1 action point
Spent: 15 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lyric of Song I
5 Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II
Grants an additional 15% increase to the effectiveness of your wands, scrolls, and other items that cast spells, bringing the total increase to 45%.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 14 action points
Requires All of: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery I
6 Bard Charisma II
Grants an additional +1 to your Charisma score.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 16 action points
Requires All of: Bard Charisma I
6 Bard Lingering Song II
Your beneficial songs last 40% longer than normal.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 18 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lingering Song I
6 Bard Music of the Dead
You can use this ability to mesmerize undead. Mesmerized undead stop acting and behave like they have been fascinated. Unlike truly fascinated creatures, however, they are not susceptible to suggestion.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 18 action points
Requires One of: Bard Extra Song IV, Bard Virtuoso I, Wizard Pale Master I
6 Bard Spellsinger I
Your studies into magic have granted you a +2 bonus to your Concentration and Use Magic Device skills, +100 Spell Points, and the ability to expend a use of Bardic Music to grant yourself and all nearby allies a +1 morale bonus to spell DC's and a 10% morale discount on spell point costs. You may possess only one prestige enhancement line at a time for each class.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 16 action points
Requires One of: Spell Focus: Enchantment, Mental Toughness, Maximize Spell, Heighten Spell, Empower Spell, Magical Training, Greater Spell Focus: Enchantment
Requires All of: Bard Energy of Music II, Bard Song Magic II, Bard Lyric of Song I, Bard Concentration II
Grants: Spellsong Trance
6 Bard Virtuoso I
Your studies into song have granted you a +2 bonus to your Diplomacy, Listen, and Perform skills, 3 extra uses of Bardic Music per rest, and the ability to extend the duration of your beneficial songs by an additional 10%. You also gain the ability to expend a use of Bardic Music to enthrall multiple enemies, fascinating them and inflicting a -2 penalty to attack rolls and Will saves even if the fascination is broken. You may possess only one prestige enhancement line at a time for each class.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 16 action points
Requires One of: Skill Focus: Perform, Negotiator, Bard Extra Song IV
Requires All of: Bard Charisma I, Bard Extra Song II, Bard Perform II, Bard Lingering Song I
Grants: Enthrallment
6 Bard Warchanter I
Your studies into war have granted you a +2 bonus to your Intimidate skill. Your Inspire Courage song gains an additional +1 to attack rolls, +2 to damage rolls, and +1 to fear saves. If you possess the Barbarian Rage ability, you gain +1 use per rest. You also gain the ability to expend a use of Bardic Music to grant all nearby allies damage reduction 5/-. You may possess only one prestige enhancement line at a time for each class.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 16 action points
Requires One of: Weapon Focus: Slashing Weapons, Weapon Focus: Bludgeoning Weapons, Weapon Focus: Piercing Weapons
Requires All of: Power Attack, Bard Inspired Attack I, Bard Inspired Damage I, Bard Inspired Bravery II
Grants: Ironskin Chant
7 Bard Extra Song III
You gain the ability to perform 1 additional bard song per rest, bringing your total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 21 action points
Requires All of: Bard Extra Song II
7 Bard Inspired Damage II
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +2 damage bonus.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 22 action points
Requires All of: Bard Inspired Damage I
7 Bard Lyric of Song II
Grants a 6% chance for your healing and sonic spells to generate a critical result for 1.5 times the normal healing or damage amount.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 22 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lyric of Song I
7 Bard Song Magic III
Grants an additional 10% increase to the effectiveness of your healing and sonic spells, bringing the total increase to 30%.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 21 action points
Requires All of: Bard Song Magic II
7 Bard Wand Heightening II
You add an additional +1 to the DC of your offensive wands, bringing the total increase to 2.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 22 action points
Requires All of: Bard Wand Heightening I
8 Bard Balance III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Balance skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Balance II
8 Bard Bluff III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Bluff skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Bluff II
8 Bard Concentration III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Concentration skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Concentration II
8 Bard Diplomacy III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Diplomacy skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Diplomacy II
8 Bard Haggle III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Haggle skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Haggle II
8 Bard Inspired Attack II
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +2 attack bonus.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 24 action points
Requires All of: Bard Inspired Attack I
8 Bard Perform III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Perform skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Perform II
8 Bard Tumble III
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Tumble skill, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Tumble II
8 Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery III
Grants an additional 15% increase to the effectiveness of your wands, scrolls, and other items that cast spells, bringing the total increase to 60%.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 25 action points
Requires All of: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery II
9 Bard Energy of Music III
Grants an additional 20 spell points, bringing your total increase to 60 points.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 29 action points
Requires All of: Bard Energy of Music II
9 Bard Improved Spell Penetration II
You add +2 to your level when attempting to overcome an enemy's SR.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 28 action points
Requires All of: Bard Improved Spell Penetration I
9 Bard Inspired Bravery III
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +3 bonus to saves against fear.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 29 action points
Requires All of: Bard Inspired Bravery II
9 Bard Lyric of Incredible Song II
Your healing and sonic spell critical multipliers are increased by an additional 0.25, bringing your base critical multiplier for these spells to 2.00.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 30 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lyric of Incredible Song I
9 Bard Music of Makers
You can use this ability to mesmerize constructs. Mesmerized constructs stop acting and behave like they have been fascinated. Unlike truly fascinated creatures, however, they are not susceptible to suggestion.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 30 action points
Requires One of: Warforged Construct Thinking III, Bard Extra Song IV, Lesser Dragonmark of Making, Bard Virtuoso I
10 Bard Charisma III
Grants an additional +1 to your Charisma score.
Cost: 6 action points
Spent: 30 action points
Requires All of: Bard Charisma II
10 Bard Extra Song IV
You gain the ability to perform 1 additional bard song per rest, bringing your total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 32 action points
Requires All of: Bard Extra Song III
10 Bard Lingering Song III
Your beneficial songs last 60% longer than normal.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 33 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lingering Song II
10 Bard Song Magic IV
Grants an additional 10% increase to the effectiveness of your healing and sonic spells, bringing the total increase to 40%.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 32 action points
Requires All of: Bard Song Magic III
11 Bard Lyric of Song III
Grants a 9% chance for your healing and sonic spells to generate a critical result for 1.5 times the normal healing or damage amount.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 37 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lyric of Song II
11 Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery IV
Grants an additional 15% increase to the effectiveness of your wands, scrolls, and other items that cast spells, bringing the total increase to 75%.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 36 action points
Requires All of: Bard Wand and Scroll Mastery III
11 Bard Wand Heightening III
You add an additional +1 to the DC of your offensive wands, bringing the total increase to 3.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 37 action points
Requires All of: Bard Wand Heightening II
12 Bard Balance IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Balance skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Balance III
12 Bard Bluff IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Bluff skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Bluff III
12 Bard Concentration IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Concentration skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Concentration III
12 Bard Diplomacy IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Diplomacy skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Diplomacy III
12 Bard Haggle IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Haggle skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Haggle III
12 Bard Inspired Damage III
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +3 damage bonus.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 41 action points
Requires All of: Bard Inspired Damage II
12 Bard Perform IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Perform skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Perform III
12 Bard Tumble IV
Grants an additional +1 bonus to your Tumble skill, bringing the total increase to 4.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 40 action points
Requires All of: Bard Tumble III
13 Bard Energy of Music IV
Grants an additional 20 spell points, bringing your total increase to 80 points.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 44 action points
Requires All of: Bard Energy of Music III
13 Bard Improved Spell Penetration III
You add +3 to your level when attempting to overcome an enemy's SR.
Cost: 6 action points
Spent: 42 action points
Requires All of: Bard Improved Spell Penetration II
13 Bard Inspired Attack III
The use of your inspire courage ability grants an additional +3 attack bonus.
Cost: 6 action points
Spent: 42 action points
Requires All of: Bard Inspired Attack II
13 Bard Lyric of Incredible Song III
Your healing and sonic spell critical multipliers are increased by an additional 0.25, bringing your base critical multiplier for these spells to 2.25.
Cost: 3 action points
Spent: 45 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lyric of Incredible Song II
14 Bard Lingering Song IV
Your beneficial songs last 80% longer than normal.
Cost: 4 action points
Spent: 48 action points
Requires All of: Bard Lingering Song III
20 Bard Musical Prodigy
You gain +2 Charisma, two additional uses of Bardic Music per rest, as well as +2 to Spell Penetration checks and the DC's of your Enchantment spells. Your beneficial songs last 20% longer.
Cost: 2 action points
Spent: 74 action points

Player Entry


Alignment Restriction

Bards may not be Lawful. Newly-created Bards must pick a legal alignment. Existing characters who don't meet this restriction may not multiclass into Bard.


Other Bard Topics

Bard can be a complicated class to learn how to play well. This is mostly because a there is no such thing as a typical bard. Bards usually specialize in one of several different roles (e.g., buffer, healer, crowd-controller, DPS fighter, scout), but they can typically perform at least one or two of the other roles reasonably as well. Here are some other topics to help you learn more about the bard class.



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