Classic Character Classes

Bard

Bard

s are the musicians, the poets, the entertainers and the storytellers of the medieval world. They are recognised for their talent, musical prowess, charisma and unique abilities. They can charm almost anyone with the right words or physically injure someone with their sharp wit. If you've ever heard the phrase "Words may never hurt me," well this does not apply to Bards. Their words can and will hurt you if they try.

World of Legends Bard: Working for the Augur
Here on site, the title of "Bard" is restricted to those working for the Augur. Bards align themselves with the Palatable Weekly under the supervision of Dryden Falling. That does not mean you can't play music or sing songs, but you may need to follow the path of "Minstrel" or "Musician" when writing your stories.

The Arcane Arts even address the powers of music in magic. The following is an extract from "Rank 4: Arcane Enhancements" by Azura Mooncrest:

"A more unique form of sound magic comes in the form of musical magic. Minstrel mages can enhance their singing or playing abilities to use music for their own spells.
There have been known incidents of lute players inflicting physical damage with musical magic and lullabies that caused listeners to fall into unnatural sleeping states. These spells can only be performed by musically gifted mages.

Some Examples include:

• Lute Lacerations - an aggressive spell that uses lute music to project the sound to inflict physical wounds.
• Song of Slumber - a soothing sweet song that can put someone into a deep, trance-like sleep.
• Rallying Drum - often used in battle, a magical drumming that boosts the courage in those who hear it."

Bards of Knowledge - A bard that values knowledge and stories above all else. They travel the world to collect histories and folklore from every corner, weaving them into their performances. They thriving on sharing this knowledge with everyone, though sometimes at risk to their own lives.. especially if they encounter a secret no one was meant to know.

Blade Bards - Bards skilled with sword fighting. They often fight with an unusual flourish, seeming to teleport across the battlefield and treat sword fighting like a dance.

Bards of Seduction - A bard that can create illusions and entrance people with their music. They can glamour their own appearance to seem more beautiful to anyone who looks upon them. They can influence the minds of many, even going so far as to seduce ferocious beasts like dragons.

Heroic Bard - Inspired by the stories they tell, Heroic Bards like to throw themselves into battles and adventures themselves. They are skilled fighters but also perform incredible war chants to inspire others.

Bards of Secrets - Some bards are so charismatic and cunning that they have been known to act as spies. They carry many secrets and information that could topple a nation. They can be vicious with their words if cornered, capable of destroying someone with everyday phrases.

Arcane Bards - A bard that can harness the Arcane arts through music. They can cast elemental spells with a song or a pluck of a cord. They can cast wards and enhance skills.

Divine Bards - A bard that uses their music to perform Divine Arts. They can honour the deities with their songs and stories, create illusions and play on the mind.

Dark Bards - A bard that uses their music for dark purposes. They can place a curse, summon the dead or inflict wounds with their music.

When thinking of

Bard

s, one might immediately think of their instrument proficiency. Lutes, violins, flutes and lyres are just some instruments the bards are known for. Their skill with an instrument goes beyond performing beautiful songs. They are capable of harnessing the Arcane, Dark or Divine Arts through the power of music.
Bards are often thought of as a support class, with many abilities to bolster their allies such as giving inspiration, courage or even healing.
They can do harm by forcing enemies into an unstoppable dance, or send them reeling on the floor with intense laughter. Some can even inflict the most vicious mockery that can physically pain the target.
Never underestimate the Bard.

For more detailed sources of information, see the following links:
Rank 4: Arcane Enhancements
Talk of the Town
Forgotten Realms Wiki: Bard
DND 5th Edition: Bard