The faint melody of a lute echoes down the stone corridors of the ancient tomb. you strain your ears, gripping your glowing longsword tightly as you creep forward. Your companions – a stoic paladin, a sly rogue, and a cheerful cleric – follow behind, weapons at the ready.
A rasping cackle splits the uneasy silence. From the shadows ahead shambles a decrepit mummy, yellowed bandages trailing behind it. The rogue pales. The paladin mutters a prayer. Then, a clear, strong voice rings out in song:
“Muster your courage, my friends so bold! Together we'll triumph, our tales will be told!”
You feel energy surge through you at the bard's uplifting ballad. Your doubts and fears melt away, replaced by determination. The party stands strong as the mummy draws near, heeding the bard's inspirational tune.
This is the true power of the bard – rousing allies to greatness with an insightful word or stirring song. And no ability exemplifies this like Bardic Inspiration. This signature bard feature grants an extra die for allies to empower their efforts and accomplish mighty deeds.
In this extensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to master this iconic ability, from its core function to subclass expansions. Read on to uncover the mysteries of Bardic Inspiration!
A Hero's Boon: What is Bardic Inspiration?
Bardic Inspiration is the quintessential support power of the bard class. Using stirring words or music, a bard can inspire an ally to push harder and achieve more.
Mechanically, Bardic Inspiration is granted as a bonus action by the bard to a chosen creature within 60 feet that can hear them. The target gains a Bardic Inspiration die determined by the bard's level. This starts as a humble d6 but grows to a d12 as the bard gains experience.
The recipient can then roll this die and add the result to a single attack roll, ability check, or saving throw, the extra boost helping them succeed. This must be used within 10 minutes or it fades away.
A bard has a limited number of Bardic Inspiration uses per day equal to their Charisma modifier. These refresh after a long rest. From 5th level onward, bards also regain spent inspiration after finishing a short rest.
This versatility means Bardic Inspiration can support allies across endless situations. A timely bonus can turn a nearly-missed attack into a strike true, help a rogue pick an impossible lock, or allow a paladin to resist a dragon's fearsome roar. Proper usage is key.
Let's observe our friends locked in fierce battle with sinister cultists to see Bardic Inspiration in action:
The cultist leader chants ominously, preparing to blast the party with a fireball. The bard Daria strums her lyre and calls out, “Be bold, brave friends! Evil cannot withstand our charge!” The rogue Miriel gains a glimmer of inspiration, a d6 gifted from her ally. When the flames roar forth, she rolls the die, adds the result to her save, and nimbly leaps away unsinged. Daria's timely inspiration helped Miriel avoid a fiery fate!
Later in the fight, the barbarian struggled to land hits against the cultists' heavily-armored leader. Sensing her frustration, Daria intones, “Fight on, mighty champion! This foe will fall before your blows!” The barbarian swells with inspiration and confidence. When she attacks again, she rolls Daria's d6 inspiration die and adds it to the swing of her greataxe, cleaving straight through the cultist leader's shields and dealing a mighty blow.
Twice now, the bard's stirring words empowered her comrades to succeed where they may have otherwise failed. Such is the power of Bardic Inspiration!
Subclass Inspiration: Expanded Applications
While the core of Bardic Inspiration remains the same for all bards, the subclasses open up new ways to utilize this resource. Just as a Valor Bard differs from a Lore Bard, so too do their motivational techniques vary. Let's see how each bard college puts their own spin on inspiration!
College of Lore
Masters of knowledge, Lore Bards learn to weaponize their keen intellect to debilitate foes. Their Cutting Words feature allows them to spend inspiration when an enemy attacks, makes an ability check, or deals damage. The bard rolls their inspiration die and subtracts it from the total, potentially foiling the attempt.
For example, a Lore Bard could drastically reduce the damage of a dragon's breath weapon, possibly saving their allies from annihilation. Their vast expertise turns inspiration into deadly insults and piercing observations.
At later levels, Lore Bards also gain the ability to embolden themselves, no longer limited to aiding only allies. Their Peerless Skill represents the pinnacle of Lore Bard expertise, letting them add inspiration to their own ability checks.
College of Valor
Valor Bards embrace daring feats andmighty deeds. Their Combat Inspiration expands the scope of Bardic Inspiration by letting it augment attacks and defense.
Allies can now add the inspiration die to their weapon damage rolls for extra impact. If a barbarian is facing down an ogre, this bonus just might push their strike into lethal terrain.
For protection, Combat Inspiration allows using inspiration as a reaction when attacked to increase armor class and deflect the blow. Like a cheerleader rallying the quarterback before a big pass, Valor Bards specialize in psyching up other martial combatants.
College of Glamour
Glamour Bards focus on beguiling beauty and sublime perfection. Their Mantle of Inspiration magic allows them to shield allies with temporary hit points and let them escape harm.
When a Glamour Bard grants inspiration, they take on an illusory, captivating visage. Nearby allies likewise gain semi-real splendor. As they are filled with inspiration by the bard's fey grace, allies find Wraith-like images shimmering around them, gaining the Glamour Bard's inspiring radiance.
In gameplay terms, this grants temporary hit points to allies and lets them move away without provoking opportunity attacks. Enemies momentarily entranced by the spectacle simply watch them go by. The Glamour Bard uses their otherworldly charm and grace to inspire and protect.
College of Swords
Unsurprisingly, Swords Bards lean into daring feats of martial skill. Their Blade Flourishes allow Bardic Inspiration to be expended to power special combat moves.
For example, performing a Slashing Flourish lets the Bard strike an enemy and use inspiration to deal extra damage to a nearby foe as their blade flashes out in a dazzling follow-up swipe. Other Flourishes increase defense or mobility.
Inspiration fueling bladework, the Swords Bard excels at gritty combat motivation, driving allies to press the attack and break the enemy ranks. Their graceful yet lethal swordsmanship leads by courageous example.
College of Whispers
Masters of intrigue, Whispers Bards inspire allies by revealing the enemy's secrets and hidden fears, insight that cuts deeper than any blade. Their Psychic Blades allow inspiration to be consumed to wreathe their weapon in sorcerous fear and pain.
As the Whispers Bard reveals bitter truths and dark insights about foes, tearing away their mental defenses, allies feel resolved to defeat such vileness. Their inspiration takes the form of unraveling sanity and peace of mind.
College of Creation
Bards of the College of Creation focus on unlocking potent magic from inspiration. Their Mote of Potential causes Bardic Inspiration to manifest as a physical force imbued with the bard's magic.
The exact effect when used depends on the type of d20 roll. For ability checks, the Mote allows rolling twice and taking the higher result. For attacks, it discharges a concussive thunderclap on a hit. For saves, the Mote shields its bearer with temporary hit points.
In each case, the College of Creation adds extra magic power to Bardic Inspiration. Their inspiration evokes the cosmic energies of primordial creation, channeling a fraction of that force into the target.
College of Eloquence
Eloquence Bards wield inspiration through peerless oratory skill and silver-tongued reason. Their Unsettling Words allows them to deduct a Bardic Inspiration roll from an enemy's next save, pragmatically undercutting magical defenses.
Moreover, their Unfailing Inspiration feature lets an ally keep the inspiration die even if their roll still fails, for a second chance later. Eloquence Bards empower others through stirring rhetoric and infallible arguments, shoring up resolve and exposing flaws.
As we can see, different bard colleges build upon inspiration in various thematic ways. Understanding these expands the possibilities of Bardic Inspiration exponentially. A whip-smart Lore Bard focuses on knowledge, while a valorous Swords Bard relies on daring grit. Choosing a college tailors inspiration to your style!
Of course, the core d20 boost remains present for all bards. But immersing yourself in your college's theme will enrich your inspiration flavorfully. Now, let's look at other features and options that enhance Bardic Inspiration…
Beyond the Core: Additional Tools of Inspiration
While Bardic Inspiration in its basic form is extremely versatile, bards gain several other features that augment it further. Clever bards combine these perfectly with their inspiration to concoct brilliant strategies. Let's review some prominent examples:
Magical Inspiration
An optional Feature from Tasha's Cauldron of Everything, Magical Inspiration allows Bardic Inspiration to increase the healing or damage of a spell. Healing spells heal extra hit points equal to the inspiration roll, while damage spells gain bonus damage.
This adds incentive for a valorous bard to grant inspiration to a cleric before a critical Heal, or gift it to a wizard preparing a mighty Fireball. The right person with a handy inspiration die can work wonders! Of course, this must be used before a rest, or the inspiration fades.
Font of Inspiration
Beginning at 5th level, bards gain the Font of Inspiration feature, which allows them to recover expended Bardic Inspiration uses after a short or long rest. This vastly increases their stamina.
Assuming two short rests per day, a bard with decent Charisma now has enough inspiration to gift their entire party before most encounters. They become a perpetual wellspring of inspiration, able to renew this resource frequently.
Superior Inspiration
At the absolute peak of 20th level, bards gain the Superior Inspiration feature. If they roll initiative with no remaining Bardic Inspiration, they instantly regain one use.
Though high-level play is rare, this ensures the bard always has a little motivation left to offer, even when severely drained. After all, what good is a bard with no inspiration?
Magic Items
Certain magic items also interact helpfully with Bardic Inspiration. The Uncommon Rhythm Maker's Drum from Tasha's Cauldron allows regaining an Inspiration use once per day. The Rare version enhances this, while also increasing bard spell attacks and save DCs.
Though limited, items like these offer welcome emergency refueling. Bards should watch for any gear that might replenish or boost their core inspiration feature.
Of course, a bard's best tools are their imagination, creativity, and mastery of when to inspire allies. But additional features like these meaningfully expand their options. Let's now see Bardic Inspiration put to work in various playstyles…
Bardic Schools of Thought: Mastering Inspiration
Bards vary so widely in application of inspiration that we can identify some broad schools of thought surrounding its use:
The Motivational Bard – Focuses on pre-buffing allies before major challenges. Will gift inspiration at the start of each day and before any major battle. Believes in the power of motivation and morale.
The Tactical Bard – Precision striker, using inspiration surgically to enable critical hits, crucial saves, and turning points. Will hold inspiration in reserve for the perfect opportunity to arise. Strongly favors using inspiration for in-combat advantage.
The Luck-Bringer – More freely hands out inspiration, trusting in fate and luck. Uses inspiration to enable great things from allies in any circumstance, expecting fortune will favor the bold. Values seizing any opportunity.
The Bright-Sider – Generous and positive, this bard seeks to inspire courage in the meek and lift spirits in dark times. Uses inspiration to comfort allies, remind them of their strength, and brighten grim situations. Believes in heroic potential.
Of course, most bards will use a blend of approaches at different times. But contemplating these archetypes can help focus your preferred style. Are you a cunning strategist or a pure cheerleader? Let your character and party needs guide you.
Beyond even playstyle, creative flourishes will make your inspiration unique. Share anecdotes of heroes overcoming similar adversity, or give a rousing play-by-play narration of your ally's destined victory.
Tailor your methods to your allies' personalities too. Some may appreciate a stern general's commands, while others need gentle encouragement. Get to know your party, and inspire each as fits them best.
Now, let's answer some common questions bards have about inspiration…
Tales Around the Campfire: FAQ About Bardic Inspiration
After much research combing bard colleges across the realms, here are answers to some frequently asked questions about properly using Bardic Inspiration:
What game actions can Bardic Inspiration be added to?
Bardic Inspiration applies to attack rolls, ability checks, and saving throws – the d20 test core. This excludes AC or damage. Some subclass features like Combat Inspiration expand this list.
Can two different bards each give a creature Bardic Inspiration?
No. The feature specifies a creature can only have one at a time, even from separate bards. Think of it as uplifting encouragement – more voices don't make it more effective, just louder!
If used on a 1 or other auto-fail roll, does Bardic Inspiration help?
No. Anything less than the target number still fails, even if your bonus die helped reach it. Some features like the Lucky feat can circumvent a 1, but Bardic Inspiration alone won't suffice.
Can a bard use inspiration on themselves?
Usually no, apart from 14th level Lore Bards using Peerless Inspiration. Bards must choose “a creature other than yourself” for the standard feature. It's about uplifting others!
Can an unconscious creature receive or use inspiration?
An unconscious creature is unaware and thus can't receive inspiration. However, a recipient can still use inspiration granted prior to falling unconscious, even adding it to death saving throws.
Of course, many DMs may interpret these questions differently at their tables. But adhering to the RAW often maintains game balance best. The key is using inspiration judiciously and creatively!
Now, let's summarize everything we've covered into concise takeaways…
The Moral of the Story: Key Takeaways
After this epic saga through the many facets of Bardic Inspiration, here are the key lessons to take with you:
- Bardic Inspiration enables allies to add a bonus d6-d12 to d20 tests like attacks, checks, and saves. Proper use can turn the tide in their favor.
- Subclasses expand how inspiration functions. Learn your college's abilities to diversify your inspiration options.
- Additional features like Font of Inspiration and magic items give you more ways to fuel inspiration.
- Tailor your inspiration style to how you enjoy supporting allies, and what best suits each situation.
- Get creative in how you describe your inspiration – vivid narration brings it to life.
- Remember you're limited to just Charisma mod uses per rest at first. Ration inspiration carefully in harder fights.
- Communicate with your party on your inspiration uses so everyone understands this key resource.
- Inspiration is the heart of the bard class. Master it, and you'll achieve truly heroic deeds with your allies!
The Power of Music: Conclusion
And so our epic telling of Bardic Inspiration comes to a close. We've journeyed far and wide through rules, subclasses, and playstyles to uncover the legendary power contained in this signature bardic gift.
Whether a new player or a veteran, remember that this iconic feature represents the heart of the bard class. It is their unique way of rising up and empowering allies to accomplish incredible things together.
Use it wisely and creatively, harmonizing with your chosen college and party needs. become the skald who composes mighty sagas, not just ephemeral ditties! Let inspiration flow freely to author legendary deeds.
For when all seems lost and peril looms, a rousing song or kind word from the bard can give weary heroes the strength for victory. Such is the beauty of inspiration.
Now grab your lute, tune your voice, and bring forth the power of inspiration! Adventure awaits.
