System Reference Document 5.2.1
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Bard
Core Bard Traits
Primary Ability Charisma
Hit Point Die D8 per Bard level
Saving Throw 
Proficiencies
Dexterity and Charisma
Skill Proficiencies Choose any 3 skills (see “Playing 
the Game”)
Weapon Proficiencies Simple weapons
Tool Proficiencies Choose 3 Musical Instruments 
(see “Equipment”)
Armor Training Light armor
Starting Equipment Choose A or B: (A) Leather 
Armor, 2 Daggers, Musical 
Instrument of your choice, En -
tertainer’s Pack, and 19 GP; or 
(B) 90 GP
Becoming a Bard …
As a Level 1 Character
• Gain all the traits in the Core Bard Traits table.
• Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed 
in the Bard Features table.
As a Multiclass Character
• Gain the following traits from the Core Bard 
Traits table: Hit Point Die, proficiency in one skill 
of your choice, proficiency with one Musical In-
strument of your choice, and training with Light 
armor.
• Gain the Bard’s level 1 features, which are listed 
in the Bard Features table. See the multiclassing 
rules in “Character Creation” to determine your 
available spell slots.
Bard Class Features
As a Bard, you gain the following class features 
when you reach the specified Bard levels. These fea-
tures are listed in the Bard Features table.
Level 1: Bardic Inspiration
You can supernaturally inspire others through 
words, music, or dance. This inspiration is repre -
sented by your Bardic Inspiration die, which is a d6.
 Using Bardic Inspiration. As a Bonus Action, you 
can inspire another creature within 60 feet of your -
self who can see or hear you. That creature gains 
Bard Features
Proficiency
Bonus
Bardic
Die
Prepared
Spells
——Spell Slots per Spell Level——
Level Class Features Cantrips 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
1 +2 Bardic Inspiration, 
Spellcasting
D6 2 4 2 — — — — — — — —
2 +2 Expertise,  
Jack of All Trades
D6 2 5 3 — — — — — — — —
3 +2 Bard Subclass D6 2 6 4 2 — — — — — — —
4 +2 Ability Score Improvement D6 3 7 4 3 — — — — — — —
5 +3 Font of Inspiration D8 3 9 4 3 2 — — — — — —
6 +3 Subclass feature D8 3 10 4 3 3 — — — — — —
7 +3 Countercharm D8 3 11 4 3 3 1 — — — — —
8 +3 Ability Score Improvement D8 3 12 4 3 3 2 — — — — —
9 +4 Expertise D8 3 14 4 3 3 3 1 — — — —
10 +4 Magical Secrets D10 4 15 4 3 3 3 2 — — — —
11 +4 — D10 4 16 4 3 3 3 2 1 — — —
12 +4 Ability Score Improvement D10 4 16 4 3 3 3 2 1 — — —
13 +5 — D10 4 17 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 — —
14 +5 Subclass feature D10 4 17 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 — —
15 +5 — D12 4 18 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 —
16 +5 Ability Score Improvement D12 4 18 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 —
17 +6 — D12 4 19 4 3 3 3 2 1 1 1 1
18 +6 Superior Inspiration D12 4 20 4 3 3 3 3 1 1 1 1
19 +6 Epic Boon D12 4 21 4 3 3 3 3 2 1 1 1
20 +6 Words of Creation D12 4 22 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 1