Episode #20: Through the power of SONG! Bards Pt. 2

Show Notes

This week, Fiona and Hamilton continue their deep dive into the Bard - a playable class from the original 5e Player's Handbook. Bards are a versatile group, capable of combat and of magic. They weave magic through words and music to inspire allies, demoralize foes, manipulate minds, create illusions, and even heal wounds.

According to the Player's Handbook:

'The bard is a master of song, speech, and the magic they contain. Bards say that the multiverse was spoken into existence, that the words of the gods gave it shape, and that echoes of these primordial Words of Creation still resound throughout the cosmos. The music of bards is an attempt to snatch and harness those echoes, subtly woven into their spells and powers.

The greatest strength of bards is their sheer versatility. Many bards prefer to stick to the sidelines in combat, using their magic to inspire their allies and hinder their foes from a distance. But bards are capable of defending themselves in melee if necessary, using their magic to bolster their swords and armor.

Their spells lean toward charms and illusions rather than blatantly destructive spells. They have a wide-ranging knowledge of many subjects and a natural aptitude that lets them do almost anything well. Bards become masters of the talents they set their minds to perfecting, from musical performance to esoteric knowledge.'

In this episode, we cover the following subclass for the Bard:

• College of Lore (from PHB)
• College of Valor (from PHB)
• College of Glamour (from XGtE)
• College of Swords (from XGtE)
• College of Whispers (from XGtE)
• College of Creation (from TCoE)
• College of Eloquence (from TCoE)
• College of Spirits (from VRGtR)
• College of Tragedy (from Tal’Dorei Reborn)

Books:

• 'Player's Handbook', 'Xanathar's Guide to Everything', 'Tasha's Cauldron of Everything' and 'Van Ritchen's Guide to Ravenloft' published by Wizards of the Coast, August 2014, November 2017, November 2022, and May 2021 respectively.
• 'Tal'Dorei Campaign Setting Reborn' by James Haeck, Matthew Mercer and Hannah Rose, published December 2021.

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Credits

The DM's Book Club is hosted, recorded, edited, and produced by Fiona Howat (@WAIR_Podcast) and Hamilton (@TheDragonDM).

The DM’s Book Club Logo was designed by Sam Robins (@Bobhatstand).

The theme music is 'The Story Unfolds' by Jingle Punks.

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