Bard

You know music is more than a fancy - it is power. Through study and adventure, you have mastered song, speech, and the magic within.

Bard is a character Class in Baldur's Gate 3. Bards are expert storytellers, artists, and performers. Bards channel their power through song, speech, or performance to cast Spells. Bards use Charisma as their primary ability score.

The Bard Subclasses are: College of Lore, College of Valour, College of Swords

Class Information

Hit points: At level 1: 8 + Constitution modifier; On level up: 5 + Constitution modifier

Key Ability Scores: Charisma for improved spell's DC and Attack Rolls with spells.; Constitution for more Hit Points and better Concentration checks.; Dexterity for higher Initiative and Armour Class.
Saving Throw Proficiencies: Dexterity, Charisma
Equipment Proficiencies: Simple weapons, Hand Crossbows, Rapiers, Longswords, Shortswords; Light armour
Skills with Proficiency (Choose 3): History, Insight, Medicine, Persuasion, Religion, Deception, Intimidation, Performance, Acrobatics, Sleight of Hand, Stealth, Animal Handling, Arcana, Investigation, Athletics, Nature, Perception, Survival; You receive a bonus to every Skill that you are Proficient in. At Level 1 the Proficiency Bonus is +2.

Spellcasting

Spellcasting Ability: Charisma
Known spells: Bard Spells are Always Prepared. In exchange, Bards know fewer Spells at low levels.

Level Progression

Through experience, you acquire new power. You gain the following traits.

Level 1

Bardic Inspiration

Inspire an ally to go beyond their capabilities with your performance. They can add a +1d6 bonus to their next Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw.
Bardic Inspiration Charges: 3 Recharge: Long rest

Spellcasting

Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (You gain two Level 1 Spell Slots).

Cantrips (Choose 2)

Spells Known (Choose 4)
New 1st Level Spells Available:

Level 2

Song of Rest

You and your allies are revitalized as though you had taken a Short Rest.

Jack of All Trades: Add half of your Proficiency Bonus (rounded down) to Ability Checks that you are not Proficient in.

Spellcasting

Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 3 (You gain an additional Level 1 Spell Slot).
Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the current Bard Spell List.

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the current Bard Spell List.

Level 3

Gain Expertise in 2 Skills you are Proficient in.

Spellcasting

Level 1 Spell Slots Unlocked: 4 (You gain an additional Level 1 Spell Slots).
Level 2 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (You gain two Level 2 Spell Slots).

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the current Bard Spell List.
New 2nd Level Spells available:

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the current Bard Spell List.

Select a Subclass

College of Lore	College of Valour	College of Swords
Cutting Words Gain Proficiency in 3 Skills	Combat Inspiration Gain Proficiency in: Medium armour Shields Martial weapons	Blade Flourish Defensive Flourish (Melee) Defensive Flourish (Ranged) Slashing Flourish (Melee) Slashing Flourish (Ranged) Mobile Flourish (Melee) Mobile Flourish (Ranged) Fighting Style (Choose 1): Duelling Two-Weapon Fighting Gain Proficiency in: Medium armour Scimitars

Level 4

Choose a Feat.

Spellcasting

Level 2 Spell Slots Unlocked: 3 (You gain an additional Level 2 Spell Slot.)

Cantrips (Choose 1)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List
(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 5

Proficiency Bonus: +3 (You gain +1 to your Proficiency Bonus.)
Bardic Inspiration Charges: 4 (You gain one charge) Recharge: Short rest

Font of Inspiration: You regain all of your Bardic Inspiration Charges after a Long or Short Rest.

Improved Bardic Inspiration: Your Bardic Inspiration dice are now d8

Spellcasting

Scaling Cantrips: Your damaging cantrips gain an additional damage die. Vicious Mockery now deals 2d4Psychic.
Level 3 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (You gain two Level 3 Spell Slots.)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List
New 3rd Level Spells available:

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 6

Countercharm

You and any allies within Range: 9 m / 30 ft have Advantage on Saving Throws against being Charmed or Frightened.

Spellcasting

Level 3 Spell Slots Unlocked: 3 (You gain an additional Level 3 Spell Slot.)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Subclass Features

College of Lore	College of Valour	College of Swords
Magical Secrets	Extra Attack	Extra Attack

Level 7

Spellcasting

Level 4 Spell Slots Unlocked: 1 (You gain a Level 4 Spell Slot.)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List
New 4th Level Spells available:

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 8

Choose a Feat.

Bardic Inspiration Charges: 5 (You gain one charge) Recharge: Short rest

Spellcasting

Level 4 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (You gain an additional Level 4 Spell Slot.)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 9

Proficiency Bonus: +4 (You gain +1 to your Proficiency Bonus.)
Level 4 Spell Slots Unlocked: 3 (You gain an additional Level 4 Spell Slot.)
Level 5 Spell Slots Unlocked: 1 (You gain a Level 5 Spell Slot.)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List
New 5th Level Spells available:

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 10

Gain Expertise in 2 more Skills you are Proficient in.
Improved Bardic Inspiration: Your Bardic Inspiration dice are now d10
Magical Secrets: Learn 2 non-Bard Spells from the Magical Secrets list

Spellcasting

Level 5 Spell Slots Unlocked: 2 (You gain an additional Level 5 Spell Slot.)

Cantrips (Choose 1)

Scaling Cantrips: Your damaging cantrips gain an additional damage die. Vicious Mockery now deals 3d4Psychic.
Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 11

Spellcasting

Level 6 Spell Slots Unlocked: 1 (You gain a Level 6 Spell Slot.)

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List
New 6th Level Spells available:

Eyebite 
Otto's Irresistible Dance

(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Level 12

Choose a Feat.

Spells Known: Choose 1 additional Spell from the Bard Spell List
(Optional) Replacement Spell: Choose 1 known Spell and replace it with another Spell in the Bard Spell List.

Notes

Bardic Inspiration Charge increases are not yet noted in the level up UI.

External Links

Bard on the Forgotten Realms Wiki

Spotted an issue with this page? Leave a comment! Note that your IP address will be publicly logged unless you create an account. You can also edit the page to fix the issue. See How to Contribute to get started, and maybe join our Discord so we can coordinate our efforts.