# 5e '24 vs '14 - Class: Bard **URL:** \ **Category:** D&D (All Editions)\ **Tags:** dnd-24\ **Created:** [February 3, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://RookAndStone.com/t/5e-24-vs-14-class-bard/141 "2025-02-03T18:22:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![paneerakbari](https://RookAndStone.com/user_avatar/RookAndStone.com/paneerakbari/32/241_2.png) [@paneerakbari](https://RookAndStone.com/u/paneerakbari)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2025, 6:22pm UTC](https://RookAndStone.com/t/5e-24-vs-14-class-bard/141/1 "2025-02-03T18:22:45Z")
The Bard has been polished for '24, changing up class features, subclass options, and unlock rates of features. I’ll list the changes in the body of the post, opinions in the comments, please. ## Core Features PHB24 removes weapon proficiencies for Hand Crossbows, Longswords, Rapiers, and Shortswords from the Bard, enforcing that they only get Simple weapons. The starting equipment is changed to grant two Daggers (previously one), and the choice of Diplomat’s Kit is removed, as are all Martial weapons. The Bard is a “full caster” class, meaning that it has a robust spellbook and emphasizes spell casting. The Bard remains differentiated from other classes by emphasizing ally-support, character skills, and access to an expanded spellbook. ### Ally- and Party-Support The class feature **Song of Rest** is removed for '24. Previously, this added 1d6 of healing to each party member during a short rest. There does not appear to be a replacement feature. **Countercharm** is no longer an Action, it is now usable as a Reaction to force a re-roll, with Advantage, of an ally’s failed save against Charmed or Frightened conditions. #### **Bardic Inspiration** The duration extended from 10 minutes to 1 hour, the requirement for “a target that can hear you” is now “see or hear”, and it now applies to a failed D20 Test rather than before knowing the outcome. **Font of Inspiration** behaves as before, but now also allows the bard to regain one Bardic Inspiration die by expending a spell slot. **Superior Inspiration** unlocks at 18th level (from 20th) and now replenishes spent Bardic Inspiration dice up to a maximum of two unspent dice. Previously this feature granted a single die when there were no unspent dice remaining. ### Character Skills The Bard-level thresholds for gaining skill **Expertise** have been lowered to 2nd Level (from 3rd) and 9th (from 10th). ### Spell Casting The language of “known” and “prepared” spells has converged simply on “prepared” and has the same operational definition. Bards between 5th and 14th level now have slightly more prepared spells than before, with one or two additional spells relative to the '14 levels. Below 5th level, the numbers remain the same, the maximum number of prepared spells at 20th level are also the same. Prepared spell totals between 15th and 19th levels are one lower than in the '14 rules. Upon gaining a level, Bards may now change one leveled spell (no change) and one cantrip (added capability). **Magical Secrets** used to grant two spells (leveled or cantrip) from _any_ class’s spellbook at 10th, 14th, and 18th levels. This has been changed to unlock access to the Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spellbooks (starting at 10th level) when preparing new spells and when changing prepared spells. Bards above 10th level now effectively have access to all Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spells without any other gatekeeping. At 20th level, Bards learn and always have prepared _Power Word Heal_ and _Power Word Kill_. They are also able to target an additional creature within 10’ the initial target. ### Epic Boon As with other classes, the Bard gains one of the new [Epic Boons](https://ohiogamers.com/t/5e-24-vs-14-epic-boons-feat/148) at 19th level. * * * ## Subclass Options (Bardic Colleges) ### College of Dance All-new subclass added in PHB24, so there’s no _changes_ to explore here. Generally speaking, it’s a Dexterity-forward option with Bardic Inspiration features that resemble the Monk and Rogue. It also buffs nearby allies’ Initiative and its capstone is a powerful buff to Dexterity saving throws, taking 0 damage on a save. ### College of Glamour This subclass first appeared in _Xanathar’s Guide to Everything_ and has been imported to PHB24 with some changes. **Mantle of Inspiration** now grants Temporary Hit Points equal 2x the result of rolling the Bardic Inspiration die, up from the previous fixed amounts that varied at each level. At lower levels, doubling 1d6 should average 8 Temp. HP, compared to the prior grant of 5. **Beguiling Magic** is the new name for the updates to what was previously **Enthralling Performance**. The “1 minute performance” requirement is removed and replaced with “when casting an Enchantment or Illusion spell” and it can impose either the Charmed or Frightened conditions. The duration of the condition is reduced to 1 minute (from 1 hour). **Beguiling Magic** also grants the spells _Charm Person_ and _Mirror Image_ as always prepared. **Mantle of Majesty** is changed, but can now be restored between rests by expending a spell slot of Level 3 or higher. **Unbreakable Majesty** now causes an incoming attack to miss when the attacker fails their saving throw, rather than prohibiting that enemy from attacking for the turn. The imposition of Disadvantage on attacks is also removed, ### College of Lore **Additional Magical Secrets** is renamed as **Magical Discoveries** and now restricts available spells to Cleric, Druid, and Wizard spellbooks. Functionally, this feature is only an additional grant of two spells, since Bards of 6th level are able to prepare spells from these spellbooks. **Peerless Skill** at 14th level is unchanged, but no longer expends the Bardic Inspiration die if the triggering Test does not succeed. ### College of Valor _Editorial note: they absolutely spelled this subclass wrong and there is no excuse for it_ This subclass is set apart from the base Bard class now by gaining proficiencies with Shields, Martial weapons, and Medium Armor. This is not a change from 2014, but may carry additional weight with players choosing a Bard and wanting to use a Longsword or Rapier. Perhaps as a nod to the difficulty of using a musical instrument while wielding a weapon, this subclass may use their Martial weapon as a spellcasting Focus. ---
**Author:** ![paneerakbari](https://RookAndStone.com/user_avatar/RookAndStone.com/paneerakbari/32/241_2.png) [@paneerakbari](https://RookAndStone.com/u/paneerakbari)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2025, 6:36pm UTC](https://RookAndStone.com/t/5e-24-vs-14-class-bard/141/2 "2025-02-03T18:36:05Z")
The Bard loses a few things here. Frankly, they’re not that big of an issue and here’s why: - Bards don’t need or use martial weapons (College of Valor gains these back, appropriately). If you want to fence with baddies, play a Rogue. - The 3-4 (average) HP granted from _Song of Rest_ was too small a benefit used too infrequently The extended duration of Bardic Inspiration and the re-working of economy around _Countercharm_ are big enough to more than offset any perceived loss from these changes. Overall, the Bard gets very few changes, especially relative to the [Paladin](https://ohiogamers.com/t/5e-24-vs-14-class-paladin/139). The subclass options largely seem to grant the Bard strengths from other classes, which may limit pressure to multi-class and expand the Bard’s utility in less-than-social situations. ---
**Author:** ![slrbennett](https://RookAndStone.com/user_avatar/RookAndStone.com/slrbennett/32/53_2.png) [@slrbennett](https://RookAndStone.com/u/slrbennett)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2025, 10:44pm UTC](https://RookAndStone.com/t/5e-24-vs-14-class-bard/141/3 "2025-02-03T22:44:35Z")
Definitely not seeming like problematic changes. The 1 minute performance has been a barrier because it will never happen in initiative and asking everyone to wait a minute while I do a little song and then try to charm them is a bit less credible a concept…“oh please wait while I tune my instrument, I promise you’ll like it even though you probably don’t like me yet but just wait and you might!”