Every Dungeons and Dragons 2024 Bard Change Explained

Highlights

Bardic Inspiration lasts for one hour in the 2024 edition, with options to restore points by expending spell slots.
College of Dance introduces new Unarmed Strikes with Bardic Inspiration dice, switching focus to non-verbal communication.
College of Glamor moves to the Player’s Handbook with quality of life changes, including Mantles that can be restored with spell slots.

As a seasoned Dungeons and Dragons player with over a decade of experience under my belt, I can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and nostalgia as I read through the updated information on some of the classic Bard subclasses in the new Player’s Handbook.

In the 2024 edition of “Dungeons and Dragons” Player’s Handbook, the beloved and potent Bard class undergoes significant enhancements. The system for Bardic Inspiration experiences a revamp, and an additional pair of subclasses are introduced, bringing the total to four new options – one being a completely new subclass. As a result, the Bard now boasts a rejuvenated appearance and increased versatility.

In the realm of Dungeons and Dragons, Bards join the ranks of other devoted magical classes by possessing a distinct Spell Repertoire. This Bardic Spell Repertoire encompasses fresh new spells, along with established ones that have been incorporated into it. Like their fellow spellcasters, Bards boast the flexibility to swap out one of their cantrips every time they ascend a level.

Changes to All Bards in the 2024 Player’s Handbook

In the latest edition of the Player’s Handbook released in 2024, the mechanism for Bardic Inspiration has undergone a significant transformation. Previously, it lasted for ten minutes; now, it lasts an hour. Furthermore, Bards can replenish their Bardic Inspiration points by giving up spell slots, providing them with an additional incentive to utilize their Bardic Inspiration instead of saving it. Additionally, the use of Bardic Dice is only necessary when rolls fall short and Bardic Inspiration points need to be expended, promoting active usage rather than stockpiling.

An improvement has been made to theCountercharm ability. With this update, Bards can now use Countercharm on a target who is already under the influence of Charm or Fear. During this interaction, the target will receive an advantage when making their roll against the check.

Starting from level 2, Bards acquire Expertise instead of doing so at level 3. By the time they reach level 10, all Bard characters gain the ability called Magical Secrets. With this skill, they become privy to spells derived from the Wizard, Druid, and Cleric spell repertoires. Sadly, the Song of Rest, which was previously granted at level 2, has been eliminated altogether.

At level 18 instead of level 20, Bards experience Advanced Inspiration, granting them a minimum of two Bardic Inspiration uses during initiative rolls. In combat situations, if their Inspiration count is less than the required two, they will automatically receive two uses through this ability. By reaching level 20, Bards acquire complete control over language and can cast Power Word: Heal and Power Word: Kill, affecting two targets simultaneously with these powerful spells.

New Bard Subclasses in Dungeons and Dragons

As a gamer in 2024, I can tell you that all classes in the new Player’s Handbook have undergone a standardization process. This means that each class now comes with four distinct subclasses. Although some classes may lose a few subclasses as a result, I’m thrilled to share that the Bard class is among those that gain an additional two subclasses compared to the 2014 Player’s Handbook.

The College of Dance

The College of Dance is a fresh addition to Dungeons and Dragons‘s Player’s Handbook for the year 2024, distinctly different from any other sourcebooks. This subclass was created as performance and Bard spells aren’t solely dependent on verbal expressions but rather rely on effective communication through various means. Once a Bard joins this College, they acquire the Dazzling Footwork trait. This feature bestows upon them unarmored Armor Class enhancements akin to Monks. Moreover, it empowers them to inflict bludgeoning damage with their Unarmed Strikes whenever they employ a point of Bardic Inspiration. The damage roll for their Unarmed Strike equals the result of their Bardic Inspiration dice roll plus their Dexterity modifier. Utilizing Bardic Inspiration for this purpose does not consume the inspiration point.

At level 6, Dance Bards in College can utilize a Reaction to swiftly step back from an adversary ending their turn within a 5-foot radius. By spending a Bardic Inspiration point and moving up to half their movement speed, they enable allies to make similar moves. Since this action consumes Bardic Inspiration, the Bard can strike the enemy with an Unarmed Strike during the Reaction, without incurring an Opportunity Attack from the adversary.

At the College of Dance in the realm of dance and music, members gain an additional ability called Tandem Footwork starting from Level 2. By spending a Bardic Inspiration point, they can add the roll’s result to both their own and an ally’s initiative during combat. Come Level 14, College of Dance Bards receive Evasion as a bonus feature. Unlike Monks and Rogues, they have the unique capability to share this evasive advantage with their allies.

College of Glamor

In simpler terms, the “College of Glamour Bard” subclass was originally introduced in “Xanathar’s Guide to Everything,” but has since been transferred to the “Player’s Handbook.” This shift brings about some improvements for this subclass. One such improvement is at Level 3 with “Beguiling Magic,” which replaced “Enthralling Performance.” As a result, the Bard can now permanently have “Charm Person” and “Mirror Image” spells at the ready. Furthermore, when the Glamour Bard casts any Enchantment or Illusion spell, they can attempt to Charm or Intimidate (Frighten) the target.

The Inspiring Cloak bestows short-term health points boost, and the Majestic Robe lets the Bard perpetually prepare the Command spell. Similar to the College of Dance’s revival of Bardic Inspiration, Glamour Bards can rejuvenate their Mantles using Level 3 or higher spell slots. A novel addition is Unyielding Majesty: when a creature assaults the Glamour Bard for the first time, it must pass a Charisma saving throw or fail to hit.

Returning Bard Subclasses in Dungeons and Dragons

College of Lore

The Lore Bard from the College of Lore, which was among the first two Bard classes presented in the 2014 Player’s Handbook, is back with some enhancements. Similar to how Magical Secrets have been revised, the new feature called Magical Discoveries enables a Lore Bard to exchange spells as they progress through levels.

A significant modification has been made to the College of Lore Bard: the enhancement of Cutting Words, allowing it to affect even immune-to-Charm creatures without requiring audibility from them. Additionally, Peerless Skill now incorporates Bardic Inspiration in its function, meaning that if it fails, no inspiration is consumed. This change aims to motivate players to employ their abilities and resources more frequently rather than conserving them.

College of Valor

Another established Bard subclass, the College of Valor has only a few changes. Valor Bards can now cast a cantrip for their extra attack, and they can now use their weapon as their spellcasting focus, removing any worry about having their hands free to cast spells or hold their focus.

2024-07-16 13:55