by Matt Bird

Created on: February 09, 2010

The Bard is something of an oddity among Dungeons and Dragons classes, though it's certainly been around long enough to prove its mettle. Neither a potent fighter nor a grand spellcaster, the Bard falls into a middle class that straddles both worlds while simultaneously bringing new material to the table.

Predictably enough the Bard is a music-maker. With a nice, juicy Perform skill rating they can play an instrument (or sing, or whatever) like there's no tomorrow, pulling off some nice little side abilities in the process. Bards are excellent support characters, and their bardic songs bestow a slew of positive benefits on any characters in range. Their abilities improve over time depending on what edition you're playing, as well, keeping the Bard on the forefront of potency with the rest of his comrades.

Consequently Bards should NOT be kept in the front lines. They can fight with some nice feat selections, but they lack the HP and AC necessary to survive for long. A wise Bard will stay in the back rows, hitting his comrades with songs and the enemies with either ranged weapon attacks or spells. Combat-based feats are also somewhat wasted on Bards since they aren't well equipped for using the strongest of weapons and, again, they don't get much HP to survive returning blows.

You're better off focusing their feats on spells. Like Sorcerers Bards know a series of spells intuitively and can cast them without picking and choosing each day. Their selection is somewhat limited, however, and most spells are either tricky or supportive in nature. Your Bard will never be a strong damage-dealer on their own, though you can certainly help another character achieve greater heights with their attacks. You're best off patterning your spell selections on support or befuddlement.

Roleplaying a Bard is usually pretty fun. They're carefree characters who like to wander at will, following combat parties and singing songs the whole way. A dashing, witty personality is usually called for when you're a Bard, whether you're good, neutral or evil. Be prepared for life on the illegitimate side, as well, as Bards don't fit lawful alignments and can't progress as Bards if they change alignments to lawful. Choose your skills accordingly, as Bards get a fair assortment and will come in handy during non-combat explorations and negotiations.

When playing a Bard you'll want to direct your ability rolls into Charisma first and foremost as it determines the Bard's spellcasting abilities. Dexterity and Intelligence come next, as most Bards use ranged weapons and want a lot of skill points to boost their ranks.

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